`` I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man , '' said Jo , rudely shortening her sister 's little reverie . `` Oh , I should merely say , quite calmly and decidedly , ` Thank you , Mr. Brooke , you are very kind , but I agree with Father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present , so please say no more , but let us be friends as we were . ' '' `` Hum , that 's stiff and cool enough ! I do n't believe you 'll ever say it , and I know he wo n't be satisfied if you do . If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books , you 'll give in , rather than hurt his feelings . '' `` No , I wo n't . I shall tell him I 've made up my mind , and shall walk out of the room with dignity . '' Meg rose as she spoke , and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit , when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat and begin to sew as fast as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time . Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change , and when someone gave a modest tap , opened the door with a grim aspect which was anything but hospitable . `` Good afternoon . I came to get my umbrella , that is , to see how your father finds himself today , '' said Mr. Brooke , getting a trifle confused as his eyes went from one telltale face to the other . `` It 's very well , he 's in the rack . I 'll get him , and tell it you are here . '' And having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply , Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity . But the instant she vanished , Meg began to sidle toward the door , murmuring ... `` Mother will like to see you . Pray sit down , I 'll call her . '' `` Do n't go . Are you afraid of me , Margaret ? '' and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude . She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead , for he had never called her Margaret before , and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it .
Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease , she put out her hand with a confiding gesture , and said gratefully ... `` How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to XXXXX ?
Brooke Father Jo Margaret Meg Mother Mr. eyes seat tap