`` We ca n't , for something has been said , and Laurie 's mischief has spoiled you for me . I see it , and so does Mother . You are not like your old self a bit , and seem ever so far away from me . I do n't mean to plague you and will bear it like a man , but I do wish it was all settled . I hate to wait , so if you mean ever to do it , make haste and have it over quickly , '' said Jo pettishly . `` I ca n't say anything till he speaks , and he wo n't , because Father said I was too young , '' began Meg , bending over her work with a queer little smile , which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point . `` If he did speak , you would n't know what to say , but would cry or blush , or let him have his own way , instead of giving a good , decided no . '' `` I 'm not so silly and weak as you think . I know just what I should say , for I 've planned it all , so I need n't be taken unawares . There 's no knowing what may happen , and I wished to be prepared . '' Jo could n't help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks . `` Would you mind telling me what you 'd say ? '' asked Jo more respectfully . `` Not at all . You are sixteen now , quite old enough to be my confident , and my experience will be useful to you by-and-by , perhaps , in your own affairs of this sort . '' `` Do n't mean to have any . It 's fun to watch other people philander , but I should feel like a fool doing it myself , '' said Jo , looking alarmed at the thought . `` I think not , if you liked anyone very much , and he liked you . '' Meg spoke as if to herself , and glanced out at the lane where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight . `` I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man , '' said Jo , rudely shortening her sister 's little reverie .
`` Oh , I should merely say , quite calmly and decidedly , ` Thank you , Mr. Brooke , you are very kind , but I agree with XXXXX that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present , so please say no more , but let us be friends as we were . ' ''
Father Jo Laurie Meg Mother affairs fool self twilight unawares