He just stood looking at her so wistfully , so tenderly , that she found her heart relenting in spite of herself . What would have happened next I can not say , if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute . The old lady could n't resist her longing to see her nephew , for she had met Laurie as she took her airing , and hearing of Mr. March 's arrival , drove straight out to see him . The family were all busy in the back part of the house , and she had made her way quietly in , hoping to surprise them . She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost , and Mr. Brooke vanished into the study . `` Bless me , what 's all this ? '' cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady . `` It 's Father 's friend . I 'm so surprised to see you ! '' stammered Meg , feeling that she was in for a lecture now . `` That 's evident , '' returned Aunt March , sitting down . `` But what is Father 's friend saying to make you look like a peony ? There 's mischief going on , and I insist upon knowing what it is , '' with another rap . `` We were only talking . Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella , '' began Meg , wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house . `` Brooke ? That boy 's tutor ? Ah ! I understand now . I know all about it .
Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your XXXXX 's letters , and I made her tell me .
Brooke Father Laurie Meg Mr. airing cane house minute nephew