`` Do n't know a word . I 'm very stupid about studying anything , ca n't bear French , it 's such a slippery , silly sort of language , '' was the brusque reply . Another look passed between the ladies , and Aunt March said to Amy , `` You are quite strong and well now , dear , I believe ? Eyes do n't trouble you any more , do they ? '' `` Not at all , thank you , ma'am . I 'm very well , and mean to do great things next winter , so that I may be ready for Rome , whenever that joyful time arrives . '' `` Good girl ! You deserve to go , and I 'm sure you will some day , '' said Aunt March , with an approving pat on the head , as Amy picked up her ball for her . Crosspatch , draw the latch , Sit by the fire and spin , squalled Polly , bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into Jo 's face , with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing . `` Most observing bird , '' said the old lady . `` Come and take a walk , my dear ? '' cried Polly , hopping toward the china closet , with a look suggestive of a lump of sugar . `` Thank you , I will . Come Amy . '' and Jo brought the visit to an end , feeling more strongly than ever that calls did have a bad effect upon her constitution . She shook hands in a gentlemanly manner , but Amy kissed both the aunts , and the girls departed , leaving behind them the impression of shadow and sunshine , which impression caused Aunt March to say , as they vanished ... `` You 'd better do it , Mary . I 'll supply the money . '' and Aunt Carrol to reply decidedly , `` I certainly will , if her father and mother consent . '' CHAPTER THIRTY CONSEQUENCES Mrs. Chester 's fair was so very elegant and select that it was considered a great honor by the young ladies of the neighborhood to be invited to take a table , and everyone was much interested in the matter . Amy was asked , but Jo was not , which was fortunate for all parties , as her elbows were decidedly akimbo at this period of her life , and it took a good many hard knocks to teach her how to get on easily .
The ` haughty , uninteresting creature ' was let severely alone , but XXXXX 's talent and taste were duly complimented by the offer of the art table , and she exerted herself to prepare and secure appropriate and valuable contributions to it .
Amy Chester Crosspatch French Jo Mary Polly Rome akimbo fire