Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change, and when someone gave a modest tap, opened the door with a grim aspect which was anything but hospitable.
"Good afternoon.

I came to get my umbrella, that is, to see how your father finds himself today," said Mr.Brooke, getting a trifle confused as his eyes went from one telltale face to the other.
"It's very well, he's in the rack.

I'll get him, and tell it you are here." And having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply, Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity.

But the instant she vanished, Meg began to sidle toward the door, murmuring...
"Mother will like to see you.

Pray sit down, I'll call her." "Don't go.