But buds will be roses , and kittens cats , more 's the pity ! '' `` What 's that about flatirons and cats ? '' asked Meg , as she crept into the room with the finished letter in her hand . `` Only one of my stupid speeches . I 'm going to bed . Come , Peggy , '' said Jo , unfolding herself like an animated puzzle . `` Quite right , and beautifully written . Please add that I send my love to John , '' said Mrs. March , as she glanced over the letter and gave it back . `` Do you call him ` John ' ? '' asked Meg , smiling , with her innocent eyes looking down into her mother 's . `` Yes , he has been like a son to us , and we are very fond of him , '' replied Mrs. March , returning the look with a keen one . `` I 'm glad of that , he is so lonely . Good night , Mother , dear . It is so inexpressibly comfortable to have you here , '' was Meg 's answer . The kiss her mother gave her was a very tender one , and as she went away , Mrs. March said , with a mixture of satisfaction and regret , `` She does not love John yet , but will soon learn to . '' CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE LAURIE MAKES MISCHIEF , AND JO MAKES PEACE Jo 's face was a study next day , for the secret rather weighed upon her , and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important . Meg observed it , but did not trouble herself to make inquiries , for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries , so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask . She was rather surprised , therefore , when the silence remained unbroken , and Jo assumed a patronizing air , which decidedly aggravated Meg , who in turn assumed an air of dignified reserve and devoted herself to her mother . This left Jo to her own devices , for Mrs. March had taken her place as nurse , and bade her rest , exercise , and amuse herself after her long confinement . Amy being gone , Laurie was her only refuge , and much as she enjoyed his society , she rather dreaded him just then , for he was an incorrigible tease , and she feared he would coax the secret from her .
She was quite right , for the mischief-loving lad no sooner suspected a mystery than he set himself to find it out , and led XXXXX a trying life of it .
Amy Jo John Laurie Meg Mother Peggy contraries flatirons right