6 Amy’s Valley of Humiliation

CHAPTER 6 Amy's Valley of Humiliation Amy always used the wrong words. It was one of her most endearing quirks. One day, Laurie rode by on horseback. She watched and then proclaimed that he was the "perfect Cyclops." "What do you mean?" Jo asked. "He's got two handsome eyes!" She resented anyone saying mean things about her dear friend. Amy retorted, "I didn't say anything about

his eyes. I was just admiring his riding." Jo laughed out loud. "You meant to say 'centaur.'" Amy didn't like Jo's teasing. She sulked for a minute about the misspoken word, and then said quietly, "I wish I had a little of the money that Laurie spends on that horse." Meg asked, "Why?" Amy admitted she was in a lot of debt. She owed at least a dozen pickled limes to her schoolmates. Meg tried to be sympathetic and asked if limes were the fashion at school these days. Amy explained how the limes were traded between friends for pencils, beads, and paper dolls. If a girl likes you, it's considered a great honor if she gives you a lime. If she doesn't favor you, then she'll just eat one in front of your face. "I've had so many, but I haven't returned them and I really should."

Meg took out her purse and gave Amy money to buy the limes. Amy thanked her profusely. Now she could show the girls at school that she was a good, fashionable friend. Amy was late for school the next day because she stopped to buy twenty-five delicious limes. At school, when word got around, Amy's friends showered her with attention. Even Jenny Snow, who had made very mean remarks about Amy's "limeless" state, was nice to Amy. Not that it mattered, for Amy never forgot a slight. She promptly informed Jenny that she wouldn't be getting any of her treasures. That morning, a special visitor to school praised Amy's beautifully drawn maps. When Amy puffed up like a proud peacock, Jenny became jealous. No sooner had the guest left than Jenny told the teacher, Mr. Davis, that Amy had pickled limes in her

desk. Now, Mr. Davis had outlawed limes, threatening a swift punishment to anyone who disobeyed him. He was a good teacher but didn't understand little girls. He had no patience for manners or upset feelings. On top of that, he had woken up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. So, when he heard the word "limes" from Jenny's lips, anger seeped into his stern face. "Young ladies, your attention please!" A hush fell upon the room as all fifty girls stared at the teacher. "Miss March, come here please." Amy rose, but felt afraid since she had broken the rules. "Bring the limes that you have under your desk!" Now even more scared, Amy shook out half a dozen limes into her desk and took the

rest to Mr. Davis. She hoped he would relent when he smelled their delicious aroma, but Mr. Davis hated the smell. It only added to his anger. "Is that all of them?" Amy stammered, "Not quite." "Bring the rest immediately." Amy obeyed. "Are you sure there are no more?" Mr. Davis asked. "I never lie, sir." "Fine. Now take these disgusting things and throw them out the window." The entire class gasped. The promise of a special treat was forever lost. Burning with shame, Amy made a dozen trips to and from the window, each time tossing her plump, juicy limes onto the street. When she finished, the teacher said, "Hold out your hand, Miss March."

Amy was startled. She had been one of Mr. Davis's favorites and hoped that he would not go any further in his punishment. She put her hands behind her, and, before she knew it, a soft hiss escaped her lips. Further irritated, Mr. Davis repeated, "Your hand, Miss March!" A proud Amy threw her head back, held out her palm, and received the blows without flinching. This was the first time in her life she had been struck, and Amy felt the disgrace deeply within her proud little soul. "Now, stand on the platform until recess." How dreadful! To face the whole school, friends and enemies alike, with fresh shame seemed almost too hard to bear. Fixing her eyes on the stove at the back of the room, Amy stood still and took her punishment. Her heart ached, her hand stung, but nothing