I 'm glad she got back in time . Am I all right , Jo ? '' cried Meg in a flutter . `` A regular daisy . Hold up your dress and put your hat on straight , it looks sentimental tipped that way and will fly off at the first puff . Now then , come on ! '' `` Oh , Jo , you are not going to wear that awful hat ? It 's too absurd ! You shall not make a guy of yourself , '' remonstrated Meg , as Jo tied down with a red ribbon the broad-brimmed , old-fashioned leghorn Laurie had sent for a joke . `` I just will , though , for it 's capital , so shady , light , and big . It will make fun , and I do n't mind being a guy if I 'm comfortable . '' With that Jo marched straight away and the rest followed , a bright little band of sisters , all looking their best in summer suits , with happy faces under the jaunty hatbrims . Laurie ran to meet and present them to his friends in the most cordial manner . The lawn was the reception room , and for several minutes a lively scene was enacted there . Meg was grateful to see that Miss Kate , though twenty , was dressed with a simplicity which American girls would do well to imitate , and who was much flattered by Mr. Ned 's assurances that he came especially to see her . Jo understood why Laurie ` primmed up his mouth ' when speaking of Kate , for that young lady had a standoff-don ` t-touch-me air , which contrasted strongly with the free and easy demeanor of the other girls . Beth took an observation of the new boys and decided that the lame one was not ` dreadful ' , but gentle and feeble , and she would be kind to him on that account . Amy found Grace a well-mannered , merry , little person , and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes , they suddenly became very good friends . 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 .
XXXXX 's funny hat deserved a vote of thanks , for it was of general utility .
American Amy Brooke Jo Laurie Meg croquet daisy minutes right