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

Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready, for as Mrs.March said, he was 'a little gentleman', and did honor to the coming guest by brushing his curly pate, putting on a fresh color, and trying to tidy up the room, which in spite of half a dozen servants, was anything but neat.

Presently there came a loud ring, than a decided voice, asking for 'Mr.Laurie', and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady.
"All right, show her up, it's Miss Jo," said Laurie, going to the door of his little parlor to meet Jo, who appeared, looking rosy and quite at her ease, with a covered dish in one hand and Beth's three kittens in the other.
"Here I am, bag and baggage," she said briskly.

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

Meg wanted me to bring some of her blanc mange, she makes it very nicely, and Beth thought her cats would be comforting.