Meg wanted me to bring some of her blanc mange , she makes it very nicely , and Beth thought her cats would be comforting . I knew you 'd laugh at them , but I could n't refuse , she was so anxious to do something . '' It so happened that Beth 's funny loan was just the thing , for in laughing over the kits , Laurie forgot his bashfulness , and grew sociable at once . `` That looks too pretty to eat , '' he said , smiling with pleasure , as Jo uncovered the dish , and showed the blanc mange , surrounded by a garland of green leaves , and the scarlet flowers of Amy 's pet geranium . `` It is n't anything , only they all felt kindly and wanted to show it . Tell the girl to put it away for your tea . It 's so simple you can eat it , and being soft , it will slip down without hurting your sore throat . What a cozy room this is ! '' `` It might be if it was kept nice , but the maids are lazy , and I do n't know how to make them mind . It worries me though . '' `` I 'll right it up in two minutes , for it only needs to have the hearth brushed , so -- and the things made straight on the mantelpiece , so -- and the books put here , and the bottles there , and your sofa turned from the light , and the pillows plumped up a bit . Now then , you 're fixed . '' And so he was , for , as she laughed and talked , Jo had whisked things into place and given quite a different air to the room . Laurie watched her in respectful silence , and when she beckoned him to his sofa , he sat down with a sigh of satisfaction , saying gratefully ... `` How kind you are ! Yes , that 's what it wanted . Now please take the big chair and let me do something to amuse my company . '' `` No , I came to amuse you . Shall I read aloud ? '' and Jo looked affectionately toward some inviting books near by . `` Thank you !
I 've read all those , and if you do n't mind , I 'd rather talk , '' answered XXXXX .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie Meg bashfulness geranium mange mantelpiece right