`` The flowers are not at all nice , Amy says , and the fresh ones may not arrive in time . I do n't wish to be unjust or suspicious , but I should n't wonder if they never came at all . When people do one mean thing they are very likely to do another , '' observed Jo in a disgusted tone . `` Did n't Hayes give you the best out of our gardens ? I told him to . '' `` I did n't know that , he forgot , I suppose , and , as your grandpa was poorly , I did n't like to worry him by asking , though I did want some . '' `` Now , Jo , how could you think there was any need of asking ? They are just as much yours as mine . Do n't we always go halves in everything ? '' began Laurie , in the tone that always made Jo turn thorny . `` Gracious , I hope not ! Half of some of your things would n't suit me at all . But we must n't stand philandering here . I 've got to help Amy , so you go and make yourself splendid , and if you 'll be so very kind as to let Hayes take a few nice flowers up to the Hall , I 'll bless you forever . '' `` Could n't you do it now ? '' asked Laurie , so suggestively that Jo shut the gate in his face with inhospitable haste , and called through the bars , `` Go away , Teddy , I 'm busy . '' Thanks to the conspirators , the tables were turned that night , for Hayes sent up a wilderness of flowers , with a loverly basket arranged in his best manner for a centerpiece . Then the March family turned out en masse , and Jo exerted herself to some purpose , for people not only came , but stayed , laughing at her nonsense , admiring Amy 's taste , and apparently enjoying themselves very much . Laurie and his friends gallantly threw themselves into the breach , bought up the bouquets , encamped before the table , and made that corner the liveliest spot in the room . Amy was in her element now , and out of gratitude , if nothing more , was as spritely and gracious as possible , coming to the conclusion , about that time , that virtue was its own reward , after all .
Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety , and when Amy was happily surrounded by her guard of honor , XXXXX circulated about the Hall , picking up various bits of gossip , which enlightened her upon the subject of the Chester change of base .
Amy Hayes Jo Laurie Teddy centerpiece element grandpa masse night