They are going out to supper now. I'll stay with you. I'd
rather."

"No, dear, run along, and bring me some coffee. I'm so tired
I can't stir."

So Meg reclined, with rubbers well hidden, and Jo went blundering
away to the dining room, which she found after going into a
china closet, and opening the door of a room where old Mr. Gardiner
was taking a little private refreshment. Making a dart at the
table, she secured the coffee, which she immediately spilled,
thereby making the front of her dress as bad as the back.

"Oh, dear, what a blunderbuss I am!" exclaimed Jo, finishing
Meg's glove by scrubbing her gown with it.

"Can I help you?" said a friendly voice. And there was Laurie,
with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other.

"I was trying to get something for Meg, who is very tired, and
someone shook me, and here I am in a nice state," answered Jo,
glancing dismally from the stained skirt to the coffee-colored glove.

"Too bad! I was looking for someone to give this to. May I
take it to your sister?"