When Laurie came home , dead tired but quite composed , his grandfather met him as if he knew nothing , and kept up the delusion very successfully for an hour or two . But when they sat together in the twilight , the time they used to enjoy so much , it was hard work for the old man to ramble on as usual , and harder still for the young one to listen to praises of the last year 's success , which to him now seemed like love 's labor lost . He bore it as long as he could , then went to his piano and began to play . The windows were open , and Jo , walking in the garden with Beth , for once understood music better than her sister , for he played the ' Sonata Pathetique ' , and played it as he never did before . `` That 's very fine , I dare say , but it 's sad enough to make one cry . Give us something gayer , lad , '' said Mr. Laurence , whose kind old heart was full of sympathy , which he longed to show but knew not how . Laurie dashed into a livelier strain , played stormily for several minutes , and would have got through bravely , if in a momentary lull Mrs. March 's voice had not been heard calling , `` Jo , dear , come in . I want you . '' Just what Laurie longed to say , with a different meaning ! As he listened , he lost his place , the music ended with a broken chord , and the musician sat silent in the dark . `` I ca n't stand this , '' muttered the old gentleman . Up he got , groped his way to the piano , laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders , and said , as gently as a woman , `` I know , my boy , I know . '' No answer for an instant , then Laurie asked sharply , `` Who told you ? '' `` Jo herself . '' `` Then there 's an end of it ! '' And he shook off his grandfather 's hands with an impatient motion , for though grateful for the sympathy , his man 's pride could not bear a man 's pity . `` Not quite . I want to say one thing , and then there shall be an end of it , '' returned Mr. Laurence with unusual mildness . `` You wo n't care to stay at home now , perhaps ? '' `` I do n't intend to run away from a girl .
XXXXX ca n't prevent my seeing her , and I shall stay and do it as long as I like , '' interrupted Laurie in a defiant tone .
Jo Laurence Laurie Pathetique gayer hour labor mildness minutes twilight