`` 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 , Laurie dropped her hands and turned as if to go on , but for once in his life the fence was too much for him . So he just laid his head down on the mossy post , and stood so still that Jo was frightened . `` Oh , Teddy , I 'm sorry , so desperately sorry , I could kill myself if it would do any good ! I wish you would n't take it so hard , I ca n't help it . You know it 's impossible for people to make themselves love other people if they do n't , '' cried Jo inelegantly but remorsefully , as she softly patted his shoulder , remembering the time when he had comforted her so long ago . `` They do sometimes , '' said a muffled voice from the post . `` I do n't believe it 's the right sort of love , and I 'd rather not try it , '' was the decided answer . There was a long pause , while a blackbird sung blithely on the willow by the river , and the tall grass rustled in the wind .
Presently Jo said very soberly , as she sat down on the step of the XXXXX , `` Laurie , I want to tell you something . ''
Jo Laurie billiards buttercups girls lie lips right river stile