And Meg looked quite contented , as well she might . A tall , broad-shouldered young fellow , with a cropped head , a felt basin of a hat , and a flyaway coat , came tramping down the road at a great pace , walked over the low fence without stopping to open the gate , straight up to Mrs. March , with both hands out and a hearty ... `` Here I am , Mother ! Yes , it 's all right . '' The last words were in answer to the look the elder lady gave him , a kindly questioning look which the handsome eyes met so frankly that the little ceremony closed , as usual , with a motherly kiss . `` For Mrs. John Brooke , with the maker 's congratulations and compliments . Bless you , Beth ! What a refreshing spectacle you are , Jo . Amy , you are getting altogether too handsome for a single lady . '' As Laurie spoke , he delivered a brown paper parcel to Meg , pulled Beth 's hair ribbon , stared at Jo 's big pinafore , and fell into an attitude of mock rapture before Amy , then shook hands all round , and everyone began to talk . `` Where is John ? '' asked Meg anxiously . `` Stopped to get the license for tomorrow , ma'am . '' `` Which side won the last match , Teddy ? '' inquired Jo , who persisted in feeling an interest in manly sports despite her nineteen years . `` Ours , of course . Wish you 'd been there to see . '' `` How is the lovely Miss Randal ? '' asked Amy with a significant smile . `` More cruel than ever . Do n't you see how I 'm pining away ? ''
and XXXXX gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh .
Beth Brooke Jo John Laurie Meg Mother Randal right years