10 Camp Laurence

CHAPTER 10 Camp Laurence One July day Beth came into the house with her arms full of parcels. She was appointed mistress of the post office the two houses had set up for fun because she spent the most time at home. One was a peculiar package that, after Meg opened it, revealed one letter and one glove. "Why, where's the other one?" Meg remembered leaving a pair at Laurie's. Beth

said she'd only found one in the post office. "Oh, I hate odd gloves." Meg put down her sewing and opened the letter. It was a translation of a German song. She said, "Mr. Brooke must have done this. It isn't Laurie's handwriting." Marmee glanced at her pretty daughter. She had a brief thought about a brewing romance between Meg and Mr. Brooke. Meg had no idea what her mother was thinking. She was quite happy to sit sewing and singing. Jo also had "mail." She laughed when Beth handed her a big, floppy hat. "I told Laurie the other day that I wished big hats were the fashion because I was always getting sunburned," Jo explained. "He said, 'Why care about fashion? Wear a big hat and be comfortable.'" Jo also received a note from her mother,

who was proud of how well she was controlling her temper. Another letter was from Laurie inviting everyone to a picnic: his friends, the Vaughns, were visiting from England. Jo was excited. "Can we go, Marmee?" she asked. "Meg and I will be a great help and it'll be fun for Beth and Amy." Meg asked, "Do you know anything about the Vaughns?" Jo replied, "They're friends of Laurie's from abroad. Kate's older than you; the twins, Fred and Frank, are my age; and Grace is about nine." "I'm so glad my French print is pressed!" Meg said, ever mindful of her fashion. "Jo, do you have something decent?" Jo rolled her eyes and stated that her gray boating suit would do just fine. After all, she would be spending the day rowing and eating

outdoors. Beth said she was a bit afraid of the new boys, but she would love to go anyway. Jo encouraged her sisters to get their chores done so they could spend the holiday without a care in the world. When Jo woke up the next morning, she noticed with a laugh that Amy had a clothespin on her nose to uplift its shape no matter how much it hurt! The day was bright and beautiful, perfect for a picnic. All four girls got dressed. Beth finished first and went to the window to watch the bustling scene next door. "Oh, Laurie's dressed like a sailor," she reported to her sisters. "And Ned Moffat and Sallie Gardiner and Mr. Brooke are there, too. What fun, girls! What fun!" Soon, all four were ready. Meg was mortified that Jo was wearing her big, floppy hat. They headed next door to meet Laurie's

friends. He made polite introductions. Jo noticed that Kate was standoffish. "Perhaps that's why Laurie clams up when he's speaking of her," she thought. Beth came out of her shell a little when she noticed that Frank walked with a cane. He was both kind and gentle. Soon, Amy was chumming around with little Grace as if they had known each other all their lives. Mischief was underfoot within the two boats. Fred did his best to overturn them. Everyone had a good laugh at Jo's funny hat. Kate was amazed at Jo, who forgot herself and cried "Christopher Columbus!" when she lost her oar. The big tent was set up by the time the party arrived at the picnic area. Laurie jumped out and announced in his jolly voice, "Welcome to Camp Laurence!" He then suggested they have a game of croquet before

lunch. They divided into two teams. Jo had to control her temper when she caught Fred Vaughn cheating. In the end it didn't matter, because they all had a good time playing the game. Next, it was time for lunch. Everyone helped. The younger campers gathered sticks for the fire. The older girls set the table. The boys got the fire going. The meal was lovely. They ate and ate. Laurie and Jo had to share a plate because one was missing.