Being Neighborly (Little Women (Full Cast))

01V.

02Being Neighborly What in the world are you going to do now, Joe?

03asked 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.

04Going out for exercise?

05answered Joe, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

06I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough.

07It'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.

08Never take advice.

09I can't keep still all day, and not being a pussycat I don't like to doze by the fire.

10I like adventures, and I'm going to find some.

11Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe, and Joe began to dig paths with great energy.

12The 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.

13Now the garden separated the march's house from that of Mr.

14Lawrence.

15Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still country-like, with groves and lawns, large gardens and quiet streets.

16A low hedge parted the two estates.

17On 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.

18On 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.

19Yet 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.

20To Joe's lively fancy this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed.

21She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the Lawrence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only knew how to begin.

22Since 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 Joe 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 snowballing one another.

23"'That boy is suffering for society and fun,' she said to herself.

24"'His grandpa does not know what's good for him, and keeps him shut up all alone.

25He needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively.

26I've a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so.'" The idea amused Joe, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances.

27The plan of going over was not forgotten.

28And when the snowy afternoon came Joe resolved to try what could be done.

29She saw Mr.

30Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey.

31All 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.

32"'There he is,' thought Joe.

33"'Poor boy!

34All alone and sick this dismal day!

35It's a shame.

36I'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.

37Joe nodded and laughed, and flourished her broom as she called out, "'How do you do?

38Are you sick?' Lori opened the window, and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven.

39"'Better thank you.

40I've had a bad cold and been shut up a week.'" "'I'm sorry.

41What do you amuse yourself with?' "'Nothing.

42It's dull as tombs up here.'" "'Don't you read?' "'Not much.

43They 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.

44Boys make such a row.

45And my head is weak.'" "'Isn't there some nice girl who'd read and amuse you?

46Girls are quiet and like to play nurse.'" "'Don't know any.'" "'You know us,' began Joe, then laughed and stopped.

47"'So I do.

48Will you come, please?' cried Lori.

49"'I'm not nice and quiet, but I'll come if Mother will let me.

50I'll go ask her.

51Shut the window like a good boy and wait till I come.'" With that Joe shouldered her broom and marched into the house, wondering what they would all say to her.

52Lori was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready, for, as Mrs.

53March said, he was a little gentleman, and did honour to the coming guest by brushing his curly pate, putting on a fresh colour, and trying to tidy up the room, which in spite of half a dozen servants was anything but neat.

54Presently there came a loud ring, then a decided voice asking for Mr.

55Lori, and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady.

56"'All right, show her up.

57It's Miss Joe,' said Lori, going to the door of his little parlour to meet Joe, who appeared looking rosy and quite at her ease, with a covered dish in one hand and Beth's three kittens in the other.

58"'Here I am, bag and baggage,' she said briskly.

59"'Mother sent her love and was glad if I could do anything for you.

60"'Meg wanted me to bring some of her blanc-mange.

61She makes it very nicely, and Beth thought her cats would be comforting.

62"'I knew you'd laugh at them, but I couldn't review.

63She was so anxious to do something.' It so happened that Beth's funny loan was just the thing, for in laughing over the kits Lori forgot his bashfulness and grew sociable at once.

64"'That looks too pretty to eat,' he said, smiling with pleasure as Joe uncovered the dish, and showed the blanc-mange surrounded by a garland of green leaves and the scarlet flowers of Amy's pet geranium.

65It isn't anything, only they all felt kindly and wanted to show it.

66Tell the girl to put it away for your tea.

67It's so simple that you can eat it, and being soft it will slip down without hurting your sore throat.

68What a cosy 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.

69It worries me, though.' "'I'll write 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.

70Now then, you're fixed.' And so he was, for as she laughed and talked, Joe had whisked things into place, and given quite a different air to the room.

71Laurie 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!

72Yes, that's what it wanted.

