I 'm very sorry , Amy , '' added Beth , who was still a patroness of cats . `` Then I must have a lobster , for tongue alone wo n't do , '' said Amy decidedly . `` Shall I rush into town and demand one ? '' asked Jo , with the magnanimity of a martyr . `` You 'd come bringing it home under your arm without any paper , just to try me . I 'll go myself , '' answered Amy , whose temper was beginning to fail . Shrouded in a thick veil and armed with a genteel traveling basket , she departed , feeling that a cool drive would soothe her ruffled spirit and fit her for the labors of the day . After some delay , the object of her desire was procured , likewise a bottle of dressing to prevent further loss of time at home , and off she drove again , well pleased with her own forethought . As the omnibus contained only one other passenger , a sleepy old lady , Amy pocketed her veil and beguiled the tedium of the way by trying to find out where all her money had gone to . So busy was she with her card full of refractory figures that she did not observe a newcomer , who entered without stopping the vehicle , till a masculine voice said , `` Good morning , Miss March , '' and , looking up , she beheld one of Laurie 's most elegant college friends . Fervently hoping that he would get out before she did , Amy utterly ignored the basket at her feet , and congratulating herself that she had on her new traveling dress , returned the young man 's greeting with her usual suavity and spirit . They got on excellently , for Amy 's chief care was soon set at rest by learning that the gentleman would leave first , and she was chatting away in a peculiarly lofty strain , when the old lady got out . In stumbling to the door , she upset the basket , and -- oh horror ! -- the lobster , in all its vulgar size and brilliancy , was revealed to the highborn eyes of a Tudor ! `` By Jove , she 's forgotten her dinner ! '' cried the unconscious youth , poking the scarlet monster into its place with his cane , and preparing to hand out the basket after the old lady . `` Please do n't -- it 's -- it 's mine , '' murmured Amy , with a face nearly as red as her fish . `` Oh , really , I beg pardon . It 's an uncommonly fine one , is n't it ? '' said Tudor , with great presence of mind , and an air of sober interest that did credit to his breeding .
XXXXX recovered herself in a breath , set her basket boldly on the seat , and said , laughing , `` Do n't you wish you were to have some of the salad he 's going to make , and to see the charming young ladies who are to eat it ? ''
Amy Beth Jo Jove Laurie Tudor brilliancy congratulating first omnibus