There is a fresh color in her brown cheeks , a soft shine in her eyes , and only gentle words fall from her sharp tongue today . Beth has grown slender , pale , and more quiet than ever . The beautiful , kind eyes are larger , and in them lies an expression that saddens one , although it is not sad itself . It is the shadow of pain which touches the young face with such pathetic patience , but Beth seldom complains and always speaks hopefully of ` being better soon ' . Amy is with truth considered ` the flower of the family ' , for at sixteen she has the air and bearing of a full-grown woman , not beautiful , but possessed of that indescribable charm called grace . One saw it in the lines of her figure , the make and motion of her hands , the flow of her dress , the droop of her hair , unconscious yet harmonious , and as attractive to many as beauty itself . Amy 's nose still afflicted her , for it never would grow Grecian , so did her mouth , being too wide , and having a decided chin . These offending features gave character to her whole face , but she never could see it , and consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion , keen blue eyes , and curls more golden and abundant than ever . All three wore suits of thin silver gray -LRB- their best gowns for the summer -RRB- , with blush roses in hair and bosom , and all three looked just what they were , fresh-faced , happy-hearted girls , pausing a moment in their busy lives to read with wistful eyes the sweetest chapter in the romance of womanhood . There were to be no ceremonious performances , everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible , so when Aunt March arrived , she was scandalized to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in , to find the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down , and to catch a glimpse of the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance and a wine bottle under each arm . `` Upon my word , here 's a state of things ! '' cried the old lady , taking the seat of honor prepared for her , and settling the folds of her lavender moire with a great rustle . `` You ought n't to be seen till the last minute , child . '' `` I 'm not a show , Aunty , and no one is coming to stare at me , to criticize my dress , or count the cost of my luncheon . I 'm too happy to care what anyone says or thinks , and I 'm going to have my little wedding just as I like it . John , dear , here 's your hammer . '' And away went Meg to help ` that man ' in his highly improper employment . Mr. Brooke did n't even say , `` Thank you , '' but as he stooped for the unromantic tool , he kissed his little bride behind the folding door , with a look that made Aunt March whisk out her pocket handkerchief with a sudden dew in her sharp old eyes . A crash , a cry , and a laugh from Laurie , accompanied by the indecorous exclamation , `` Jupiter Ammon ! Jo 's upset the cake again ! ''
caused a momentary flurry , which was hardly over when a flock of cousins arrived , and ` the party came in ' , as XXXXX used to say when a child .
Ammon Amy Beth Brooke Jo John Laurie Meg crash fall