The young man crossed the road and waited. It was Laurie. Ten minutes later, Jo came running out, but did not look pleased to see him.

"I'm waiting to walk home with you," he said. "I've a secret to tell you, but first you must tell me yours."

"Miss March, the famous American writer!" said Laurie, throwing his hat into the air and catching it.

One October afternoon, Jo caught a bus into the town and stopped outside a building in one of the busy streets. She went in, looked up the stairs and, after a minute, ran out again. She did this several times, to the great amusement of a young man who was watching from the opposite side of the road. But the fourth time, Jo gave herself a shake and walked up the stairs.

"What are you doing here?" she said.

"You won't say anything at home, will you?" said Jo.

"I've left two of my stories with a newspaper man," said Jo, "but I'll have to wait until next week before I know if they will be printed."

"Not a word, promised Laurie.

Jo looked pleased. "Now, what's your secret?"

"Wait until I tell you where it is," he said.

"You remember Meg lost a glove at the picnic?" said Laurie. "Well, I know where it is."

Laurie whispered three words in Jo's ear.

"Tell me then," said Jo.

"Pleased at the idea of someone coming to take Meg away?" said Jo. "No, thank you."

"Where?" asked Jo.

"Pocket. What's wrong, don't you like it?"

"I didn't promise," Jo reminded him.

"Is that all?" said Jo, looking disappointed.

"You mustn't tell anyone," said Laurie.

"Of course not. It's stupid! What would Meg say if she knew?"

"I thought you would be pleased," he said.

At that moment, someone passed by, then stopped and looked back. It was Meg.

She ran off down the hill, but Laurie came after her and reached the bottom first. She came up behind him, her face red and her hair blowing in the wind.

She stared at him, looking both surprised and displeased. "How do you know?"

"I saw it."

"That was fun!" she said, forgetting her crossness in the enjoyment of a good run.

"What are you doing here?" she said when she saw Jo. "You've been running, haven't you? Jo, when will you start to behave like a young lady?"

"Are you reading anything interesting?" asked Meg.

"Who wrote it?" asked Beth, watching Jo's face.

Minutes later, Jo came in with the newspaper. She sat down and began to read it.

"What can we do with that girl?" said Meg. "She never will behave like a young lady."

Jo began to read very fast, and the girls listened. It was a love story about two people called Viola and Angelo, and most of the characters died in the end But the girls enjoyed it, and Meg even cried a little at the sad parts.

"Read it aloud," said Amy. "It may amuse us."

Meg was growing into a woman, and Laurie's secret made Jo realize that Meg would leave home one day, perhaps soon.

Jo put down the newspaper. "I did," she said, her eyes bright and shining.

Two Saturdays after Jo had gone secretly into town, Meg saw Laurie chasing Jo all over the garden before the two of them fell on the grass, laughing and waving a newspaper.

"Only a story," said Jo.

"Don't make me grow up yet, Meg," said Jo, looking sad. "It's hard enough having you change so suddenly."

"You?" said Meg, surprised.

"It's very good," said Amy.

"How much did you get for it?"

"I knew it!" said Beth. She ran across and put her arms around her sister. "Oh, Jo, I am so proud!"

"Won't Laurie laugh!"

And how proud Mrs March was when she was told.

Everyone began to speak at the same time. "Tell us all about it."

So Jo told them all about it, and that evening there was no happier or prouder family that the Marches.

"What will Father say?"