| She didn't want Laurie to think her a heartless, worldly creatureShe didn't care to be a queen of society now half so much as she did to be a lovable womanShe was so glad he didn't hate her for the dreadful things she said, but took them so beautifully and was kinder than everHis letters were such a comfort, for the home letters were very irregular and not half so satisfactory as his when they did comeIt was not only a pleasure, but a duty to answer them, for the poor fellow was forlorn, and needed petting, since Jo persisted in being stonyheartedShe ought to have made an effort and tried to love himIt couldn't be very hard, many people would be proud and glad to have such a dear boy care for themBut Jo never would act like other girls, so there was nothing to do but be very kind and treat him like a brother
If all brothers were treated as well as Laurie was at this period, they would be a much happier race of beings than they areAmy never lectured nowShe asked his opinion on all subjects, she was interested in everything he did, made charming little presents for him, and sent him two letters a week, full of lively gossip, sisterly confidences, and captivating sketches of the lovely scenes about herAs few brothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sister's pockets, read and reread diligently, cried over when short, kissed when long, and treasured carefully, we will not hint that Amy did any of these cartier ladies must de cartier fond and foolish thingsBut she certainly did grow a little pale and pensive that spring, lost much of her relish for society, and went out sketching alone a good dealShe never had much to show when she came home, but was studying nature, I dare say, while she sat for hours, with her hands folded, on the terrace at Valrosa, or absently sketched any fancy that occurred to her, a stalwart knight carved on a tomb, a young man asleep in the grass, with his hat over his eyes, or a curly haired girl in gorgeous array, promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman, both faces being left a blur according to the last fashion in art, which was safe but not altogether satisfactory
Her aunt thought that she regretted her answer to Fred, and finding denials useless and explanations impossible, Amy left her to think what she liked, taking care that Laurie should know that Fred had gone to EgyptThat was all, but he understood it, and looked relieved, as he said to himself, with a venerable air
"I was sure she would think better of itPoor old fellow! I've been through it all, and I can sympathize
With that he heaved a great sigh, and then, as if he had discharged his duty to the past, put his feet up on the sofa and enjoyed Amy's letter luxuriously
While these changes were going on abroad, trouble had come at homeBut the letter telling that Beth was failing never reached Amy, and when the next found her at Vevay, for the heat d |
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