`` Do n't go . Are you afraid of me , Margaret ? '' and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude . She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead , for he had never called her Margaret before , and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it . Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease , she put out her hand with a confiding gesture , and said gratefully ... `` How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to Father ? I only wish I could thank you for it . '' `` Shall I tell you how ? '' asked Mr. Brooke , holding the small hand fast in both his own , and looking down at Meg with so much love in the brown eyes that her heart began to flutter , and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen . `` Oh no , please do n't , I 'd rather not , '' she said , trying to withdraw her hand , and looking frightened in spite of her denial . `` I wo n't trouble you . I only want to know if you care for me a little , Meg . I love you so much , dear , '' added Mr. Brooke tenderly . This was the moment for the calm , proper speech , but Meg did n't make it . She forgot every word of it , hung her head , and answered , `` I do n't know , '' so softly that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply . He seemed to think it was worth the trouble , for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied , pressed the plump hand gratefully , and said in his most persuasive tone , `` Will you try and find out ? I want to know so much , for I ca n't go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not . '' `` I 'm too young , '' faltered Meg , wondering why she was so fluttered , yet rather enjoying it . `` I 'll wait , and in the meantime , you could be learning to like me . Would it be a very hard lesson , dear ? '' `` Not if I chose to learn it , but ... '' `` Please choose to learn , Meg .
I love to teach , and this is easier than German , '' broke in XXXXX , getting possession of the other hand , so that she had no way of hiding her face as he bent to look into it .
Brooke Father John Margaret Meg head lesson love meantime tone