The family were all busy in the back part of the house, and she had made her way quietly in, hoping to surprise them.

She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost, and Mr.Brooke vanished into the study.
"Bless me, what's all this ?" cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady.
"It's Father's friend.

I'm so surprised to see you!" stammered Meg, feeling that she was in for a lecture now.
"That's evident," returned Aunt March, sitting down.

"But what is Father's friend saying to make you look like a peony?
There's mischief going on, and I insist upon knowing what it is," with another rap.
"We were only talking.

Mr.Brooke came for his umbrella," began Meg, wishing that Mr.Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house.
"Brooke?
That boy's tutor?
Ah! I understand now.