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 Father ? I only wish I could thank you for it . '' `` Shall I tell you how ? '' asked Mr. Brooke , holding the small hand fast in both his own , and looking down at Meg with so much love in the brown eyes that her heart began to flutter , and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen . `` Oh no , please do n't , I 'd rather not , '' she said , trying to withdraw her hand , and looking frightened in spite of her denial . `` I wo n't trouble you .
I only want to know if you care for me a little , XXXXX .
Brooke Father Jo Margaret Meg Mother gesture mind seat speech