and Jo fell into her seat with a gasp . `` A characteristic , but not exactly complimentary , congratulation , '' returned Laurie , still in an abject attitude , but beaming with satisfaction . `` What can you expect , when you take one 's breath away , creeping in like a burglar , and letting cats out of bags like that ? Get up , you ridiculous boy , and tell me all about it . '' `` Not a word , unless you let me come in my old place , and promise not to barricade . '' Jo laughed at that as she had not done for many a long day , and patted the sofa invitingly , as she said in a cordial tone , `` The old pillow is up garret , and we do n't need it now . So , come and ` fess , Teddy . '' `` How good it sounds to hear you say ` Teddy ' ! No one ever calls me that but you , '' and Laurie sat down with an air of great content . `` What does Amy call you ? '' `` My lord . '' `` That 's like her . Well , you look it , '' and Jo 's eye plainly betrayed that she found her boy comelier than ever . The pillow was gone , but there was a barricade , nevertheless , a natural one , raised by time , absence , and change of heart . Both felt it , and for a minute looked at one another as if that invisible barrier cast a little shadow over them . It was gone directly however , for Laurie said , with a vain attempt at dignity ... `` Do n't I look like a married man and the head of a family ? '' `` Not a bit , and you never will . You 've grown bigger and bonnier , but you are the same scapegrace as ever . '' `` Now really , Jo , you ought to treat me with more respect , '' began Laurie , who enjoyed it all immensely . `` How can I , when the mere idea of you , married and settled , is so irresistibly funny that I ca n't keep sober ! ''
answered XXXXX , smiling all over her face , so infectiously that they had another laugh , and then settled down for a good talk , quite in the pleasant old fashion .
Amy Jo Laurie bonnier comelier day fess garret minute scapegrace