It 's very kind and respectful , but think how dreadful for me ! '' Meg leaned against her mother , looking the image of despair , and Jo tramped about the room , calling Laurie names . All of a sudden she stopped , caught up the two notes , and after looking at them closely , said decidedly , `` I do n't believe Brooke ever saw either of these letters . Teddy wrote both , and keeps yours to crow over me with because I would n't tell him my secret . '' `` Do n't have any secrets , Jo . Tell it to Mother and keep out of trouble , as I should have done , '' said Meg warningly . `` Bless you , child ! Mother told me . '' `` That will do , Jo . I 'll comfort Meg while you go and get Laurie . I shall sift the matter to the bottom , and put a stop to such pranks at once . '' Away ran Jo , and Mrs. March gently told Meg Mr. Brooke 's real feelings . `` Now , dear , what are your own ? Do you love him enough to wait till he can make a home for you , or will you keep yourself quite free for the present ? '' `` I 've been so scared and worried , I do n't want to have anything to do with lovers for a long while , perhaps never , '' answered Meg petulantly . `` If John does n't know anything about this nonsense , do n't tell him , and make Jo and Laurie hold their tongues . I wo n't be deceived and plagued and made a fool of . It 's a shame ! '' Seeing Meg 's usually gentle temper was roused and her pride hurt by this mischievous joke , Mrs. March soothed her by promises of entire silence and great discretion for the future . The instant Laurie 's step was heard in the hall , Meg fled into the study , and Mrs. March received the culprit alone .
XXXXX 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 .
Brooke Jo John Laurie Meg Mother Teddy bottom letters shame