Little Women - 912 Freedom Library

Little Womenon, from the bow in her bonnet to the buttons on herboots. ‘Well, you can leave it, if you like. We’ve more ofthis sort of thing on hand than we know what to do withat present, but I’ll run my eye over it, and give you ananswer next week.’Now, Jo did not like to leave it, for Mr. Dashwooddidn’t suit her at all, but, under the circumstances, therewas nothing for her to do but bow and walk away,looking particularly tall and dignified, as she was apt to dowhen nettled or abashed. Just then she was both, for it wasperfectly evident from the knowing glances exchangedamong the gentlemen that her little fiction of ‘my friend’was considered a good joke, and a laugh, produced bysome inaudible remark of the editor, as he closed the door,completed her discomfiture. Half resolving never toreturn, she went home, and worked off her irritation bystitching pinafores vigorously, and in an hour or two wascool enough to laugh over the scene and long for nextweek.When she went again, Mr. Dashwood was alone,whereat she rejoiced. Mr. Dashwood was much widerawake than before, which was agreeable and Mr.Dashwood was not too deeply absorbed in a cigar to608 of 861