\"Iamwillingtowork。It’sforthefreedmenaswellastheChesters，andIthinkitverykindofthemtoletmesharethelaborandthefun。Patronagedoesnottroublemewhenitiswellmeant。\"
\"Quiterightandproper。Ilikeyourgratefulspirit，mydear。It’sapleasuretohelppeoplewhoappreciateourefforts。Somedonot，andthatistrying，\"observedAuntMarch，lookingoverherspectaclesatJo，whosatapart，rockingherself，withasomewhatmoroseexpression。
IfJohadonlyknownwhatagreathappinesswaswaveringinthebalanceforoneofthem，shewouldhaveturneddove—likeinaminute，butunfortunately，wedon’thavewindowsinourbreasts，andcannotseewhatgoesoninthemindsofourfriends。Betterforusthatwecannotasageneralthing，butnowandthenitwouldbesuchacomfort，suchasavingoftimeandtemper。Byhernextspeech，Jodeprivedherselfofseveralyearsofpleasure，andreceivedatimelylessonintheartofholdinghertongue。
\"Idon’tlikefavors，theyoppressandmakemefeellikeaslave。I’dratherdoeverythingformyself，andbeperfectlyindependent。\"
\"Ahem！\"coughedAuntCarrolsoftly，withalookatAuntMarch。
\"Itoldyouso，\"saidAuntMarch，withadecidednodtoAuntCarrol。
Mercifullyunconsciousofwhatshehaddone，Josatwithhernoseintheair，andarevolutionaryaspectwhichwasanythingbutinviting。
\"DoyouspeakFrench，dear？\"askedMrs。Carrol，layingahandonAmy’s。
\"Prettywell，thankstoAuntMarch，wholetsEsthertalktomeasoftenasIlike，\"repliedamy，withagratefullook，whichcausedtheoldladytosmileaffably。
\"Howareyouaboutlanguages？\"askedMrs。CarrolofJO。
\"Don’tknowaword。I’mverystupidaboutstudyinganything，can’tbearFrench，it’ssuchaslippery，sillysortoflanguage，\"wasthebrusquereply。
Anotherlookpassedbetweentheladies，andAuntMarchsaidtoAmy，’Youarequitestrongandwellno，dear，Ibelieve？Eyesdon’ttroubleyouanymore，dothey？\"
\"Notatall，thankyou，ma’am。I’mverywell，andmeantodogreatthingsnextwinter，sothatImaybereadyforRome，wheneverthatjoyfultimearrives。\"
\"Goodgirl！Youdeservetogo，andI’msureyouwillsomeday，\"saidAuntMarch，withanapproving;patonthehead，asAmypickedupherballforher。Crosspatch，drawthelatch，Sitbythefireandspin，squalledPolly，bendingdownfromhisperchonthebackofherchairtopeepintoJo’sface，withsuchacomicalairofimpertinentinquirythatitwasimpossibletohelplaughing。
\"Mostobservingbird，\"saidtheoldlady。
\"Comeandtakeawalk，mydear？\"criedPolly，hoppingtowardthechinacloset，withalooksuggestiveofalumpofsugar。
\"Thankyou，Iwill。ComeAmy。\"AndJobroughtthevisittoanend，feelingmorestronglythaneverthatcallsdidhaveabadeffectuponherconstitution。Sheshookhandsinagentlemanlymanner，butAmykissedboththeaunts，andthegirlsdeparted，leavingbehindthemtheimpressionofshadowandsunshine，whichimpressioncausedAuntMarchtosay，astheyvanished……
\"You’dbetterdoit，Mary。I’llsupplythemoney。AndAuntCarroltoreplydecidedly，\"Icertainlywill，ifherfatherandmotherconsent。\"
GoodWives:Chapter7CHAPTER7ConsequencesMrs。Chester’sfairwassoveryelegantandselectthatitwasconsideredagreathonorbytheyoungladiesoftheneighborhoodtobeinvitedtotakeatable，andeveryonewasmuchinterestinthematter。Amywasasked，butJowasnot，whichwasfortunateforallparties，asherelbowsweredecidedlyakimboatthisperiodofherlife，andittookagoodmanyhardknockstoteachherhowtogetoneasily。The`haughty，uninterestingcreature’wasletseverelyalone，butAmy’stalentandtasteweredulycomplimentedbytheofferofthearttable，andsheexertedherselftoprepareandsecureappropriateandvaluablecontributionstoit。
