`` Why not ? '' in an anxious tone . He glanced at her frizzled head , bare shoulders , and fantastically trimmed dress with an expression that abashed her more than his answer , which had not a particle of his usual politeness in it . `` I do n't like fuss and feathers . '' That was altogether too much from a lad younger than herself , and Meg walked away , saying petulantly , `` You are the rudest boy I ever saw . '' Feeling very much ruffled , she went and stood at a quiet window to cool her cheeks , for the tight dress gave her an uncomfortably brilliant color . As she stood there , Major Lincoln passed by , and a minute after she heard him saying to his mother ... `` They are making a fool of that little girl . I wanted you to see her , but they have spoiled her entirely . She 's nothing but a doll tonight . '' `` Oh , dear ! '' sighed Meg . `` I wish I 'd been sensible and worn my own things , then I should not have disgusted other people , or felt so uncomfortable and ashamed of myself . '' She leaned her forehead on the cool pane , and stood half hidden by the curtains , never minding that her favorite waltz had begun , till some one touched her , and turning , she saw Laurie , looking penitent , as he said , with his very best bow and his hand out ... `` Please forgive my rudeness , and come and dance with me . '' `` I 'm afraid it will be too disagreeable to you , '' said Meg , trying to look offended and failing entirely . `` Not a bit of it , I 'm dying to do it . Come , I 'll be good . I do n't like your gown , but I do think you are just splendid . '' And he waved his hands , as if words failed to express his admiration . Meg smiled and relented , and whispered as they stood waiting to catch the time , `` Take care my skirt does n't trip you up . It 's the plague of my life and I was a goose to wear it . ''
`` Pin it round your neck , and then it will be useful , '' said XXXXX , looking down at the little blue boots , which he evidently approved of .
Laurie Lincoln Meg color gown hands minute rudeness skirt tone