` My fondest memories twine about the warming-pan and the sausage . What larks we had ! And how long ago it seems ! ' said Laurie , staring at the two women before him as if he found it hard to realize that they ever had been little Amy and riotous Jo . ` Do n't suggest that we are growing old , my Lord . We have only bloomed ; and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us , ' answered Mrs Amy , shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress . ` Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves , ' added Jo , with a sigh ; for life had never been very easy to her , and even now she had her troubles both within and without . ` Come and have a dish of tea , old dear , and see what the young folks are about . You are tired , and want to be `` stayed with flagons and comforted with apples '' , ' said Laurie , offering an arm to each sister , and leading them away to afternoon tea , which flowed as freely on Parnassus as the nectar of old . They found Meg in the summer-parlour , an airy and delightful room , full now of afternoon sunshine and the rustle of trees ; for the three long windows opened on the garden . The great music-room was at one end , and at the other , in a deep alcove hung with purple curtains , a little household shrine had been made . Three portraits hung there , two marble busts stood in the corners , and a couch , an oval table , with its urn of flowers , were the only articles of furniture the nook contained . The busts were John Brooke and Beth -- Amy 's work -- both excellent likenesses , and both full of the placid beauty which always recalls the saying , that ` Clay represents life ; plaster , death ; marble , immortality ' . On the right , as became the founder of the house , hung the portrait of Mr Laurence , with its expression of mingled pride and benevolence , as fresh and attractive as when he caught the girl Jo admiring it . Opposite was Aunt March -- a legacy to Amy -- in an imposing turban , immense sleeves , and long mittens decorously crossed on the front of her plum-coloured satin gown . Time had mellowed the severity of her aspect ; and the fixed regard of the handsome old gentleman opposite seemed to account for the amiable simper on lips that had not uttered a sharp word for years . In the place of honour , with the sunshine warm upon it , and a green garland always round it , was Marmee 's beloved face , painted with grateful skill by a great artist whom she had befriended when poor and unknown . So beautifully lifelike was it that it seemed to smile down upon her daughters , saying cheerfully : ` Be happy ; I am with you still . ' The three sisters stood a moment looking up at the beloved picture with eyes full of tender reverence and the longing that never left them ; for this noble mother had been so much to them that no one could ever fill her place . Only two years since she had gone away to live and love anew , leaving such a sweet memory behind her that it was both an inspiration and a comforter to all the household .
They felt this as they drew closer to one another , and Laurie put it into words as he XXXXX earnestly : ' I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a woman like our mother .
Do admiring comforted crossed folds hung mellowed offering painted said