One edition of jelly was trickled from pot to pot , another lay upon the floor , and a third was burning gaily on the stove . Lotty , with Teutonic phlegm , was calmly eating bread and currant wine , for the jelly was still in a hopelessly liquid state , while Mrs. Brooke , with her apron over her head , sat sobbing dismally . `` My dearest girl , what is the matter ? '' cried John , rushing in , with awful visions of scalded hands , sudden news of affliction , and secret consternation at the thought of the guest in the garden . `` Oh , John , I am so tired and hot and cross and worried ! I 've been at it till I 'm all worn out . Do come and help me or I shall die ! '' and the exhausted housewife cast herself upon his breast , giving him a sweet welcome in every sense of the word , for her pinafore had been baptized at the same time as the floor . `` What worries you dear ? Has anything dreadful happened ? '' asked the anxious John , tenderly kissing the crown of the little cap , which was all askew . `` Yes , '' sobbed Meg despairingly . `` Tell me quick , then . Do n't cry . I can bear anything better than that . Out with it , love . '' `` The ... The jelly wo n't jell and I do n't know what to do ! '' John Brooke laughed then as he never dared to laugh afterward , and the derisive Scott smiled involuntarily as he heard the hearty peal , which put the finishing stroke to poor Meg 's woe . `` Is that all ? Fling it out of the window , and do n't bother any more about it .
I 'll buy you quarts if you want it , but for heaven 's sake do n't have hysterics , for I 've brought Jack Scott home to dinner , and ... '' John got no further , for XXXXX cast him off , and clasped her hands with a tragic gesture as she fell into a chair , exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation , reproach , and dismay ... `` A man to dinner , and everything in a mess !
Brooke John Lotty Meg Scott crown laugh phlegm pinafore third