1869_Alcott,Louisa_LittleWomen

Christmas wont be Christmas without any presents grumbled Jo lying on the rug

Its so dreadful to be poor sighed Meg looking down at her old dress

I dont think its fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things and other girls nothing at all added little Amy with an injured sniff

Weve got Father and Mother and each other said Beth contentedly from her corner

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words but darkened again as Jo said sadly We havent got Father and shall not have him for a long time She didnt say perhaps never but each silently added it thinking of Father far away where the fighting was

Nobody spoke for a minute then Meg said in an altered tone You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure when our men are suffering so in the army We cant do much but we can make our little sacrifices and ought to do it gladly But I am afraid I dont and Meg shook her head as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted

But I dont think the little we should spend would do any good Weve each got a dollar and the army wouldnt be much helped by our giving that I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you but I do want to buy Undine and Sintran for myself Ive wanted it so long said Jo who was a bookworm

I planned to spend mine in new music said Beth with a little sigh which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettleholder

I shall get a nice box of Fabers drawing pencils I really need them said Amy decidedly

Mother didnt say anything about our money and she wont wish us to give up everything Lets each buy what we want and have a little fun Im sure we work hard enough to earn it cried Jo examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner

I know I do—teaching those tiresome children nearly all day when Im longing to enjoy myself at home began Meg in the complaining tone again

You dont have half such a hard time as I do said Jo How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous fussy old lady who keeps you trotting is never satisfied and worries you till youre ready to fly out the window or cry

Its naughty to fret but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world It makes me cross and my hands get so stiff I cant practice well at all And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time

I dont believe any of you suffer as I do cried Amy for you dont have to go to school with impertinent girls who plague you if you dont know your lessons and laugh at your dresses and label your father if he isnt rich and insult you when your nose isnt nice

If you mean libel Id say so and not talk about labels as if Papa was a pickle bottle advised Jo laughing

I know what I mean and you neednt be statirical about it Its proper to use good words and improve your vocabilary returned Amy with dignity

Dont peck at one another children Dont you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little Jo Dear me How happy and good wed be if we had no worries said Meg who could remember better times

You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children for they were fighting and fretting all the time in spite of their money

So I did Beth Well I think we are For though we do have to work we make fun of ourselves and are a pretty jolly set as Jo would say

Jo does use such slang words observed Amy with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug

Jo immediately sat up put her hands in her pockets and began to whistle

Dont Jo Its so boyish

Thats why I do it

I detest rude unladylike girls

I hate affected niminypiminy chits

Birds in their little nests agree sang Beth the peacemaker with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh and the pecking ended for that time

Really girls you are both to be blamed said Meg beginning to lecture in her eldersisterly fashion You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks and to behave better Josephine It didnt matter so much when you were a little girl but now you are so tall and turn up your hair you should remember that you are a young lady

Im not And if turning up my hair makes me one Ill wear it in two tails till Im twenty cried Jo pulling off her net and shaking down a chestnut mane I hate to think Ive got to grow up and be Miss March and wear long gowns and look as prim as a China Aster Its bad enough to be a girl anyway when I like boys games and work and manners I cant get over my disappointment in not being a boy And its worse than ever now for Im dying to go and fight with Papa And I can only stay home and knit like a poky old woman

And Jo shook the blue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets and her ball bounded across the room

Poor Jo Its too bad but it cant be helped So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish and playing brother to us girls said Beth stroking the rough head with a hand that all the dish washing and dusting in the world could not make ungentle in its touch

As for you Amy continued Meg you are altogether too particular and prim Your airs are funny now but youll grow up an affected little goose if you dont take care I like your nice manners and refined ways of speaking when you dont try to be elegant But your absurd words are as bad as Jos slang

If Jo is a tomboy and Amy a goose what am I please asked Beth ready to share the lecture

Youre a dear and nothing else answered Meg warmly and no one contradicted her for the Mouse was the pet of the family

As young readers like to know how people look we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters who sat knitting away in the twilight while the December snow fell quietly without and the fire crackled cheerfully within It was a comfortable room though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain for a good picture or two hung on the walls books filled the recesses chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it

Margaret the eldest of the four was sixteen and very pretty being plump and fair with large eyes plenty of soft brown hair a sweet mouth and white hands of which she was rather vain Fifteenyearold Jo was very tall thin and brown and reminded one of a colt for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs which were very much in her way She had a decided mouth a comical nose and sharp gray eyes which appeared to see everything and were by turns fierce funny or thoughtful Her long thick hair was her one beauty but it was usually bundled into a net to be out of her way Round shoulders had Jo big hands and feet a flyaway look to her clothes and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didnt like it Elizabeth or Beth as everyone called her was a rosy smoothhaired brighteyed girl of thirteen with a shy manner a timid voice and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed Her father called her Little Miss Tranquility and the name suited her excellently for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved Amy though the youngest was a most important person in her own opinion at least A regular snow maiden with blue eyes and yellow hair curling on her shoulders pale and slender and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out

The clock struck six and having swept up the hearth Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls for Mother was coming and everyone brightened to welcome her Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze

They are quite worn out Marmee must have a new pair

I thought Id get her some with my dollar said Beth

No I shall cried Amy

Im the oldest began Meg but Jo cut in with a decided Im the man of the family now Papa is away and I shall provide the slippers for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone

Ill tell you what well do said Beth lets each get her something for Christmas and not get anything for ourselves

Thats like you dear What will we get exclaimed Jo

Everyone thought soberly for a minute then Meg announced as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands I shall give her a nice pair of gloves

Army shoes best to be had cried Jo

Some handkerchiefs all hemmed said Beth

Ill get a little bottle of cologne She likes it and it wont cost much so Ill have some left to buy my pencils added Amy

How will we give the things asked Meg

Put them on the table and bring her in and see her open the bundles Dont you remember how we used to do on our birthdays answered Jo

I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on and see you all come marching round to give the presents with a kiss I liked the things and the kisses but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles said Beth who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time

Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves and then surprise her We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon Meg There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night said Jo marching up and down with her hands behind her back and her nose in the air

I dont mean to act any more after this time Im getting too old for such things observed Meg who was as much a child as ever about dressingup frolics

You wont stop I know as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down and wear goldpaper jewelry You are the best actress weve got and therell be an end of everything if you quit the boards said Jo We ought to rehearse tonight Come here Amy and do the fainting scene for you are as stiff as a poker in that

I cant help it I never saw anyone faint and I dont choose to make myself all black and blue tumbling flat as you do If I can go down easily Ill drop If I cant I shall fall into a chair and be graceful I dont care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol returned Amy who was not gifted with dramatic power but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece

Do it this way Clasp your hands so and stagger across the room crying frantically Roderigo Save me Save me and away went Jo with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling

Amy followed but she poked her hands out stiffly before her and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery and her Ow was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish Jo gave a despairing groan and Meg laughed outright while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest Its no use Do the best you can when the time comes and if the audience laughs dont blame me Come on Meg

Then things went smoothly for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break Hagar the witch chanted an awful incantation over her kettleful of simmering toads with weird effect Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic with a wild Ha Ha

Its the best weve had yet said Meg as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbows

I dont see how you can write and act such splendid things Jo Youre a regular Shakespeare exclaimed Beth who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all things

Not quite replied Jo modestly I do think The Witches Curse an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing but Id like to try Macbeth if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo I always wanted to do the killing part Is that a dagger that I see before me muttered Jo rolling her eyes and clutching at the air as she had seen a famous tragedian do

No its the toasting fork with Mothers shoe on it instead of the bread Beths stagestruck cried Meg and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter

Glad to find you so merry my girls said a cheery voice at the door and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall motherly lady with a can I help you look about her which was truly delightful She was not elegantly dressed but a noblelooking woman and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world

Well dearies how have you got on today There was so much to do getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow that I didnt come home to dinner Has anyone called Beth How is your cold Meg Jo you look tired to death Come and kiss me baby

While making these maternal inquiries Mrs March got her wet things off her warm slippers on and sitting down in the easy chair drew Amy to her lap preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day The girls flew about trying to make things comfortable each in her own way Meg arranged the tea table Jo brought wood and set chairs dropping overturning and clattering everything she touched Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen quiet and busy while Amy gave directions to everyone as she sat with her hands folded

As they gathered about the table Mrs March said with a particularly happy face Ive got a treat for you after supper

A quick bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine Beth clapped her hands regardless of the biscuit she held and Jo tossed up her napkin crying A letter A letter Three cheers for Father

Yes a nice long letter He is well and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas and an especial message to you girls said Mrs March patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there

Hurry and get done Dont stop to quirk your little finger and simper over your plate Amy cried Jo choking on her tea and dropping her bread butter side down on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat

Beth ate no more but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come till the others were ready

I think it was so splendid in Father to go as chaplain when he was too old to be drafted and not strong enough for a soldier said Meg warmly

Dont I wish I could go as a drummer a vivan—whats its name Or a nurse so I could be near him and help him exclaimed Jo with a groan

It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent and eat all sorts of badtasting things and drink out of a tin mug sighed Amy

When will he come home Marmee asked Beth with a little quiver in her voice

Not for many months dear unless he is sick He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can and we wont ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared Now come and hear the letter

They all drew to the fire Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair and Jo leaning on the back where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching especially those which fathers sent home In this one little was said of the hardships endured the dangers faced or the homesickness conquered It was a cheerful hopeful letter full of lively descriptions of camp life marches and military news and only at the end did the writers heart overflow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home

Give them all of my dear love and a kiss Tell them I think of them by day pray for them by night and find my best comfort in their affection at all times A year seems very long to wait before I see them but remind them that while we wait we may all work so that these hard days need not be wasted I know they will remember all I said to them that they will be loving children to you will do their duty faithfully fight their bosom enemies bravely and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women Everybody sniffed when they came to that part Jo wasnt ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mothers shoulder and sobbed out I am a selfish girl But Ill truly try to be better so he maynt be disappointed in me byandby

We all will cried Meg I think too much of my looks and hate to work but wont any more if I can help it

Ill try and be what he loves to call me a little woman and not be rough and wild but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else said Jo thinking that keeping her temper at home was a much harder task than facing a rebel or two down South

Beth said nothing but wiped away her tears with the blue army sock and began to knit with all her might losing no time in doing the duty that lay nearest her while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that Father hoped to find her when the year brought round the happy coming home

Mrs March broke the silence that followed Jos words by saying in her cheery voice Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrims Progress when you were little things Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my piece bags on your backs for burdens give you hats and sticks and rolls of paper and let you travel through the house from the cellar which was the City of Destruction up up to the housetop where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a Celestial City

What fun it was especially going by the lions fighting Apollyon and passing through the valley where the hobgoblins were said Jo

I liked the place where the bundles fell off and tumbled downstairs said Meg

I dont remember much about it except that I was afraid of the cellar and the dark entry and always liked the cake and milk we had up at the top If I wasnt too old for such things Id rather like to play it over again said Amy who began to talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve

We never are too old for this my dear because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another Our burdens are here our road is before us and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City Now my little pilgrims suppose you begin again not in play but in earnest and see how far on you can get before Father comes home

Really Mother Where are our bundles asked Amy who was a very literal young lady

Each of you told what your burden was just now except Beth I rather think she hasnt got any said her mother

Yes I have Mine is dishes and dusters and envying girls with nice pianos and being afraid of people

Beths bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh but nobody did for it would have hurt her feelings very much

Let us do it said Meg thoughtfully It is only another name for trying to be good and the story may help us for though we do want to be good its hard work and we forget and dont do our best

We were in the Slough of Despond tonight and Mother came and pulled us out as Help did in the book We ought to have our roll of directions like Christian What shall we do about that asked Jo delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty

Look under your pillows Christmas morning and you will find your guidebook replied Mrs March

They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table then out came the four little work baskets and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March It was uninteresting sewing but tonight no one grumbled They adopted Jos plan of dividing the long seams into four parts and calling the quarters Europe Asia Africa and America and in that way got on capitally especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them

At nine they stopped work and sang as usual before they went to bed No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang Meg had a voice like a flute and she and her mother led the little choir Amy chirped like a cricket and Jo wandered through the airs at her own sweet will always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune They had always done this from the time they could lisp

Crinkle crinkle ittle tar
and it had become a household custom for the mother was a born singer The first sound in the morning was her voice as she went about the house singing like a lark and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound for the girls never grew too old for that familiar lullaby

CHAPTER TWO

A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning No stockings hung at the fireplace and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies Then she remembered her mothers promise and slipping her hand under her pillow drew out a little crimsoncovered book She knew it very well for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey She woke Meg with a Merry Christmas and bade her see what was under her pillow A greencovered book appeared with the same picture inside and a few words written by their mother which made their one present very precious in their eyes Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also one dovecolored the other blue and all sat looking at and talking about them while the east grew rosy with the coming day

In spite of her small vanities Margaret had a sweet and pious nature which unconsciously influenced her sisters especially Jo who loved her very tenderly and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given

Girls said Meg seriously looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little nightcapped ones in the room beyond Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books and we must begin at once We used to be faithful about it but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us we have neglected many things You can do as you please but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake for I know it will do me good and help me through the day

Then she opened her new book and began to read Jo put her arm round her and leaning cheek to cheek read also with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face

How good Meg is Come Amy lets do as they do Ill help you with the hard words and theyll explain things if we dont understand whispered Beth very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters example

Im glad mine is blue said Amy and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting

Where is Mother asked Meg as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts half an hour later

Goodness only knows Some poor creeter came abeggin and your ma went straight off to see what was needed There never was such a woman for givin away vittles and drink clothes and firin replied Hannah who had lived with the family since Meg was born and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant

She will be back soon I think so fry your cakes and have everything ready said Meg looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa ready to be produced at the proper time Why where is Amys bottle of cologne she added as the little flask did not appear

She took it out a minute ago and went off with it to put a ribbon on it or some such notion replied Jo dancing about the room to take the first stiffness off the new army slippers

How nice my handkerchiefs look dont they Hannah washed and ironed them for me and I marked them all myself said Beth looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labor

Bless the child Shes gone and put Mother on them instead of M March How funny cried Jo taking one up

Isnt that right I thought it was better to do it so because Megs initials are MM and I dont want anyone to use these but Marmee said Beth looking troubled

Its all right dear and a very pretty idea quite sensible too for no one can ever mistake now It will please her very much I know said Meg with a frown for Jo and a smile for Beth

Theres Mother Hide the basket quick cried Jo as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall

Amy came in hastily and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her

Where have you been and what are you hiding behind you asked Meg surprised to see by her hood and cloak that lazy Amy had been out so early

Dont laugh at me Jo I didnt mean anyone should know till the time came I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one and I gave all my money to get it and Im truly trying not to be selfish any more

As she spoke Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot and Jo pronounced her a trump while Beth ran to the window and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle

You see I felt ashamed of my present after reading and talking about being good this morning so I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up and Im so glad for mine is the handsomest now

Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa and the girls to the table eager for breakfast

Merry Christmas Marmee Many of them Thank you for our books We read some and mean to every day they all cried in chorus

Merry Christmas little daughters Im glad you began at once and hope you will keep on But I want to say one word before we sit down Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing for they have no fire There is nothing to eat over there and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold My girls will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present

They were all unusually hungry having waited nearly an hour and for a minute no one spoke only a minute for Jo exclaimed impetuously Im so glad you came before we began

May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children asked Beth eagerly

I shall take the cream and the muffings added Amy heroically giving up the article she most liked

Meg was already covering the buckwheats and piling the bread into one big plate

I thought youd do it said Mrs March smiling as if satisfied You shall all go and help me and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast and make it up at dinnertime

They were soon ready and the procession set out Fortunately it was early and they went through back streets so few people saw them and no one laughed at the queer party

A poor bare miserable room it was with broken windows no fire ragged bedclothes a sick mother wailing baby and a group of pale hungry children cuddled under one old quilt trying to keep warm

How the big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as the girls went in

Ach mein Gott It is good angels come to us said the poor woman crying for joy

Funny angels in hoods and mittens said Jo and set them to laughing

In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there Hannah who had carried wood made a fire and stopped up the broken panes with old hats and her own cloak Mrs March gave the mother tea and gruel and comforted her with promises of help while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own The girls meantime spread the table set the children round the fire and fed them like so many hungry birds laughing talking and trying to understand the funny broken English

Das ist gut Die Engelkinder cried the poor things as they ate and warmed their purple hands at the comfortable blaze The girls had never been called angel children before and thought it very agreeable especially Jo who had been considered a Sancho ever since she was born That was a very happy breakfast though they didnt get any of it And when they went away leaving comfort behind I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning

Thats loving our neighbor better than ourselves and I like it said Meg as they set out their presents while their mother was upstairs collecting clothes for the poor Hummels

Not a very splendid show but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles and the tall vase of red roses white chrysanthemums and trailing vines which stood in the middle gave quite an elegant air to the table

Shes coming Strike up Beth Open the door Amy Three cheers for Marmee cried Jo prancing about while Meg went to conduct Mother to the seat of honor

Beth played her gayest march Amy threw open the door and Meg enacted escort with great dignity Mrs March was both surprised and touched and smiled with her eyes full as she examined her presents and read the little notes which accompanied them The slippers went on at once a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocket well scented with Amys cologne the rose was fastened in her bosom and the nice gloves were pronounced a perfect fit

There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining in the simple loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at the time so sweet to remember long afterward and then all fell to work

The morning charities and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities Being still too young to go often to the theater and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances the girls put their wits to work and necessity being the mother of invention made whatever they needed Very clever were some of their productions pasteboard guitars antique lamps made of oldfashioned butter boats covered with silver paper gorgeous robes of old cotton glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory and armor covered with the same useful diamond shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of preserve pots were cut out The big chamber was the scene of many innocent revels

No gentleman were admitted so Jo played male parts to her hearts content and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots given her by a friend who knew a lady who knew an actor These boots an old foil and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture were Jos chief treasures and appeared on all occasions The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts whisking in and out of various costumes and managing the stage besides It was excellent drill for their memories a harmless amusement and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle lonely or spent in less profitable society

On Christmas night a dozen girls piled onto the bed which was the dress circle and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain a trifle of lamp smoke and an occasional giggle from Amy who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment Presently a bell sounded the curtains flew apart and the operatic tragedy began

A gloomy wood according to the one playbill was represented by a few shrubs in pots green baize on the floor and a cave in the distance This cave was made with a clothes horse for a roof bureaus for walls and in it was a small furnace in full blast with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside then Hugo the villain stalked in with a clanking sword at his side a slouching hat black beard mysterious cloak and the boots After pacing to and fro in much agitation he struck his forehead and burst out in a wild strain singing of his hatred for Roderigo his love for Zara and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other The gruff tones of Hugos voice with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him were very impressive and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding What ho minion I need thee

Out came Meg with gray horsehair hanging about her face a red and black robe a staff and cabalistic signs upon her cloak Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him and one to destroy Roderigo Hagar in a fine dramatic melody promised both and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love philter

Hither hither from thy home
Airy sprite I bid thee come
Born of roses fed on dew
Charms and potions canst thou brew
Bring me here with elfin speed
The fragrant philter which I need
Make it sweet and swift and strong
Spirit answer now my song
A soft strain of music sounded and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white with glittering wings golden hair and a garland of roses on its head Waving a wand it sang

Hither I come
From my airy home
Afar in the silver moon
Take the magic spell
And use it well
Or its power will vanish soon
And dropping a small gilded bottle at the witchs feet the spirit vanished Another chant from Hagar produced another apparition not a lovely one for with a bang an ugly black imp appeared and having croaked a reply tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh Having warbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots Hugo departed and Hagar informed the audience that as he had killed a few of her friends in times past she had cursed him and intends to thwart his plans and be revenged on him Then the curtain fell and the audience reposed and ate candy while discussing the merits of the play

A good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentery had been got up no one murmured at the delay It was truly superb A tower rose to the ceiling halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning in it and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress waiting for Roderigo He came in gorgeous array with plumed cap red cloak chestnut lovelocks a guitar and the boots of course Kneeling at the foot of the tower he sang a serenade in melting tones Zara replied and after a musical dialogue consented to fly Then came the grand effect of the play Roderigo produced a rope ladder with five steps to it threw up one end and invited Zara to descend Timidly she crept from her lattice put her hand on Roderigos shoulder and was about to leap gracefully down when Alas Alas for Zara she forgot her train It caught in the window the tower tottered leaned forward fell with a crash and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins

A universal shriek arose as the russet boots waved wildly from the wreck and a golden head emerged exclaiming I told you so I told you so With wonderful presence of mind Don Pedro the cruel sire rushed in dragged out his daughter with a hasty aside

Dont laugh Act as if it was all right and ordering Roderigo up banished him from the kingdom with wrath and scorn Though decidedly shaken by the fall from the tower upon him Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir This dauntless example fired Zara She also defied her sire and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle A stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away looking very much frightened and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made

Act third was the castle hall and here Hagar appeared having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo She hears him coming and hides sees him put the potions into two cups of wine and bid the timid little servant Bear them to the captives in their cells and tell them I shall come anon The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless Ferdinando the minion carries them away and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the poison meant for Roderigo Hugo getting thirsty after a long warble drinks it loses his wits and after a good deal of clutching and stamping falls flat and dies while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody

This was a truly thrilling scene though some persons might have thought that the sudden tumbling down of a quantity of long red hair rather marred the effect of the villains death He was called before the curtain and with great propriety appeared leading Hagar whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together

Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him Just as the dagger is at his heart a lovely song is sung under his window informing him that Zara is true but in danger and he can save her if he will A key is thrown in which unlocks the door and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his lady love

Act fifth opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro He wishes her to go into a convent but she wont hear of it and after a touching appeal is about to faint when Roderigo dashes in and demands her hand Don Pedro refuses because he is not rich They shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree and Rodrigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar who has mysteriously disappeared The latter informs the party that she bequeaths untold wealth to the young pair and an awful doom to Don Pedro if he doesnt make them happy The bag is opened and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage till it is quite glorified with the glitter This entirely softens the stern sire He consents without a murmur all join in a joyful chorus and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedros blessing in attitudes of the most romantic grace

Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check for the cot bed on which the dress circle was built suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue and all were taken out unhurt though many were speechless with laughter The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared with Mrs Marchs compliments and would the ladies walk down to supper

This was a surprise even to the actors and when they saw the table they looked at one another in rapturous amazement It was like Marmee to get up a little treat for them but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty There was ice cream actually two dishes of it pink and white and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and in the middle of the table four great bouquets of hot house flowers

It quite took their breath away and they stared first at the table and then at their mother who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely

Is it fairies asked Amy

Santa Claus said Beth

Mother did it And Meg smiled her sweetest in spite of her gray beard and white eyebrows

Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper cried Jo with a sudden inspiration

All wrong Old Mr Laurence sent it replied Mrs March

The Laurence boys grandfather What in the world put such a thing into his head We dont know him exclaimed Meg

Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party He is an odd old gentleman but that pleased him He knew my father years ago and he sent me a polite note this afternoon saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day I could not refuse and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the breadandmilk breakfast

That boy put it into his head I know he did Hes a capital fellow and I wish we could get acquainted He looks as if hed like to know us but hes bashful and Meg is so prim she wont let me speak to him when we pass said Jo as the plates went round and the ice began to melt out of sight with ohs and ahs of satisfaction

You mean the people who live in the big house next door dont you asked one of the girls My mother knows old Mr Laurence but says hes very proud and doesnt like to mix with his neighbors He keeps his grandson shut up when he isnt riding or walking with his tutor and makes him study very hard We invited him to our party but he didnt come Mother says hes very nice though he never speaks to us girls

Our cat ran away once and he brought her back and we talked over the fence and were getting on capitally all about cricket and so on when he saw Meg coming and walked off I mean to know him some day for he needs fun Im sure he does said Jo decidedly

I like his manners and he looks like a little gentleman so Ive no objection to your knowing him if a proper opportunity comes He brought the flowers himself and I should have asked him in if I had been sure what was going on upstairs He looked so wistful as he went away hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own

Its a mercy you didnt Mother laughed Jo looking at her boots But well have another play sometime that he can see Perhaps hell help act Wouldnt that be jolly

I never had such a fine bouquet before How pretty it is And Meg examined her flowers with great interest

They are lovely But Beths roses are sweeter to me said Mrs March smelling the halfdead posy in her belt

Beth nestled up to her and whispered softly I wish I could send my bunch to Father Im afraid he isnt having such a merry Christmas as we are

CHAPTER THREE

THE LAURENCE BOY

Jo Jo Where are you cried Meg at the foot of the garret stairs

Here answered a husky voice from above and running up Meg found her sister eating apples and crying over the Heir of Redclyffe wrapped up in a comforter on an old threelegged sofa by the sunny window This was Jos favorite refuge and here she loved to retire with half a dozen russets and a nice book to enjoy the quiet and the society of a pet rat who lived near by and didnt mind her a particle As Meg appeared Scrabble whisked into his hole Jo shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news

Such fun Only see A regular note of invitation from Mrs Gardiner for tomorrow night cried Meg waving the precious paper and then proceeding to read it with girlish delight

Mrs Gardiner would be happy to see Miss March and Miss Josephine at a little dance on New Years Eve Marmee is willing we should go now what shall we wear

Whats the use of asking that when you know we shall wear our poplins because we havent got anything else answered Jo with her mouth full

If I only had a silk sighed Meg Mother says I may when Im eighteen perhaps but two years is an everlasting time to wait

Im sure our pops look like silk and they are nice enough for us Yours is as good as new but I forgot the burn and the tear in mine Whatever shall I do The burn shows badly and I cant take any out

You must sit still all you can and keep your back out of sight The front is all right I shall have a new ribbon for my hair and Marmee will lend me her little pearl pin and my new slippers are lovely and my gloves will do though they arent as nice as Id like

Mine are spoiled with lemonade and I cant get any new ones so I shall have to go without said Jo who never troubled herself much about dress

You must have gloves or I wont go cried Meg decidedly Gloves are more important than anything else You cant dance without them and if you dont I should be so mortified

Then Ill stay still I dont care much for company dancing Its no fun to go sailing round I like to fly about and cut capers

You cant ask Mother for new ones they are so expensive and you are so careless She said when you spoiled the others that she shouldnt get you any more this winter Cant you make them do

I can hold them crumpled up in my hand so no one will know how stained they are Thats all I can do No Ill tell you how we can manage each wear one good one and carry a bad one Dont you see

Your hands are bigger than mine and you will stretch my glove dreadfully began Meg whose gloves were a tender point with her

Then Ill go without I dont care what people say cried Jo taking up her book

You may have it you may Only dont stain it and do behave nicely Dont put your hands behind you or stare or say Christopher Columbus will you

Dont worry about me Ill be as prim as I can and not get into any scrapes if I can help it Now go and answer your note and let me finish this splendid story

So Meg went away to accept with thanks look over her dress and sing blithely as she did up her one real lace frill while Jo finished her story her four apples and had a game of romps with Scrabble

On New Years Eve the parlor was deserted for the two younger girls played dressing maids and the two elder were absorbed in the allimportant business of getting ready for the party Simple as the toilets were there was a great deal of running up and down laughing and talking and at one time a strong smell of burned hair pervaded the house Meg wanted a few curls about her face and Jo undertook to pinch the papered locks with a pair of hot tongs

Ought they to smoke like that asked Beth from her perch on the bed

Its the dampness drying replied Jo

What a queer smell Its like burned feathers observed Amy smoothing her own pretty curls with a superior air

There now Ill take off the papers and youll see a cloud of little ringlets said Jo putting down the tongs

She did take off the papers but no cloud of ringlets appeared for the hair came with the papers and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little scorched bundles on the bureau before her victim

Oh oh oh What have you done Im spoiled I cant go My hair oh my hair wailed Meg looking with despair at the uneven frizzle on her forehead

Just my luck You shouldnt have asked me to do it I always spoil everything Im so sorry but the tongs were too hot and so Ive made a mess groaned poor Jo regarding the little black pancakes with tears of regret

It isnt spoiled Just frizzle it and tie your ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit and it will look like the last fashion Ive seen many girls do it so said Amy consolingly

Serves me right for trying to be fine I wish Id let my hair alone cried Meg petulantly

So do I it was so smooth and pretty But it will soon grow out again said Beth coming to kiss and comfort the shorn sheep

After various lesser mishaps Meg was finished at last and by the united exertions of the entire family Jos hair was got up and her dress on They looked very well in their simple suits Megs in silvery drab with a blue velvet snood lace frills and the pearl pin Jo in maroon with a stiff gentlemanly linen collar and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament Each put on one nice light glove and carried one soiled one and all pronounced the effect quite easy and fine Megs highheeled slippers were very tight and hurt her though she would not own it and Jos nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head which was not exactly comfortable but dear me let us be elegant or die

Have a good time dearies said Mrs March as the sisters went daintily down the walk Dont eat much supper and come away at eleven when I send Hannah for you As the gate clashed behind them a voice cried from a window

Girls girls Have you you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs

Yes yes spandy nice and Meg has cologne on hers cried Jo adding with a laugh as they went on I do believe Marmee would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake

It is one of her aristocratic tastes and quite proper for a real lady is always known by neat boots gloves and handkerchief replied Meg who had a good many little aristocratic tastes of her own

Now dont forget to keep the bad breadth out of sight Jo Is my sash right And does my hair look very bad said Meg as she turned from the glass in Mrs Gardiners dressing room after a prolonged prink

I know I shall forget If you see me doing anything wrong just remind me by a wink will you returned Jo giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush

No winking isnt ladylike Ill lift my eyebrows if any thing is wrong and nod if you are all right Now hold your shoulder straight and take short steps and dont shake hands if you are introduced to anyone It isnt the thing

How do you learn all the proper ways I never can Isnt that music gay

Down they went feeling a trifle timid for they seldom went to parties and informal as this little gathering was it was an event to them Mrs Gardiner a stately old lady greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon but Jo who didnt care much for girls or girlish gossip stood about with her back carefully against the wall and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room and she longed to go and join them for skating was one of the joys of her life She telegraphed her wish to Meg but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir No one came to talk to her and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone She could not roam about and amuse herself for the burned breadth would show so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began Meg was asked at once and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner and fearing he meant to engage her she slipped into a curtained recess intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace Unfortunately another bashful person had chosen the same refuge for as the curtain fell behind her she found herself face to face with the Laurence boy

Dear me I didnt know anyone was here stammered Jo preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in

But the boy laughed and said pleasantly though he looked a little startled Dont mind me stay if you like

Shant I disturb you

Not a bit I only came here because I dont know many people and felt rather strange at first you know

So did I Dont go away please unless youd rather

The boy sat down again and looked at his pumps till Jo said trying to be polite and easy I think Ive had the pleasure of seeing you before You live near us dont you

Next door And he looked up and laughed outright for Jos prim manner was rather funny when he remembered how they had chatted about cricket when he brought the cat home

That put Jo at her ease and she laughed too as she said in her heartiest way We did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present

Grandpa sent it

But you put it into his head didnt you now

How is your cat Miss March asked the boy trying to look sober while his black eyes shone with fun

Nicely thank you Mr Laurence But I am not Miss March Im only Jo returned the young lady

Im not Mr Laurence Im only Laurie

Laurie Laurence what an odd name

My first name is Theodore but I dont like it for the fellows called me Dora so I made them say Laurie instead

I hate my name too so sentimental I wish every one would say Jo instead of Josephine How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora

I thrashed em

I cant thrash Aunt March so I suppose I shall have to bear it And Jo resigned herself with a sigh

Dont you like to dance Miss Jo asked Laurie looking as if he thought the name suited her

I like it well enough if there is plenty of room and everyone is lively In a place like this Im sure to upset something tread on peoples toes or do something dreadful so I keep out of mischief and let Meg sail about Dont you dance

Sometimes You see Ive been abroad a good many years and havent been into company enough yet to know how you do things here

Abroad cried Jo Oh tell me about it I love dearly to hear people describe their travels

Laurie didnt seem to know where to begin but Jos eager questions soon set him going and he told her how he had been at school in Vevay where the boys never wore hats and had a fleet of boats on the lake and for holiday fun went on walking trips about Switzerland with their teachers

Dont I wish Id been there cried Jo Did you go to Paris

We spent last winter there

Can you talk French

We were not allowed to speak anything else at Vevay

Do say some I can read it but cant pronounce

Quel nom a cette jeune demoiselle en les pantoufles jolis

How nicely you do it Let me see  you said Who is the young lady in the pretty slippers didnt you

