Please do n't . It was partly my fault , but it 's all right now . So let 's forget it , and talk about the Rambler or something pleasant . '' `` Hang the Rambler ! Come down and give me your word that this harum-scarum boy of mine has n't done anything ungrateful or impertinent . If he has , after all your kindness to him , I 'll thrash him with my own hands . '' The threat sounded awful , but did not alarm Jo , for she knew the irascible old gentleman would never lift a finger against his grandson , whatever he might say to the contrary . She obediently descended , and made as light of the prank as she could without betraying Meg or forgetting the truth . `` Hum ... ha ... well , if the boy held his tongue because he promised , and not from obstinacy , I 'll forgive him . He 's a stubborn fellow and hard to manage , '' said Mr. Laurence , rubbing up his hair till it looked as if he had been out in a gale , and smoothing the frown from his brow with an air of relief . `` So am I , but a kind word will govern me when all the king 's horses and all the king 's men could n't , '' said Jo , trying to say a kind word for her friend , who seemed to get out of one scrape only to fall into another . `` You think I 'm not kind to him , hey ? '' was the sharp answer . `` Oh , dear no , Sir . You are rather too kind sometimes , and then just a trifle hasty when he tries your patience . Do n't you think you are ? '' Jo was determined to have it out now , and tried to look quite placid , though she quaked a little after her bold speech . To her great relief and surprise , the old gentleman only threw his spectacles onto the table with a rattle and exclaimed frankly , `` You 're right , girl , I am ! I love the boy , but he tries my patience past bearing , and I know how it will end , if we go on so . '' `` I 'll tell you , he 'll run away . ''
XXXXX was sorry for that speech the minute it was made .
Jo Laurence Meg Mr. Rambler brow fall gale obstinacy right