`` Anything you like , Sir . '' `` Good , '' thought the old gentleman . `` You do n't care now , but there 'll come a time when that promise will keep you out of mischief , or I 'm much mistaken . '' Being an energetic individual , Mr. Laurence struck while the iron was hot , and before the blighted being recovered spirit enough to rebel , they were off . During the time necessary for preparation , Laurie bore himself as young gentleman usually do in such cases . He was moody , irritable , and pensive by turns , lost his appetite , neglected his dress and devoted much time to playing tempestuously on his piano , avoided Jo , but consoled himself by staring at her from his window , with a tragic face that haunted her dreams by night and oppressed her with a heavy sense of guilt by day . Unlike some sufferers , he never spoke of his unrequited passion , and would allow no one , not even Mrs. March , to attempt consolation or offer sympathy . On some accounts , this was a relief to his friends , but the weeks before his departure were very uncomfortable , and everyone rejoiced that the ` poor , dear fellow was going away to forget his trouble , and come home happy ' . Of course , he smiled darkly at their delusion , but passed it by with the sad superiority of one who knew that his fidelity like his love was unalterable . When the parting came he affected high spirits , to conceal certain inconvenient emotions which seemed inclined to assert themselves . This gaiety did not impose upon anybody , but they tried to look as if it did for his sake , and he got on very well till Mrs. March kissed him , with a whisper full of motherly solicitude . Then feeling that he was going very fast , he hastily embraced them all round , not forgetting the afflicted Hannah , and ran downstairs as if for his life . Jo followed a minute after to wave her hand to him if he looked round . He did look round , came back , put his arms about her as she stood on the step above him , and looked up at her with a face that made his short appeal eloquent and pathetic . `` Oh , Jo , ca n't you ? '' `` Teddy , dear , I wish I could ! '' That was all , except a little pause . Then Laurie straightened himself up , said , `` It 's all right , never mind , '' and went away without another word . Ah , but it was n't all right , and Jo did mind , for while the curly head lay on her arm a minute after her hard answer , she felt as if she had stabbed her dearest friend , and when he left her without a look behind him , she knew that the boy Laurie never would come again . CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX BETH 'S SECRET When Jo came home that spring , she had been struck with the change in Beth .
No XXXXX spoke of it or seemed aware of it , for it had come too gradually to startle those who saw her daily , but to eyes sharpened by absence , it was very plain and a heavy weight fell on Jo 's heart as she saw her sister 's face .
Mr. appetite change emotions everyone friend one sake step trouble