You 'll be sorry for it by-and-by , when you 've tried love in a cottage and found it a failure . '' `` It ca n't be a worse one than some people find in big houses , '' retorted Meg . Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl , for she did not know her in this new mood . Meg hardly knew herself , she felt so brave and independent , so glad to defend John and assert her right to love him , if she liked . Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong , and after a little pause , made a fresh start , saying as mildly as she could , `` Now , Meg , my dear , be reasonable and take my advice . I mean it kindly , and do n't want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning . You ought to marry well and help your family . It 's your duty to make a rich match and it ought to be impressed upon you . '' `` Father and Mother do n't think so . They like John though he is poor . '' `` Your parents , my dear , have no more worldly wisdom than a pair of babies . '' `` I 'm glad of it , '' cried Meg stoutly . Aunt March took no notice , but went on with her lecture . `` This Rook is poor and has n't got any rich relations , has he ? '' `` No , but he has many warm friends . '' `` You ca n't live on friends , try it and see how cool they 'll grow . He has n't any business , has he ? '' `` Not yet . Mr. Laurence is going to help him . '' `` That wo n't last long .
James XXXXX is a crotchety old fellow and not to be depended on .
Father John Laurence Meg Mother Rook independent life love right