I 'm not one of the agreeable sort . Nobody will want me , and it 's a mercy , for there should always be one old maid in a family . '' `` You wo n't give anyone a chance , '' said Laurie , with a sidelong glance and a little more color than before in his sunburned face . `` You wo n't show the soft side of your character , and if a fellow gets a peep at it by accident and ca n't help showing that he likes it , you treat him as Mrs. Gummidge did her sweetheart , throw cold water over him , and get so thorny no one dares touch or look at you . '' `` I do n't like that sort of thing . I 'm too busy to be worried with nonsense , and I think it 's dreadful to break up families so . Now do n't say any more about it . Meg 's wedding has turned all our heads , and we talk of nothing but lovers and such absurdities . I do n't wish to get cross , so let 's change the subject ; '' and Jo looked quite ready to fling cold water on the slightest provocation . Whatever his feelings might have been , Laurie found a vent for them in a long low whistle and the fearful prediction as they parted at the gate , `` Mark my words , Jo , you 'll go next . '' CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE THE FIRST WEDDING The June roses over the porch were awake bright and early on that morning , rejoicing with all their hearts in the cloudless sunshine , like friendly little neighbors , as they were . Quite flushed with excitement were their ruddy faces , as they swung in the wind , whispering to one another what they had seen , for some peeped in at the dining room windows where the feast was spread , some climbed up to nod and smile at the sisters as they dressed the bride , others waved a welcome to those who came and went on various errands in garden , porch , and hall , and all , from the rosiest full-blown flower to the palest baby bud , offered their tribute of beauty and fragrance to the gentle mistress who had loved and tended them so long . Meg looked very like a rose herself , for all that was best and sweetest in heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day , making it fair and tender , with a charm more beautiful than beauty . Neither silk , lace , nor orange flowers would she have . `` I do n't want a fashionable wedding , but only those about me whom I love , and to them I wish to look and be my familiar self . '' So she made her wedding gown herself , sewing into it the tender hopes and innocent romances of a girlish heart . Her sisters braided up her pretty hair , and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley , which ` her John ' liked best of all the flowers that grew . `` You do look just like our own dear Meg , only so very sweet and lovely that I should hug you if it would n't crumple your dress , '' cried Amy , surveying her with delight when all was done . `` Then I am satisfied . But please hug and kiss me , everyone , and do n't mind my dress .
I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today , '' and XXXXX opened her arms to her sisters , who clung about her with April faces for a minute , feeling that the new love had not changed the old .
Amy FIRST Gummidge Jo Laurie Meg accident day errands morning