It was bitter cold in the morning , she dropped her precious turnover in the gutter , Aunt March had an attack of the fidgets , Meg was sensitive , Beth would look grieved and wistful when she got home , and Amy kept making remarks about people who were always talking about being good and yet would n't even try when other people set them a virtuous example . `` Everybody is so hateful , I 'll ask Laurie to go skating . He is always kind and jolly , and will put me to rights , I know , '' said Jo to herself , and off she went . Amy heard the clash of skates , and looked out with an impatient exclamation . `` There ! She promised I should go next time , for this is the last ice we shall have . But it 's no use to ask such a crosspatch to take me . '' `` Do n't say that . You were very naughty , and it is hard to forgive the loss of her precious little book , but I think she might do it now , and I guess she will , if you try her at the right minute , '' said Meg . `` Go after them . Do n't say anything till Jo has got good-natured with Laurie , than take a quiet minute and just kiss her , or do some kind thing , and I 'm sure she 'll be friends again with all her heart . '' `` I 'll try , '' said Amy , for the advice suited her , and after a flurry to get ready , she ran after the friends , who were just disappearing over the hill . It was not far to the river , but both were ready before Amy reached them . Jo saw her coming , and turned her back . Laurie did not see , for he was carefully skating along the shore , sounding the ice , for a warm spell had preceded the cold snap . `` I 'll go on to the first bend , and see if it 's all right before we begin to race , '' Amy heard him say , as he shot away , looking like a young Russian in his fur-trimmed coat and cap . Jo heard Amy panting after her run , stamping her feet and blowing on her fingers as she tried to put her skates on , but Jo never turned and went slowly zigzagging down the river , taking a bitter , unhappy sort of satisfaction in her sister 's troubles . She had cherished her anger till it grew strong and took possession of her , as evil thoughts and feelings always do unless cast out at once . As Laurie turned the bend , he shouted back ... `` Keep near the shore . It is n't safe in the middle . ''
Jo heard , but XXXXX was struggling to her feet and did not catch a word .
Amy Beth Meg attack crosspatch fidgets first minute morning right