Whatever his feelings might have been , Laurie found a vent for them in a long low whistle and the fearful prediction as they parted at the gate , `` Mark my words , Jo , you 'll go next . '' CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE THE FIRST WEDDING The June roses over the porch were awake bright and early on that morning , rejoicing with all their hearts in the cloudless sunshine , like friendly little neighbors , as they were . Quite flushed with excitement were their ruddy faces , as they swung in the wind , whispering to one another what they had seen , for some peeped in at the dining room windows where the feast was spread , some climbed up to nod and smile at the sisters as they dressed the bride , others waved a welcome to those who came and went on various errands in garden , porch , and hall , and all , from the rosiest full-blown flower to the palest baby bud , offered their tribute of beauty and fragrance to the gentle mistress who had loved and tended them so long . Meg looked very like a rose herself , for all that was best and sweetest in heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day , making it fair and tender , with a charm more beautiful than beauty . Neither silk , lace , nor orange flowers would she have . `` I do n't want a fashionable wedding , but only those about me whom I love , and to them I wish to look and be my familiar self . '' So she made her wedding gown herself , sewing into it the tender hopes and innocent romances of a girlish heart . Her sisters braided up her pretty hair , and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley , which ` her John ' liked best of all the flowers that grew . `` You do look just like our own dear Meg , only so very sweet and lovely that I should hug you if it would n't crumple your dress , '' cried Amy , surveying her with delight when all was done . `` Then I am satisfied . But please hug and kiss me , everyone , and do n't mind my dress . I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today , '' and Meg opened her arms to her sisters , who clung about her with April faces for a minute , feeling that the new love had not changed the old . `` Now I 'm going to tie John 's cravat for him , and then to stay a few minutes with Father quietly in the study , '' and Meg ran down to perform these little ceremonies , and then to follow her mother wherever she went , conscious that in spite of the smiles on the motherly face , there was a secret sorrow hid in the motherly heart at the flight of the first bird from the nest . As the younger girls stand together , giving the last touches to their simple toilet , it may be a good time to tell of a few changes which three years have wrought in their appearance , for all are looking their best just now . Jo 's angles are much softened , she has learned to carry herself with ease , if not grace . The curly crop has lengthened into a thick coil , more becoming to the small head atop of the tall figure . 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 ' .
XXXXX 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 .
Amy Beth FIRST Father Meg crumples day errands fall morning