`` Myself . '' Laurie came back as quickly as he went , and put out his hand , saying huskily , `` I 'm a selfish brute , but -- you know -- Grandfather -- '' `` Lord help me , yes , I do know , for I 've been through it all before , once in my own young days , and then with your father . Now , my dear boy , just sit quietly down and hear my plan . It 's all settled , and can be carried out at once , '' said Mr. Laurence , keeping hold of the young man , as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him . `` Well , sir , what is it ? '' and Laurie sat down , without a sign of interest in face or voice . `` There is business in London that needs looking after . I meant you should attend to it , but I can do it better myself , and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them . My partners do almost everything , I 'm merely holding on until you take my place , and can be off at any time . '' `` But you hate traveling , Sir . I ca n't ask it of you at your age , '' began Laurie , who was grateful for the sacrifice , but much preferred to go alone , if he went at all . The old gentleman knew that perfectly well , and particularly desired to prevent it , for the mood in which he found his grandson assured him that it would not be wise to leave him to his own devices . So , stifling a natural regret at the thought of the home comforts he would leave behind him , he said stoutly , `` Bless your soul , I 'm not superannuated yet . I quite enjoy the idea . It will do me good , and my old bones wo n't suffer , for traveling nowadays is almost as easy as sitting in a chair . '' A restless movement from Laurie suggested that his chair was not easy , or that he did not like the plan , and made the old man add hastily , `` I do n't mean to be a marplot or a burden . I go because I think you 'd feel happier than if I was left behind . I do n't intend to gad about with you , but leave you free to go where you like , while I amuse myself in my own way . I 've friends in London and Paris , and should like to visit them . Meantime you can go to Italy , Germany , Switzerland , where you will , and enjoy pictures , music , scenery , and adventures to your heart 's content . ''
Now , XXXXX felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness , but at the sound of certain words which the old gentleman artfully introduced into his closing sentence , the broken heart gave an unexpected leap , and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howling wilderness .
Brooke Germany Italy Laurence Laurie Paris Switzerland gad left marplot