And Laurie folded his hands together with such and imploring gesture , as he spoke in his irresistibly persuasive tone , that it was impossible to frown upon him in spite of his scandalous behavior . Meg pardoned him , and Mrs. March 's grave face relaxed , in spite of her efforts to keep sober , when she heard him declare that he would atone for his sins by all sorts of penances , and abase himself like a worm before the injured damsel . Jo stood aloof , meanwhile , trying to harden her heart against him , and succeeding only in primming up her face into an expression of entire disapprobation . Laurie looked at her once or twice , but as she showed no sign of relenting , he felt injured , and turned his back on her till the others were done with him , when he made her a low bow and walked off without a word . As soon as he had gone , she wished she had been more forgiving , and when Meg and her mother went upstairs , she felt lonely and longed for Teddy . After resisting for some time , she yielded to the impulse , and armed with a book to return , went over to the big house . `` Is Mr. Laurence in ? '' asked Jo , of a housemaid , who was coming downstairs . `` Yes , Miss , but I do n't believe he 's seeable just yet . '' `` Why not ? Is he ill ? '' `` La , no Miss , but he 's had a scene with Mr. Laurie , who is in one of his tantrums about something , which vexes the old gentleman , so I durs n't go nigh him . '' `` Where is Laurie ? '' `` Shut up in his room , and he wo n't answer , though I 've been a-tapping . I do n't know what 's to become of the dinner , for it 's ready , and there 's no one to eat it . '' `` I 'll go and see what the matter is . I 'm not afraid of either of them . '' Up went Jo , and knocked smartly on the door of Laurie 's little study . `` Stop that , or I 'll open the door and make you ! '' called out the young gentleman in a threatening tone .
XXXXX immediately knocked again .
Jo Laurence Laurie Meg Miss back hands heart housemaid penances