There was no display of gifts , for they were already in the little house , nor was there an elaborate breakfast , but a plentiful lunch of cake and fruit , dressed with flowers . Mr. Laurence and Aunt March shrugged and smiled at one another when water , lemonade , and coffee were found to be to only sorts of nectar which the three Hebes carried round . No one said anything , till Laurie , who insisted on serving the bride , appeared before her , with a loaded salver in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face . `` Has Jo smashed all the bottles by accident ? '' he whispered , `` or am I merely laboring under a delusion that I saw some lying about loose this morning ? '' `` No , your grandfather kindly offered us his best , and Aunt March actually sent some , but Father put away a little for Beth , and dispatched the rest to the Soldier 's Home . You know he thinks that wine should be used only in illness , and Mother says that neither she nor her daughters will ever offer it to any young man under her roof . '' Meg spoke seriously and expected to see Laurie frown or laugh , but he did neither , for after a quick look at her , he said , in his impetuous way , `` I like that ! For I 've seen enough harm done to wish other women would think as you do . '' `` You are not made wise by experience , I hope ? '' and there was an anxious accent in Meg 's voice . `` No . I give you my word for it . Do n't think too well of me , either , this is not one of my temptations . Being brought up where wine is as common as water and almost as harmless , I do n't care for it , but when a pretty girl offers it , one does n't like to refuse , you see . '' `` But you will , for the sake of others , if not for your own . Come , Laurie , promise , and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life . '' A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment , for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial . Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs , and feeling her power , used it as a woman may for her friend 's good . She did not speak , but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness , and a smile which said , `` No one can refuse me anything today . ''
XXXXX certainly could not , and with an answering smile , he gave her his hand , saying heartily , `` I promise , Mrs. Brooke ! ''
Father Hebes Jo Laurence Laurie Mother Soldier accident day salver