`` Why should they ? '' and Mrs. March put the question with what the girls called her ` Maria Theresa air ' . `` You know as well as I that it does make a difference with nearly everyone , so do n't ruffle up like a dear , motherly hen , when your chickens get pecked by smarter birds . The ugly duckling turned out a swan , you know . '' and Amy smiled without bitterness , for she possessed a happy temper and hopeful spirit . Mrs. March laughed , and smoothed down her maternal pride as she asked , `` Well , my swan , what is your plan ? '' `` I should like to ask the girls out to lunch next week , to take them for a drive to the places they want to see , a row on the river , perhaps , and make a little artistic fete for them . '' `` That looks feasible . What do you want for lunch ? Cake , sandwiches , fruit , and coffee will be all that is necessary , I suppose ? '' `` Oh , dear , no ! We must have cold tongue and chicken , French chocolate and ice cream , besides . The girls are used to such things , and I want my lunch to be proper and elegant , though I do work for my living . '' `` How many young ladies are there ? '' asked her mother , beginning to look sober . `` Twelve or fourteen in the class , but I dare say they wo n't all come . '' `` Bless me , child , you will have to charter an omnibus to carry them about . '' `` Why , Mother , how can you think of such a thing ? Not more than six or eight will probably come , so I shall hire a beach wagon and borrow Mr. Laurence 's cherry-bounce . '' -LRB- Hannah 's pronunciation of char-a-banc . -RRB-
`` All of this will be expensive , XXXXX . ''
Amy French Hannah Laurence Mother Theresa char-a-banc cherry-bounce duckling omnibus