Jo disgraced herself by nearly fainting away , and had to be doctored by Laurie in the china closet . Mr. Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake , as he somewhat incoherently explained . And Amy , the dignified , tumbled over a stool , and never stopping to get up , hugged and cried over her father 's boots in the most touching manner . Mrs. March was the first to recover herself , and held up her hand with a warning , `` Hush ! Remember Beth . '' But it was too late . The study door flew open , the little red wrapper appeared on the threshold , joy put strength into the feeble limbs , and Beth ran straight into her father 's arms . Never mind what happened just after that , for the full hearts overflowed , washing away the bitterness of the past and leaving only the sweetness of the present . It was not at all romantic , but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again , for Hannah was discovered behind the door , sobbing over the fat turkey , which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen . As the laugh subsided , Mrs. March began to thank Mr. Brooke for his faithful care of her husband , at which Mr. Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr. March needed rest , and seizing Laurie , he precipitately retired . Then the two invalids were ordered to repose , which they did , by both sitting in one big chair and talking hard . Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them , and how , when the fine weather came , he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it , how devoted Brooke had been , and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man . Why Mr. March paused a minute just there , and after a glance at Meg , who was violently poking the fire , looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows , I leave you to imagine . Also why Mrs. March gently nodded her head and asked , rather abruptly , if he would n't like to have something to eat . Jo saw and understood the look , and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea , muttering to herself as she slammed the door , `` I hate estimable young men with brown eyes ! '' There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day . The fat turkey was a sight to behold , when Hannah sent him up , stuffed , browned , and decorated . So was the plum pudding , which melted in one 's mouth , likewise the jellies , in which Amy reveled like a fly in a honeypot . Everything turned out well , which was a mercy , Hannah said , `` For my mind was that flustered , Mum , that it 's a merrycle I did n't roast the pudding , and stuff the turkey with raisins , let alone bilin ' of it in a cloth . '' Mr. Laurence and his grandson dined with them , also Mr. Brooke , at whom Jo glowered darkly , to Laurie 's infinite amusement .
Two easy chairs stood side by side at the head of the table , in which sat XXXXX and her father , feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit .
Amy Beth Brooke Laurie March Meg first honeypot minute raisins