`` I am sure of that . Amy and you never did quarrel as we used to . She is the sun and I the wind , in the fable , and the sun managed the man best , you remember . '' `` She can blow him up as well as shine on him , '' laughed Laurie . `` Such a lecture as I got at Nice ! I give you my word it was a deal worse than any of your scoldings , a regular rouser . I 'll tell you all about it sometime , she never will , because after telling me that she despised and was ashamed of me , she lost her heart to the despicable party and married the good-for-nothing . '' `` What baseness ! Well , if she abuses you , come to me , and I 'll defend you . '' `` I look as if I needed it , do n't I ? '' said Laurie , getting up and striking an attitude which suddenly changed from the imposing to the rapturous , as Amy 's voice was heard calling , `` Where is she ? Where 's my dear old Jo ? '' In trooped the whole family , and everyone was hugged and kissed all over again , and after several vain attempts , the three wanderers were set down to be looked at and exulted over . Mr. Laurence , hale and hearty as ever , was quite as much improved as the others by his foreign tour , for the crustiness seemed to be nearly gone , and the old-fashioned courtliness had received a polish which made it kindlier than ever . It was good to see him beam at ` my children ' , as he called the young pair . It was better still to see Amy pay him the daughterly duty and affection which completely won his old heart , and best of all , to watch Laurie revolve about the two , as if never tired of enjoying the pretty picture they made . The minute she put her eyes upon Amy , Meg became conscious that her own dress had n't a Parisian air , that young Mrs. Moffat would be entirely eclipsed by young Mrs. Laurence , and that ` her ladyship ' was altogether a most elegant and graceful woman . Jo thought , as she watched the pair , `` How well they look together ! I was right , and Laurie has found the beautiful , accomplished girl who will become his home better than clumsy old Jo , and be a pride , not a torment to him . '' Mrs. March and her husband smiled and nodded at each other with happy faces , for they saw that their youngest had done well , not only in worldly things , but the better wealth of love , confidence , and happiness .
For XXXXX 's face was full of the soft brightness which betokens a peaceful heart , her voice had a new tenderness in it , and the cool , prim carriage was changed to a gentle dignity , both womanly and winning .
Amy Jo Laurence Moffat Parisian baseness crustiness ladyship right scoldings