`` While I dress , do you drill her , Nan , in the management of her skirt and those French heels , or she will trip herself up . Take your silver butterfly , and catch up that long curl on the left side of her head , Clara , and do n't any of you disturb the charming work of my hands , '' said Belle , as she hurried away , looking well pleased with her success . `` You do n't look a bit like yourself , but you are very nice . I 'm nowhere beside you , for Belle has heaps of taste , and you 're quite French , I assure you . Let your flowers hang , do n't be so careful of them , and be sure you do n't trip , '' returned Sallie , trying not to care that Meg was prettier than herself . Keeping that warning carefully in mind , Margaret got safely down stairs and sailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests were assembled . She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect . Several young ladies , who had taken no notice of her before , were very affectionate all of a sudden . Several young gentlemen , who had only stared at her at the other party , now not only stared , but asked to be introduced , and said all manner of foolish but agreeable things to her , and several old ladies , who sat on the sofas , and criticized the rest of the party , inquired who she was with an air of interest . She heard Mrs. Moffat reply to one of them ... `` Daisy March -- father a colonel in the army -- one of our first families , but reverses of fortune , you know ; intimate friends of the Laurences ; sweet creature , I assure you ; my Ned is quite wild about her . '' `` Dear me ! '' said the old lady , putting up her glass for another observation of Meg , who tried to look as if she had not heard and been rather shocked at Mrs. Moffat 's fibs . The ` queer feeling ' did not pass away , but she imagined herself acting the new part of fine lady and so got on pretty well , though the tight dress gave her a side-ache , the train kept getting under her feet , and she was in constant fear lest her earrings should fly off and get lost or broken . She was flirting her fan and laughing at the feeble jokes of a young gentleman who tried to be witty , when she suddenly stopped laughing and looked confused , for just opposite , she saw Laurie . He was staring at her with undisguised surprise , and disapproval also , she thought , for though he bowed and smiled , yet something in his honest eyes made her blush and wish she had her old dress on . To complete her confusion , she saw Belle nudge Annie , and both glance from her to Laurie , who , she was happy to see , looked unusually boyish and shy . `` 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 XXXXX , without turning his eyes upon her , though he half smiled at her maternal tone .
Annie Belle French Laurie Meg Moffat Nan Sallie fibs first