Let me handle this , for it is worse than I thought . Margaret , tell me the whole story , '' commanded Mrs. March , sitting down by Meg , yet keeping hold of Jo , lest she should fly off . `` I received the first letter from Laurie , who did n't look as if he knew anything about it , '' began Meg , without looking up . `` I was worried at first and meant to tell you , then I remembered how you liked Mr. Brooke , so I thought you would n't mind if I kept my little secret for a few days . I 'm so silly that I liked to think no one knew , and while I was deciding what to say , I felt like the girls in books , who have such things to do . Forgive me , Mother , I 'm paid for my silliness now . I never can look him in the face again . '' `` What did you say to him ? '' asked Mrs. March . `` I only said I was too young to do anything about it yet , that I did n't wish to have secrets from you , and he must speak to father . I was very grateful for his kindness , and would be his friend , but nothing more , for a long while . '' Mrs. March smiled , as if well pleased , and Jo clapped her hands , exclaiming , with a laugh , `` You are almost equal to Caroline Percy , who was a pattern of prudence ! Tell on , Meg . What did he say to that ? '' `` He writes in a different way entirely , telling me that he never sent any love letter at all , and is very sorry that my roguish sister , Jo , should take liberties with our names . It 's very kind and respectful , but think how dreadful for me ! '' Meg leaned against her mother , looking the image of despair , and Jo tramped about the room , calling Laurie names . All of a sudden she stopped , caught up the two notes , and after looking at them closely , said decidedly , `` I do n't believe Brooke ever saw either of these letters . Teddy wrote both , and keeps yours to crow over me with because I would n't tell him my secret . '' `` Do n't have any secrets , Jo .
Tell it to XXXXX and keep out of trouble , as I should have done , '' said Meg warningly .
Brooke Jo Laurie Margaret Meg Mother Percy Teddy first silliness