“Theyarecoming；IhearEmilroaring’Landlubberslyingdownbelow，’
sowemustrunanddress，“criedNan，andup-stairstheyscamperedinagreathurry。
Theboyscametroopinghomewithappetitesthatwouldhavemadethebigturkeytremble，ifithadnotbeenpastallfear。Theyalsoretiredtodress；andforhalf-an-hourtherewasawashing，brushing，andprinkingthatwouldhavedoneanytidywoman’sheartgoodtosee。Whenthebellrang，atroopoffresh-facedladswithshinyhair，cleancollars，andSundayjacketson，filedintothedining-room，whereMrs。Jo，inheroneblacksilk，withaknotofherfavoritewhitechrysanthemumsinherbosom，satattheheadofthetable，“lookingsplendid，“astheboyssaid，whenevershegotherselfup。DaisyandNanwereasgayasaposybedintheirnewwinterdresses，withbrightsashesandhairribbons。Teddywasgorgeoustobeholdinacrimsonmerinoblouse，andhisbestbuttonboots，whichabsorbedanddistractedhimasmuchasMr。Toot’swristbandsdidononeoccasion。
AsMr。andMrs。Bhaerglancedateachotherdownthelongtable，withthoserowsofhappyfacesoneitherside，theyhadalittlethanksgivingalltothemselves，andwithoutaword，foroneheartsaidtotheother，­；
“Ourworkhasprospered，letusbegratefulandgoon。“