`` Remember ! '' she said , trying to smile , for the splitting headache had already begun . `` Silence a la mort , '' replied Laurie , with a melodramatic flourish , as he went away . This little bit of byplay excited Annie 's curiosity , but Meg was too tired for gossip and went to bed , feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and had n't enjoyed herself as much as she expected . She was sick all the next day , and on Saturday went home , quite used up with her fortnight 's fun and feeling that she had ` sat in the lap of luxury ' long enough . `` It does seem pleasant to be quiet , and not have company manners on all the time . Home is a nice place , though it is n't splendid , '' said Meg , looking about her with a restful expression , as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening . `` I 'm glad to hear you say so , dear , for I was afraid home would seem dull and poor to you after your fine quarters , '' replied her mother , who had given her many anxious looks that day . For motherly eyes are quick to see any change in children 's faces . Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had , but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits , and when the younger girls were gone to bed , she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire , saying little and looking worried . As the clock struck nine and Jo proposed bed , Meg suddenly left her chair and , taking Beth 's stool , leaned her elbows on her mother 's knee , saying bravely ... `` Marmee , I want to ` fess ' . '' `` I thought so . What is it , dear ? '' `` Shall I go away ? '' asked Jo discreetly . `` Of course not . Do n't I always tell you everything ? I was ashamed to speak of it before the younger children , but I want you to know all the dreadful things I did at the Moffats ' . '' `` We are prepared , '' said Mrs. March , smiling but looking a little anxious . `` I told you they dressed me up , but I did n't tell you that they powdered and squeezed and frizzled , and made me look like a fashion-plate .
XXXXX thought I was n't proper .
Beth Jo Laurie Meg Moffats byplay day evening fortnight left