John is above such meanness , and I wo n't listen to you a minute if you talk so , '' cried Meg indignantly , forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady 's suspicions . `` My John would n't marry for money , any more than I would . We are willing to work and we mean to wait . I 'm not afraid of being poor , for I 've been happy so far , and I know I shall be with him because he loves me , and I. . . '' Meg stopped there , remembering all of a sudden that she had n't made up her mind , that she had told ` her John ' to go away , and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks . Aunt March was very angry , for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match , and something in the girl 's happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour . `` Well , I wash my hands of the whole affair ! You are a willful child , and you 've lost more than you know by this piece of folly . No , I wo n't stop . I 'm disappointed in you , and have n't spirits to see your father now . Do n't expect anything from me when you are married . Your Mr. Brooke 's friends must take care of you . I 'm done with you forever . '' And slamming the door in Meg 's face , Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon . She seemed to take all the girl 's courage with her , for when left alone , Meg stood for a moment , undecided whether to laugh or cry . Before she could make up her mind , she was taken possession of by Mr. Brooke , who said all in one breath , `` I could n't help hearing , Meg . Thank you for defending me , and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit . '' `` I did n't know how much till she abused you , '' began Meg . `` And I need n't go away , but may stay and be happy , may I , dear ? ''
Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit , but Meg never thought of doing either , and disgraced herself forever in Jo 's eyes by meekly whispering , `` Yes , John , '' and hiding her face on Mr. XXXXX 's waistcoat .
Brooke John Meg dudgeon girl left mind minute spirits suspicions