I 've calculated the cost , and I 'll pay for it myself . '' `` Do n't you think , dear , that as these girls are used to such things , and the best we can do will be nothing new , that some simpler plan would be pleasanter to them , as a change if nothing more , and much better for us than buying or borrowing what we do n't need , and attempting a style not in keeping with our circumstances ? '' `` If I ca n't have it as I like , I do n't care to have it at all . I know that I can carry it out perfectly well , if you and the girls will help a little , and I do n't see why I ca n't if I 'm willing to pay for it , '' said Amy , with the decision which opposition was apt to change into obstinacy . Mrs. March knew that experience was an excellent teacher , and when it was possible she left her children to learn alone the lessons which she would gladly have made easier , if they had not objected to taking advice as much as they did salts and senna . `` Very well , Amy , if your heart is set upon it , and you see your way through without too great an outlay of money , time , and temper , I 'll say no more . Talk it over with the girls , and whichever way you decide , I 'll do my best to help you . '' `` Thanks , Mother , you are always so kind . '' and away went Amy to lay her plan before her sisters . Meg agreed at once , and promised her aid , gladly offering anything she possessed , from her little house itself to her very best saltspoons . But Jo frowned upon the whole project and would have nothing to do with it at first . `` Why in the world should you spend your money , worry your family , and turn the house upside down for a parcel of girls who do n't care a sixpence for you ? I thought you had too much pride and sense to truckle to any mortal woman just because she wears French boots and rides in a coupe , '' said Jo , who , being called from the tragic climax of her novel , was not in the best mood for social enterprises . `` I do n't truckle , and I hate being patronized as much as you do ! '' returned Amy indignantly , for the two still jangled when such questions arose . `` The girls do care for me , and I for them , and there 's a great deal of kindness and sense and talent among them , in spite of what you call fashionable nonsense . You do n't care to make people like you , to go into good society , and cultivate your manners and tastes . I do , and I mean to make the most of every chance that comes . You can go through the world with your elbows out and your nose in the air , and call it independence , if you like . That 's not my way . ''
When XXXXX had whetted her tongue and freed her mind she usually got the best of it , for she seldom failed to have common sense on her side , while Jo carried her love of liberty and hate of conventionalities to such an unlimited extent that she naturally found herself worsted in an argument .
Amy Jo Meg Mother first left obstinacy saltspoons senna sixpence