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 Jo , then laughed and stopped . `` So I do ! Will you come , please ? '' cried Laurie . `` I 'm not quiet and nice , but I 'll come , if Mother will let me . I 'll go ask her . Shut the window , like a good boy , and wait till I come . '' With that , Jo shouldered her broom and marched into the house , wondering what they would all say to her . Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company , and flew about to get ready , for as Mrs. March said , he was ' a little gentleman ' , and did honor to the coming guest by brushing his curly pate , putting on a fresh color , and trying to tidy up the room , which in spite of half a dozen servants , was anything but neat . Presently there came a loud ring , than a decided voice , asking for ` Mr. Laurie ' , and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady . `` All right , show her up , it 's Miss Jo , '' said Laurie , going to the door of his little parlor to meet Jo , who appeared , looking rosy and quite at her ease , with a covered dish in one hand and Beth 's three kittens in the other . `` Here I am , bag and baggage , '' she said briskly . `` Mother sent her love , and was glad if I could do anything for you . 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 XXXXX , surrounded by a garland of green leaves , and the scarlet flowers of Amy 's pet geranium .
Beth Jo Laurie Meg Mother bashfulness house mange right something