Little Women - 912 Freedom Library

Little WomenAny mention of her ‘works’ always had a bad effectupon Jo, who either grew rigid and looked offended, orchanged the subject with a brusque remark, as now. ‘Sorryyou could find nothing better to read. I write that rubbishbecause it sells, and ordinary people like it. Are you goingto New York this winter?’As Miss Lamb had ‘enjoyed’ the story, this speech wasnot exactly grateful or complimentary. The minute it wasmade Jo saw her mistake, but fearing to make the matterworse, suddenly remembered that it was for her to makethe first move toward departure, and did so with anabruptness that left three people with half- finishedsentences in their mouths.‘Amy, we must go. Good-by, dear, do come and seeus. We are pining for a visit. I don’t dare to ask you, Mr.Lamb, but if you should come, I don’t think I shall havethe heart to send you away.’Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester’sgushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly aspossible, feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at thesame time.‘Didn’t I do well?’ asked Jo, with a satisfied air as theywalked away.514 of 861