She was still redder and more uncomfortable a moment after , when a sudden turn in the conversation introduced the subject of dress . One of the young ladies asked Jo where she got the pretty drab hat she wore to the picnic and stupid Jo , instead of mentioning the place where it was bought two years ago , must needs answer with unnecessary frankness , `` Oh , Amy painted it . You ca n't buy those soft shades , so we paint ours any color we like . It 's a great comfort to have an artistic sister . '' `` Is n't that an original idea ? '' cried Miss Lamb , who found Jo great fun . `` That 's nothing compared to some of her brilliant performances . There 's nothing the child ca n't do . Why , she wanted a pair of blue boots for Sallie 's party , so she just painted her soiled white ones the loveliest shade of sky blue you ever saw , and they looked exactly like satin , '' added Jo , with an air of pride in her sister 's accomplishments that exasperated Amy till she felt that it would be a relief to throw her cardcase at her . `` We read a story of yours the other day , and enjoyed it very much , '' observed the elder Miss Lamb , wishing to compliment the literary lady , who did not look the character just then , it must be confessed . Any mention of her ` works ' always had a bad effect upon Jo , who either grew rigid and looked offended , or changed the subject with a brusque remark , as now . `` Sorry you could find nothing better to read . I write that rubbish because it sells , and ordinary people like it . Are you going to New York this winter ? '' As Miss Lamb had ` enjoyed ' the story , this speech was not exactly grateful or complimentary . The minute it was made Jo saw her mistake , but fearing to make the matter worse , suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first move toward departure , and did so with an abruptness that left three people with half-finished sentences in their mouths . `` Amy , we must go . Good-by , dear , do come and see us . We are pining for a visit . I do n't dare to ask you , Mr. Lamb , but if you should come , I do n't think I shall have the heart to send you away . ''
Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester 's gushing style that XXXXX got out of the room as rapidly as possible , feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time .
Amy Jo Lamb Sallie York boots cardcase first idea left