asked Mrs. Carrol , as Amy sat down beside her with the confiding air elderly people like so well in the young . `` Yes , Aunt . Mrs. Chester asked me if I would , and I offered to tend a table , as I have nothing but my time to give . '' `` I 'm not , '' put in Jo decidedly . `` I hate to be patronized , and the Chesters think it 's a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair . I wonder you consented , Amy , they only want you to work . '' `` I am willing to work . It 's for the freedmen as well as the Chesters , and I think it very kind of them to let me share the labor and the fun . Patronage does not trouble me when it is well meant . '' `` Quite right and proper . I like your grateful spirit , my dear . It 's a pleasure to help people who appreciate our efforts . Some do not , and that is trying , '' observed Aunt March , looking over her spectacles at Jo , who sat apart , rocking herself , with a somewhat morose expression . If Jo had only known what a great happiness was wavering in the balance for one of them , she would have turned dove-like in a minute , but unfortunately , we do n't have windows in our breasts , and can not see what goes on in the minds of our friends . Better for us that we can not as a general thing , but now and then it would be such a comfort , such a saving of time and temper . By her next speech , Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure , and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue . `` I do n't like favors , they oppress and make me feel like a slave . I 'd rather do everything for myself , and be perfectly independent . '' `` Ahem ! '' coughed Aunt Carrol softly , with a look at Aunt March .
`` I told you so , '' said Aunt March , with a decided nod to Aunt XXXXX .
Amy Carrol Chester Chesters Jo independent labor minute right years