She did n't care to be a queen of society now half so much as she did to be a lovable woman . She was so glad he did n't hate her for the dreadful things she said , but took them so beautifully and was kinder than ever . His letters were such a comfort , for the home letters were very irregular and not half so satisfactory as his when they did come . It was not only a pleasure , but a duty to answer them , for the poor fellow was forlorn , and needed petting , since Jo persisted in being stonyhearted . She ought to have made an effort and tried to love him . It could n't be very hard , many people would be proud and glad to have such a dear boy care for them . But Jo never would act like other girls , so there was nothing to do but be very kind and treat him like a brother . If all brothers were treated as well as Laurie was at this period , they would be a much happier race of beings than they are . Amy never lectured now . She asked his opinion on all subjects , she was interested in everything he did , made charming little presents for him , and sent him two letters a week , full of lively gossip , sisterly confidences , and captivating sketches of the lovely scenes about her . As few brothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sister 's pockets , read and reread diligently , cried over when short , kissed when long , and treasured carefully , we will not hint that Amy did any of these fond and foolish things . But she certainly did grow a little pale and pensive that spring , lost much of her relish for society , and went out sketching alone a good deal . She never had much to show when she came home , but was studying nature , I dare say , while she sat for hours , with her hands folded , on the terrace at Valrosa , or absently sketched any fancy that occurred to her , a stalwart knight carved on a tomb , a young man asleep in the grass , with his hat over his eyes , or a curly haired girl in gorgeous array , promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman , both faces being left a blur according to the last fashion in art , which was safe but not altogether satisfactory . Her aunt thought that she regretted her answer to Fred , and finding denials useless and explanations impossible , Amy left her to think what she liked , taking care that Laurie should know that Fred had gone to Egypt . That was all , but he understood it , and looked relieved , as he said to himself , with a venerable air ... `` I was sure she would think better of it . Poor old fellow ! I 've been through it all , and I can sympathize . '' With that he heaved a great sigh , and then , as if he had discharged his duty to the past , put his feet up on the sofa and enjoyed Amy 's letter luxuriously . While these changes were going on abroad , trouble had come at home . But the letter telling that Beth was failing never reached Amy , and when the next found her at Vevay , for the heat had driven them from Nice in May , and they had travelled slowly to Switzerland , by way of Genoa and the Italian lakes .
She bore it very well , and quietly submitted to the family decree that she should not shorten her visit , for since it was too late to say goodbye to XXXXX , she had better stay , and let absence soften her sorrow .
Amy Beth Egypt Fred Italian Laurie Switzerland Vevay hours week