Meg hardly knew herself, she felt so brave and independent, so glad to defend John and assert her right to love him, if she liked.

Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong, and after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying as mildly as she could, "Now, Meg, my dear, be reasonable and take my advice.

I mean it kindly, and don't want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning.

You ought to marry well and help your family.

It's your duty to make a rich match and it ought to be impressed upon you." "Father and Mother don't think so.