cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady . `` It 's Father 's friend . I 'm so surprised to see you ! '' stammered Meg , feeling that she was in for a lecture now . `` That 's evident , '' returned Aunt March , sitting down . `` But what is Father 's friend saying to make you look like a peony ? There 's mischief going on , and I insist upon knowing what it is , '' with another rap . `` We were only talking . Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella , '' began Meg , wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house . `` Brooke ? That boy 's tutor ? Ah ! I understand now . I know all about it . Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your Father 's letters , and I made her tell me . You have n't gone and accepted him , child ? '' cried Aunt March , looking scandalized . `` Hush ! He 'll hear . Sha n't I call Mother ? ''
said XXXXX , much troubled .
Brooke Father Jo Meg Mother Sha cane child peony tutor