Oui mademoiselle

Its my sister Margaret and you knew it was Do you think she is pretty

Yes she makes me think of the German girls she looks so fresh and quiet and dances like a lady

Jo quite glowed with pleasure at this boyish praise of her sister and stored it up to repeat to Meg Both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like old acquaintances Lauries bashfulness soon wore off for Jos gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease and Jo was her merry self again because her dress was forgotten and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her She liked the Laurence boy better than ever and took several good looks at him so that she might describe him to the girls for they had no brothers very few male cousins and boys were almost unknown creatures to them

Curly black hair brown skin big black eyes handsome nose fine teeth small hands and feet taller than I am very polite for a boy and altogether jolly Wonder how old he is

It was on the tip of Jos tongue to ask but she checked herself in time and with unusual tact tried to find out in a roundabout way

I suppose you are going to college soon I see you pegging away at your books no I mean studying hard And Jo blushed at the dreadful pegging which had escaped her

Laurie smiled but didnt seem shocked and answered with a shrug Not for a year or two I wont go before seventeen anyway

Arent you but fifteen asked Jo looking at the tall lad whom she had imagined seventeen already

Sixteen next month

How I wish I was going to college You dont look as if you liked it

I hate it Nothing but grinding or skylarking And I dont like the way fellows do either in this country

What do you like

To live in Italy and to enjoy myself in my own way

Jo wanted very much to ask what his own way was but his black brows looked rather threatening as he knit them so she changed the subject by saying as her foot kept time Thats a splendid polka Why dont you go and try it

If you will come too he answered with a gallant little bow

I cant for I told Meg I wouldnt because There Jo stopped and looked undecided whether to tell or to laugh

Because what

You wont tell

Never

Well I have a bad trick of standing before the fire and so I burn my frocks and I scorched this one and though its nicely mended it shows and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it You may laugh if you want to It is funny I know

But Laurie didnt laugh He only looked down a minute and the expression of his face puzzled Jo when he said very gently Never mind that Ill tell you how we can manage Theres a long hall out there and we can dance grandly and no one will see us Please come

Jo thanked him and gladly went wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice pearlcolored ones her partner wore The hall was empty and they had a grand polka for Laurie danced well and taught her the German step which delighted Jo being full of swing and spring When the music stopped they sat down on the stairs to get their breath and Laurie was in the midst of an account of a students festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister She beckoned and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room where she found her on a sofa holding her foot and looking pale

Ive sprained my ankle That stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench It aches so I can hardly stand and I dont know how Im ever going to get home she said rocking to and fro in pain

I knew youd hurt your feet with those silly shoes Im sorry But I dont see what you can do except get a carriage or stay here all night answered Jo softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke

I cant have a carriage without its costing ever so much I dare say I cant get one at all for most people come in their own and its a long way to the stable and no one to send

Ill go

No indeed Its past nine and dark as Egypt I cant stop here for the house is full Sallie has some girls staying with her Ill rest till Hannah comes and then do the best I can

Ill ask Laurie He will go said Jo looking relieved as the idea occurred to her

Mercy no Dont ask or tell anyone Get me my rubbers and put these slippers with our things I cant dance anymore but as soon as supper is over watch for Hannah and tell me the minute she comes

They are going out to supper now Ill stay with you Id rather

No dear run along and bring me some coffee Im so tired I cant stir

So Meg reclined with rubbers well hidden and Jo went blundering away to the dining room which she found after going into a china closet and opening the door of a room where old Mr Gardiner was taking a little private refreshment Making a dart at the table she secured the coffee which she immediately spilled thereby making the front of her dress as bad as the back

Oh dear what a blunderbuss I am exclaimed Jo finishing Megs glove by scrubbing her gown with it

Can I help you said a friendly voice And there was Laurie with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other

I was trying to get something for Meg who is very tired and someone shook me and here I am in a nice state answered Jo glancing dismally from the stained skirt to the coffeecolored glove

Too bad I was looking for someone to give this to May I take it to your sister

Oh thank you Ill show you where she is I dont offer to take it myself for I should only get into another scrape if I did

Jo led the way and as if used to waiting on ladies Laurie drew up a little table brought a second installment of coffee and ice for Jo and was so obliging that even particular Meg pronounced him a nice boy They had a merry time over the bonbons and mottoes and were in the midst of a quiet game of Buzz with two or three other young people who had strayed in when Hannah appeared Meg forgot her foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Jo with an exclamation of pain

Hush Dont say anything she whispered adding aloud Its nothing I turned my foot a little thats all and limped upstairs to put her things on

Hannah scolded Meg cried and Jo was at her wits end till she decided to take things into her own hands Slipping out she ran down and finding a servant asked if he could get her a carriage It happened to be a hired waiter who knew nothing about the neighborhood and Jo was looking round for help when Laurie who had heard what she said came up and offered his grandfathers carriage which had just come for him he said

Its so early You cant mean to go yet began Jo looking relieved but hesitating to accept the offer

I always go early I do truly Please let me take you home Its all on my way you know and it rains they say

That settled it and telling him of Megs mishap Jo gratefully accepted and rushed up to bring down the rest of the party Hannah hated rain as much as a cat does so she made no trouble and they rolled away in the luxurious close carriage feeling very festive and elegant Laurie went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up and the girls talked over their party in freedom

I had a capital time Did you asked Jo rumpling up her hair and making herself comfortable

Yes till I hurt myself Sallies friend Annie Moffat took a fancy to me and asked me to come and spend a week with her when Sallie does She is going in the spring when the opera comes and it will be perfectly splendid if Mother only lets me go answered Meg cheering up at the thought

I saw you dancing with the red headed man I ran away from Was he nice

Oh very His hair is auburn not red and he was very polite and I had a delicious redowa with him

He looked like a grasshopper in a fit when he did the new step Laurie and I couldnt help laughing Did you hear us

No but it was very rude What were you about all that time hidden away there

Jo told her adventures and by the time she had finished they were at home With many thanks they said good night and crept in hoping to disturb no one but the instant their door creaked two little nightcaps bobbed up and two sleepy but eager voices cried out

Tell about the party Tell about the party

With what Meg called a great want of manners Jo had saved some bonbons for the little girls and they soon subsided after hearing the most thrilling events of the evening

I declare it really seems like being a fine young lady to come home from the party in a carriage and sit in my dressing gown with a maid to wait on me said Meg as Jo bound up her foot with arnica and brushed her hair

I dont believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do in spite of our burned hair old gowns one glove apiece and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them And I think Jo was quite right

CHAPTER FOUR

BURDENS

Oh dear how hard it does seem to take up our packs and go on sighed Meg the morning after the party for now the holidays were over the week of merrymaking did not fit her for going on easily with the task she never liked

I wish it was Christmas or New Years all the time Wouldnt it be fun answered Jo yawning dismally

We shouldnt enjoy ourselves half so much as we do now But it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets and go to parties and drive home and read and rest and not work Its like other people you know and I always envy girls who do such things Im so fond of luxury said Meg trying to decide which of two shabby gowns was the least shabby

Well we cant have it so dont let us grumble but shoulder our bundles and trudge along as cheerfully as Marmee does Im sure Aunt March is a regular Old Man of the Sea to me but I suppose when Ive learned to carry her without complaining she will tumble off or get so light that I shant mind her

This idea tickled Jos fancy and put her in good spirits but Meg didnt brighten for her burden consisting of four spoiled children seemed heavier than ever She had not heart enough even to make herself pretty as usual by putting on a blue neck ribbon and dressing her hair in the most becoming way

Wheres the use of looking nice when no one sees me but those cross midgets and no one cares whether Im pretty or not she muttered shutting her drawer with a jerk I shall have to toil and moil all my days with only little bits of fun now and then and get old and ugly and sour because Im poor and cant enjoy my life as other girls do Its a shame

So Meg went down wearing an injured look and wasnt at all agreeable at breakfast time Everyone seemed rather out of sorts and inclined to croak

Beth had a headache and lay on the sofa trying to comfort herself with the cat and three kittens Amy was fretting because her lessons were not learned and she couldnt find her rubbers Jo would whistle and make a great racket getting ready

Mrs March was very busy trying to finish a letter which must go at once and Hannah had the grumps for being up late didnt suit her

There never was such a cross family cried Jo losing her temper when she had upset an inkstand broken both boot lacings and sat down upon her hat

Youre the crossest person in it returned Amy washing out the sum that was all wrong with the tears that had fallen on her slate

Beth if you dont keep these horrid cats down cellar Ill have them drowned exclaimed Meg angrily as she tried to get rid of the kitten which had scrambled up her back and stuck like a burr just out of reach

Jo laughed Meg scolded Beth implored and Amy wailed because she couldnt remember how much nine times twelve was

Girls girls do be quiet one minute I must get this off by the early mail and you drive me distracted with your worry cried Mrs March crossing out the third spoiled sentence in her letter

There was a momentary lull broken by Hannah who stalked in laid two hot turnovers on the table and stalked out again These turnovers were an institution and the girls called them muffs for they had no others and found the hot pies very comforting to their hands on cold mornings

Hannah never forgot to make them no matter how busy or grumpy she might be for the walk was long and bleak The poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before two

Cuddle your cats and get over your headache Bethy Goodbye Marmee We are a set of rascals this morning but well come home regular angels Now then Meg And Jo tramped away feeling that the pilgrims were not setting out as they ought to do

They always looked back before turning the corner for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile and wave her hand to them Somehow it seemed as if they couldnt have got through the day without that for whatever their mood might be the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine

If Marmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us it would serve us right for more ungrateful wretches than we are were never seen cried Jo taking a remorseful satisfaction in the snowy walk and bitter wind

Dont use such dreadful expressions replied Meg from the depths of the veil in which she had shrouded herself like a nun sick of the world

I like good strong words that mean something replied Jo catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether

Call yourself any names you like but I am neither a rascal nor a wretch and I dont choose to be called so

Youre a blighted being and decidedly cross today because you cant sit in the lap of luxury all the time Poor dear just wait till I make my fortune and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and highheeled slippers and posies and redheaded boys to dance with

How ridiculous you are Jo But Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself

Lucky for you I am for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal as you do we should be in a nice state Thank goodness I can always find something funny to keep me up Dont croak any more but come home jolly theres a dear

Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the day each going a different way each hugging her little warm turnover and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather hard work and the unsatisfied desires of pleasureloving youth

When Mr March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support at least Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy industry and independence their parents consented and both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last

Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt rich with her small salary As she said she was fond of luxury and her chief trouble was poverty She found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful life full of ease and pleasure and want of any kind unknown She tried not to be envious or discontented but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things gay friends accomplishments and a happy life At the Kings she daily saw all she wanted for the childrens older sisters were just out and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses and bouquets heard lively gossip about theaters concerts sleighing parties and merrymakings of all kinds and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her Poor Meg seldom complained but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy

Jo happened to suit Aunt March who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her The childless old lady had offered to adopt one of the girls when the troubles came and was much offended because her offer was declined Other friends told the Marches that they had lost all chance of being remembered in the rich old ladys will but the unworldly Marches only said

We cant give up our girls for a dozen fortunes Rich or poor we will keep together and be happy in one another

The old lady wouldnt speak to them for a time but happening to meet Jo at a friends something in her comical face and blunt manners struck the old ladys fancy and she proposed to take her for a companion This did not suit Jo at all but she accepted the place since nothing better appeared and to every ones surprise got on remarkably well with her irascible relative There was an occasional tempest and once Jo marched home declaring she couldnt bear it longer but Aunt March always cleared up quickly and sent for her to come back again with such urgency that she could not refuse for in her heart she rather liked the peppery old lady

I suspect that the real attraction was a large library of fine books which was left to dust and spiders since Uncle March died Jo remembered the kind old gentleman who used to let her build railroads and bridges with his big dictionaries tell her stories about queer pictures in his Latin books and buy her cards of gingerbread whenever he met her in the street The dim dusty room with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases the cozy chairs the globes and best of all the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked made the library a region of bliss to her

The moment Aunt March took her nap or was busy with company Jo hurried to this quiet place and curling herself up in the easy chair devoured poetry romance history travels and pictures like a regular bookworm But like all happiness it did not last long for as sure as she had just reached the heart of the story the sweetest verse of a song or the most perilous adventure of her traveler a shrill voice called Josyphine Josyphine and she had to leave her paradise to wind yarn wash the poodle or read Belshams Essays by the hour together

Jos ambition was to do something very splendid What it was she had no idea as yet but left it for time to tell her and meanwhile found her greatest affliction in the fact that she couldnt read run and ride as much as she liked A quick temper sharp tongue and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes and her life was a series of ups and downs which were both comic and pathetic But the training she received at Aunt Marchs was just what she needed and the thought that she was doing something to support herself made her happy in spite of the perpetual Josyphine

Beth was too bashful to go to school It had been tried but she suffered so much that it was given up and she did her lessons at home with her father Even when he went away and her mother was called to devote her skill and energy to Soldiers Aid Societies Beth went faithfully on by herself and did the best she could She was a housewifely little creature and helped Hannah keep home neat and comfortable for the workers never thinking of any reward but to be loved Long quiet days she spent not lonely nor idle for her little world was peopled with imaginary friends and she was by nature a busy bee There were six dolls to be taken up and dressed every morning for Beth was a child still and loved her pets as well as ever Not one whole or handsome one among them all were outcasts till Beth took them in for when her sisters outgrew these idols they passed to her because Amy would have nothing old or ugly Beth cherished them all the more tenderly for that very reason and set up a hospital for infirm dolls No pins were ever stuck into their cotton vitals no harsh words or blows were ever given them no neglect ever saddened the heart of the most repulsive but all were fed and clothed nursed and caressed with an affection which never failed One forlorn fragment of dollanity had belonged to Jo and having led a tempestuous life was left a wreck in the rag bag from which dreary poorhouse it was rescued by Beth and taken to her refuge Having no top to its head she tied on a neat little cap and as both arms and legs were gone she hid these deficiencies by folding it in a blanket and devoting her best bed to this chronic invalid If anyone had known the care lavished on that dolly I think it would have touched their hearts even while they laughed She brought it bits of bouquets she read to it took it out to breathe fresh air hidden under her coat she sang it lullabies and never went to bed without kissing its dirty face and whispering tenderly I hope youll have a good night my poor dear

Beth had her troubles as well as the others and not being an angel but a very human little girl she often wept a little weep as Jo said because she couldnt take music lessons and have a fine piano She loved music so dearly tried so hard to learn and practiced away so patiently at the jingling old instrument that it did seem as if someone not to hint Aunt March ought to help her Nobody did however and nobody saw Beth wipe the tears off the yellow keys that wouldnt keep in tune when she was all alone She sang like a little lark about her work never was too tired for Marmee and the girls and day after day said hopefully to herself I know Ill get my music some time if Im good

There are many Beths in the world shy and quiet sitting in corners till needed and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping and the sweet sunshiny presence vanishes leaving silence and shadow behind

If anybody had asked Amy what the greatest trial of her life was she would have answered at once My nose When she was a baby Jo had accidently dropped her into the coal hod and Amy insisted that the fall had ruined her nose forever It was not big nor red like poor Petreas it was only rather flat and all the pinching in the world could not give it an aristocratic point No one minded it but herself and it was doing its best to grow but Amy felt deeply the want of a Grecian nose and drew whole sheets of handsome ones to console herself

Little Raphael as her sisters called her had a decided talent for drawing and was never so happy as when copying flowers designing fairies or illustrating stories with queer specimens of art Her teachers complained that instead of doing her sums she covered her slate with animals the blank pages of her atlas were used to copy maps on and caricatures of the most ludicrous description came fluttering out of all her books at unlucky moments She got through her lessons as well as she could and managed to escape reprimands by being a model of deportment She was a great favorite with her mates being goodtempered and possessing the happy art of pleasing without effort Her little airs and graces were much admired so were her accomplishments for besides her drawing she could play twelve tunes crochet and read French without mispronouncing more than twothirds of the words She had a plaintive way of saying When Papa was rich we did soandso which was very touching and her long words were considered perfectly elegant by the girls

Amy was in a fair way to be spoiled for everyone petted her and her small vanities and selfishnesses were growing nicely One thing however rather quenched the vanities She had to wear her cousins clothes Now Florences mama hadnt a particle of taste and Amy suffered deeply at having to wear a red instead of a blue bonnet unbecoming gowns and fussy aprons that did not fit Everything was good well made and little worn but Amys artistic eyes were much afflicted especially this winter when her school dress was a dull purple with yellow dots and no trimming

My only comfort she said to Meg with tears in her eyes is that Mother doesnt take tucks in my dresses whenever Im naughty as Maria Parkss mother does My dear its really dreadful for sometimes she is so bad her frock is up to her knees and she cant come to school When I think of this deggerredation I feel that I can bear even my flat nose and purple gown with yellow skyrockets on it

Meg was Amys confidant and monitor and by some strange attraction of opposites Jo was gentle Beths To Jo alone did the shy child tell her thoughts and over her big harumscarum sister Beth unconsciously exercised more influence than anyone in the family The two older girls were a great deal to one another but each took one of the younger sisters into her keeping and watched over her in her own way playing mother they called it and put their sisters in the places of discarded dolls with the maternal instinct of little women

Has anybody got anything to tell Its been such a dismal day Im really dying for some amusement said Meg as they sat sewing together that evening

I had a queer time with Aunt today and as I got the best of it Ill tell you about it began Jo who dearly loved to tell stories I was reading that everlasting Belsham and droning away as I always do for Aunt soon drops off and then I take out some nice book and read like fury till she wakes up I actually made myself sleepy and before she began to nod I gave such a gape that she asked me what I meant by opening my mouth wide enough to take the whole book in at once

I wish I could and be done with it said I trying not to be saucy

Then she gave me a long lecture on my sins and told me to sit and think them over while she just lost herself for a moment She never finds herself very soon so the minute her cap began to bob like a topheavy dahlia I whipped the Vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket and read away with one eye on him and one on Aunt Id just got to where they all tumbled into the water when I forgot and laughed out loud Aunt woke up and being more goodnatured after her nap told me to read a bit and show what frivolous work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belsham I did my very best and she liked it though she only said

I dont understand what its all about Go back and begin it child

Back I went and made the Primroses as interesting as ever I could Once I was wicked enough to stop in a thrilling place and say meekly Im afraid it tires you maam Shant I stop now

She caught up her knitting which had dropped out of her hands gave me a sharp look through her specs and said in her short way Finish the chapter and dont be impertinent miss

Did she own she liked it asked Meg

Oh bless you no But she let old Belsham rest and when I ran back after my gloves this afternoon there she was so hard at the Vicar that she didnt hear me laugh as I danced a jig in the hall because of the good time coming What a pleasant life she might have if only she chose I dont envy her much in spite of her money for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones I think added Jo

That reminds me said Meg that Ive got something to tell It isnt funny like Jos story but I thought about it a good deal as I came home At the Kings today I found everybody in a flurry and one of the children said that her oldest brother had done something dreadful and Papa had sent him away I heard Mrs King crying and Mr King talking very loud and Grace and Ellen turned away their faces when they passed me so I shouldnt see how red and swollen their eyes were I didnt ask any questions of course but I felt so sorry for them and was rather glad I hadnt any wild brothers to do wicked things and disgrace the family

I think being disgraced in school is a great deal tryinger than anything bad boys can do said Amy shaking her head as if her experience of life had been a deep one Susie Perkins came to school today with a lovely red carnelian ring I wanted it dreadfully and wished I was her with all my might Well she drew a picture of Mr Davis with a monstrous nose and a hump and the words Young ladies my eye is upon you coming out of his mouth in a balloon thing We were laughing over it when all of a sudden his eye was on us and he ordered Susie to bring up her slate She was parrylized with fright but she went and oh what do you think he did He took her by the ear—the ear Just fancy how horrid—and led her to the recitation platform and made her stand there half an hour holding the slate so everyone could see

Didnt the girls laugh at the picture asked Jo who relished the scrape

Laugh Not one They sat still as mice and Susie cried quarts I know she did I didnt envy her then for I felt that millions of carnelian rings wouldnt have made me happy after that I never never should have got over such a agonizing mortification And Amy went on with her work in the proud consciousness of virtue and the successful utterance of two long words in a breath

I saw something I liked this morning and I meant to tell it at dinner but I forgot said Beth putting Jos topsyturvy basket in order as she talked When I went to get some oysters for Hannah Mr Laurence was in the fish shop but he didnt see me for I kept behind the fish barrel and he was busy with Mr Cutter the fishman A poor woman came in with a pail and a mop and asked Mr Cutter if he would let her do some scrubbing for a bit of fish because she hadnt any dinner for her children and had been disappointed of a days work Mr Cutter was in a hurry and said No rather crossly so she was going away looking hungry and sorry when Mr Laurence hooked up a big fish with the crooked end of his cane and held it out to her She was so glad and surprised she took it right into her arms and thanked him over and over He told her to go along and cook it and she hurried off so happy Wasnt it good of him Oh she did look so funny hugging the big slippery fish and hoping Mr Laurences bed in heaven would be aisy

When they had laughed at Beths story they asked their mother for one and after a moments thought she said soberly As I sat cutting out blue flannel jackets today at the rooms I felt very anxious about Father and thought how lonely and helpless we should be if anything happened to him It was not a wise thing to do but I kept on worrying till an old man came in with an order for some clothes He sat down near me and I began to talk to him for he looked poor and tired and anxious

Have you sons in the army I asked for the note he brought was not to me

Yes maam I had four but two were killed one is a prisoner and Im going to the other who is very sick in a Washington hospital he answered quietly

You have done a great deal for your country sir I said feeling respect now instead of pity

Not a mite more than I ought maam Id go myself if I was any use As I aint I give my boys and give em free

He spoke so cheerfully looked so sincere and seemed so glad to give his all that I was ashamed of myself Id given one man and thought it too much while he gave four without grudging them I had all my girls to comfort me at home and his last son was waiting miles away to say goodby to him perhaps I felt so rich so happy thinking of my blessings that I made him a nice bundle gave him some money and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me

Tell another story Mother one with a moral to it like this I like to think about them afterward if they are real and not too preachy said Jo after a minutes silence

Mrs March smiled and began at once for she had told stories to this little audience for many years and knew how to please them

Once upon a time there were four girls who had enough to eat and drink and wear a good many comforts and pleasures kind friends and parents who loved them dearly and yet they were not contented Here the listeners stole sly looks at one another and began to sew diligently These girls were anxious to be good and made many excellent resolutions but they did not keep them very well and were constantly saying If only we had this or If we could only do that quite forgetting how much they already had and how many things they actually could do So they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy and she said When you feel discontented think over your blessings and be grateful Here Jo looked up quickly as if about to speak but changed her mind seeing that the story was not done yet

Being sensible girls they decided to try her advice and soon were surprised to see how well off they were One discovered that money couldnt keep shame and sorrow out of rich peoples houses another that though she was poor she was a great deal happier with her youth health and good spirits than a certain fretful feeble old lady who couldnt enjoy her comforts a third that disagreeable as it was to help get dinner it was harder still to go begging for it and the fourth that even carnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior So they agreed to stop complaining to enjoy the blessings already possessed and try to deserve them lest they should be taken away entirely instead of increased and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old womans advice

Now Marmee that is very cunning of you to turn our own stories against us and give us a sermon instead of a romance cried Meg

I like that kind of sermon Its the sort Father used to tell us said Beth thoughtfully putting the needles straight on Jos cushion

I dont complain near as much as the others do and I shall be more careful than ever now for Ive had warning from Susies downfall said Amy morally

We needed that lesson and we wont forget it If we do so you just say to us as old Chloe did in Uncle Tom Tink ob yer marcies chillen Tink ob yer marcies added Jo who could not for the life of her help getting a morsel of fun out of the little sermon though she took it to heart as much as any of them

CHAPTER FIVE

BEING NEIGHBORLY

What in the world are you going to do now Jo asked Meg one snowy afternoon as her sister came tramping through the hall in rubber boots old sack and hood with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other

Going out for exercise answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes

I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough Its cold and dull out and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire as I do said Meg with a shiver

Never take advice Cant keep still all day and not being a pussycat I dont like to doze by the fire I like adventures and Im going to find some

Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe and Jo began to dig paths with great energy The snow was light and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air Now the garden separated the Marches house from that of Mr Laurence Both stood in a suburb of the city which was still countrylike with groves and lawns large gardens and quiet streets A low hedge parted the two estates On one side was an old brown house looking rather bare and shabby robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers which then surrounded it On the other side was a stately stone mansion plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury from the big coach house and wellkept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains

Yet it seemed a lonely lifeless sort of house for no children frolicked on the lawn no motherly face ever smiled at the windows and few people went in and out except the old gentleman and his grandson

To Jos lively fancy this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories and to know the Laurence boy who looked as if he would like to be known if he only knew how to begin Since the party she had been more eager than ever and had planned many ways of making friends with him but he had not been seen lately and Jo began to think he had gone away when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window looking wistfully down into their garden where Beth and Amy were snowballing one another

That boy is suffering for society and fun she said to herself His grandpa does not know whats good for him and keeps him shut up all alone He needs a party of jolly boys to play with or somebody young and lively Ive a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so

The idea amused Jo who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances The plan of going over was not forgotten And when the snowy afternoon came Jo resolved to try what could be done She saw Mr Lawrence drive off and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge where she paused and took a survey All quiet curtains down at the lower windows servants out of sight and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window

There he is thought Jo Poor boy All alone and sick this dismal day Its a shame Ill toss up a snowball and make him look out and then say a kind word to him

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 Ive had a bad cold and been shut up a week

Im sorry What do you amuse yourself with

Nothing Its dull as tombs up here

Dont you read

Not much They wont let me

Cant somebody read to you

Grandpa does sometimes but my books dont interest him and I hate to ask Brooke all the time

Have someone come and see you then

There isnt anyone Id like to see Boys make such a row and my head is weak

Isnt there some nice girl whod read and amuse you Girls are quiet and like to play nurse

Dont know any

You know us began Jo then laughed and stopped

So I do Will you come please cried Laurie

Im not quiet and nice but Ill come if Mother will let me Ill go ask her 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 surprisedlooking servant came running up to announce a young lady

All right show her up its 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 Beths 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 I knew youd laugh at them but I couldnt refuse she was so anxious to do something

It so happened that Beths funny loan was just the thing for in laughing over the kits Laurie forgot his bashfulness and grew sociable at once

That looks too pretty to eat he said smiling with pleasure as Jo uncovered the dish and showed the blanc mange surrounded by a garland of green leaves and the scarlet flowers of Amys pet geranium

It isnt anything only they all felt kindly and wanted to show it Tell the girl to put it away for your tea Its so simple you can eat it and being soft it will slip down without hurting your sore throat What a cozy room this is

It might be if it was kept nice but the maids are lazy and I dont know how to make them mind It worries me though

Ill right it up in two minutes for it only needs to have the hearth brushed so—and the things made straight on the mantelpiece so—and the books put here and the bottles there and your sofa turned from the light and the pillows plumped up a bit Now then youre fixed

And so he was for as she laughed and talked Jo had whisked things into place and given quite a different air to the room 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 thats what it wanted Now please take the big chair and let me do something to amuse my company

No I came to amuse you Shall I read aloud and Jo looked affectionately toward some inviting books near by

Thank you Ive read all those and if you dont mind Id rather talk answered Laurie

Not a bit Ill talk all day if youll only set me going Beth says I never know when to stop

Is Beth the rosy one who stays at home good deal and sometimes goes out with a little basket asked Laurie with interest

Yes thats Beth Shes my girl and a regular good one she is too

The pretty one is Meg and the curlyhaired one is Amy I believe

How did you find that out

Laurie colored up but answered frankly Why you see I often hear you calling to one another and when Im alone up here I cant help looking over at your house you always seem to be having such good times I beg your pardon for being so rude but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are And when the lamps are lighted its like looking at a picture to see the fire and you all around the table with your mother Her face is right opposite and it looks so sweet behind the flowers I cant help watching it I havent got any mother you know And Laurie poked the fire to hide a little twitching of the lips that he could not control

The solitary hungry look in his eyes went straight to Jos warm heart She had been so simply taught that there was no nonsense in her head and at fifteen she was as innocent and frank as any child Laurie was sick and lonely and feeling how rich she was in home and happiness she gladly tried to share it with him Her face was very friendly and her sharp voice unusually gentle as she said

Well never draw that curtain any more and I give you leave to look as much as you like I just wish though instead of peeping youd come over and see us Mother is so splendid shed do you heaps of good and Beth would sing to you if I begged her to and Amy would dance Meg and I would make you laugh over our funny stage properties and wed have jolly times Wouldnt your grandpa let you

I think he would if your mother asked him Hes very kind though he does not look so and he lets me do what I like pretty much only hes afraid I might be a bother to strangers began Laurie brightening more and more

We are not strangers we are neighbors and you neednt think youd be a bother We want to know you and Ive been trying to do it this ever so long We havent been here a great while you know but we have got acquainted with all our neighbors but you

You see Grandpa lives among his books and doesnt mind much what happens outside Mr Brooke my tutor doesnt stay here you know and I have no one to go about with me so I just stop at home and get on as I can

Thats bad You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you are asked then youll have plenty of friends and pleasant places to go to Never mind being bashful It wont last long if you keep going

Laurie turned red again but wasnt offended at being accused of bashfulness for there was so much good will in Jo it was impossible not to take her blunt speeches as kindly as they were meant

Do you like your school asked the boy changing the subject after a little pause during which he stared at the fire and Jo looked about her well pleased

Dont go to school Im a businessman—girl I mean I go to wait on my greataunt and a dear cross old soul she is too answered Jo

Laurie opened his mouth to ask another question but remembering just in time that it wasnt manners to make too many inquiries into peoples affairs he shut it again and looked uncomfortable

Jo liked his good breeding and didnt mind having a laugh at Aunt March so she gave him a lively description of the fidgety old lady her fat poodle the parrot that talked Spanish and the library where she reveled

Laurie enjoyed that immensely and when she told about the prim old gentleman who came once to woo Aunt March and in the middle of a fine speech how Poll had tweaked his wig off to his great dismay the boy lay back and laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks and a maid popped her head in to see what was the matter

Oh That does me no end of good Tell on please he said taking his face out of the sofa cushion red and shining with merriment

Much elated with her success Jo did tell on all about their plays and plans their hopes and fears for Father and the most interesting events of the little world in which the sisters lived Then they got to talking about books and to Jos 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 neednt be afraid said Laurie getting up

Im not afraid of anything returned Jo with a toss of the head

I dont believe you are exclaimed the boy looking at her with much admiration though he privately thought she would have good reason to be a trifle afraid of the old gentleman if she met him in some of his moods

The atmosphere of the whole house being summerlike Laurie led the way from room to room letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy And so at last 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 distracting little cabinets full of coins and curiosities and Sleepy Hollow chairs and queer tables and bronzes and best of all a great open fireplace with quaint tiles all round it

What richness sighed Jo sinking into the depth of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air of intense satisfaction Theodore Laurence you ought to be the happiest boy in the world she added impressively

A fellow cant live on books said Laurie shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite

Before he could more a bell rang and Jo flew up exclaiming with alarm Mercy me Its your grandpa

Well what if it is You are not afraid of anything you know returned the boy looking wicked

I think I am a little bit afraid of him but I dont know why I should be Marmee said I might come and I dont think youre any the worse for it said Jo composing herself though she kept her eyes on the door

Im a great deal better for it and ever so much obliged Im only afraid you are very tired of talking to me It was so pleasant I couldnt 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

Dont mind me Im 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 Im sure now that I shouldnt be afraid of him for hes got kind eyes though his mouth is grim and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own He isnt as handsome as my grandfather but I like him

Thank you maam said a gruff voice behind her and there to her great dismay stood old Mr Laurence

Poor Jo blushed till she couldnt blush any redder and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her but that was cowardly and the girls would laugh at her so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could A second look showed her that the living eyes under the bushy eyebrows were kinder even than the painted ones and there was a sly twinkle in them which lessened her fear a good deal The gruff voice was gruffer than ever as the old gentleman said abruptly after the dreadful pause So youre not afraid of me hey

Not much sir

And you dont think me as handsome as your grandfather

Not quite sir

And Ive got a tremendous will have I

I only said I thought so

But you like me in spite of it

Yes I do sir

That answer pleased the old gentleman He gave a short laugh shook hands with her and putting his finger under her chin turned up her face examined it gravely and let it go saying with a nod Youve got your grandfathers spirit if you havent his face He was a fine man my dear but what is better he was a brave and an honest one and I was proud to be his friend

