I only did as I'd be done by.
You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady, but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners, and I try to do it as far as I know how.

I can't explain exactly, but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women.

I'm far from it now, but I do my best, and hope in time to be what Mother is." Amy spoke earnestly, and Jo said, with a cordial hug, "I understand now what you mean, and I'll never laugh at you again.

You are getting on faster than you think, and I'll take lessons of you in true politeness, for you've learned the secret, I believe.

Try away, deary, you'll get your reward some day, and no one will be more delighted than I shall." A week later Amy did get her reward, and poor Jo found it hard to be delighted.