`` She has sold everything she had that was worth selling , and now she is enjoying herself . The flower table is always attractive , you know , ` especially to gentlemen ' . '' Jo could n't resist giving that little slap , but May took it so meekly she regretted it a minute after , and fell to praising the great vases , which still remained unsold . `` Is Amy 's illumination anywhere about ? I took a fancy to buy that for Father , '' said Jo , very anxious to learn the fate of her sister 's work . `` Everything of Amy 's sold long ago . I took care that the right people saw them , and they made a nice little sum of money for us , '' returned May , who had overcome sundry small temptations , as well as Amy had , that day . Much gratified , Jo rushed back to tell the good news , and Amy looked both touched and surprised by the report of May 's word and manner . `` Now , gentlemen , I want you to go and do your duty by the other tables as generously as you have by mine , especially the art table , '' she said , ordering out ` Teddy 's own ' , as the girls called the college friends . '' ` Charge , Chester , charge ! ' is the motto for that table , but do your duty like men , and you 'll get your money 's worth of art in every sense of the word , '' said the irrepressible Jo , as the devoted phalanx prepared to take the field . `` To hear is to obey , but March is fairer far than May , '' said little Parker , making a frantic effort to be both witty and tender , and getting promptly quenched by Laurie , who said ... `` Very well , my son , for a small boy ! '' and walked him off , with a paternal pat on the head . `` Buy the vases , '' whispered Amy to Laurie , as a final heaping of coals of fire on her enemy 's head . To May 's great delight , Mr. Laurence not only bought the vases , but pervaded the hall with one under each arm . The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles , and wandered helplessly about afterward , burdened with wax flowers , painted fans , filigree portfolios , and other useful and appropriate purchases . Aunt Carrol was there , heard the story , looked pleased , and said something to Mrs. March in a corner , which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction , and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety , though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later . The fair was pronounced a success , and when May bade Amy goodnight , she did not gush as usual , but gave her an affectionate kiss , and a look which said ` forgive and forget ' . That satisfied Amy , and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each . `` The reward of merit for a magnanimous March , '' as Laurie announced with a flourish .
`` You 've a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for , XXXXX .
Amy Chester Father Jo Laurence Parker day rashness right trifles