73Now please take the big chair, and let me do something to amuse my company.' "'No, I came to amuse you.

74Shall I read aloud?' And Joe looked affectionately toward some inviting books nearby.

75"'Thank you.

76I've read all those, and if you don't mind I'd rather talk,' answered Laurie.

77"'Not a bit.

78I'll talk all day if you'll only set me going.

79Beth says I never know when to stop.' "'Is Beth the rosy one who stays at home a good deal, and sometimes goes out with a little basket?' asked Laurie, with interest.

80"'Yes, that's Beth.

81She'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 coloured up, but answered frankly.

82"'Why, you see, I often hear you calling to one another.

83And when I'm alone up here, I can't help looking over at your house.' "'You always seem to be having such good times.

84I beg your pardon for being so rude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are.

85"'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.

86"'Her face is right opposite, and it looks so sweet behind the flowers I can't help watching it.

87"'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.

88The solitary, hungry look in his eyes went straight to Joe's warm heart.

89She 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.

90Laurie was sick and lonely, and feeling how rich she was in home and happiness, she gladly tried to share it with him.

91Her 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.

92I just wish, though, instead of peeping, you'd come over and see us.

93Mother 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.

94Meg and I would make you laugh over our funny stage properties, and we'd have jolly times.

95Wouldn't your grandpa let you?' "'I think he would, if your mother asked him.

96"'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.

97"'We are not strangers.

98We are neighbors, and you needn't think you'd be a bother.

99We want to know you, and I've been trying to do this ever so long.

100We haven't been here a great while, you know, but we've got acquainted with all our neighbors but you.' You see, Grandpa lives among his books, and doesn't much mind what happens outside.

101Mr.

102Brooke, 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.

103That's bad.

104You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you were asked, and then you'll have plenty of friends and pleasant places to go.

105Never mind being bashful.

106It 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 goodwill in Joe it was impossible not to take her blunt speeches as kindly as they were meant.

107"'Do you like your school?' asked the boy, changing the subject after a little pause, during which he stared at the fire, and Joe looked about her, well pleased.

108"'Don't go to school.

109I'm a businessman.

110Girl, I mean.

111I go to wait on my great-aunt, and a dear cross old soul she is, too,' answered Joe.

112Laurie 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.

113Joe 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 reveled.

114Laurie 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 Paul 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.

115"'Oh, that does me no end of good.

116Tell on, please,' he said, taking his face out of the sofa-cushion, red and shining with merriment.

117Much elated with her success, Joe 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.

118Then they got to talking about books, and to Joe's delight she found that Laurie loved them as well as she did, and had even read more than herself.

119"'If you like them so much, come down and see ours.

120Grandfather is out, so you needn't be afraid,' said Laurie, getting up.

121"'I'm not afraid of anything,' returned Joe, with a toss of the head.

122"'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.

123The atmosphere of the whole house being summer-like, Laurie led the way from room to room, letting Joe stop to examine whatever struck her fancy.

124And so at last they came to the library, where she clapped her hands and pranced as she always did when especially delighted.

125It 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.

126"'What richness!' sighed Joe, sinking into the depth of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air of intense satisfaction.

127"'Theodore Lawrence, you ought to be the happiest boy in the world,' she added impressively.

128"'A fellow can't live on books,' said Laurie, shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite.

129Before he could moor a bell rang, and Joe flew up, exclaiming with alarm, "'Mercy me!

130It's your grandpa!' "'Well, what if it is?

131You're not afraid of anything, you know,' returned the boy, looking wicked.

132"'I think I am a little bit afraid of him, but I don't know why I should be.

133Marmee said I might come, and I don't think you're any the worse for it,' said Joe, composing herself, though she kept her eyes on the door.

134"'I'm a great deal better for it, and ever so much obliged.

135I'm only afraid you are very tired of talking to me.

136It was so pleasant I couldn't bear to stop,' said Laurie gratefully.

