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 said here is said in confidence , you know , '' cried Meg , much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from her careless speech . `` I do n't tell tales , '' replied Laurie , with his ` high and mighty ' air , as Jo called a certain expression which he occasionally wore . `` Only if Brooke is going to be a thermometer , I must mind and have fair weather for him to report . '' `` Please do n't be offended . I did n't mean to preach or tell tales or be silly . I only thought Jo was encouraging you in a feeling which you 'd be sorry for by-and-by . You are so kind to us , we feel as if you were our brother and say just what we think . Forgive me , I meant it kindly . '' And Meg offered her hand with a gesture both affectionate and timid . Ashamed of his momentary pique , Laurie squeezed the kind little hand , and said frankly , `` I 'm the one to be forgiven . I 'm cross and have been out of sorts all day . I like to have you tell me my faults and be sisterly , so do n't mind if I am grumpy sometimes . I thank you all the same . '' Bent on showing that he was not offended , he made himself as agreeable as possible , wound cotton for Meg , recited poetry to please Jo , shook down cones for Beth , and helped Amy with her ferns , proving himself a fit person to belong to the ` Busy Bee Society ' . In the midst of an animated discussion on the domestic habits of turtles -LRB- one of those amiable creatures having strolled up from the river -RRB- , the faint sound of a bell warned them that Hannah had put the tea ` to draw ' , and they would just have time to get home to supper . `` May I come again ? '' asked Laurie . `` Yes , if you are good , and love your book , as the boys in the primer are told to do , '' said Meg , smiling . `` I 'll try . ''
`` Then you may XXXXX , and I 'll teach you to knit as the Scotchmen do .
Do called come like love mind say showing squeezed try