Poor Jo looked abashed , and silently chafed the end of her nose with the stiff handkerchief , as if performing a penance for her misdemeanors . `` How shall I behave here ? '' she asked , as they approached the third mansion . `` Just as you please . I wash my hands of you , '' was Amy 's short answer . `` Then I 'll enjoy myself . The boys are at home , and we 'll have a comfortable time . Goodness knows I need a little change , for elegance has a bad effect upon my constitution , '' returned Jo gruffly , being disturbed by her failure to suit . An enthusiastic welcome from three big boys and several pretty children speedily soothed her ruffled feelings , and leaving Amy to entertain the hostess and Mr. Tudor , who happened to be calling likewise , Jo devoted herself to the young folks and found the change refreshing . She listened to college stories with deep interest , caressed pointers and poodles without a murmur , agreed heartily that `` Tom Brown was a brick , '' regardless of the improper form of praise , and when one lad proposed a visit to his turtle tank , she went with an alacrity which caused Mamma to smile upon her , as that motherly lady settled the cap which was left in a ruinous condition by filial hugs , bearlike but affectionate , and dearer to her than the most faultless coiffure from the hands of an inspired Frenchwoman . Leaving her sister to her own devices , Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to her heart 's content . 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 XXXXX , wisely refraining from any comment upon Jo 's dilapidated appearance .
American Amy English Jo Tudor hugs laddie minutes misdemeanors third