Chapter 1.1 Being Neighborly 11th question answer | Maharashtra board solutions English 11th digest pdf

(d) “I’m not afraid of anything”, returned Jo with a toss of the head.
“I don’t believe you are !” exclaimed the boy.
Answer:
With a toss of the head Jo emphatically told that she was not afraid of anything. The boy was not surprised at her claim and agreed with her completely.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

(A6) (i) Narrate in 100 words an incident, that illustrates the way a friend of yours ‘made you feel happy and accepted’, at some point in your life.

Answer:
That was my first day at school. I was just five years old. When my parents left me in school and I entered the classroom. I felt so lonely that I was about to cry. I was looking around, desperately trying to find out a known or a friendly face to talk to. Suddenly, there was a pat on my back and I saw a girl standing behind me.

She held my hand and took me to the bench where she was sitting. We became friends instantly. Till today we are the best friends. I shall be very grateful to her for her acceptance of me on the very first day at school.

(ii) Give reasons, for us being reluctant to make friends with some strangers, but being comfortable with some, even after meeting them for the first time.

Answer:
Strangers are always mysteries for us. But some people have the inherent simplicity which instantly attract us towards them and we long to be friends with them. We feel comfortable in their company. But there is another category of people who have the attention-catching technique of blowing their own trumpets. It is difficult to carry on normal conversation with them as they are obsessed with their ownselves.

(iii) Are friends different from neighbors? Are you friends with your neighbors? Give examples and write.

Answer:
It is not necessary to have one’s friend as one’s neighbor always. If it happens that way, then one is lucky. Friendship does not depend on the residence of a person and it can be different from the friendly relation one can have with one’s neighbor.

I am very fortunate to have a very friendly family as our neighbor. We are always there for one another at the hour of need as well as sharing happiness. For example, the owner of the apartment is a doctor and he is helping us with useful advices whenever anyone in our family falls sick. My mother is a teacher and she guides the children of our neighbor with their difficulties in studies. A good neighbor is always an asset.

(iv) Make a note about how people amused themselves in earlier times without TV, internet or social media for entertainment.

Answer:
In earlier times when TV, internet and social media did not make people slaves of these sorts of entertainments, people used to socialize a lot. They used to meet their friends and relatives, talk to them over a telephone, make enquirers about each other’s well-beings and exchange ideas. The human connections were more and people used to share their joys and sorrows. Gone are those days of personal relationships which have been taken over by the modern technology enslaving people.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

(A7) Use your imagination and extend the story in about 100 to 150 words.

Answer:
Jo had a nice time with Laurie and his grandpa having tea and snacks which she enjoyed thoroughly. Both of them were very interesting characters, nice to talk to and Jo had an entertaining evening. She was excited to be acquainted with a friendly neighbor which she had always longed for. She was happy to go back home with so much of positive feelings about their neighbor who had been a mystery for her and her family.

Her entire family always felt sad for the lonely boy Laurie but nobody could approach him for helping him. She was extremely delighted to know Laurie and his grandpa who were courteous enough to invite her for tea. She was in a hurry to share her excitement with her family. “Ah! what a pleasant day it was !” she whispered.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

(A8) Project:

If you are social, like to meet new people, can emphatise and connect with peole easily, make a list of careers available to you and write in brief about them.

For example: Human Resource Development or HRD.

Maharashtra board solutions English 11th digest pdf Chapter 1.1 Being Neighborly 11th Questions and Answers [Important]

 2. Guess the meaning of‘hidden glories’ in the context of the mansion mentioned in the story.

Answer:
The expression has been used in the context of the mansion where Laurie lives. It has glimpses of lovely things and a look of an enchanted house, which probably hides lots of attractions inside.

3. Explain: “That boy is suffering for society and fun”.

Answer:
The young boy Laurie is lonely and longs for having fun with friends of his age-group, play with them and enjoy life the way a boy of his age does. The absence of company of friends and fun has made him dull which is affecting him like a disease.

