`` Try it and see . You need n't shrug your shoulders , and think , ` Much she knows about such things ' . I do n't pretend to be wise , but I am observing , and I see a great deal more than you 'd imagine . I 'm interested in other people 's experiences and inconsistencies , and though I ca n't explain , I remember and use them for my own benefit . Love Jo all your days , if you choose , but do n't let it spoil you , for it 's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you ca n't have the one you want . There , I wo n't lecture any more , for I know you 'll wake up and be a man in spite of that hardhearted girl . '' Neither spoke for several minutes . Laurie sat turning the little ring on his finger , and Amy put the last touches to the hasty sketch she had been working at while she talked . Presently she put it on his knee , merely saying , `` How do you like that ? '' He looked and then he smiled , as he could not well help doing , for it was capitally done , the long , lazy figure on the grass , with listless face , half-shut eyes , and one hand holding a cigar , from which came the little wreath of smoke that encircled the dreamer 's head . `` How well you draw ! '' he said , with a genuine surprise and pleasure at her skill , adding , with a half-laugh , `` Yes , that 's me . '' `` As you are . This is as you were . '' and Amy laid another sketch beside the one he held . It was not nearly so well done , but there was a life and spirit in it which atoned for many faults , and it recalled the past so vividly that a sudden change swept over the young man 's face as he looked . Only a rough sketch of Laurie taming a horse . Hat and coat were off , and every line of the active figure , resolute face , and commanding attitude was full of energy and meaning . The handsome brute , just subdued , stood arching his neck under the tightly drawn rein , with one foot impatiently pawing the ground , and ears pricked up as if listening for the voice that had mastered him . In the ruffled mane , the rider 's breezy hair and erect attitude , there was a suggestion of suddenly arrested motion , of strength , courage , and youthful buoyancy that contrasted sharply with the supine grace of the ' Dolce far Niente ' sketch .
XXXXX said nothing but as his eye went from one to the other , Amy saw him flush up and fold his lips together as if he read and accepted the little lesson she had given him .
Amy Jo Laurie Niente days figure half-laugh mane minutes ring