I see it, and so does Mother.

You are not like your old self a bit, and seem ever so far away from me.

I don't mean to plague you and will bear it like a man, but I do wish it was all settled.

I hate to wait, so if you mean ever to do it, make haste and have it over quickly," said Jo pettishly.
"I can't say anything till he speaks, and he won't, because Father said I was too young," began Meg, bending over her work with a queer little smile, which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point.
"If he did speak, you wouldn't know what to say, but would cry or blush, or let him have his own way, instead of giving a good, decided no." "I'm not so silly and weak as you think.

I know just what I should say, for I've planned it all, so I needn't be taken unawares.