“What do you most wish for?” said Laurie.
“A pair of boot-lacings,” returned Jo, guessing and defeating his purpose.
“Not a true answer; you must say what you really do want most.”
“Genius; don’t you wish you could give it to me, Laurie?” and she slyly smiled in his disappointed face.
“What virtues do you most admire in a man?” asked Sallie.
“Courage and honesty.”
“Now my turn,” said Fred, as his hand came last.
“Let’s give it to him,” whispered Laurie to Jo, who nodded, and asked at once—
“Didn’t you cheat at croquet?”
“Well, yes, a little bit.”
“Good! Didn’t you take your story out of The Sea-Lion ?” said Laurie.
“Rather.”
“Don’t you think the English nation perfect in every respect?” asked Sallie.
“I should be ashamed of myself if I didn’t.”
“He’s a true John Bull. Now, Miss Sallie, you shall have a chance without waiting to draw. I’ll harrow up your feelings first, by asking if you don’t think you are something of a flirt,” said Laurie, as Jo nodded to Fred, as a sign that peace was declared.
“You impertinent boy! of course I’m not,” exclaimed Sallie, with an air that proved the contrary.