`` It 's a greater not to be able to hide them . I do n't mind saying that I do n't approve of Tudor any more than you do , but I 'm not called upon to tell him so . Neither are you , and there is no use in making yourself disagreeable because he is . '' `` But I think girls ought to show when they disapprove of young men , and how can they do it except by their manners ? Preaching does not do any good , as I know to my sorrow , since I 've had Teddie to manage . But there are many little ways in which I can influence him without a word , and I say we ought to do it to others if we can . '' `` Teddy is a remarkable boy , and ca n't be taken as a sample of other boys , '' said Amy , in a tone of solemn conviction , which would have convulsed the ` remarkable boy ' if he had heard it . `` If we were belles , or women of wealth and position , we might do something , perhaps , but for us to frown at one set of young gentlemen because we do n't approve of them , and smile upon another set because we do , would n't have a particle of effect , and we should only be considered odd and puritanical . '' `` So we are to countenance things and people which we detest , merely because we are not belles and millionaires , are we ? That 's a nice sort of morality . '' `` I ca n't argue about it , I only know that it 's the way of the world , and people who set themselves against it only get laughed at for their pains . I do n't like reformers , and I hope you never try to be one . '' `` I do like them , and I shall be one if I can , for in spite of the laughing the world would never get on without them . We ca n't agree about that , for you belong to the old set , and I to the new . You will get on the best , but I shall have the liveliest time of it . I should rather enjoy the brickbats and hooting , I think . '' `` Well , compose yourself now , and do n't worry Aunt with your new ideas . '' `` I 'll try not to , but I 'm always possessed to burst out with some particularly blunt speech or revolutionary sentiment before her . It 's my doom , and I ca n't help it . '' They found Aunt Carrol with the old lady , both absorbed in some very interesting subject , but they dropped it as the girls came in , with a conscious look which betrayed that they had been talking about their nieces .
Jo was not in a good humor , and the perverse fit returned , but XXXXX , who had virtuously done her duty , kept her temper and pleased everybody , was in a most angelic frame of mind .
Amy Carrol Teddie Teddy Tudor brickbats revolutionary sample tone use