`` I 'm sorry for that , and ought to thank him for not shaking me , I suppose . What the dickens does the fellow expect ? '' and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness . `` If I were you , I 'd write him an apology , Sir . He says he wo n't come down till he has one , and talks about Washington , and goes on in an absurd way . A formal apology will make him see how foolish he is , and bring him down quite amiable . Try it . He likes fun , and this way is better than talking . I 'll carry it up , and teach him his duty . '' Mr. Laurence gave her a sharp look , and put on his spectacles , saying slowly , `` You 're a sly puss , but I do n't mind being managed by you and Beth . Here , give me a bit of paper , and let us have done with this nonsense . '' The note was written in the terms which one gentleman would use to another after offering some deep insult . Jo dropped a kiss on the top of Mr. Laurence 's bald head , and ran up to slip the apology under Laurie 's door , advising him through the keyhole to be submissive , decorous , and a few other agreeable impossibilities . Finding the door locked again , she left the note to do its work , and was going quietly away , when the young gentleman slid down the banisters , and waited for her at the bottom , saying , with his most virtuous expression of countenance , `` What a good fellow you are , Jo ! Did you get blown up ? '' he added , laughing . `` No , he was pretty mild , on the whole . '' `` Ah ! I got it all round . Even you cast me off over there , and I felt just ready to go to the deuce , '' he began apologetically .
`` Do n't talk that XXXXX , turn over a new leaf and begin again , Teddy , my son . ''
apology banisters bottom dickens expression gentleman note terms way work