`` We read a story of yours the other day , and enjoyed it very much , '' observed the elder Miss Lamb , wishing to compliment the literary lady , who did not look the character just then , it must be confessed . Any mention of her ` works ' always had a bad effect upon Jo , who either grew rigid and looked offended , or changed the subject with a brusque remark , as now . `` Sorry you could find nothing better to read . I write that rubbish because it sells , and ordinary people like it . Are you going to New York this winter ? '' As Miss Lamb had ` enjoyed ' the story , this speech was not exactly grateful or complimentary . The minute it was made Jo saw her mistake , but fearing to make the matter worse , suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first move toward departure , and did so with an abruptness that left three people with half-finished sentences in their mouths . `` Amy , we must go . Good-by , dear , do come and see us . We are pining for a visit . I do n't dare to ask you , Mr. Lamb , but if you should come , I do n't think I shall have the heart to send you away . '' Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester 's gushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly as possible , feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time . `` Did n't I do well ? '' asked Jo , with a satisfied air as they walked away . `` Nothing could have been worse , '' was Amy 's crushing reply . `` What possessed you to tell those stories about my saddle , and the hats and boots , and all the rest of it ? '' `` Why , it 's funny , and amuses people . They know we are poor , so it 's no use pretending that we have grooms , buy three or four hats a season , and have things as easy and fine as they do . '' `` You need n't go and tell them all our little shifts , and expose our poverty in that perfectly unnecessary way . You have n't a bit of proper pride , and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak , '' said Amy despairingly .
Poor XXXXX looked abashed , and silently chafed the end of her nose with the stiff handkerchief , as if performing a penance for her misdemeanors .
Amy Chester Jo Lamb York boots first left people things