cried one girl . May 's answer was inaudible , but another young lady , whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade , added , with a disagreeable laugh , `` Very lovely , for she knew she would n't sell them at her own table . '' Now , that was hard . When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated , at least , and for a minute Amy was sorry she had done it , feeling that virtue was not always its own reward . But it is , as she presently discovered , for her spirits began to rise , and her table to blossom under her skillful hands , the girls were very kind , and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly . It was a very long day and a hard one for Amy , as she sat behind her table , often quite alone , for the little girls deserted very soon . Few cared to buy flowers in summer , and her bouquets began to droop long before night . The art table was the most attractive in the room . There was a crowd about it all day long , and the tenders were constantly flying to and fro with important faces and rattling money boxes . Amy often looked wistfully across , longing to be there , where she felt at home and happy , instead of in a corner with nothing to do . It might seem no hardship to some of us , but to a pretty , blithe young girl , it was not only tedious , but very trying , and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom . She did not go home till night , and then she looked so pale and quiet that they knew the day had been a hard one , though she made no complaint , and did not even tell what she had done . Her mother gave her an extra cordial cup of tea . Beth helped her dress , and made a charming little wreath for her hair , while Jo astonished her family by getting herself up with unusual care , and hinting darkly that the tables were about to be turned . `` Do n't do anything rude , pray Jo ; I wo n't have any fuss made , so let it all pass and behave yourself , '' begged Amy , as she departed early , hoping to find a reinforcement of flowers to refresh her poor little table . `` I merely intend to make myself entrancingly agreeable to every one I know , and to keep them in your corner as long as possible . Teddy and his boys will lend a hand , and we 'll have a good time yet . '' returned Jo , leaning over the gate to watch for Laurie . Presently the familiar tramp was heard in the dusk , and she ran out to meet him . `` Is that my boy ? ''
`` As sure as this is my XXXXX ! ''
May boy boys corner faces girl hardship mother sacrifices tables