`` Laurie , I want you to do me a favor , will you ? '' said Meg , as he stood fanning her when her breath gave out , which it did very soon though she would not own why . `` Wo n't I ! '' said Laurie , with alacrity . `` Please do n't tell them at home about my dress tonight . They wo n't understand the joke , and it will worry Mother . '' `` Then why did you do it ? '' said Laurie 's eyes , so plainly that Meg hastily added ... `` I shall tell them myself all about it , and ` fess ' to Mother how silly I 've been . But I 'd rather do it myself . So you 'll not tell , will you ? '' `` I give you my word I wo n't , only what shall I say when they ask me ? '' `` Just say I looked pretty well and was having a good time . '' `` I 'll say the first with all my heart , but how about the other ? You do n't look as if you were having a good time . Are you ? '' And Laurie looked at her with an expression which made her answer in a whisper ... `` No , not just now . Do n't think I 'm horrid . I only wanted a little fun , but this sort does n't pay , I find , and I 'm getting tired of it . '' `` Here comes Ned Moffat . What does he want ? ''
said XXXXX , knitting his black brows as if he did not regard his young host in the light of a pleasant addition to the party .
Laurie Meg Moffat Mother alacrity favor fess first joke word