Amy said , `` Everyone seemed waiting for something , and could n't settle down , which was queer , since Father was safe at home , '' and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors did n't run over as usual . Laurie went by in the afternoon , and seeing Meg at the window , seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit , for he fell down on one knee in the snow , beat his breast , tore his hair , and clasped his hands imploringly , as if begging some boon . And when Meg told him to behave himself and go away , he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief , and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair . `` What does the goose mean ? '' said Meg , laughing and trying to look unconscious . `` He 's showing you how your John will go on by-and-by . Touching , is n't it ? '' answered Jo scornfully . `` Do n't say my John , it is n't proper or true , '' but Meg 's voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her . `` Please do n't plague me , Jo , I 've told you I do n't care much about him , and there is n't to be anything said , but we are all to be friendly , and go on as before . '' `` We ca n't , for something has been said , and Laurie 's mischief has spoiled you for me . I see it , and so does Mother . You are not like your old self a bit , and seem ever so far away from me . I do n't mean to plague you and will bear it like a man , but I do wish it was all settled . I hate to wait , so if you mean ever to do it , make haste and have it over quickly , '' said Jo pettishly . `` I ca n't say anything till he speaks , and he wo n't , because Father said I was too young , '' began Meg , bending over her work with a queer little smile , which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point . `` If he did speak , you would n't know what to say , but would cry or blush , or let him have his own way , instead of giving a good , decided no . '' `` I 'm not so silly and weak as you think . I know just what I should say , for I 've planned it all , so I need n't be taken unawares . There 's no knowing what may happen , and I wished to be prepared . ''
Jo could n't help smiling at the important air which XXXXX had unconsciously assumed and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks .
Amy Beth Father Jo John Laurie Meg Mother afternoon unawares