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 hand gratefully , and said in his most persuasive tone , `` Will you try and find out ? I want to know so much , for I ca n't go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not . '' `` I 'm too young , '' faltered Meg , wondering why she was so fluttered , yet rather enjoying it . `` I 'll wait , and in the meantime , you could be learning to like me . Would it be a very hard lesson , dear ? '' `` Not if I chose to learn it , but ... '' `` Please choose to learn , Meg . I love to teach , and this is easier than German , '' broke in John , getting possession of the other hand , so that she had no way of hiding her face as he bent to look into it . His tone was properly beseeching , but stealing a shy look at him , Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender , and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success . This nettled her . Annie Moffat 's foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind , and the love of power , which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women , woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her . She felt excited and strange , and not knowing what else to do , followed a capricious impulse , and , withdrawing her hands , said petulantly , `` I do n't choose . Please go away and let me be ! '' Poor Mr. Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears , for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before , and it rather bewildered him . `` Do you really mean that ? '' he asked anxiously , following her as she walked away . `` Yes , I do . I do n't want to be worried about such things . Father says I need n't , it 's too soon and I 'd rather not . ''
`` May n't I hope you 'll change your XXXXX by-and-by ?
hand hands heart look meantime mind reply smile tender word