4. Discuss ‘as dull as tombs’ and name the figure of speech.

Answer:
The figure of speech is ‘Simile’ as the dullness of the house is directly compared to the serious and dull atmosphere in a tomb. The boy meant by the expression that his house is very boring.

The young boy is referred to as ‘a little gentleman’ here as he talks and behaves decently with others. He has a good upbringing which has taught him to welcome guests at his place by presenting himself as well as his room tidily.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

6. Make a list of gifts you give/receive to/from your friends.
The gifts I usually give/receive to/from my friends are:

1. books
2. cosmetics
3. various food items
4. accessories

7. Complete the sentence in your own words : Hunger is related to food. Laurie is ‘hungry’ for –
Answer:
Laurie is a lonely young boy who is hungry for spending happy times both at home and with friends. He belongs to a rich family where he gets everything but suitable companions to have fun with. That is why he longs for food for his mind, that is, happy times with friends.

8. Laurie has
(i) _________
(ii) _________
(iii) _________
He doesn’t have
(i) __________
(ii) _________
(iii) _________
Answer:
Laurie
(i) a rich house filled with loneliness,
(ii) a kind but indifferent grandpa,
(iii) half a dozen servants and a tutor Mr. Brooke,

He doesn’t have
(i) his mother.
(ii) friends and companions,
(iii) any one to go out with.

9. Describe the effect of Laurie’s words on Jo.
Answer:
Jo started talking with Laurie frankly. Her words had lots of positive effects on Laurie as he was longing for exactly those things which Jo mentioned. For their first meeting, Jo was a bit blunt but Laurie liked her bluntness since he could recognize Jo’s sincerity and kindness hidden in those words. He started feeling comfortable in Jo’s company and enjoyed every bit of humorous description of Aunt March.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

10. Find out what ‘good breeding’ means.
Answer:
‘Good breeding’ means that a person is well-behaved, polite, cultured and refined, which are the results of his upbringing, training as well as family atmosphere.

11. List some of the things that you need in order to be happy.
Answer:
Things that I need in order to be happy are –
(i) a supportive family and dependable friends.
(ii) hobbies to occupy myself during my free time.
(iii) a healthy life for me as well as my family members.
(iv) sufficient money earned from a satisfying career.

12. “A fellow can’t live on books” – Explain.
Answer:
A fellow, of course, cannot live on books though books are his emotional suppdrt and in many ways, his best friend. But he also needs someone, a companion, with whom he can share his feelings, fulfill his curiosities, have fun, etc. Human contact is a necessity in a person’s life since a few words, an exchange of ideas collected from the books can work wonders giving immense pleasure.

Answer:

1. The gentleman in the portrait is not as handsome as her own grandfather.
2. Though the gentleman is having a grim face, his kind eyes assure that there is nothing to be afraid of him.
3. From his looks, it appears that he has tremendous will-power.

14. Find out the reason for Jo’s dismay.
Answer:
Jo loudly expressed her opinions on Laurie’s grandfather, while looking at his portrait. When she came to know that the gentleman had heard all her comments, she felt embarrassed. She felt uncomfortable to face the old gentleman and felt like running away.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

15. Complete the sentence.
Answer:
In spite of Jo’s apprehensions, Grandpa is –

1. having kinder eyes than what the painting shows.
2. having a shy twinkle in his eyes which could lessen Jo’s fear.
3. quite a friendly gentleman.

16. Discuss what Jo meant by –
(i) “only trying to be neighborly, Sir.”
(ii) seems a little lonely.
(iii) splendid Christmas present.
Answer:
(i) By saying, only trying to be neighborly, Sir”. Jo means she just wanted to be friendly with Laurie as he was her neighbor. She strongly felt that neighbors should know each other well.
(ii) Jo had observed Laurie now and again and she felt Laurie badly needed company since he always eagerly looked at his neighbors as if he was missing the fun they were having. To her, he appeared to be a lonely boy longing for enjoyment with friends.
(iii) Jo remembered the beautiful Christmas present that was sent to the March family by their neighbor Mr. Laurence and she felt it was a nice gesture by their neighbor.

