It 's been such a dismal day I 'm really dying for some amusement , '' said Meg , as they sat sewing together that evening . `` I had a queer time with Aunt today , and , as I got the best of it , I 'll tell you about it , '' began Jo , who dearly loved to tell stories . `` I was reading that everlasting Belsham , and droning away as I always do , for Aunt soon drops off , and then I take out some nice book , and read like fury till she wakes up . I actually made myself sleepy , and before she began to nod , I gave such a gape that she asked me what I meant by opening my mouth wide enough to take the whole book in at once . '' `` I wish I could , and be done with it , '' said I , trying not to be saucy . `` Then she gave me a long lecture on my sins , and told me to sit and think them over while she just ` lost ' herself for a moment . She never finds herself very soon , so the minute her cap began to bob like a top-heavy dahlia , I whipped the Vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket , and read away , with one eye on him and one on Aunt . I 'd just got to where they all tumbled into the water when I forgot and laughed out loud . Aunt woke up and , being more good-natured after her nap , told me to read a bit and show what frivolous work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belsham . I did my very best , and she liked it , though she only said ... '' ' I do n't understand what it 's all about . Go back and begin it , child . ' '' `` Back I went , and made the Primroses as interesting as ever I could . Once I was wicked enough to stop in a thrilling place , and say meekly , ` I 'm afraid it tires you , ma'am . Sha n't I stop now ? ' '' `` She caught up her knitting , which had dropped out of her hands , gave me a sharp look through her specs , and said , in her short way , ` Finish the chapter , and do n't be impertinent , miss ' . '' `` Did she own she liked it ? '' asked Meg . `` Oh , bless you , no ! But she let old Belsham rest , and when I ran back after my gloves this afternoon , there she was , so hard at the Vicar that she did n't hear me laugh as I danced a jig in the hall because of the good time coming . What a pleasant life she might have if only she chose !
I do n't envy her much , in spite of her money , for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones , I think , '' added XXXXX .
Aunt Belsham Jo Meg Primroses Wakefield day evening gape specs