I thought you 'd lend a hand , Jo , and say a word for me . I am a little jealous of Amy , and want more of a share in my girl . Come , my lady , let me have her this summer , and next year , when we go to Rome , I 'll give her up to you and high art . Is n't that a fair bargain ? ' ' I agree ; but in trying your hobby , nature , with music thrown in , do n't forget that , though only fifteen , our Bess is older than most girls of that age , and can not be treated like a child . She is so very precious to me , I feel as if I wanted to keep her always as pure and beautiful as the marble she loves so well . ' Amy spoke regretfully as she looked about the lovely room where she had spent so many happy hours with this dear child of hers . ' `` Turn and turn about is fair play '' , as we used to say when we all wanted to ride on Ellen Tree or wear the russet boots , ' said Jo briskly ; ` so you must share your girl between you , and see who will do the most for her . ' ` We will , ' answered the fond parents , laughing at the recollections Jo 's proverb brought up to them . ` How I did use to enjoy bouncing on the limbs of that old apple-tree ! No real horse ever gave me half the pleasure or the exercise , ' said Amy , looking out of the high window as if she saw the dear old orchard again and the little girls at play there . ` And what fun I had with those blessed boots ! ' laughed Jo . ` I 've got the relics now . The boys reduced them to rags ; but I love them still , and would enjoy a good theatrical stalk in them if it were possible . ' ` My fondest memories twine about the warming-pan and the sausage . What larks we had ! And how long ago it seems ! ' said Laurie , staring at the two women before him as if he found it hard to realize that they ever had been little Amy and riotous Jo . ` Do n't suggest that we are growing old , my Lord .
We have only bloomed ; and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us , ' answered Mrs XXXXX , shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress .
Amy Bess Jo Laurie Rome Tree hours relics stalk warming-pan