She longed to run to meet him , and beg pardon , and be kissed and comforted , as she was sure of being , but , of course , she did nothing of the sort , and when she saw John coming , began to hum quite naturally , as she rocked and sewed , like a lady of leisure in her best parlor . John was a little disappointed not to find a tender Niobe , but feeling that his dignity demanded the first apology , he made none , only came leisurely in and laid himself upon the sofa with the singularly relevant remark , `` We are going to have a new moon , my dear . '' `` I 've no objection , '' was Meg 's equally soothing remark . A few other topics of general interest were introduced by Mr. Brooke and wet-blanketed by Mrs. Brooke , and conversation languished . John went to one window , unfolded his paper , and wrapped himself in it , figuratively speaking . Meg went to the other window , and sewed as if new rosettes for slippers were among the necessaries of life . Neither spoke . Both looked quite ` calm and firm ' , and both felt desperately uncomfortable . `` Oh , dear , '' thought Meg , `` married life is very trying , and does need infinite patience as well as love , as Mother says . '' The word ` Mother ' suggested other maternal counsels given long ago , and received with unbelieving protests . `` John is a good man , but he has his faults , and you must learn to see and bear with them , remembering your own . He is very decided , but never will be obstinate , if you reason kindly , not oppose impatiently . He is very accurate , and particular about the truth -- a good trait , though you call him ` fussy ' . Never deceive him by look or word , Meg , and he will give you the confidence you deserve , the support you need . He has a temper , not like ours -- one flash and then all over -- but the white , still anger that is seldom stirred , but once kindled is hard to quench . Be careful , be very careful , not to wake his anger against yourself , for peace and happiness depend on keeping his respect . Watch yourself , be the first to ask pardon if you both err , and guard against the little piques , misunderstandings , and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret . '' These words came back to Meg , as she sat sewing in the sunset , especially the last . This was the first serious disagreement , her own hasty speeches sounded both silly and unkind , as she recalled them , her own anger looked childish now , and thoughts of poor John coming home to such a scene quite melted her heart . She glanced at him with tears in her eyes , but he did not see them .
She put down her work and got up , thinking , `` I will be the XXXXX to say , ` Forgive me ' '' , but he did not seem to hear her .
Brooke John Meg Mother Niobe first love pardon peace piques