By her next speech , Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure , and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue . `` I do n't like favors , they oppress and make me feel like a slave . I 'd rather do everything for myself , and be perfectly independent . '' `` Ahem ! '' coughed Aunt Carrol softly , with a look at Aunt March . `` I told you so , '' said Aunt March , with a decided nod to Aunt Carrol . Mercifully unconscious of what she had done , Jo sat with her nose in the air , and a revolutionary aspect which was anything but inviting . `` Do you speak French , dear ? '' asked Mrs. Carrol , laying a hand on Amy 's . `` Pretty well , thanks to Aunt March , who lets Esther talk to me as often as I like , '' replied Amy , with a grateful look , which caused the old lady to smile affably . `` How are you about languages ? '' asked Mrs. Carrol of Jo . `` Do n't know a word . I 'm very stupid about studying anything , ca n't bear French , it 's such a slippery , silly sort of language , '' was the brusque reply . Another look passed between the ladies , and Aunt March said to Amy , `` You are quite strong and well now , dear , I believe ? Eyes do n't trouble you any more , do they ? '' `` Not at all , thank you , ma'am . I 'm very well , and mean to do great things next winter , so that I may be ready for Rome , whenever that joyful time arrives . '' `` Good girl ! You deserve to go , and I 'm sure you will some day , '' said Aunt March , with an approving pat on the head , as Amy picked up her ball for her .
Crosspatch , draw the latch , Sit by the fire and spin , squalled Polly , bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into XXXXX 's face , with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing .
Amy Carrol Esther French Jo Rome day independent revolutionary years