So he patiently broke twig after twig till he had made a little hole through which he peeped , saying imploringly , ` Let me in ! Let me in ! ' But the pretty princess did not seem to understand , for she picked her roses quietly , and left him to fight his way in . Whether he did or not , Frank will tell you . '' `` I ca n't . I 'm not playing , I never do , '' said Frank , dismayed at the sentimental predicament out of which he was to rescue the absurd couple . Beth had disappeared behind Jo , and Grace was asleep . `` So the poor knight is to be left sticking in the hedge , is he ? '' asked Mr. Brooke , still watching the river , and playing with the wild rose in his buttonhole . `` I guess the princess gave him a posy , and opened the gate after a while , '' said Laurie , smiling to himself , as he threw acorns at his tutor . `` What a piece of nonsense we have made ! With practice we might do something quite clever . Do you know Truth ? '' `` I hope so , '' said Meg soberly . `` The game , I mean ? '' `` What is it ? '' said Fred . `` Why , you pile up your hands , choose a number , and draw out in turn , and the person who draws at the number has to answer truly any question put by the rest . It 's great fun . '' `` Let 's try it , '' said Jo , who liked new experiments .
Miss Kate and Mr. Brooke , Meg , and Ned declined , but Fred , Sallie , XXXXX , and Laurie piled and drew , and the lot fell to Laurie .
Beth Brooke Frank Fred Jo Laurie buttonhole left posy twig