And having pulled the boy 's hair by way of a caress , Mr. Laurence walked on , while Laurie went through a series of comic evolutions behind their backs , which nearly produced an explosion of laughter from Jo . The old gentleman did not say much as he drank his four cups of tea , but he watched the young people , who soon chatted away like old friends , and the change in his grandson did not escape him . There was color , light , and life in the boy 's face now , vivacity in his manner , and genuine merriment in his laugh . `` She 's right , the lad is lonely . I 'll see what these little girls can do for him , '' thought Mr. Laurence , as he looked and listened . He liked Jo , for her odd , blunt ways suited him , and she seemed to understand the boy almost as well as if she had been one herself . If the Laurences had been what Jo called ` prim and poky ' , she would not have got on at all , for such people always made her shy and awkward . But finding them free and easy , she was so herself , and made a good impression . When they rose she proposed to go , but Laurie said he had something more to show her , and took her away to the conservatory , which had been lighted for her benefit . It seemed quite fairylike to Jo , as she went up and down the walks , enjoying the blooming walls on either side , the soft light , the damp sweet air , and the wonderful vines and trees that hung about her , while her new friend cut the finest flowers till his hands were full . Then he tied them up , saying , with the happy look Jo liked to see , `` Please give these to your mother , and tell her I like the medicine she sent me very much . '' They found Mr. Laurence standing before the fire in the great drawing room , but Jo 's attention was entirely absorbed by a grand piano , which stood open . `` Do you play ? '' she asked , turning to Laurie with a respectful expression . `` Sometimes , '' he answered modestly . `` Please do now . I want to hear it , so I can tell Beth . '' `` Wo n't you first ? '' `` Do n't know how . Too stupid to learn , but I love music dearly . ''
So Laurie played and XXXXX listened , with her nose luxuriously buried in heliotrope and tea roses .
Beth Jo Laurence Laurences Laurie escape evolutions fire first right