Everythingwentonsmoothlytillthedaybeforethefairopened，thenthereoccurredoneofthelittleskirmisheswhichitisalmostimpossibletoavoid，whensomefive—and—twentywomen，oldandyoung，withalltheirprivatepiquesandprejudices，trytoworktogether。
MayChesterwasratherjealousofAmybecausethelatterwasagreaterfavoritethanherself，andjustatthistimeseveraltriflingcircumstancesoccurredtoincreasethefeeling。Amy’sdaintypen—and—inkworkentirelyeclipsedMay’spaintedvases——thatwasonethorn。ThentheallconqueringTudorhaddancedfourtimeswithAmyatalatepartyandonlyoncewithMay——thatwasthornnumbertwo。Butthechiefgrievancethatrankledinhersoul，andgaveanexcuseforherunfriendlyconduct，wasarumorwhichsomeobliginggossiphadwhisperedtoher，thattheMarchgirlshadmadefunofherattheLambs’。AlltheblameofthisshouldhavefallenuponJo，forhernaughtyimitationhadbeentoolifeliketoescapedetection，andthefrolicsomeLambshadpermittedthejoketoescape。Nohintofthishadreachedtheculprits，however，andAmy’sdismaycanbeimagined，when，theveryeveningbeforethefair，asshewasputtingthelasttouchestoherprettytable，Mrs。Chester，who，ofcourse，resentedthesupposedridiculeofherdaughter，said，inablandtone，butwithacoldlook……
\"Ifind，dear，thatthereissomefeelingamongtheyoungladiesaboutmygivingthistabletoanyonebutmygirls。Asthisisthemostprominent，andsomesaythemostattractivetableofall，andtheyarethechiefgetters—upofthefair，itisthoughtbestforthemtotakethisplace。I’msorry，butIknowyouaretoosincerelyinterestedinthecausetomindalittlepersonaldisappointment，andyoushallhaveanothertableifyoulike。\"
Mrs。Chesterfanciedbeforehandthatitwouldbeeasytodeliverthislittlespeech，butwhenthetimecame，shefounditratherdifficulttoutteritnaturally，withAmy’sunsuspiciouseyeslookingstraightatherfullofsurpriseandtrouble。
\"Amyfeltthattherewassomethingbehindthis，butwouldnotguesswhat，andsaidquietly，feelinghurt，andshowingthatshedid，\"PerhapsyouhadratherItooknotableatall？\"
\"Now，mydear，don’thaveanyillfeeling，Ibeg。It’smerelyamatterofexpediency，yousee，mygirlswillnaturallytakethelead，andthistableisconsideredtheirproperplace。Ithinkitveryappropriatetoyou，andfeelverygratefulforyoureffortstomakeitsopretty，butwemustgiveupourprivatewishes，ofcourse，andIwillseethatyouhaveagoodplaceelsewhere。Wouldn’tyouliketheflowertable？Thelittlegirlsundertookit，buttheyarediscouraged。Youcouldmakeacharmingthingofit，andtheflowertableisalwaysattractiveyouknow。\"
\"Especiallytogentlemen，\"addedMay，withalookwhichenlightenedAmyastoonecauseofhersuddenfallfromfavor。Shecoloredangrily，buttooknoothernoticeofthatgirlishsarcasm，andansweredwithunexpectedamiability……
\"Itshallbeasyouplease，Mrs。Chester。I’llgiveupmyplacehereatonce，andattendtotheflowers，ifyoulike。\"
\"Youcanputyourownthingsonyourowntable，ifyouprefer，\"beganMay，feelingalittleconscience—stricken，asshelookedattheprettyracks，thepaintedshells，andquaintilluminationsAmyhadsocarefullymadeandsogracefullyarranged。Shemeantitkindly，butAmymistookhermeaning，andsaidquickly……
