Amy , who was fond of delicate fare , took a heaping spoonful , choked , hid her face in her napkin , and left the table precipitately . `` Oh , what is it ? '' exclaimed Jo , trembling . `` Salt instead of sugar , and the cream is sour , '' replied Meg with a tragic gesture . Jo uttered a groan and fell back in her chair , remembering that she had given a last hasty powdering to the berries out of one of the two boxes on the kitchen table , and had neglected to put the milk in the refrigerator . She turned scarlet and was on the verge of crying , when she met Laurie 's eyes , which would look merry in spite of his heroic efforts . The comical side of the affair suddenly struck her , and she laughed till the tears ran down her cheeks . So did everyone else , even ` Croaker ' as the girls called the old lady , and the unfortunate dinner ended gaily , with bread and butter , olives and fun . `` I have n't strength of mind enough to clear up now , so we will sober ourselves with a funeral , '' said Jo , as they rose , and Miss Crocker made ready to go , being eager to tell the new story at another friend 's dinner table . They did sober themselves for Beth 's sake . Laurie dug a grave under the ferns in the grove , little Pip was laid in , with many tears by his tender-hearted mistress , and covered with moss , while a wreath of violets and chickweed was hung on the stone which bore his epitaph , composed by Jo while she struggled with the dinner . Here lies Pip March , Who died the 7th of June ; Loved and lamented sore , And not forgotten soon . At the conclusion of the ceremonies , Beth retired to her room , overcome with emotion and lobster , but there was no place of repose , for the beds were not made , and she found her grief much assuaged by beating up the pillows and putting things in order . Meg helped Jo clear away the remains of the feast , which took half the afternoon and left them so tired that they agreed to be contented with tea and toast for supper . Laurie took Amy to drive , which was a deed of charity , for the sour cream seemed to have had a bad effect upon her temper . Mrs. March came home to find the three older girls hard at work in the middle of the afternoon , and a glance at the closet gave her an idea of the success of one part of the experiment . Before the housewives could rest , several people called , and there was a scramble to get ready to see them . Then tea must be got , errands done , and one or two necessary bits of sewing neglected until the last minute . As twilight fell , dewy and still , one by one they gathered on the porch where the June roses were budding beautifully , and each groaned or sighed as she sat down , as if tired or troubled . `` What a dreadful day this has been ! ''
began XXXXX , usually the first to speak .
Croaker Crocker Jo Laurie Meg afternoon chickweed left powdering twilight