Teddy never seals mine , '' said Jo next day , as she distributed the contents of the little post office . Mrs. March and Jo were deep in their own affairs , when a sound from Meg made them look up to see her staring at her note with a frightened face . `` My child , what is it ? '' cried her mother , running to her , while Jo tried to take the paper which had done the mischief . `` It 's all a mistake , he did n't send it . Oh , Jo , how could you do it ? '' and Meg hid her face in her hands , crying as if her heart were quite broken . `` Me ! I 've done nothing ! What 's she talking about ? '' cried Jo , bewildered . Meg 's mild eyes kindled with anger as she pulled a crumpled note from her pocket and threw it at Jo , saying reproachfully , `` You wrote it , and that bad boy helped you . How could you be so rude , so mean , and cruel to us both ? '' Jo hardly heard her , for she and her mother were reading the note , which was written in a peculiar hand . `` My Dearest Margaret , `` I can no longer restrain my passion , and must know my fate before I return . I dare not tell your parents yet , but I think they would consent if they knew that we adored one another . Mr. Laurence will help me to some good place , and then , my sweet girl , you will make me happy . I implore you to say nothing to your family yet , but to send one word of hope through Laurie to , `` Your devoted John . '' `` Oh , the little villain ! That 's the way he meant to pay me for keeping my word to Mother .
I 'll give him a hearty scolding and bring him over to beg pardon , '' cried XXXXX , burning to execute immediate justice .
Jo John Laurence Laurie Margaret Meg Mother family girl paper