It does n't for me , and furbelows only worry me . '' `` Oh , dear ! '' sighed Amy , `` now she 's in a contrary fit , and will drive me distracted before I can get her properly ready . I 'm sure it 's no pleasure to me to go today , but it 's a debt we owe society , and there 's no one to pay it but you and me . I 'll do anything for you , Jo , if you 'll only dress yourself nicely , and come and help me do the civil . You can talk so well , look so aristocratic in your best things , and behave so beautifully , if you try , that I 'm proud of you . I 'm afraid to go alone , do come and take care of me . '' `` You 're an artful little puss to flatter and wheedle your cross old sister in that way . The idea of my being aristocratic and well-bred , and your being afraid to go anywhere alone ! I do n't know which is the most absurd . Well , I 'll go if I must , and do my best . You shall be commander of the expedition , and I 'll obey blindly , will that satisfy you ? '' said Jo , with a sudden change from perversity to lamblike submission . `` You 're a perfect cherub ! Now put on all your best things , and I 'll tell you how to behave at each place , so that you will make a good impression . I want people to like you , and they would if you 'd only try to be a little more agreeable . Do your hair the pretty way , and put the pink rose in your bonnet . It 's becoming , and you look too sober in your plain suit . Take your light gloves and the embroidered handkerchief . We 'll stop at Meg 's , and borrow her white sunshade , and then you can have my dove-colored one . ''
While Amy dressed , she issued her orders , and Jo obeyed them , not without entering her protest , however , for she sighed as she rustled into her new organdie , frowned darkly at herself as she tied her bonnet strings in an irreproachable bow , wrestled viciously with pins as she put on her collar , wrinkled up her features generally as she shook out the handkerchief , whose embroidery was as irritating to her nose as the present mission was to her feelings , and when she had squeezed her hands into tight gloves with three buttons and a tassel , as the last touch of elegance , she turned to XXXXX with an imbecile expression of countenance , saying meekly ... `` I 'm perfectly miserable , but if you consider me presentable , I die happy . ''
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