This entirely softens the stern sire . He consents without a murmur , all join in a joyful chorus , and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedro 's blessing in attitudes of the most romantic grace . Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check , for the cot bed , on which the dress circle was built , suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience . Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue , and all were taken out unhurt , though many were speechless with laughter . The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared , with `` Mrs. March 's compliments , and would the ladies walk down to supper . '' This was a surprise even to the actors , and when they saw the table , they looked at one another in rapturous amazement . It was like Marmee to get up a little treat for them , but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty . There was ice cream , actually two dishes of it , pink and white , and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and , in the middle of the table , four great bouquets of hot house flowers . It quite took their breath away , and they stared first at the table and then at their mother , who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely . `` Is it fairies ? '' asked Amy . `` Santa Claus , '' said Beth . `` Mother did it . '' And Meg smiled her sweetest , in spite of her gray beard and white eyebrows . `` Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper , '' cried Jo , with a sudden inspiration . `` All wrong . Old Mr. Laurence sent it , '' replied Mrs. March . `` The Laurence boy 's grandfather ! What in the world put such a thing into his head ? We do n't know him ! ''
exclaimed XXXXX .
Amy Jo Laurence Marmee Meg Mother Pedro Roderigo consents cot