She called me to her and kissed me , and put it on my finger , and said I was a credit to her , and she 'd like to keep me always . She gave that funny guard to keep the turquoise on , as it 's too big . I 'd like to wear them Mother , can I ? '' `` They are very pretty , but I think you 're rather too young for such ornaments , Amy , '' said Mrs. March , looking at the plump little hand , with the band of sky-blue stones on the forefinger , and the quaint guard formed of two tiny golden hands clasped together . `` I 'll try not to be vain , '' said Amy . `` I do n't think I like it only because it 's so pretty , but I want to wear it as the girl in the story wore her bracelet , to remind me of something . '' `` Do you mean Aunt March ? '' asked her mother , laughing . `` No , to remind me not to be selfish . '' Amy looked so earnest and sincere about it that her mother stopped laughing , and listened respectfully to the little plan . `` I 've thought a great deal lately about my ` bundle of naughties ' , and being selfish is the largest one in it , so I 'm going to try hard to cure it , if I can . Beth is n't selfish , and that 's the reason everyone loves her and feels so bad at the thoughts of losing her . People would n't feel so bad about me if I was sick , and I do n't deserve to have them , but I 'd like to be loved and missed by a great many friends , so I 'm going to try and be like Beth all I can . I 'm apt to forget my resolutions , but if I had something always about me to remind me , I guess I should do better . May we try this way ? '' `` Yes , but I have more faith in the corner of the big closet . Wear your ring , dear , and do your best . I think you will prosper , for the sincere wish to be good is half the battle . Now I must go back to Beth . Keep up your heart , little daughter , and we will soon have you home again . ''
That evening while Meg was writing to her father to report the traveler 's safe arrival , Jo slipped upstairs into XXXXX 's room , and finding her mother in her usual place , stood a minute twisting her fingers in her hair , with a worried gesture and an undecided look .
Amy Beth Mother deal guard heart home naughties one ornaments