“It’s all right. Get up, and don’t be a goose, Jo,” was the cavalier reply to her petition.

“Thank you; I will. Could I ask what’s the matter? You don’t look exactly easy in your mind.”

“I’ve been shaken, and I won’t bear it!” growled Laurie indignantly.

“Who did it?” demanded Jo.

“Grandfather; if it had been anyone else I’d have⁠—” and the injured youth finished his sentence by an energetic gesture of the right arm.

“That’s nothing; I often shake you, and you don’t mind,” said Jo soothingly.

“Pooh! you’re a girl, and it’s fun; but I’ll allow no man to shake me .”