"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, isn'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. Laurence are friends, you know, so it is quite natural that we children should play together;" and Meg hoped they would say no more.
"It's evident Daisy isn't out yet," said Miss Clara to Belle, with a nod.
"Quite a pastoral state of innocence all round," returned Miss Belle, with a shrug.
"I'm going out to get some little matters for my girls; can I do anything for you, young ladies?" asked Mrs. Moffat, lumbering in, like an elephant, in silk and lace.
"No, thank you, ma'am," replied Sallie. "I've got my new pink silk for Thursday, and don't want a thing."
"Nor I,—" began Meg, but stopped, because it occurred to her that she did want several things, and could not have them.
"What shall you wear?" asked Sallie.
"My old white one again, if I can mend it fit to be seen; it got sadly torn last night," said Meg, trying to speak quite easily, but feeling very uncomfortable.