To May 's great delight , Mr. Laurence not only bought the vases , but pervaded the hall with one under each arm . The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles , and wandered helplessly about afterward , burdened with wax flowers , painted fans , filigree portfolios , and other useful and appropriate purchases . Aunt Carrol was there , heard the story , looked pleased , and said something to Mrs. March in a corner , which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction , and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety , though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later . The fair was pronounced a success , and when May bade Amy goodnight , she did not gush as usual , but gave her an affectionate kiss , and a look which said ` forgive and forget ' . That satisfied Amy , and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each . `` The reward of merit for a magnanimous March , '' as Laurie announced with a flourish . `` You 've a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for , Amy . You 've behaved sweetly , and I respect you with all my heart , '' said Jo warmly , as they brushed their hair together late that night . `` Yes , we all do , and love her for being so ready to forgive . It must have been dreadfully hard , after working so long and setting your heart on selling your own pretty things . I do n't believe I could have done it as kindly as you did , '' added Beth from her pillow . `` Why , girls , you need n't praise me so . I only did as I 'd be done by . You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady , but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners , and I try to do it as far as I know how . I ca n't explain exactly , but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women . I 'm far from it now , but I do my best , and hope in time to be what Mother is . '' Amy spoke earnestly , and Jo said , with a cordial hug , `` I understand now what you mean , and I 'll never laugh at you again . You are getting on faster than you think , and I 'll take lessons of you in true politeness , for you 've learned the secret , I believe . Try away , deary , you 'll get your reward some day , and no one will be more delighted than I shall . '' A week later Amy did get her reward , and poor Jo found it hard to be delighted .
A letter came from Aunt Carrol , and Mrs. March 's face was illuminated to such a degree when she read it that XXXXX and Beth , who were with her , demanded what the glad tidings were .
Amy Jo Laurie deary gentlewoman night nobleness portfolios rashness trifles