They treated her with more respect , she thought , took quite a tender interest in what she said , and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity . All this surprised and flattered her , though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing , and said , with a sentimental air ... `` Daisy , dear , I 've sent an invitation to your friend , Mr. Laurence , for Thursday . We should like to know him , and it 's only a proper compliment to you . '' Meg colored , but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely , `` You are very kind , but I 'm afraid he wo n't come . '' `` Why not , Cherie ? '' asked Miss Belle . `` He 's too old . '' `` My child , what do you mean ? What is his age , I beg to know ! '' cried Miss Clara . `` Nearly seventy , I believe , '' answered Meg , counting stitches to hide the merriment in her eyes . `` You sly creature ! Of course we meant the young man , '' exclaimed Miss Belle , laughing . `` There is n't any , Laurie is only a little boy . '' And Meg laughed also at the queer look which the sisters exchanged as she thus described her supposed lover . `` About your age , '' Nan said . `` Nearer my sister Jo 's ; I am seventeen in August , '' returned Meg , tossing her head . `` It 's very nice of him to send you flowers , is n't it ? '' said Annie , looking wise about nothing . `` Yes , he often does , to all of us , for their house is full , and we are so fond of them .
My mother and old Mr. XXXXX are friends , you know , so it is quite natural that we children should play together , '' and Meg hoped they would say no more .
Annie Belle Cherie Clara Daisy Jo Laurence Laurie Meg Nan