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 . Laurie 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 . That satisfied her , and without waiting for him to speak , she said , in her sprightly way ... `` Do n't you remember the day you played Rarey with Puck , and we all looked on ? Meg and Beth were frightened , but Jo clapped and pranced , and I sat on the fence and drew you . I found that sketch in my portfolio the other day , touched it up , and kept it to show you . '' `` Much obliged . You 've improved immensely since then , and I congratulate you . May I venture to suggest in ' a honeymoon paradise ' that five o'clock is the dinner hour at your hotel ? ''
XXXXX rose as he spoke , returned the pictures with a smile and a bow and looked at his watch , as if to remind her that even moral lectures should have an end .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie Meg Niente Puck half-laugh hour o'clock