But they were kindly people , in spite of the frivolous life they led , and soon put their guest at her ease . Perhaps Meg felt , without understanding why , that they were not particularly cultivated or intelligent people , and that all their gilding could not quite conceal the ordinary material of which they were made . It certainly was agreeable to fare sumptuously , drive in a fine carriage , wear her best frock every day , and do nothing but enjoy herself . It suited her exactly , and soon she began to imitate the manners and conversation of those about her , to put on little airs and graces , use French phrases , crimp her hair , take in her dresses , and talk about the fashions as well as she could . The more she saw of Annie Moffat 's pretty things , the more she envied her and sighed to be rich . Home now looked bare and dismal as she thought of it , work grew harder than ever , and she felt that she was a very destitute and much-injured girl , in spite of the new gloves and silk stockings . She had not much time for repining , however , for the three young girls were busily employed in ` having a good time ' . They shopped , walked , rode , and called all day , went to theaters and operas or frolicked at home in the evening , for Annie had many friends and knew how to entertain them . Her older sisters were very fine young ladies , and one was engaged , which was extremely interesting and romantic , Meg thought . Mr. Moffat was a fat , jolly old gentleman , who knew her father , and Mrs. Moffat , a fat , jolly old lady , who took as great a fancy to Meg as her daughter had done . Everyone petted her , and ` Daisey ' , as they called her , was in a fair way to have her head turned . When the evening for the small party came , she found that the poplin would n't do at all , for the other girls were putting on thin dresses and making themselves very fine indeed . So out came the tarlatan , looking older , limper , and shabbier than ever beside Sallie 's crisp new one . Meg saw the girls glance at it and then at one another , and her cheeks began to burn , for with all her gentleness she was very proud . No one said a word about it , but Sallie offered to dress her hair , and Annie to tie her sash , and Belle , the engaged sister , praised her white arms . But in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty , and her heart felt very heavy as she stood by herself , while the others laughed , chattered , and flew about like gauzy butterflies . The hard , bitter feeling was getting pretty bad , when the maid brought in a box of flowers . Before she could speak , Annie had the cover off , and all were exclaiming at the lovely roses , heath , and fern within . `` It 's for Belle , of course , George always sends her some , but these are altogether ravishing , '' cried Annie , with a great sniff . `` They are for Miss March , the man said .
And here 's a note , '' XXXXX in the maid , holding it to Meg .
called employed getting grew looking put speak stood thought took