`` Why ? '' asked Meg kindly , for Jo had gone off in another laugh at Amy 's second blunder . `` I need it so much . I 'm dreadfully in debt , and it wo n't be my turn to have the rag money for a month . '' `` In debt , Amy ? What do you mean ? '' And Meg looked sober . `` Why , I owe at least a dozen pickled limes , and I ca n't pay them , you know , till I have money , for Marmee forbade my having anything charged at the shop . '' `` Tell me all about it . Are limes the fashion now ? It used to be pricking bits of rubber to make balls . '' And Meg tried to keep her countenance , Amy looked so grave and important . `` Why , you see , the girls are always buying them , and unless you want to be thought mean , you must do it too . It 's nothing but limes now , for everyone is sucking them in their desks in schooltime , and trading them off for pencils , bead rings , paper dolls , or something else , at recess . If one girl likes another , she gives her a lime . If she 's mad with her , she eats one before her face , and does n't offer even a suck . They treat by turns , and I 've had ever so many but have n't returned them , and I ought for they are debts of honor , you know . '' `` How much will pay them off and restore your credit ? '' asked Meg , taking out her purse . `` A quarter would more than do it , and leave a few cents over for a treat for you .
Do n't you like XXXXX ? ''
Amy Jo Marmee Meg cents limes month quarter schooltime second