I must be patient and teach her . '' He hoped she had not gone home -- he hated gossip and interference . For a minute he was ruffled again at the mere thought of it , and then the fear that Meg would cry herself sick softened his heart , and sent him on at a quicker pace , resolving to be calm and kind , but firm , quite firm , and show her where she had failed in her duty to her spouse . Meg likewise resolved to be ` calm and kind , but firm ' , and show him his duty . She longed to run to meet him , and beg pardon , and be kissed and comforted , as she was sure of being , but , of course , she did nothing of the sort , and when she saw John coming , began to hum quite naturally , as she rocked and sewed , like a lady of leisure in her best parlor . John was a little disappointed not to find a tender Niobe , but feeling that his dignity demanded the first apology , he made none , only came leisurely in and laid himself upon the sofa with the singularly relevant remark , `` We are going to have a new moon , my dear . '' `` I 've no objection , '' was Meg 's equally soothing remark . A few other topics of general interest were introduced by Mr. Brooke and wet-blanketed by Mrs. Brooke , and conversation languished . John went to one window , unfolded his paper , and wrapped himself in it , figuratively speaking . Meg went to the other window , and sewed as if new rosettes for slippers were among the necessaries of life . Neither spoke . Both looked quite ` calm and firm ' , and both felt desperately uncomfortable . `` Oh , dear , '' thought Meg , `` married life is very trying , and does need infinite patience as well as love , as Mother says . '' The word ` Mother ' suggested other maternal counsels given long ago , and received with unbelieving protests . `` John is a good man , but he has his faults , and you must learn to see and bear with them , remembering your own . He is very decided , but never will be obstinate , if you reason kindly , not oppose impatiently . He is very accurate , and particular about the truth -- a good trait , though you call him ` fussy ' . Never deceive him by look or word , Meg , and he will give you the confidence you deserve , the support you need . He has a temper , not like ours -- one flash and then all over -- but the white , still anger that is seldom stirred , but once kindled is hard to quench . Be careful , be very careful , not to wake his anger against yourself , for peace and happiness depend on keeping his respect .
Watch yourself , be the first to ask XXXXX if you both err , and guard against the little piques , misunderstandings , and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret . ''
duty interference man paper pardon patience peace protests temper truth