The commander in chief and his aides soon spread the tablecloth with an inviting array of eatables and drinkables , prettily decorated with green leaves . Jo announced that the coffee was ready , and everyone settled themselves to a hearty meal , for youth is seldom dyspeptic , and exercise develops wholesome appetites . A very merry lunch it was , for everything seemed fresh and funny , and frequent peals of laughter startled a venerable horse who fed near by . There was a pleasing inequality in the table , which produced many mishaps to cups and plates , acorns dropped in the milk , little black ants partook of the refreshments without being invited , and fuzzy caterpillars swung down from the tree to see what was going on . Three white-headed children peeped over the fence , and an objectionable dog barked at them from the other side of the river with all his might and main . `` There 's salt here , '' said Laurie , as he handed Jo a saucer of berries . `` Thank you , I prefer spiders , '' she replied , fishing up two unwary little ones who had gone to a creamy death . `` How dare you remind me of that horrid dinner party , when yours is so nice in every way ? '' added Jo , as they both laughed and ate out of one plate , the china having run short . `` I had an uncommonly good time that day , and have n't got over it yet . This is no credit to me , you know , I do n't do anything . It 's you and Meg and Brooke who make it all go , and I 'm no end obliged to you . What shall we do when we ca n't eat anymore ? '' asked Laurie , feeling that his trump card had been played when lunch was over . `` Have games till it 's cooler . I brought Authors , and I dare say Miss Kate knows something new and nice . Go and ask her . She 's company , and you ought to stay with her more . '' `` Are n't you company too ? I thought she 'd suit Brooke , but he keeps talking to Meg , and Kate just stares at them through that ridiculous glass of hers .
I 'm going , so you need n't try to preach propriety , for you ca n't do it , XXXXX . ''
Brooke Jo Kate Laurie Meg day drinkables saucer spiders tablecloth