and turning , gave it with her heart on her lips . During the next fifteen minutes she looked more like a rose than ever , for everyone availed themselves of their privileges to the fullest extent , from Mr. Laurence to old Hannah , who , adorned with a headdress fearfully and wonderfully made , fell upon her in the hall , crying with a sob and a chuckle , `` Bless you , deary , a hundred times ! The cake ai n't hurt a mite , and everything looks lovely . '' Everybody cleared up after that , and said something brilliant , or tried to , which did just as well , for laughter is ready when hearts are light . There was no display of gifts , for they were already in the little house , nor was there an elaborate breakfast , but a plentiful lunch of cake and fruit , dressed with flowers . Mr. Laurence and Aunt March shrugged and smiled at one another when water , lemonade , and coffee were found to be to only sorts of nectar which the three Hebes carried round . No one said anything , till Laurie , who insisted on serving the bride , appeared before her , with a loaded salver in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face . `` Has Jo smashed all the bottles by accident ? '' he whispered , `` or am I merely laboring under a delusion that I saw some lying about loose this morning ? '' `` No , your grandfather kindly offered us his best , and Aunt March actually sent some , but Father put away a little for Beth , and dispatched the rest to the Soldier 's Home . You know he thinks that wine should be used only in illness , and Mother says that neither she nor her daughters will ever offer it to any young man under her roof . '' Meg spoke seriously and expected to see Laurie frown or laugh , but he did neither , for after a quick look at her , he said , in his impetuous way , `` I like that ! For I 've seen enough harm done to wish other women would think as you do . '' `` You are not made wise by experience , I hope ? '' and there was an anxious accent in Meg 's voice . `` No . I give you my word for it . Do n't think too well of me , either , this is not one of my temptations . Being brought up where wine is as common as water and almost as harmless , I do n't care for it , but when a pretty girl offers it , one does n't like to refuse , you see . '' `` But you will , for the sake of others , if not for your own .
Come , XXXXX , promise , and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life . ''
Beth Hannah Hebes Jo Laurence Laurie Mother accident deary minutes