`` What do you know about him ? '' asked Laurie , grateful for the good advice , but objecting to the lecture , and glad to turn the conversation from himself after his unusual outbreak . `` Only what your grandpa told us about him , how he took good care of his own mother till she died , and would n't go abroad as tutor to some nice person because he would n't leave her . And how he provides now for an old woman who nursed his mother , and never tells anyone , but is just as generous and patient and good as he can be . '' `` So he is , dear old fellow ! '' said Laurie heartily , as Meg paused , looking flushed and earnest with her story . `` It 's like Grandpa to find out all about him without letting him know , and to tell all his goodness to others , so that they might like him . Brooke could n't understand why your mother was so kind to him , asking him over with me and treating him in her beautiful friendly way . He thought she was just perfect , and talked about it for days and days , and went on about you all in flaming style . If ever I do get my wish , you see what I 'll do for Brooke . '' `` Begin to do something now by not plaguing his life out , '' said Meg sharply . `` How do you know I do , Miss ? '' `` I can always tell by his face when he goes away . If you have been good , he looks satisfied and walks briskly . If you have plagued him , he 's sober and walks slowly , as if he wanted to go back and do his work better . '' `` Well , I like that ? So you keep an account of my good and bad marks in Brooke 's face , do you ? I see him bow and smile as he passes your window , but I did n't know you 'd got up a telegraph . '' `` We have n't . Do n't be angry , and oh , do n't tell him I said anything !
It was only to show that I cared how you get on , and what is XXXXX here is said in confidence , you know , '' cried Meg , much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from her careless speech .
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