\"Oh，certainly，iftheyareinyourway，\"andsweepinghercontributionsintoherapron，pell—mell，shewalkedoff，feelingthatherselfandherworksofarthadbeeninsultedpastforgiveness。
\"Nowshe’smad。Oh，dear，IwishIhadn’taskedyoutospeak，Mama，\"saidMay，lookingdisconsolatelyattheemptyspacesonhertable。
\"Girls’quarrelsaresoonover，\"returnedhermother，feelingatrifleashamedofherownpartinthisone，aswellshemight。
ThelittlegirlshailedAmyandhertreasureswithdelight，whichcordialreceptionsomewhatsoothedherperturbedspirit，andshefelltowork，determinedtosucceedflorally，ifshecouldnotartistically。Buteverythingseemedagainsther。Itwaslate，andshewastired。Everyonewastoobusywiththeirownaffairstohelpher，andthelittlegirlswereonlyhindrances，forthedearsfussedandchatteredlikesomanymagpies，makingagreatdealofconfusionintheirartlesseffortstopreservethemostperfectorder。Theevergreenarchwouldn’tstayfirmaftershegotitup，butwiggledandthreatenedtotumbledownonherheadwhenthehangingbasketswerefilled。Herbesttilegotasplashofwater，whichleftasephiatearontheCupid’scheek。Shebruisedherhandswithhammering，andgotcoldworkinginadraft，whichlastafflictionfilledherwithapprehensionsforthemorrow。AnygirlreaderwhohassufferedlikeafflictionswillsympathizewithpoorAmyandwishherwellthroughhertask。
Therewasgreatindignationathomewhenshetoldherstorythatevening。Hermothersaiditwasashame，buttoldhershehaddoneright。Bethdeclaredshewouldn’tgotothefairatall，andJodemandedwhyshedidn’ttakeallherprettythingsandleavethosemeanpeopletogetonwithouther。
\"Becausetheyaremeanisnoreasonwhyishouldbe。Ihatesuchthings，andthoughIthinkI’vearighttobehurt，Idon’tintendtoshowit。Theywillfeelthatmorethanangryspeechesorhuffyactions，won’tthey，Marmee？\"
\"That’stherightspirit，mydear。Akissforablowisalwaysbest，thoughit’snotveryeasytogiveitsometimes，\"saidhermother，withtheairofonewhohadlearnedthedifferencebetweenpreachingandpracticing。
Inspiteofvariousverynaturaltemptationstoresentandretaliate，Amyadheredtoherresolutionallthenextday，bentonconqueringherenemybykindness。Shebeganwell，thankstoasilentreminderthatcametoherunexpectedly，butmostopportunely。Asshearrangedhertablethatmorning，whilethelittlegirlswereintheanteroomfillingthebaskets，shetookupherpetproduction，alittlebook，theantiquecoverofwhichherfatherhadfoundamonghistreasures，andinwhichonleavesofvellumshehadbeautifullyilluminateddifferenttexts。Assheturnedthepagesrichindaintydeviceswithverypardonablepride，hereyefellupononeversethatmadeherstopandthink。Framedinabrilliantscrollworkofscarlet，blueandgold，withlittlespiritsofgoodwillhelpingoneanotherupanddownamongthethornsandflowers，werethewords，\"Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself。\"
