`` Not a bit , and you never will . You 've grown bigger and bonnier , but you are the same scapegrace as ever . '' `` Now really , Jo , you ought to treat me with more respect , '' began Laurie , who enjoyed it all immensely . `` How can I , when the mere idea of you , married and settled , is so irresistibly funny that I ca n't keep sober ! '' answered Jo , smiling all over her face , so infectiously that they had another laugh , and then settled down for a good talk , quite in the pleasant old fashion . `` It 's no use your going out in the cold to get Amy , for they are all coming up presently . I could n't wait . I wanted to be the one to tell you the grand surprise , and have ` first skim ' as we used to say when we squabbled about the cream . '' `` Of course you did , and spoiled your story by beginning at the wrong end . Now , start right , and tell me how it all happened . I 'm pining to know . '' `` Well , I did it to please Amy , '' began Laurie , with a twinkle that made Jo exclaim ... `` Fib number one . Amy did it to please you . Go on , and tell the truth , if you can , sir . '' `` Now she 's beginning to marm it . Is n't it jolly to hear her ? '' said Laurie to the fire , and the fire glowed and sparkled as if it quite agreed . `` It 's all the same , you know , she and I being one . We planned to come home with the Carrols , a month or more ago , but they suddenly changed their minds , and decided to pass another winter in Paris . But Grandpa wanted to come home .
He went to please me , and I could n't let him go alone , neither could I leave XXXXX , and Mrs. Carrol had got English notions about chaperons and such nonsense , and would n't let Amy come with us .
Amy Carrols Fib Jo Paris bonnier fire month scapegrace skim