`` Mother did n't say anything about our money , and she wo n't wish us to give up everything . Let 's each buy what we want , and have a little fun ; I 'm sure we work hard enough to earn it , '' cried Jo , examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner . `` I know I do -- teaching those tiresome children nearly all day , when I 'm longing to enjoy myself at home , '' began Meg , in the complaining tone again . `` You do n't have half such a hard time as I do , '' said Jo . `` How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous , fussy old lady , who keeps you trotting , is never satisfied , and worries you till you 're ready to fly out the window or cry ? '' `` It 's naughty to fret , but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world . It makes me cross , and my hands get so stiff , I ca n't practice well at all . '' And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time . `` I do n't believe any of you suffer as I do , '' cried Amy , `` for you do n't have to go to school with impertinent girls , who plague you if you do n't know your lessons , and laugh at your dresses , and label your father if he is n't rich , and insult you when your nose is n't nice . '' `` If you mean libel , I 'd say so , and not talk about labels , as if Papa was a pickle bottle , '' advised Jo , laughing . `` I know what I mean , and you need n't be statirical about it . It 's proper to use good words , and improve your vocabilary , '' returned Amy , with dignity . `` Do n't peck at one another , children . Do n't you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little , Jo ? Dear me ! How happy and good we 'd be , if we had no worries ! '' said Meg , who could remember better times . `` You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children , for they were fighting and fretting all the time , in spite of their money . '' `` So I did , Beth . Well , I think we are .
For though we do have to work , we make fun of ourselves , and are a pretty jolly set , as XXXXX would say . ''
Amy Beth Jo King Meg Mother Papa day hours vocabilary