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 ' . Amy 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 . One saw it in the lines of her figure , the make and motion of her hands , the flow of her dress , the droop of her hair , unconscious yet harmonious , and as attractive to many as beauty itself . Amy 's nose still afflicted her , for it never would grow Grecian , so did her mouth , being too wide , and having a decided chin . These offending features gave character to her whole face , but she never could see it , and consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion , keen blue eyes , and curls more golden and abundant than ever . All three wore suits of thin silver gray -LRB- their best gowns for the summer -RRB- , with blush roses in hair and bosom , and all three looked just what they were , fresh-faced , happy-hearted girls , pausing a moment in their busy lives to read with wistful eyes the sweetest chapter in the romance of womanhood . There were to be no ceremonious performances , everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible , so when Aunt March arrived , she was scandalized to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in , to find the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down , and to catch a glimpse of the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance and a wine bottle under each arm . `` Upon my word , here 's a state of things ! '' cried the old lady , taking the seat of honor prepared for her , and settling the folds of her lavender moire with a great rustle . `` You ought n't to be seen till the last minute , child . '' `` I 'm not a show , Aunty , and no one is coming to stare at me , to criticize my dress , or count the cost of my luncheon . I 'm too happy to care what anyone says or thinks , and I 'm going to have my little wedding just as I like it .
XXXXX , dear , here 's your hammer . ''
Amy Beth Grecian Jo John Meg cravat crumples fall years