Everyone was very kind , and she had three compliments . Annie made her sing , and some one said she had a remarkably fine voice . Major Lincoln asked who ` the fresh little girl with the beautiful eyes ' was , and Mr. Moffat insisted on dancing with her because she ` did n't dawdle , but had some spring in her ' , as he gracefully expressed it . So altogether she had a very nice time , till she overheard a bit of conversation , which disturbed her extremely . She was sitting just inside the conservatory , waiting for her partner to bring her an ice , when she heard a voice ask on the other side of the flowery wall ... `` How old is he ? '' `` Sixteen or seventeen , I should say , '' replied another voice . `` It would be a grand thing for one of those girls , would n't it ? Sallie says they are very intimate now , and the old man quite dotes on them . '' `` Mrs. M. has made her plans , I dare say , and will play her cards well , early as it is . The girl evidently does n't think of it yet , '' said Mrs. Moffat . `` She told that fib about her momma , as if she did know , and colored up when the flowers came quite prettily . Poor thing ! She 'd be so nice if she was only got up in style . Do you think she 'd be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday ? '' asked another voice . `` She 's proud , but I do n't believe she 'd mind , for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got . She may tear it tonight , and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one . '' Here Meg 's partner appeared , to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated . She was proud , and her pride was useful just then , for it helped her hide her mortification , anger , and disgust at what she had just heard . For , innocent and unsuspicious as she was , she could not help understanding the gossip of her friends .
She tried to forget it , but could not , and kept repeating to herself , `` Mrs. M. has made her plans , '' `` that XXXXX about her mamma , '' and `` dowdy tarlaton , '' till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice .
Annie Lincoln Meg Moffat Sallie fib girls style tarlaton wall