`` Where 's the jew 's - harp , Jo ? '' cried Laurie , as soon as he was within speaking distance . `` I forgot it . '' And Jo took heart again , for that salutation could not be called lover-like . She always used to take his arm on these occasions , now she did not , and he made no complaint , which was a bad sign , but talked on rapidly about all sorts of faraway subjects , till they turned from the road into the little path that led homeward through the grove . Then he walked more slowly , suddenly lost his fine flow of language , and now and then a dreadful pause occurred . To rescue the conversation from one of the wells of silence into which it kept falling , Jo said hastily , `` Now you must have a good long holiday ! '' `` I intend to . '' Something in his resolute tone made Jo look up quickly to find him looking down at her with an expression that assured her the dreaded moment had come , and made her put out her hand with an imploring , `` No , Teddy . Please do n't ! '' `` I will , and you must hear me . It 's no use , Jo , we 've got to have it out , and the sooner the better for both of us , '' he answered , getting flushed and excited all at once . `` Say what you like then . I 'll listen , '' said Jo , with a desperate sort of patience . Laurie was a young lover , but he was in earnest , and meant to ` have it out ' , if he died in the attempt , so he plunged into the subject with characteristic impetuousity , saying in a voice that would get choky now and then , in spite of manful efforts to keep it steady ... `` I 've loved you ever since I 've known you , Jo , could n't help it , you 've been so good to me . I 've tried to show it , but you would n't let me . Now I 'm going to make you hear , and give me an answer , for I ca n't go on so any longer . '' `` I wanted to save you this . I thought you 'd understand ... '' began Jo , finding it a great deal harder than she expected . `` I know you did , but the girls are so queer you never know what they mean .
They say no when they mean yes , and drive a man out of his wits just for the fun of it , '' returned XXXXX , entrenching himself behind an undeniable fact .
Jo Laurie Teddy choky deal impetuousity salutation sign tone use