When John came down at last , expecting to find a pensive or reproachful wife , he was agreeably surprised to find Meg placidly trimming a bonnet , and to be greeted with the request to read something about the election , if he was not too tired . John saw in a minute that a revolution of some kind was going on , but wisely asked no questions , knowing that Meg was such a transparent little person , she could n't keep a secret to save her life , and therefore the clue would soon appear . He read a long debate with the most amiable readiness and then explained it in his most lucid manner , while Meg tried to look deeply interested , to ask intelligent questions , and keep her thoughts from wandering from the state of the nation to the state of her bonnet . In her secret soul , however , she decided that politics were as bad as mathematics , and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names , but she kept these feminine ideas to herself , and when John paused , shook her head and said with what she thought diplomatic ambiguity , `` Well , I really do n't see what we are coming to . '' John laughed , and watched her for a minute , as she poised a pretty little preparation of lace and flowers on her hand , and regarded it with the genuine interest which his harangue had failed to waken . `` She is trying to like politics for my sake , so I 'll try and like millinery for hers , that 's only fair , '' thought John the Just , adding aloud , `` That 's very pretty . Is it what you call a breakfast cap ? '' `` My dear man , it 's a bonnet ! My very best go-to-concert-and-theater bonnet . '' `` I beg your pardon , it was so small , I naturally mistook it for one of the flyaway things you sometimes wear . How do you keep it on ? '' `` These bits of lace are fastened under the chin with a rosebud , so , '' and Meg illustrated by putting on the bonnet and regarding him with an air of calm satisfaction that was irresistible . `` It 's a love of a bonnet , but I prefer the face inside , for it looks young and happy again , '' and John kissed the smiling face , to the great detriment of the rosebud under the chin . `` I 'm glad you like it , for I want you to take me to one of the new concerts some night . I really need some music to put me in tune . Will you , please ? '' `` Of course I will , with all my heart , or anywhere else you like . You have been shut up so long , it will do you no end of good , and I shall enjoy it , of all things . What put it into your head , little mother ? '' `` Well , I had a talk with Marmee the other day , and told her how nervous and cross and out of sorts I felt , and she said I needed change and less care , so Hannah is to help me with the children , and I 'm to see to things about the house more , and now and then have a little fun , just to keep me from getting to be a fidgety , broken-down old woman before my time .
It 's only an experiment , XXXXX , and I want to try it for your sake as much as for mine , because I 've neglected you shamefully lately , and I 'm going to make home what it used to be , if I can .
Hannah John Meg harangue manner minute night pardon revolution rosebud