`` For Mrs. John Brooke , with the maker 's congratulations and compliments . Bless you , Beth ! What a refreshing spectacle you are , Jo . Amy , you are getting altogether too handsome for a single lady . '' As Laurie spoke , he delivered a brown paper parcel to Meg , pulled Beth 's hair ribbon , stared at Jo 's big pinafore , and fell into an attitude of mock rapture before Amy , then shook hands all round , and everyone began to talk . `` Where is John ? '' asked Meg anxiously . `` Stopped to get the license for tomorrow , ma'am . '' `` Which side won the last match , Teddy ? '' inquired Jo , who persisted in feeling an interest in manly sports despite her nineteen years . `` Ours , of course . Wish you 'd been there to see . '' `` How is the lovely Miss Randal ? '' asked Amy with a significant smile . `` More cruel than ever . Do n't you see how I 'm pining away ? '' and Laurie gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh . `` What 's the last joke ? Undo the bundle and see , Meg , '' said Beth , eying the knobby parcel with curiosity . `` It 's a useful thing to have in the house in case of fire or thieves , '' observed Laurie , as a watchman 's rattle appeared , amid the laughter of the girls .
`` Any time when John is away and you get frightened , Mrs. XXXXX , just swing that out of the front window , and it will rouse the neighborhood in a jiffy .
Amy Brooke Jo John Laurie Meg Randal fire watchman years