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 , Laurie , promise , and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life . '' A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment , for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial . Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs , and feeling her power , used it as a woman may for her friend 's good . She did not speak , but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness , and a smile which said , `` No one can refuse me anything today . '' Laurie certainly could not , and with an answering smile , he gave her his hand , saying heartily , `` I promise , Mrs. Brooke ! '' `` I thank you , very , very much . '' `` And I drink ` long life to your resolution ' , Teddy , '' cried Jo , baptizing him with a splash of lemonade , as she waved her glass and beamed approvingly upon him . So the toast was drunk , the pledge made and loyally kept in spite of many temptations , for with instinctive wisdom , the girls seized a happy moment to do their friend a service , for which he thanked them all his life . After lunch , people strolled about , by twos and threes , through the house and garden , enjoying the sunshine without and within . Meg and John happened to be standing together in the middle of the grass plot , when Laurie was seized with an inspiration which put the finishing touch to this unfashionable wedding . `` All the married people take hands and dance round the new-made husband and wife , as the Germans do , while we bachelors and spinsters prance in couples outside ! '' cried Laurie , promenading down the path with Amy , with such infectious spirit and skill that everyone else followed their example without a murmur . Mr. and Mrs. March , Aunt and Uncle Carrol began it , others rapidly joined in , even Sallie Moffat , after a moment 's hesitation , threw her train over her arm and whisked Ned into the ring . But the crowning joke was Mr. Laurence and Aunt March , for when the stately old gentleman chasseed solemnly up to the old lady , she just tucked her cane under her arm , and hopped briskly away to join hands with the rest and dance about the bridal pair , while the young folks pervaded the garden like butterflies on a midsummer day . Want of breath brought the impromptu ball to a close , and then people began to go . `` I wish you well , my dear , I heartily wish you well , but I think you 'll be sorry for it , '' said Aunt March to Meg , adding to the bridegroom , as he led her to the carriage , `` You 've got a treasure , young man , see that you deserve it . '' `` That is the prettiest wedding I 've been to for an age , Ned , and I do n't see why , for there was n't a bit of style about it , '' observed Mrs. Moffat to her husband , as they drove away .
`` Laurie , my lad , if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing , get one of those little girls to help you , and I shall be perfectly satisfied , '' said Mr. XXXXX , settling himself in his easy chair to rest after the excitement of the morning .
Amy Brooke Carrol Jo John Laurence Laurie Ned day spinsters