`` Why do you always avoid Mr. Tudor ? '' asked Amy , wisely refraining from any comment upon Jo 's dilapidated appearance . `` Do n't like him , he puts on airs , snubs his sisters , worries his father , and does n't speak respectfully of his mother . Laurie says he is fast , and I do n't consider him a desirable acquaintance , so I let him alone . '' `` You might treat him civilly , at least . You gave him a cool nod , and just now you bowed and smiled in the politest way to Tommy Chamberlain , whose father keeps a grocery store . If you had just reversed the nod and the bow , it would have been right , '' said Amy reprovingly . `` No , it would n't , '' returned Jo , `` I neither like , respect , nor admire Tudor , though his grandfather 's uncle 's nephew 's niece was a third cousin to a lord . Tommy is poor and bashful and good and very clever . I think well of him , and like to show that I do , for he is a gentleman in spite of the brown paper parcels . '' `` It 's no use trying to argue with you , '' began Amy . `` Not the least , my dear , '' interrupted Jo , `` so let us look amiable , and drop a card here , as the Kings are evidently out , for which I 'm deeply grateful . '' The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on , and Jo uttered another thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house , and being told that the young ladies were engaged . `` Now let us go home , and never mind Aunt March today . We can run down there any time , and it 's really a pity to trail through the dust in our best bibs and tuckers , when we are tired and cross . '' `` Speak for yourself , if you please . Aunt March likes to have us pay her the compliment of coming in style , and making a formal call . It 's a little thing to do , but it gives her pleasure , and I do n't believe it will hurt your things half so much as letting dirty dogs and clumping boys spoil them . Stoop down , and let me take the crumbs off of your bonnet . '' `` What a good girl you are , Amy ! ''
said XXXXX , with a repentant glance from her own damaged costume to that of her sister , which was fresh and spotless still .
Jo Laurie Tommy Tudor bibs cardcase crumbs fifth right tuckers