\"Iought，butIdon’t，\"thoughtAmy，ashereyewentfromthebrightpagetoMay’sdiscontentedfacebehindthebigvases，thatcouldnothidethevacanciesherprettyworkhadoncefilled。Amystoodaminute，turningtheleavesinherhand，readingoneachsomesweetrebukeforallheartburningsanduncharitablenessofspirit。Manywiseandtruesermonsarepreacheduseverydaybyunconsciousministersinstreet，school，office，orhome。Evenafairtablemaybecomeapulpit，ifitcanofferthegoodandhelpfulwordswhichareneveroutofseason。Amy’sconsciencepreachedheralittlesermonfromthattext，thenandthere，andshedidwhatmanyofusdonotalwaysdo，tookthesermontoheart，andstraightwayputitinpractice。AgroupofgirlswerestandingaboutMay’stable，admiringtheprettythings，andtalkingoverthechangeofsaleswomen。Theydroppedtheirvoices，butAmyknewtheywerespeakingofher，hearingonesideofthestoryandjudgingaccordingly。Itwasnotpleasant，butabetterspirithadcomeoverher，andpresentlyachanceofferedforprovingit。SheheardMaysaysorrowfully……
\"It’stoobad，forthereisnotimetomakeotherthings，andIdon’twanttofillupwithoddsandends。Thetablewasjustcompletethen。Nowit’sspoiled。\"
\"Idaresayshe’dputthembackifyouaskedher，\"suggestedsomeone。
\"HowcouldIafterallthefuss？\"beganMay，butshedidnotfinish，forAmy’svoicecameacrossthehall，sayingpleasantly……
\"Youmayhavethem，andwelcome，withoutasking，ifyouwantthem。IwasjustthinkingI’doffertoputthemback，fortheybelongtoyourtableratherthanmine。Heretheyare，pleasetakethem，andforgivemeifIwashastyincarryingthemawaylastnight。\"
Asshespoke，Amyreturnedhercontribution，withanodandasmile，andhurriedawayagain，feelingthatitwaseasiertodoafriendlythingthanitwastostayandbethankedforit。
\"Now，Icallthatlovelyofher，don’tyou？\"criedonegirl。
May’sanswerwasinaudible，butanotheryounglady，whosetemperwasevidentlyalittlesouredbymakinglemonade，added，withadisagreeablelaugh，\"Verylovely，forsheknewshewouldn’tsellthematherowntable。\"
Now，thatwashard。Whenwemakelittlesacrificesweliketohavethemappreciated，atleast，andforaminuteAmywassorryshehaddoneit，feelingthatvirtuewasnotalwaysitswonreward。Butitis，asshepresentlydiscovered，forherspiritsbegantorise，andhertabletoblossomunderherskillfulhands，thegirlswereverykind，andthatonelittleactseemedtohaveclearedtheatmosphereamazingly。
ItwasaverylongdayandahardoneforAmy，asshesatbehindhertable，oftenquitealone，forthelittlegirlsdesertedverysoon。Fewcaredtobuyflowersinsummer，andherbouquetsbegantodrooplongbeforenight。
Thearttablewasthemostattractiveintheroom。Therewasacrowdaboutitalldaylong，andthetenderswereconstantlyflyingtoandfrowithimportantfacesandrattlingmoneyboxes。Amyoftenlookedwistfullyacross，longingtobethere，whereshefeltathomeandhappy，insteadofinacornerwithnothingtodo。Itmightseemnohardshiptosomeofus，buttoapretty，blitheyounggirl，itwasnotonlytedious，butverytrying，andthethoughtofLaurieandhisfriendsmadeitarealmartyrdom。
Shedidnotgohometillnight，andthenshelookedsopaleandquietthattheyknewthedayhadbeenahardone，thoughshemadenocomplaint，anddidnoteventellwhatshehaddone。Hermothergaveheranextracordialcupoftea。Bethhelpedherdress，andmadeacharminglittlewreathforherhair，whileJoastonishedherfamilybygettingherselfupwithunusualcare，andhintingdarklythatthetableswereabouttobeturned。
\"Don’tdoanythingrude，prayJo。Iwon’thaveanyfussmade，soletitallpassandbehaveyourself，\"beggedAmy，asshedepartedearly，hopingtofindareinforcementofflowerstorefreshherpoorlittletable。
