Маленькие женщины / Little Women. Уровень 3

”

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.”

“Don't you read?”

“Not much.

“Have someone come and see you then.”

“There isn't anyone I'd like to see. Boys are loud, and my head hurts.”

“Isn't there some nice girl who'd read and amuse you? Girls are quiet.”

“Don't know any.”

“You know us,” began Jo, then laughed and stopped.

“So I do! Will you come, please?” cried Laurie.

“I'm not quiet and nice, but I'll come, if Mother will let me. I'll go ask her. Shut the window, like a good boy, and wait till I come.

With that, Jo marched into the house.

Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready. Presently there came a loud ring, then a decided voice, asking for �Mr. Laurie', and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady.

“All right, let her in, it's Miss Jo,” said Laurie. Jo appeared, looking rosy. Laurie 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! Yes, that's what it wanted.

“No, I came to amuse you. Shall I read aloud?” said Jo, looking at the books in the room.

“Thank you! I've read all those, and if you don't mind, I'd rather talk,” answered Laurie.

“Not a bit. I'll talk all day. Beth says I never know when to stop.”

“Is Beth the rosy one, who stays at home?” asked Laurie with interest.

“Yes, that's Beth.”

“The pretty one is Meg, and the curly-haired one is Amy, I believe?”

“How did you find that out?”

Laurie colored up[13 - colored up – покраснел], but answered frankly, “Why, you see I often hear you calling to one another, and when I'm alone up here, I can't help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times.