If there was anyone left to stay with the old gentleman, I'd do it tomorrow." Laurie spoke excitedly, and looked ready to carry his threat into execution on the slightest provocation, for he was growing up very fast and, in spite of his indolent ways, had a young man's hatred of subjection, a young man's restless longing to try the world for himself.
"I advise you to sail away in one of your ships, and never come home again till you have tried your own way," said Jo, whose imagination was fired by the thought of such a daring exploit, and whose sympathy was excited by what she called 'Teddy's Wrongs'.
"That's not right, Jo.

You mustn't talk in that way, and Laurie mustn't take your bad advice.

You should do just what your grandfather wishes, my dear boy," said Meg in her most maternal tone.

"Do your best at college, and when he sees that you try to please him, I'm sure he won't be hard on you or unjust to you.

As you say, there is no one else to stay with and love him, and you'd never forgive yourself if you left him without his permission.