Mother is so splendid , she 'd do you heaps of good , and Beth would sing to you if I begged her to , and Amy would dance . Meg and I would make you laugh over our funny stage properties , and we 'd have jolly times . Would n't your grandpa let you ? '' `` I think he would , if your mother asked him . He 's very kind , though he does not look so , and he lets me do what I like , pretty much , only he 's afraid I might be a bother to strangers , '' began Laurie , brightening more and more . `` We are not strangers , we are neighbors , and you need n't think you 'd be a bother . We want to know you , and I 've been trying to do it this ever so long . We have n't been here a great while , you know , but we have got acquainted with all our neighbors but you . '' `` You see , Grandpa lives among his books , and does n't mind much what happens outside . Mr. Brooke , my tutor , does n't stay here , you know , and I have no one to go about with me , so I just stop at home and get on as I can . '' `` That 's bad . You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you are asked , then you 'll have plenty of friends , and pleasant places to go to . 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 .
XXXXX 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 .
Amy Beth Brooke Grandpa Jo Laurie Meg Mother bashfulness fire