`` What worries you dear ? Has anything dreadful happened ? '' asked the anxious John , tenderly kissing the crown of the little cap , which was all askew . `` Yes , '' sobbed Meg despairingly . `` Tell me quick , then . Do n't cry . I can bear anything better than that . Out with it , love . '' `` The ... The jelly wo n't jell and I do n't know what to do ! '' John Brooke laughed then as he never dared to laugh afterward , and the derisive Scott smiled involuntarily as he heard the hearty peal , which put the finishing stroke to poor Meg 's woe . `` Is that all ? Fling it out of the window , and do n't bother any more about it . I 'll buy you quarts if you want it , but for heaven 's sake do n't have hysterics , for I 've brought Jack Scott home to dinner , and ... '' John got no further , for Meg cast him off , and clasped her hands with a tragic gesture as she fell into a chair , exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation , reproach , and dismay ... `` A man to dinner , and everything in a mess ! John Brooke , how could you do such a thing ? '' `` Hush , he 's in the garden ! I forgot the confounded jelly , but it ca n't be helped now , '' said John , surveying the prospect with an anxious eye . `` You ought to have sent word , or told me this morning , and you ought to have remembered how busy I was , '' continued Meg petulantly , for even turtledoves will peck when ruffled . `` I did n't know it this morning , and there was no time to send word , for I met him on the way out . I never thought of asking leave , when you have always told me to do as I liked . I never tried it before , and hang me if I ever do again ! ''
added XXXXX , with an aggrieved air .
Brooke John Meg Scott anything cap hysterics morning prospect turtledoves