Meg couldn't refuse this kind offer and, on the Thursday evening, Belle helped to change Meg into a fine lady. She brushed and curled her hair, reddened her lips, then helped her to get into the sky-blue dress. The neck of the dress was cut very low, and Meg was quite shocked when she saw herself in the mirror. A necklace and earrings were added, and Meg was ready for the party.At first, she felt strange in all the fine clothes, but she soon discovered that people who did not usually notice her now came to speak to her. Several young men who had only stared before now asked to be introduced. Suddenly, Meg saw Laurie across the room. He was staring at her, and he didn't look very pleased. Meg began to feel uncomfortable, and she wished that she had worn her old dress. As she walked up to Laurie, she saw Belle and Annie watching them both and smiling. 'I'm glad you came,' Meg said to Laurie, in her most grown-up voice. "I was afraid you wouldn't.' Jo wanted me to come and tell her how you looked, said Laurie. "What will you tell her?' I'll say I didn't know you, because you look so unlike yourself. I'm quite afraid of you,' he said. The girls dressed me up for fun,' said Meg. 'Don't you like it? No, I don't,' came the cool reply. Meg became angry. Then I shan't stay with you! And she walked off towards the window.