At any rate , you are none the better for it , as far as I can see . I said when we first met that you had improved . Now I take it all back , for I do n't think you half so nice as when I left you at home . You have grown abominably lazy , you like gossip , and waste time on frivolous things , you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people , instead of being loved and respected by wise ones . With money , talent , position , health , and beauty , ah you like that old Vanity ! But it 's the truth , so I ca n't help saying it , with all these splendid things to use and enjoy , you can find nothing to do but dawdle , and instead of being the man you ought to be , you are only ... '' there she stopped , with a look that had both pain and pity in it . `` Saint Laurence on a gridiron , '' added Laurie , blandly finishing the sentence . But the lecture began to take effect , for there was a wide-awake sparkle in his eyes now and a half-angry , half-injured expression replaced the former indifference . `` I supposed you 'd take it so . You men tell us we are angels , and say we can make you what we will , but the instant we honestly try to do you good , you laugh at us and wo n't listen , which proves how much your flattery is worth . '' Amy spoke bitterly , and turned her back on the exasperating martyr at her feet . In a minute a hand came down over the page , so that she could not draw , and Laurie 's voice said , with a droll imitation of a penitent child , `` I will be good , oh , I will be good ! '' But Amy did not laugh , for she was in earnest , and tapping on the outspread hand with her pencil , said soberly , `` Are n't you ashamed of a hand like that ? It 's as soft and white as a woman 's , and looks as if it never did anything but wear Jouvin 's best gloves and pick flowers for ladies . You are not a dandy , thank Heaven , so I 'm glad to see there are no diamonds or big seal rings on it , only the little old one Jo gave you so long ago . Dear soul , I wish she was here to help me ! '' `` So do I ! '' The hand vanished as suddenly as it came , and there was energy enough in the echo of her wish to suit even Amy . She glanced down at him with a new thought in her mind , but he was lying with his hat half over his face , as if for shade , and his mustache hid his mouth . She only saw his chest rise and fall , with a long breath that might have been a sigh , and the hand that wore the ring nestled down into the grass , as if to hide something too precious or too tender to be spoken of .
All in a minute various hints and trifles assumed shape and significance in XXXXX 's mind , and told her what her sister never had confided to her .
Amy Jo Jouvin Laurence Laurie first gridiron half-angry left minute