If you see me doing anything wrong , just remind me by a wink , will you ? '' returned Jo , giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush . `` No , winking is n't ladylike . I 'll lift my eyebrows if any thing is wrong , and nod if you are all right . Now hold your shoulder straight , and take short steps , and do n't shake hands if you are introduced to anyone . It is n't the thing . '' `` How do you learn all the proper ways ? I never can . Is n't that music gay ? '' Down they went , feeling a trifle timid , for they seldom went to parties , and informal as this little gathering was , it was an event to them . Mrs. Gardiner , a stately old lady , greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters . Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon , but Jo , who did n't care much for girls or girlish gossip , stood about , with her back carefully against the wall , and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden . Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room , and she longed to go and join them , for skating was one of the joys of her life . She telegraphed her wish to Meg , but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir . No one came to talk to her , and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone . She could not roam about and amuse herself , for the burned breadth would show , so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began . Meg was asked at once , and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly . Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner , and fearing he meant to engage her , she slipped into a curtained recess , intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace . Unfortunately , another bashful person had chosen the same refuge , for , as the curtain fell behind her , she found herself face to face with the ` Laurence boy ' . `` Dear me , I did n't know anyone was here ! ''
stammered XXXXX , preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in .
Gardiner Jo Laurence Meg Sallie colt left recess right wearer