17. Guess the meaning of the phrase “go on being neighborly” in the context.
Answer:
The phrase “go on being neighborly” in the context of the story means being friendly and helpful to the people living in one’s neighborhood.

18. Bring out the contrast in the lives of Jo and Laurie in a few lines.
Answer:
Jo belonged to a happy family who according to Laurie, had always good times together. Laurie was hungry to have company of friends and was a lonely boy. Jo had a loving mother who used to take care of her children but, Laurie was a motherless child who badly missed his mother. Jo was frank and innocent as any child of her age, whereas, Laurie’s loneliness was sickening for him.

19. I’m happy as a cricket here. (Name and explain the figure of speech)
Answer:
Simile. The happiness of Jo is directly compared to the happiness of the insect cricket.

20. Guess the meaning of the word ‘affair’ in the context.
Answer:
The word ‘affair’ in the context means ‘responsibility/matter’.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Comprehension:

Read the extract and complete the activities given below.

Global Understanding:

1. Complete the table.
The traits of Jo and Laurie are jumbled. Sort them out and write them in appropriate columns.
(companionless, adventurous, empathetic, unenergetic) (Answers are given directly)
Answer:

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

2. Pick up the statements which confirm the theme of this passage.
(a) This passage is about Jo’s family not putting down the curtain.
(b) This passage is about Jo’s confirmation about Laurie’s loneliness.
(c) This passage is about Laurie’s habit of peeping at Jo’s family.
(d) This passage brings out the contrast in the lives of Jo and Laurie.
Answer:
(b) This passage is about Jo’s confirmation about Laurie’s loneliness.
(d) This passage brings out the contrast in the lives of Jo and Laurie.

3. Complete the sentences in column ‘A’ by matching them with the clues in column ‘B’

Answer:

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

4. Complete the following statement with four correct information from the extract.
Jo felt Laurie needs cheering up because:

1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
4. ________

Answer:

1. He seemed lonely
2. she was being neighborly
3. She was social and empathetic
4. Laurie looked expectantly at the sisters as they bad good time.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Complex Factual:

1. What were Jo’s queries to Laurie when they had talked for the first time?
Answer:
Jo wanted to know whether Laurie was sick, how he amused himself, his liking for books and if he had any visitor or not.

2. Mention any two outcomes of Jo’s visit to Laurie’s place.
Answer:
Jo’s visit made Laurie excited in the expectation of getting a companion which he never had. It also helped him to come out of his shyness and converse with Jo freely.

3. What was Jo’s suggestion to do away with Laurie’s loneliness.
Answer:
Jo assured Laurie that the curtain at her place would never be drawn so that Laurie can spend time looking at their activities. She also suggested that Laurie could come to their home and get himself entertained by. all the members of her family.

4. Why was Laurie’s grandfather impressed with Jo?
Answer:
Laurie’s grandfather was impressed by Jo’s spirited answers like her grandfather. He also appreciated that she was brave and honest as her grandfather was.

5. Mention any four changes that occurred in grandfather after meeting Jo.
Answer:

1. Grandfather shed his strict countenance.
2. He invited Jo to come over for tea.
3. He promised to come over to meet Jo’s mother.
4. He offered Jo his arm with old fashioned courtesy (indicating his gratitude for her neighborly arrival)

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Inference / Interpretation / Analysis:

1. Complete the following statement.
Jo wanted to help Laurie because –
Answer:
Jo wanted to help Laurie because Laurie was unwell and he felt lonely as he had no one of his age at home. He deserved to have fun.
OR
Give reasons
“The big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile”.
Answer:
The brightness in the eyes of Laurie and his smiling face are proofs of his happiness of having a possible friendship with Jo. When Jo threw snowballs at Laurie, he could feel Jo’s eagerness to talk to him. His loneliness has always made him unhappy and this gesture of Jo is a welcome change for him.

