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 Beth used to say when a child . `` Do n't let that young giant come near me , he worries me worse than mosquitoes , '' whispered the old lady to Amy , as the rooms filled and Laurie 's black head towered above the rest . `` He has promised to be very good today , and he can be perfectly elegant if he likes , '' returned Amy , and gliding away to warn Hercules to beware of the dragon , which warning caused him to haunt the old lady with a devotion that nearly distracted her . There was no bridal procession , but a sudden silence fell upon the room as Mr. March and the young couple took their places under the green arch . Mother and sisters gathered close , as if loath to give Meg up . The fatherly voice broke more than once , which only seemed to make the service more beautiful and solemn . The bridegroom 's hand trembled visibly , and no one heard his replies . But Meg looked straight up in her husband 's eyes , and said , `` I will ! '' with such tender trust in her own face and voice that her mother 's heart rejoiced and Aunt March sniffed audibly . Jo did not cry , though she was very near it once , and was only saved from a demonstration by the consciousness that Laurie was staring fixedly at her , with a comical mixture of merriment and emotion in his wicked black eyes . Beth kept her face hidden on her mother 's shoulder , but Amy stood like a graceful statue , with a most becoming ray of sunshine touching her white forehead and the flower in her hair . It was n't at all the thing , I 'm afraid , but the minute she was fairly married , Meg cried , `` The first kiss for Marmee ! '' and turning , gave it with her heart on her lips . During the next fifteen minutes she looked more like a rose than ever , for everyone availed themselves of their privileges to the fullest extent , from Mr. Laurence to old Hannah , who , adorned with a headdress fearfully and wonderfully made , fell upon her in the hall , crying with a sob and a chuckle , `` Bless you , deary , a hundred times ! The cake ai n't hurt a mite , and everything looks lovely . '' Everybody cleared up after that , and said something brilliant , or tried to , which did just as well , for laughter is ready when hearts are light . There was no display of gifts , for they were already in the little house , nor was there an elaborate breakfast , but a plentiful lunch of cake and fruit , dressed with flowers . Mr. Laurence and Aunt March shrugged and smiled at one another when water , lemonade , and coffee were found to be to only sorts of nectar which the three Hebes carried round .
No one said anything , till XXXXX , who insisted on serving the bride , appeared before her , with a loaded salver in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face .
Beth Hannah Hebes Jo Laurence Laurie Mother crash deary first