\"ImerelyintendtomakemyselfentrancinglyagreeabletoeveroneIknow，andtokeeptheminyourcorneraslongaspossible。Teddyandhisboyswilllendahand，andwe’llhaveagoodtimeyet。\"returnedJo，leaningoverthegatetowatchforLaurie。Presentlythefamiliartrampwasheardinthedusk，andsheranouttomeethim。
\"Isthatmyboy？\"
\"Assureasthisismygirl！\"AndLaurietuckedherhandunderhisarmwiththeairofamanwhoseeverywishwasgratified。
\"Oh，teddy，suchdoings！\"AndJotoldAmy’swrongswithsisterlyzeal。
\"Aflockofourfellowsaregoingtodriveoverby—and—by，andI’llbehangedifIdon’tmakethembuyeveryflowershe’sgot，andcampdownbeforehertableafterward，\"saidLaurie，espousinghercausewithwarmth。
\"Theflowersarenotatallnice，Amysays，andthefreshonesmaynotarriveintime。Idon’twishtobeunjustorsuspicious，butIshouldn’twonderiftheynevercameatall。Whenpeopledoonemeanthingtheyareverylikelytodoanother，\"observedJoinadisgustedtone。
\"Didn’tHayesgiveyouthebestoutofourgardens？Itoldhimto。\"
\"Ididn’tknowthat，heforgot，Isuppose，and，asyourgrandpawaspoorly，Ididn’tliketoworryhimbyasking，thoughIdidwantsome。\"
\"Now，Jo，howcouldyouthinktherewasanyneedofasking？Theyarejustasmuchyoursasmine。Don’twealwaysgohalvesineverything？\"beganLaurie，inthetonethatalwaysmadeJoturnthorny。
\"Gracious，Ihopenot！Halfofsomeofyourthingswouldn’tsuitmeatall。Butwemustn’tstandphilanderinghere。I’vegottohelpAmy，soyougoandmakeyourselfsplendid，andifyou’llbesoverykindastoletHayestakeafewniceflowersuptotheHall，I’llblessyouforever。\"
\"Couldn’tyoudoitnow？\"askedLaurie，sosuggestivelythatJoshutthegateinhisfacewithinhospitablehaste，andcalledthroughthebars，\"Goaway，Teddy，I’mbusy。\"
Thankstotheconspirators，thetableswereturnedthatnight，forHayessentupawildernessofflowers，withaloverlybasketarrangedinhisbestmannerforacenterpiece。ThentheMarchfamilyturnedoutenmasse，andJoexertedherselftosomepurpose，forpeoplenotonlycame，butstayed，laughingathernonsense，admiringAmy’staste，andapparentlyenjoyingthemselvesverymuch。Laurieandhisfriendsgallantlythrewthemselvesintothebreach，boughtupthebouquets，encampedbeforethetable，andmadethatcornertheliveliestspotintheroom。Amywasinherelementnow，andoutofgratitude，ifnothingmore，wasasspritelyandgraciousaspossible，comingtotheconclusion，aboutthattime，thatvirtuewasit’sownreward，afterall。
Jobehavedherselfwithexemplarypropriety，andwhenAmywashappilysurroundedbyherguardofhonor，Jocirculatedaboutthehall，pickingupvariousbitsofgossip，whichenlightenedheruponthesubjectoftheChesterchangeofbase。ShereproachedherselfforhershareoftheillfeelingandresolvedtoexonerateAmyassoonaspossible。ShealsodiscoveredwhatAmyhaddoneaboutthethingsinthemorning，andconsideredheramodelofmagnanimity。Asshepassedthearttable，sheglancedoveritforhersister’sthings，butsawnosignofthem。\"Tuckedawayoutofsight，Idaresay，\"thoughtJo，whocouldforgiverherownwrongs，buthotlyresentedanyinsultofferedherfamily。
\"Goodevening，MissJo。HowdoesAmygeton？\"askedMaywithaconciliatoryair，forshewantedtoshowthatshealsocouldbegenerous。
\"Shehassoldeverythingshehadthatwasworthselling，andnowsheisenjoyingherself。Theflowertableisalwaysattractive，youknow，`especiallytogentlemen’。\"
Jocouldn’tresistgivingthatlittleslap，butMaytookitsomeeklysheregretteditaminuteafter，andfelltopraisingthegreatvases，whichstillremainedunsold。
