`` Because , what ? '' `` You wo n't tell ? '' `` Never ! '' `` Well , I have a bad trick of standing before the fire , and so I burn my frocks , and I scorched this one , and though it 's nicely mended , it shows , and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it . You may laugh , if you want to . It is funny , I know . '' But Laurie did n't laugh . He only looked down a minute , and the expression of his face puzzled Jo when he said very gently , `` Never mind that . I 'll tell you how we can manage . There 's a long hall out there , and we can dance grandly , and no one will see us . Please come . '' Jo thanked him and gladly went , wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice , pearl-colored ones her partner wore . The hall was empty , and they had a grand polka , for Laurie danced well , and taught her the German step , which delighted Jo , being full of swing and spring . When the music stopped , they sat down on the stairs to get their breath , and Laurie was in the midst of an account of a students ' festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister . She beckoned , and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room , where she found her on a sofa , holding her foot , and looking pale . `` I 've sprained my ankle . That stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench . It aches so , I can hardly stand , and I do n't know how I 'm ever going to get home , '' she said , rocking to and fro in pain . `` I knew you 'd hurt your feet with those silly shoes . I 'm sorry .
But I do n't see what you can do , except get a carriage , or stay here all night , '' answered XXXXX , softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke .
Heidelberg Jo Laurie Meg burn fire fro frocks minute wrench