Yes , there was a sound of bells at the door below , a cry from Hannah , and then Laurie 's voice saying in a joyful whisper , `` Girls , she 's come ! She 's come ! '' CHAPTER NINETEEN AMY 'S WILL While these things were happening at home , Amy was having hard times at Aunt March 's . She felt her exile deeply , and for the first time in her life , realized how much she was beloved and petted at home . Aunt March never petted any one ; she did not approve of it , but she meant to be kind , for the well-behaved little girl pleased her very much , and Aunt March had a soft place in her old heart for her nephew 's children , though she did n't think it proper to confess it . She really did her best to make Amy happy , but , dear me , what mistakes she made . Some old people keep young at heart in spite of wrinkles and gray hairs , can sympathize with children 's little cares and joys , make them feel at home , and can hide wise lessons under pleasant plays , giving and receiving friendship in the sweetest way . But Aunt March had not this gift , and she worried Amy very much with her rules and orders , her prim ways , and long , prosy talks . Finding the child more docile and amiable than her sister , the old lady felt it her duty to try and counteract , as far as possible , the bad effects of home freedom and indulgence . So she took Amy by the hand , and taught her as she herself had been taught sixty years ago , a process which carried dismay to Amy 's soul , and made her feel like a fly in the web of a very strict spider . She had to wash the cups every morning , and polish up the old-fashioned spoons , the fat silver teapot , and the glasses till they shone . Then she must dust the room , and what a trying job that was . Not a speck escaped Aunt March 's eye , and all the furniture had claw legs and much carving , which was never dusted to suit . Then Polly had to be fed , the lap dog combed , and a dozen trips upstairs and down to get things or deliver orders , for the old lady was very lame and seldom left her big chair . After these tiresome labors , she must do her lessons , which was a daily trial of every virtue she possessed . Then she was allowed one hour for exercise or play , and did n't she enjoy it ? Laurie came every day , and wheedled Aunt March till Amy was allowed to go out with him , when they walked and rode and had capital times . After dinner , she had to read aloud , and sit still while the old lady slept , which she usually did for an hour , as she dropped off over the first page . Then patchwork or towels appeared , and Amy sewed with outward meekness and inward rebellion till dusk , when she was allowed to amuse herself as she liked till teatime . The evenings were the worst of all , for Aunt March fell to telling long stories about her youth , which were so unutterably dull that Amy was always ready to go to bed , intending to cry over her hard fate , but usually going to sleep before she had squeezed out more than a tear or two .
If it had not been for XXXXX , and old Esther , the maid , she felt that she never could have got through that dreadful time .
Amy Laurie first hour left meekness morning spoons teapot teatime