Then tea must be got , errands done , and one or two necessary bits of sewing neglected until the last minute . As twilight fell , dewy and still , one by one they gathered on the porch where the June roses were budding beautifully , and each groaned or sighed as she sat down , as if tired or troubled . `` What a dreadful day this has been ! '' began Jo , usually the first to speak . `` It has seemed shorter than usual , but so uncomfortable , '' said Meg . `` Not a bit like home , '' added Amy . `` It ca n't seem so without Marmee and little Pip , '' sighed Beth , glancing with full eyes at the empty cage above her head . `` Here 's Mother , dear , and you shall have another bird tomorrow , if you want it . '' As she spoke , Mrs. March came and took her place among them , looking as if her holiday had not been much pleasanter than theirs . `` Are you satisfied with your experiment , girls , or do you want another week of it ? '' she asked , as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her with brightening faces , as flowers turn toward the sun . `` I do n't ! '' cried Jo decidedly . `` Nor I , '' echoed the others . `` You think then , that it is better to have a few duties and live a little for others , do you ? '' `` Lounging and larking does n't pay , '' observed Jo , shaking her head . `` I 'm tired of it and mean to go to work at something right off . '' `` Suppose you learn plain cooking . That 's a useful accomplishment , which no woman should be without , '' said Mrs. March , laughing inaudibly at the recollection of Jo 's dinner party , for she had met Miss Crocker and heard her account of it . `` Mother , did you go away and let everything be , just to see how we 'd get on ? ''
cried Meg , who had had suspicions all XXXXX .
Amy Beth Crocker Jo Marmee Meg day larking right week