I 'm getting too old for such things , '' observed Meg , who was as much a child as ever about ` dressing-up ' frolics . `` You wo n't stop , I know , as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down , and wear gold-paper jewelry . You are the best actress we 've got , and there 'll be an end of everything if you quit the boards , '' said Jo . `` We ought to rehearse tonight . Come here , Amy , and do the fainting scene , for you are as stiff as a poker in that . '' `` I ca n't help it . I never saw anyone faint , and I do n't choose to make myself all black and blue , tumbling flat as you do . If I can go down easily , I 'll drop . If I ca n't , I shall fall into a chair and be graceful . I do n't care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol , '' returned Amy , who was not gifted with dramatic power , but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece . `` Do it this way . Clasp your hands so , and stagger across the room , crying frantically , ` Roderigo ! Save me ! Save me ! ' '' and away went Jo , with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling . Amy followed , but she poked her hands out stiffly before her , and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery , and her `` Ow ! '' was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish . Jo gave a despairing groan , and Meg laughed outright , while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest . `` It 's no use ! Do the best you can when the time comes , and if the audience laughs , do n't blame me .
Come on , XXXXX . ''
Amy Beth Jo Meg Ow Roderigo burn dressing-up fall gold-paper