I was right , and Laurie has found the beautiful , accomplished girl who will become his home better than clumsy old Jo , and be a pride , not a torment to him . '' Mrs. March and her husband smiled and nodded at each other with happy faces , for they saw that their youngest had done well , not only in worldly things , but the better wealth of love , confidence , and happiness . For Amy 's face was full of the soft brightness which betokens a peaceful heart , her voice had a new tenderness in it , and the cool , prim carriage was changed to a gentle dignity , both womanly and winning . No little affectations marred it , and the cordial sweetness of her manner was more charming than the new beauty or the old grace , for it stamped her at once with the unmistakable sign of the true gentlewoman she had hoped to become . `` Love has done much for our little girl , '' said her mother softly . `` She has had a good example before her all her life , my dear , '' Mr. March whispered back , with a loving look at the worn face and gray head beside him . Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyes off her ` pitty aunty ' , but attached herself like a lap dog to the wonderful chatelaine full of delightful charms . Demi paused to consider the new relationship before he compromised himself by the rash acceptance of a bribe , which took the tempting form of a family of wooden bears from Berne . A flank movement produced an unconditional surrender , however , for Laurie knew where to have him . `` Young man , when I first had the honor of making your acquaintance you hit me in the face . Now I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman , '' and with that the tall uncle proceeded to toss and tousle the small nephew in a way that damaged his philosophical dignity as much as it delighted his boyish soul . `` Blest if she ai n't in silk from head to foot ; ai n't it a relishin ' sight to see her settin ' there as fine as a fiddle , and hear folks calling little Amy ` Mis . Laurence ! ' '' muttered old Hannah , who could not resist frequent `` peeks '' through the slide as she set the table in a most decidedly promiscuous manner . Mercy on us , how they did talk ! first one , then the other , then all burst out together -- trying to tell the history of three years in half an hour . It was fortunate that tea was at hand , to produce a lull and provide refreshment -- for they would have been hoarse and faint if they had gone on much longer . Such a happy procession as filed away into the little dining room ! Mr. March proudly escorted Mrs. Laurence . Mrs. March as proudly leaned on the arm of ` my son ' .
The old gentleman took XXXXX , with a whispered , `` You must be my girl now , '' and a glance at the empty corner by the fire , that made Jo whisper back , `` I 'll try to fill her place , sir . ''
Berne Jo Laurence Laurie March first hour right settin years