Having found the place with some difficulty , she went into the doorway , looked up the dirty stairs , and after standing stock still a minute , suddenly dived into the street and walked away as rapidly as she came . This maneuver she repeated several times , to the great amusement of a black-eyed young gentleman lounging in the window of a building opposite . On returning for the third time , Jo gave herself a shake , pulled her hat over her eyes , and walked up the stairs , looking as if she were going to have all her teeth out . There was a dentist 's sign , among others , which adorned the entrance , and after staring a moment at the pair of artificial jaws which slowly opened and shut to draw attention to a fine set of teeth , the young gentleman put on his coat , took his hat , and went down to post himself in the opposite doorway , saying with a smile and a shiver , `` It 's like her to come alone , but if she has a bad time she 'll need someone to help her home . '' In ten minutes Jo came running downstairs with a very red face and the general appearance of a person who had just passed through a trying ordeal of some sort . When she saw the young gentleman she looked anything but pleased , and passed him with a nod . But he followed , asking with an air of sympathy , `` Did you have a bad time ? '' `` Not very . '' `` You got through quickly . '' `` Yes , thank goodness ! '' `` Why did you go alone ? '' `` Did n't want anyone to know . '' `` You 're the oddest fellow I ever saw . How many did you have out ? '' Jo looked at her friend as if she did not understand him , then began to laugh as if mightily amused at something . `` There are two which I want to have come out , but I must wait a week . '' `` What are you laughing at ? You are up to some mischief , Jo , '' said Laurie , looking mystified . `` So are you . What were you doing , sir , up in that billiard saloon ? ''
`` Begging your pardon , ma'am , it was n't a billiard XXXXX , but a gymnasium , and I was taking a lesson in fencing . ''
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