But both felt ill at ease . The friendly frankness was disturbed , the sunshine had a shadow over it , and despite their apparent gaiety , there was a secret discontent in the heart of each . `` Shall we see you this evening , mon frere ? '' asked Amy , as they parted at her aunt 's door . `` Unfortunately I have an engagement . Au revoir , madamoiselle , '' and Laurie bent as if to kiss her hand , in the foreign fashion , which became him better than many men . Something in his face made Amy say quickly and warmly ... `` No , be yourself with me , Laurie , and part in the good old way . I 'd rather have a hearty English handshake than all the sentimental salutations in France . '' `` Goodbye , dear , '' and with these words , uttered in the tone she liked , Laurie left her , after a handshake almost painful in its heartiness . Next morning , instead of the usual call , Amy received a note which made her smile at the beginning and sigh at the end . My Dear Mentor , Please make my adieux to your aunt , and exult within yourself , for ` Lazy Laurence ' has gone to his grandpa , like the best of boys . A pleasant winter to you , and may the gods grant you a blissful honeymoon at Valrosa ! I think Fred would be benefited by a rouser . Tell him so , with my congratulations . Yours gratefully , Telemachus `` Good boy ! I 'm glad he 's gone , '' said Amy , with an approving smile . The next minute her face fell as she glanced about the empty room , adding , with an involuntary sigh , `` Yes , I am glad , but how I shall miss him . '' CHAPTER FORTY THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW When the first bitterness was over , the family accepted the inevitable , and tried to bear it cheerfully , helping one another by the increased affection which comes to bind households tenderly together in times of trouble . They put away their grief , and each did his or her part toward making that last year a happy one . The pleasantest room in the house was set apart for Beth , and in it was gathered everything that she most loved , flowers , pictures , her piano , the little worktable , and the beloved pussies .
Father 's best books found their way there , Mother 's easy chair , Jo 's desk , Amy 's finest sketches , and every day Meg brought her babies on a loving pilgrimage , to make sunshine for Aunty XXXXX .
Amy Beth France Laurie Telemachus first grandpa heartiness revoir rouser