and Laurie walked fast through the room with an expression which it was well his grandfather did not see . `` I do n't ask you to go alone . There 's someone ready and glad to go with you , anywhere in the world . '' `` Who , Sir ? '' stopping to listen . `` Myself . '' Laurie came back as quickly as he went , and put out his hand , saying huskily , `` I 'm a selfish brute , but -- you know -- Grandfather -- '' `` Lord help me , yes , I do know , for I 've been through it all before , once in my own young days , and then with your father . Now , my dear boy , just sit quietly down and hear my plan . It 's all settled , and can be carried out at once , '' said Mr. Laurence , keeping hold of the young man , as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him . `` Well , sir , what is it ? '' and Laurie sat down , without a sign of interest in face or voice . `` There is business in London that needs looking after . I meant you should attend to it , but I can do it better myself , and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them . My partners do almost everything , I 'm merely holding on until you take my place , and can be off at any time . '' `` But you hate traveling , Sir . I ca n't ask it of you at your age , '' began Laurie , who was grateful for the sacrifice , but much preferred to go alone , if he went at all . The old gentleman knew that perfectly well , and particularly desired to prevent it , for the mood in which he found his grandson assured him that it would not be wise to leave him to his own devices . So , stifling a natural regret at the thought of the home comforts he would leave behind him , he said stoutly , `` Bless your soul , I 'm not superannuated yet . I quite enjoy the idea . It will do me good , and my old bones wo n't suffer , for traveling nowadays is almost as easy as sitting in a chair . ''
A restless movement from XXXXX suggested that his chair was not easy , or that he did not like the plan , and made the old man add hastily , `` I do n't mean to be a marplot or a burden .
Brooke Laurence Laurie London Lord Sir bones days gentleman mood