Laurie went off two stairs at a time , and Jo laid her wearied head down on Beth 's little brown hood , which no one had thought of moving from the table where she left it . It must have possessed some magic , for the submissive spirit of its gentle owner seemed to enter into Jo , and when Laurie came running down with a glass of wine , she took it with a smile , and said bravely , `` I drink -- Health to my Beth ! You are a good doctor , Teddy , and such a comfortable friend . How can I ever pay you ? '' she added , as the wine refreshed her body , as the kind words had done her troubled mind . `` I 'll send my bill , by-and-by , and tonight I 'll give you something that will warm the cockles of your heart better than quarts of wine , '' said Laurie , beaming at her with a face of suppressed satisfaction at something . `` What is it ? '' cried Jo , forgetting her woes for a minute in her wonder . `` I telegraphed to your mother yesterday , and Brooke answered she 'd come at once , and she 'll be here tonight , and everything will be all right . Are n't you glad I did it ? '' Laurie spoke very fast , and turned red and excited all in a minute , for he had kept his plot a secret , for fear of disappointing the girls or harming Beth . Jo grew quite white , flew out of her chair , and the moment he stopped speaking she electrified him by throwing her arms round his neck , and crying out , with a joyful cry , `` Oh , Laurie ! Oh , Mother ! I am so glad ! '' She did not weep again , but laughed hysterically , and trembled and clung to her friend as if she was a little bewildered by the sudden news . Laurie , though decidedly amazed , behaved with great presence of mind . He patted her back soothingly , and finding that she was recovering , followed it up by a bashful kiss or two , which brought Jo round at once . Holding on to the banisters , she put him gently away , saying breathlessly , `` Oh , do n't ! I did n't mean to , it was dreadful of me , but you were such a dear to go and do it in spite of Hannah that I could n't help flying at you . Tell me all about it , and do n't give me wine again , it makes me act so . ''
`` I do n't mind , '' laughed XXXXX , as he settled his tie .
Beth Hannah Jo Laurie Mother by-and-by cockles left minute right