We do n't know him ! '' exclaimed Meg . `` Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party . He is an odd old gentleman , but that pleased him . He knew my father years ago , and he sent me a polite note this afternoon , saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day . I could not refuse , and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the bread-and-milk breakfast . '' `` That boy put it into his head , I know he did ! He 's a capital fellow , and I wish we could get acquainted . He looks as if he 'd like to know us but he 's bashful , and Meg is so prim she wo n't let me speak to him when we pass , '' said Jo , as the plates went round , and the ice began to melt out of sight , with ohs and ahs of satisfaction . `` You mean the people who live in the big house next door , do n't you ? '' asked one of the girls . `` My mother knows old Mr. Laurence , but says he 's very proud and does n't like to mix with his neighbors . He keeps his grandson shut up , when he is n't riding or walking with his tutor , and makes him study very hard . We invited him to our party , but he did n't come . Mother says he 's very nice , though he never speaks to us girls . '' `` Our cat ran away once , and he brought her back , and we talked over the fence , and were getting on capitally , all about cricket , and so on , when he saw Meg coming , and walked off . I mean to know him some day , for he needs fun , I 'm sure he does , '' said Jo decidedly . `` I like his manners , and he looks like a little gentleman , so I 've no objection to your knowing him , if a proper opportunity comes . He brought the flowers himself , and I should have asked him in , if I had been sure what was going on upstairs . He looked so wistful as he went away , hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own . ''
`` It 's a mercy you did n't , XXXXX ! ''
Hannah Jo Laurence Meg Mother afternoon ahs day ohs trifles