Never mind being bashful . It wo n't last long if you keep going . '' Laurie turned red again , but was n't offended at being accused of bashfulness , for there was so much good will in Jo it was impossible not to take her blunt speeches as kindly as they were meant . `` Do you like your school ? '' asked the boy , changing the subject , after a little pause , during which he stared at the fire and Jo looked about her , well pleased . `` Do n't go to school , I 'm a businessman -- girl , I mean . I go to wait on my great-aunt , and a dear , cross old soul she is , too , '' answered Jo . Laurie opened his mouth to ask another question , but remembering just in time that it was n't manners to make too many inquiries into people 's affairs , he shut it again , and looked uncomfortable . Jo liked his good breeding , and did n't mind having a laugh at Aunt March , so she gave him a lively description of the fidgety old lady , her fat poodle , the parrot that talked Spanish , and the library where she reveled . Laurie enjoyed that immensely , and when she told about the prim old gentleman who came once to woo Aunt March , and in the middle of a fine speech , how Poll had tweaked his wig off to his great dismay , the boy lay back and laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks , and a maid popped her head in to see what was the matter . `` Oh ! That does me no end of good . Tell on , please , '' he said , taking his face out of the sofa cushion , red and shining with merriment . Much elated with her success , Jo did ` tell on ' , all about their plays and plans , their hopes and fears for Father , and the most interesting events of the little world in which the sisters lived . Then they got to talking about books , and to Jo 's delight , she found that Laurie loved them as well as she did , and had read even more than herself . `` If you like them so much , come down and see ours . Grandfather is out , so you need n't be afraid , '' said Laurie , getting up . `` I 'm not afraid of anything , '' returned Jo , with a toss of the head . `` I do n't believe you are ! '' exclaimed the boy , looking at her with much admiration , though he privately thought she would have good reason to be a trifle afraid of the old gentleman , if she met him in some of his moods .
The atmosphere of the whole house being summerlike , XXXXX led the way from room to room , letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy .
Father Jo Laurie Spanish bashfulness fears fire great-aunt pause plays