2. Complete the following sentence Mr. Laurie was a Tittle gentleman’ as …
Answer:
Mr. Laurie was a Tittle gentlemen’ because he was known for offering due respect to the guest who was coming to his place. He prepared himself decently by brushing his pate, pulling on a fresh set of clothing and making an attempt to clean his room. He followed the same routine for Jo’s arrival to his house also.

3. Point out the reason for Laurie’s minute observation of Jo’s family.
Answer:
Laurie spent his lonely time looking at the fun Jo’s family was having. He enjoyed watching each member of the family eagerly as he missed all those good times at his own home. He did not have his mother and he loved these girls in the company of their mother.

4. Mention the impact of Jo’s narratives on Laurie –
1. …………….
2. ……………..
Answer:
1. Laurie enjoyed her narrative immensely and he laughed out aloud.
2. He found a sudden merriment in otherwise dull mood owing to his illness.

5. Jo wasn’t scared of Laurie’s grandfather. Give evidence from the passage quoted to you.
Answer:
Jo was a bold girl who spoke her mind when it was needed. As she looked at Mr. Laurence’s portrait she found his eyes to be kind and grew fond of him instantly. She found him to be compassionate as she spoke to him and was confident that there was nothing to be scared of that gentleman.

6. Complete the boxes with information.

Answer:

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Personal Response:

1. “Girls are quiet and like to play nurse”. Do you Agree or Disagree? Justify your answer.
Answer:
I do not agree to the statement. There is no hard and fast rule about this impression about girls. There may be many boys who are very quiet and also good at nursing. It depends on the nature of a person whether he/ she is quiet, or noisy or talkative. The ability to nurse somebody is also dependant on the ability of a person irrespective of any gender.

2. Enlist the gifts that you receive from or give to your friends,
Answer:

1. Books
2. Wind Chimes
3. Coffee mugs
4. Photo frames

3. Give your suggestions in two sentences. How you will cheer up one of your lonely classmates.
Answer:
I can cheer up my lonely classmate by giving him/her company and involving in some activities together. We can sit together in the classroom, share our tiffins and invite him/her at my place on holidays.

4. What are you afraid of? Explain your answer.
Answer:
Generally I am not afraid of anything and a carefree type of person. But sometimes I worry about the loss of my near and dear ones as I am very attached to my family and friends.

5. What do you fear the most? why?
Answer:
As a student I fear examination especially the public exams as they decide the future course of action. There is always an element of uncertainty which brings in fear for exams among students.

6. How do you help your neighbor?
Answer:
I help my neighbor by making myself available when they need me. I also extend courtesy calls when I meet them.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Language Study:

(i) The idea amused Jo who liked to do daring things
Answer:
Jo liked to do daring things and the idea amused her.

(ii) The boy is suffering for society.
Answer:
The boy has been suffering for society.

(iii) What a cozy room this is! (Rewrite as a statement)
Answer:
This room is indeed very cozy.

(iv) Laurie forgot his bashfulness and grew sociable. (Remove ‘and’ to make it a simple sentence)
Answer:
Forgetting his bashfulness Laurie grew sociable.

(v) Her face was very friendly and her sharp voice unusually gentle.
(Use ‘not only but also’ and rewrite)
Answer:
Her face was not only very friendly but her sharp voice was unusually gentle also.

(vi) She had been so simply taught that there was no nonsense in her head. (Use ‘too’)
Answer:
She had been too simply taught to have any nonsense in her head.

(vii) Laurie enjoyed that immensely. (Use ‘enjoyment’and rewrite)
Answer:
Laurie’s enjoyment at that was immense.

(vii) Jo liked his good breeding. (Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as an answer)
Answer:
What did Jo like in him?

