`` Yes , I will live and die for him , if he ever comes and makes me love him in spite of myself , and you must do the best you can ! '' cried Jo , losing patience with poor Teddy . `` I 've done my best , but you wo n't be reasonable , and it 's selfish of you to keep teasing for what I ca n't give . I shall always be fond of you , very fond indeed , as a friend , but I 'll never marry you , and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us -- so now ! '' That speech was like gunpowder . Laurie looked at her a minute as if he did not quite know what to do with himself , then turned sharply away , saying in a desperate sort of tone , `` You 'll be sorry some day , Jo . '' `` Oh , where are you going ? '' she cried , for his face frightened her . `` To the devil ! '' was the consoling answer . For a minute Jo 's heart stood still , as he swung himself down the bank toward the river , but it takes much folly , sin or misery to send a young man to a violent death , and Laurie was not one of the weak sort who are conquered by a single failure . He had no thought of a melodramatic plunge , but some blind instinct led him to fling hat and coat into his boat , and row away with all his might , making better time up the river than he had done in any race . Jo drew a long breath and unclasped her hands as she watched the poor fellow trying to outstrip the trouble which he carried in his heart . `` That will do him good , and he 'll come home in such a tender , penitent state of mind , that I sha n't dare to see him , '' she said , adding , as she went slowly home , feeling as if she had murdered some innocent thing , and buried it under the leaves . `` Now I must go and prepare Mr. Laurence to be very kind to my poor boy . I wish he 'd love Beth , perhaps he may in time , but I begin to think I was mistaken about her . Oh dear ! How can girls like to have lovers and refuse them ? I think it 's dreadful . '' Being sure that no one could do it so well as herself , she went straight to Mr. Laurence , told the hard story bravely through , and then broke down , crying so dismally over her own insensibility that the kind old gentleman , though sorely disappointed , did not utter a reproach .
He found it difficult to understand how any girl could help loving Laurie , and hoped she would change her mind , but he knew even better than XXXXX that love can not be forced , so he shook his head sadly and resolved to carry his boy out of harm 's way , for Young Impetuosity 's parting words to Jo disturbed him more than he would confess .
Beth Jo Laurence Laurie Mr. day insensibility minute murdered tender