\"IsAmy’silluminationanywhereabout\"ItookafancytobuythatforFather，\"saidJo，veryanxioustolearnthefateofhersister’swork。
\"EverythingofAmy’ssoldlongago。Itookcarethattherightpeoplesawthem，andtheymadeanicelittlesumofmoneyforus，\"returnedMay，whohadovercomesundrysmalltemptations，aswellasAmyhad，thatday。
Muchgratified，Jorushedbacktotellthegoodnews，andAmylookedbothtouchedandsurprisedbythereportofMay’swordandmanner。
\"Now，gentlemen，Iwantyoutogoanddoyourdutybytheothertablesasgenerouslyasyouhavebymine，especiallythearttable，\"shesaid，orderingout`Teddy’sown’，asthegirlscalledthecollegefriends。
\"`Charge，Chester，charge！’isthemottoforthattable，butdoyourdutylikemen，andyou’llgetyourmoney’sworthofartineverysenseoftheword，\"saidtheirrepressibleJo，asthedevotedphalanxpreparedtotakethefield。
\"Tohearistoobey，butMarchisfairerfarthanMay，\"saidlittleParker，makingafranticefforttobebothwittyandtender，andgettingpromptlyquenchedbyLaurie，whosaid……
\"Verywell，myson，forasmallboy！\"andwalkedhimoff，withapaternalpatonthehead。
\"Buythevases，\"whisperedAmytoLaurie，asafinalheapingofcoalsoffireonherenemy’shead。
ToMay’sgreatdelight，Mr。Laurencenotonlyboughtthevases，butpervadedthehallwithoneundereacharm。Theothergentlemenspeculatedwithequalrashnessinallsortsoffrailtrifles，andwanderedhelplesslyaboutafterward，burdenedwithwaxflowers，paintedfans，filigreeportfolios，andotherusefulandappropriatepurchases。
AuntCarrolwasthere，heardthestory，lookedpleased，andsaidsomethingtoMrs。Marchinacorner，whichmadethelatterladybeamwithsatisfaction，andwatchAmywithafacefullofmingledprideandanxiety，thoughshedidnotbetraythecauseofherpleasuretillseveraldayslater。
Thefairwaspronouncedasuccess，andwhenMaybadeAmygoodnight，shedidnotgushasusual，butgaveheranaffectionatekiss，andalookwhichsaid`forgiveandforget’。ThatsatisfiedAmy，andwhenshegothomeshefoundthevasesparadedontheparlorchimneypiecewithagreatbouquetineach。\"TherewardofmeritforamagnanimousMarch，\"asLaurieannouncedwithaflourish。
\"You’veadealmoreprincipleandgenerosityandnoblenessofcharacterthanIevergaveyoucreditfor，Amy。You’vebehavedsweetly，andIrespectyouwithallmyheart，\"saidJowarmly，astheybrushedtheirhairtogetherlatethatnight。
\"Yes，wealldo，andloveherforbeingsoreadytoforgive。Itmusthavebeendreadfullyhard，afterworkingsolongandsettingyourheartonsellingyourownprettythings。Idon’tbelieveIcouldhavedoneitaskindlyasyoudid，\"addedBethfromherpillow。
\"Why，girls，youneedn’tpraisemeso。IonlydidasI’dbedoneby。YoulaughatmewhenIsayIwanttobealady，butImeanatruegentlewomaninmindandmanners，andItrytodoitasfarasIknowhow。Ican’texplainexactly，butIwanttobeabovethelittlemeannessesandfolliesandfaultsthatspoilsomanywomen。I’mfarfromitnow，butIdomybest，andhopeintimetobewhatMotheris。\"
Amyspokeearnestly，andJosaid，withacordialhug，\"Iunderstandnowwhatyoumean，andI’llneverlaughatyouagain。Youaregettingonfasterthanyouthink，andI’lltakelessonsofyouintruepoliteness，foryou’velearnedthesecret，Ibelieve。Tryaway，deary，you’llgetyourrewardsomeday，andnoonewillbemoredelightedthanIshall。\"