(viii) For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her. (Change the voice)
Answer:
For a minute she was possessed by a wild desire to run away.

(ix) He isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him. (Use ‘Though’)
Answer:
Though he isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, I like him.

(x) He seems a little lonely. (Frame a question to get the underlined part as answer)
Answer:
How does he seem?

(xi) I shall come and see your mother. (Use a modal auxiliary showing ‘obligation’)
Answer:
I must come and see your mother.

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

Vocabulary:

1. Match the words in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’.
Answer:

Answer:

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

2. Mention any 4 adjectives that describe the traits of Jo’s character in the extract.
Answer:
Character
Jo

Adjectives

1. Cheerful
2. Empathetic
3. Sociable
4. Kind

3. Give antonyms of the following words,

1. rude
2. splendid
3. funny
4. frank

Answer:

1. polite
2. ordinary
3. serious

4. Give antonyms of the following using prefix.
Answer:
1. interesting × uninteresting
2. afraid × unafraid

Being Neighborly 11th question answer

5. Give one word for:
Answer:

1. of a voice: low and rough – Gruff
2. Lacking courage – Cowardly
3. unpleasant – Dreadful
4. very large or great – Tremendous

Glossary:

1. shovel – spade
2. mischievous – naughty
3. to doze – to sleep lightly
4. groves – group of trees
5. hedge – row of bushes
6. shabby – broken down/dilapidated
7. stately – grand
8. mansion – big house
9. betokening – a sign of something
10. glimpses – brief/faint looks
11. frolicked – played fun games
12. enchanted – attractive/ fascinating
13. splendors – richness / luxury
14. behold – look/see
15. scandalizing – shocking /disgusting
16. queer – odd/unusual/funny
17. dismal – dull row – noise
18. flutter – tremendous/full of
19. pate – head
20. parlor – sitting room
21. briskly – quickly
22. comforting – soothing
23. sociable – friendly
24. cozy – comfortable
25. hearth – floor of fireplace
26. whisked – removed
27. beckoned – called
28. twitching – shivering
29. splendid – grand/superb
30. bother- trouble/nuisance
31. acquainted – be familiar
32. blunt – frank/straightforward
33. fidgety – restless
34. poodle – a bread of dog
35. immensely – vastly/very much
36. tweaked – pulled
37. elated – delighted
38. trifle – little
39. quaint – old-fashioned /unusual/attractive
40. velour – woven fabric
41. grim – ill-tempered/stern
42. gruff – rough
43. cowardly – fearful
44. twinkle – shining
45. dreadful – terrible
46. courtesy – politeness
47. colored up – embarrassed
48. to wait on – act as an attendant to
49. pranced – walked in an energetic way
50. wicked – playfully mischievous
51. affair – matter/responsibility
52. good breeding – being raised well/ the result of good upbringing and training for good manners.

Chapter 1.1 Being Neighborly 11th [Class 11 English Textbook]

Louisa May Alcott : (1832-1888) An American writer in the mid to late 19th Century, is considered to be one of the earliest feminist writers. Out of the several books she wrote, her series, beginning with ‘Little Women’, has been hugely popular among the masses and critics alike for a century and a half. Her simple style and lively characters have left a mark and influenced generations of children and adults alike. The setting of her books is the suburbs of Boston. Her world view is wholesome and full of believable yet charming characters which captivates the readers. The following extract is from ‘Little Women’ first published in 1868. This story of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, their friend Laurie, their wise and loving parents of modest means, living in a suburb of a city in the East coast of America has caught the imagination of generations of readers young and old alike. Each character is real and distinctive. We remain firmly with the sisters through all their struggles, conflicts, triumphs and joys. It serves as a guiding light to us in all the phases of our lives. The extract affords us a tantalising glimpse into the book and narrates the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Jo, the brightest and liveliest of the four sisters and Laurie their wealthy, new neighbour. The March girls and Laurie, become best buddies and much more as the book progresses.

