The snow was light , and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden , for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air . Now , the garden separated the Marches ' house from that of Mr. Laurence . Both stood in a suburb of the city , which was still country-like , with groves and lawns , large gardens , and quiet streets . A low hedge parted the two estates . On one side was an old , brown house , looking rather bare and shabby , robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers , which then surrounded it . On the other side was a stately stone mansion , plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury , from the big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains . Yet it seemed a lonely , lifeless sort of house , for no children frolicked on the lawn , no motherly face ever smiled at the windows , and few people went in and out , except the old gentleman and his grandson . To Jo 's lively fancy , this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace , full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed . She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories , and to know the Laurence boy , who looked as if he would like to be known , if he only knew how to begin . Since the party , she had been more eager than ever , and had planned many ways of making friends with him , but he had not been seen lately , and Jo began to think he had gone away , when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window , looking wistfully down into their garden , where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another . `` That boy is suffering for society and fun , '' she said to herself . `` His grandpa does not know what 's good for him , and keeps him shut up all alone . He needs a party of jolly boys to play with , or somebody young and lively . I 've a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so ! '' The idea amused Jo , who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances . The plan of ` going over ' was not forgotten . And when the snowy afternoon came , Jo resolved to try what could be done . She saw Mr. Lawrence drive off , and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge , where she paused and took a survey . All quiet , curtains down at the lower windows , servants out of sight , and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window . `` There he is , '' thought Jo , `` Poor boy !
All alone and sick this dismal XXXXX .
Amy Beth Jo Laurence Lawrence Meg afternoon day grandpa splendors