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 dull as tombs up here . '' `` Do n't you read ? '' `` Not much . They wo n't let me . ''
`` Ca n't somebody XXXXX to you ? ''
amuse called came flourished forgotten laughed leaning lost read turned