`` That I 'm not ! '' acquiesced Laurie , with an expression of humility quite new to him , as he dropped his eyes and absently wound Jo 's apron tassel round his finger . `` Mercy on us , this will never do , '' thought Jo , adding aloud , `` Go and sing to me . I 'm dying for some music , and always like yours . '' `` I 'd rather stay here , thank you . '' `` Well , you ca n't , there is n't room . Go and make yourself useful , since you are too big to be ornamental . I thought you hated to be tied to a woman 's apron string ? '' retorted Jo , quoting certain rebellious words of his own . `` Ah , that depends on who wears the apron ! '' and Laurie gave an audacious tweak at the tassel . `` Are you going ? '' demanded Jo , diving for the pillow . He fled at once , and the minute it was well , `` Up with the bonnets of bonnie Dundee , '' she slipped away to return no more till the young gentleman departed in high dudgeon . Jo lay long awake that night , and was just dropping off when the sound of a stifled sob made her fly to Beth 's bedside , with the anxious inquiry , `` What is it , dear ? '' `` I thought you were asleep , '' sobbed Beth . `` Is it the old pain , my precious ? '' `` No , it 's a new one , but I can bear it , '' and Beth tried to check her tears . `` Tell me all about it , and let me cure it as I often did the other . '' `` You ca n't , there is no cure . ''
There XXXXX 's voice gave way , and clinging to her sister , she cried so despairingly that Jo was frightened .
Beth Dundee Jo Laurie apron dudgeon fly night tassel tweak