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 Mother and keep out of trouble , as I should have done , '' said Meg warningly . `` Bless you , child ! Mother told me . '' `` That will do , Jo . I 'll comfort Meg while you go and get Laurie . I shall sift the matter to the bottom , and put a stop to such pranks at once . '' Away ran Jo , and Mrs. March gently told Meg Mr. Brooke 's real feelings . `` Now , dear , what are your own ? Do you love him enough to wait till he can make a home for you , or will you keep yourself quite free for the present ? '' `` I 've been so scared and worried , I do n't want to have anything to do with lovers for a long while , perhaps never , '' answered Meg petulantly .
`` If John does n't know anything about this nonsense , do n't tell him , and make XXXXX and Laurie hold their tongues .
Brooke Jo Laurie Meg Mother Percy Teddy child letters pranks