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 Laurie , entrenching himself behind an undeniable fact . `` I do n't . I never wanted to make you care for me so , and I went away to keep you from it if I could . '' `` I thought so . It was like you , but it was no use . I only loved you all the more , and I worked hard to please you , and I gave up billiards and everything you did n't like , and waited and never complained , for I hoped you 'd love me , though I 'm not half good enough ... '' Here there was a choke that could n't be controlled , so he decapitated buttercups while he cleared his ` confounded throat ' . `` You , you are , you 're a great deal too good for me , and I 'm so grateful to you , and so proud and fond of you , I do n't know why I ca n't love you as you want me to . I 've tried , but I ca n't change the feeling , and it would be a lie to say I do when I do n't . '' `` Really , truly , Jo ? '' He stopped short , and caught both her hands as he put his question with a look that she did not soon forget . `` Really , truly , dear . ''
They were in the grove now , close by the stile , and when the last words fell reluctantly from Jo 's lips , XXXXX dropped her hands and turned as if to go on , but for once in his life the fence was too much for him .
Jo Laurie billiards buttercups choky impetuousity question spite use wits