I came to get my umbrella , that is , to see how your father finds himself today , '' said Mr. Brooke , getting a trifle confused as his eyes went from one telltale face to the other . `` It 's very well , he 's in the rack . I 'll get him , and tell it you are here . '' And having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply , Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity . But the instant she vanished , Meg began to sidle toward the door , murmuring ... `` Mother will like to see you . Pray sit down , I 'll call her . '' `` 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 XXXXX gratefully , and said in his most persuasive tone , `` Will you try and find out ?
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