Mrs Meg always had room on her sofa for two or three girls , and Mr Laurie devoted himself to these plain , poorly dressed damsels with a kindly grace that won their hearts and made them happy . The good Professor circulated like refreshments , and his cheerful face shone on all alike , while Mr March discussed Greek comedy in the study with such serious gentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to frivolous joys . The long music-room , parlour , hall , and piazza were full of white-gowned maidens with attendant shadows ; the air was full of lively voices , and hearts and feet went lightly together as the home band played vigorously , and the friendly moon did her best to add enchantment to the scene . ` Pin me up , Meg ; that dear Dunbar boy has nearly rent me `` in sunder '' , as Mr Peggotty would say . But did n't he enjoy himself , bumping against his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop . On these occasions I find that I 'm not as young as I was , nor as light of foot . In ten years more we shall be meal-bags , sister ; so be resigned . ' And Mrs Jo subsided into a corner , much dishevelled by her benevolent exertions . ' I know I shall be stout ; but you wo n't keep still long enough to get much flesh on your bones , dear ; and Amy will always keep her lovely figure . She looks about eighteen tonight , in her white gown and roses , ' answered Meg , busily pinning up one sister 's torn frills , while her eyes fondly followed the other 's graceful movements ; for Meg still adored Amy in the old fashion . It was one of the family jokes that Jo was getting fat , and she kept it up , though as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline , which was very becoming . They were laughing over the impending double chins , when Mr Laurie came off duty for a moment . ` Repairing damages as usual , Jo ? You never could take a little gentle exercise without returning in rags . Come and have a quiet stroll with me and cool off before supper . I 've a series of pretty tableaux to show you while Meg listens to the raptures of lisping Miss Carr , whom I made happy by giving her Demi for a partner . ' As he spoke , Laurie led Jo to the music-room , nearly empty now after a dance which sent the young people into garden and hall . Pausing before the first of the four long windows that opened on a very wide piazza , he pointed to a group outside , saying : ` The name of this is `` Jack Ashore '' . ' A pair of long , blue legs , ending in very neat pumps , hung from the veranda roof among the vines ; and roses , gathered by unseen hands , evidently appertaining to aforesaid legs , were being dropped into the laps of several girls perched like a flock of white birds on the railing below ; while a manly voice ` fell like a falling star ' , as it sung this pensive ditty to a most appreciative audience : MARY 'S DREAM The moon had climbed the eastern hill Which rises o'er the sands of Dee , And from its highest summit shed A silver light on tower and tree , When Mary laid her down to sleep -LRB- Her thoughts on Sandy far at sea -RRB- ; When soft and low a voice was heard , Saying , ` Mary , weep no more for me . ' She from her pillow gently raised Her head , to see who there might be , And saw young Sandy , shivering stand With visage pale and hollow e ` e. ` Oh Mary dear , cold is my clay ; It lies beneath the stormy sea ; Far , far from thee , I sleep in death .
Dear XXXXX , weep no more for me .
Dunbar Greek Jo Mary Meg Peggotty Professor Sandy first music-room