because home seemed very lonely, and this quiet party in the
woods most attractive to his restless spirit. He stood so still
that a squirrel, busy with its harvesting, ran down a pine close
beside him, saw him suddenly and skipped back, scolding so
shrilly that Beth looked up, espied the wistful face behind the
birches, and beckoned with a reassuring smile.

"May I come in, please? or shall I be a bother?" he asked,
advancing slowly.

Meg lifted her eyebrows, but Jo scowled at her defiantly and
said, at once, "Of course you may. We should have asked you
before, only we thought you wouldn't care for such a girl's
game as this."

"I always liked your games; but if Meg doesn't want me,
I'll go away."

"I've no objection, if you do something; it's against the
rules to be idle here," replied Meg, gravely but graciously.

"Much obliged; I'll do anything if you'll let me stop a bit,
for it's as dull as the Desert of Sahara down there. Shall I
sew, read, cone, draw, or do all at once? Bring on your bears;
I'm ready," and Laurie sat down, with a submissive expression
delightful to behold.

"Finish this story while I set my heel," said Jo, handing him
the book.

"Yes'm," was the meek answer, as he began, doing his best
to prove his gratitude for the favor of an admission into the
"Busy Bee Society."

The story was not a long one, and, when it was finished, he
ventured to ask a few questions as a reward of merit.

"Please, ma'am, could I inquire if this highly instructive and
charming institution is a new one?"

"Would you tell him?" asked Meg of her sisters.

"He'll laugh," said Amy warningly.

"Who cares?" said Jo.

"I guess he'll like it," added Beth.

"Of course I shall! I give you my word I won't laugh.
Tell, away, Jo, and don't be afraid."

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