Thank you sir And Jo was quite comfortable after that for it suited her exactly

What have you been doing to this boy of mine hey was the next question sharply put

Only trying to be neighborly sir And Jo told how her visit came about

You think he needs cheering up a bit do you

Yes sir he seems a little lonely and young folks would do him good perhaps We are only girls but we should be glad to help if we could for we dont forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us said Jo eagerly

Tut tut tut That was the boys 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 fathers way of doing good I shall come and see your mother some fine day Tell her so Theres the tea bell we have it early on the boys account Come down and go on being neighborly

If youd like to have me sir

Shouldnt ask you if I didnt And Mr Laurence offered her his arm with oldfashioned 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

Hey Why what the dickens has come to the fellow said the old gentleman as Laurie came running downstairs and brought up with a start of surprise at the astounding sight of Jo arm in arm with his redoubtable grandfather

I didnt know youd come sir he began as Jo gave him a triumphant little glance

Thats evident by the way you racket downstairs Come to your tea sir and behave like a gentleman And having pulled the boys hair by way of a caress Mr Laurence walked on while Laurie went through a series of comic evolutions behind their backs which nearly produced an explosion of laughter from Jo

The old gentleman did not say much as he drank his four cups of tea but he watched the young people who soon chatted away like old friends and the change in his grandson did not escape him There was color light and life in the boys face now vivacity in his manner and genuine merriment in his laugh

Shes right the lad is lonely Ill see what these little girls can do for him thought Mr Laurence as he looked and listened He liked Jo for her odd blunt ways suited him and she seemed to understand the boy almost as well as if she had been one herself

If the Laurences had been what Jo called prim and poky she would not have got on at all for such people always made her shy and awkward But finding them free and easy she was so herself and made a good impression When they rose she proposed to go but Laurie said he had something more to show her and took her away to the conservatory which had been lighted for her benefit It seemed quite fairylike to Jo as she went up and down the walks enjoying the blooming walls on either side the soft light the damp sweet air and the wonderful vines and trees that hung about her while her new friend cut the finest flowers till his hands were full Then he tied them up saying with the happy look Jo liked to see Please give these to your mother and tell her I like the medicine she sent me very much

They found Mr Laurence standing before the fire in the great drawing room but Jos attention was entirely absorbed by a grand piano which stood open

Do you play she asked turning to Laurie with a respectful expression

Sometimes he answered modestly

Please do now I want to hear it so I can tell Beth

Wont you first

Dont know how Too stupid to learn but I love music dearly

So Laurie played and Jo listened with her nose luxuriously buried in heliotrope and tea roses Her respect and regard for the Laurence boy increased very much for he played remarkably well and didnt put on any airs She wished Beth could hear him but she did not say so only praised him till he was quite abashed and his grandfather came to his rescue

That will do that will do young lady Too many sugarplums are not good for him His music isnt bad but I hope he will do as well in more important things Going well Im much obliged to you and I hope youll come again My respects to your mother Good night Doctor Jo

He shook hands kindly but looked as if something did not please him When they got into the hall Jo asked Laurie if she had said something amiss He shook his head

No it was me He doesnt like to hear me play

Why not

Ill tell you some day John is going home with you as I cant

No need of that I am not a young lady and its only a step Take care of yourself wont you

Yes but you will come again I hope

If you promise to come and see us after you are well

I will

Good night Laurie

Good night Jo good night

When all the afternoons adventures had been told the family felt inclined to go visiting in a body for each found something very attractive in the big house on the other side of the hedge Mrs March wanted to talk of her father with the old man who had not forgotten him Meg longed to walk in the conservatory Beth sighed for the grand piano and Amy was eager to see the fine pictures and statues

Mother why didnt Mr Laurence like to have Laurie play asked Jo who was of an inquiring disposition

I am not sure but I think it was because his son Lauries father married an Italian lady a musician which displeased the old man who is very proud The lady was good and lovely and accomplished but he did not like her and never saw his son after he married They both died when Laurie was a little child and then his grandfather took him home I fancy the boy who was born in Italy is not very strong and the old man is afraid of losing him which makes him so careful Laurie comes naturally by his love of music for he is like his mother and I dare say his grandfather fears that he may want to be a musician At any rate his skill reminds him of the woman he did not like and so he glowered as Jo said

Dear me how romantic exclaimed Meg

How silly said Jo Let him be a musician if he wants to and not plague his life out sending him to college when he hates to go

Thats why he has such handsome black eyes and pretty manners I suppose Italians are always nice said Meg who was a little sentimental

What do you know about his eyes and his manners You never spoke to him hardly cried Jo who was not sentimental

I saw him at the party and what you tell shows that he knows how to behave That was a nice little speech about the medicine Mother sent him

He meant the blanc mange I suppose

How stupid you are child He meant you of course

Did he And Jo opened her eyes as if it had never occurred to her before

I never saw such a girl You dont know a compliment when you get it said Meg with the air of a young lady who knew all about the matter

I think they are great nonsense and Ill thank you not to be silly and spoil my fun Lauries a nice boy and I like him and I wont have any sentimental stuff about compliments and such rubbish Well all be good to him because he hasnt got any mother and he may come over and see us maynt he Marmee

Yes Jo your little friend is very welcome and I hope Meg will remember that children should be children as long as they can

I dont call myself a child and Im not in my teens yet observed Amy What do you say Beth

I was thinking about our Pilgrims Progress answered Beth who had not heard a word How we got out of the Slough and through the Wicket Gate by resolving to be good and up the steep hill by trying and that maybe the house over there full of splendid things is going to be our Palace Beautiful

We have got to get by the lions first said Jo as if she rather liked the prospect

CHAPTER SIX

BETH FINDS THE PALACE BEAUTIFUL

The big house did prove a Palace Beautiful though it took some time for all to get in and Beth found it very hard to pass the lions Old Mr Laurence was the biggest one but after he had called said something funny or kind to each one of the girls and talked over old times with their mother nobody felt much afraid of him except timid Beth The other lion was the fact that they were poor and Laurie rich for this made them shy of accepting favors which they could not return But after a while they found that he considered them the benefactors and could not do enough to show how grateful he was for Mrs Marchs motherly welcome their cheerful society and the comfort he took in that humble home of theirs So they soon forgot their pride and interchanged kindnesses without stopping to think which was the greater

All sorts of pleasant things happened about that time for the new friendship flourished like grass in spring Every one liked Laurie and he privately informed his tutor that the Marches were regularly splendid girls With the delightful enthusiasm of youth they took the solitary boy into their midst and made much of him and he found something very charming in the innocent companionship of these simplehearted girls Never having known mother or sisters he was quick to feel the influences they brought about him and their busy lively ways made him ashamed of the indolent life he led He was tired of books and found people so interesting now that Mr Brooke was obliged to make very unsatisfactory reports for Laurie was always playing truant and running over to the Marches

Never mind let him take a holiday and make it up afterward said the old gentleman The good lady next door says he is studying too hard and needs young society amusement and exercise I suspect she is right and that Ive been coddling the fellow as if Id been his grandmother Let him do what he likes as long as he is happy He cant get into mischief in that little nunnery over there and Mrs March is doing more for him than we can

What good times they had to be sure Such plays and tableaux such sleigh rides and skating frolics such pleasant evenings in the old parlor and now and then such gay little parties at the great house Meg could walk in the conservatory whenever she liked and revel in bouquets Jo browsed over the new library voraciously and convulsed the old gentleman with her criticisms Amy copied pictures and enjoyed beauty to her hearts content and Laurie played lord of the manor in the most delightful style

But Beth though yearning for the grand piano could not pluck up courage to go to the Mansion of Bliss as Meg called it She went once with Jo but the old gentleman not being aware of her infirmity stared at her so hard from under his heavy eyebrows and said Hey so loud that he frightened her so much her feet chattered on the floor she never told her mother and she ran away declaring she would never go there any more not even for the dear piano No persuasions or enticements could overcome her fear till the fact coming to Mr Laurences ear in some mysterious way he set about mending matters During one of the brief calls he made he artfully led the conversation to music and talked away about great singers whom he had seen fine organs he had heard and told such charming anecdotes that Beth found it impossible to stay in her distant corner but crept nearer and nearer as if fascinated At the back of his chair she stopped and stood listening with her great eyes wide open and her cheeks red with excitement of this unusual performance Taking no more notice of her than if she had been a fly Mr Laurence talked on about Lauries lessons and teachers And presently as if the idea had just occurred to him he said to Mrs March

The boy neglects his music now and Im glad of it for he was getting too fond of it But the piano suffers for want of use Wouldnt some of your girls like to run over and practice on it now and then just to keep it in tune you know maam

Beth took a step forward and pressed her hands tightly together to keep from clapping them for this was an irresistible temptation and the thought of practicing on that splendid instrument quite took her breath away Before Mrs March could reply Mr Laurence went on with an odd little nod and smile

They neednt see or speak to anyone but run in at any time For Im shut up in my study at the other end of the house Laurie is out a great deal and the servants are never near the drawing room after nine oclock

Here he rose as if going and Beth made up her mind to speak for that last arrangement left nothing to be desired Please tell the young ladies what I say and if they dont care to come why never mind Here a little hand slipped into his and Beth looked up at him with a face full of gratitude as she said in her earnest yet timid way

Oh sir they do care very very much

Are you the musical girl he asked without any startling Hey as he looked down at her very kindly

Im Beth I love it dearly and Ill come if you are quite sure nobody will hear me and be disturbed she added fearing to be rude and trembling at her own boldness as she spoke

Not a soul my dear The house is empty half the day so come and drum away as much as you like and I shall be obliged to you

How kind you are sir

Beth blushed like a rose under the friendly look he wore but she was not frightened now and gave the hand a grateful squeeze because she had no words to thank him for the precious gift he had given her The old gentleman softly stroked the hair off her forehead and stooping down he kissed her saying in a tone few people ever heard

I had a little girl once with eyes like these God bless you my dear Good day madam And away he went in a great hurry

Beth had a rapture with her mother and then rushed up to impart the glorious news to her family of invalids as the girls were not home How blithely she sang that evening and how they all laughed at her because she woke Amy in the night by playing the piano on her face in her sleep Next day having seen both the old and young gentleman out of the house Beth after two or three retreats fairly got in at the side door and made her way as noiselessly as any mouse to the drawing room where her idol stood Quite by accident of course some pretty easy music lay on the piano and with trembling fingers and frequent stops to listen and look about Beth at last touched the great instrument and straightway forgot her fear herself and everything else but the unspeakable delight which the music gave her for it was like the voice of a beloved friend

She stayed till Hannah came to take her home to dinner but she had no appetite and could only sit and smile upon everyone in a general state of beatitude

After that the little brown hood slipped through the hedge nearly every day and the great drawing room was haunted by a tuneful spirit that came and went unseen She never knew that Mr Laurence opened his study door to hear the oldfashioned airs he liked She never saw Laurie mount guard in the hall to warn the servants away She never suspected that the exercise books and new songs which she found in the rack were put there for her especial benefit and when he talked to her about music at home she only thought how kind he was to tell things that helped her so much So she enjoyed herself heartily and found what isnt always the case that her granted wish was all she had hoped Perhaps it was because she was so grateful for this blessing that a greater was given her At any rate she deserved both

Mother Im going to work Mr Laurence a pair of slippers He is so kind to me I must thank him and I dont know any other way Can I do it asked Beth a few weeks after that eventful call of his

Yes dear It will please him very much and be a nice way of thanking him The girls will help you about them and I will pay for the making up replied Mrs March who took peculiar pleasure in granting Beths requests because she so seldom asked anything for herself

After many serious discussions with Meg and Jo the pattern was chosen the materials bought and the slippers begun A cluster of grave yet cheerful pansies on a deeper purple ground was pronounced very appropriate and pretty and Beth worked away early and late with occasional lifts over hard parts She was a nimble little needlewoman and they were finished before anyone got tired of them Then she wrote a short simple note and with Lauries help got them smuggled onto the study table one morning before the old gentleman was up

When this excitement was over Beth waited to see what would happen All day passed and a part of the next before any acknowledgement arrived and she was beginning to fear she had offended her crochety friend On the afternoon of the second day she went out to do an errand and give poor Joanna the invalid doll her daily exercise As she came up the street on her return she saw three yes four heads popping in and out of the parlor windows and the moment they saw her several hands were waved and several joyful voices screamed

Heres a letter from the old gentleman Come quick and read it

Oh Beth hes sent you began Amy gesticulating with unseemly energy but she got no further for Jo quenched her by slamming down the window

Beth hurried on in a flutter of suspense At the door her sisters seized and bore her to the parlor in a triumphal procession all pointing and all saying at once Look there Look there Beth did look and turned pale with delight and surprise for there stood a little cabinet piano with a letter lying on the glossy lid directed like a sign board to Miss Elizabeth March

For me gasped Beth holding onto Jo and feeling as if she should tumble down it was such an overwhelming thing altogether

Yes all for you my precious Isnt it splendid of him Dont you think hes the dearest old man in the world Heres the key in the letter We didnt open it but we are dying to know what he says cried Jo hugging her sister and offering the note

You read it I cant I feel so queer Oh it is too lovely and Beth hid her face in Jos apron quite upset by her present

Jo opened the paper and began to laugh for the first words she saw were

Miss March Dear Madam—

How nice it sounds I wish someone would write to me so said Amy who thought the oldfashioned address very elegant

I have had many pairs of slippers in my life but I never had any that suited me so well as yours continues Jo Heartsease is my favorite flower and these will always remind me of the gentle giver I like to pay my debts so I know you will allow the old gentleman to send you something which once belonged to the little grand daughter he lost With hearty thanks and best wishes I remain Your grateful friend and humble servant JAMES LAURENCE

There Beth thats an honor to be proud of Im sure Laurie told me how fond Mr Laurence used to be of the child who died and how he kept all her little things carefully Just think hes given you her piano That comes of having big blue eyes and loving music said Jo trying to soothe Beth who trembled and looked more excited than she had ever been before

See the cunning brackets to hold candles and the nice green silk puckered up with a gold rose in the middle and the pretty rack and stool all complete added Meg opening the instrument and displaying its beauties

Your humble servant James Laurence Only think of his writing that to you Ill tell the girls Theyll think its splendid said Amy much impressed by the note

Try it honey Lets hear the sound of the baby pianny said Hannah who always took a share in the family joys and sorrows

So Beth tried it and everyone pronounced it the most remarkable piano ever heard It had evidently been newly tuned and put in applepie order but perfect as it was I think the real charm lay in the happiest of all happy faces which leaned over it as Beth lovingly touched the beautiful black and white keys and pressed the bright pedals

Youll have to go and thank him said Jo by way of a joke for the idea of the childs really going never entered her head

Yes I mean to I guess Ill go now before I get frightened thinking about it And to the utter amazement of the assembled family Beth walked deliberately down the garden through the hedge and in at the Laurences door

Well I wish I may die if it aint the queerest thing I ever see The pianny has turned her head Shed never have gone in her right mind cried Hannah staring after her while the girls were rendered quite speechless by the miracle

They would have been still more amazed if they had seen what Beth did afterward If you will believe me she went and knocked at the study door before she gave herself time to think and when a gruff voice called out come in she did go in right up to Mr Laurence who looked quite taken aback and held out her hand saying with only a small quaver in her voice I came to thank you sir for But she didnt finish for he looked so friendly that she forgot her speech and only remembering that he had lost the little girl he loved she put both arms round his neck and kissed him

If the roof of the house had suddenly flown off the old gentleman wouldnt have been more astonished But he liked it Oh dear yes he liked it amazingly And was so touched and pleased by that confiding little kiss that all his crustiness vanished and he just set her on his knee and laid his wrinkled cheek against her rosy one feeling as if he had got his own little granddaughter back again Beth ceased to fear him from that moment and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life for love casts out fear and gratitude can conquer pride When she went home he walked with her to her own gate shook hands cordially and touched his hat as he marched back again looking very stately and erect like a handsome soldierly old gentleman as he was

When the girls saw that performance Jo began to dance a jig by way of expressing her satisfaction Amy nearly fell out of the window in her surprise and Meg exclaimed with uplifted hands Well I do believe the world is coming to an end

CHAPTER SEVEN

AMYS VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

That boy is a perfect cyclops isnt he said Amy one day as Laurie clattered by on horseback with a flourish of his whip as he passed

How dare you say so when hes got both his eyes And very handsome ones they are too cried Jo who resented any slighting remarks about her friend

I didnt say anything about his eyes and I dont see why you need fire up when I admire his riding

Oh my goodness That little goose means a centaur and she called him a Cyclops exclaimed Jo with a burst of laughter

You neednt be so rude its only a lapse of lingy as Mr Davis says retorted Amy finishing Jo with her Latin I just wish I had a little of the money Laurie spends on that horse she added as if to herself yet hoping her sisters would hear

Why asked Meg kindly for Jo had gone off in another laugh at Amys second blunder

I need it so much Im dreadfully in debt and it wont be my turn to have the rag money for a month

In debt Amy What do you mean And Meg looked sober

Why I owe at least a dozen pickled limes and I cant pay them you know till I have money for Marmee forbade my having anything charged at the shop

Tell me all about it Are limes the fashion now It used to be pricking bits of rubber to make balls And Meg tried to keep her countenance Amy looked so grave and important

Why you see the girls are always buying them and unless you want to be thought mean you must do it too Its nothing but limes now for everyone is sucking them in their desks in schooltime and trading them off for pencils bead rings paper dolls or something else at recess If one girl likes another she gives her a lime If shes mad with her she eats one before her face and doesnt offer even a suck They treat by turns and Ive had ever so many but havent returned them and I ought for they are debts of honor you know

How much will pay them off and restore your credit asked Meg taking out her purse

A quarter would more than do it and leave a few cents over for a treat for you Dont you like limes

Not much You may have my share Heres the money Make it last as long as you can for it isnt very plenty you know

Oh thank you It must be so nice to have pocket money Ill have a grand feast for I havent tasted a lime this week I felt delicate about taking any as I couldnt return them and Im actually suffering for one

Next day Amy was rather late at school but could not resist the temptation of displaying with pardonable pride a moist brownpaper parcel before she consigned it to the inmost recesses of her desk During the next few minutes the rumor that Amy March had got twentyfour delicious limes she ate one on the way and was going to treat circulated through her set and the attentions of her friends became quite overwhelming Katy Brown invited her to her next party on the spot Mary Kinglsey insisted on lending her her watch till recess and Jenny Snow a satirical young lady who had basely twitted Amy upon her limeless state promptly buried the hatchet and offered to furnish answers to certain appalling sums But Amy had not forgotten Miss Snows cutting remarks about some persons whose noses were not too flat to smell other peoples limes and stuckup people who were not too proud to ask for them and she instantly crushed that Snow girls hopes by the withering telegram You neednt be so polite all of a sudden for you wont get any

A distinguished personage happened to visit the school that morning and Amys beautifully drawn maps received praise which honor to her foe rankled in the soul of Miss Snow and caused Miss March to assume the airs of a studious young peacock But alas alas Pride goes before a fall and the revengeful Snow turned the tables with disastrous success No sooner had the guest paid the usual stale compliments and bowed himself out than Jenny under pretense of asking an important question informed Mr Davis the teacher that Amy March had pickled limes in her desk

Now Mr Davis had declared limes a contraband article and solemnly vowed to publicly ferrule the first person who was found breaking the law This muchenduring man had succeeded in banishing chewing gum after a long and stormy war had made a bonfire of the confiscated novels and newspapers had suppressed a private post office had forbidden distortions of the face nicknames and caricatures and done all that one man could do to keep half a hundred rebellious girls in order Boys are trying enough to human patience goodness knows but girls are infinitely more so especially to nervous gentlemen with tyrannical tempers and no more talent for teaching than Dr Blimber Mr Davis knew any quantity of Greek Latin algebra and ologies of all sorts so he was called a fine teacher and manners morals feelings and examples were not considered of any particular importance It was a most unfortunate moment for denouncing Amy and Jenny knew it Mr Davis had evidently taken his coffee too strong that morning there was an east wind which always affected his neuralgia and his pupils had not done him the credit which he felt he deserved Therefore to use the expressive if not elegant language of a schoolgirl He was as nervous as a witch and as cross as a bear The word limes was like fire to powder his yellow face flushed and he rapped on his desk with an energy which made Jenny skip to her seat with unusual rapidity

Young ladies attention if you please

At the stern order the buzz ceased and fifty pairs of blue black gray and brown eyes were obediently fixed upon his awful countenance

Miss March come to the desk

Amy rose to comply with outward composure but a secret fear oppressed her for the limes weighed upon her conscience

Bring with you the limes you have in your desk was the unexpected command which arrested her before she got out of her seat

Dont take all whispered her neighbor a young lady of great presence of mind

Amy hastily shook out half a dozen and laid the rest down before Mr Davis feeling that any man possessing a human heart would relent when that delicious perfume met his nose Unfortunately Mr Davis particularly detested the odor of the fashionable pickle and disgust added to his wrath

Is that all

Not quite stammered Amy

Bring the rest immediately

With a despairing glance at her set she obeyed

You are sure there are no more

I never lie sir

So I see Now take these disgusting things two by two and throw them out of the window

There was a simultaneous sigh which created quite a little gust as the last hope fled and the treat was ravished from their longing lips Scarlet with shame and anger Amy went to and fro six dreadful times and as each doomed couple looking oh so plump and juicy fell from her reluctant hands a shout from the street completed the anguish of the girls for it told them that their feast was being exulted over by the little Irish children who were their sworn foes This—this was too much All flashed indignant or appealing glances at the inexorable Davis and one passionate lime lover burst into tears

As Amy returned from her last trip Mr Davis gave a portentous Hem and said in his most impressive manner

Young ladies you remember what I said to you a week ago I am sorry this has happened but I never allow my rules to be infringed and I never break my word Miss March hold out your hand

Amy started and put both hands behind her turning on him an imploring look which pleaded for her better than the words she could not utter She was rather a favorite with old Davis as of course he was called and its my private belief that he would have broken his word if the indignation of one irrepressible young lady had not found vent in a hiss That hiss faint as it was irritated the irascible gentleman and sealed the culprits fate

Your hand Miss March was the only answer her mute appeal received and too proud to cry or beseech Amy set her teeth threw back her head defiantly and bore without flinching several tingling blows on her little palm They were neither many nor heavy but that made no difference to her For the first time in her life she had been struck and the disgrace in her eyes was as deep as if he had knocked her down

You will now stand on the platform till recess said Mr Davis resolved to do the thing thoroughly since he had begun

That was dreadful It would have been bad enough to go to her seat and see the pitying faces of her friends or the satisfied ones of her few enemies but to face the whole school with that shame fresh upon her seemed impossible and for a second she felt as if she could only drop down where she stood and break her heart with crying A bitter sense of wrong and the thought of Jenny Snow helped her to bear it and taking the ignominious place she fixed her eyes on the stove funnel above what now seemed a sea of faces and stood there so motionless and white that the girls found it hard to study with that pathetic figure before them

During the fifteen minutes that followed the proud and sensitive little girl suffered a shame and pain which she never forgot To others it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair but to her it was a hard experience for during the twelve years of her life she had been governed by love alone and a blow of that sort had never touched her before The smart of her hand and the ache of her heart were forgotten in the sting of the thought I shall have to tell at home and they will be so disappointed in me

The fifteen minutes seemed an hour but they came to an end at last and the word Recess had never seemed so welcome to her before

You can go Miss March said Mr Davis looking as he felt uncomfortable

He did not soon forget the reproachful glance Amy gave him as she went without a word to anyone straight into the anteroom snatched her things and left the place forever as she passionately declared to herself She was in a sad state when she got home and when the older girls arrived some time later an indignation meeting was held at once Mrs March did not say much but looked disturbed and comforted her afflicted little daughter in her tenderest manner Meg bathed the insulted hand with glycerine and tears Beth felt that even her beloved kittens would fail as a balm for griefs like this Jo wrathfully proposed that Mr Davis be arrested without delay and Hannah shook her fist at the villain and pounded potatoes for dinner as if she had him under her pestle

No notice was taken of Amys flight except by her mates but the sharpeyed demoiselles discovered that Mr Davis was quite benignant in the afternoon also unusually nervous Just before school closed Jo appeared wearing a grim expression as she stalked up to the desk and delivered a letter from her mother then collected Amys property and departed carefully scraping the mud from her boots on the door mat as if she shook the dust of the place off her feet

Yes you can have a vacation from school but I want you to study a little every day with Beth said Mrs March that evening I dont approve of corporal punishment especially for girls I dislike Mr Daviss manner of teaching and dont think the girls you associate with are doing you any good so I shall ask your fathers advice before I send you anywhere else

Thats good I wish all the girls would leave and spoil his old school Its perfectly maddening to think of those lovely limes sighed Amy with the air of a martyr

I am not sorry you lost them for you broke the rules and deserved some punishment for disobedience was the severe reply which rather disappointed the young lady who expected nothing but sympathy

Do you mean you are glad I was disgraced before the whole school cried Amy

I should not have chosen that way of mending a fault replied her mother but Im not sure that it wont do you more good than a bolder method You are getting to be rather conceited my dear and it is quite time you set about correcting it You have a good many little gifts and virtues but there is no need of parading them for conceit spoils the finest genius There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long even if it is the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one and the great charm of all power is modesty

So it is cried Laurie who was playing chess in a corner with Jo I knew a girl once who had a really remarkable talent for music and she didnt know it never guessed what sweet little things she composed when she was alone and wouldnt have believed it if anyone had told her

I wish Id known that nice girl Maybe she would have helped me Im so stupid said Beth who stood beside him listening eagerly

You do know her and she helps you better than anyone else could answered Laurie looking at her with such mischievous meaning in his merry black eyes that Beth suddenly turned very red and hid her face in the sofa cushion quite overcome by such an unexpected discovery

Jo let Laurie win the game to pay for that praise of her Beth who could not be prevailed upon to play for them after her compliment So Laurie did his best and sang delightfully being in a particularly lively humor for to the Marches he seldom showed the moody side of his character When he was gone Amy who had been pensive all evening said suddenly as if busy over some new idea Is Laurie an accomplished boy

Yes he has had an excellent education and has much talent He will make a fine man if not spoiled by petting replied her mother

And he isnt conceited is he asked Amy

Not in the least That is why he is so charming and we all like him so much

I see Its nice to have accomplishments and be elegant but not to show off or get perked up said Amy thoughtfully

These things are always seen and felt in a persons manner and conversations if modestly used but it is not necessary to display them said Mrs March

Any more than its proper to wear all your bonnets and gowns and ribbons at once that folks may know youve got them added Jo and the lecture ended in a laugh

CHAPTER EIGHT

JO MEETS APOLLYON

Girls where are you going asked Amy coming into their room one Saturday afternoon and finding them getting ready to go out with an air of secrecy which excited her curiosity

Never mind Little girls shouldnt ask questions returned Jo sharply

Now if there is anything mortifying to our feelings when we are young it is to be told that and to be bidden to run away dear is still more trying to us Amy bridled up at this insult and determined to find out the secret if she teased for an hour Turning to Meg who never refused her anything very long she said coaxingly Do tell me I should think you might let me go too for Beth is fussing over her piano and I havent got anything to do and am so lonely

I cant dear because you arent invited began Meg but Jo broke in impatiently Now Meg be quiet or you will spoil it all You cant go Amy so dont be a baby and whine about it

You are going somewhere with Laurie I know you are You were whispering and laughing together on the sofa last night and you stopped when I came in Arent you going with him

Yes we are Now do be still and stop bothering

Amy held her tongue but used her eyes and saw Meg slip a fan into her pocket

I know I know Youre going to the theater to see the Seven Castles she cried adding resolutely and I shall go for Mother said I might see it and Ive got my rag money and it was mean not to tell me in time

Just listen to me a minute and be a good child said Meg soothingly Mother doesnt wish you to go this week because your eyes are not well enough yet to bear the light of this fairy piece Next week you can go with Beth and Hannah and have a nice time

I dont like that half as well as going with you and Laurie Please let me Ive been sick with this cold so long and shut up Im dying for some fun Do Meg Ill be ever so good pleaded Amy looking as pathetic as she could

Suppose we take her I dont believe Mother would mind if we bundle her up well began Meg

If she goes I shant and if I dont Laurie wont like it and it will be very rude after he invited only us to go and drag in Amy I should think shed hate to poke herself where she isnt wanted said Jo crossly for she disliked the trouble of overseeing a fidgety child when she wanted to enjoy herself

Her tone and manner angered Amy who began to put her boots on saying in her most aggravating way I shall go Meg says I may and if I pay for myself Laurie hasnt anything to do with it

You cant sit with us for our seats are reserved and you mustnt sit alone so Laurie will give you his place and that will spoil our pleasure Or hell get another seat for you and that isnt proper when you werent asked You shant stir a step so you may just stay where you are scolded Jo crosser than ever having just pricked her finger in her hurry

Sitting on the floor with one boot on Amy began to cry and Meg to reason with her when Laurie called from below and the two girls hurried down leaving their sister wailing For now and then she forgot her grownup ways and acted like a spoiled child Just as the party was setting out Amy called over the banisters in a threatening tone Youll be sorry for this Jo March see if you aint

Fiddlesticks returned Jo slamming the door

They had a charming time for The Seven Castles Of The Diamond Lake was as brilliant and wonderful as heart could wish But in spite of the comical red imps sparkling elves and the gorgeous princes and princesses Jos pleasure had a drop of bitterness in it The fairy queens yellow curls reminded her of Amy and between the acts she amused herself with wondering what her sister would do to make her sorry for it She and Amy had had many lively skirmishes in the course of their lives for both had quick tempers and were apt to be violent when fairly roused Amy teased Jo and Jo irritated Amy and semioccasional explosions occurred of which both were much ashamed afterward Although the oldest Jo had the least selfcontrol and had hard times trying to curb the fiery spirit which was continually getting her into trouble Her anger never lasted long and having humbly confessed her fault she sincerely repented and tried to do better Her sisters used to say that they rather liked to get Jo into a fury because she was such an angel afterward Poor Jo tried desperately to be good but her bosom enemy was always ready to flame up and defeat her and it took years of patient effort to subdue it

When they got home they found Amy reading in the parlor She assumed an injured air as they came in never lifted her eyes from her book or asked a single question Perhaps curiosity might have conquered resentment if Beth had not been there to inquire and receive a glowing description of the play On going up to put away her best hat Jos first look was toward the bureau for in their last quarrel Amy had soothed her feelings by turning Jos top drawer upside down on the floor Everything was in its place however and after a hasty glance into her various closets bags and boxes Jo decided that Amy had forgiven and forgotten her wrongs

There Jo was mistaken for next day she made a discovery which produced a tempest Meg Beth and Amy were sitting together late in the afternoon when Jo burst into the room looking excited and demanding breathlessly Has anyone taken my book

Meg and Beth said No at once and looked surprised Amy poked the fire and said nothing Jo saw her color rise and was down upon her in a minute

Amy youve got it

No I havent

You know where it is then

No I dont

Thats a fib cried Jo taking her by the shoulders and looking fierce enough to frighten a much braver child than Amy

It isnt I havent got it dont know where it is now and dont care

You know something about it and youd better tell at once or Ill make you And Jo gave her a slight shake

Scold as much as you like youll never see your silly old book again cried Amy getting excited in her turn

Why not

I burned it up

What My little book I was so fond of and worked over and meant to finish before Father got home Have you really burned it said Jo turning very pale while her eyes kindled and her hands clutched Amy nervously

Yes I did I told you Id make you pay for being so cross yesterday and I have so

Amy got no farther for Jos hot temper mastered her and she shook Amy till her teeth chattered in her head crying in a passion of grief and anger

You wicked wicked girl I never can write it again and Ill never forgive you as long as I live

Meg flew to rescue Amy and Beth to pacify Jo but Jo was quite beside herself and with a parting box on her sisters ear she rushed out of the room up to the old sofa in the garret and finished her fight alone

The storm cleared up below for Mrs March came home and having heard the story soon brought Amy to a sense of the wrong she had done her sister Jos book was the pride of her heart and was regarded by her family as a literary sprout of great promise It was only half a dozen little fairy tales but Jo had worked over them patiently putting her whole heart into her work hoping to make something good enough to print She had just copied them with great care and had destroyed the old manuscript so that Amys bonfire had consumed the loving work of several years It seemed a small loss to others but to Jo it was a dreadful calamity and she felt that it never could be made up to her Beth mourned as for a departed kitten and Meg refused to defend her pet Mrs March looked grave and grieved and Amy felt that no one would love her till she had asked pardon for the act which she now regretted more than any of them

