Up went a handful of soft snow , and the head turned at once , showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute , as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile . Jo nodded and laughed , and flourished her broom as she called out ... `` How do you do ? Are you sick ? '' Laurie opened the window , and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven ... `` Better , thank you . I 've had a bad cold , and been shut up a week . '' `` I 'm sorry . What do you amuse yourself with ? '' `` Nothing . It 's dull as tombs up here . '' `` Do n't you read ? '' `` Not much . They wo n't let me . '' `` Ca n't somebody read to you ? '' `` Grandpa does sometimes , but my books do n't interest him , and I hate to ask Brooke all the time . '' `` Have someone come and see you then . '' `` There is n't anyone I 'd like to see . Boys make such a row , and my head is weak . '' `` Is n't there some nice girl who 'd read and amuse you ? Girls are quiet and like to play nurse . '' `` Do n't know any . ''
`` You know us , '' began XXXXX , then laughed and stopped .
Brooke Grandpa Jo Laurie broom eyes minute raven snow week