`` I am glad of that ! '' exclaimed Meg . `` I should think every young man would want to go , though it is hard for the mothers and sisters who stay at home , '' she added sorrowfully . `` I have neither , and very few friends to care whether I live or die , '' said Mr. Brooke rather bitterly as he absently put the dead rose in the hole he had made and covered it up , like a little grave . `` Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal , and we should all be very sorry to have any harm happen to you , '' said Meg heartily . `` Thank you , that sounds pleasant , '' began Mr. Brooke , looking cheerful again , but before he could finish his speech , Ned , mounted on the old horse , came lumbering up to display his equestrian skill before the young ladies , and there was no more quiet that day . `` Do n't you love to ride ? '' asked Grace of Amy , as they stood resting after a race round the field with the others , led by Ned . `` I dote upon it . My sister , Meg , used to ride when Papa was rich , but we do n't keep any horses now , except Ellen Tree , '' added Amy , laughing . `` Tell me about Ellen Tree . Is it a donkey ? '' asked Grace curiously . `` Why , you see , Jo is crazy about horses and so am I , but we 've only got an old sidesaddle and no horse . Out in our garden is an apple tree that has a nice low branch , so Jo put the saddle on it , fixed some reins on the part that turns up , and we bounce away on Ellen Tree whenever we like . '' `` How funny ! '' laughed Grace . `` I have a pony at home , and ride nearly every day in the park with Fred and Kate . It 's very nice , for my friends go too , and the Row is full of ladies and gentlemen . '' `` Dear , how charming !
I hope I shall go abroad some day , but I 'd rather go to Rome than the Row , '' said Amy , who had not the remotest idea what the XXXXX was and would n't have asked for the world .
Amy Brooke Fred Jo Kate Laurie Papa Row day sidesaddle