When the tea bell rang Jo appeared looking so grim and unapproachable that it took all Amys courage to say meekly

Please forgive me Jo Im very very sorry

I never shall forgive you was Jos stern answer and from that moment she ignored Amy entirely

No one spoke of the great trouble not even Mrs March for all had learned by experience that when Jo was in that mood words were wasted and the wisest course was to wait till some little accident or her own generous nature softened Jos resentment and healed the breach It was not a happy evening for though they sewed as usual while their mother read aloud from Bremer Scott or Edgeworth something was wanting and the sweet home peace was disturbed They felt this most when singing time came for Beth could only play Jo stood dumb as a stone and Amy broke down so Meg and Mother sang alone But in spite of their efforts to be as cheery as larks the flutelike voices did not seem to chord as well as usual and all felt out of tune

As Jo received her goodnight kiss Mrs March whispered gently My dear dont let the sun go down upon your anger Forgive each other help each other and begin again tomorrow

Jo wanted to lay her head down on that motherly bosom and cry her grief and anger all away but tears were an unmanly weakness and she felt so deeply injured that she really couldnt quite forgive yet So she winked hard shook her head and said gruffly because Amy was listening It was an abominable thing and she doesnt deserve to be forgiven

With that she marched off to bed and there was no merry or confidential gossip that night

Amy was much offended that her overtures of peace had been repulsed and began to wish she had not humbled herself to feel more injured than ever and to plume herself on her superior virtue in a way which was particularly exasperating Jo still looked like a thunder cloud and nothing went well all day It was bitter cold in the morning she dropped her precious turnover in the gutter Aunt March had an attack of the fidgets Meg was sensitive Beth would look grieved and wistful when she got home and Amy kept making remarks about people who were always talking about being good and yet wouldnt even try when other people set them a virtuous example

Everybody is so hateful Ill ask Laurie to go skating He is always kind and jolly and will put me to rights I know said Jo to herself and off she went

Amy heard the clash of skates and looked out with an impatient exclamation

There She promised I should go next time for this is the last ice we shall have But its no use to ask such a crosspatch to take me

Dont say that You were very naughty and it is hard to forgive the loss of her precious little book but I think she might do it now and I guess she will if you try her at the right minute said Meg Go after them Dont say anything till Jo has got goodnatured with Laurie than take a quiet minute and just kiss her or do some kind thing and Im sure shell be friends again with all her heart

Ill try said Amy for the advice suited her and after a flurry to get ready she ran after the friends who were just disappearing over the hill

It was not far to the river but both were ready before Amy reached them Jo saw her coming and turned her back Laurie did not see for he was carefully skating along the shore sounding the ice for a warm spell had preceded the cold snap

Ill go on to the first bend and see if its all right before we begin to race Amy heard him say as he shot away looking like a young Russian in his furtrimmed coat and cap

Jo heard Amy panting after her run stamping her feet and blowing on her fingers as she tried to put her skates on but Jo never turned and went slowly zigzagging down the river taking a bitter unhappy sort of satisfaction in her sisters troubles She had cherished her anger till it grew strong and took possession of her as evil thoughts and feelings always do unless cast out at once As Laurie turned the bend he shouted back

Keep near the shore It isnt safe in the middle Jo heard but Amy was struggling to her feet and did not catch a word Jo glanced over her shoulder and the little demon she was harboring said in her ear

No matter whether she heard or not let her take care of herself

Laurie had vanished round the bend Jo was just at the turn and Amy far behind striking out toward the smoother ice in the middle of the river For a minute Jo stood still with a strange feeling in her heart then she resolved to go on but something held and turned her round just in time to see Amy throw up her hands and go down with a sudden crash of rotten ice the splash of water and a cry that made Jos heart stand still with fear She tried to call Laurie but her voice was gone She tried to rush forward but her feet seemed to have no strength in them and for a second she could only stand motionless staring with a terrorstricken face at the little blue hood above the black water Something rushed swiftly by her and Lauries voice cried out

Bring a rail Quick quick

How she did it she never knew but for the next few minutes she worked as if possessed blindly obeying Laurie who was quite selfpossessed and lying flat held Amy up by his arm and hockey stick till Jo dragged a rail from the fence and together they got the child out more frightened than hurt

Now then we must walk her home as fast as we can Pile our things on her while I get off these confounded skates cried Laurie wrapping his coat round Amy and tugging away at the straps which never seemed so intricate before

Shivering dripping and crying they got Amy home and after an exciting time of it she fell asleep rolled in blankets before a hot fire During the bustle Jo had scarcely spoken but flown about looking pale and wild with her things half off her dress torn and her hands cut and bruised by ice and rails and refractory buckles When Amy was comfortably asleep the house quiet and Mrs March sitting by the bed she called Jo to her and began to bind up the hurt hands

Are you sure she is safe whispered Jo looking remorsefully at the golden head which might have been swept away from her sight forever under the treacherous ice

Quite safe dear She is not hurt and wont even take cold I think you were so sensible in covering and getting her home quickly replied her mother cheerfully

Laurie did it all I only let her go Mother if she should die it would be my fault And Jo dropped down beside the bed in a passion of penitent tears telling all that had happened bitterly condemning her hardness of heart and sobbing out her gratitude for being spared the heavy punishment which might have come upon her

Its my dreadful temper I try to cure it I think I have and then it breaks out worse than ever Oh Mother what shall I do What shall I do cried poor Jo in despair

Watch and pray dear never get tired of trying and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault said Mrs March drawing the blowzy head to her shoulder and kissing the wet cheek so tenderly that Jo cried even harder

You dont know you cant guess how bad it is It seems as if I could do anything when Im in a passion I get so savage I could hurt anyone and enjoy it Im afraid I shall do something dreadful some day and spoil my life and make everybody hate me Oh Mother help me do help me

I will my child I will Dont cry so bitterly but remember this day and resolve with all your soul that you will never know another like it Jo dear we all have our temptations some far greater than yours and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them You think your temper is the worst in the world but mine used to be just like it

Yours Mother Why you are never angry And for the moment Jo forgot remorse in surprise

Ive been trying to cure it for forty years and have only succeeded in controlling it I am angry nearly every day of my life Jo but I have learned not to show it and I still hope to learn not to feel it though it may take me another forty years to do so

The patience and the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture the sharpest reproof She felt comforted at once by the sympathy and confidence given her The knowledge that her mother had a fault like hers and tried to mend it made her own easier to bear and strengthened her resolution to cure it though forty years seemed rather a long time to watch and pray to a girl of fifteen

Mother are you angry when you fold your lips tight together and go out of the room sometimes when Aunt March scolds or people worry you asked Jo feeling nearer and dearer to her mother than ever before

Yes Ive learned to check the hasty words that rise to my lips and when I feel that they mean to break out against my will I just go away for a minute and give myself a little shake for being so weak and wicked answered Mrs March with a sigh and a smile as she smoothed and fastened up Jos disheveled hair

How did you learn to keep still That is what troubles me for the sharp words fly out before I know what Im about and the more I say the worse I get till its a pleasure to hurt peoples feelings and say dreadful things Tell me how you do it Marmee dear

My good mother used to help me

As you do us interrupted Jo with a grateful kiss

But I lost her when I was a little older than you are and for years had to struggle on alone for I was too proud to confess my weakness to anyone else I had a hard time Jo and shed a good many bitter tears over my failures for in spite of my efforts I never seemed to get on Then your father came and I was so happy that I found it easy to be good But byandby when I had four little daughters round me and we were poor then the old trouble began again for I am not patient by nature and it tried me very much to see my children wanting anything

Poor Mother What helped you then

Your father Jo He never loses patience never doubts or complains but always hopes and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him He helped and comforted me and showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess for I was their example It was easier to try for your sakes than for my own A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done and the love respect and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy

Oh Mother if Im ever half as good as you I shall be satisfied cried Jo much touched

I hope you will be a great deal better dear but you must keep watch over your bosom enemy as father calls it or it may sadden if not spoil your life You have had a warning Remember it and try with heart and soul to master this quick temper before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today

I will try Mother I truly will But you must help me remind me and keep me from flying out I used to see Father sometimes put his finger on his lips and look at you with a very kind but sober face and you always folded your lips tight and went away Was he reminding you then asked Jo softly

Yes I asked him to help me so and he never forgot it but saved me from many a sharp word by that little gesture and kind look

Jo saw that her mothers eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke and fearing that she had said too much she whispered anxiously Was it wrong to watch you and to speak of it I didnt mean to be rude but its so comfortable to say all I think to you and feel so safe and happy here

My Jo you may say anything to your mother for it is my greatest happiness and pride to feel that my girls confide in me and know how much I love them

I thought Id grieved you

No dear but speaking of Father reminded me how much I miss him how much I owe him and how faithfully I should watch and work to keep his little daughters safe and good for him

Yet you told him to go Mother and didnt cry when he went and never complain now or seem as if you needed any help said Jo wondering

I gave my best to the country I love and kept my tears till he was gone Why should I complain when we both have merely done our duty and will surely be the happier for it in the end If I dont seem to need help it is because I have a better friend even than Father to comfort and sustain me My child the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one The more you love and trust Him the nearer you will feel to Him and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom His love and care never tire or change can never be taken from you but may become the source of lifelong peace happiness and strength Believe this heartily and go to God with all your little cares and hopes and sins and sorrows as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother

Jos only answer was to hold her mother close and in the silence which followed the sincerest prayer she had ever prayed left her heart without words For in that sad yet happy hour she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair but the sweetness of selfdenial and selfcontrol and led by her mothers hand she had drawn nearer to the Friend who always welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any father tenderer than that of any mother

Amy stirred and sighed in her sleep and as if eager to begin at once to mend her fault Jo looked up with an expression on her face which it had never worn before

I let the sun go down on my anger I wouldnt forgive her and today if it hadnt been for Laurie it might have been too late How could I be so wicked said Jo half aloud as she leaned over her sister softly stroking the wet hair scattered on the pillow

As if she heard Amy opened her eyes and held out her arms with a smile that went straight to Jos heart Neither said a word but they hugged one another close in spite of the blankets and everything was forgiven and forgotten in one hearty kiss

CHAPTER NINE

MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR

I do think it was the most fortunate thing in the world that those children should have the measles just now said Meg one April day as she stood packing the go abroady trunk in her room surrounded by her sisters

And so nice of Annie Moffat not to forget her promise A whole fortnight of fun will be regularly splendid replied Jo looking like a windmill as she folded skirts with her long arms

And such lovely weather Im so glad of that added Beth tidily sorting neck and hair ribbons in her best box lent for the great occasion

I wish I was going to have a fine time and wear all these nice things said Amy with her mouth full of pins as she artistically replenished her sisters cushion

I wish you were all going but as you cant I shall keep my adventures to tell you when I come back Im sure its the least I can do when you have been so kind lending me things and helping me get ready said Meg glancing round the room at the very simple outfit which seemed nearly perfect in their eyes

What did Mother give you out of the treasure box asked Amy who had not been present at the opening of a certain cedar chest in which Mrs March kept a few relics of past splendor as gifts for her girls when the proper time came

A pair of silk stockings that pretty carved fan and a lovely blue sash I wanted the violet silk but there isnt time to make it over so I must be contented with my old tarlaton

It will look nice over my new muslin skirt and the sash will set it off beautifully I wish I hadnt smashed my coral bracelet for you might have had it said Jo who loved to give and lend but whose possessions were usually too dilapidated to be of much use

There is a lovely oldfashioned pearl set in the treasure chest but Mother said real flowers were the prettiest ornament for a young girl and Laurie promised to send me all I want replied Meg Now let me see theres my new gray walking suit just curl up the feather in my hat Beth then my poplin for Sunday and the small party it looks heavy for spring doesnt it The violet silk would be so nice Oh dear

Never mind youve got the tarlaton for the big party and you always look like an angel in white said Amy brooding over the little store of finery in which her soul delighted

It isnt lownecked and it doesnt sweep enough but it will have to do My blue housedress looks so well turned and freshly trimmed that I feel as if Id got a new one My silk sacque isnt a bit the fashion and my bonnet doesnt look like Sallies I didnt like to say anything but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella I told Mother black with a white handle but she forgot and bought a green one with a yellowish handle Its strong and neat so I ought not to complain but I know I shall feel ashamed of it beside Annies silk one with a gold top sighed Meg surveying the little umbrella with great disfavor

Change it advised Jo

I wont be so silly or hurt Marmees feelings when she took so much pains to get my things Its a nonsensical notion of mine and Im not going to give up to it My silk stockings and two pairs of new gloves are my comfort You are a dear to lend me yours Jo I feel so rich and sort of elegant with two new pairs and the old ones cleaned up for common And Meg took a refreshing peep at her glove box

Annie Moffat has blue and pink bows on her nightcaps Would you put some on mine she asked as Beth brought up a pile of snowy muslins fresh from Hannahs hands

No I wouldnt for the smart caps wont match the plain gowns without any trimming on them Poor folks shouldnt rig said Jo decidedly

I wonder if I shall ever be happy enough to have real lace on my clothes and bows on my caps said Meg impatiently

You said the other day that youd be perfectly happy if you could only go to Annie Moffats observed Beth in her quiet way

So I did Well I am happy and I wont fret but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants doesnt it There now the trays are ready and everything in but my ball dress which I shall leave for Mother to pack said Meg cheering up as she glanced from the halffilled trunk to the many times pressed and mended white tarlaton which she called her ball dress with an important air

The next day was fine and Meg departed in style for a fortnight of novelty and pleasure Mrs March had consented to the visit rather reluctantly fearing that Margaret would come back more discontented than she went But she begged so hard and Sallie had promised to take good care of her and a little pleasure seemed so delightful after a winter of irksome work that the mother yielded and the daughter went to take her first taste of fashionable life

The Moffats were very fashionable and simple Meg was rather daunted at first by the splendor of the house and the elegance of its occupants But they were kindly people in spite of the frivolous life they led and soon put their guest at her ease Perhaps Meg felt without understanding why that they were not particularly cultivated or intelligent people and that all their gilding could not quite conceal the ordinary material of which they were made It certainly was agreeable to fare sumptuously drive in a fine carriage wear her best frock every day and do nothing but enjoy herself It suited her exactly and soon she began to imitate the manners and conversation of those about her to put on little airs and graces use French phrases crimp her hair take in her dresses and talk about the fashions as well as she could The more she saw of Annie Moffats pretty things the more she envied her and sighed to be rich Home now looked bare and dismal as she thought of it work grew harder than ever and she felt that she was a very destitute and muchinjured girl in spite of the new gloves and silk stockings

She had not much time for repining however for the three young girls were busily employed in having a good time They shopped walked rode and called all day went to theaters and operas or frolicked at home in the evening for Annie had many friends and knew how to entertain them Her older sisters were very fine young ladies and one was engaged which was extremely interesting and romantic Meg thought Mr Moffat was a fat jolly old gentleman who knew her father and Mrs Moffat a fat jolly old lady who took as great a fancy to Meg as her daughter had done Everyone petted her and Daisey as they called her was in a fair way to have her head turned

When the evening for the small party came she found that the poplin wouldnt do at all for the other girls were putting on thin dresses and making themselves very fine indeed So out came the tarlatan looking older limper and shabbier than ever beside Sallies crisp new one Meg saw the girls glance at it and then at one another and her cheeks began to burn for with all her gentleness she was very proud No one said a word about it but Sallie offered to dress her hair and Annie to tie her sash and Belle the engaged sister praised her white arms But in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty and her heart felt very heavy as she stood by herself while the others laughed chattered and flew about like gauzy butterflies The hard bitter feeling was getting pretty bad when the maid brought in a box of flowers Before she could speak Annie had the cover off and all were exclaiming at the lovely roses heath and fern within

Its for Belle of course George always sends her some but these are altogether ravishing cried Annie with a great sniff

They are for Miss March the man said And heres a note put in the maid holding it to Meg

What fun Who are they from Didnt know you had a lover cried the girls fluttering about Meg in a high state of curiosity and surprise

The note is from Mother and the flowers from Laurie said Meg simply yet much gratified that he had not forgotten her

Oh indeed said Annie with a funny look as Meg slipped the note into her pocket as a sort of talisman against envy vanity and false pride for the few loving words had done her good and the flowers cheered her up by their beauty

Feeling almost happy again she laid by a few ferns and roses for herself and quickly made up the rest in dainty bouquets for the breasts hair or skirts of her friends offering them so prettily that Clara the elder sister told her she was the sweetest little thing she ever saw and they looked quite charmed with her small attention Somehow the kind act finished her despondency and when all the rest went to show themselves to Mrs Moffat she saw a happy brighteyed face in the mirror as she laid her ferns against her rippling hair and fastened the roses in the dress that didnt strike her as so very shabby now

She enjoyed herself very much that evening for she danced to her hearts content Everyone was very kind and she had three compliments Annie made her sing and some one said she had a remarkably fine voice Major Lincoln asked who the fresh little girl with the beautiful eyes was and Mr Moffat insisted on dancing with her because she didnt dawdle but had some spring in her as he gracefully expressed it So altogether she had a very nice time till she overheard a bit of conversation which disturbed her extremely She was sitting just inside the conservatory waiting for her partner to bring her an ice when she heard a voice ask on the other side of the flowery wall

How old is he

Sixteen or seventeen I should say replied another voice

It would be a grand thing for one of those girls wouldnt it Sallie says they are very intimate now and the old man quite dotes on them

Mrs M has made her plans I dare say and will play her cards well early as it is The girl evidently doesnt think of it yet said Mrs Moffat

She told that fib about her momma as if she did know and colored up when the flowers came quite prettily Poor thing Shed be so nice if she was only got up in style Do you think shed be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday asked another voice

Shes proud but I dont believe shed mind for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got She may tear it tonight and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one

Here Megs partner appeared to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated She was proud and her pride was useful just then for it helped her hide her mortification anger and disgust at what she had just heard For innocent and unsuspicious as she was she could not help understanding the gossip of her friends She tried to forget it but could not and kept repeating to herself Mrs M has made her plans that fib about her mamma and dowdy tarlaton till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice As that was impossible she did her best to seem gay and being rather excited she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making She was very glad when it was all over and she was quiet in her bed where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears Those foolish yet well meant words had opened a new world to Meg and much disturbed the peace of the old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child Her innocent friendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs Moffat who judged others by herself and the sensible resolution to be contented with the simple wardrobe which suited a poor mans daughter was weakened by the unnecessary pity of girls who thought a shabby dress one of the greatest calamities under heaven

Poor Meg had a restless night and got up heavyeyed unhappy half resentful toward her friends and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right Everybody dawdled that morning and it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once They treated her with more respect she thought took quite a tender interest in what she said and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity All this surprised and flattered her though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing and said with a sentimental air

Daisy dear Ive sent an invitation to your friend Mr Laurence for Thursday We should like to know him and its only a proper compliment to you

Meg colored but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely You are very kind but Im afraid he wont come

Why not Cherie asked Miss Belle

Hes too old

My child what do you mean What is his age I beg to know cried Miss Clara

Nearly seventy I believe answered Meg counting stitches to hide the merriment in her eyes

You sly creature Of course we meant the young man exclaimed Miss Belle laughing

There isnt any Laurie is only a little boy And Meg laughed also at the queer look which the sisters exchanged as she thus described her supposed lover

About your age Nan said

Nearer my sister Jos I am seventeen in August returned Meg tossing her head

Its very nice of him to send you flowers isnt it said Annie looking wise about nothing

Yes he often does to all of us for their house is full and we are so fond of them My mother and old Mr Laurence are friends you know so it is quite natural that we children should play together and Meg hoped they would say no more

Its evident Daisy isnt out yet said Miss Clara to Belle with a nod

Quite a pastoral state of innocence all round returned Miss Belle with a shrug

Im going out to get some little matters for my girls Can I do anything for you young ladies asked Mrs Moffat lumbering in like an elephant in silk and lace

No thank you maam replied Sallie Ive got my new pink silk for Thursday and dont want a thing

Nor I began Meg but stopped because it occurred to her that she did want several things and could not have them

What shall you wear asked Sallie

My old white one again if I can mend it fit to be seen it got sadly torn last night said Meg trying to speak quite easily but feeling very uncomfortable

Why dont you send home for another said Sallie who was not an observing young lady

I havent got any other It cost Meg an effort to say that but Sallie did not see it and exclaimed in amiable surprise Only that How funny She did not finish her speech for Belle shook her head at her and broke in saying kindly

Not at all Where is the use of having a lot of dresses when she isnt out yet Theres no need of sending home Daisy even if you had a dozen for Ive got a sweet blue silk laid away which Ive outgrown and you shall wear it to please me wont you dear

You are very kind but I dont mind my old dress if you dont it does well enough for a little girl like me said Meg

Now do let me please myself by dressing you up in style I admire to do it and youd be a regular little beauty with a touch here and there I shant let anyone see you till you are done and then well burst upon them like Cinderella and her godmother going to the ball said Belle in her persuasive tone

Meg couldnt refuse the offer so kindly made for a desire to see if she would be a little beauty after touching up caused her to accept and forget all her former uncomfortable feelings toward the Moffats

On the Thursday evening Belle shut herself up with her maid and between them they turned Meg into a fine lady They crimped and curled her hair they polished her neck and arms with some fragrant powder touched her lips with coralline salve to make them redder and Hortense would have added a soupcon of rouge if Meg had not rebelled They laced her into a skyblue dress which was so tight she could hardly breathe and so low in the neck that modest Meg blushed at herself in the mirror A set of silver filagree was added bracelets necklace brooch and even earrings for Hortense tied them on with a bit of pink silk which did not show A cluster of tearose buds at the bosom and a ruche reconciled Meg to the display of her pretty white shoulders and a pair of highheeled silk boots satisfied the last wish of her heart A lace handkerchief a plumy fan and a bouquet in a shoulder holder finished her off and Miss Belle surveyed her with the satisfaction of a little girl with a newly dressed doll

Mademoiselle is charmante tres jolie is she not cried Hortense clasping her hands in an affected rapture

Come and show yourself said Miss Belle leading the way to the room where the others were waiting

As Meg went rustling after with her long skirts trailing her earrings tinkling her curls waving and her heart beating she felt as if her fun had really begun at last for the mirror had plainly told her that she was a little beauty Her friends repeated the pleasing phrase enthusiastically and for several minutes she stood like a jackdaw in the fable enjoying her borrowed plumes while the rest chattered like a party of magpies

While I dress do you drill her Nan in the management of her skirt and those French heels or she will trip herself up Take your silver butterfly and catch up that long curl on the left side of her head Clara and dont any of you disturb the charming work of my hands said Belle as she hurried away looking well pleased with her success

You dont look a bit like yourself but you are very nice Im nowhere beside you for Belle has heaps of taste and youre quite French I assure you Let your flowers hang dont be so careful of them and be sure you dont trip returned Sallie trying not to care that Meg was prettier than herself

Keeping that warning carefully in mind Margaret got safely down stairs and sailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests were assembled She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect Several young ladies who had taken no notice of her before were very affectionate all of a sudden Several young gentlemen who had only stared at her at the other party now not only stared but asked to be introduced and said all manner of foolish but agreeable things to her and several old ladies who sat on the sofas and criticized the rest of the party inquired who she was with an air of interest She heard Mrs Moffat reply to one of them

Daisy March—father a colonel in the army—one of our first families but reverses of fortune you know intimate friends of the Laurences sweet creature I assure you my Ned is quite wild about her

Dear me said the old lady putting up her glass for another observation of Meg who tried to look as if she had not heard and been rather shocked at Mrs Moffats fibs The queer feeling did not pass away but she imagined herself acting the new part of fine lady and so got on pretty well though the tight dress gave her a sideache the train kept getting under her feet and she was in constant fear lest her earrings should fly off and get lost or broken She was flirting her fan and laughing at the feeble jokes of a young gentleman who tried to be witty when she suddenly stopped laughing and looked confused for just opposite she saw Laurie He was staring at her with undisguised surprise and disapproval also she thought for though he bowed and smiled yet something in his honest eyes made her blush and wish she had her old dress on To complete her confusion she saw Belle nudge Annie and both glance from her to Laurie who she was happy to see looked unusually boyish and shy

Silly creatures to put such thoughts into my head I wont care for it or let it change me a bit thought Meg and rustled across the room to shake hands with her friend

Im glad you came I was afraid you wouldnt she said with her most grownup air

Jo wanted me to come and tell her how you looked so I did answered Laurie without turning his eyes upon her though he half smiled at her maternal tone

What shall you tell her asked Meg full of curiosity to know his opinion of her yet feeling ill at ease with him for the first time

I shall say I didnt know you for you look so grownup and unlike yourself Im quite afraid of you he said fumbling at his glove button

How absurd of you The girls dressed me up for fun and I rather like it Wouldnt Jo stare if she saw me said Meg bent on making him say whether he thought her improved or not

Yes I think she would returned Laurie gravely

Dont you like me so asked Meg

No I dont was the blunt reply

Why not in an anxious tone

He glanced at her frizzled head bare shoulders and fantastically trimmed dress with an expression that abashed her more than his answer which had not a particle of his usual politeness in it

I dont like fuss and feathers

That was altogether too much from a lad younger than herself and Meg walked away saying petulantly You are the rudest boy I ever saw

Feeling very much ruffled she went and stood at a quiet window to cool her cheeks for the tight dress gave her an uncomfortably brilliant color As she stood there Major Lincoln passed by and a minute after she heard him saying to his mother

They are making a fool of that little girl I wanted you to see her but they have spoiled her entirely Shes nothing but a doll tonight

Oh dear sighed Meg I wish Id been sensible and worn my own things then I should not have disgusted other people or felt so uncomfortable and ashamed of myself

She leaned her forehead on the cool pane and stood half hidden by the curtains never minding that her favorite waltz had begun till some one touched her and turning she saw Laurie looking penitent as he said with his very best bow and his hand out

Please forgive my rudeness and come and dance with me

Im afraid it will be too disagreeable to you said Meg trying to look offended and failing entirely

Not a bit of it Im dying to do it Come Ill be good I dont like your gown but I do think you are just splendid And he waved his hands as if words failed to express his admiration

Meg smiled and relented and whispered as they stood waiting to catch the time Take care my skirt doesnt trip you up Its the plague of my life and I was a goose to wear it

Pin it round your neck and then it will be useful said Laurie looking down at the little blue boots which he evidently approved of

Away they went fleetly and gracefully for having practiced at home they were well matched and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see as they twirled merrily round and round feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff

Laurie I want you to do me a favor will you said Meg as he stood fanning her when her breath gave out which it did very soon though she would not own why

Wont I said Laurie with alacrity

Please dont tell them at home about my dress tonight They wont understand the joke and it will worry Mother

Then why did you do it said Lauries eyes so plainly that Meg hastily added

I shall tell them myself all about it and fess to Mother how silly Ive been But Id rather do it myself So youll not tell will you

I give you my word I wont only what shall I say when they ask me

Just say I looked pretty well and was having a good time

Ill say the first with all my heart but how about the other You dont look as if you were having a good time Are you And Laurie looked at her with an expression which made her answer in a whisper

No not just now Dont think Im horrid I only wanted a little fun but this sort doesnt pay I find and Im getting tired of it

Here comes Ned Moffat What does he want said Laurie knitting his black brows as if he did not regard his young host in the light of a pleasant addition to the party

He put his name down for three dances and I suppose hes coming for them What a bore said Meg assuming a languid air which amused Laurie immensely

He did not speak to her again till suppertime when he saw her drinking champagne with Ned and his friend Fisher who were behaving like a pair of fools as Laurie said to himself for he felt a brotherly sort of right to watch over the Marches and fight their battles whenever a defender was needed

Youll have a splitting headache tomorrow if you drink much of that I wouldnt Meg your mother doesnt like it you know he whispered leaning over her chair as Ned turned to refill her glass and Fisher stooped to pick up her fan

Im not Meg tonight Im a doll who does all sorts of crazy things Tomorrow I shall put away my fuss and feathers and be desperately good again she answered with an affected little laugh

Wish tomorrow was here then muttered Laurie walking off illpleased at the change he saw in her

Meg danced and flirted chattered and giggled as the other girls did After supper she undertook the German and blundered through it nearly upsetting her partner with her long skirt and romping in a way that scandalized Laurie who looked on and meditated a lecture But he got no chance to deliver it for Meg kept away from him till he came to say good night

Remember she said trying to smile for the splitting headache had already begun

Silence a la mort replied Laurie with a melodramatic flourish as he went away

This little bit of byplay excited Annies curiosity but Meg was too tired for gossip and went to bed feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and hadnt enjoyed herself as much as she expected She was sick all the next day and on Saturday went home quite used up with her fortnights fun and feeling that she had sat in the lap of luxury long enough

It does seem pleasant to be quiet and not have company manners on all the time Home is a nice place though it isnt splendid said Meg looking about her with a restful expression as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening

Im glad to hear you say so dear for I was afraid home would seem dull and poor to you after your fine quarters replied her mother who had given her many anxious looks that day For motherly eyes are quick to see any change in childrens faces

Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits and when the younger girls were gone to bed she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire saying little and looking worried As the clock struck nine and Jo proposed bed Meg suddenly left her chair and taking Beths stool leaned her elbows on her mothers knee saying bravely

Marmee I want to fess

I thought so What is it dear

Shall I go away asked Jo discreetly

Of course not Dont I always tell you everything I was ashamed to speak of it before the younger children but I want you to know all the dreadful things I did at the Moffats

We are prepared said Mrs March smiling but looking a little anxious

I told you they dressed me up but I didnt tell you that they powdered and squeezed and frizzled and made me look like a fashionplate Laurie thought I wasnt proper I know he did though he didnt say so and one man called me a doll I knew it was silly but they flattered me and said I was a beauty and quantities of nonsense so I let them make a fool of me

Is that all asked Jo as Mrs March looked silently at the downcast face of her pretty daughter and could not find it in her heart to blame her little follies

No I drank champagne and romped and tried to flirt and was altogether abominable said Meg selfreproachfully

There is something more I think And Mrs March smoothed the soft cheek which suddenly grew rosy as Meg answered slowly

Yes Its very silly but I want to tell it because I hate to have people say and think such things about us and Laurie

Then she told the various bits of gossip she had heard at the Moffats and as she spoke Jo saw her mother fold her lips tightly as if ill pleased that such ideas should be put into Megs innocent mind

Well if that isnt the greatest rubbish I ever heard cried Jo indignantly Why didnt you pop out and tell them so on the spot

I couldnt it was so embarrassing for me I couldnt help hearing at first and then I was so angry and ashamed I didnt remember that I ought to go away

Just wait till I see Annie Moffat and Ill show you how to settle such ridiculous stuff The idea of having plans and being kind to Laurie because hes rich and may marry us byandby Wont he shout when I tell him what those silly things say about us poor children And Jo laughed as if on second thoughts the thing struck her as a good joke

If you tell Laurie Ill never forgive you She mustnt must she Mother said Meg looking distressed

No never repeat that foolish gossip and forget it as soon as you can said Mrs March gravely I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little kind I dare say but worldly illbred and full of these vulgar ideas about young people I am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you Meg

Dont be sorry I wont let it hurt me Ill forget all the bad and remember only the good for I did enjoy a great deal and thank you very much for letting me go Ill not be sentimental or dissatisfied Mother I know Im a silly little girl and Ill stay with you till Im fit to take care of myself But it is nice to be praised and admired and I cant help saying I like it said Meg looking half ashamed of the confession

That is perfectly natural and quite harmless if the liking does not become a passion and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty Meg

Margaret sat thinking a moment while Jo stood with her hands behind her looking both interested and a little perplexed for it was a new thing to see Meg blushing and talking about admiration lovers and things of that sort And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow

Mother do you have plans as Mrs Moffat said asked Meg bashfully

Yes my dear I have a great many all mothers do but mine differ somewhat from Mrs Moffats I suspect I will tell you some of them for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right on a very serious subject You are young Meg but not too young to understand me and mothers lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like you Jo your turn will come in time perhaps so listen to my plans and help me carry them out if they are good

Jo went and sat on one arm of the chair looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affair Holding a hand of each and watching the two young faces wistfully Mrs March said in her serious yet cheery way

