Not a bit. Ill talk all day if youll only set me going. Beth says I never know when to stop.
Is Beth the rosy one, who stays at home good deal and sometimes goes out with a little basket? asked Laurie with interest.
Yes, thats Beth. Shes my girl, and a regular good one she is, too.
The pretty one is Meg, and the curly-haired one is Amy, I believe?
How did you find that out?
Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, Why, you see I often hear you calling to one another, and when Im alone up here, I cant help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times. I beg your pardon for being so rude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are. And when the lamps are lighted, its like looking at a picture to see the fire, and you all around the table with your mother. Her face is right opposite, and it looks so sweet behind the flowers, I cant help watching it. I havent got any mother, you know. And Laurie poked the fire to hide a little twitching of the lips that he could not control.
The solitary, hungry look in his eyes went straight to Jos warm heart. She had been so simply taught that there was no nonsense in her head, and at fifteen she was as innocent and frank as any child. Laurie was sick and lonely, and feeling how rich she was in home and happiness, she gladly tried to share it with him. Her face was very friendly and her sharp voice unusually gentle as she said-
Well never draw that curtain any more, and I give you leave to look as much as you like. I just wish, though, instead of peeping, youd come over and see us. Mother is so splendid, shed 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 wed have jolly times. Wouldnt your grandpa let you?
I think he would, if your mother asked him. Hes very kind, though he does not look so, and he lets me do what I like, pretty much, only hes afraid I might be a bother to strangers, began Laurie, brightening more and more.
We are not strangers, we are neighbors, and you neednt think youd be a bother. We want to know you, and Ive been trying to do it this ever so long. We havent 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 doesnt mind much what happens outside. Mr. Brooke, my tutor, doesnt 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.
Thats bad. You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you are asked, then youll have plenty of friends, and pleasant places to go to. Never mind being bashful. It wont last long if you keep going.
Laurie turned red again, but wasnt 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.