No , do n't lounge , it makes me nervous . '' Laurie sat bold upright , and meekly took her empty plate feeling an odd sort of pleasure in having ` little Amy ' order him about , for she had lost her shyness now , and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him , as girls have a delightful way of doing when lords of creation show any signs of subjection . `` Where did you learn all this sort of thing ? '' he asked with a quizzical look . `` As ` this sort of thing ' is rather a vague expression , would you kindly explain ? '' returned Amy , knowing perfectly well what he meant , but wickedly leaving him to describe what is indescribable . `` Well -- the general air , the style , the self-possession , the -- the -- illusion -- you know '' , laughed Laurie , breaking down and helping himself out of his quandary with the new word . Amy was gratified , but of course did n't show it , and demurely answered , `` Foreign life polishes one in spite of one 's self . I study as well as play , and as for this '' -- with a little gesture toward her dress -- `` why , tulle is cheap , posies to be had for nothing , and I am used to making the most of my poor little things . '' Amy rather regretted that last sentence , fearing it was n't in good taste , but Laurie liked her better for it , and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity , and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers . Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly , nor why he filled up her book with his own name , and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening in the most delightful manner ; but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving . CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT ON THE SHELF In France the young girls have a dull time of it till they are married , when ` Vive la liberte ! ' becomes their motto . In America , as everyone knows , girls early sign the declaration of independence , and enjoy their freedom with republican zest , but the young matrons usually abdicate with the first heir to the throne and go into a seclusion almost as close as a French nunnery , though by no means as quiet . Whether they like it or not , they are virtually put upon the shelf as soon as the wedding excitement is over , and most of them might exclaim , as did a very pretty woman the other day , `` I 'm as handsome as ever , but no one takes any notice of me because I 'm married . '' Not being a belle or even a fashionable lady , Meg did not experience this affliction till her babies were a year old , for in her little world primitive customs prevailed , and she found herself more admired and beloved than ever . As she was a womanly little woman , the maternal instinct was very strong , and she was entirely absorbed in her children , to the utter exclusion of everything and everybody else . Day and night she brooded over them with tireless devotion and anxiety , leaving John to the tender mercies of the help , for an Irish lady now presided over the kitchen department . Being a domestic man , John decidedly missed the wifely attentions he had been accustomed to receive , but as he adored his babies , he cheerfully relinquished his comfort for a time , supposing with masculine ignorance that peace would soon be restored . But three months passed , and there was no return of repose .
XXXXX looked worn and nervous , the babies absorbed every minute of her time , the house was neglected , and Kitty , the cook , who took life ` aisy ' , kept him on short commons .
Irish John Laurie Meg first night posies shyness subjection year