`` I am willing to work . It 's for the freedmen as well as the Chesters , and I think it very kind of them to let me share the labor and the fun . Patronage does not trouble me when it is well meant . '' `` Quite right and proper . I like your grateful spirit , my dear . It 's a pleasure to help people who appreciate our efforts . Some do not , and that is trying , '' observed Aunt March , looking over her spectacles at Jo , who sat apart , rocking herself , with a somewhat morose expression . If Jo had only known what a great happiness was wavering in the balance for one of them , she would have turned dove-like in a minute , but unfortunately , we do n't have windows in our breasts , and can not see what goes on in the minds of our friends . Better for us that we can not as a general thing , but now and then it would be such a comfort , such a saving of time and temper . By her next speech , Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure , and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue . `` I do n't like favors , they oppress and make me feel like a slave . I 'd rather do everything for myself , and be perfectly independent . '' `` Ahem ! '' coughed Aunt Carrol softly , with a look at Aunt March . `` I told you so , '' said Aunt March , with a decided nod to Aunt Carrol . Mercifully unconscious of what she had done , Jo sat with her nose in the air , and a revolutionary aspect which was anything but inviting . `` Do you speak French , dear ? '' asked Mrs. Carrol , laying a hand on Amy 's . `` Pretty well , thanks to Aunt March , who lets Esther talk to me as often as I like , '' replied Amy , with a grateful look , which caused the old lady to smile affably . `` How are you about languages ? ''
asked Mrs. Carrol of XXXXX .
Amy Carrol Chesters Esther French Jo labor minute revolutionary right