I want my daughters to be beautiful accomplished and good To be admired loved and respected To have a happy youth to be well and wisely married and to lead useful pleasant lives with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience It is natural to think of it Meg right to hope and wait for it and wise to prepare for it so that when the happy time comes you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy My dear girls I am ambitious for you but not to have you make a dash in the world marry rich men merely because they are rich or have splendid houses which are not homes because love is wanting Money is a needful and precious thing and when well used a noble thing but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for Id rather see you poor mens wives if you were happy beloved contented than queens on thrones without selfrespect and peace

Poor girls dont stand any chance Belle says unless they put themselves forward sighed Meg

Then well be old maids said Jo stoutly

Right Jo Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands said Mrs March decidedly Dont be troubled Meg poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls but so loveworthy that they were not allowed to be old maids Leave these things to time Make this home happy so that you may be fit for homes of your own if they are offered you and contented here if they are not One thing remember my girls Mother is always ready to be your confidant Father to be your friend and both of us hope and trust that our daughters whether married or single will be the pride and comfort of our lives

We will Marmee we will cried both with all their hearts as she bade them good night

CHAPTER TEN

THE PC AND PO

As spring came on a new set of amusements became the fashion and the lengthening days gave long afternoons for work and play of all sorts The garden had to be put in order and each sister had a quarter of the little plot to do what she liked with Hannah used to say Id know which each of them gardings belonged to ef I see em in Chiny and so she might for the girls tastes differed as much as their characters Megs had roses and heliotrope myrtle and a little orange tree in it Jos bed was never alike two seasons for she was always trying experiments This year it was to be a plantation of sun flowers the seeds of which cheerful land aspiring plant were to feed Aunt Cockletop and her family of chicks Beth had oldfashioned fragrant flowers in her garden sweet peas and mignonette larkspur pinks pansies and southernwood with chickweed for the birds and catnip for the pussies Amy had a bower in hers rather small and earwiggy but very pretty to look at with honeysuckle and morningglories hanging their colored horns and bells in graceful wreaths all over it tall white lilies delicate ferns and as many brilliant picturesque plants as would consent to blossom there

Gardening walks rows on the river and flower hunts employed the fine days and for rainy ones they had house diversions some old some new all more or less original One of these was the PC for as secret societies were the fashion it was thought proper to have one and as all of the girls admired Dickens they called themselves the Pickwick Club With a few interruptions they had kept this up for a year and met every Saturday evening in the big garret on which occasions the ceremonies were as follows Three chairs were arranged in a row before a table on which was a lamp also four white badges with a big PC in different colors on each and the weekly newspaper called The Pickwick Portfolio to which all contributed something while Jo who reveled in pens and ink was the editor At seven oclock the four members ascended to the clubroom tied their badges round their heads and took their seats with great solemnity Meg as the eldest was Samuel Pickwick Jo being of a literary turn Augustus Snodgrass Beth because she was round and rosy Tracy Tupman and Amy who was always trying to do what she couldnt was Nathaniel Winkle Pickwick the president read the paper which was filled with original tales poetry local news funny advertisements and hints in which they goodnaturedly reminded each other of their faults and short comings On one occasion Mr Pickwick put on a pair of spectacles without any glass rapped upon the table hemmed and having stared hard at Mr Snodgrass who was tilting back in his chair till he arranged himself properly began to read

    _________________________________________________

    THE PICKWICK PORTFOLIO

    MAY 20 18—

    POETS CORNER

    ANNIVERSARY ODE

    Again we meet to celebrate
    With badge and solemn rite
    Our fiftysecond anniversary
    In Pickwick Hall tonight

    We all are here in perfect health
    None gone from our small band
    Again we see each wellknown face
    And press each friendly hand

    Our Pickwick always at his post
    With reverence we greet
    As spectacles on nose he reads
    Our wellfilled weekly sheet

    Although he suffers from a cold
    We joy to hear him speak
    For words of wisdom from him fall
    In spite of croak or squeak

    Old sixfoot Snodgrass looms on high
    With elephantine grace
    And beams upon the company
    With brown and jovial face

    Poetic fire lights up his eye
    He struggles gainst his lot
    Behold ambition on his brow
    And on his nose a blot

    Next our peaceful Tupman comes
    So rosy plump and sweet
    Who chokes with laughter at the puns
    And tumbles off his seat

    Prim little Winkle too is here
    With every hair in place
    A model of propriety
    Though he hates to wash his face

    The year is gone we still unite
    To joke and laugh and read
    And tread the path of literature
    That doth to glory lead

    Long may our paper prosper well
    Our club unbroken be
    And coming years their blessings pour
    On the useful gay P  C
    A  SNODGRASS

    ________

    THE MASKED MARRIAGE
    A Tale Of Venice

    Gondola after gondola swept up to the marble
    steps and left its lovely load to swell the
    brilliant throng that filled the stately halls of Count
    Adelon  Knights and ladies elves and pages monks
    and flower girls all mingled gaily in the dance
    Sweet voices and rich melody filled the air and so
    with mirth and music the masquerade went on
    Has your Highness seen the Lady Viola tonight
    asked a gallant troubadour of the fairy queen who
    floated down the hall upon his arm

    Yes is she not lovely though so sad  Her
    dress is well chosen too for in a week she weds
    Count Antonio whom she passionately hates

    By my faith I envy him  Yonder he comes
    arrayed like a bridegroom except the black mask
    When that is off we shall see how he regards the
    fair maid whose heart he cannot win though her
    stern father bestows her hand returned the troubadour

    Tis whispered that she loves the young English
    artist who haunts her steps and is spurned by the
    old Count said the lady as they joined the dance
    The revel was at its height when a priest
    appeared and withdrawing the young pair to an alcove
    hung with purple velvet he motioned them to kneel
    Instant silence fell on the gay throng and not a
    sound but the dash of fountains or the rustle of
    orange groves sleeping in the moonlight broke the
    hush as Count de Adelon spoke thus

    My lords and ladies pardon the ruse by which
    I have gathered you here to witness the marriage of
    my daughter  Father we wait your services
    All eyes turned toward the bridal party and a
    murmur of amazement went through the throng for
    neither bride nor groom removed their masks  Curiosity
    and wonder possessed all hearts but respect restrained
    all tongues till the holy rite was over  Then the
    eager spectators gathered round the count demanding
    an explanation

    Gladly would I give it if I could but I only
    know that it was the whim of my timid Viola and I
    yielded to it  Now my children let the play end
    Unmask and receive my blessing

    But neither bent the knee for the young bridegroom
    replied in a tone that startled all listeners
    as the mask fell disclosing the noble face of Ferdinand
    Devereux the artist lover and leaning on the
    breast where now flashed the star of an English earl
    was the lovely Viola radiant with joy and beauty

    My lord you scornfully bade me claim your
    daughter when I could boast as high a name and vast a
    fortune as the Count Antonio  I can do more for even
    your ambitious soul cannot refuse the Earl of Devereux
    and De Vere when he gives his ancient name and boundless
    wealth in return for the beloved hand of this fair lady
    now my wife

    The count stood like one changed to stone and
    turning to the bewildered crowd Ferdinand added with
    a gay smile of triumph To you my gallant friends I
    can only wish that your wooing may prosper as mine has
    done and that you may all win as fair a bride as I have
    by this masked marriage
    S  PICKWICK

    Why is the P C like the Tower of Babel
    It is full of unruly members

    ________

    THE HISTORY OF A SQUASH

    Once upon a time a farmer planted a little seed
    in his garden and after a while it sprouted and became
    a vine and bore many squashes  One day in October
    when they were ripe he picked one and took it
    to market  A gorcerman bought and put it in his shop
    That same morning a little girl in a brown hat
    and blue dress with a round face and snub nose went
    and bought it for her mother  She lugged it home cut
    it up and boiled it in the big pot mashed some of it
    with salt and butter for dinner  And to the rest she added
    a pint of milk two eggs four spoons of sugar nutmeg
    and some crackers put it in a deep dish and baked it
    till it was brown and nice and next day it was eaten
    by a family named March
    T TUPMAN

    ________

    Mr Pickwick Sir—
    I address you upon the subject of sin the sinner
    I mean is a man named Winkle who makes trouble in his
    club by laughing and sometimes wont write his piece in
    this fine paper I hope you will pardon his badness and
    let him send a French fable because he cant write out
    of his head as he has so many lessons to do and no brains
    in future I will try to take time by the fetlock and
    prepare some work which will be all commy la fo that
    means all right I am in haste as it is nearly school
    time
    Yours respectably
    N WINKLE

    The above is a manly and handsome acknowledgment of past
    misdemeanors  If our young friend studied punctuation it
    would be well

    ________

    A SAD ACCIDENT

    On Friday last we were startled by a violent shock
    in our basement followed by cries of distress
    On rushing in a body to the cellar we discovered our beloved
    President prostrate upon the floor having tripped and
    fallen while getting wood for domestic purposes  A perfect
    scene of ruin met our eyes for in his fall Mr Pickwick
    had plunged his head and shoulders into a tub of water
    upset a keg of soft soap upon his manly form  and torn
    his garments badly  On being removed from this perilous
    situation it was discovered that he had suffered
    no injury but several bruises and we are happy to add
    is now doing well
    ED

    ________

    THE PUBLIC BEREAVEMENT

    It is our painful duty to record the sudden and
    mysterious disappearance of our cherished friend Mrs
    Snowball Pat Paw  This lovely and beloved cat was the
    pet of a large circle of warm and admiring friends for
    her beauty attracted all eyes her graces and virtues
    endeared her to all hearts and her loss is deeply felt
    by the whole community

    When last seen she was sitting at the gate watching
    the butchers cart and it is feared that some villain
    tempted by her charms basely stole her  Weeks have passed
    but no trace of her has been discovered and we relinquish
    all hope tie a black ribbon to her basket set aside her
    dish and weep for her as one lost to us forever

    ________

    A sympathizing friend sends the following gem

    A LAMENT
    FOR S B PAT PAW

    We mourn the loss of our little pet
    And sigh oer her hapless fate
    For never more by the fire shell sit
    Nor play by the old green gate

    The little grave where her infant sleeps
    Is neath the chestnut tree
    But oer her grave we may not weep
    We know not where it may be

    Her empty bed her idle ball
    Will never see her more
    No gentle tap no loving purr
    Is heard at the parlor door

    Another cat comes after her mice
    A cat with a dirty face
    But she does not hunt as our darling did
    Nor play with her airy grace

    Her stealthy paws tread the very hall
    Where Snowball used to play
    But she only spits at the dogs our pet
    So gallantly drove away

    She is useful and mild and does her best
    But she is not fair to see
    And we cannot give her your place dear
    Nor worship her as we worship thee
    AS

    ________

    ADVERTISEMENTS

    MISS ORANTHY BLUGGAGE the accomplished
    strongminded lecturer will deliver her
    famous lecture on WOMAN AND HER POSITION
    at Pickwick Hall next Saturday Evening
    after the usual performances

    A WEEKLY MEETING will be held at Kitchen
    Place to teach young ladies how to cook
    Hannah Brown will preside and all are
    invited to attend

    The DUSTPAN SOCIETY will meet on Wednesday
    next and parade in the upper story of the
    Club House  All members to appear in uniform
    and shoulder their brooms at nine precisely

    Mrs BETH BOUNCER will open her new
    assortment of Dolls Millinery next week
    The latest Paris fashions have arrived
    and orders are respectfully solicited

    A NEW PLAY will appear at the Barnville
    Theatre in the course of a few weeks which
    will surpass anything ever seen on the American stage
    The Greek Slave or Constantine the Avenger is the name
    of this thrilling drama

    HINTS

    If SP didnt use so much soap on his hands
    he wouldnt always be late at breakfast  AS
    is requested not to whistle in the street  TT
    please dont forget Amys napkin  NW  must
    not fret because his dress has not nine tucks

    WEEKLY REPORT

    Meg—Good
    Jo—Bad
    Beth—Very Good
    Amy—Middling

    _________________________________________________

As the President finished reading the paper which I beg leave to assure my readers is a bona fide copy of one written by bona fide girls once upon a time a round of applause followed and then Mr Snodgrass rose to make a proposition

Mr President and gentlemen he began assuming a parliamentary attitude and tone I wish to propose the admission of a new member—one who highly deserves the honor would be deeply grateful for it and would add immensely to the spirit of the club the literary value of the paper and be no end jolly and nice I propose Mr Theodore Laurence as an honorary member of the P C Come now do have him

Jos sudden change of tone made the girls laugh but all looked rather anxious and no one said a word as Snodgrass took his seat

Well put it to a vote said the President All in favor of this motion please to manifest it by saying Aye

A loud response from Snodgrass followed to everybodys surprise by a timid one from Beth

Contraryminded say No

Meg and Amy were contraryminded and Mr Winkle rose to say with great elegance We dont wish any boys they only joke and bounce about This is a ladies club and we wish to be private and proper

Im afraid hell laugh at our paper and make fun of us afterward observed Pickwick pulling the little curl on her forehead as she always did when doubtful

Up rose Snodgrass very much in earnest Sir I give you my word as a gentleman Laurie wont do anything of the sort He likes to write and hell give a tone to our contributions and keep us from being sentimental dont you see We can do so little for him and he does so much for us I think the least we can do is to offer him a place here and make him welcome if he comes

This artful allusion to benefits conferred brought Tupman to his feet looking as if he had quite made up his mind

Yes we ought to do it even if we are afraid I say he may come and his grandpa too if he likes

This spirited burst from Beth electrified the club and Jo left her seat to shake hands approvingly Now then vote again Everybody remember its our Laurie and say Aye cried Snodgrass excitedly

Aye Aye Aye replied three voices at once

Good Bless you Now as theres nothing like taking time by the fetlock as Winkle characteristically observes allow me to present the new member And to the dismay of the rest of the club Jo threw open the door of the closet and displayed Laurie sitting on a rag bag flushed and twinkling with suppressed laughter

You rogue You traitor Jo how could you cried the three girls as Snodgrass led her friend triumphantly forth and producing both a chair and a badge installed him in a jiffy

The coolness of you two rascals is amazing began Mr Pickwick trying to get up an awful frown and only succeeding in producing an amiable smile But the new member was equal to the occasion and rising with a grateful salutation to the Chair said in the most engaging manner Mr President and ladies—I beg pardon gentlemen—allow me to introduce myself as Sam Weller the very humble servant of the club

Good Good cried Jo pounding with the handle of the old warming pan on which she leaned

My faithful friend and noble patron continued Laurie with a wave of the hand who has so flatteringly presented me is not to be blamed for the base stratagem of tonight I planned it and she only gave in after lots of teasing

Come now dont lay it all on yourself You know I proposed the cupboard broke in Snodgrass who was enjoying the joke amazingly

Never mind what she says Im the wretch that did it sir said the new member with a Welleresque nod to Mr Pickwick But on my honor I never will do so again and henceforth devote myself to the interest of this immortal club

Hear Hear cried Jo clashing the lid of the warming pan like a cymbal

Go on go on added Winkle and Tupman while the President bowed benignly

I merely wish to say that as a slight token of my gratitude for the honor done me and as a means of promoting friendly relations between adjoining nations I have set up a post office in the hedge in the lower corner of the garden a fine spacious building with padlocks on the doors and every convenience for the mails also the females if I may be allowed the expression Its the old martin house but Ive stopped up the door and made the roof open so it will hold all sorts of things and save our valuable time Letters manuscripts books and bundles can be passed in there and as each nation has a key it will be uncommonly nice I fancy Allow me to present the club key and with many thanks for your favor take my seat

Great applause as Mr Weller deposited a little key on the table and subsided the warming pan clashed and waved wildly and it was some time before order could be restored A long discussion followed and everyone came out surprising for everyone did her best So it was an unusually lively meeting and did not adjourn till a late hour when it broke up with three shrill cheers for the new member

No one ever regretted the admittance of Sam Weller for a more devoted wellbehaved and jovial member no club could have He certainly did add spirit to the meetings and a tone to the paper for his orations convulsed his hearers and his contributions were excellent being patriotic classical comical or dramatic but never sentimental Jo regarded them as worthy of Bacon Milton or Shakespeare and remodeled her own works with good effect she thought

The P O was a capital little institution and flourished wonderfully for nearly as many queer things passed through it as through the real post office Tragedies and cravats poetry and pickles garden seeds and long letters music and gingerbread rubbers invitations scoldings and puppies The old gentleman liked the fun and amused himself by sending odd bundles mysterious messages and funny telegrams and his gardener who was smitten with Hannahs charms actually sent a love letter to Jos care How they laughed when the secret came out never dreaming how many love letters that little post office would hold in the years to come

CHAPTER ELEVEN

EXPERIMENTS

The first of June The Kings are off to the seashore tomorrow and Im free Three months vacation—how I shall enjoy it exclaimed Meg coming home one warm day to find Jo laid upon the sofa in an unusual state of exhaustion while Beth took off her dusty boots and Amy made lemonade for the refreshment of the whole party

Aunt March went today for which oh be joyful said Jo I was mortally afraid shed ask me to go with her If she had I should have felt as if I ought to do it but Plumfield is about as gay as a churchyard you know and Id rather be excused We had a flurry getting the old lady off and I had a fright every time she spoke to me for I was in such a hurry to be through that I was uncommonly helpful and sweet and feared shed find it impossible to part from me I quaked till she was fairly in the carriage and had a final fright for as it drove of she popped out her head saying Josyphine wont you— I didnt hear any more for I basely turned and fled I did actually run and whisked round the corner where I felt safe

Poor old Jo She came in looking as if bears were after her said Beth as she cuddled her sisters feet with a motherly air

Aunt March is a regular samphire is she not observed Amy tasting her mixture critically

She means vampire not seaweed but it doesnt matter Its too warm to be particular about ones parts of speech murmured Jo

What shall you do all your vacation asked Amy changing the subject with tact

I shall lie abed late and do nothing replied Meg from the depths of the rocking chair Ive been routed up early all winter and had to spend my days working for other people so now Im going to rest and revel to my hearts content

No said Jo that dozy way wouldnt suit me Ive laid in a heap of books and Im going to improve my shining hours reading on my perch in the old apple tree when Im not having l——

Dont say larks implored Amy as a return snub for the samphire correction

Ill say nightingales then with Laurie Thats proper and appropriate since hes a warbler

Dont let us do any lessons Beth for a while but play all the time and rest as the girls mean to proposed Amy

Well I will if Mother doesnt mind I want to learn some new songs and my children need fitting up for the summer They are dreadfully out of order and really suffering for clothes

May we Mother asked Meg turning to Mrs March who sat sewing in what they called Marmees corner

You may try your experiment for a week and see how you like it I think by Saturday night you will find that all play and no work is as bad as all work and no play

Oh dear no It will be delicious Im sure said Meg complacently

I now propose a toast as my friend and pardner Sairy Gamp says Fun forever and no grubbing cried Jo rising glass in hand as the lemonade went round

They all drank it merrily and began the experiment by lounging for the rest of the day Next morning Meg did not appear till ten oclock Her solitary breakfast did not taste good and the room seemed lonely and untidy for Jo had not filled the vases Beth had not dusted and Amys books lay scattered about Nothing was neat and pleasant but Marmees corner which looked as usual And there Meg sat to rest and read which meant to yawn and imagine what pretty summer dresses she would get with her salary Jo spent the morning on the river with Laurie and the afternoon reading and crying over The Wide Wide World up in the apple tree Beth began by rummaging everything out of the big closet where her family resided but getting tired before half done she left her establishment topsyturvy and went to her music rejoicing that she had no dishes to wash Amy arranged her bower put on her best white frock smoothed her curls and sat down to draw under the honeysuckle hoping someone would see and inquire who the young artist was As no one appeared but an inquisitive daddylonglegs who examined her work with interest she went to walk got caught in a shower and came home dripping

At teatime they compared notes and all agreed that it had been a delightful though unusually long day Meg who went shopping in the afternoon and got a sweet blue muslin had discovered after she had cut the breadths off that it wouldnt wash which mishap made her slightly cross Jo had burned the skin off her nose boating and got a raging headache by reading too long Beth was worried by the confusion of her closet and the difficulty of learning three or four songs at once and Amy deeply regretted the damage done her frock for Katy Browns party was to be the next day and now like Flora McFlimsey she had nothing to wear But these were mere trifles and they assured their mother that the experiment was working finely She smiled said nothing and with Hannahs help did their neglected work keeping home pleasant and the domestic machinery running smoothly It was astonishing what a peculiar and uncomfortable state of things was produced by the resting and reveling process The days kept getting longer and longer the weather was unusually variable and so were tempers an unsettled feeling possessed everyone and Satan found plenty of mischief for the idle hands to do As the height of luxury Meg put out some of her sewing and then found time hang so heavily that she fell to snipping and spoiling her clothes in her attempts to furbish them up a la Moffat Jo read till her eyes gave out and she was sick of books got so fidgety that even goodnatured Laurie had a quarrel with her and so reduced in spirits that she desperately wished she had gone with Aunt March Beth got on pretty well for she was constantly forgetting that it was to be all play and no work and fell back into her old ways now and then But something in the air affected her and more than once her tranquility was much disturbed so much so that on one occasion she actually shook poor dear Joanna and told her she was a fright Amy fared worst of all for her resources were small and when her sisters left her to amuse herself she soon found that accomplished and important little self a great burden She didnt like dolls fairy tales were childish and one couldnt draw all the time Tea parties didnt amount to much neither did picnics unless very well conducted If one could have a fine house full of nice girls or go traveling the summer would be delightful but to stay at home with three selfish sisters and a grownup boy was enough to try the patience of a Boaz complained Miss Malaprop after several days devoted to pleasure fretting and ennui

No one would own that they were tired of the experiment but by Friday night each acknowledged to herself that she was glad the week was nearly done Hoping to impress the lesson more deeply Mrs March who had a good deal of humor resolved to finish off the trial in an appropriate manner so she gave Hannah a holiday and let the girls enjoy the full effect of the play system

When they got up on Saturday morning there was no fire in the kitchen no breakfast in the dining room and no mother anywhere to be seen

Mercy on us What has happened cried Jo staring about her in dismay

Meg ran upstairs and soon came back again looking relieved but rather bewildered and a little ashamed

Mother isnt sick only very tired and she says she is going to stay quietly in her room all day and let us do the best we can Its a very queer thing for her to do she doesnt act a bit like herself But she says it has been a hard week for her so we mustnt grumble but take care of ourselves

Thats easy enough and I like the idea Im aching for something to do that is some new amusement you know added Jo quickly

In fact it was an immense relief to them all to have a little work and they took hold with a will but soon realized the truth of Hannahs saying Housekeeping aint no joke There was plenty of food in the larder and while Beth and Amy set the table Meg and Jo got breakfast wondering as they did why servants ever talked about hard work

I shall take some up to Mother though she said we were not to think of her for shed take care of herself said Meg who presided and felt quite matronly behind the teapot

So a tray was fitted out before anyone began and taken up with the cooks compliments The boiled tea was very bitter the omelet scorched and the biscuits speckled with saleratus but Mrs March received her repast with thanks and laughed heartily over it after Jo was gone

Poor little souls they will have a hard time Im afraid but they wont suffer and it will do them good she said producing the more palatable viands with which she had provided herself and disposing of the bad breakfast so that their feelings might not be hurt a motherly little deception for which they were grateful

Many were the complaints below and great the chagrin of the head cook at her failures Never mind Ill get the dinner and be servant you be mistress keep your hands nice see company and give orders said Jo who knew still less than Meg about culinary affairs

This obliging offer was gladly accepted and Margaret retired to the parlor which she hastily put in order by whisking the litter under the sofa and shutting the blinds to save the trouble of dusting Jo with perfect faith in her own powers and a friendly desire to make up the quarrel immediately put a note in the office inviting Laurie to dinner

Youd better see what you have got before you think of having company said Meg when informed of the hospitable but rash act

Oh theres corned beef and plenty of potatoes and I shall get some asparagus and a lobster for a relish as Hannah says Well have lettuce and make a salad I dont know how but the book tells Ill have blanc mange and strawberries for dessert and coffee too if you want to be elegant

Dont try too many messes Jo for you cant make anything but gingerbread and molasses candy fit to eat I wash my hands of the dinner party and since you have asked Laurie on your own responsibility you may just take care of him

I dont want you to do anything but be civil to him and help to the pudding Youll give me your advice if I get in a muddle wont you asked Jo rather hurt

Yes but I dont know much except about bread and a few trifles You had better ask Mothers leave before you order anything returned Meg prudently

Of course I shall Im not a fool And Jo went off in a huff at the doubts expressed of her powers

Get what you like and dont disturb me Im going out to dinner and cant worry about things at home said Mrs March when Jo spoke to her I never enjoyed housekeeping and Im going to take a vacation today and read write go visiting and amuse myself

The unusual spectacle of her busy mother rocking comfortably and reading early in the morning made Jo feel as if some unnatural phenomenon had occurred for an eclipse an earthquake or a volcanic eruption would hardly have seemed stranger

Everything is out of sorts somehow she said to herself going downstairs Theres Beth crying thats a sure sign that something is wrong in this family If Amy is bothering Ill shake her

Feeling very much out of sorts herself Jo hurried into the parlor to find Beth sobbing over Pip the canary who lay dead in the cage with his little claws pathetically extended as if imploring the food for want of which he had died

Its all my fault I forgot him there isnt a seed or a drop left Oh Pip Oh Pip How could I be so cruel to you cried Beth taking the poor thing in her hands and trying to restore him

Jo peeped into his halfopen eye felt his little heart and finding him stiff and cold shook her head and offered her domino box for a coffin

Put him in the oven and maybe he will get warm and revive said Amy hopefully

Hes been starved and he shant be baked now hes dead Ill make him a shroud and he shall be buried in the garden and Ill never have another bird never my Pip for I am too bad to own one murmured Beth sitting on the floor with her pet folded in her hands

The funeral shall be this afternoon and we will all go Now dont cry Bethy Its a pity but nothing goes right this week and Pip has had the worst of the experiment Make the shroud and lay him in my box and after the dinner party well have a nice little funeral said Jo beginning to feel as if she had undertaken a good deal

Leaving the others to console Beth she departed to the kitchen which was in a most discouraging state of confusion Putting on a big apron she fell to work and got the dishes piled up ready for washing when she discovered that the fire was out

Heres a sweet prospect muttered Jo slamming the stove door open and poking vigorously among the cinders

Having rekindled the fire she thought she would go to market while the water heated The walk revived her spirits and flattering herself that she had made good bargains she trudged home again after buying a very young lobster some very old asparagus and two boxes of acid strawberries By the time she got cleared up the dinner arrived and the stove was redhot Hannah had left a pan of bread to rise Meg had worked it up early set it on the hearth for a second rising and forgotten it Meg was entertaining Sallie Gardiner in the parlor when the door flew open and a floury crocky flushed and disheveled figure appeared demanding tartly

I say isnt bread riz enough when it runs over the pans

Sallie began to laugh but Meg nodded and lifted her eyebrows as high as they would go which caused the apparition to vanish and put the sour bread into the oven without further delay Mrs March went out after peeping here and there to see how matters went also saying a word of comfort to Beth who sat making a winding sheet while the dear departed lay in state in the domino box A strange sense of helplessness fell upon the girls as the gray bonnet vanished round the corner and despair seized them when a few minutes later Miss Crocker appeared and said shed come to dinner Now this lady was a thin yellow spinster with a sharp nose and inquisitive eyes who saw everything and gossiped about all she saw They disliked her but had been taught to be kind to her simply because she was old and poor and had few friends So Meg gave her the easy chair and tried to entertain her while she asked questions criticized everything and told stories of the people whom she knew

Language cannot describe the anxieties experiences and exertions which Jo underwent that morning and the dinner she served up became a standing joke Fearing to ask any more advice she did her best alone and discovered that something more than energy and good will is necessary to make a cook She boiled the asparagus for an hour and was grieved to find the heads cooked off and the stalks harder than ever The bread burned black for the salad dressing so aggravated her that she could not make it fit to eat The lobster was a scarlet mystery to her but she hammered and poked till it was unshelled and its meager proportions concealed in a grove of lettuce leaves The potatoes had to be hurried not to keep the asparagus waiting and were not done at the last The blanc mange was lumpy and the strawberries not as ripe as they looked having been skilfully deaconed

Well they can eat beef and bread and butter if they are hungry only its mortifying to have to spend your whole morning for nothing thought Jo as she rang the bell half an hour later than usual and stood hot tired and dispirited surveying the feast spread before Laurie accustomed to all sorts of elegance and Miss Crocker whose tattling tongue would report them far and wide

Poor Jo would gladly have gone under the table as one thing after another was tasted and left while Amy giggled Meg looked distressed Miss Crocker pursed her lips and Laurie talked and laughed with all his might to give a cheerful tone to the festive scene Jos one strong point was the fruit for she had sugared it well and had a pitcher of rich cream to eat with it Her hot cheeks cooled a trifle and she drew a long breath as the pretty glass plates went round and everyone looked graciously at the little rosy islands floating in a sea of cream Miss Crocker tasted first made a wry face and drank some water hastily Jo who refused thinking there might not be enough for they dwindled sadly after the picking over glanced at Laurie but he was eating away manfully though there was a slight pucker about his mouth and he kept his eye fixed on his plate Amy who was fond of delicate fare took a heaping spoonful choked hid her face in her napkin and left the table precipitately

Oh what is it exclaimed Jo trembling

Salt instead of sugar and the cream is sour replied Meg with a tragic gesture

Jo uttered a groan and fell back in her chair remembering that she had given a last hasty powdering to the berries out of one of the two boxes on the kitchen table and had neglected to put the milk in the refrigerator She turned scarlet and was on the verge of crying when she met Lauries eyes which would look merry in spite of his heroic efforts The comical side of the affair suddenly struck her and she laughed till the tears ran down her cheeks So did everyone else even Croaker as the girls called the old lady and the unfortunate dinner ended gaily with bread and butter olives and fun

I havent strength of mind enough to clear up now so we will sober ourselves with a funeral said Jo as they rose and Miss Crocker made ready to go being eager to tell the new story at another friends dinner table

They did sober themselves for Beths sake Laurie dug a grave under the ferns in the grove little Pip was laid in with many tears by his tenderhearted mistress and covered with moss while a wreath of violets and chickweed was hung on the stone which bore his epitaph composed by Jo while she struggled with the dinner

Here lies Pip March
Who died the 7th of June
Loved and lamented sore
And not forgotten soon
At the conclusion of the ceremonies Beth retired to her room overcome with emotion and lobster but there was no place of repose for the beds were not made and she found her grief much assuaged by beating up the pillows and putting things in order Meg helped Jo clear away the remains of the feast which took half the afternoon and left them so tired that they agreed to be contented with tea and toast for supper

Laurie took Amy to drive which was a deed of charity for the sour cream seemed to have had a bad effect upon her temper Mrs March came home to find the three older girls hard at work in the middle of the afternoon and a glance at the closet gave her an idea of the success of one part of the experiment

Before the housewives could rest several people called and there was a scramble to get ready to see them Then tea must be got errands done and one or two necessary bits of sewing neglected until the last minute As twilight fell dewy and still one by one they gathered on the porch where the June roses were budding beautifully and each groaned or sighed as she sat down as if tired or troubled

What a dreadful day this has been began Jo usually the first to speak

It has seemed shorter than usual but so uncomfortable said Meg

Not a bit like home added Amy

It cant seem so without Marmee and little Pip sighed Beth glancing with full eyes at the empty cage above her head

Heres Mother dear and you shall have another bird tomorrow if you want it

As she spoke Mrs March came and took her place among them looking as if her holiday had not been much pleasanter than theirs

Are you satisfied with your experiment girls or do you want another week of it she asked as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her with brightening faces as flowers turn toward the sun

I dont cried Jo decidedly

Nor I echoed the others

You think then that it is better to have a few duties and live a little for others do you

Lounging and larking doesnt pay observed Jo shaking her head Im tired of it and mean to go to work at something right off

Suppose you learn plain cooking Thats a useful accomplishment which no woman should be without said Mrs March laughing inaudibly at the recollection of Jos dinner party for she had met Miss Crocker and heard her account of it

Mother did you go away and let everything be just to see how wed get on cried Meg who had had suspicions all day

Yes I wanted you to see how the comfort of all depends on each doing her share faithfully While Hannah and I did your work you got on pretty well though I dont think you were very happy or amiable So I thought as a little lesson I would show you what happens when everyone thinks only of herself Dont you feel that it is pleasanter to help one another to have daily duties which make leisure sweet when it comes and to bear and forbear that home may be comfortable and lovely to us all

