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 , Laurie led the way from room to room , letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy . And so , at last they came to the library , where she clapped her hands and pranced , as she always did when especially delighted . It was lined with books , and there were pictures and statues , and distracting little cabinets full of coins and curiosities , and Sleepy Hollow chairs , and queer tables , and bronzes , and best of all , a great open fireplace with quaint tiles all round it . `` What richness ! '' sighed Jo , sinking into the depth of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air of intense satisfaction . `` Theodore Laurence , you ought to be the happiest boy in the world , '' she added impressively . `` A fellow ca n't live on books , '' said Laurie , shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite .
Before he could more , a bell rang , and XXXXX flew up , exclaiming with alarm , `` Mercy me !
Father Jo Laurence Laurie Spanish bronzes curiosities hopes library satisfaction