John went with me at Mr. Laurence 's request , and was so devoted to poor Father that we could n't help getting fond of him . He was perfectly open and honorable about Meg , for he told us he loved her , but would earn a comfortable home before he asked her to marry him . He only wanted our leave to love her and work for her , and the right to make her love him if he could . He is a truly excellent young man , and we could not refuse to listen to him , but I will not consent to Meg 's engaging herself so young . '' `` Of course not . It would be idiotic ! I knew there was mischief brewing . I felt it , and now it 's worse than I imagined . I just wish I could marry Meg myself , and keep her safe in the family . '' This odd arrangement made Mrs. March smile , but she said gravely , `` Jo , I confide in you and do n't wish you to say anything to Meg yet . When John comes back , and I see them together , I can judge better of her feelings toward him . '' `` She 'll see those handsome eyes that she talks about , and then it will be all up with her . She 's got such a soft heart , it will melt like butter in the sun if anyone looks sentimentlly at her . She read the short reports he sent more than she did your letters , and pinched me when I spoke of it , and likes brown eyes , and does n't think John an ugly name , and she 'll go and fall in love , and there 's an end of peace and fun , and cozy times together . I see it all ! They 'll go lovering around the house , and we shall have to dodge . Meg will be absorbed and no good to me any more . Brooke will scratch up a fortune somehow , carry her off , and make a hole in the family , and I shall break my heart , and everything will be abominably uncomfortable . Oh , dear me ! Why were n't we all boys , then there would n't be any bother . ''
XXXXX leaned her chin on her knees in a disconsolate attitude and shook her fist at the reprehensible John .
Brooke Father Jo John Laurence Meg butter fall house right