In ten minutes Jo came running downstairs with a very red face and the general appearance of a person who had just passed through a trying ordeal of some sort . When she saw the young gentleman she looked anything but pleased , and passed him with a nod . But he followed , asking with an air of sympathy , `` Did you have a bad time ? '' `` Not very . '' `` You got through quickly . '' `` Yes , thank goodness ! '' `` Why did you go alone ? '' `` Did n't want anyone to know . '' `` You 're the oddest fellow I ever saw . How many did you have out ? '' Jo looked at her friend as if she did not understand him , then began to laugh as if mightily amused at something . `` There are two which I want to have come out , but I must wait a week . '' `` What are you laughing at ? You are up to some mischief , Jo , '' said Laurie , looking mystified . `` So are you . What were you doing , sir , up in that billiard saloon ? '' `` Begging your pardon , ma'am , it was n't a billiard saloon , but a gymnasium , and I was taking a lesson in fencing . '' `` I 'm glad of that . '' `` Why ? '' `` You can teach me , and then when we play Hamlet , you can be Laertes , and we 'll make a fine thing of the fencing scene . ''
XXXXX burst out with a hearty boy 's laugh , which made several passers-by smile in spite of themselves .
Hamlet Jo Laertes Laurie gentleman mischief ordeal sir thing week