We do Mother we do cried the girls

Then let me advise you to take up your little burdens again for though they seem heavy sometimes they are good for us and lighten as we learn to carry them Work is wholesome and there is plenty for everyone It keeps us from ennui and mischief is good for health and spirits and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion

Well work like bees and love it too see if we dont said Jo Ill learn plain cooking for my holiday task and the next dinner party I have shall be a success

Ill make the set of shirts for father instead of letting you do it Marmee I can and I will though Im not fond of sewing That will be better than fussing over my own things which are plenty nice enough as they are said Meg

Ill do my lessons every day and not spend so much time with my music and dolls I am a stupid thing and ought to be studying not playing was Beths resolution while Amy followed their example by heroically declaring I shall learn to make buttonholes and attend to my parts of speech

Very good Then I am quite satisfied with the experiment and fancy that we shall not have to repeat it only dont go to the other extreme and delve like slaves Have regular hours for work and play make each day both useful and pleasant and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well Then youth will be delightful old age will bring few regrets and life become a beautiful success in spite of poverty

Well remember Mother and they did

CHAPTER TWELVE

CAMP LAURENCE

Beth was postmistress for being most at home she could attend to it regularly and dearly liked the daily task of unlocking the little door and distributing the mail One July day she came in with her hands full and went about the house leaving letters and parcels like the penny post

Heres your posy Mother Laurie never forgets that she said putting the fresh nosegay in the vase that stood in Marmees corner and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy

Miss Meg March one letter and a glove continued Beth delivering the articles to her sister who sat near her mother stitching wristbands

Why I left a pair over there and here is only one said Meg looking at the gray cotton glove Didnt you drop the other in the garden

No Im sure I didnt for there was only one in the office

I hate to have odd gloves Never mind the other may be found My letter is only a translation of the German song I wanted I think Mr Brooke did it for this isnt Lauries writing

Mrs March glanced at Meg who was looking very pretty in her gingham morning gown with the little curls blowing about her forehead and very womanly as she sat sewing at her little worktable full of tidy white rolls so unconscious of the thought in her mothers mind as she sewed and sang while her fingers flew and her thoughts were busied with girlish fancies as innocent and fresh as the pansies in her belt that Mrs March smiled and was satisfied

Two letters for Doctor Jo a book and a funny old hat which covered the whole post office and stuck outside said Beth laughing as she went into the study where Jo sat writing

What a sly fellow Laurie is I said I wished bigger hats were the fashion because I burn my face every hot day He said Why mind the fashion Wear a big hat and be comfortable I said I would if I had one and he has sent me this to try me Ill wear it for fun and show him I dont care for the fashion And hanging the antique broadbrim on a bust of Plato Jo read her letters

One from her mother made her cheeks glow and her eyes fill for it said to her

My Dear

I write a little word to tell you with how much satisfaction I watch your efforts to control your temper You say nothing about your trials failures or successes and think perhaps that no one sees them but the Friend whose help you daily ask if I may trust the wellworn cover of your guidebook I too have seen them all and heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution since it begins to bear fruit Go on dear patiently and bravely and always believe that no one sympathizes more tenderly with you than your loving

Mother

That does me good Thats worth millions of money and pecks of praise Oh Marmee I do try I will keep on trying and not get tired since I have you to help me

Laying her head on her arms Jo wet her little romance with a few happy tears for she had thought that no one saw and appreciated her efforts to be good and this assurance was doubly precious doubly encouraging because unexpected and from the person whose commendation she most valued Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon she pinned the note inside her frock as a shield and a reminder lest she be taken unaware and proceeded to open her other letter quite ready for either good or bad news In a big dashing hand Laurie wrote

Dear Jo What ho

Some English girls and boys are coming to see me tomorrow and I want to have a jolly time If its fine Im going to pitch my tent in Longmeadow and row up the whole crew to lunch and croquet—have a fire make messes gypsy fashion and all sorts of larks They are nice people and like such things Brooke will go to keep us boys steady and Kate Vaughn will play propriety for the girls I want you all to come cant let Beth off at any price and nobody shall worry her Dont bother about rations Ill see to that and everything else only do come theres a good fellow

In a tearing hurry Yours ever Laurie

Heres richness cried Jo flying in to tell the news to Meg

Of course we can go Mother It will be such a help to Laurie for I can row and Meg see to the lunch and the children be useful in some way

I hope the Vaughns are not fine grownup people Do you know anything about them Jo asked Meg

Only that there are four of them Kate is older than you Fred and Frank twins about my age and a little girl Grace who is nine or ten Laurie knew them abroad and liked the boys I fancied from the way he primmed up his mouth in speaking of her that he didnt admire Kate much

Im so glad my French print is clean its just the thing and so becoming observed Meg complacently Have you anything decent Jo

Scarlet and gray boating suit good enough for me I shall row and tramp about so I dont want any starch to think of Youll come Betty

If you wont let any boys talk to me

Not a boy

I like to please Laurie and Im not afraid of Mr Brooke he is so kind But I dont want to play or sing or say anything Ill work hard and not trouble anyone and youll take care of me Jo so Ill go

Thats my good girl You do try to fight off your shyness and I love you for it Fighting faults isnt easy as I know and a cheery word kind of gives a lift Thank you Mother And Jo gave the thin cheek a grateful kiss more precious to Mrs March than if it had given back the rosy roundness of her youth

I had a box of chocolate drops and the picture I wanted to copy said Amy showing her mail

And I got a note from Mr Laurence asking me to come over and play to him tonight before the lamps are lighted and I shall go added Beth whose friendship with the old gentleman prospered finely

Now lets fly round and do double duty today so that we can play tomorrow with free minds said Jo preparing to replace her pen with a broom

When the sun peeped into the girls room early next morning to promise them a fine day he saw a comical sight Each had made such preparation for the fete as seemed necessary and proper Meg had an extra row of little curlpapers across her forehead Jo had copiously anointed her afflicted face with cold cream Beth had taken Joanna to bed with her to atone for the approaching separation and Amy had capped the climax by putting a clothespin on her nose to uplift the offending feature It was one of the kind artists use to hold the paper on their drawing boards therefore quite appropriate and effective for the purpose it was now being put This funny spectacle appeared to amuse the sun for he burst out with such radiance that Jo woke up and roused her sisters by a hearty laugh at Amys ornament

Sunshine and laughter were good omens for a pleasure party and soon a lively bustle began in both houses Beth who was ready first kept reporting what went on next door and enlivened her sisters toilets by frequent telegrams from the window

There goes the man with the tent I see Mrs Barker doing up the lunch in a hamper and a great basket Now Mr Laurence is looking up at the sky and the weathercock I wish he would go too Theres Laurie looking like a sailor nice boy Oh mercy me Heres a carriage full of people a tall lady a little girl and two dreadful boys One is lame poor thing hes got a crutch Laurie didnt tell us that Be quick girls Its getting late Why there is Ned Moffat I do declare Meg isnt that the man who bowed to you one day when we were shopping

So it is How queer that he should come I thought he was at the mountains There is Sallie Im glad she got back in time Am I all right Jo cried Meg in a flutter

A regular daisy Hold up your dress and put your hat on straight it looks sentimental tipped that way and will fly off at the first puff Now then come on

Oh Jo you are not going to wear that awful hat Its too absurd You shall not make a guy of yourself remonstrated Meg as Jo tied down with a red ribbon the broadbrimmed oldfashioned leghorn Laurie had sent for a joke

I just will though for its capital so shady light and big It will make fun and I dont mind being a guy if Im comfortable With that Jo marched straight away and the rest followed a bright little band of sisters all looking their best in summer suits with happy faces under the jaunty hatbrims

Laurie ran to meet and present them to his friends in the most cordial manner The lawn was the reception room and for several minutes a lively scene was enacted there Meg was grateful to see that Miss Kate though twenty was dressed with a simplicity which American girls would do well to imitate and who was much flattered by Mr Neds assurances that he came especially to see her Jo understood why Laurie primmed up his mouth when speaking of Kate for that young lady had a standoffdonttouchme air which contrasted strongly with the free and easy demeanor of the other girls Beth took an observation of the new boys and decided that the lame one was not dreadful but gentle and feeble and she would be kind to him on that account Amy found Grace a wellmannered merry little person and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes they suddenly became very good friends

Tents lunch and croquet utensils having been sent on beforehand the party was soon embarked and the two boats pushed off together leaving Mr Laurence waving his hat on the shore Laurie and Jo rowed one boat Mr Brooke and Ned the other while Fred Vaughn the riotous twin did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water bug Jos funny hat deserved a vote of thanks for it was of general utility It broke the ice in the beginning by producing a laugh it created quite a refreshing breeze flapping to and fro as she rowed and would make an excellent umbrella for the whole party if a shower came up she said Miss Kate decided that she was odd but rather clever and smiled upon her from afar

Meg in the other boat was delightfully situated face to face with the rowers who both admired the prospect and feathered their oars with uncommon skill and dexterity Mr Brooke was a grave silent young man with handsome brown eyes and a pleasant voice Meg liked his quiet manners and considered him a walking encyclopedia of useful knowledge He never talked to her much but he looked at her a good deal and she felt sure that he did not regard her with aversion Ned being in college of course put on all the airs which freshmen think it their bounden duty to assume He was not very wise but very goodnatured and altogether an excellent person to carry on a picnic Sallie Gardiner was absorbed in keeping her white pique dress clean and chattering with the ubiquitous Fred who kept Beth in constant terror by his pranks

It was not far to Longmeadow but the tent was pitched and the wickets down by the time they arrived A pleasant green field with three widespreading oaks in the middle and a smooth strip of turf for croquet

Welcome to Camp Laurence said the young host as they landed with exclamations of delight

Brooke is commander in chief I am commissary general the other fellows are staff officers and you ladies are company The tent is for your especial benefit and that oak is your drawing room this is the messroom and the third is the camp kitchen Now lets have a game before it gets hot and then well see about dinner

Frank Beth Amy and Grace sat down to watch the game played by the other eight Mr Brooke chose Meg Kate and Fred Laurie took Sallie Jo and Ned The English played well but the Americans played better and contested every inch of the ground as strongly as if the spirit of 76 inspired them Jo and Fred had several skirmishes and once narrowly escaped high words Jo was through the last wicket and had missed the stroke which failure ruffled her a good deal Fred was close behind her and his turn came before hers He gave a stroke his ball hit the wicket and stopped an inch on the wrong side No one was very near and running up to examine he gave it a sly nudge with his toe which put it just an inch on the right side

Im through Now Miss Jo Ill settle you and get in first cried the young gentleman swinging his mallet for another blow

You pushed it I saw you Its my turn now said Jo sharply

Upon my word I didnt move it It rolled a bit perhaps but that is allowed So stand off please and let me have a go at the stake

We dont cheat in America but you can if you choose said Jo angrily

Yankees are a deal the most tricky everybody knows There you go returned Fred croqueting her ball far away

Jo opened her lips to say something rude but checked herself in time colored up to her forehead and stood a minute hammering down a wicket with all her might while Fred hit the stake and declared himself out with much exultation She went off to get her ball and was a long time finding it among the bushes but she came back looking cool and quiet and waited her turn patiently It took several strokes to regain the place she had lost and when she got there the other side had nearly won for Kates ball was the last but one and lay near the stake

By George its all up with us Goodbye Kate Miss Jo owes me one so you are finished cried Fred excitedly as they all drew near to see the finish

Yankees have a trick of being generous to their enemies said Jo with a look that made the lad redden especially when they beat them she added as leaving Kates ball untouched she won the game by a clever stroke

Laurie threw up his hat then remembered that it wouldnt do to exult over the defeat of his guests and stopped in the middle of the cheer to whisper to his friend Good for you Jo He did cheat I saw him We cant tell him so but he wont do it again take my word for it

Meg drew her aside under pretense of pinning up a loose braid and said approvingly It was dreadfully provoking but you kept your temper and Im so glad Jo

Dont praise me Meg for I could box his ears this minute I should certainly have boiled over if I hadnt stayed among the nettles till I got my rage under control enough to hold my tongue Its simmering now so I hope hell keep out of my way returned Jo biting her lips as she glowered at Fred from under her big hat

Time for lunch said Mr Brooke looking at his watch Commissary general will you make the fire and get water while Miss March Miss Sallie and I spread the table Who can make good coffee

Jo can said Meg glad to recommend her sister So Jo feeling that her late lessons in cookery were to do her honor went to preside over the coffeepot while the children collected dry sticks and the boys made a fire and got water from a spring near by Miss Kate sketched and Frank talked to Beth who was making little mats of braided rushes to serve as plates

The commander in chief and his aides soon spread the tablecloth with an inviting array of eatables and drinkables prettily decorated with green leaves Jo announced that the coffee was ready and everyone settled themselves to a hearty meal for youth is seldom dyspeptic and exercise develops wholesome appetites A very merry lunch it was for everything seemed fresh and funny and frequent peals of laughter startled a venerable horse who fed near by There was a pleasing inequality in the table which produced many mishaps to cups and plates acorns dropped in the milk little black ants partook of the refreshments without being invited and fuzzy caterpillars swung down from the tree to see what was going on Three whiteheaded children peeped over the fence and an objectionable dog barked at them from the other side of the river with all his might and main

Theres salt here said Laurie as he handed Jo a saucer of berries

Thank you I prefer spiders she replied fishing up two unwary little ones who had gone to a creamy death How dare you remind me of that horrid dinner party when yours is so nice in every way added Jo as they both laughed and ate out of one plate the china having run short

I had an uncommonly good time that day and havent got over it yet This is no credit to me you know I dont do anything Its you and Meg and Brooke who make it all go and Im no end obliged to you What shall we do when we cant eat anymore asked Laurie feeling that his trump card had been played when lunch was over

Have games till its cooler I brought Authors and I dare say Miss Kate knows something new and nice Go and ask her Shes company and you ought to stay with her more

Arent you company too I thought shed suit Brooke but he keeps talking to Meg and Kate just stares at them through that ridiculous glass of hers Im going so you neednt try to preach propriety for you cant do it Jo

Miss Kate did know several new games and as the girls would not and the boys could not eat any more they all adjourned to the drawing room to play Rigmarole

One person begins a story any nonsense you like and tells as long as he pleases only taking care to stop short at some exciting point when the next takes it up and does the same Its very funny when well done and makes a perfect jumble of tragical comical stuff to laugh over Please start it Mr Brooke said Kate with a commanding air which surprised Meg who treated the tutor with as much respect as any other gentleman

Lying on the grass at the feet of the two young ladies Mr Brooke obediently began the story with the handsome brown eyes steadily fixed upon the sunshiny river

Once on a time a knight went out into the world to seek his fortune for he had nothing but his sword and his shield He traveled a long while nearly eightandtwenty years and had a hard time of it till he came to the palace of a good old king who had offered a reward to anyone who could tame and train a fine but unbroken colt of which he was very fond The knight agreed to try and got on slowly but surely for the colt was a gallant fellow and soon learned to love his new master though he was freakish and wild Every day when he gave his lessons to this pet of the kings the knight rode him through the city and as he rode he looked everywhere for a certain beautiful face which he had seen many times in his dreams but never found One day as he went prancing down a quiet street he saw at the window of a ruinous castle the lovely face He was delighted inquired who lived in this old castle and was told that several captive princesses were kept there by a spell and spun all day to lay up money to buy their liberty The knight wished intensely that he could free them but he was poor and could only go by each day watching for the sweet face and longing to see it out in the sunshine At last he resolved to get into the castle and ask how he could help them He went and knocked The great door flew open and he beheld

A ravishingly lovely lady who exclaimed with a cry of rapture At last At last continued Kate who had read French novels and admired the style Tis she cried Count Gustave and fell at her feet in an ecstasy of joy Oh rise she said extending a hand of marble fairness Never Till you tell me how I may rescue you swore the knight still kneeling Alas my cruel fate condemns me to remain here till my tyrant is destroyed Where is the villain In the mauve salon Go brave heart and save me from despair I obey and return victorious or dead With these thrilling words he rushed away and flinging open the door of the mauve salon was about to enter when he received

A stunning blow from the big Greek lexicon which an old fellow in a black gown fired at him said Ned Instantly Sir Whatshisname recovered himself pitched the tyrant out of the window and turned to join the lady victorious but with a bump on his brow found the door locked tore up the curtains made a rope ladder got halfway down when the ladder broke and he went headfirst into the moat sixty feet below Could swim like a duck paddled round the castle till he came to a little door guarded by two stout fellows knocked their heads together till they cracked like a couple of nuts then by a trifling exertion of his prodigious strength he smashed in the door went up a pair of stone steps covered with dust a foot thick toads as big as your fist and spiders that would frighten you into hysterics Miss March At the top of these steps he came plump upon a sight that took his breath away and chilled his blood

A tall figure all in white with a veil over its face and a lamp in its wasted hand went on Meg It beckoned gliding noiselessly before him down a corridor as dark and cold as any tomb Shadowy effigies in armor stood on either side a dead silence reigned the lamp burned blue and the ghostly figure ever and anon turned its face toward him showing the glitter of awful eyes through its white veil They reached a curtained door behind which sounded lovely music He sprang forward to enter but the specter plucked him back and waved threateningly before him a

Snuffbox said Jo in a sepulchral tone which convulsed the audience Thankee said the knight politely as he took a pinch and sneezed seven times so violently that his head fell off Ha Ha laughed the ghost and having peeped through the keyhole at the princesses spinning away for dear life the evil spirit picked up her victim and put him in a large tin box where there were eleven other knights packed together without their heads like sardines who all rose and began to

Dance a hornpipe cut in Fred as Jo paused for breath and as they danced the rubbishy old castle turned to a manofwar in full sail Up with the jib reef the topsl halliards helm hard alee and man the guns roared the captain as a Portuguese pirate hove in sight with a flag black as ink flying from her foremast Go in and win my hearties says the captain and a tremendous fight began Of course the British beat—they always do

No they dont cried Jo aside

Having taken the pirate captain prisoner sailed slap over the schooner whose decks were piled high with dead and whose lee scuppers ran blood for the order had been Cutlasses and die hard Bosuns mate take a bight of the flyingjib sheet and start this villain if he doesnt confess his sins double quick said the British captain The Portuguese held his tongue like a brick and walked the plank while the jolly tars cheered like mad But the sly dog dived came up under the manofwar scuttled her and down she went with all sail set To the bottom of the sea sea sea where

Oh gracious What shall I say cried Sallie as Fred ended his rigmarole in which he had jumbled together pellmell nautical phrases and facts out of one of his favorite books Well they went to the bottom and a nice mermaid welcomed them but was much grieved on finding the box of headless knights and kindly pickled them in brine hoping to discover the mystery about them for being a woman she was curious Byandby a diver came down and the mermaid said Ill give you a box of pearls if you can take it up for she wanted to restore the poor things to life and couldnt raise the heavy load herself So the diver hoisted it up and was much disappointed on opening it to find no pearls He left it in a great lonely field where it was found by a

Little goose girl who kept a hundred fat geese in the field said Amy when Sallies invention gave out The little girl was sorry for them and asked an old woman what she should do to help them Your geese will tell you they know everything said the old woman So she asked what she should use for new heads since the old ones were lost and all the geese opened their hundred mouths and screamed

Cabbages continued Laurie promptly Just the thing said the girl and ran to get twelve fine ones from her garden She put them on the knights revived at once thanked her and went on their way rejoicing never knowing the difference for there were so many other heads like them in the world that no one thought anything of it The knight in whom Im interested went back to find the pretty face and learned that the princesses had spun themselves free and all gone and married but one He was in a great state of mind at that and mounting the colt who stood by him through thick and thin rushed to the castle to see which was left Peeping over the hedge he saw the queen of his affections picking flowers in her garden Will you give me a rose said he You must come and get it I cant come to you it isnt proper said she as sweet as honey He tried to climb over the hedge but it seemed to grow higher and higher Then he tried to push through but it grew thicker and thicker and he was in despair So he patiently broke twig after twig till he had made a little hole through which he peeped saying imploringly Let me in Let me in But the pretty princess did not seem to understand for she picked her roses quietly and left him to fight his way in Whether he did or not Frank will tell you

I cant Im not playing I never do said Frank dismayed at the sentimental predicament out of which he was to rescue the absurd couple Beth had disappeared behind Jo and Grace was asleep

So the poor knight is to be left sticking in the hedge is he asked Mr Brooke still watching the river and playing with the wild rose in his buttonhole

I guess the princess gave him a posy and opened the gate after a while said Laurie smiling to himself as he threw acorns at his tutor

What a piece of nonsense we have made With practice we might do something quite clever Do you know Truth

I hope so said Meg soberly

The game I mean

What is it said Fred

Why you pile up your hands choose a number and draw out in turn and the person who draws at the number has to answer truly any question put by the rest Its great fun

Lets try it said Jo who liked new experiments

Miss Kate and Mr Brooke Meg and Ned declined but Fred Sallie Jo and Laurie piled and drew and the lot fell to Laurie

Who are your heroes asked Jo

Grandfather and Napoleon

Which lady here do you think prettiest said Sallie

Margaret

Which do you like best from Fred

Jo of course

What silly questions you ask And Jo gave a disdainful shrug as the rest laughed at Lauries matteroffact tone

Try again Truth isnt a bad game said Fred

Its a very good one for you retorted Jo in a low voice Her turn came next

What is your greatest fault asked Fred by way of testing in her the virtue he lacked himself

A quick temper

What do you most wish for said Laurie

A pair of boot lacings returned Jo guessing and defeating his purpose

Not a true answer You must say what you really do want most

Genius Dont you wish you could give it to me Laurie And she slyly smiled in his disappointed face

What virtues do you most admire in a man asked Sallie

Courage and honesty

Now my turn said Fred as his hand came last

Lets give it to him whispered Laurie to Jo who nodded and asked at once

Didnt you cheat at croquet

Well yes a little bit

Good Didnt you take your story out of The Sea Lion said Laurie

Rather

Dont you think the English nation perfect in every respect asked Sallie

I should be ashamed of myself if I didnt

Hes a true John Bull Now Miss Sallie you shall have a chance without waiting to draw Ill harrrow up your feelings first by asking if you dont think you are something of a flirt said Laurie as Jo nodded to Fred as a sign that peace was declared

You impertinent boy Of course Im not exclaimed Sallie with an air that proved the contrary

What do you hate most asked Fred

Spiders and rice pudding

What do you like best asked Jo

Dancing and French gloves

Well I think Truth is a very silly play Lets have a sensible game of Authors to refresh our minds proposed Jo

Ned Frank and the little girls joined in this and while it went on the three elders sat apart talking Miss Kate took out her sketch again and Margaret watched her while Mr Brooke lay on the grass with a book which he did not read

How beautifully you do it I wish I could draw said Meg with mingled admiration and regret in her voice

Why dont you learn I should think you had taste and talent for it replied Miss Kate graciously

I havent time

Your mamma prefers other accomplishments I fancy So did mine but I proved to her that I had talent by taking a few lessons privately and then she was quite willing I should go on Cant you do the same with your governess

I have none

I forgot young ladies in America go to school more than with us Very fine schools they are too Papa says You go to a private one I suppose

I dont go at all I am a governess myself

Oh indeed said Miss Kate but she might as well have said Dear me how dreadful for her tone implied it and something in her face made Meg color and wish she had not been so frank

Mr Brooke looked up and said quickly Young ladies in America love independence as much as their ancestors did and are admired and respected for supporting themselves

Oh yes of course its very nice and proper in them to do so We have many most respectable and worthy young women who do the same and are employed by the nobility because being the daughters of gentlemen they are both well bred and accomplished you know said Miss Kate in a patronizing tone that hurt Megs pride and made her work seem not only more distasteful but degrading

Did the German song suit Miss March inquired Mr Brooke breaking an awkward pause

Oh yes It was very sweet and Im much obliged to whoever translated it for me And Megs downcast face brightened as she spoke

Dont you read German asked Miss Kate with a look of surprise

Not very well My father who taught me is away and I dont get on very fast alone for Ive no one to correct my pronunciation

Try a little now Here is Schillers Mary Stuart and a tutor who loves to teach And Mr Brooke laid his book on her lap with an inviting smile

Its so hard Im afraid to try said Meg grateful but bashful in the presence of the accomplished young lady beside her

Ill read a bit to encourage you And Miss Kate read one of the most beautiful passages in a perfectly correct but perfectly expressionless manner

Mr Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg who said innocently I thought it was poetry

Some of it is Try this passage

There was a queer smile about Mr Brookes mouth as he opened at poor Marys lament

Meg obediently following the long grassblade which her new tutor used to point with read slowly and timidly unconsciously making poetry of the hard words by the soft intonation of her musical voice Down the page went the green guide and presently forgetting her listener in the beauty of the sad scene Meg read as if alone giving a little touch of tragedy to the words of the unhappy queen If she had seen the brown eyes then she would have stopped short but she never looked up and the lesson was not spoiled for her

Very well indeed said Mr Brooke as she paused quite ignoring her many mistakes and looking as if he did indeed love to teach

Miss Kate put up her glass and having taken a survey of the little tableau before her shut her sketch book saying with condescension Youve a nice accent and in time will be a clever reader I advise you to learn for German is a valuable accomplishment to teachers I must look after Grace she is romping And Miss Kate strolled away adding to herself with a shrug I didnt come to chaperone a governess though she is young and pretty What odd people these Yankees are Im afraid Laurie will be quite spoiled among them

I forgot that English people rather turn up their noses at governesses and dont treat them as we do said Meg looking after the retreating figure with an annoyed expression

Tutors also have rather a hard time of it there as I know to my sorrow Theres no place like America for us workers Miss Margaret And Mr Brooke looked so contented and cheerful that Meg was ashamed to lament her hard lot

Im glad I live in it then I dont like my work but I get a good deal of satisfaction out of it after all so I wont complain I only wished I liked teaching as you do

I think you would if you had Laurie for a pupil I shall be very sorry to lose him next year said Mr Brooke busily punching holes in the turf

Going to college I suppose Megs lips asked the question but her eyes added And what becomes of you

Yes its high time he went for he is ready and as soon as he is off I shall turn soldier I am needed

I am glad of that exclaimed Meg I should think every young man would want to go though it is hard for the mothers and sisters who stay at home she added sorrowfully

I have neither and very few friends to care whether I live or die said Mr Brooke rather bitterly as he absently put the dead rose in the hole he had made and covered it up like a little grave

Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal and we should all be very sorry to have any harm happen to you said Meg heartily

Thank you that sounds pleasant began Mr Brooke looking cheerful again but before he could finish his speech Ned mounted on the old horse came lumbering up to display his equestrian skill before the young ladies and there was no more quiet that day

Dont you love to ride asked Grace of Amy as they stood resting after a race round the field with the others led by Ned

I dote upon it My sister Meg used to ride when Papa was rich but we dont keep any horses now except Ellen Tree added Amy laughing

Tell me about Ellen Tree Is it a donkey asked Grace curiously

Why you see Jo is crazy about horses and so am I but weve only got an old sidesaddle and no horse Out in our garden is an apple tree that has a nice low branch so Jo put the saddle on it fixed some reins on the part that turns up and we bounce away on Ellen Tree whenever we like

How funny laughed Grace I have a pony at home and ride nearly every day in the park with Fred and Kate Its very nice for my friends go too and the Row is full of ladies and gentlemen

Dear how charming I hope I shall go abroad some day but Id rather go to Rome than the Row said Amy who had not the remotest idea what the Row was and wouldnt have asked for the world

Frank sitting just behind the little girls heard what they were saying and pushed his crutch away from him with an impatient gesture as he watched the active lads going through all sorts of comical gymnastics Beth who was collecting the scattered Author cards looked up and said in her shy yet friendly way Im afraid you are tired Can I do anything for you

Talk to me please Its dull sitting by myself answered Frank who had evidently been used to being made much of at home

If he asked her to deliver a Latin oration it would not have seemed a more impossible task to bashful Beth but there was no place to run to no Jo to hide behind now and the poor boy looked so wistfully at her that she bravely resolved to try

What do you like to talk about she asked fumbling over the cards and dropping half as she tried to tie them up

Well I like to hear about cricket and boating and hunting said Frank who had not yet learned to suit his amusements to his strength

My heart What shall I do I dont know anything about them thought Beth and forgetting the boys misfortune in her flurry she said hoping to make him talk I never saw any hunting but I suppose you know all about it

I did once but I can never hunt again for I got hurt leaping a confounded fivebarred gate so there are no more horses and hounds for me said Frank with a sigh that made Beth hate herself for her innocent blunder

Your deer are much prettier than our ugly buffaloes she said turning to the prairies for help and feeling glad that she had read one of the boys books in which Jo delighted

Buffaloes proved soothing and satisfactory and in her eagerness to amuse another Beth forgot herself and was quite unconscious of her sisters surprise and delight at the unusual spectacle of Beth talking away to one of the dreadful boys against whom she had begged protection

Bless her heart She pities him so she is good to him said Jo beaming at her from the croquet ground

I always said she was a little saint added Meg as if there could be no further doubt of it

I havent heard Frank laugh so much for ever so long said Grace to Amy as they sat discussing dolls and making tea sets out of the acorn cups

My sister Beth is a very fastidious girl when she likes to be said Amy well pleased at Beths success She meant facinating but as Grace didnt know the exact meaning of either word fastidious sounded well and made a good impression

An impromptu circus fox and geese and an amicable game of croquet finished the afternoon At sunset the tent was struck hampers packed wickets pulled up boats loaded and the whole party floated down the river singing at the tops of their voices Ned getting sentimental warbled a serenade with the pensive refrain

Alone alone ah Woe alone
and at the lines

We each are young we each have a heart
Oh why should we stand thus coldly apart
he looked at Meg with such a lackadiasical expression that she laughed outright and spoiled his song

How can you be so cruel to me he whispered under cover of a lively chorus Youve kept close to that starchedup Englishwoman all day and now you snub me

I didnt mean to but you looked so funny I really couldnt help it replied Meg passing over the first part of his reproach for it was quite true that she had shunned him remembering the Moffat party and the talk after it

Ned was offended and turned to Sallie for consolation saying to her rather pettishly There isnt a bit of flirt in that girl is there

Not a particle but shes a dear returned Sallie defending her friend even while confessing her shortcomings

Shes not a stricken deer anyway said Ned trying to be witty and succeeding as well as very young gentlemen usually do

On the lawn where it had gathered the little party separated with cordial good nights and goodbyes for the Vaughns were going to Canada As the four sisters went home through the garden Miss Kate looked after them saying without the patronizing tone in her voice In spite of their demonstrative manners American girls are very nice when one knows them

I quite agree with you said Mr Brooke

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CASTLES IN THE AIR

Laurie lay luxuriously swinging to and fro in his hammock one warm September afternoon wondering what his neighbors were about but too lazy to go and find out He was in one of his moods for the day had been both unprofitable and unsatisfactory and he was wishing he could live it over again The hot weather made him indolent and he had shirked his studies tried Mr Brookes patience to the utmost displeased his grandfather by practicing half the afternoon frightened the maidservants half out of their wits by mischievously hinting that one of his dogs was going mad and after high words with the stableman about some fancied neglect of his horse he had flung himself into his hammock to fume over the stupidity of the world in general till the peace of the lovely day quieted him in spite of himself Staring up into the green gloom of the horsechestnut trees above him he dreamed dreams of all sorts and was just imagining himself tossing on the ocean in a voyage round the world when the sound of voices brought him ashore in a flash Peeping through the meshes of the hammock he saw the Marches coming out as if bound on some expedition

What in the world are those girls about now thought Laurie opening his sleepy eyes to take a good look for there was something rather peculiar in the appearance of his neighbors Each wore a large flapping hat a brown linen pouch slung over one shoulder and carried a long staff Meg had a cushion Jo a book Beth a basket and Amy a portfolio All walked quietly through the garden out at the little back gate and began to climb the hill that lay between the house and river

Well thats cool said Laurie to himself to have a picnic and never ask me They cant be going in the boat for they havent got the key Perhaps they forgot it Ill take it to them and see whats going on

Though possessed of half a dozen hats it took him some time to find one then there was a hunt for the key which was at last discovered in his pocket so that the girls were quite out of sight when he leaped the fence and ran after them Taking the shortest way to the boathouse he waited for them to appear but no one came and he went up the hill to take an observation A grove of pines covered one part of it and from the heart of this green spot came a clearer sound than the soft sigh of the pines or the drowsy chirp of the crickets

