I never saw that note before , and do n't know anything about it , as true as I live ! '' said Jo , so earnestly that they believed her . `` If I had taken part in it I 'd have done it better than this , and have written a sensible note . I should think you 'd have known Mr. Brooke would n't write such stuff as that , '' she added , scornfully tossing down the paper . `` It 's like his writing , '' faltered Meg , comparing it with the note in her hand . `` Oh , Meg , you did n't answer it ? '' cried Mrs. March quickly . `` Yes , I did ! '' and Meg hid her face again , overcome with shame . `` Here 's a scrape ! Do let me bring that wicked boy over to explain and be lectured . I ca n't rest till I get hold of him . '' And Jo made for the door again . `` Hush ! Let me handle this , for it is worse than I thought . Margaret , tell me the whole story , '' commanded Mrs. March , sitting down by Meg , yet keeping hold of Jo , lest she should fly off . `` I received the first letter from Laurie , who did n't look as if he knew anything about it , '' began Meg , without looking up . `` I was worried at first and meant to tell you , then I remembered how you liked Mr. Brooke , so I thought you would n't mind if I kept my little secret for a few days . I 'm so silly that I liked to think no one knew , and while I was deciding what to say , I felt like the girls in books , who have such things to do . Forgive me , Mother , I 'm paid for my silliness now .
I never can XXXXX him in the face again . ''
'm Forgive added hid keeping known look looking said write