That will amuse us and keep you out of mischief , '' said Amy in her most grown-up tone . `` What 's the name ? '' asked Beth , wondering why Jo kept her face behind the sheet . `` The Rival Painters . '' `` That sounds well . Read it , '' said Meg . With a loud `` Hem ! '' and a long breath , Jo began to read very fast . The girls listened with interest , for the tale was romantic , and somewhat pathetic , as most of the characters died in the end . `` I like that about the splendid picture , '' was Amy 's approving remark , as Jo paused . `` I prefer the lovering part . Viola and Angelo are two of our favorite names , is n't that queer ? '' said Meg , wiping her eyes , for the lovering part was tragical . `` Who wrote it ? '' asked Beth , who had caught a glimpse of Jo 's face . The reader suddenly sat up , cast away the paper , displaying a flushed countenance , and with a funny mixture of solemnity and excitement replied in a loud voice , `` Your sister . '' `` You ? '' cried Meg , dropping her work . `` It 's very good , '' said Amy critically . `` I knew it !
I XXXXX it !
amuse asked caught dropping keep knew like said wiping wrote