Heres a landscape thought Laurie peeping through the bushes and looking wideawake and goodnatured already

It was a rather pretty little picture for the sisters sat together in the shady nook with sun and shadow flickering over them the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks and all the little wood people going on with their affairs as if these were no strangers but old friends Meg sat upon her cushion sewing daintily with her white hands and looking as fresh and sweet as a rose in her pink dress among the green Beth was sorting the cones that lay thick under the hemlock near by for she made pretty things with them Amy was sketching a group of ferns and Jo was knitting as she read aloud A shadow passed over the boys face as he watched them feeling that he ought to go away because uninvited yet lingering because home seemed very lonely and this quiet party in the woods most attractive to his restless spirit He stood so still that a squirrel busy with its harvesting ran down a pine close beside him saw him suddenly and skipped back scolding so shrilly that Beth looked up espied the wistful face behind the birches and beckoned with a reassuring smile

May I come in please Or shall I be a bother he asked advancing slowly

Meg lifted her eyebrows but Jo scowled at her defiantly and said at once Of course you may We should have asked you before only we thought you wouldnt care for such a girls game as this

I always like your games but if Meg doesnt want me Ill go away

Ive no objection if you do something Its against the rules to be idle here replied Meg gravely but graciously

Much obliged Ill do anything if youll let me stop a bit for its as dull as the Desert of Sahara down there Shall I sew read cone draw or do all at once Bring on your bears Im ready And Laurie sat down with a submissive expression delightful to behold

Finish this story while I set my heel said Jo handing him the book

Yesm was the meek answer as he began doing his best to prove his gratitude for the favor of admission into the Busy Bee Society

The story was not a long one and when it was finished he ventured to ask a few questions as a reward of merit

Please maam could I inquire if this highly instructive and charming institution is a new one

Would you tell him asked Meg of her sisters

Hell laugh said Amy warningly

Who cares said Jo

I guess hell like it added Beth

Of course I shall I give you my word I wont laugh Tell away Jo and dont be afraid

The idea of being afraid of you Well you see we used to play Pilgrims Progress and we have been going on with it in earnest all winter and summer

Yes I know said Laurie nodding wisely

Who told you demanded Jo

Spirits

No I did I wanted to amuse him one night when you were all away and he was rather dismal He did like it so dont scold Jo said Beth meekly

You cant keep a secret Never mind it saves trouble now

Go on please said Laurie as Jo became absorbed in her work looking a trifle displeased

Oh didnt she tell you about this new plan of ours Well we have tried not to waste our holiday but each has had a task and worked at it with a will The vacation is nearly over the stints are all done and we are ever so glad that we didnt dawdle

Yes I should think so and Laurie thought regretfully of his own idle days

Mother likes to have us outofdoors as much as possible so we bring our work here and have nice times For the fun of it we bring our things in these bags wear the old hats use poles to climb the hill and play pilgrims as we used to do years ago We call this hill the Delectable Mountain for we can look far away and see the country where we hope to live some time

Jo pointed and Laurie sat up to examine for through an opening in the wood one could look cross the wide blue river the meadows on the other side far over the outskirts of the great city to the green hills that rose to meet the sky The sun was low and the heavens glowed with the splendor of an autumn sunset Gold and purple clouds lay on the hilltops and rising high into the ruddy light were silvery white peaks that shone like the airy spires of some Celestial City

How beautiful that is said Laurie softly for he was quick to see and feel beauty of any kind

Its often so and we like to watch it for it is never the same but always splendid replied Amy wishing she could paint it

Jo talks about the country where we hope to live sometime—the real country she means with pigs and chickens and haymaking It would be nice but I wish the beautiful country up there was real and we could ever go to it said Beth musingly

There is a lovelier country even than that where we shall go byandby when we are good enough answered Meg with her sweetest voice

It seems so long to wait so hard to do I want to fly away at once as those swallows fly and go in at that splendid gate

Youll get there Beth sooner or later no fear of that said Jo Im the one that will have to fight and work and climb and wait and maybe never get in after all

Youll have me for company if thats any comfort I shall have to do a deal of traveling before I come in sight of your Celestial City If I arrive late youll say a good word for me wont you Beth

Something in the boys face troubled his little friend but she said cheerfully with her quiet eyes on the changing clouds If people really want to go and really try all their lives I think they will get in for I dont believe there are any locks on that door or any guards at the gate I always imagine it is as it is in the picture where the shining ones stretch out their hands to welcome poor Christian as he comes up from the river

Wouldnt it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true and we could live in them said Jo after a little pause

Ive made such quantities it would be hard to choose which Id have said Laurie lying flat and throwing cones at the squirrel who had betrayed him

Youd have to take your favorite one What is it asked Meg

If I tell mine will you tell yours

Yes if the girls will too

We will Now Laurie

After Id seen as much of the world as I want to Id like to settle in Germany and have just as much music as I choose Im to be a famous musician myself and all creation is to rush to hear me And Im never to be bothered about money or business but just enjoy myself and live for what I like Thats my favorite castle Whats yours Meg

Margaret seemed to find it a little hard to tell hers and waved a brake before her face as if to disperse imaginary gnats while she said slowly I should like a lovely house full of all sorts of luxurious things—nice food pretty clothes handsome furniture pleasant people and heaps of money I am to be mistress of it and manage it as I like with plenty of servants so I never need work a bit How I should enjoy it For I wouldnt be idle but do good and make everyone love me dearly

Wouldnt you have a master for your castle in the air asked Laurie slyly

I said pleasant people you know and Meg carefully tied up her shoe as she spoke so that no one saw her face

Why dont you say youd have a splendid wise good husband and some angelic little children You know your castle wouldnt be perfect without said blunt Jo who had no tender fancies yet and rather scorned romance except in books

Youd have nothing but horses inkstands and novels in yours answered Meg petulantly

Wouldnt I though Id have a stable full of Arabian steeds rooms piled high with books and Id write out of a magic inkstand so that my works should be as famous as Lauries music I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle something heroic or wonderful that wont be forgotten after Im dead I dont know what but Im on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all some day I think I shall write books and get rich and famous that would suit me so that is my favorite dream

Mine is to stay at home safe with Father and Mother and help take care of the family said Beth contentedly

Dont you wish for anything else asked Laurie

Since I had my little piano I am perfectly satisfied I only wish we may all keep well and be together nothing else

I have ever so many wishes but the pet one is to be an artist and go to Rome and do fine pictures and be the best artist in the whole world was Amys modest desire

Were an ambitious set arent we Every one of us but Beth wants to be rich and famous and gorgeous in every respect I do wonder if any of us will ever get our wishes said Laurie chewing grass like a meditative calf

Ive got the key to my castle in the air but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen observed Jo mysteriously

Ive got the key to mine but Im not allowed to try it Hang college muttered Laurie with an impatient sigh

Heres mine and Amy waved her pencil

I havent got any said Meg forlornly

Yes you have said Laurie at once

Where

In your face

Nonsense thats of no use

Wait and see if it doesnt bring you something worth having replied the boy laughing at the thought of a charming little secret which he fancied he knew

Meg colored behind the brake but asked no questions and looked across the river with the same expectant expression which Mr Brooke had worn when he told the story of the knight

If we are all alive ten years hence lets meet and see how many of us have got our wishes or how much nearer we are then than now said Jo always ready with a plan

Bless me How old I shall be twentyseven exclaimed Meg who felt grown up already having just reached seventeen

You and I will be twentysix Teddy Beth twentyfour and Amy twentytwo What a venerable party said Jo

I hope I shall have done something to be proud of by that time but Im such a lazy dog Im afraid I shall dawdle Jo

You need a motive Mother says and when you get it she is sure youll work splendidly

Is she By Jupiter I will if I only get the chance cried Laurie sitting up with sudden energy I ought to be satisfied to please Grandfather and I do try but its working against the grain you see and comes hard He wants me to be an India merchant as he was and Id rather be shot I hate tea and silk and spices and every sort of rubbish his old ships bring and I dont care how soon they go to the bottom when I own them Going to college ought to satisfy him for if I give him four years he ought to let me off from the business But hes set and Ive got to do just as he did unless I break away and please myself as my father did If there was anyone left to stay with the old gentleman Id do it tomorrow

Laurie spoke excitedly and looked ready to carry his threat into execution on the slightest provocation for he was growing up very fast and in spite of his indolent ways had a young mans hatred of subjection a young mans restless longing to try the world for himself

I advise you to sail away in one of your ships and never come home again till you have tried your own way said Jo whose imagination was fired by the thought of such a daring exploit and whose sympathy was excited by what she called Teddys Wrongs

Thats not right Jo You mustnt talk in that way and Laurie mustnt take your bad advice You should do just what your grandfather wishes my dear boy said Meg in her most maternal tone Do your best at college and when he sees that you try to please him Im sure he wont be hard on you or unjust to you As you say there is no one else to stay with and love him and youd never forgive yourself if you left him without his permission Dont be dismal or fret but do your duty and youll get your reward as good Mr Brooke has by being respected and loved

What do you know about him asked Laurie grateful for the good advice but objecting to the lecture and glad to turn the conversation from himself after his unusual outbreak

Only what your grandpa told us about him how he took good care of his own mother till she died and wouldnt go abroad as tutor to some nice person because he wouldnt leave her And how he provides now for an old woman who nursed his mother and never tells anyone but is just as generous and patient and good as he can be

So he is dear old fellow said Laurie heartily as Meg paused looking flushed and earnest with her story Its like Grandpa to find out all about him without letting him know and to tell all his goodness to others so that they might like him Brooke couldnt understand why your mother was so kind to him asking him over with me and treating him in her beautiful friendly way He thought she was just perfect and talked about it for days and days and went on about you all in flaming style If ever I do get my wish you see what Ill do for Brooke

Begin to do something now by not plaguing his life out said Meg sharply

How do you know I do Miss

I can always tell by his face when he goes away If you have been good he looks satisfied and walks briskly If you have plagued him hes sober and walks slowly as if he wanted to go back and do his work better

Well I like that So you keep an account of my good and bad marks in Brookes face do you I see him bow and smile as he passes your window but I didnt know youd got up a telegraph

We havent Dont be angry and oh dont tell him I said anything It was only to show that I cared how you get on and what is said here is said in confidence you know cried Meg much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from her careless speech

I dont tell tales replied Laurie with his high and mighty air as Jo called a certain expression which he occasionally wore Only if Brooke is going to be a thermometer I must mind and have fair weather for him to report

Please dont be offended I didnt mean to preach or tell tales or be silly I only thought Jo was encouraging you in a feeling which youd be sorry for byandby You are so kind to us we feel as if you were our brother and say just what we think Forgive me I meant it kindly And Meg offered her hand with a gesture both affectionate and timid

Ashamed of his momentary pique Laurie squeezed the kind little hand and said frankly Im the one to be forgiven Im cross and have been out of sorts all day I like to have you tell me my faults and be sisterly so dont mind if I am grumpy sometimes I thank you all the same

Bent on showing that he was not offended he made himself as agreeable as possible wound cotton for Meg recited poetry to please Jo shook down cones for Beth and helped Amy with her ferns proving himself a fit person to belong to the Busy Bee Society In the midst of an animated discussion on the domestic habits of turtles one of those amiable creatures having strolled up from the river the faint sound of a bell warned them that Hannah had put the tea to draw and they would just have time to get home to supper

May I come again asked Laurie

Yes if you are good and love your book as the boys in the primer are told to do said Meg smiling

Ill try

Then you may come and Ill teach you to knit as the Scotchmen do Theres a demand for socks just now added Jo waving hers like a big blue worsted banner as they parted at the gate

That night when Beth played to Mr Laurence in the twilight Laurie standing in the shadow of the curtain listened to the little David whose simple music always quieted his moody spirit and watched the old man who sat with his gray head on his hand thinking tender thoughts of the dead child he had loved so much Remembering the conversation of the afternoon the boy said to himself with the resolve to make the sacrifice cheerfully Ill let my castle go and stay with the dear old gentleman while he needs me for I am all he has

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

SECRETS

Jo was very busy in the garret for the October days began to grow chilly and the afternoons were short For two or three hours the sun lay warmly in the high window showing Jo seated on the old sofa writing busily with her papers spread out upon a trunk before her while Scrabble the pet rat promenaded the beams overhead accompanied by his oldest son a fine young fellow who was evidently very proud of his whiskers Quite absorbed in her work Jo scribbled away till the last page was filled when she signed her name with a flourish and threw down her pen exclaiming

There Ive done my best If this wont suit I shall have to wait till I can do better

Lying back on the sofa she read the manuscript carefully through making dashes here and there and putting in many exclamation points which looked like little balloons Then she tied it up with a smart red ribbon and sat a minute looking at it with a sober wistful expression which plainly showed how earnest her work had been Jos desk up here was an old tin kitchen which hung against the wall In it she kept her papers and a few books safely shut away from Scrabble who being likewise of a literary turn was fond of making a circulating library of such books as were left in his way by eating the leaves From this tin receptacle Jo produced another manuscript and putting both in her pocket crept quietly downstairs leaving her friends to nibble on her pens and taste her ink

She put on her hat and jacket as noiselessly as possible and going to the back entry window got out upon the roof of a low porch swung herself down to the grassy bank and took a roundabout way to the road Once there she composed herself hailed a passing omnibus and rolled away to town looking very merry and mysterious

If anyone had been watching her he would have thought her movements decidedly peculiar for on alighting she went off at a great pace till she reached a certain number in a certain busy street Having found the place with some difficulty she went into the doorway looked up the dirty stairs and after standing stock still a minute suddenly dived into the street and walked away as rapidly as she came This maneuver she repeated several times to the great amusement of a blackeyed young gentleman lounging in the window of a building opposite On returning for the third time Jo gave herself a shake pulled her hat over her eyes and walked up the stairs looking as if she were going to have all her teeth out

There was a dentists sign among others which adorned the entrance and after staring a moment at the pair of artificial jaws which slowly opened and shut to draw attention to a fine set of teeth the young gentleman put on his coat took his hat and went down to post himself in the opposite doorway saying with a smile and a shiver Its like her to come alone but if she has a bad time shell need someone to help her home

In ten minutes Jo came running downstairs with a very red face and the general appearance of a person who had just passed through a trying ordeal of some sort When she saw the young gentleman she looked anything but pleased and passed him with a nod But he followed asking with an air of sympathy Did you have a bad time

Not very

You got through quickly

Yes thank goodness

Why did you go alone

Didnt want anyone to know

Youre the oddest fellow I ever saw How many did you have out

Jo looked at her friend as if she did not understand him then began to laugh as if mightily amused at something

There are two which I want to have come out but I must wait a week

What are you laughing at You are up to some mischief Jo said Laurie looking mystified

So are you What were you doing sir up in that billiard saloon

Begging your pardon maam it wasnt a billiard saloon but a gymnasium and I was taking a lesson in fencing

Im glad of that

Why

You can teach me and then when we play Hamlet you can be Laertes and well make a fine thing of the fencing scene

Laurie burst out with a hearty boys laugh which made several passersby smile in spite of themselves

Ill teach you whether we play Hamlet or not Its grand fun and will straighten you up capitally But I dont believe that was your only reason for saying Im glad in that decided way was it now

No I was glad that you were not in the saloon because I hope you never go to such places Do you

Not often

I wish you wouldnt

Its no harm Jo I have billiards at home but its no fun unless you have good players so as Im fond of it I come sometimes and have a game with Ned Moffat or some of the other fellows

Oh dear Im so sorry for youll get to liking it better and better and will waste time and money and grow like those dreadful boys I did hope youd stay respectable and be a satisfaction to your friends said Jo shaking her head

Cant a fellow take a little innocent amusement now and then without losing his respectability asked Laurie looking nettled

That depends upon how and where he takes it I dont like Ned and his set and wish youd keep out of it Mother wont let us have him at our house though he wants to come And if you grow like him she wont be willing to have us frolic together as we do now

Wont she asked Laurie anxiously

No she cant bear fashionable young men and shed shut us all up in bandboxes rather than have us associate with them

Well she neednt get out her bandboxes yet Im not a fashionable party and dont mean to be but I do like harmless larks now and then dont you

Yes nobody minds them so lark away but dont get wild will you Or there will be an end of all our good times

Ill be a double distilled saint

I cant bear saints Just be a simple honest respectable boy and well never desert you I dont know what I should do if you acted like Mr Kings son He had plenty of money but didnt know how to spend it and got tipsy and gambled and ran away and forged his fathers name I believe and was altogether horrid

You think Im likely to do the same Much obliged

No I dont—oh dear no—but I hear people talking about money being such a temptation and I sometimes wish you were poor I shouldnt worry then

Do you worry about me Jo

A little when you look moody and discontented as you sometimes do for youve got such a strong will if you once get started wrong Im afraid it would be hard to stop you

Laurie walked in silence a few minutes and Jo watched him wishing she had held her tongue for his eyes looked angry though his lips smiled as if at her warnings

Are you going to deliver lectures all the way home he asked presently

Of course not Why

Because if you are Ill take a bus If youre not Id like to walk with you and tell you something very interesting

I wont preach any more and Id like to hear the news immensely

Very well then come on Its a secret and if I tell you you must tell me yours

I havent got any began Jo but stopped suddenly remembering that she had

You know you have—you cant hide anything so up and fess or I wont tell cried Laurie

Is your secret a nice one

Oh isnt it All about people you know and such fun You ought to hear it and Ive been aching to tell it this long time Come you begin

Youll not say anything about it at home will you

Not a word

And you wont tease me in private

I never tease

Yes you do You get everything you want out of people I dont know how you do it but you are a born wheedler

Thank you Fire away

Well Ive left two stories with a newspaperman and hes to give his answer next week whispered Jo in her confidants ear

Hurrah for Miss March the celebrated American authoress cried Laurie throwing up his hat and catching it again to the great delight of two ducks four cats five hens and half a dozen Irish children for they were out of the city now

Hush It wont come to anything I dare say but I couldnt rest till I had tried and I said nothing about it because I didnt want anyone else to be disappointed

It wont fail Why Jo your stories are works of Shakespeare compared to half the rubbish that is published every day Wont it be fun to see them in print and shant we feel proud of our authoress

Jos eyes sparkled for it is always pleasant to be believed in and a friends praise is always sweeter than a dozen newspaper puffs

Wheres your secret Play fair Teddy or Ill never believe you again she said trying to extinguish the brilliant hopes that blazed up at a word of encouragement

I may get into a scrape for telling but I didnt promise not to so I will for I never feel easy in my mind till Ive told you any plummy bit of news I get I know where Megs glove is

Is that all said Jo looking disappointed as Laurie nodded and twinkled with a face full of mysterious intelligence

Its quite enough for the present as youll agree when I tell you where it is

Tell then

Laurie bent and whispered three words in Jos ear which produced a comical change She stood and stared at him for a minute looking both surprised and displeased then walked on saying sharply How do you know

Saw it

Where

Pocket

All this time

Yes isnt that romantic

No its horrid

Dont you like it

Of course I dont Its ridiculous it wont be allowed My patience What would Meg say

You are not to tell anyone Mind that

I didnt promise

That was understood and I trusted you

Well I wont for the present anyway but Im disgusted and wish you hadnt told me

I thought youd be pleased

At the idea of anybody coming to take Meg away No thank you

Youll feel better about it when somebody comes to take you away

Id like to see anyone try it cried Jo fiercely

So should I and Laurie chuckled at the idea

I dont think secrets agree with me I feel rumpled up in my mind since you told me that said Jo rather ungratefully

Race down this hill with me and youll be all right suggested Laurie

No one was in sight the smooth road sloped invitingly before her and finding the temptation irresistible Jo darted away soon leaving hat and comb behind her and scattering hairpins as she ran Laurie reached the goal first and was quite satisfied with the success of his treatment for his Atlanta came panting up with flying hair bright eyes ruddy cheeks and no signs of dissatisfaction in her face

I wish I was a horse then I could run for miles in this splendid air and not lose my breath It was capital but see what a guy its made me Go pick up my things like a cherub as you are said Jo dropping down under a maple tree which was carpeting the bank with crimson leaves

Laurie leisurely departed to recover the lost property and Jo bundled up her braids hoping no one would pass by till she was tidy again But someone did pass and who should it be but Meg looking particularly ladylike in her state and festival suit for she had been making calls

What in the world are you doing here she asked regarding her disheveled sister with wellbred surprise

Getting leaves meekly answered Jo sorting the rosy handful she had just swept up

And hairpins added Laurie throwing half a dozen into Jos lap They grow on this road Meg so do combs and brown straw hats

You have been running Jo How could you When will you stop such romping ways said Meg reprovingly as she settled her cuffs and smoothed her hair with which the wind had taken liberties

Never till Im stiff and old and have to use a crutch Dont try to make me grow up before my time Meg Its hard enough to have you change all of a sudden Let me be a little girl as long as I can

As she spoke Jo bent over the leaves to hide the trembling of her lips for lately she had felt that Margaret was fast getting to be a woman and Lauries secret made her dread the separation which must surely come some time and now seemed very near He saw the trouble in her face and drew Megs attention from it by asking quickly Where have you been calling all so fine

At the Gardiners and Sallie has been telling me all about Belle Moffats wedding It was very splendid and they have gone to spend the winter in Paris Just think how delightful that must be

Do you envy her Meg said Laurie

Im afraid I do

Im glad of it muttered Jo tying on her hat with a jerk

Why asked Meg looking surprised

Because if you care much about riches you will never go and marry a poor man said Jo frowning at Laurie who was mutely warning her to mind what she said

I shall never go and marry anyone observed Meg walking on with great dignity while the others followed laughing whispering skipping stones and behaving like children as Meg said to herself though she might have been tempted to join them if she had not had her best dress on

For a week or two Jo behaved so queerly that her sisters were quite bewildered She rushed to the door when the postman rang was rude to Mr Brooke whenever they met would sit looking at Meg with a woebegone face occasionally jumping up to shake and then kiss her in a very mysterious manner Laurie and she were always making signs to one another and talking about Spread Eagles till the girls declared they had both lost their wits On the second Saturday after Jo got out of the window Meg as she sat sewing at her window was scandalized by the sight of Laurie chasing Jo all over the garden and finally capturing her in Amys bower What went on there Meg could not see but shrieks of laughter were heard followed by the murmur of voices and a great flapping of newspapers

What shall we do with that girl She never will behave like a young lady sighed Meg as she watched the race with a disapproving face

I hope she wont She is so funny and dear as she is said Beth who had never betrayed that she was a little hurt at Jos having secrets with anyone but her

Its very trying but we never can make her commy la fo added Amy who sat making some new frills for herself with her curls tied up in a very becoming way two agreeable things that made her feel unusually elegant and ladylike

In a few minutes Jo bounced in laid herself on the sofa and affected to read

Have you anything interesting there asked Meg with condescension

Nothing but a story wont amount to much I guess returned Jo carefully keeping the name of the paper out of sight

Youd better read it aloud That will amuse us and keep you out of mischief said Amy in her most grownup tone

Whats the name asked Beth wondering why Jo kept her face behind the sheet

The Rival Painters

That sounds well Read it said Meg

With a loud Hem and a long breath Jo began to read very fast The girls listened with interest for the tale was romantic and somewhat pathetic as most of the characters died in the end I like that about the splendid picture was Amys approving remark as Jo paused

I prefer the lovering part Viola and Angelo are two of our favorite names isnt that queer said Meg wiping her eyes for the lovering part was tragical

Who wrote it asked Beth who had caught a glimpse of Jos face

The reader suddenly sat up cast away the paper displaying a flushed countenance and with a funny mixture of solemnity and excitement replied in a loud voice Your sister

You cried Meg dropping her work

Its very good said Amy critically

I knew it I knew it Oh my Jo I am so proud and Beth ran to hug her sister and exult over this splendid success

Dear me how delighted they all were to be sure How Meg wouldnt believe it till she saw the words Miss Josephine March actually printed in the paper How graciously Amy criticized the artistic parts of the story and offered hints for a sequel which unfortunately couldnt be carried out as the hero and heroine were dead How Beth got excited and skipped and sang with joy How Hannah came in to exclaim Sakes alive well I never in great astonishment at that Jos doins How proud Mrs March was when she knew it How Jo laughed with tears in her eyes as she declared she might as well be a peacock and done with it and how the Spread Eagle might be said to flap his wings triumphantly over the House of March as the paper passed from hand to hand

Tell us about it When did it come How much did you get for it What will Father say Wont Laurie laugh cried the family all in one breath as they clustered about Jo for these foolish affectionate people made a jubilee of every little household joy

Stop jabbering girls and Ill tell you everything said Jo wondering if Miss Burney felt any grander over her Evelina than she did over her Rival Painters Having told how she disposed of her tales Jo added And when I went to get my answer the man said he liked them both but didnt pay beginners only let them print in his paper and noticed the stories It was good practice he said and when the beginners improved anyone would pay So I let him have the two stories and today this was sent to me and Laurie caught me with it and insisted on seeing it so I let him And he said it was good and I shall write more and hes going to get the next paid for and I am so happy for in time I may be able to support myself and help the girls

Jos breath gave out here and wrapping her head in the paper she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears for to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy end

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A TELEGRAM

November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year said Margaret standing at the window one dull afternoon looking out at the frostbitten garden

Thats the reason I was born in it observed Jo pensively quite unconscious of the blot on her nose

If something very pleasant should happen now we should think it a delightful month said Beth who took a hopeful view of everything even November

I dare say but nothing pleasant ever does happen in this family said Meg who was out of sorts We go grubbing along day after day without a bit of change and very little fun We might as well be in a treadmill

My patience how blue we are cried Jo I dont much wonder poor dear for you see other girls having splendid times while you grind grind year in and year out Oh dont I wish I could manage things for you as I do for my heroines Youre pretty enough and good enough already so Id have some rich relation leave you a fortune unexpectedly Then youd dash out as an heiress scorn everyone who has slighted you go abroad and come home my Lady Something in a blaze of splendor and elegance

People dont have fortunes left them in that style nowadays men have to work and women marry for money Its a dreadfully unjust world said Meg bitterly

Jo and I are going to make fortunes for you all Just wait ten years and see if we dont said Amy who sat in a corner making mud pies as Hannah called her little clay models of birds fruit and faces

Cant wait and Im afraid I havent much faith in ink and dirt though Im grateful for your good intentions

Meg sighed and turned to the frostbitten garden again Jo groaned and leaned both elbows on the table in a despondent attitude but Amy spatted away energetically and Beth who sat at the other window said smiling Two pleasant things are going to happen right away Marmee is coming down the street and Laurie is tramping through the garden as if he had something nice to tell

In they both came Mrs March with her usual question Any letter from Father girls and Laurie to say in his persuasive way Wont some of you come for a drive Ive been working away at mathematics till my head is in a muddle and Im going to freshen my wits by a brisk turn Its a dull day but the air isnt bad and Im going to take Brooke home so it will be gay inside if it isnt out Come Jo you and Beth will go wont you

Of course we will

Much obliged but Im busy And Meg whisked out her workbasket for she had agreed with her mother that it was best for her at least not to drive too often with the young gentleman

We three will be ready in a minute cried Amy running away to wash her hands

Can I do anything for you Madam Mother asked Laurie leaning over Mrs Marchs chair with the affectionate look and tone he always gave her

No thank you except call at the office if youll be so kind dear Its our day for a letter and the postman hasnt been Father is as regular as the sun but theres some delay on the way perhaps

A sharp ring interrupted her and a minute after Hannah came in with a letter

Its one of them horrid telegraph things mum she said handling it as if she was afraid it would explode and do some damage

At the word telegraph Mrs March snatched it read the two lines it contained and dropped back into her chair as white as if the little paper had sent a bullet to her heart Laurie dashed downstairs for water while Meg and Hannah supported her and Jo read aloud in a frightened voice

Mrs March
Your husband is very ill Come at once
S HALE
Blank Hospital Washington
How still the room was as they listened breathlessly how strangely the day darkened outside and how suddenly the whole world seemed to change as the girls gathered about their mother feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them

Mrs March was herself again directly read the message over and stretched out her arms to her daughters saying in a tone they never forgot I shall go at once but it may be too late Oh children children help me to bear it

For several minutes there was nothing but the sound of sobbing in the room mingled with broken words of comfort tender assurances of help and hopeful whispers that died away in tears Poor Hannah was the first to recover and with unconscious wisdom she set all the rest a good example for with her work was panacea for most afflictions

The Lord keep the dear man I wont waste no time acryin but git your things ready right away mum she said heartily as she wiped her face on her apron gave her mistress a warm shake of the hand with her own hard one and went away to work like three women in one

Shes right theres no time for tears now Be calm girls and let me think

They tried to be calm poor things as their mother sat up looking pale but steady and put away her grief to think and plan for them

Wheres Laurie she asked presently when she had collected her thoughts and decided on the first duties to be done

Here maam Oh let me do something cried the boy hurrying from the next room whither he had withdrawn feeling that their first sorrow was too sacred for even his friendly eyes to see

Send a telegram saying I will come at once The next train goes early in the morning Ill take that

What else The horses are ready I can go anywhere do anything he said looking ready to fly to the ends of the earth

Leave a note at Aunt Marchs Jo give me that pen and paper

Tearing off the blank side of one of her newly copied pages Jo drew the table before her mother well knowing that money for the long sad journey must be borrowed and feeling as if she could do anything to add a little to the sum for her father

Now go dear but dont kill yourself driving at a desperate pace There is no need of that

Mrs Marchs warning was evidently thrown away for five minutes later Laurie tore by the window on his own fleet horse riding as if for his life

Jo run to the rooms and tell Mrs King that I cant come On the way get these things Ill put them down theyll be needed and I must go prepared for nursing Hospital stores are not always good Beth go and ask Mr Laurence for a couple of bottles of old wine Im not too proud to beg for Father He shall have the best of everything Amy tell Hannah to get down the black trunk and Meg come and help me find my things for Im half bewildered

Writing thinking and directing all at once might well bewilder the poor lady and Meg begged her to sit quietly in her room for a little while and let them work Everyone scattered like leaves before a gust of wind and the quiet happy household was broken up as suddenly as if the paper had been an evil spell

Mr Laurence came hurrying back with Beth bringing every comfort the kind old gentleman could think of for the invalid and friendliest promises of protection for the girls during the mothers absence which comforted her very much There was nothing he didnt offer from his own dressing gown to himself as escort But the last was impossible Mrs March would not hear of the old gentlemans undertaking the long journey yet an expression of relief was visible when he spoke of it for anxiety ill fits one for traveling He saw the look knit his heavy eyebrows rubbed his hands and marched abruptly away saying hed be back directly No one had time to think of him again till as Meg ran through the entry with a pair of rubbers in one hand and a cup of tea in the other she came suddenly upon Mr Brooke

Im very sorry to hear of this Miss March he said in the kind quiet tone which sounded very pleasantly to her perturbed spirit I came to offer myself as escort to your mother Mr Laurence has commissions for me in Washington and it will give me real satisfaction to be of service to her there

Down dropped the rubbers and the tea was very near following as Meg put out her hand with a face so full of gratitude that Mr Brooke would have felt repaid for a much greater sacrifice than the trifling one of time and comfort which he was about to take

How kind you all are Mother will accept Im sure and it will be such a relief to know that she has someone to take care of her Thank you very very much

Meg spoke earnestly and forgot herself entirely till something in the brown eyes looking down at her made her remember the cooling tea and lead the way into the parlor saying she would call her mother

Everything was arranged by the time Laurie returned with a note from Aunt March enclosing the desired sum and a few lines repeating what she had often said before that she had always told them it was absurd for March to go into the army always predicted that no good would come of it and she hoped they would take her advice the next time Mrs March put the note in the fire the money in her purse and went on with her preparations with her lips folded tightly in a way which Jo would have understood if she had been there

The short afternoon wore away All other errands were done and Meg and her mother busy at some necessary needlework while Beth and Amy got tea and Hannah finished her ironing with what she called a slap and a bang but still Jo did not come They began to get anxious and Laurie went off to find her for no one knew what freak Jo might take into her head He missed her however and she came walking in with a very queer expression of countenance for there was a mixture of fun and fear satisfaction and regret in it which puzzled the family as much as did the roll of bills she laid before her mother saying with a little choke in her voice Thats my contribution toward making Father comfortable and bringing him home

My dear where did you get it Twentyfive dollars Jo I hope you havent done anything rash

No its mine honestly I didnt beg borrow or steal it I earned it and I dont think youll blame me for I only sold what was my own

