Holding on to the banisters , she put him gently away , saying breathlessly , `` Oh , do n't ! I did n't mean to , it was dreadful of me , but you were such a dear to go and do it in spite of Hannah that I could n't help flying at you . Tell me all about it , and do n't give me wine again , it makes me act so . '' `` I do n't mind , '' laughed Laurie , as he settled his tie . `` Why , you see I got fidgety , and so did Grandpa . We thought Hannah was overdoing the authority business , and your mother ought to know . She 'd never forgive us if Beth ... Well , if anything happened , you know . So I got grandpa to say it was high time we did something , and off I pelted to the office yesterday , for the doctor looked sober , and Hannah most took my head off when I proposed a telegram . I never can bear to be ` lorded over ' , so that settled my mind , and I did it . Your mother will come , I know , and the late train is in at two A.M. I shall go for her , and you 've only got to bottle up your rapture , and keep Beth quiet till that blessed lady gets here . '' `` Laurie , you 're an angel ! How shall I ever thank you ? '' `` Fly at me again . I rather liked it , '' said Laurie , looking mischievous , a thing he had not done for a fortnight . `` No , thank you . I 'll do it by proxy , when your grandpa comes . Do n't tease , but go home and rest , for you 'll be up half the night . Bless you , Teddy , bless you ! '' Jo had backed into a corner , and as she finished her speech , she vanished precipitately into the kitchen , where she sat down upon a dresser and told the assembled cats that she was `` happy , oh , so happy ! '' while Laurie departed , feeling that he had made a rather neat thing of it .
`` That 's the interferingest chap I ever see , but I forgive him and do hope Mrs. March is coming right away , '' said XXXXX , with an air of relief , when Jo told the good news .
A.M. Beth Hannah Jo Laurie angel fortnight grandpa night rest