137"'The doctor to see you, sir,' and the maid beckoned as she spoke.

138"'Would you mind if I left you for a minute?

139I suppose I must see him,' said Laurie.

140"'Don't mind me.

141I'm as happy as a cricket here,' answered Joe.

142Laurie went away, and his guest amused herself in her own way.

143She 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.

144He 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.

145Lawrence.

146Poor Joe blushed till she couldn't blush any redder, and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said.

147For 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.

148A 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.

149The gruff voice was gruffer than ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after the dreadful pause.

150"'So you're not afraid of me, eh?' "'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.

151He 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.

152He 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 Joe was quite comfortable after that, for it suited her exactly.

153"'What have you been doing to this boy of mine, eh?' was the next question, sharply put.

154"'Only trying to be neighborly, sir.' And Joe told how her visit came about.

155"'You think he needs cheering up a bit, do you?' "'Yes, sir.

156He seems a little lonely, and young folks would do him good, perhaps.

157We 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 Joe eagerly.

158"'Tut, tut, tut.

159That was the boy's affair.

160How is the poor woman?' "'Doing nicely, sir.' And off went Joe, talking very fast as she told all about the Hummels, in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were.

161"'Just her father's way of doing good.

162I shall come and see your mother some fine day.

163Tell her so.

164There's the tea-bell.

165We have it early on the boy's account.

166Come down and go on being neighborly.' "'If you'd like to have me, sir.' "'Shouldn't ask you if I didn't.' And Mr.

167Lawrence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy.

168"'What would Meg say to this?' thought Joe, as she was marched away, while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home.

169"'Hey!

170Why, what the dickens has come to the fellow?' said the old gentleman, as Laurie came running downstairs and brought up with a start of surprise at the astounding sight of Joe arm in arm with his redoubtable grandfather.

171"'I didn't know you'd come, sir,' he began, as Joe gave him a triumphant little glance.

172"'That's evident by the way you rack it downstairs.

173Come to your tea, sir, and behave like a gentleman.' And having pulled the boy's hair by way of a caress, Mr.

174Lawrence walked on, while Laurie went through a series of comic evolutions behind their backs, which nearly produced an explosion of laughter from Joe.

175The old gentleman did not say much as he drank his four cups of tea, but he watched the young people, who soon chatted away like old friends, and the change in his grandson did not escape him.

176There was colour, light, and life in the boy's face now, vivacity in his manner, and genuine merriment in his laugh.

177"'She's right.

178The light is lonely.

179I'll see what these little girls can do for him,' thought Mr.

180Lawrence, as he looked and listened.

181He liked Joe, for her odd, blunt ways suited him, and she seemed to understand the boy almost as well as if she had been one herself.

182If the Lawrences had been what Joe called prim and pokey, she would not have got on at all, for such people always made her shy and awkward.

183But finding them free and easy, she was so herself, and made a good impression.

184When they rose, she proposed to go, but Laurie said he had something more to show her, and took her away to the conservatory which had been lighted for her benefit.

185It seemed quite fairy-like to Joe, as she went up and down the walks, enjoying the blooming walls on either side, the soft light, the damp, sweet air, and the wonderful vines and trees that hung about her, while her new friend cut the finest flowers till his hands were full.

186Then he tied them up, saying with the happy look Joe liked to see.

187"'Please give these to your mother, and tell her I like the medicine she sent me very much.' They found Mr.

188Lawrence standing before the fire in the great drawing-room, but Joe's attention was entirely absorbed by a grand piano which stood open.

189"'Do you play?' she asked, turning to Laurie with a respectful expression.

190"'Sometimes,' he answered modestly.

191"'Please do now.

192I want to hear it so I can tell Beth.' "'Won't you first?' "'Don't know how.

193Too stupid to learn.

194But I love music dearly.' So Laurie played, and Joe listened, with her nose luxuriously buried in heliotrope and tea-roses, her respect and regard for the Lawrence boy increased very much, for he played remarkably well and didn't put on any airs.

