`` No slang , '' snapped Jo , slamming down the pillow . But it was too late , there was no room for it , and coasting onto the floor , it disappeared in a most mysterious manner . `` Come , Jo , do n't be thorny . After studying himself to a skeleton all the week , a fellow deserves petting and ought to get it . '' `` Beth will pet you . I 'm busy . '' `` No , she 's not to be bothered with me , but you like that sort of thing , unless you 've suddenly lost your taste for it . Have you ? Do you hate your boy , and want to fire pillows at him ? '' Anything more wheedlesome than that touching appeal was seldom heard , but Jo quenched ` her boy ' by turning on him with a stern query , `` How many bouquets have you sent Miss Randal this week ? '' `` Not one , upon my word . She 's engaged . Now then . '' `` I 'm glad of it , that 's one of your foolish extravagances , sending flowers and things to girls for whom you do n't care two pins , '' continued Jo reprovingly . `` Sensible girls for whom I do care whole papers of pins wo n't let me send them ` flowers and things ' , so what can I do ? My feelings need a ` vent ' . '' `` Mother does n't approve of flirting even in fun , and you do flirt desperately , Teddy . '' `` I 'd give anything if I could answer , ` So do you ' . As I ca n't , I 'll merely say that I do n't see any harm in that pleasant little game , if all parties understand that it 's only play . '' `` Well , it does look pleasant , but I ca n't learn how it 's done .
I 've tried , because one feels awkward in company not to do as everybody else is doing , but I do n't seem to get on '' , said XXXXX , forgetting to play mentor .
Beth Jo Mother Randal bouquets extravagances fire harm parties skeleton