`` Do n't mind me . I 'm happy as a cricket here , '' answered Jo . Laurie went away , and his guest amused herself in her own way . She was standing before a fine portrait of the old gentleman when the door opened again , and without turning , she said decidedly , `` I 'm sure now that I should n't be afraid of him , for he 's got kind eyes , though his mouth is grim , and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own . He is n't as handsome as my grandfather , but I like him . '' `` Thank you , ma'am , '' said a gruff voice behind her , and there , to her great dismay , stood old Mr. Laurence . Poor Jo blushed till she could n't blush any redder , and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said . For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her , but that was cowardly , and the girls would laugh at her , so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could . A second look showed her that the living eyes , under the bushy eyebrows , were kinder even than the painted ones , and there was a sly twinkle in them , which lessened her fear a good deal . The gruff voice was gruffer than ever , as the old gentleman said abruptly , after the dreadful pause , `` So you 're not afraid of me , hey ? '' `` Not much , sir . '' `` And you do n't think me as handsome as your grandfather ? '' `` Not quite , sir . '' `` And I 've got a tremendous will , have I ? '' `` I only said I thought so . '' `` But you like me in spite of it ? '' `` Yes , I do , sir . '' That answer pleased the old gentleman . He gave a short laugh , shook hands with her , and , putting his finger under her chin , turned up her face , examined it gravely , and let it go , saying with a nod , `` You 've got your grandfather 's spirit , if you have n't his face . He was a fine man , my dear , but what is better , he was a brave and an honest one , and I was proud to be his friend . ''
`` Thank you , sir , '' And XXXXX was quite comfortable after that , for it suited her exactly .
Jo Laurence Laurie gentleman heart laugh minute portrait second sir