No one came to talk to her, and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone.
She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began.

Meg was asked at once, and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly.

Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace.

Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'.
"Dear me, I didn't know anyone was here!" stammered Jo, preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in.
But the boy laughed and said pleasantly, though he looked a little startled, "Don't mind me, stay if you like." "Shan't I disturb you ?" "Not a bit.

I only came here because I don't know many people and felt rather strange at first, you know." "So did I.