`` Take it like a man , and do n't do anything rash , for God 's sake . Why not go abroad , as you planned , and forget it ? '' `` I ca n't . '' `` But you 've been wild to go , and I promised you should when you got through college . '' `` Ah , but I did n't mean to go alone ! '' and Laurie walked fast through the room with an expression which it was well his grandfather did not see . `` I do n't ask you to go alone . There 's someone ready and glad to go with you , anywhere in the world . '' `` Who , Sir ? '' stopping to listen . `` Myself . '' Laurie came back as quickly as he went , and put out his hand , saying huskily , `` I 'm a selfish brute , but -- you know -- Grandfather -- '' `` Lord help me , yes , I do know , for I 've been through it all before , once in my own young days , and then with your father . Now , my dear boy , just sit quietly down and hear my plan . It 's all settled , and can be carried out at once , '' said Mr. Laurence , keeping hold of the young man , as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him . `` Well , sir , what is it ? '' and Laurie sat down , without a sign of interest in face or voice . `` There is business in London that needs looking after . I meant you should attend to it , but I can do it better myself , and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them . My partners do almost everything , I 'm merely holding on until you take my place , and can be off at any time . '' `` But you hate traveling , Sir .
I ca n't ask it of you at your age , '' began XXXXX , who was grateful for the sacrifice , but much preferred to go alone , if he went at all .
Brooke God Laurence Laurie London Mr. Sir college days things