Little women

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE THE FIRST WEDDING

The June roses over the porch were awake bright and early on thatmorning, rejoicing with all their hearts in the cloudless sunshine, likefriendly little neighbors, as they were. Quite flushed with excitement weretheir ruddy faces, as they swung in the wind, whispering to one anotherwhat they had seen, for some peeped in at the dining room windows wherethe feast was spread, some climbed up to nod and smile at the sisters asthey dressed the bride, others waved a welcome to those who came andwent on various errands in garden, porch, and hall, and all, from the rosiestfull-blown flower to the palest baby bud, offered their tribute of beautyand fragrance to the gentle mistress who had loved and tended them solong.

 Meg looked very like a rose herself, for all that was best and sweetestin heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day, making it fair andtender, with a charm more beautiful than beauty. Neither silk, lace, nororange flowers would she have. "I don't want a fashionable wedding, butonly those about me whom I love, and to them I wish to look and be myfamiliar self." 

So she made her wedding gown herself, sewing into it the tender hopesand innocent romances of a girlish heart. Her sisters braided up her prettyhair, and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley, which'her John' liked best of all the flowers that grew. 

"You do look just like our own dear Meg, only so very sweet and lovelythat I should hug you if it wouldn't crumple your dress," cried Amy,surveying her with delight when all was done.

"Then I am satisfied. But please hug and kiss me, everyone, and don'tmind my dress. I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today,"and Meg opened her arms to her sisters, who clung about her with Aprilfaces for a minute, feeling that the new love had not changed the old.

 "Now I'm going to tie John's cravat for him, and then to stay a fewminutes with Father quietly in the study," and Meg ran down to performthese little ceremonies, and then to follow her mother wherever she went,conscious that in spite of the smiles on the motherly face, there was asecret sorrow hid in the motherly heart at the flight of the first bird fromthe nest.

As the younger girls stand together, giving the last touches to theirsimple toilet, it may be a good time to tell of a few changes which threeyears have wrought in their appearance, for all are looking their best justnow. 

Jo's angles are much softened, she has learned to carry herself withease, if not grace. The curly crop has lengthened into a thick coil, morebecoming to the small head atop of the tall figure. There is a fresh color inher brown cheeks, a soft shine in her eyes, and only gentle words fall fromher sharp tongue today.

Beth has grown slender, pale, and more quiet than ever. The beautiful,kind eyes are larger, and in them lies an expression that saddens one,although it is not sad itself. It is the shadow of pain which touches theyoung face with such pathetic patience, but Beth seldom complains andalways speaks hopefully of 'being better soon'. 

Amy is with truth considered 'the flower of the family', for at sixteenshe has the air and bearing of a full-grown woman, not beautiful, butpossessed of that indescribable charm called grace. One saw it in the linesof her figure, the make and motion of her hands, the flow of her dress, thedroop of her hair, unconscious yet harmonious, and as attractive to manyas beauty itself. Amy's nose still afflicted her, for it never would growGrecian, so did her mouth, being too wide, and having a decided chin.These offending features gave character to her whole face, but she nevercould see it, and consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion,keen blue eyes, and curls more golden and abundant than ever.

All three wore suits of thin silver gray (their best gowns for thesummer), with blush roses in hair and bosom, and all three looked justwhat they were, fresh-faced, happy-hearted girls, pausing a moment intheir busy lives to read with wistful eyes the sweetest chapter in theromance of womanhood.