The instant Laurie 's step was heard in the hall , Meg fled into the study , and Mrs. March received the culprit alone . Jo had not told him why he was wanted , fearing he would n't come , but he knew the minute he saw Mrs. March 's face , and stood twirling his hat with a guilty air which convicted him at once . Jo was dismissed , but chose to march up and down the hall like a sentinel , having some fear that the prisoner might bolt . The sound of voices in the parlor rose and fell for half an hour , but what happened during that interview the girls never knew . When they were called in , Laurie was standing by their mother with such a penitent face that Jo forgave him on the spot , but did not think it wise to betray the fact . Meg received his humble apology , and was much comforted by the assurance that Brooke knew nothing of the joke . `` I 'll never tell him to my dying day , wild horses sha n't drag it out of me , so you 'll forgive me , Meg , and I 'll do anything to show how out-and-out sorry I am , '' he added , looking very much ashamed of himself . `` I 'll try , but it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do , I did n't think you could be so sly and malicious , Laurie , '' replied Meg , trying to hide her maidenly confusion under a gravely reproachful air . `` It was altogether abominable , and I do n't deserve to be spoken to for a month , but you will , though , wo n't you ? '' And Laurie folded his hands together with such and imploring gesture , as he spoke in his irresistibly persuasive tone , that it was impossible to frown upon him in spite of his scandalous behavior . Meg pardoned him , and Mrs. March 's grave face relaxed , in spite of her efforts to keep sober , when she heard him declare that he would atone for his sins by all sorts of penances , and abase himself like a worm before the injured damsel . Jo stood aloof , meanwhile , trying to harden her heart against him , and succeeding only in primming up her face into an expression of entire disapprobation . Laurie looked at her once or twice , but as she showed no sign of relenting , he felt injured , and turned his back on her till the others were done with him , when he made her a low bow and walked off without a word . As soon as he had gone , she wished she had been more forgiving , and when Meg and her mother went upstairs , she felt lonely and longed for Teddy . After resisting for some time , she yielded to the impulse , and armed with a book to return , went over to the big house . `` Is Mr. Laurence in ? '' asked Jo , of a housemaid , who was coming downstairs . `` Yes , Miss , but I do n't believe he 's seeable just yet . '' `` Why not ? Is he ill ? ''
`` La , no Miss , but he 's had a scene with Mr. XXXXX , who is in one of his tantrums about something , which vexes the old gentleman , so I durs n't go nigh him . ''
Brooke Jo Laurence Laurie Meg Miss day housemaid month penances