As the gate clashed behind them , a voice cried from a window ... `` Girls , girls ! Have you you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs ? '' `` Yes , yes , spandy nice , and Meg has cologne on hers , '' cried Jo , adding with a laugh as they went on , `` I do believe Marmee would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake . '' `` It is one of her aristocratic tastes , and quite proper , for a real lady is always known by neat boots , gloves , and handkerchief , '' replied Meg , who had a good many little ` aristocratic tastes ' of her own . `` Now do n't forget to keep the bad breadth out of sight , Jo . Is my sash right ? And does my hair look very bad ? '' said Meg , as she turned from the glass in Mrs. Gardiner 's dressing room after a prolonged prink . `` I know I shall forget . If you see me doing anything wrong , just remind me by a wink , will you ? '' returned Jo , giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush . `` No , winking is n't ladylike . I 'll lift my eyebrows if any thing is wrong , and nod if you are all right . Now hold your shoulder straight , and take short steps , and do n't shake hands if you are introduced to anyone . It is n't the thing . '' `` How do you learn all the proper ways ? I never can . Is n't that music gay ? '' Down they went , feeling a trifle timid , for they seldom went to parties , and informal as this little gathering was , it was an event to them . Mrs. Gardiner , a stately old lady , greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters .
Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon , but XXXXX , who did n't care much for girls or girlish gossip , stood about , with her back carefully against the wall , and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden .
Gardiner Girls Jo Marmee Meg earthquake gathering handkerchief prink right