`` Silly creatures , to put such thoughts into my head . I wo n't care for it , or let it change me a bit , '' thought Meg , and rustled across the room to shake hands with her friend . `` I 'm glad you came , I was afraid you would n't . '' she said , with her most grown-up air . `` Jo wanted me to come , and tell her how you looked , so I did , '' answered Laurie , without turning his eyes upon her , though he half smiled at her maternal tone . `` What shall you tell her ? '' asked Meg , full of curiosity to know his opinion of her , yet feeling ill at ease with him for the first time . `` I shall say I did n't know you , for you look so grown-up and unlike yourself , I 'm quite afraid of you , '' he said , fumbling at his glove button . `` How absurd of you ! The girls dressed me up for fun , and I rather like it . Would n't Jo stare if she saw me ? '' said Meg , bent on making him say whether he thought her improved or not . `` Yes , I think she would , '' returned Laurie gravely . `` Do n't you like me so ? '' asked Meg . `` No , I do n't , '' was the blunt reply . `` Why not ? '' in an anxious tone . He glanced at her frizzled head , bare shoulders , and fantastically trimmed dress with an expression that abashed her more than his answer , which had not a particle of his usual politeness in it . `` I do n't like fuss and feathers . ''
That was altogether too much from a lad younger than herself , and XXXXX walked away , saying petulantly , `` You are the rudest boy I ever saw . ''
Jo Laurie Meg answer creatures dress ease first reply tone