Маленькие женщины / Little Women. Уровень 3

”

And Laurie poked the fire to hide a little twitching of the lips that he could not control.

“I wish that instead of peeping, you'd come over and see us. Wouldn't your grandpa let you?”

“I think he would, if your mother asked him,” said Laurie, brightening more and more.

“We are not strangers, we are neighbors, and you won't be a bother. We know all of our neighbors but you.”

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

“If you like them so much, come down and see ours. Grandfather is out, so you needn't be afraid,” said Laurie, getting up.

“I'm not afraid of anything,” returned Jo.

They came to the library, where she clapped her hands and pranced, as she always did when especially delighted. It was lined with books, and there were pictures and statues, and cabinets, and bronzes, and best of all, a great open fireplace.

“What richness!” sighed Jo, sinking into the depth of a velour chair.

“Theodore Laurence, you ought to be the happiest boy in the world,” she added impressively.

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

Before he could more, a bell rang, and Jo jumped up, “It's your grandpa!”

“Well, what if it is? You are not afraid of anything, you know,” returned the boy.

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

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

“I'm a great deal better for it. I'm only afraid you are very tired of talking to me. It was so pleasant, I couldn't bear to stop,” said Laurie gratefully.

“The doctor to see you, sir,” and the maid beckoned as she spoke.

“Would you mind if I left you for a minute? I suppose I must see him,” said Laurie.

“Don't mind me.

I'm happy as a cricket here,” answered Jo.

Laurie went away, and his guest amused herself in her own way. She 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. He isn't as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him.