`` Now let 's fly round , and do double duty today , so that we can play tomorrow with free minds , '' said Jo , preparing to replace her pen with a broom . When the sun peeped into the girls ' room early next morning to promise them a fine day , he saw a comical sight . Each had made such preparation for the fete as seemed necessary and proper . Meg had an extra row of little curlpapers across her forehead , Jo had copiously anointed her afflicted face with cold cream , Beth had taken Joanna to bed with her to atone for the approaching separation , and Amy had capped the climax by putting a clothespin on her nose to uplift the offending feature . It was one of the kind artists use to hold the paper on their drawing boards , therefore quite appropriate and effective for the purpose it was now being put . This funny spectacle appeared to amuse the sun , for he burst out with such radiance that Jo woke up and roused her sisters by a hearty laugh at Amy 's ornament . Sunshine and laughter were good omens for a pleasure party , and soon a lively bustle began in both houses . Beth , who was ready first , kept reporting what went on next door , and enlivened her sisters ' toilets by frequent telegrams from the window . `` There goes the man with the tent ! I see Mrs. Barker doing up the lunch in a hamper and a great basket . Now Mr. Laurence is looking up at the sky and the weathercock . I wish he would go too . There 's Laurie , looking like a sailor , nice boy ! Oh , mercy me ! Here 's a carriage full of people , a tall lady , a little girl , and two dreadful boys . One is lame , poor thing , he 's got a crutch . Laurie did n't tell us that . Be quick , girls ! It 's getting late . Why , there is Ned Moffat , I do declare .
Meg , is n't that the man who bowed to you one XXXXX when we were shopping ? ''
Barker Beth Laurence Laurie Meg clothespin curlpapers day omens weathercock