`` How could I after all the fuss ? '' began May , but she did not finish , for Amy 's voice came across the hall , saying pleasantly ... `` You may have them , and welcome , without asking , if you want them . I was just thinking I 'd offer to put them back , for they belong to your table rather than mine . Here they are , please take them , and forgive me if I was hasty in carrying them away last night . '' As she spoke , Amy returned her contribution , with a nod and a smile , and hurried away again , feeling that it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it . `` Now , I call that lovely of her , do n't you ? '' cried one girl . May 's answer was inaudible , but another young lady , whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade , added , with a disagreeable laugh , `` Very lovely , for she knew she would n't sell them at her own table . '' Now , that was hard . When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated , at least , and for a minute Amy was sorry she had done it , feeling that virtue was not always its own reward . But it is , as she presently discovered , for her spirits began to rise , and her table to blossom under her skillful hands , the girls were very kind , and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly . It was a very long day and a hard one for Amy , as she sat behind her table , often quite alone , for the little girls deserted very soon . Few cared to buy flowers in summer , and her bouquets began to droop long before night . The art table was the most attractive in the room . There was a crowd about it all day long , and the tenders were constantly flying to and fro with important faces and rattling money boxes . Amy often looked wistfully across , longing to be there , where she felt at home and happy , instead of in a corner with nothing to do . It might seem no hardship to some of us , but to a pretty , blithe young girl , it was not only tedious , but very trying , and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom . She did not go home till night , and then she looked so pale and quiet that they knew the day had been a hard one , though she made no complaint , and did not even tell what she had done . Her mother gave her an extra cordial cup of tea . Beth helped her dress , and made a charming little wreath for her hair , while Jo astonished her family by getting herself up with unusual care , and hinting darkly that the tables were about to be turned .
`` Do n't do anything rude , pray Jo ; I wo n't have any fuss made , so let it all pass and behave yourself , '' begged XXXXX , as she departed early , hoping to find a reinforcement of flowers to refresh her poor little table .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie crowd day fro home night tenders