Now she rides anything , for she does n't know what fear is , and the stableman lets her have horses cheap because she trains them to carry ladies so well . She has such a passion for it , I often tell her if everything else fails , she can be a horsebreaker , and get her living so . '' At this awful speech Amy contained herself with difficulty , for the impression was being given that she was rather a fast young lady , which was her especial aversion . But what could she do ? For the old lady was in the middle of her story , and long before it was done , Jo was off again , making more droll revelations and committing still more fearful blunders . `` Yes , Amy was in despair that day , for all the good beasts were gone , and of three left , one was lame , one blind , and the other so balky that you had to put dirt in his mouth before he would start . Nice animal for a pleasure party , was n't it ? '' `` Which did she choose ? '' asked one of the laughing gentlemen , who enjoyed the subject . `` None of them . She heard of a young horse at the farm house over the river , and though a lady had never ridden him , she resolved to try , because he was handsome and spirited . Her struggles were really pathetic . There was no one to bring the horse to the saddle , so she took the saddle to the horse . My dear creature , she actually rowed it over the river , put it on her head , and marched up to the barn to the utter amazement of the old man ! '' `` Did she ride the horse ? '' `` Of course she did , and had a capital time . I expected to see her brought home in fragments , but she managed him perfectly , and was the life of the party . '' `` Well , I call that plucky ! '' and young Mr. Lamb turned an approving glance upon Amy , wondering what his mother could be saying to make the girl look so red and uncomfortable . She was still redder and more uncomfortable a moment after , when a sudden turn in the conversation introduced the subject of dress .
One of the young ladies asked Jo where she got the pretty drab hat she wore to the picnic and stupid XXXXX , instead of mentioning the place where it was bought two years ago , must needs answer with unnecessary frankness , `` Oh , Amy painted it .
Amy Jo Lamb Mr. day glance horsebreaker impression left one