Laurence ! ' '' muttered old Hannah , who could not resist frequent `` peeks '' through the slide as she set the table in a most decidedly promiscuous manner . Mercy on us , how they did talk ! first one , then the other , then all burst out together -- trying to tell the history of three years in half an hour . It was fortunate that tea was at hand , to produce a lull and provide refreshment -- for they would have been hoarse and faint if they had gone on much longer . Such a happy procession as filed away into the little dining room ! Mr. March proudly escorted Mrs. Laurence . Mrs. March as proudly leaned on the arm of ` my son ' . The old gentleman took Jo , with a whispered , `` You must be my girl now , '' and a glance at the empty corner by the fire , that made Jo whisper back , `` I 'll try to fill her place , sir . '' The twins pranced behind , feeling that the millennium was at hand , for everyone was so busy with the newcomers that they were left to revel at their own sweet will , and you may be sure they made the most of the opportunity . Did n't they steal sips of tea , stuff gingerbread ad libitum , get a hot biscuit apiece , and as a crowning trespass , did n't they each whisk a captivating little tart into their tiny pockets , there to stick and crumble treacherously , teaching them that both human nature and a pastry are frail ? Burdened with the guilty consciousness of the sequestered tarts , and fearing that Dodo 's sharp eyes would pierce the thin disguise of cambric and merino which hid their booty , the little sinners attached themselves to ` Dranpa ' , who had n't his spectacles on . Amy , who was handed about like refreshments , returned to the parlor on Father Laurence 's arm . The others paired off as before , and this arrangement left Jo companionless . She did not mind it at the minute , for she lingered to answer Hannah 's eager inquiry . `` Will Miss Amy ride in her coop -LRB- coupe -RRB- , and use all them lovely silver dishes that 's stored away over yander ? '' `` Should n't wonder if she drove six white horses , ate off gold plate , and wore diamonds and point lace every day . Teddy thinks nothing too good for her , '' returned Jo with infinite satisfaction . `` No more there is ! Will you have hash or fishballs for breakfast ? ''
asked XXXXX , who wisely mingled poetry and prose .
Dodo Hannah companionless day left libitum merino tarts trespass years