She missed her mother 's help to understand and rule herself , but having been taught where to look , she did her best to find the way and walk in it confidingly . But , Amy was a young pilgrim , and just now her burden seemed very heavy . She tried to forget herself , to keep cheerful , and be satisfied with doing right , though no one saw or praised her for it . In her first effort at being very , very good , she decided to make her will , as Aunt March had done , so that if she did fall ill and die , her possessions might be justly and generously divided . It cost her a pang even to think of giving up the little treasures which in her eyes were as precious as the old lady 's jewels . During one of her play hours she wrote out the important document as well as she could , with some help from Esther as to certain legal terms , and when the good-natured Frenchwoman had signed her name , Amy felt relieved and laid it by to show Laurie , whom she wanted as a second witness . As it was a rainy day , she went upstairs to amuse herself in one of the large chambers , and took Polly with her for company . In this room there was a wardrobe full of old-fashioned costumes with which Esther allowed her to play , and it was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades , and parade up and down before the long mirror , making stately curtsies , and sweeping her train about with a rustle which delighted her ears . So busy was she on this day that she did not hear Laurie 's ring nor see his face peeping in at her as she gravely promenaded to and fro , flirting her fan and tossing her head , on which she wore a great pink turban , contrasting oddly with her blue brocade dress and yellow quilted petticoat . She was obliged to walk carefully , for she had on high-heeled shoes , and , as Laurie told Jo afterward , it was a comical sight to see her mince along in her gay suit , with Polly sidling and bridling just behind her , imitating her as well as he could , and occasionally stopping to laugh or exclaim , `` Ai n't we fine ? Get along , you fright ! Hold your tongue ! Kiss me , dear ! Ha ! Ha ! '' Having with difficulty restrained an explosion of merriment , lest it should offend her majesty , Laurie tapped and was graciously received . `` Sit down and rest while I put these things away , then I want to consult you about a very serious matter , '' said Amy , when she had shown her splendor and driven Polly into a corner . `` That bird is the trial of my life , '' she continued , removing the pink mountain from her head , while Laurie seated himself astride a chair . `` Yesterday , when Aunt was asleep and I was trying to be as still as a mouse , Polly began to squall and flap about in his cage , so I went to let him out , and found a big spider there . I poked it out , and it ran under the bookcase .
XXXXX marched straight after it , stooped down and peeped under the bookcase , saying , in his funny way , with a cock of his eye , ` Come out and take a walk , my dear . '
Amy Jo Laurie Polly brocades curtsies explosion fro hours right