But someone did pass , and who should it be but Meg , looking particularly ladylike in her state and festival suit , for she had been making calls . `` What in the world are you doing here ? '' she asked , regarding her disheveled sister with well-bred surprise . `` Getting leaves , '' meekly answered Jo , sorting the rosy handful she had just swept up . `` And hairpins , '' added Laurie , throwing half a dozen into Jo 's lap . `` They grow on this road , Meg , so do combs and brown straw hats . '' `` You have been running , Jo . How could you ? When will you stop such romping ways ? '' said Meg reprovingly , as she settled her cuffs and smoothed her hair , with which the wind had taken liberties . `` Never till I 'm stiff and old and have to use a crutch . Do n't try to make me grow up before my time , Meg . It 's hard enough to have you change all of a sudden . Let me be a little girl as long as I can . '' As she spoke , Jo bent over the leaves to hide the trembling of her lips , for lately she had felt that Margaret was fast getting to be a woman , and Laurie 's secret made her dread the separation which must surely come some time and now seemed very near . He saw the trouble in her face and drew Meg 's attention from it by asking quickly , `` Where have you been calling , all so fine ? '' `` At the Gardiners ' , and Sallie has been telling me all about Belle Moffat 's wedding . It was very splendid , and they have gone to spend the winter in Paris . Just think how delightful that must be ! '' `` Do you envy her , Meg ? ''
XXXXX Laurie .
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