No one ate much , but everyone looked very happy , and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there . `` You ca n't say nothing pleasant ever happens now , can you , Meg ? '' said Amy , trying to decide how she would group the lovers in a sketch she was planning to make . `` No , I 'm sure I ca n't . How much has happened since I said that ! It seems a year ago , '' answered Meg , who was in a blissful dream lifted far above such common things as bread and butter . `` The joys come close upon the sorrows this time , and I rather think the changes have begun , '' said Mrs. March . `` In most families there comes , now and then , a year full of events . This has been such a one , but it ends well , after all . '' `` Hope the next will end better , '' muttered Jo , who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face , for Jo loved a few persons very dearly and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way . `` I hope the third year from this will end better . I mean it shall , if I live to work out my plans , '' said Mr. Brooke , smiling at Meg , as if everything had become possible to him now . `` Does n't it seem very long to wait ? '' asked Amy , who was in a hurry for the wedding . `` I 've got so much to learn before I shall be ready , it seems a short time to me , '' answered Meg , with a sweet gravity in her face never seen there before . `` You have only to wait , I am to do the work , '' said John beginning his labors by picking up Meg 's napkin , with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head , and then say to herself with an air of relief as the front door banged , `` Here comes Laurie . Now we shall have some sensible conversation . '' But Jo was mistaken , for Laurie came prancing in , overflowing with good spirits , bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for ` Mrs. John Brooke ' , and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management . `` I knew Brooke would have it all his own way , he always does , for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything , it 's done though the sky falls , '' said Laurie , when he had presented his offering and his congratulations . `` Much obliged for that recommendation .
I take it as a good omen for the future and invite you to my wedding on the spot , '' answered Mr. XXXXX , who felt at peace with all mankind , even his mischievous pupil .
Amy Brooke Jo John Laurie Meg affair first sketch year