AweeklaterAmydidgetherreward，andpoorJofoundithardtobedelighted。AlettercamefromAuntCarrol，andMrs。March’sfacewasilluminatedtosuchadegreewhenshereaditthatJoandBeth，whowerewithher，demandedwhatthegladtidingwere。
\"AuntCarrolisgoingabroadnextmonth，andwants……\"
\"Metogowithher！\"burstinJo，flyingoutofherchairinanuncontrollablerapture。
\"No，dear，notyou。It’sAmy。\"
\"Oh，Mother！She’stooyoung，it’smyturnfirst。I’vewanteditsolong。Itwoulddomesomuchgood，andbesoaltogethersplendid。Imustgo！\"
\"I’mafraidit’simpossible，Jo。AuntsaysAmy，decidedly，anditisnotforustodictatewhensheofferssuchafavor。\"
\"It’salwaysso。AmyhasallthefunandIhaveallthework。Itisn’tfair，oh，itisn’tfair！\"criedJopassionately。
\"I’mafraidit’spartlyyourownfault，dear。WhenAuntspoketometheotherday，sheregrettedyourbluntmannersandtooindependentspirit，andhereshewrites，asifquotingsomethingyouhadsaid——`IplannedatfirsttoaskJo，butas`favorsburdenher’，andshe`hatesFrench’，IthinkIwon’tventuretoinviteher。Amyismoredocile，willmakeagoodcompanionforFlo，andreceivegratefullyanyhelpthetripmaygiveher。\"
\"Oh，mytongue，myabominabletongue！Whycan’tIlearntokeepitquiet？’groanedJo，rememberingwordswhichhadbeenherundoing。Whenshehadheardtheexplanationofthequotedphrases，Mrs。Marchsaidsorrowfully……
\"Iwishyoucouldhavegone，butthereisnohopeofitthistime，sotrytobearitcheerfully，anddon’tsaddenAmy’spleasurebyreproachesorregrets。\"
\"I’lltry，\"saidJo，winkinghardasshekneltdowntopickupthebasketshehadjoyfullyupset。\"I’lltakealeafoutofherbook，andtrynotonlytoseemglad，buttobeso，andnotgrudgeheroneminuteofhappiness。Butitwon’tbeeasy，foritisadreadfuldisappointment。\"AndpoorJobedewedthelittlefatpincushionsheheldwithseveralverybittertears。\"Jo，dear，I’mveryselfish，butIcouldn’tspareyou，andI’mgladyouarenotgoingquiteyet，\"whisperedBeth，embracingher，basketandall，withsuchaclingingtouchandlovingfacethatJofeltcomfortedinspiteofthesharpregretthatmadeherwanttoboxherownears，andhumblybegAuntCarroltoburdenherwiththisfavor，andseehowgratefullyshewouldbearit。
BythetimeAmycamein，Jowasabletotakeherpartinthefamilyjubilation，notquiteasheartilyasusual，perhaps，butwithoutrepiningsatAmy’sgoodfortune。Theyoungladyherselfreceivedthenewsastidingsofgreatjoy，wentaboutinasolemnsortofrapture，andbegantosorthercolorsandpackherpencilsthatevening，leavingsuchtriflesasclothes，money，andpassportstothoselessabsorbedinvisionsofartthanherself。
\"Itisn’tamerepleasuretriptome，girls，\"shesaidimpressively，asshescrapedherbestpalette。\"Itwilldecidemycareer，forifIhaveanygenius，IshallfinditoutinRome，andwilldosomethingtoproveit。\"
\"Supposeyouhaven’t？\"saidJo，sewingaway，withredeyes，atthenewcollarswhichweretobehandedovertoAmy。
\"ThenIshallcomehomeandteachdrawingformyliving，\"repliedtheaspirantforfame，withphilosophiccomposure。Butshemadeawryfaceattheprospect，andscratchedawayatherpaletteasifbentonvigorousmeasuresbeforeshegaveupherhopes。
\"No，youwon’t。Youhatehardwork，andyou’llmarrysomerichman，andcomehometositinthelapofluxuryallyourdays，\"saidJo。
