“Stop, Jo, you must clear yourself first. You have played so many pranks, that I am afraid you have had a hand in this.”

“On my word, mother, I haven’t! I never saw that note before, and don’t know anything about it, as true as I live!” said Jo, so earnestly that they believed her. “If I had taken a part in it I’d have done it better than this, and have written a sensible note. I should think you’d have known Mr. Brooke wouldn’t write such stuff as that,” she added, scornfully tossing down the paper.

“It’s like his writing,” faltered Meg, comparing it with the note in her hand.

“O Meg, you didn’t answer it?” cried Mrs. March quickly.