Dr. Bangs came , said Beth had symptoms of the fever , but he thought she would have it lightly , though he looked sober over the Hummel story . Amy was ordered off at once , and provided with something to ward off danger , she departed in great state , with Jo and Laurie as escort . Aunt March received them with her usual hospitality . `` What do you want now ? '' she asked , looking sharply over her spectacles , while the parrot , sitting on the back of her chair , called out ... `` Go away . No boys allowed here . '' Laurie retired to the window , and Jo told her story . `` No more than I expected , if you are allowed to go poking about among poor folks . Amy can stay and make herself useful if she is n't sick , which I 've no doubt she will be , looks like it now . Do n't cry , child , it worries me to hear people sniff . '' Amy was on the point of crying , but Laurie slyly pulled the parrot 's tail , which caused Polly to utter an astonished croak and call out , `` Bless my boots ! '' in such a funny way , that she laughed instead . `` What do you hear from your mother ? '' asked the old lady gruffly . `` Father is much better , '' replied Jo , trying to keep sober . `` Oh , is he ? Well , that wo n't last long , I fancy . March never had any stamina , '' was the cheerful reply . `` Ha , ha ! Never say die , take a pinch of snuff , goodbye , goodbye ! ''
squalled Polly , dancing on her perch , and clawing at the old XXXXX 's cap as Laurie tweaked him in the rear .
March boots fever goodbye lady point stamina story symptoms window