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 . '' Jo was sorry for that speech the minute it was made . She meant to warn him that Laurie would not bear much restraint , and hoped he would be more forebearing with the lad . Mr. Laurence 's ruddy face changed suddenly , and he sat down , with a troubled glance at the picture of a handsome man , which hung over his table . It was Laurie 's father , who had run away in his youth , and married against the imperious old man 's will . Jo fancied he remembered and regretted the past , and she wished she had held her tongue . `` He wo n't do it unless he is very much worried , and only threatens it sometimes , when he gets tired of studying .
I often XXXXX I should like to , especially since my hair was cut , so if you ever miss us , you may advertise for two boys and look among the ships bound for India . ''
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