She laughed as she spoke , and Mr. Laurence looked relieved , evidently taking the whole as a joke . `` You hussy , how dare you talk in that way ? Where 's your respect for me , and your proper bringing up ? Bless the boys and girls ! What torments they are , yet we ca n't do without them , '' he said , pinching her cheeks good-humoredly . `` Go and bring that boy down to his dinner , tell him it 's all right , and advise him not to put on tragedy airs with his grandfather . I wo n't bear it . '' `` He wo n't come , Sir . He feels badly because you did n't believe him when he said he could n't tell . I think the shaking hurt his feelings very much . '' Jo tried to look pathetic but must have failed , for Mr. Laurence began to laugh , and she knew the day was won . `` I 'm sorry for that , and ought to thank him for not shaking me , I suppose . What the dickens does the fellow expect ? '' and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness . `` If I were you , I 'd write him an apology , Sir . He says he wo n't come down till he has one , and talks about Washington , and goes on in an absurd way . A formal apology will make him see how foolish he is , and bring him down quite amiable . Try it . He likes fun , and this way is better than talking . I 'll carry it up , and teach him his duty . ''
Mr. XXXXX gave her a sharp look , and put on his spectacles , saying slowly , `` You 're a sly puss , but I do n't mind being managed by you and Beth .
Jo Laurence Sir Washington apology fun girls joke right testiness