That 's the way he meant to pay me for keeping my word to Mother . I 'll give him a hearty scolding and bring him over to beg pardon , '' cried Jo , burning to execute immediate justice . But her mother held her back , saying , with a look she seldom wore ... `` Stop , Jo , you must clear yourself first . You have played so many pranks that I am afraid you have had a hand in this . '' `` On my word , Mother , I have n't ! I never saw that note before , and do n't know anything about it , as true as I live ! '' said Jo , so earnestly that they believed her . `` If I had taken part in it I 'd have done it better than this , and have written a sensible note . I should think you 'd have known Mr. Brooke would n't write such stuff as that , '' she added , scornfully tossing down the paper . `` It 's like his writing , '' faltered Meg , comparing it with the note in her hand . `` Oh , Meg , you did n't answer it ? '' cried Mrs. March quickly . `` Yes , I did ! '' and Meg hid her face again , overcome with shame . `` Here 's a scrape ! Do let me bring that wicked boy over to explain and be lectured . I ca n't rest till I get hold of him . '' And Jo made for the door again . `` Hush ! Let me handle this , for it is worse than I thought .
Margaret , tell me the whole story , '' commanded Mrs. March , sitting down by XXXXX , yet keeping hold of Jo , lest she should fly off .
Brooke Jo Meg Mother Mr. back first pardon scolding scrape