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 ca n'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 ca n't help watching it . I have n'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 . 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 XXXXX , and I have no one to go about with me , so I just stop at home and get on as I can . ''
asked begged bother calling happens know like poked said taught