Good-by , dear , do come and see us . We are pining for a visit . I do n't dare to ask you , Mr. Lamb , but if you should come , I do n't think I shall have the heart to send you away . '' Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester 's gushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly as possible , feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time . `` Did n't I do well ? '' asked Jo , with a satisfied air as they walked away . `` Nothing could have been worse , '' was Amy 's crushing reply . `` What possessed you to tell those stories about my saddle , and the hats and boots , and all the rest of it ? '' `` Why , it 's funny , and amuses people . They know we are poor , so it 's no use pretending that we have grooms , buy three or four hats a season , and have things as easy and fine as they do . '' `` You need n't go and tell them all our little shifts , and expose our poverty in that perfectly unnecessary way . You have n't a bit of proper pride , and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak , '' said Amy despairingly . 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 , XXXXX devoted herself to the young folks and found the change refreshing .
Amy Chester Jo Lamb Mr. boots home mansion misdemeanors third