Being Neighborly 11th English Textbook

“What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?” asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sacque and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other.

“Going out for exercise,” answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

“I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough! It’s cold and dull out, and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do,” said Meg with a shiver.

“Never take advice! Can’t keep still all day, and not being a pussy-cat, I don’t like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.”

Meg went back to toast her feet and read “Ivanhoe”; and Jo began to dig paths with great energy. The snow was light, and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden, for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air. Now, the garden separated the Marches’ house from that of Mr. Laurence. Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still countrylike, with groves and lawns, large gardens, and quiet streets. A low hedge parted the two estates. On one side was an old, brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers, which then surrounded it. On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains. Yet it seemed a lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on the lawn, no motherly face ever smiled at the windows, and few people went in and out, except the old gentleman and his grandson.

To Jo’s lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed. She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories and to know the Laurence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only knew how to begin. Since the party, she had been more eager than ever, and had planned many ways of making friends with him, but he had not been seen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window, looking wistfully down into their garden, where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another.

“That boy is suffering for society and fun,” she said to herself. “His grandpa does not know what’s good for him, and keeps him shut up all alone. He needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively. I’ve a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so!”

The idea amused Jo, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances. The plan of “going over” was not forgotten. And when the snowy afternoon came, Jo resolved to try what could be done. She saw Mr. Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey. All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows, servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window.

“There he is,” thought Jo, “Poor boy! All alone and sick this dismal day. It’s a shame! I’ll toss up a snowball and make him look out, and then say a kind word to him.”

Up went a handful of soft snow, and the head turned at once, showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute, as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile. Jo nodded and laughed, and flourished her broom as she called out…

“How do you do? Are you sick?”

Laurie opened the window, and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven…

“Better, thank you. I’ve had a bad cold, and been shut up a week.”

“I’m sorry. What do you amuse yourself with?” “Nothing. It’s as dull as tombs up here.”

“Don’t you read?”

“Not much. They won’t let me.”

“Can’t somebody read to you?”

“Grandpa does sometimes, but my books don’t interest him, and I hate to ask Brooke all the time.”

“Have someone come and see you then.”

“There isn’t anyone I’d like to see. Boys make such a row, and my head is weak.”

“Isn’t there some nice girl who’d read and amuse you? Girls are quiet and like to play nurse.”

“Don’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 couldn’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 isn’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 don’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 don’t mind, I’d rather talk,” answered Laurie. “Not a bit. I’ll talk all day if you’ll 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, that’s Beth. She’s 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 I’m alone up here, I can’t 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, it’s 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 can’t help watching it. I haven’t 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 Jo’s 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…

“We’ll 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, you’d come over and see us. 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. Wouldn’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 needn’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 haven’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 doesn’t mind much what happens outside. Mr. Brooke, my tutor, doesn’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 won’t last long if you keep going.” Laurie turned red again, but wasn’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. “Don’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 wasn’t manners to make too many inquiries into people’s affairs, he shut it again, and looked uncomfortable. Jo liked his good breeding and didn’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 revelled. Laurie enjoyed that immensely, and when she told about the prim old gentleman who came once to woo Aunt March, and in the middle of a fine speech, how Poll had tweaked his wig off to his great dismay, the boy lay back and laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks, and a maid popped her head in to see what was the matter. “Oh! That does me no end of good. Tell on, please,” he said, taking his face out of the sofa cushion, red and shining with merriment.

