`` Please do n't tell them at home about my dress tonight . They wo n't understand the joke , and it will worry Mother . '' `` Then why did you do it ? '' said Laurie 's eyes , so plainly that Meg hastily added ... `` I shall tell them myself all about it , and ` fess ' to Mother how silly I 've been . But I 'd rather do it myself . So you 'll not tell , will you ? '' `` I give you my word I wo n't , only what shall I say when they ask me ? '' `` Just say I looked pretty well and was having a good time . '' `` I 'll say the first with all my heart , but how about the other ? You do n't look as if you were having a good time . Are you ? '' And Laurie looked at her with an expression which made her answer in a whisper ... `` No , not just now . Do n't think I 'm horrid . I only wanted a little fun , but this sort does n't pay , I find , and I 'm getting tired of it . '' `` Here comes Ned Moffat . What does he want ? '' said Laurie , knitting his black brows as if he did not regard his young host in the light of a pleasant addition to the party . `` He put his name down for three dances , and I suppose he 's coming for them . What a bore ! '' said Meg , assuming a languid air which amused Laurie immensely .
He did not speak to her again till suppertime , when he saw her drinking champagne with Ned and his friend Fisher , who were behaving ` like a pair of fools ' , as XXXXX said to himself , for he felt a brotherly sort of right to watch over the Marches and fight their battles whenever a defender was needed .
Laurie Meg Moffat Mother dances fess first joke sort word