Mr. Tudor 's uncle had married an English lady who was third cousin to a living lord , and Amy regarded the whole family with great respect , for in spite of her American birth and breeding , she possessed that reverence for titles which haunts the best of us -- that unacknowledged loyalty to the early faith in kings which set the most democratic nation under the sun in ferment at the coming of a royal yellow-haired laddie , some years ago , and which still has something to do with the love the young country bears the old , like that of a big son for an imperious little mother , who held him while she could , and let him go with a farewell scolding when he rebelled . But even the satisfaction of talking with a distant connection of the British nobility did not render Amy forgetful of time , and when the proper number of minutes had passed , she reluctantly tore herself from this aristocratic society , and looked about for Jo , fervently hoping that her incorrigible sister would not be found in any position which should bring disgrace upon the name of March . It might have been worse , but Amy considered it bad . For Jo sat on the grass , with an encampment of boys about her , and a dirty-footed dog reposing on the skirt of her state and festival dress , as she related one of Laurie 's pranks to her admiring audience . One small child was poking turtles with Amy 's cherished parasol , a second was eating gingerbread over Jo 's best bonnet , and a third playing ball with her gloves , but all were enjoying themselves , and when Jo collected her damaged property to go , her escort accompanied her , begging her to come again , `` It was such fun to hear about Laurie 's larks . '' `` Capital boys , are n't they ? I feel quite young and brisk again after that . '' said Jo , strolling along with her hands behind her , partly from habit , partly to conceal the bespattered parasol . `` Why do you always avoid Mr. Tudor ? '' asked Amy , wisely refraining from any comment upon Jo 's dilapidated appearance . `` Do n't like him , he puts on airs , snubs his sisters , worries his father , and does n't speak respectfully of his mother . Laurie says he is fast , and I do n't consider him a desirable acquaintance , so I let him alone . '' `` You might treat him civilly , at least . You gave him a cool nod , and just now you bowed and smiled in the politest way to Tommy Chamberlain , whose father keeps a grocery store . If you had just reversed the nod and the bow , it would have been right , '' said Amy reprovingly . `` No , it would n't , '' returned Jo , `` I neither like , respect , nor admire Tudor , though his grandfather 's uncle 's nephew 's niece was a third cousin to a lord . Tommy is poor and bashful and good and very clever . I think well of him , and like to show that I do , for he is a gentleman in spite of the brown paper parcels . '' `` It 's no use trying to argue with you , '' began Amy . `` Not the least , my dear , '' interrupted Jo , `` so let us look amiable , and drop a card here , as the Kings are evidently out , for which I 'm deeply grateful . ''
The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on , and XXXXX uttered another thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house , and being told that the young ladies were engaged .
American Amy Chamberlain English Jo Laurie Tudor minutes second third