`` No , '' said Jo , `` that dozy way would n't suit me . I 've laid in a heap of books , and I 'm going to improve my shining hours reading on my perch in the old apple tree , when I 'm not having l -- '' `` Do n't say ` larks ! ' '' implored Amy , as a return snub for the ` samphire ' correction . `` I 'll say ` nightingales ' then , with Laurie . That 's proper and appropriate , since he 's a warbler . '' `` Do n't let us do any lessons , Beth , for a while , but play all the time and rest , as the girls mean to , '' proposed Amy . `` Well , I will , if Mother does n't mind . I want to learn some new songs , and my children need fitting up for the summer . They are dreadfully out of order and really suffering for clothes . '' `` May we , Mother ? '' asked Meg , turning to Mrs. March , who sat sewing in what they called ` Marmee 's corner ' . `` You may try your experiment for a week and see how you like it . I think by Saturday night you will find that all play and no work is as bad as all work and no play . '' `` Oh , dear , no ! It will be delicious , I 'm sure , '' said Meg complacently . `` I now propose a toast , as my ` friend and pardner , Sairy Gamp ' , says . Fun forever , and no grubbing ! '' cried Jo , rising , glass in hand , as the lemonade went round . They all drank it merrily , and began the experiment by lounging for the rest of the day . Next morning , Meg did not appear till ten o'clock .
Her solitary breakfast did not taste good , and the room seemed lonely and untidy , for Jo had not filled the vases , Beth had not dusted , and XXXXX 's books lay scattered about .
Amy Gamp Jo Laurie Mother hours night pardner snub warbler