said Jo , with a sigh . `` If you wish it you 'll have it , for your wishes are always granted -- mine never . '' `` Would you like to go ? '' asked Amy , thoughtfully patting her nose with her knife . `` Rather ! '' `` Well , in a year or two I 'll send for you , and we 'll dig in the Forum for relics , and carry out all the plans we 've made so many times . '' `` Thank you . I 'll remind you of your promise when that joyful day comes , if it ever does , '' returned Jo , accepting the vague but magnificent offer as gratefully as she could . There was not much time for preparation , and the house was in a ferment till Amy was off . Jo bore up very well till the last flutter of blue ribbon vanished , when she retired to her refuge , the garret , and cried till she could n't cry any more . Amy likewise bore up stoutly till the steamer sailed . Then just as the gangway was about to be withdrawn , it suddenly came over her that a whole ocean was soon to roll between her and those who loved her best , and she clung to Laurie , the last lingerer , saying with a sob ... `` Oh , take care of them for me , and if anything should happen ... '' `` I will , dear , I will , and if anything happens , I 'll come and comfort you , '' whispered Laurie , little dreaming that he would be called upon to keep his word . So Amy sailed away to find the Old World , which is always new and beautiful to young eyes , while her father and friend watched her from the shore , fervently hoping that none but gentle fortunes would befall the happy-hearted girl , who waved her hand to them till they could see nothing but the summer sunshine dazzling on the sea . CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE OUR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT London Dearest People , Here I really sit at a front window of the Bath Hotel , Piccadilly . It 's not a fashionable place , but Uncle stopped here years ago , and wo n't go anywhere else . However , we do n't mean to stay long , so it 's no great matter . Oh , I ca n't begin to tell you how I enjoy it all ! I never can , so I 'll only give you bits out of my notebook , for I 've done nothing but sketch and scribble since I started . I sent a line from Halifax , when I felt pretty miserable , but after that I got on delightfully , seldom ill , on deck all day , with plenty of pleasant people to amuse me . Everyone was very kind to me , especially the officers .
Do n't laugh , XXXXX , gentlemen really are very necessary aboard ship , to hold on to , or to wait upon one , and as they have nothing to do , it 's a mercy to make them useful , otherwise they would smoke themselves to death , I 'm afraid .
Amy Halifax Jo Uncle day garret lingerer relics scribble year