5 Being Neighborly

CHAPTER 5 Being Neighborly The winter day had brought a great snow fall. As Meg read by the fire with a book, Jo took a broom and shovel outside to clear the walkways in case Beth wanted to get some fresh air. With too much energy to sit by the fire, Jo loved to be outdoors getting exercise, no matter what the weather. In fact, today she had decided to find out more about the lonely Laurence boy.

Jo loved to do daring things, so she threw a snowball at Laurie's window. He opened the window and smiled down at Jo, who waved her broom, yelling, "Hello! Are you sick?" In a raspy voice, Laurie answered, "I've had a bad cold and have been inside all week." "What have you been doing to keep busy?" "Nothing much." Laurie hadn't been allowed to read. When Jo suggested that his friends should come to visit, Laurie said that boys were too noisy. "What about a girl then? Someone to play nurse and read to you?" "Don't know any." "You know me," Jo laughed. What a great idea! Jo went back into her house to ask her mother's permission, while Laurie straightened his room and brushed his hair. When Jo appeared on his doorstep, she brought lots of goodies. Meg made a cake,

Amy gathered flowers, and Beth sent her three kittens. The gifts were just the right things to help Laurie relax. Jo sat in a big chair and Laurie lay on the sofa. She asked if she could read a book to him, but Laurie said he'd rather talk. And they did. They talked about Jo's family, and Laurie admitted that he enjoyed looking into their house from his window. Laurie described his tutor, Mr. Brooke. Then, he talked about his grandfather. Jo explained that she didn't go to school and worked for her Aunt March. She confided her fears for her father. When Laurie discovered that Jo loved books as much as he did, he invited her to tour the spectacular house and, of course, to stop at the fabulous library. In the midst of their tour, a bell rang. Jo said, "It must be your grandfather!" "Don't tell me you're afraid of him?"

Laurie asked. "Maybe a little, but I don't know why." The maid came in and told Laurie the doctor had arrived. While Laurie was being examined in another room, Jo stayed in the library and stood in front of a fine portrait of the elder Mr. Laurence. Thinking she was alone, she said in a loud whisper, "I shouldn't be scared of him, for he's got kind eyes, though his mouth is a little grim and he looks like he must have tremendous will. He isn't as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him." "Well thank you, young lady," said a voice from behind her. And there stood old Mr. Laurence! Well, poor Jo blushed until she couldn't blush any longer. For a minute, she thought she'd run away, but remained. Another look at the old man showed her that his eyes were even kinder than the painted

ones. After a very long pause, the old gentleman asked gruffly, "So you're not afraid of me?" Jo said softly, "Not much, sir." "But you do like me despite my bad features?" Jo replied, "Oh yes, sir!" Mr. Laurence was pleased with her answer and made Jo happy by saying that she had her grandfather's spirit. She explained that she came over to be neighborly, and they agreed that Laurie needed cheering up. She put her arm through Mr. Laurence's, and they joined Laurie in the parlor for tea. Soon, Jo and Laurie were again chatting like old friends, and Mr. Laurence decided she was a very good influence on the boy. Jo admired the grand piano. After tea, she persuaded Laurie to play, and she only wished that Beth could have heard. Jo

gushed about how well Laurie played until his grandfather stopped the compliments and gave her a rushed good-bye. When they got to the front hall, Jo asked if she had done something to upset Mr. Laurence. Laurie said that his grandfather didn't like to hear him play the piano. He would tell her the reason another time. They promised to visit each other again. Jo sprinted home to tell her family about the wonderful day she had being a good neighbor. Now, each of her sisters had a different reason to explore the house next door. Meg wanted to see the greenhouse. Amy was interested in the fine paintings and statues. And Beth longed to play the grand piano. Jo had made a good friend in Laurie, and was happy she had made him feel so much better.