Tents , lunch , and croquet utensils having been sent on beforehand , the party was soon embarked , and the two boats pushed off together , leaving Mr. Laurence waving his hat on the shore . Laurie and Jo rowed one boat , Mr. Brooke and Ned the other , while Fred Vaughn , the riotous twin , did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water bug . Jo 's funny hat deserved a vote of thanks , for it was of general utility . It broke the ice in the beginning by producing a laugh , it created quite a refreshing breeze , flapping to and fro as she rowed , and would make an excellent umbrella for the whole party , if a shower came up , she said . Miss Kate decided that she was ` odd ' , but rather clever , and smiled upon her from afar . Meg , in the other boat , was delightfully situated , face to face with the rowers , who both admired the prospect and feathered their oars with uncommon ` skill and dexterity ' . Mr. Brooke was a grave , silent young man , with handsome brown eyes and a pleasant voice . Meg liked his quiet manners and considered him a walking encyclopedia of useful knowledge . He never talked to her much , but he looked at her a good deal , and she felt sure that he did not regard her with aversion . Ned , being in college , of course put on all the airs which freshmen think it their bounden duty to assume . He was not very wise , but very good-natured , and altogether an excellent person to carry on a picnic . Sallie Gardiner was absorbed in keeping her white pique dress clean and chattering with the ubiquitous Fred , who kept Beth in constant terror by his pranks . It was not far to Longmeadow , but the tent was pitched and the wickets down by the time they arrived . A pleasant green field , with three wide-spreading oaks in the middle and a smooth strip of turf for croquet . `` Welcome to Camp Laurence ! '' said the young host , as they landed with exclamations of delight . `` Brooke is commander in chief , I am commissary general , the other fellows are staff officers , and you , ladies , are company . The tent is for your especial benefit and that oak is your drawing room , this is the messroom and the third is the camp kitchen . Now , let 's have a game before it gets hot , and then we 'll see about dinner . '' Frank , Beth , Amy , and Grace sat down to watch the game played by the other eight .
Mr. Brooke chose XXXXX , Kate , and Fred .
Beth Gardiner Grace Jo Laurie Meg Ned oars third wherry