`` Mother does n't approve of flirting even in fun , and you do flirt desperately , Teddy . '' `` I 'd give anything if I could answer , ` So do you ' . As I ca n't , I 'll merely say that I do n't see any harm in that pleasant little game , if all parties understand that it 's only play . '' `` Well , it does look pleasant , but I ca n't learn how it 's done . I 've tried , because one feels awkward in company not to do as everybody else is doing , but I do n't seem to get on '' , said Jo , forgetting to play mentor . `` Take lessons of Amy , she has a regular talent for it . '' `` Yes , she does it very prettily , and never seems to go too far . I suppose it 's natural to some people to please without trying , and others to always say and do the wrong thing in the wrong place . '' `` I 'm glad you ca n't flirt . It 's really refreshing to see a sensible , straightforward girl , who can be jolly and kind without making a fool of herself . Between ourselves , Jo , some of the girls I know really do go on at such a rate I 'm ashamed of them . They do n't mean any harm , I 'm sure , but if they knew how we fellows talked about them afterward , they 'd mend their ways , I fancy . '' `` They do the same , and as their tongues are the sharpest , you fellows get the worst of it , for you are as silly as they , every bit . If you behaved properly , they would , but knowing you like their nonsense , they keep it up , and then you blame them . '' `` Much you know about it , ma'am , '' said Laurie in a superior tone . `` We do n't like romps and flirts , though we may act as if we did sometimes . The pretty , modest girls are never talked about , except respectfully , among gentleman . Bless your innocent soul ! If you could be in my place for a month you 'd see things that would astonish you a trifle . Upon my word , when I see one of those harum-scarum girls , I always want to say with our friend Cock Robin ... `` Out upon you , fie upon you , Bold-faced jig ! ''
It was impossible to help laughing at the funny conflict between XXXXX 's chivalrous reluctance to speak ill of womankind , and his very natural dislike of the unfeminine folly of which fashionable society showed him many samples .
Amy Jo Laurie Mother fie flirts month romps tone tongues