`` No more than I expected , if you are allowed to go poking about among poor folks . Amy can stay and make herself useful if she is n't sick , which I 've no doubt she will be , looks like it now . Do n't cry , child , it worries me to hear people sniff . '' Amy was on the point of crying , but Laurie slyly pulled the parrot 's tail , which caused Polly to utter an astonished croak and call out , `` Bless my boots ! '' in such a funny way , that she laughed instead . `` What do you hear from your mother ? '' asked the old lady gruffly . `` Father is much better , '' replied Jo , trying to keep sober . `` Oh , is he ? Well , that wo n't last long , I fancy . March never had any stamina , '' was the cheerful reply . `` Ha , ha ! Never say die , take a pinch of snuff , goodbye , goodbye ! '' squalled Polly , dancing on her perch , and clawing at the old lady 's cap as Laurie tweaked him in the rear . `` Hold your tongue , you disrespectful old bird ! And , Jo , you 'd better go at once . It is n't proper to be gadding about so late with a rattlepated boy like ... '' `` Hold your tongue , you disrespectful old bird ! '' cried Polly , tumbling off the chair with a bounce , and running to peck the ` rattlepated ' boy , who was shaking with laughter at the last speech . `` I do n't think I can bear it , but I 'll try , '' thought Amy , as she was left alone with Aunt March . `` Get along , you fright ! ''
screamed XXXXX , and at that rude speech Amy could not restrain a sniff .
Amy Father Jo Laurie Polly chair fright left point snuff