`` It 's always so . Amy has all the fun and I have all the work . It is n't fair , oh , it is n't fair ! '' cried Jo passionately . `` I 'm afraid it 's partly your own fault , dear . When Aunt spoke to me the other day , she regretted your blunt manners and too independent spirit , and here she writes , as if quoting something you had said -- ' I planned at first to ask Jo , but as ` favors burden her ' , and she ` hates French ' , I think I wo n't venture to invite her . Amy is more docile , will make a good companion for Flo , and receive gratefully any help the trip may give her . '' `` Oh , my tongue , my abominable tongue ! Why ca n't I learn to keep it quiet ? '' groaned Jo , remembering words which had been her undoing . When she had heard the explanation of the quoted phrases , Mrs. March said sorrowfully ... `` I wish you could have gone , but there is no hope of it this time , so try to bear it cheerfully , and do n't sadden Amy 's pleasure by reproaches or regrets . '' `` I 'll try , '' said Jo , winking hard as she knelt down to pick up the basket she had joyfully upset . `` I 'll take a leaf out of her book , and try not only to seem glad , but to be so , and not grudge her one minute of happiness . But it wo n't be easy , for it is a dreadful disappointment , '' and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she held with several very bitter tears . `` Jo , dear , I 'm very selfish , but I could n't spare you , and I 'm glad you are not going quite yet , '' whispered Beth , embracing her , basket and all , with such a clinging touch and loving face that Jo felt comforted in spite of the sharp regret that made her want to box her own ears , and humbly beg Aunt Carrol to burden her with this favor , and see how gratefully she would bear it . By the time Amy came in , Jo was able to take her part in the family jubilation , not quite as heartily as usual , perhaps , but without repinings at Amy 's good fortune . The young lady herself received the news as tidings of great joy , went about in a solemn sort of rapture , and began to sort her colors and pack her pencils that evening , leaving such trifles as clothes , money , and passports to those less absorbed in visions of art than herself . `` It is n't a mere pleasure trip to me , girls , '' she said impressively , as she scraped her best palette . `` It will decide my career , for if I have any genius , I shall find it out in Rome , and will do something to prove it . '' `` Suppose you have n't ? ''
said Jo , sewing away , with red eyes , at the new collars which were to be handed over to XXXXX .
Amy Beth Flo Jo Rome evening independent minute passports pincushion