Amy looked relieved , but naughty Jo took her at her word , for during the first call she sat with every limb gracefully composed , every fold correctly draped , calm as a summer sea , cool as a snowbank , and as silent as the sphinx . In vain Mrs. Chester alluded to her ` charming novel ' , and the Misses Chester introduced parties , picnics , the opera , and the fashions . Each and all were answered by a smile , a bow , and a demure `` Yes '' or `` No '' with the chill on . In vain Amy telegraphed the word ` talk ' , tried to draw her out , and administered covert pokes with her foot . Jo sat as if blandly unconscious of it all , with deportment like Maud 's face , ` icily regular , splendidly null ' . `` What a haughty , uninteresting creature that oldest Miss March is ! '' was the unfortunately audible remark of one of the ladies , as the door closed upon their guests . Jo laughed noiselessly all through the hall , but Amy looked disgusted at the failure of her instructions , and very naturally laid the blame upon Jo . `` How could you mistake me so ? I merely meant you to be properly dignified and composed , and you made yourself a perfect stock and stone . Try to be sociable at the Lambs ' . Gossip as other girls do , and be interested in dress and flirtations and whatever nonsense comes up . They move in the best society , are valuable persons for us to know , and I would n't fail to make a good impression there for anything . '' `` I 'll be agreeable . I 'll gossip and giggle , and have horrors and raptures over any trifle you like . I rather enjoy this , and now I 'll imitate what is called ' a charming girl ' . I can do it , for I have May Chester as a model , and I 'll improve upon her . See if the Lambs do n't say , ` What a lively , nice creature that Jo March is ! '' Amy felt anxious , as well she might , for when Jo turned freakish there was no knowing where she would stop . Amy 's face was a study when she saw her sister skim into the next drawing room , kiss all the young ladies with effusion , beam graciously upon the young gentlemen , and join in the chat with a spirit which amazed the beholder .
XXXXX was taken possession of by Mrs. Lamb , with whom she was a favorite , and forced to hear a long account of Lucretia 's last attack , while three delightful young gentlemen hovered near , waiting for a pause when they might rush in and rescue her .
Amy Chester March Maud beholder effusion first flirtations skim snowbank