`` You can put your own things on your own table , if you prefer , '' began May , feeling a little conscience-stricken , as she looked at the pretty racks , the painted shells , and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged . She meant it kindly , but Amy mistook her meaning , and said quickly ... `` Oh , certainly , if they are in your way , '' and sweeping her contributions into her apron , pell-mell , she walked off , feeling that herself and her works of art had been insulted past forgiveness . `` Now she 's mad . Oh , dear , I wish I had n't asked you to speak , Mama , '' said May , looking disconsolately at the empty spaces on her table . `` Girls ' quarrels are soon over , '' returned her mother , feeling a trifle ashamed of her own part in this one , as well she might . The little girls hailed Amy and her treasures with delight , which cordial reception somewhat soothed her perturbed spirit , and she fell to work , determined to succeed florally , if she could not artistically . But everything seemed against her . It was late , and she was tired . Everyone was too busy with their own affairs to help her , and the little girls were only hindrances , for the dears fussed and chattered like so many magpies , making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve the most perfect order . The evergreen arch would n't stay firm after she got it up , but wiggled and threatened to tumble down on her head when the hanging baskets were filled . Her best tile got a splash of water , which left a sepia tear on the Cupid 's cheek . She bruised her hands with hammering , and got cold working in a draft , which last affliction filled her with apprehensions for the morrow . Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor Amy and wish her well through her task . There was great indignation at home when she told her story that evening . Her mother said it was a shame , but told her she had done right . Beth declared she would n't go to the fair at all , and Jo demanded why she did n't take all her pretty things and leave those mean people to get on without her . `` Because they are mean is no reason why I should be . I hate such things , and though I think I 've a right to be hurt , I do n't intend to show it . They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions , wo n't they , Marmee ? '' `` That 's the right spirit , my dear .
A kiss for a blow is always best , though it 's not very easy to give it sometimes , '' said her XXXXX , with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practicing .
Girls affliction hindrances illuminations morrow mother part things tile way