LAST WORDS The next day was Sunday , and a goodly troop of young and old set forth to church . -- some driving , some walking , all enjoying the lovely weather and the happy quietude which comes to refresh us when the work and worry of the week are over . Daisy had a headache ; and Aunt Jo remained at home to keep her company , knowing very well that the worst ache was in the tender heart struggling dutifully against the love that grew stronger as the parting drew nearer . ` Daisy knows my wishes , and I trust her . You must keep an eye on Nat , and let him clearly understand that there is to be no `` lovering '' , or I shall forbid the letter-writing . I hate to seem cruel , but it is too soon for my dear girl to bind herself in any way , ' said Mrs Meg , as she rustled about in her best grey silk , while waiting for Demi , who always escorted his pious mother to church as a peace-offering for crossing her wishes in other things . ' I will , dear ; I 'm lying in wait for all three boys today , like an old spider ; and I will have a good talk with each . They know I understand them , and they always open their hearts sooner or later . You look like a nice , plump little Quakeress , Meg ; and no one will believe that big boy is your son , ' added Mrs Jo , as Demi came in shining with Sunday neatness , from his well-blacked boots to his smooth brown head . ` You flatter me , to soften my heart toward your boy . I know your ways , Jo , and I do n't give in . Be firm , and spare me a scene by and by . As for John , as long as he is satisfied with his old mother , I do n't care what people think , ' answered Mrs Meg , accepting with a smile the little posy of sweet peas and mignonette Demi brought her . Then , having buttoned her dove-coloured gloves with care , she took her son 's arm and went proudly away to the carriage , where Amy and Bess waited , while Jo called after them , just as Marmee used to do : ` Girls , have you got nice pocket-handkerchiefs ? ' They all smiled at the familiar words , and three white banners waved as they drove away , leaving the spider to watch for her first fly . She did not wait long . Daisy was lying down with a wet cheek on the little hymnbook out of which she and Nat used to sing together ; so Mrs Jo strolled about the lawn , looking very like a wandering mushroom with her large buff umbrella . Dan had gone for a ten-mile stroll ; and Nat was supposed to have accompanied him , but presently came sneaking back , unable to tear himself away from the Dovecote or lose a moment of nearness to his idol that last day . Mrs Jo saw him at once , and beckoned him to a rustic seat under the old elm , where they could have their confidences undisturbed , and both keep an eye on a certain white-curtained window , half hidden in vines . ` Nice and cool here .
I 'm not up to one of XXXXX 's tramps today -- it 's so warm , and he goes so like a steam-engine .
Amy Daisy Dan Demi Dovecote Jo John Marmee first pocket-handkerchiefs