\"Yourpredictionssometimescometopass，butIdon’tbelievethatonewill。I’msureIwishitwould，forifIcan’tbeanartistmyself，Ishouldliketobeabletohelpthosewhoare，\"saidAmy，smiling，asifthepartofLadyBountifulwouldsuitherbetterthanthatofapoordrawingteacher。
\"Hum！\"saidJo，withasigh。\"Ifyouwishityou’llhaveit，foryourwishesarealwaysgranted——minenever。\"
\"Wouldyouliketogo？\"askedAmy，thoughtfullypattinghernosewithherknife。
\"Rather！\"
\"Well，inayearortwoI’llsendforyou，andwe’lldigintheForumforrelics，andcarryoutalltheplanswe’vemadesomanytimes。\"
\"Thankyou。I’llremindyouofyourpromisewhenthatjoyfuldaycomes，ifiteverdoes，\"returnedJo，acceptingthevaguebutmagnificentofferasgratefullyasshecould。\"Therewasnotmuchtimeforpreparation，andthehousewasinafermenttillAmywasoff。Joboreupverywelltillthelastflutterofblueribbonvanished，whensheretiredtoherrefuge，thegarret，andcriedtillshecouldn’tcryanymore。Amylikewiseboreupstoutlytillthesteamersailed。Thenjustasthegangwaywasabouttobewithdrawn，itsuddenlycameoverherthatawholeoceanwassoontorollbetweenherandthosewholovedherbest，andsheclungtoLaurie，thelastlingerer，sayingwithasob……
\"Oh，takecareofthemforme，andifanythingshouldhappen……\"
\"Iwill，dear，Iwill，andifanythinghappens，I’llcomeandcomfortyou，\"whisperedLaurie，littledreamingthathewouldbecalledupontokeephisword。
SoAmysailedawaytofindtheOldWorld，whichisalwaysnewandbeautifultoyoungeyes，whileherfatherandfriendwatchedherfromtheshore，ferventlyhopingthatnonebutgentlefortuneswouldbefallthehappy—heartedgirl，whowavedherhandtothemtilltheycouldseenothingbutthesummersunshinedazzlingonthesea。
GoodWives:Chapter8CHAPTER8OurForeignCorrespondentLondonDearestPeople，HereIreallysitatafrontwindowoftheBathHotel，Piccadilly。It’snotafashionableplace，butUnclestoppedhereyearsago，andwon’tgoanywhereelse。However，wedon’tmeantostaylong，soit’snogreatmatter。Oh，Ican’tbegintotellyouhowIenjoyitall！Inevercan，soI’llonlygiveyoubitsoutofmynotebook，forI’vedonenothingbutsketchandscribblesinceIstarted。
IsentalinefromHalifax，whenIfeltprettymiserable，butafterthatIgotondelightfully，seldomill，ondeckallday，withplentyofpleasantpeopletoamuseme。Everyonewasverykindtome，especiallytheofficers。Don’tlaugh，Jo，gentlemenreallyareverynecessaryaboardship，toholdonto，ortowaituponone，andastheyhavenothingtodo，it’samercytomakethemuseful，otherwisetheywouldsmokethemselvestodeath，I’mafraid。
AuntandFlowerepoorlyalltheway，andlikedtobeletalone，sowhenIhaddonewhatIcouldforthem，Iwentandenjoyedmyself。Suchwalksondeck，suchsunsets，suchsplendidairandwaves！Itwasalmostasexcitingasridingafasthorse，whenwewentrushingonsograndly。IwishBethcouldhavecome，itwouldhavedonehersomuchgood。AsforJo，shewouldhavegoneupandsatonthemaintopjib，orwhateverthehighthingiscalled，madefriendswiththeengineers，andtootedonthecaptain’sspeakingtrumpet，she’dhavebeeninsuchastateofrapture。
Itwasallheavenly，butIwasgladtoseetheIrishcoast，andfounditverylovely，sogreenandsunny，withbrowncabinshereandthere，ruinsonsomeofthehills，andgentlemen’scountryseatsinthevalleys，withdeerfeedingintheparks。Itwasearlyinthemorning，butIdidn’tregretgettinguptoseeit，forthebaywasfulloflittleboats，theshoresopicturesque，andarosyskyoverhead。Inevershallforgetit。