She 'd be so nice if she was only got up in style . Do you think she 'd be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday ? '' asked another voice . `` She 's proud , but I do n't believe she 'd mind , for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got . She may tear it tonight , and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one . '' Here Meg 's partner appeared , to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated . She was proud , and her pride was useful just then , for it helped her hide her mortification , anger , and disgust at what she had just heard . For , innocent and unsuspicious as she was , she could not help understanding the gossip of her friends . She tried to forget it , but could not , and kept repeating to herself , `` Mrs. M. has made her plans , '' `` that fib about her mamma , '' and `` dowdy tarlaton , '' till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice . As that was impossible , she did her best to seem gay , and being rather excited , she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making . She was very glad when it was all over and she was quiet in her bed , where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears . Those foolish , yet well meant words , had opened a new world to Meg , and much disturbed the peace of the old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child . Her innocent friendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard . Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs. Moffat , who judged others by herself , and the sensible resolution to be contented with the simple wardrobe which suited a poor man 's daughter was weakened by the unnecessary pity of girls who thought a shabby dress one of the greatest calamities under heaven . Poor Meg had a restless night , and got up heavy-eyed , unhappy , half resentful toward her friends , and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right . Everybody dawdled that morning , and it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work . Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once . They treated her with more respect , she thought , took quite a tender interest in what she said , and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity . All this surprised and flattered her , though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing , and said , with a sentimental air ... `` Daisy , dear , I 've sent an invitation to your friend , Mr. Laurence , for Thursday . We should like to know him , and it 's only a proper compliment to you . ''
XXXXX colored , but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely , `` You are very kind , but I 'm afraid he wo n't come . ''
Belle Daisy Laurence Laurie Meg Moffat before morning night tarlaton