asked Meg anxiously . `` Stopped to get the license for tomorrow , ma'am . '' `` Which side won the last match , Teddy ? '' inquired Jo , who persisted in feeling an interest in manly sports despite her nineteen years . `` Ours , of course . Wish you 'd been there to see . '' `` How is the lovely Miss Randal ? '' asked Amy with a significant smile . `` More cruel than ever . Do n't you see how I 'm pining away ? '' and Laurie gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh . `` What 's the last joke ? Undo the bundle and see , Meg , '' said Beth , eying the knobby parcel with curiosity . `` It 's a useful thing to have in the house in case of fire or thieves , '' observed Laurie , as a watchman 's rattle appeared , amid the laughter of the girls . `` Any time when John is away and you get frightened , Mrs. Meg , just swing that out of the front window , and it will rouse the neighborhood in a jiffy . Nice thing , is n't it ? '' and Laurie gave them a sample of its powers that made them cover up their ears . `` There 's gratitude for you ! And speaking of gratitude reminds me to mention that you may thank Hannah for saving your wedding cake from destruction . I saw it going into your house as I came by , and if she had n't defended it manfully I 'd have had a pick at it , for it looked like a remarkably plummy one . ''
`` I wonder if you will ever grow up , Laurie , '' said XXXXX in a matronly tone .
Amy Beth Jo John Laurie Meg Randal fire watchman years