added Jo , who could not , for the life of her , help getting a morsel of fun out of the little sermon , though she took it to heart as much as any of them . CHAPTER FIVE BEING NEIGHBORLY `` 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 sack , 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 ! Ca n't keep still all day , and not being a pussycat , I do n'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 country-like , 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 XXXXX to herself .
Going advise caught delights enjoyed read said seemed walk went