It was impossible to help laughing at the funny conflict between Laurie 's chivalrous reluctance to speak ill of womankind , and his very natural dislike of the unfeminine folly of which fashionable society showed him many samples . Jo knew that ` young Laurence ' was regarded as a most eligible parti by worldly mamas , was much smiled upon by their daughters , and flattered enough by ladies of all ages to make a coxcomb of him , so she watched him rather jealously , fearing he would be spoiled , and rejoiced more than she confessed to find that he still believed in modest girls . Returning suddenly to her admonitory tone , she said , dropping her voice , `` If you must have a ` vent ' , Teddy , go and devote yourself to one of the ` pretty , modest girls ' whom you do respect , and not waste your time with the silly ones . '' `` You really advise it ? '' and Laurie looked at her with an odd mixture of anxiety and merriment in his face . `` Yes , I do , but you 'd better wait till you are through college , on the whole , and be fitting yourself for the place meantime . You 're not half good enough for -- well , whoever the modest girl may be . '' and Jo looked a little queer likewise , for a name had almost escaped her . `` That I 'm not ! '' acquiesced Laurie , with an expression of humility quite new to him , as he dropped his eyes and absently wound Jo 's apron tassel round his finger . `` Mercy on us , this will never do , '' thought Jo , adding aloud , `` Go and sing to me . I 'm dying for some music , and always like yours . '' `` I 'd rather stay here , thank you . '' `` Well , you ca n't , there is n't room . Go and make yourself useful , since you are too big to be ornamental . I thought you hated to be tied to a woman 's apron string ? '' retorted Jo , quoting certain rebellious words of his own . `` Ah , that depends on who wears the apron ! '' and Laurie gave an audacious tweak at the tassel . `` Are you going ? ''
demanded XXXXX , diving for the pillow .
Jo Laurence Laurie coxcomb mamas reluctance tassel tone tweak womankind