`` Come in ! '' and Mr. Laurence 's gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever , as Jo tapped at his door . `` It 's only me , Sir , come to return a book , '' she said blandly , as she entered . `` Want any more ? '' asked the old gentleman , looking grim and vexed , but trying not to show it . `` Yes , please . I like old Sam so well , I think I 'll try the second volume , '' returned Jo , hoping to propitiate him by accepting a second dose of Boswell 's Johnson , as he had recommended that lively work . The shaggy eyebrows unbent a little as he rolled the steps toward the shelf where the Johnsonian literature was placed . Jo skipped up , and sitting on the top step , affected to be searching for her book , but was really wondering how best to introduce the dangerous object of her visit . Mr. Laurence seemed to suspect that something was brewing in her mind , for after taking several brisk turns about the room , he faced round on her , speaking so abruptly that Rasselas tumbled face downward on the floor . `` What has that boy been about ? Do n't try to shield him . I know he has been in mischief by the way he acted when he came home . I ca n't get a word from him , and when I threatened to shake the truth out of him he bolted upstairs and locked himself into his room . '' `` He did wrong , but we forgave him , and all promised not to say a word to anyone , '' began Jo reluctantly . `` That wo n't do . He shall not shelter himself behind a promise from you softhearted girls . If he 's done anything amiss , he shall confess , beg pardon , and be punished . Out with it , Jo . I wo n't be kept in the dark . ''
Mr. XXXXX looked so alarming and spoke so sharply that Jo would have gladly run away , if she could , but she was perched aloft on the steps , and he stood at the foot , a lion in the path , so she had to stay and brave it out .
Boswell Jo Johnson Johnsonian Laurence Rasselas Sam Sir promise second