Part 1: Chapter 5 Summary

Jo has not seen her new friend Laurie since the dance. On a snowy afternoon after she sees Mr. Laurence leave his home, Jo shovels a patch through the hedge and tosses a snowball up to Laurie's window. He looks out and invites her in.

Having been confined inside with a cold, Laurie confesses that he is bored and lonely in the big house. Jo convinces him to visit the March home soon. Laurie gives Jo a tour of the Laurence house. He leaves her alone in the library for a few moments. In the meantime, she studies a portrait of Mr. Laurence and says aloud, "…he's got kind eyes though his mouth is grim, and he looks as if he has a tremendous will. He isn't as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him."

She is embarrassed when she...