`` I hate it ! Nothing but grinding or skylarking . And I do n't like the way fellows do either , in this country . '' `` What do you like ? '' `` To live in Italy , and to enjoy myself in my own way . '' Jo wanted very much to ask what his own way was , but his black brows looked rather threatening as he knit them , so she changed the subject by saying , as her foot kept time , `` That 's a splendid polka ! Why do n't you go and try it ? '' `` If you will come too , '' he answered , with a gallant little bow . `` I ca n't , for I told Meg I would n't , because ... '' There Jo stopped , and looked undecided whether to tell or to laugh . `` Because , what ? '' `` You wo n't tell ? '' `` Never ! '' `` Well , I have a bad trick of standing before the fire , and so I burn my frocks , and I scorched this one , and though it 's nicely mended , it shows , and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it . You may laugh , if you want to . It is funny , I know . '' But Laurie did n't laugh . He only looked down a minute , and the expression of his face puzzled Jo when he said very gently , `` Never mind that . I 'll tell you how we can manage . There 's a long hall out there , and we can dance grandly , and no one will see us . Please come . ''
XXXXX thanked him and gladly went , wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice , pearl-colored ones her partner wore .
Italy Jo Laurie Meg burn expression face fire frocks minute