Quite right and proper , as the world goes , but it sounds odd from the lips of one of your mother 's girls . '' `` True , nevertheless . '' A short speech , but the quiet decision with which it was uttered contrasted curiously with the young speaker . Laurie felt this instinctively and laid himself down again , with a sense of disappointment which he could not explain . His look and silence , as well as a certain inward self-disapproval , ruffled Amy , and made her resolve to deliver her lecture without delay . `` I wish you 'd do me the favor to rouse yourself a little , '' she said sharply . `` Do it for me , there 's a dear girl . '' `` I could , if I tried . '' and she looked as if she would like doing it in the most summary style . `` Try , then . I give you leave , '' returned Laurie , who enjoyed having someone to tease , after his long abstinence from his favorite pastime . `` You 'd be angry in five minutes . '' `` I 'm never angry with you . It takes two flints to make a fire . You are as cool and soft as snow . '' `` You do n't know what I can do . Snow produces a glow and a tingle , if applied rightly . Your indifference is half affectation , and a good stirring up would prove it . '' `` Stir away , it wo n't hurt me and it may amuse you , as the big man said when his little wife beat him . Regard me in the light of a husband or a carpet , and beat till you are tired , if that sort of exercise agrees with you . ''
Being decidedly nettled herself , and longing to see him shake off the apathy that so altered him , XXXXX sharpened both tongue and pencil , and began .
Amy Laurie affectation favor fire flints girl minutes right tingle