Little Women - 912 Freedom Library

Little Women‘A man to dinner, and everything in a mess! JohnBrooke, how could you do such a thing?’‘Hush, he’s in the garden! I forgot the confoundedjelly, but it can’t be helped now,’ said John, surveying theprospect with an anxious eye.‘You ought to have sent word, or told me thismorning, and you ought to have remembered how busy Iwas,’ continued Meg petulantly, for even turtledoves willpeck when ruffled.‘I didn’t know it this morning, and there was no timeto send word, for I met him on the way out. I neverthought of asking leave, when you have always told me todo as I liked. I never tried it before, and hang me if I everdo again!’ added John, with an aggrieved air.‘I should hope not! Take him away at once. I can’t seehim, and there isn’t any dinner.’‘Well, I like that! Where’s the beef and vegetables Isent home, and the pudding you promised?’ cried John,rushing to the larder. ‘I hadn’t time to cook anything. Imeant 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 along day’s work to come home tired, hungry, andhopeful, to find a chaotic house, an empty table, and a485 of 861