This little bit of byplay excited Annie's curiosity, but Meg was too tired for gossip and went to bed, feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and hadn't enjoyed herself as much as she expectedShe was sick all the next day, and on Saturday went home, quite used up with her fortnight's fun and feeling that she had `sat in the lap of luxury' long enough
"It does seem pleasant to be quiet, and not have company manners on all the timeHome is a nice place, though it isn't splendid," said Meg, looking about her with a restful expression, as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening
"I'm glad to hear you say so, dear, for I was afraid home would seem dull and poor to you after your fine quarters," replied her mother, who had given her many anxious looks that dayFor motherly eyes are quick to see any change in children's faces
Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had, but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits, and when the younger girls were gone to bed, she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire, saying little and looking http://www.naluxury.com/categorys_2_Gucci-Purse_1.html" target="_blank worriedAs the clock struck nine and Jo proposed bed, Meg suddenly left her chair and, taking Beth's stool, leaned her elbows on her mother's knee, saying bravely
"Marmee, I want to `fess'What is it, dear?"
"Shall I go away?" asked Jo discreetlyDon't I always tell you everything? I was ashamed to speak of it before the younger children, but I want you to know all the dreadful things I did at the Moffats'
"We are prepared," said MrsMarch, smiling but looking a little anxious
"I told you they dressed me up, but I didn't tell you that they powdered and squeezed and frizzled, and made me look like a fashion plateLaurie thought I wasn't properI know he did, though he didn't say so, and one man called me `a doll'I knew it was silly, but they flattered me and said I was a beauty, and quantities of nonsense, so I let them make a fool of me
"Is that all?" asked Jo, as MrsMarch looked silently at the downcast face of her pretty daughter, and could not find it in her heart to blame her little follies
"No, I drank champagne and romped and tried to flirt, and was altogether abominable," said Meg http://www.ooluxury.com/scategory_8_Hermes.html" target="_blank self-reproachfully
"There is something more, I thinkMarch smoothed the soft cheek, which suddenly grew rosy as Meg answered slowlyIt's very silly, but I want to tell it, because I hate to have people say and think such things about us and Laurie
Then she told the various bits of gossip she had heard at the Moffats', and as she spoke, Jo saw her mother fold her lips tightly, as if ill pleased that such ideas should be put into Meg's innocent mind
"Well, if that isn't the greatest rubbish I ever heard," cried Jo indignantly"Why didn't you pop out and tell them so on the spot?'
"I couldn't, it was so embarrassing for meI couldn't help hearing at first, and then I was so angry and ashamed, I didn't remember that I ought to go away
"Just wait till I see Annie Moffat, and I'll show you how to settle such ridiculous stuffThe idea of having `plans' and being kind to Laurie because he's rich and may marry us by-and-by! Won't he shout when I tell him what those silly things say about us poor children?" And Jo laughed, as if on second thoughts the thing struck her as a good joke
"If you tell Laurie, I'll http://www.ttluxury.com/scategory_28_Omega-Watches.html" target="_blank never forgive you! She mustn't, must she, Mother?" said Meg, looking distressed
"No, never repeat that foolish gossip, and forget it as soon as you can," said Mrs"I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little, kind, I dare say, but worldly, ill-bred, and full of these vulgar ideas about young peopleI am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you, Meg
"Don't be sorry, I won't let it hurt meI'll forget all the bad and remember only the good, for I did enjoy a great deal, and thank you very much for letting me goI'll not be sentimental or dissatisfied, MotherI know I'm a silly little girl, and I'll stay with you till I'm fit to take care of myselfBut it is nice to be praised and admired, and I can't help saying I like it," said Meg, looking half ashamed of the confession
"That is perfectly natural, and quite harmless, if the liking does not become a passion and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly thingsLearn to know and value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as http://www.enluxury.com/categorys_93_Coco-Chanel-Top-Handles-Bag_1.html" target="_blank pretty, Meg
Margaret sat thinking a moment, while Jo stood with her hands behind her, looking both interested and a little perplexed, for it was a new thing to see Meg blushing and talking about admiration, lovers, and things of that sortAnd Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly, and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow
"Mother, do you have `plans', as MrsMoffat said?" asked Meg bashfully
"Yes, my dear, I have a great many, all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from MrsI will tell you some of them, for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right, on a very serious subjectYou are young, Meg, but not too young to understand me, and mothers' lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like youJo, your turn will come in time, perhaps, so listen to my `plans' and help me carry them out, if they are good
Jo went and sat on one arm of the chair, looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affairHolding a hand of each, and watching the two young faces wistfully, http://www.irluxury.com/" target="_blank