Never deceive him by look or word, Meg, and he will give you the confidence you deserve, the support you need.
He has a temper, not like ours--one flash and then all over--but the white, still anger that is seldom stirred, but once kindled is hard to quench.

Be careful, be very careful, not to wake his anger against yourself, for peace and happiness depend on keeping his respect.

Watch yourself, be the first to ask pardon if you both err, and guard against the little piques, misunderstandings, and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret." These words came back to Meg, as she sat sewing in the sunset, especially the last.

This was the first serious disagreement, her own hasty speeches sounded both silly and unkind, as she recalled them, her own anger looked childish now, and thoughts of poor John coming home to such a scene quite melted her heart.

She glanced at him with tears in her eyes, but he did not see them.