195She wished Beth could hear him, but she did not say so, only praised him till he was quite abashed, and his grandfather came to his rescue.

196"'That will do.

197That will do, young lady.

198Too many sugar-plums are not good for him.

199His music isn't bad, but I hope you will do as well in more important things.

200Going?

201Well, I much abide to you, and I hope you'll come again.

202My respects to your mother.

203Good night, Dr.

204Joe.' He shook hands kindly, but looked as if something did not please him.

205When they got into the hall, Joe asked Laurie if she had said something amiss.

206He shook his head.

207"'No.

208It was me.

209He doesn't like to hear me play.' "'Why not?' "'I'll tell you, some day.

210John is going home with you.

211As I can't.' "'No need of that.

212I am not a young lady, and it's only a step.

213Take care of yourself, won't you?' "'Yes, but you will come again, I hope.' "'If you promise to come and see us after you are well.' "'I will.' "'Good night, Laurie.' "'Good night, Joe.' "'Good night.' When all the afternoon's adventures had been told, the family felt inclined to go visiting in a body, for each found something very attractive in the big house on the other side of the hedge.

214Mrs.

215March wanted to talk of her father with the old man who had not forgotten him.

216Meg longed to walk in the conservatory, Beth sighed for the grand piano, and Amy was eager to see the fine pictures and statues.

217"'Mother, why didn't Mr.

218Lawrence like to have Laurie play?' asked Joe, who was of an inquiring disposition.

219"'I am not sure, but I think it was because his son, Laurie's father, married an Italian lady, a musician, which displeased the old man, who was very proud.

220The lady was good and lovely and accomplished, but he did not like her, and never saw his son after he married.

221They both died when Laurie was a little child, and then his grandfather took him home.

222I fancy the boy, who was born in Italy, is not very strong, and the old man is afraid of losing him, which makes him so careful.

223Laurie comes naturally by his love of music, for he is like his mother, and I dare say his grandfather fears that he may want to be a musician.

224At any rate, his skill reminds him of the woman he did not like, and so he glowered, as Joe said.

225"'Dear me, how romantic!' exclaimed Meg.

226"'How silly!' said Joe.

227"'Let him be a musician if he wants to, and not plague his life out sending him to college when he hates to go.' "'That's why he has such handsome black eyes and pretty manners, I suppose.

228Italians are always nice,' said Meg, who was a little sentimental.

229"'What do you know about his eyes and his manners?

230You never spoke to him hardly,' cried Joe, who was not sentimental.

231"'I saw him at the party, and what you tell shows that he knows how to behave.

232That was a nice little speech about the medicine mother sent him.' "'He meant the blanc-mange, I suppose.' "'How stupid you are, child!

233He meant you, of course.' "'Did he?' and Joe opened her eyes as if it had never occurred to her before.

234"'I never saw such a girl.

235You don't know a compliment when you get it,' said Meg, with the air of a young lady who knew all about the matter.

236"'I think they are great nonsense, and I'll thank you not to be silly and spoil my fun.

237Laurie's a nice boy, and I like him, and I won't have any sentimental stuff about compliments and such rubbish.

238We'll all be good to him because he hasn't got any mother, and he may come over and see us, mayn't he, Marmee?' "'Yes, Joe, your little friend is very welcome, and I hope Meg will remember that children should be children as long as they can.' "'I don't call myself a child, and I'm not in my teens yet,' observed Amy.

239"'What do you say, Beth?' "'I was thinking about our pilgrim's progress,' answered Beth, who had not heard a word.

240"'How we got out of the slaw and through the wicket-gate by resolving to be good, and up the steep hill by trying.

241And it may be the house over there, full of splendid things, is going to be our palace beautiful.' "'We've got to get by the lions first,' said Joe, as if she rather liked the prospect." End of chapter 5