No one was in sight , the smooth road sloped invitingly before her , and finding the temptation irresistible , Jo darted away , soon leaving hat and comb behind her and scattering hairpins as she ran . Laurie reached the goal first and was quite satisfied with the success of his treatment , for his Atlanta came panting up with flying hair , bright eyes , ruddy cheeks , and no signs of dissatisfaction in her face . `` I wish I was a horse , then I could run for miles in this splendid air , and not lose my breath . It was capital , but see what a guy it 's made me . Go , pick up my things , like a cherub , as you are , '' said Jo , dropping down under a maple tree , which was carpeting the bank with crimson leaves . Laurie leisurely departed to recover the lost property , and Jo bundled up her braids , hoping no one would pass by till she was tidy again . But someone did pass , and who should it be but Meg , looking particularly ladylike in her state and festival suit , for she had been making calls . `` What in the world are you doing here ? '' she asked , regarding her disheveled sister with well-bred surprise . `` Getting leaves , '' meekly answered Jo , sorting the rosy handful she had just swept up . `` And hairpins , '' added Laurie , throwing half a dozen into Jo 's lap . `` They grow on this road , Meg , so do combs and brown straw hats . '' `` You have been running , Jo . How could you ? When will you stop such romping ways ? '' said Meg reprovingly , as she settled her cuffs and smoothed her hair , with which the wind had taken liberties . `` Never till I 'm stiff and old and have to use a crutch . Do n't try to make me grow up before my time , Meg . It 's hard enough to have you change all of a sudden . Let me be a little girl as long as I can . ''
As she spoke , XXXXX bent over the leaves to hide the trembling of her lips , for lately she had felt that Margaret was fast getting to be a woman , and Laurie 's secret made her dread the separation which must surely come some time and now seemed very near .
Atlanta Jo Laurie Meg cherub dozen first goal hairpins horse