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 . Jo 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 . `` Not if you are the gentleman I think you . I 'm disappointed , but the girl ca n't help it , and the only thing left for you to do is to go away for a time . Where will you go ? '' `` Anywhere .
I do n't care what becomes of me , '' and XXXXX got up with a reckless laugh that grated on his grandfather 's ear .
Jo Laurence Laurie gayer home left mildness minutes strain tone