`` 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 Jo would say . '' `` Jo does use such slang words ! '' observed Amy , with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug . Jo immediately sat up , put her hands in her pockets , and began to whistle . `` Do n't , Jo . It 's so boyish ! '' `` That 's why I do it . '' `` I detest rude , unladylike girls ! '' `` I hate affected , niminy-piminy chits ! '' `` Birds in their little nests agree , '' sang Beth , the peacemaker , with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh , and the `` pecking '' ended for that time . `` Really , girls , you are both to be blamed , '' said Meg , beginning to lecture in her elder-sisterly fashion . `` You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks , and to behave better , Josephine .
It did n't matter so much when you were a little girl , but now you are so tall , and turn up your hair , you should XXXXX that you are a young lady . ''
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