Much elated with her success, Jo did “tell on”, all about their plays and plans, their hopes and fears for Father, and the most interesting events of the little world in which the sisters lived. Then they got to talking about books, and to Jo’s delight, she found that Laurie loved them as well as she did, and had read even more than herself. “If you like them so much, come down and see ours. Grandfather is out, so you needn’t be afraid,” said Laurie, getting up. “I’m not afraid of anything,” returned Jo, with a toss of the head. “I don’t believe you are!” exclaimed the boy, looking at her with much admiration, though he privately thought she would have good reason to be a trifle afraid of the old gentleman, if she met him in some of his moods. The atmosphere of the whole house being summerlike, Laurie led the way from room to room, letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy. And so, at last they came to the library, where she clapped her hands and pranced, as she always did when especially delighted. It was lined with books, and there were pictures and statues, and distracting little cabinets full of coins and curiosities, and Sleepy Hollow chairs, and queer tables, and bronzes, and best of all, a great open fireplace with quaint tiles all round it. “What richness!” sighed Jo, sinking into the depth of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air of intense satisfaction. “Theodore Laurence, you ought to be the happiest boy in the world,” she added impressively.

“A fellow can’t live on books,” said Laurie, shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite. Before he could say more, a bell rang, and Jo flew up, exclaiming with alarm, “Mercy me! It’s your grandpa!”

“Well, what if it is? You are not afraid of anything, you know,” returned the boy, looking wicked.

“I think I am a little bit afraid of him, but I don’t know why I should be. Marmee said I might come, and I don’t think you’re any the worse for it,” said Jo, composing herself, though she kept her eyes on the door.

“I’m a great deal better for it, and ever so much obliged. I’m only afraid you are very tired of talking to me. It was so pleasant, I couldn’t bear to stop,” said Laurie gratefully. “The doctor to see you, sir,” and the maid beckoned as she spoke. “Would you mind if I left you for a minute? I suppose I must see him,” said Laurie. “Don’t mind me. I’m happy as a cricket here,” answered Jo. Laurie went away, and his guest amused herself in her own way. She was standing before a fine portrait of the old gentleman when the door opened again, and without turning, she said decidedly, “I’m sure now that I shouldn’t be afraid of him, for he’s got kind eyes, though his mouth is grim, and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own. He isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” said a gruff voice behind her, and there, to her great dismay, stood old Mr. Laurence. Poor Jo blushed till she couldn’t blush any redder, and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said. For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her, but that was cowardly, and the girls would laugh at her, so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could. A second look showed her that the living eyes, under the bushy eyebrows, were kinder even than the painted ones, and there was a sly twinkle in them, which lessened her fear a good deal. The gruff voice was gruffer than ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after the dreadful pause, “So you’re not afraid of me, hey?” “Not much, sir.” “And you don’t think me as handsome as your grandfather?” “Not quite, sir.” “And I’ve got a tremendous will, have I?” “I only said I thought so.” “But you like me in spite of it?” “Yes, I do, sir.” That answer pleased the old gentleman. He gave a short laugh, shook hands with her, and, putting his finger under her chin, turned up her face, examined it gravely, and let it go, saying with a nod, “You’ve got your grandfather’s spirit, if you haven’t his face. He was a fine man, my dear, but what is better, he was a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.” “Thank you, sir,” And Jo was quite comfortable after that, for it suited her exactly. “What have you been doing to this boy of mine, hey?” was the next question, sharply put. “Only trying to be neighbourly, sir.” And Jo told how her visit came about. “You think he needs cheering up a bit, do you?” “Yes, sir, he seems a little lonely, and young folks

would do him good perhaps. We are only girls, but we should be glad to help if we could, for we don’t forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us,” said Jo eagerly. “Tut, tut, tut! That was the boy’s affair. How is the poor woman?” “Doing nicely, sir.” And off went Jo, talking very fast, as she told all about the Hummels, in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were. “Just her father’s way of doing good. I shall come and see your mother some fine day. Tell her so. There’s the tea bell, we have it early on the boy’s account. Come down and go on being neighborly.” “If you’d like to have me, sir.” “Shouldn’t ask you, if I didn’t.” And Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy. “What would Meg say to this?” thought Jo, as she was marched away, while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home.

– Louisa May Alcott

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