Many were the complaints below , and great the chagrin of the head cook at her failures . `` Never mind , I 'll get the dinner and be servant , you be mistress , keep your hands nice , see company , and give orders , '' said Jo , who knew still less than Meg about culinary affairs . This obliging offer was gladly accepted , and Margaret retired to the parlor , which she hastily put in order by whisking the litter under the sofa and shutting the blinds to save the trouble of dusting . Jo , with perfect faith in her own powers and a friendly desire to make up the quarrel , immediately put a note in the office , inviting Laurie to dinner . `` You 'd better see what you have got before you think of having company , '' said Meg , when informed of the hospitable but rash act . `` Oh , there 's corned beef and plenty of potatoes , and I shall get some asparagus and a lobster , ` for a relish ' , as Hannah says . We 'll have lettuce and make a salad . I do n't know how , but the book tells . I 'll have blanc mange and strawberries for dessert , and coffee too , if you want to be elegant . '' `` Do n't try too many messes , Jo , for you ca n't make anything but gingerbread and molasses candy fit to eat . I wash my hands of the dinner party , and since you have asked Laurie on your own responsibility , you may just take care of him . '' `` I do n't want you to do anything but be civil to him and help to the pudding . You 'll give me your advice if I get in a muddle , wo n't you ? '' asked Jo , rather hurt . `` Yes , but I do n't know much , except about bread and a few trifles . You had better ask Mother 's leave before you order anything , '' returned Meg prudently . `` Of course I shall . I 'm not a fool . '' And Jo went off in a huff at the doubts expressed of her powers . `` Get what you like , and do n't disturb me .
I 'm going out to dinner and ca n't worry about things at home , '' said Mrs. March , when XXXXX spoke to her .
Hannah Jo Laurie Mother gingerbread lettuce mange muddle pudding trifles