She must n't , must she , Mother ? '' said Meg , looking distressed . `` No , never repeat that foolish gossip , and forget it as soon as you can , '' said Mrs. March gravely . `` I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little , kind , I dare say , but worldly , ill-bred , and full of these vulgar ideas about young people . I am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you , Meg . '' `` Do n't be sorry , I wo n't let it hurt me . I 'll forget all the bad and remember only the good , for I did enjoy a great deal , and thank you very much for letting me go . I 'll not be sentimental or dissatisfied , Mother . I know I 'm a silly little girl , and I 'll stay with you till I 'm fit to take care of myself . But it is nice to be praised and admired , and I ca n't help saying I like it , '' said Meg , looking half ashamed of the confession . `` That is perfectly natural , and quite harmless , if the liking does not become a passion and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things . Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having , and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty , Meg . '' Margaret sat thinking a moment , while Jo stood with her hands behind her , looking both interested and a little perplexed , for it was a new thing to see Meg blushing and talking about admiration , lovers , and things of that sort . And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly , and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow . `` Mother , do you have ` plans ' , as Mrs. Moffat said ? '' asked Meg bashfully . `` Yes , my dear , I have a great many , all mothers do , but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat 's , I suspect . I will tell you some of them , for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right , on a very serious subject . You are young , Meg , but not too young to understand me , and mothers ' lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like you . Jo , your turn will come in time , perhaps , so listen to my ` plans ' and help me carry them out , if they are good . ''
XXXXX went and sat on one arm of the chair , looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affair .
Jo Margaret Meg Moffat Mother fortnight gossip heart lips right