was the next question , sharply put . `` Only trying to be neighborly , sir . '' And Jo told how her visit came about . `` You think he needs cheering up a bit , do you ? '' `` Yes , sir , he seems a little lonely , and young folks would do him good perhaps . We are only girls , but we should be glad to help if we could , for we do n't forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us , '' said Jo eagerly . `` Tut , tut , tut ! That was the boy 's affair . How is the poor woman ? '' `` Doing nicely , sir . '' And off went Jo , talking very fast , as she told all about the Hummels , in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were . `` Just her father 's way of doing good . I shall come and see your mother some fine day . Tell her so . There 's the tea bell , we have it early on the boy 's account . Come down and go on being neighborly . '' `` If you 'd like to have me , sir . '' `` Should n't ask you , if I did n't . '' And Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy . `` What would Meg say to this ? ''
thought XXXXX , as she was marched away , while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home .
Hummels Jo Laurence Meg affair courtesy day father mother tut