`` Turn and turn about is fair play '' , as we used to say when we all wanted to ride on Ellen Tree or wear the russet boots , ' said Jo briskly ; ` so you must share your girl between you , and see who will do the most for her . ' ` We will , ' answered the fond parents , laughing at the recollections Jo 's proverb brought up to them . ` How I did use to enjoy bouncing on the limbs of that old apple-tree ! No real horse ever gave me half the pleasure or the exercise , ' said Amy , looking out of the high window as if she saw the dear old orchard again and the little girls at play there . ` And what fun I had with those blessed boots ! ' laughed Jo . ` I 've got the relics now . The boys reduced them to rags ; but I love them still , and would enjoy a good theatrical stalk in them if it were possible . ' ` My fondest memories twine about the warming-pan and the sausage . What larks we had ! And how long ago it seems ! ' said Laurie , staring at the two women before him as if he found it hard to realize that they ever had been little Amy and riotous Jo . ` Do n't suggest that we are growing old , my Lord . We have only bloomed ; and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us , ' answered Mrs Amy , shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress . ` Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves , ' added Jo , with a sigh ; for life had never been very easy to her , and even now she had her troubles both within and without . ` Come and have a dish of tea , old dear , and see what the young folks are about . You are tired , and want to be `` stayed with flagons and comforted with apples '' , ' said Laurie , offering an arm to each sister , and leading them away to afternoon tea , which flowed as freely on Parnassus as the nectar of old . They found Meg in the summer-parlour , an airy and delightful room , full now of afternoon sunshine and the rustle of trees ; for the three long windows opened on the garden . The great music-room was at one end , and at the other , in a deep alcove hung with purple curtains , a little household shrine had been made . Three portraits hung there , two marble busts stood in the corners , and a couch , an oval table , with its urn of flowers , were the only articles of furniture the nook contained .
The busts were John Brooke and Beth -- XXXXX 's work -- both excellent likenesses , and both full of the placid beauty which always recalls the saying , that ` Clay represents life ; plaster , death ; marble , immortality ' .
Amy Jo Meg Parnassus flagons music-room muslin nook stalk summer-parlour