We are man and woman now , with sober work to do , for playtime is over , and we must give up frolicking . I 'm sure you feel this . I see the change in you , and you 'll find it in me . I shall miss my boy , but I shall love the man as much , and admire him more , because he means to be what I hoped he would . We ca n't be little playmates any longer , but we will be brother and sister , to love and help one another all our lives , wo n't we , Laurie ? '' He did not say a word , but took the hand she offered him , and laid his face down on it for a minute , feeling that out of the grave of a boyish passion , there had risen a beautiful , strong friendship to bless them both . Presently Jo said cheerfully , for she did n't want the coming home to be a sad one , `` I ca n't make it true that you children are really married and going to set up housekeeping . Why , it seems only yesterday that I was buttoning Amy 's pinafore , and pulling your hair when you teased . Mercy me , how time does fly ! '' `` As one of the children is older than yourself , you need n't talk so like a grandma . I flatter myself I 'm a ` gentleman growed ' as Peggotty said of David , and when you see Amy , you 'll find her rather a precocious infant , '' said Laurie , looking amused at her maternal air . `` You may be a little older in years , but I 'm ever so much older in feeling , Teddy . Women always are , and this last year has been such a hard one that I feel forty . '' `` Poor Jo ! We left you to bear it alone , while we went pleasuring . You are older . Here 's a line , and there 's another . Unless you smile , your eyes look sad , and when I touched the cushion , just now , I found a tear on it . You 've had a great deal to bear , and had to bear it all alone . What a selfish beast I 've been ! ''
and XXXXX pulled his own hair , with a remorseful look .
Amy David Jo Laurie children infant left minute pinafore years