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 Laurence is a crotchety old fellow and not to be depended on . So you intend to marry a man without money , position , or business , and go on working harder than you do now , when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better ? I thought you had more sense , Meg . '' `` I could n't do better if I waited half my life ! John is good and wise , he 's got heaps of talent , he 's willing to work and sure to get on , he 's so energetic and brave . Everyone likes and respects him , and I 'm proud to think he cares for me , though I 'm so poor and young and silly , '' said Meg , looking prettier than ever in her earnestness . `` He knows you have got rich relations , child . That 's the secret of his liking , I suspect . '' `` Aunt March , how dare you say such a thing ?
John is above such meanness , and I wo n't listen to you a minute if you talk so , '' cried XXXXX indignantly , forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady 's suspicions .
Everyone John Laurence Meg Rook days half relations secret wisdom