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 fib about her mamma , '' and `` dowdy tarlaton , '' till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice . As that was impossible , she did her best to seem gay , and being rather excited , she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making . She was very glad when it was all over and she was quiet in her bed , where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears . Those foolish , yet well meant words , had opened a new world to Meg , and much disturbed the peace of the old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child . Her innocent friendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard . Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs. Moffat , who judged others by herself , and the sensible resolution to be contented with the simple wardrobe which suited a poor man 's daughter was weakened by the unnecessary pity of girls who thought a shabby dress one of the greatest calamities under heaven . Poor Meg had a restless night , and got up heavy-eyed , unhappy , half resentful toward her friends , and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right . Everybody dawdled that morning , and it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work . Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once . They treated her with more respect , she thought , took quite a tender interest in what she said , and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity . All this surprised and flattered her , though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing , and said , with a sentimental air ... `` Daisy , dear , I 've sent an invitation to your friend , Mr. Laurence , for Thursday . We should like to know him , and it 's only a proper compliment to you . '' Meg colored , but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely , `` You are very kind , but I 'm afraid he wo n't come . '' `` Why not , Cherie ? '' asked Miss Belle . `` He 's too old . '' `` My child , what do you mean ? What is his age , I beg to know ! '' cried Miss Clara .
`` Nearly seventy , I believe , '' answered XXXXX , counting stitches to hide the merriment in her eyes .
Cherie Clara Meg Moffat before fib morning night right tarlaton