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### (3) splendid Christmas present The word _affair_ in the context means... Hummels: a poor family, whom the March family helps. would do him good perhaps. We 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 Jo eager...

### (3) splendid Christmas present The word _affair_ in the context means... Hummels: a poor family, whom the March family helps. would do him good perhaps. We 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 Jo eagerly. "Tut, tut, tut! That was the boy's _affair_. How is the poor woman?" "Doing nicely, sir." And off went Jo, talking very fast, as she told all about the Hummels, in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were. "Just her father's way of doing good. I shall come and see your mother some fine day. Tell her so. There's the tea bell, we have it early on the boy's account. Come down and go on being neighborly." "If you'd like to have me, sir." "Shouldn't ask you, if I didn't." And Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy. "What would Meg say to this?" thought Jo, as she was marched away, while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home. - Louisa May Alcott ### BRAINSTORMING Jo's decision to make friends with the lonely boy was a good one. Elaborate. You may begin with 'Jo was a warm person...' Read the extract 'Being Neighborly' and complete the following: a) To Jo the fine house seemed like