You are not afraid of anything , you know , '' returned the boy , looking wicked . `` I think I am a little bit afraid of him , but I do n't know why I should be . Marmee said I might come , and I do n't think you 're any the worse for it , '' said Jo , composing herself , though she kept her eyes on the door . `` I 'm a great deal better for it , and ever so much obliged . I 'm only afraid you are very tired of talking to me . It was so pleasant , I could n't bear to stop , '' said Laurie gratefully . `` The doctor to see you , sir , '' and the maid beckoned as she spoke . `` Would you mind if I left you for a minute ? I suppose I must see him , '' said Laurie . `` Do n't mind me . I 'm happy as a cricket here , '' answered Jo . Laurie went away , and his guest amused herself in her own way . She was standing before a fine portrait of the old gentleman when the door opened again , and without turning , she said decidedly , `` I 'm sure now that I should n't be afraid of him , for he 's got kind eyes , though his mouth is grim , and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own . He is n't as handsome as my grandfather , but I like him . '' `` Thank you , ma'am , '' said a gruff voice behind her , and there , to her great dismay , stood old Mr. Laurence . Poor Jo blushed till she could n't blush any redder , and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said . For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her , but that was cowardly , and the girls would laugh at her , so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could . A second look showed her that the living eyes , under the bushy eyebrows , were kinder even than the painted ones , and there was a sly twinkle in them , which lessened her fear a good deal . The gruff voice was gruffer than ever , as the old gentleman said abruptly , after the dreadful pause , `` So you 're not afraid of me , hey ? '' `` Not much , sir . ''
`` And you do n't XXXXX me as handsome as your grandfather ? ''
am amused beckoned blush come fear kept know talking think