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 XXXXX up a week . ''
brightened came keeps look planned play showing shut thought went