Fling it out of the window , and do n't bother any more about it . I 'll buy you quarts if you want it , but for heaven 's sake do n't have hysterics , for I 've brought Jack Scott home to dinner , and ... '' John got no further , for Meg cast him off , and clasped her hands with a tragic gesture as she fell into a chair , exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation , reproach , and dismay ... `` A man to dinner , and everything in a mess ! John Brooke , how could you do such a thing ? '' `` Hush , he 's in the garden ! I forgot the confounded jelly , but it ca n't be helped now , '' said John , surveying the prospect with an anxious eye . `` You ought to have sent word , or told me this morning , and you ought to have remembered how busy I was , '' continued Meg petulantly , for even turtledoves will peck when ruffled . `` I did n't know it this morning , and there was no time to send word , for I met him on the way out . I never thought of asking leave , when you have always told me to do as I liked . I never tried it before , and hang me if I ever do again ! '' added John , with an aggrieved air . `` I should hope not ! Take him away at once . I ca n't see him , and there is n't any dinner . '' `` Well , I like that ! Where 's the beef and vegetables I sent home , and the pudding you promised ? '' cried John , rushing to the larder . `` I had n't time to cook anything . I meant to dine at Mother 's . I 'm sorry , but I was so busy , '' and Meg 's tears began again . John was a mild man , but he was human , and after a long day 's work to come home tired , hungry , and hopeful , to find a chaotic house , an empty table , and a cross wife was not exactly conducive to repose of mind or manner .
He restrained himself however , and the little squall would have blown over , but for one unlucky XXXXX .
home jelly leave man prospect quarts tears thing window word