“Laurie, I want you to do me a favor; will you?” said Meg, as he stood fanning her, when her breath gave out, which it did very soon, though she would not own why.

“Won’t I!” said Laurie, with alacrity.

“Please don’t tell them at home about my dress tonight. They won’t understand the joke, and it will worry mother.”

“Then why did you do it?” said Laurie’s eyes, so plainly that Meg hastily added⁠—

“I shall tell them, myself, all about it, and ’fess to mother how silly I’ve been. But I’d rather do it myself; so you’ll not tell, will you?”

“I give you my word I won’t; only what shall I say when they ask me?”

“Just say I looked pretty well, and was having a good time.”