As she spoke Jo took off her bonnet and a general outcry arose for all her abundant hair was cut short

Your hair Your beautiful hair Oh Jo how could you Your one beauty My dear girl there was no need of this She doesnt look like my Jo any more but I love her dearly for it

As everyone exclaimed and Beth hugged the cropped head tenderly Jo assumed an indifferent air which did not deceive anyone a particle and said rumpling up the brown bush and trying to look as if she liked it It doesnt affect the fate of the nation so dont wail Beth It will be good for my vanity I was getting too proud of my wig It will do my brains good to have that mop taken off My head feels deliciously light and cool and the barber said I could soon have a curly crop which will be boyish becoming and easy to keep in order Im satisfied so please take the money and lets have supper

Tell me all about it Jo I am not quite satisfied but I cant blame you for I know how willingly you sacrificed your vanity as you call it to your love But my dear it was not necessary and Im afraid you will regret it one of these days said Mrs March

No I wont returned Jo stoutly feeling much relieved that her prank was not entirely condemned

What made you do it asked Amy who would as soon have thought of cutting off her head as her pretty hair

Well I was wild to do something for Father replied Jo as they gathered about the table for healthy young people can eat even in the midst of trouble I hate to borrow as much as Mother does and I knew Aunt March would croak she always does if you ask for a ninepence Meg gave all her quarterly salary toward the rent and I only got some clothes with mine so I felt wicked and was bound to have some money if I sold the nose off my face to get it

You neednt feel wicked my child You had no winter things and got the simplest with your own hard earnings said Mrs March with a look that warmed Jos heart

I hadnt the least idea of selling my hair at first but as I went along I kept thinking what I could do and feeling as if Id like to dive into some of the rich stores and help myself In a barbers window I saw tails of hair with the prices marked and one black tail not so thick as mine was forty dollars It came to me all of a sudden that I had one thing to make money out of and without stopping to think I walked in asked if they bought hair and what they would give for mine

I dont see how you dared to do it said Beth in a tone of awe

Oh he was a little man who looked as if he merely lived to oil his hair He rather stared at first as if he wasnt used to having girls bounce into his shop and ask him to buy their hair He said he didnt care about mine it wasnt the fashionable color and he never paid much for it in the first place The work put into it made it dear and so on It was getting late and I was afraid if it wasnt done right away that I shouldnt have it done at all and you know when I start to do a thing I hate to give it up So I begged him to take it and told him why I was in such a hurry It was silly I dare say but it changed his mind for I got rather excited and told the story in my topsyturvy way and his wife heard and said so kindly Take it Thomas and oblige the young lady Id do as much for our Jimmy any day if I had a spire of hair worth selling

Who was Jimmy asked Amy who liked to have things explained as they went along

Her son she said who was in the army How friendly such things make strangers feel dont they She talked away all the time the man clipped and diverted my mind nicely

Didnt you feel dreadfully when the first cut came asked Meg with a shiver

I took a last look at my hair while the man got his things and that was the end of it I never snivel over trifles like that I will confess though I felt queer when I saw the dear old hair laid out on the table and felt only the short rough ends of my head It almost seemed as if Id an arm or leg off The woman saw me look at it and picked out a long lock for me to keep Ill give it to you Marmee just to remember past glories by for a crop is so comfortable I dont think I shall ever have a mane again

Mrs March folded the wavy chestnut lock and laid it away with a short gray one in her desk She only said Thank you deary but something in her face made the girls change the subject and talk as cheerfully as they could about Mr Brookes kindness the prospect of a fine day tomorrow and the happy times they would have when Father came home to be nursed

No one wanted to go to bed when at ten oclock Mrs March put by the last finished job and said Come girls Beth went to the piano and played the fathers favorite hymn All began bravely but broke down one by one till Beth was left alone singing with all her heart for to her music was always a sweet consoler

Go to bed and dont talk for we must be up early and shall need all the sleep we can get Good night my darlings said Mrs March as the hymn ended for no one cared to try another

They kissed her quietly and went to bed as silently as if the dear invalid lay in the next room Beth and Amy soon fell asleep in spite of the great trouble but Meg lay awake thinking the most serious thoughts she had ever known in her short life Jo lay motionless and her sister fancied that she was asleep till a stifled sob made her exclaim as she touched a wet cheek

Jo dear what is it Are you crying about father

No not now

What then

My My hair burst out poor Jo trying vainly to smother her emotion in the pillow

It did not seem at all comical to Meg who kissed and caressed the afflicted heroine in the tenderest manner

Im not sorry protested Jo with a choke Id do it again tomorrow if I could Its only the vain part of me that goes and cries in this silly way Dont tell anyone its all over now I thought you were asleep so I just made a little private moan for my one beauty How came you to be awake

I cant sleep Im so anxious said Meg

Think about something pleasant and youll soon drop off

I tried it but felt wider awake than ever

What did you think of

Handsome faces—eyes particularly answered Meg smiling to herself in the dark

What color do you like best

Brown that is sometimes Blue are lovely

Jo laughed and Meg sharply ordered her not to talk then amiably promised to make her hair curl and fell asleep to dream of living in her castle in the air

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed smoothing a coverlet here settling a pillow there and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter As she lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night the moon broke suddenly from behind the clouds and shone upon her like a bright benignant face which seemed to whisper in the silence Be comforted dear soul There is always light behind the clouds

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

LETTERS

In the cold gray dawn the sisters lit their lamp and read their chapter with an earnestness never felt before For now the shadow of a real trouble had come the little books were full of help and comfort and as they dressed they agreed to say goodbye cheerfully and hopefully and send their mother on her anxious journey unsaddened by tears or complaints from them Everything seemed very strange when they went down so dim and still outside so full of light and bustle within Breakfast at that early hour seemed odd and even Hannahs familiar face looked unnatural as she flew about her kitchen with her nightcap on The big trunk stood ready in the hall Mothers cloak and bonnet lay on the sofa and Mother herself sat trying to eat but looking so pale and worn with sleeplessness and anxiety that the girls found it very hard to keep their resolution Megs eyes kept filling in spite of herself Jo was obliged to hide her face in the kitchen roller more than once and the little girls wore a grave troubled expression as if sorrow was a new experience to them

Nobody talked much but as the time drew very near and they sat waiting for the carriage Mrs March said to the girls who were all busied about her one folding her shawl another smoothing out the strings of her bonnet a third putting on her overshoes and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag

Children I leave you to Hannahs care and Mr Laurences protection Hannah is faithfulness itself and our good neighbor will guard you as if you were his own I have no fears for you yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly Dont grieve and fret when I am gone or think that you can be idle and comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget Go on with your work as usual for work is a blessed solace Hope and keep busy and whatever happens remember that you never can be fatherless

Yes Mother

Meg dear be prudent watch over your sisters consult Hannah and in any perplexity go to Mr Laurence Be patient Jo dont get despondent or do rash things write to me often and be my brave girl ready to help and cheer all Beth comfort yourself with your music and be faithful to the little home duties and you Amy help all you can be obedient and keep happy safe at home

We will Mother We will

The rattle of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen That was the hard minute but the girls stood it well No one cried no one ran away or uttered a lamentation though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to Father remembering as they spoke that it might be too late to deliver them They kissed their mother quietly clung about her tenderly and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away

Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off and Mr Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him Mr Greatheart on the spot

Goodby my darlings God bless and keep us all whispered Mrs March as she kissed one dear little face after the other and hurried into the carriage

As she rolled away the sun came out and looking back she saw it shining on the group at the gate like a good omen They saw it also and smiled and waved their hands and the last thing she beheld as she turned the corner was the four bright faces and behind them like a bodyguard old Mr Laurence faithful Hannah and devoted Laurie

How kind everyone is to us she said turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young mans face

I dont see how they can help it returned Mr Brooke laughing so infectiously that Mrs March could not help smiling And so the journey began with the good omens of sunshine smiles and cheerful words

I feel as if there had been an earthquake said Jo as their neighbors went home to breakfast leaving them to rest and refresh themselves

It seems as if half the house was gone added Meg forlornly

Beth opened her lips to say something but could only point to the pile of nicely mended hose which lay on Mothers table showing that even in her last hurried moments she had thought and worked for them It was a little thing but it went straight to their hearts and in spite of their brave resolutions they all broke down and cried bitterly

Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings and when the shower showed signs of clearing up she came to the rescue armed with a coffeepot

Now my dear young ladies remember what your ma said and dont fret Come and have a cup of coffee all round and then lets fall to work and be a credit to the family

Coffee was a treat and Hannah showed great tact in making it that morning No one could resist her persuasive nods or the fragrant invitation issuing from the nose of the coffee pot They drew up to the table exchanged their handkerchiefs for napkins and in ten minutes were all right again

Hope and keep busy thats the motto for us so lets see who will remember it best I shall go to Aunt March as usual Oh wont she lecture though said Jo as she sipped with returning spirit

I shall go to my Kings though Id much rather stay at home and attend to things here said Meg wishing she hadnt made her eyes so red

No need of that Beth and I can keep house perfectly well put in Amy with an important air

Hannah will tell us what to do and well have everything nice when you come home added Beth getting out her mop and dish tub without delay

I think anxiety is very interesting observed Amy eating sugar pensively

The girls couldnt help laughing and felt better for it though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation in a sugar bowl

The sight of the turnovers made Jo sober again and when the two went out to their daily tasks they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mothers face It was gone but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony and there she was nodding away at them like a rosyfaced mandarin

Thats so like my Beth said Jo waving her hat with a grateful face Goodbye Meggy I hope the Kings wont strain today Dont fret about Father dear she added as they parted

And I hope Aunt March wont croak Your hair is becoming and it looks very boyish and nice returned Meg trying not to smile at the curly head which looked comically small on her tall sisters shoulders

Thats my only comfort And touching her hat a la Laurie away went Jo feeling like a shorn sheep on a wintry day

News from their father comforted the girls very much for though dangerously ill the presence of the best and tenderest of nurses had already done him good Mr Brooke sent a bulletin every day and as the head of the family Meg insisted on reading the dispatches which grew more cheerful as the week passed At first everyone was eager to write and plump envelopes were carefully poked into the letter box by one or other of the sisters who felt rather important with their Washington correspondence As one of these packets contained characteristic notes from the party we will rob an imaginary mail and read them

My dearest Mother

It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us for the news was so good we couldnt help laughing and crying over it How very kind Mr Brooke is and how fortunate that Mr Laurences business detains him near you so long since he is so useful to you and Father The girls are all as good as gold Jo helps me with the sewing and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs I should be afraid she might overdo if I didnt know her moral fit wouldnt last long Beth is as regular about her tasks as a clock and never forgets what you told her She grieves about Father and looks sober except when she is at her little piano Amy minds me nicely and I take great care of her She does her own hair and I am teaching her to make buttonholes and mend her stockings She tries very hard and I know you will be pleased with her improvement when you come Mr Laurence watches over us like a motherly old hen as Jo says and Laurie is very kind and neighborly He and Jo keep us merry for we get pretty blue sometimes and feel like orphans with you so far away Hannah is a perfect saint She does not scold at all and always calls me Miss Margaret which is quite proper you know and treats me with respect We are all well and busy but we long day and night to have you back Give my dearest love to Father and believe me ever your own

MEG

This note prettily written on scented paper was a great contrast to the next which was scribbled on a big sheet of thin foreign paper ornamented with blots and all manner of flourishes and curlytailed letters

My precious Marmee

Three cheers for dear Father Brooke was a trump to telegraph right off and let us know the minute he was better I rushed up garret when the letter came and tried to thank god for being so good to us but I could only cry and say Im glad Im glad Didnt that do as well as a regular prayer For I felt a great many in my heart We have such funny times and now I can enjoy them for everyone is so desperately good its like living in a nest of turtledoves Youd laugh to see Meg head the table and try to be motherish She gets prettier every day and Im in love with her sometimes The children are regular archangels and I—well Im Jo and never shall be anything else Oh I must tell you that I came near having a quarrel with Laurie I freed my mind about a silly little thing and he was offended I was right but didnt speak as I ought and he marched home saying he wouldnt come again till I begged pardon I declared I wouldnt and got mad It lasted all day I felt bad and wanted you very much Laurie and I are both so proud its hard to beg pardon But I thought hed come to it for I was in the right He didnt come and just at night I remembered what you said when Amy fell into the river I read my little book felt better resolved not to let the sun set on my anger and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry I met him at the gate coming for the same thing We both laughed begged each others pardon and felt all good and comfortable again

I made a pome yesterday when I was helping Hannah wash and as Father likes my silly little things I put it in to amuse him Give him my lovingest hug that ever was and kiss yourself a dozen times for your

TOPSYTURVY JO

A SONG FROM THE SUDS
Queen of my tub I merrily sing
While the white foam rises high
And sturdily wash and rinse and wring
And fasten the clothes to dry
Then out in the free fresh air they swing
Under the sunny sky
I wish we could wash from our hearts and souls
The stains of the week away
And let water and air by their magic make
Ourselves as pure as they
Then on the earth there would be indeed
A glorious washing day
Along the path of a useful life
Will heartsease ever bloom
The busy mind has no time to think
Of sorrow or care or gloom
And anxious thoughts may be swept away
As we bravely wield a broom
I am glad a task to me is given
To labor at day by day
For it brings me health and strength and hope
And I cheerfully learn to say
Head you may think Heart you may feel
But Hand you shall work alway

Dear Mother

There is only room for me to send my love and some pressed pansies from the root I have been keeping safe in the house for Father to see I read every morning try to be good all day and sing myself to sleep with Fathers tune I cant sing LAND OF THE LEAL now it makes me cry Everyone is very kind and we are as happy as we can be without you Amy wants the rest of the page so I must stop I didnt forget to cover the holders and I wind the clock and air the rooms every day

Kiss dear Father on the cheek he calls mine Oh do come soon to your loving

LITTLE BETH

Ma Chere Mamma

We are all well I do my lessons always and never corroberate the girls—Meg says I mean contradick so I put in both words and you can take the properest Meg is a great comfort to me and lets me have jelly every night at tea its so good for me Jo says because it keeps me sweet tempered Laurie is not as respeckful as he ought to be now I am almost in my teens he calls me Chick and hurts my feelings by talking French to me very fast when I say Merci or Bon jour as Hattie King does The sleeves of my blue dress were all worn out and Meg put in new ones but the full front came wrong and they are more blue than the dress I felt bad but did not fret I bear my troubles well but I do wish Hannah would put more starch in my aprons and have buckwheats every day Cant she Didnt I make that interrigation point nice Meg says my punchtuation and spelling are disgraceful and I am mortyfied but dear me I have so many things to do I cant stop Adieu I send heaps of love to Papa Your affectionate daughter

AMY CURTIS MARCH

Dear Mis March

I jes drop a line to say we git on fust rate The girls is clever and fly round right smart Miss Meg is going to make a proper good housekeeper She hes the liking for it and gits the hang of things surprisin quick Jo doos beat all for goin ahead but she dont stop to calklate fust and you never know where shes like to bring up She done out a tub of clothes on Monday but she starched em afore they was wrenched and blued a pink calico dress till I thought I should a died a laughin Beth is the best of little creeters and a sight of help to me bein so forehanded and dependable She tries to learn everything and really goes to market beyond her years likewise keeps accounts with my help quite wonderful We have got on very economical so fur I dont let the girls hev coffee only once a week accordin to your wish and keep em on plain wholesome vittles Amy does well without frettin wearin her best clothes and eatin sweet stuff Mr Laurie is as full of didoes as usual and turns the house upside down frequent but he heartens the girls so I let em hev full swing The old gentleman sends heaps of things and is rather wearin but means wal and it aint my place to say nothin My bread is riz so no more at this time I send my duty to Mr March and hope hes seen the last of his Pewmonia

Yours respectful
Hannah Mullet

Head Nurse of Ward No 2

All serene on the Rappahannock troops in fine condition commisary department well conducted the Home Guard under Colonel Teddy always on duty Commander in Chief General Laurence reviews the army daily Quartermaster Mullet keeps order in camp and Major Lion does picket duty at night A salute of twentyfour guns was fired on receipt of good news from Washington and a dress parade took place at headquarters Commander in chief sends best wishes in which he is heartily joined by

COLONEL TEDDY

Dear Madam

The little girls are all well Beth and my boy report daily Hannah is a model servant and guards pretty Meg like a dragon Glad the fine weather holds Pray make Brooke useful and draw on me for funds if expenses exceed your estimate Dont let your husband want anything Thank God he is mending

Your sincere friend and servant JAMES LAURENCE

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LITTLE FAITHFUL

For a week the amount of virtue in the old house would have supplied the neighborhood It was really amazing for everyone seemed in a heavenly frame of mind and selfdenial was all the fashion Relieved of their first anxiety about their father the girls insensibly relaxed their praiseworthy efforts a little and began to fall back into old ways They did not forget their motto but hoping and keeping busy seemed to grow easier and after such tremendous exertions they felt that Endeavor deserved a holiday and gave it a good many

Jo caught a bad cold through neglect to cover the shorn head enough and was ordered to stay at home till she was better for Aunt March didnt like to hear people read with colds in their heads Jo liked this and after an energetic rummage from garret to cellar subsided on the sofa to nurse her cold with arsenicum and books Amy found that housework and art did not go well together and returned to her mud pies Meg went daily to her pupils and sewed or thought she did at home but much time was spent in writing long letters to her mother or reading the Washington dispatches over and over Beth kept on with only slight relapses into idleness or grieving

All the little duties were faithfully done each day and many of her sisters also for they were forgetful and the house seemed like a clock whose pendulum was gone avisiting When her heart got heavy with longings for Mother or fears for Father she went away into a certain closet hid her face in the folds of a dear old gown and made her little moan and prayed her little prayer quietly by herself Nobody knew what cheered her up after a sober fit but everyone felt how sweet and helpful Beth was and fell into a way of going to her for comfort or advice in their small affairs

All were unconscious that this experience was a test of character and when the first excitement was over felt that they had done well and deserved praise So they did but their mistake was in ceasing to do well and they learned this lesson through much anxiety and regret

Meg I wish youd go and see the Hummels You know Mother told us not to forget them said Beth ten days after Mrs Marchs departure

Im too tired to go this afternoon replied Meg rocking comfortably as she sewed

Cant you Jo asked Beth

Too stormy for me with my cold

I thought it was almost well

Its well enough for me to go out with Laurie but not well enough to go to the Hummels said Jo laughing but looking a little ashamed of her inconsistency

Why dont you go yourself asked Meg

I have been every day but the baby is sick and I dont know what to do for it Mrs Hummel goes away to work and Lottchen takes care of it But it gets sicker and sicker and I think you or Hannah ought to go

Beth spoke earnestly and Meg promised she would go tomorrow

Ask Hannah for some nice little mess and take it round Beth the air will do you good said Jo adding apologetically Id go but I want to finish my writing

My head aches and Im tired so I thought maybe some of you would go said Beth

Amy will be in presently and she will run down for us suggested Meg

So Beth lay down on the sofa the others returned to their work and the Hummels were forgotten An hour passed Amy did not come Meg went to her room to try on a new dress Jo was absorbed in her story and Hannah was sound asleep before the kitchen fire when Beth quietly put on her hood filled her basket with odds and ends for the poor children and went out into the chilly air with a heavy head and a grieved look in her patient eyes It was late when she came back and no one saw her creep upstairs and shut herself into her mothers room Half an hour after Jo went to Mothers closet for something and there found little Beth sitting on the medicine chest looking very grave with red eyes and a camphor bottle in her hand

Christopher Columbus Whats the matter cried Jo as Beth put out her hand as if to warn her off and asked quickly

Youve had the scarlet fever havent you

Years ago when Meg did Why

Then Ill tell you Oh Jo the babys dead

What baby

Mrs Hummels It died in my lap before she got home cried Beth with a sob

My poor dear how dreadful for you I ought to have gone said Jo taking her sister in her arms as she sat down in her mothers big chair with a remorseful face

It wasnt dreadful Jo only so sad I saw in a minute it was sicker but Lottchen said her mother had gone for a doctor so I took Baby and let Lotty rest It seemed asleep but all of a sudden if gave a little cry and trembled and then lay very still I tried to warm its feet and Lotty gave it some milk but it didnt stir and I knew it was dead

Dont cry dear What did you do

I just sat and held it softly till Mrs Hummel came with the doctor He said it was dead and looked at Heinrich and Minna who have sore throats Scarlet fever maam Ought to have called me before he said crossly Mrs Hummel told him she was poor and had tried to cure baby herself but now it was too late and she could only ask him to help the others and trust to charity for his pay He smiled then and was kinder but it was very sad and I cried with them till he turned round all of a sudden and told me to go home and take belladonna right away or Id have the fever

No you wont cried Jo hugging her close with a frightened look Oh Beth if you should be sick I never could forgive myself What shall we do

Dont be frightened I guess I shant have it badly I looked in Mothers book and saw that it begins with headache sore throat and queer feelings like mine so I did take some belladonna and I feel better said Beth laying her cold hands on her hot forehead and trying to look well

If Mother was only at home exclaimed Jo seizing the book and feeling that Washington was an immense way off She read a page looked at Beth felt her head peeped into her throat and then said gravely Youve been over the baby every day for more than a week and among the others who are going to have it so Im afraid you are going to have it Beth Ill call Hannah she knows all about sickness

Dont let Amy come She never had it and I should hate to give it to her Cant you and Meg have it over again asked Beth anxiously

I guess not Dont care if I do Serve me right selfish pig to let you go and stay writing rubbish myself muttered Jo as she went to consult Hannah

The good soul was wide awake in a minute and took the lead at once assuring that there was no need to worry every one had scarlet fever and if rightly treated nobody died all of which Jo believed and felt much relieved as they went up to call Meg

Now Ill tell you what well do said Hannah when she had examined and questioned Beth we will have Dr Bangs just to take a look at you dear and see that we start right Then well send Amy off to Aunt Marchs for a spell to keep her out of harms way and one of you girls can stay at home and amuse Beth for a day or two

I shall stay of course Im oldest began Meg looking anxious and selfreproachful

I shall because its my fault she is sick I told Mother Id do the errands and I havent said Jo decidedly

Which will you have Beth There aint no need of but one aid Hannah

Jo please And Beth leaned her head against her sister with a contented look which effectually settled that point

Ill go and tell Amy said Meg feeling a little hurt yet rather relieved on the whole for she did not like nursing and Jo did

Amy rebelled outright and passionately declared that she had rather have the fever than go to Aunt March Meg reasoned pleaded and commanded all in vain Amy protested that she would not go and Meg left her in despair to ask Hannah what should be done Before she came back Laurie walked into the parlor to find Amy sobbing with her head in the sofa cushions She told her story expecting to be consoled but Laurie only put his hands in his pockets and walked about the room whistling softly as he knit his brows in deep thought Presently he sat down beside her and said in his most wheedlesome tone Now be a sensible little woman and do as they say No dont cry but hear what a jolly plan Ive got You go to Aunt Marchs and Ill come and take you out every day driving or walking and well have capital times Wont that be better than moping here

I dont wish to be sent off as if I was in the way began Amy in an injured voice

Bless your heart child its to keep you well You dont want to be sick do you

No Im sure I dont but I dare say I shall be for Ive been with Beth all the time

Thats the very reason you ought to go away at once so that you may escape it Change of air and care will keep you well I dare say or if it does not entirely you will have the fever more lightly I advise you to be off as soon as you can for scarlet fever is no joke miss

But its dull at Aunt Marchs and she is so cross said Amy looking rather frightened

It wont be dull with me popping in every day to tell you how Beth is and take you out gallivanting The old lady likes me and Ill be as sweet as possible to her so she wont peck at us whatever we do

Will you take me out in the trotting wagon with Puck

On my honor as a gentleman

And come every single day

See if I dont

And bring me back the minute Beth is well

The identical minute

And go to the theater truly

A dozen theaters if we may

Well—I guess I will said Amy slowly

Good girl Call Meg and tell her youll give in said Laurie with an approving pat which annoyed Amy more than the giving in

Meg and Jo came running down to behold the miracle which had been wrought and Amy feeling very precious and selfsacrificing promised to go if the doctor said Beth was going to be ill

How is the little dear asked Laurie for Beth was his especial pet and he felt more anxious about her than he liked to show

She is lying down on Mothers bed and feels better The babys death troubled her but I dare say she has only got cold Hannah says she thinks so but she looks worried and that makes me fidgety answered Meg

What a trying world it is said Jo rumpling up her hair in a fretful way No sooner do we get out of one trouble than down comes another There doesnt seem to be anything to hold on to when Mothers gone so Im all at sea

Well dont make a porcupine of yourself it isnt becoming Settle your wig Jo and tell me if I shall telegraph to your mother or do anything asked Laurie who never had been reconciled to the loss of his friends one beauty

That is what troubles me said Meg I think we ought to tell her if Beth is really ill but Hannah says we mustnt for Mother cant leave Father and it will only make them anxious Beth wont be sick long and Hannah knows just what to do and Mother said we were to mind her so I suppose we must but it doesnt seem quite right to me

Hum well I cant say Suppose you ask Grandfather after the doctor has been

We will Jo go and get Dr Bangs at once commanded Meg We cant decide anything till he has been

Stay where you are Jo Im errand boy to this establishment said Laurie taking up his cap

Im afraid you are busy began Meg

No Ive done my lessons for the day

Do you study in vacation time asked Jo

I follow the good example my neighbors set me was Lauries answer as he swung himself out of the room

I have great hopes for my boy observed Jo watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile

He does very well for a boy was Megs somewhat ungracious answer for the subject did not interest her

Dr Bangs came said Beth had symptoms of the fever but he thought she would have it lightly though he looked sober over the Hummel story Amy was ordered off at once and provided with something to ward off danger she departed in great state with Jo and Laurie as escort

Aunt March received them with her usual hospitality

What do you want now she asked looking sharply over her spectacles while the parrot sitting on the back of her chair called out

Go away No boys allowed here

Laurie retired to the window and Jo told her story

No more than I expected if you are allowed to go poking about among poor folks Amy can stay and make herself useful if she isnt sick which Ive no doubt she will be looks like it now Dont cry child it worries me to hear people sniff

Amy was on the point of crying but Laurie slyly pulled the parrots tail which caused Polly to utter an astonished croak and call out Bless my boots in such a funny way that she laughed instead

What do you hear from your mother asked the old lady gruffly

Father is much better replied Jo trying to keep sober

Oh is he Well that wont last long I fancy March never had any stamina was the cheerful reply

Ha ha Never say die take a pinch of snuff goodbye goodbye squalled Polly dancing on her perch and clawing at the old ladys cap as Laurie tweaked him in the rear

Hold your tongue you disrespectful old bird And Jo youd better go at once It isnt proper to be gadding about so late with a rattlepated boy like

Hold your tongue you disrespectful old bird cried Polly tumbling off the chair with a bounce and running to peck the rattlepated boy who was shaking with laughter at the last speech

I dont think I can bear it but Ill try thought Amy as she was left alone with Aunt March

Get along you fright screamed Polly and at that rude speech Amy could not restrain a sniff

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DARK DAYS

Beth did have the fever and was much sicker than anyone but Hannah and the doctor suspected The girls knew nothing about illness and Mr Laurence was not allowed to see her so Hannah had everything her own way and busy Dr Bangs did his best but left a good deal to the excellent nurse Meg stayed at home lest she should infect the Kings and kept house feeling very anxious and a little guilty when she wrote letters in which no mention was made of Beths illness She could not think it right to deceive her mother but she had been bidden to mind Hannah and Hannah wouldnt hear of Mrs March bein told and worried just for sech a trifle

Jo devoted herself to Beth day and night not a hard task for Beth was very patient and bore her pain uncomplainingly as long as she could control herself But there came a time when during the fever fits she began to talk in a hoarse broken voice to play on the coverlet as if on her beloved little piano and try to sing with a throat so swollen that there was no music left a time when she did not know the familiar faces around her but addressed them by wrong names and called imploringly for her mother Then Jo grew frightened Meg begged to be allowed to write the truth and even Hannah said she would think of it though there was no danger yet A letter from Washington added to their trouble for Mr March had had a relapse and could not think of coming home for a long while

How dark the days seemed now how sad and lonely the house and how heavy were the hearts of the sisters as they worked and waited while the shadow of death hovered over the once happy home Then it was that Margaret sitting alone with tears dropping often on her work felt how rich she had been in things more precious than any luxuries money could buy—in love protection peace and health the real blessings of life Then it was that Jo living in the darkened room with that suffering little sister always before her eyes and that pathetic voice sounding in her ears learned to see the beauty and the sweetness of Beths nature to feel how deep and tender a place she filled in all hearts and to acknowledge the worth of Beths unselfish ambition to live for others and make home happy by that exercise of those simple virtues which all may possess and which all should love and value more than talent wealth or beauty And Amy in her exile longed eagerly to be at home that she might work for Beth feeling now that no service would be hard or irksome and remembering with regretful grief how many neglected tasks those willing hands had done for her Laurie haunted the house like a restless ghost and Mr Laurence locked the grand piano because he could not bear to be reminded of the young neighbor who used to make the twilight pleasant for him Everyone missed Beth The milkman baker grocer and butcher inquired how she did poor Mrs Hummel came to beg pardon for her thoughtlessness and to get a shroud for Minna the neighbors sent all sorts of comforts and good wishes and even those who knew her best were surprised to find how many friends shy little Beth had made

Meanwhile she lay on her bed with old Joanna at her side for even in her wanderings she did not forget her forlorn protege She longed for her cats but would not have them brought lest they should get sick and in her quiet hours she was full of anxiety about Jo She sent loving messages to Amy bade them tell her mother that she would write soon and often begged for pencil and paper to try to say a word that Father might not think she had neglected him But soon even these intervals of consciousness ended and she lay hour after hour tossing to and fro with incoherent words on her lips or sank into a heavy sleep which brought her no refreshment Dr Bangs came twice a day Hannah sat up at night Meg kept a telegram in her desk all ready to send off at any minute and Jo never stirred from Beths side

The first of December was a wintry day indeed to them for a bitter wind blew snow fell fast and the year seemed getting ready for its death When Dr Bangs came that morning he looked long at Beth held the hot hand in both his own for a minute and laid it gently down saying in a low voice to Hannah If Mrs March can leave her husband shed better be sent for

Hannah nodded without speaking for her lips twitched nervously Meg dropped down into a chair as the strength seemed to go out of her limbs at the sound of those words and Jo standing with a pale face for a minute ran to the parlor snatched up the telegram and throwing on her things rushed out into the storm She was soon back and while noiselessly taking off her cloak Laurie came in with a letter saying that Mr March was mending again Jo read it thankfully but the heavy weight did not seem lifted off her heart and her face was so full of misery that Laurie asked quickly What is it Is Beth worse

Ive sent for Mother said Jo tugging at her rubber boots with a tragic expression

Good for you Jo Did you do it on your own responsibility asked Laurie as he seated her in the hall chair and took off the rebellious boots seeing how her hands shook

No The doctor told us to

Oh Jo its not so bad as that cried Laurie with a startled face

Yes it is She doesnt know us she doesnt even talk about the flocks of green doves as she calls the vine leaves on the wall She doesnt look like my Beth and theres nobody to help us bear it Mother and father both gone and God seems so far away I cant find Him

As the tears streamed fast down poor Jos cheeks she stretched out her hand in a helpless sort of way as if groping in the dark and Laurie took it in his whispering as well as he could with a lump in his throat Im here Hold on to me Jo dear

She could not speak but she did hold on and the warm grasp of the friendly human hand comforted her sore heart and seemed to lead her nearer to the Divine arm which alone could uphold her in her trouble

Laurie longed to say something tender and comfortable but no fitting words came to him so he stood silent gently stroking her bent head as her mother used to do It was the best thing he could have done far more soothing than the most eloquent words for Jo felt the unspoken sympathy and in the silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow Soon she dried the tears which had relieved her and looked up with a grateful face

Thank you Teddy Im better now I dont feel so forlorn and will try to bear it if it comes

Keep hoping for the best that will help you Jo Soon your mother will be here and then everything will be all right

Im so glad Father is better Now she wont feel so bad about leaving him Oh me It does seem as if all the troubles came in a heap and I got the heaviest part on my shoulders sighed Jo spreading her wet handkerchief over her knees to dry

Doesnt Meg pull fair asked Laurie looking indignant

Oh yes she tries to but she cant love Bethy as I do and she wont miss her as I shall Beth is my conscience and I cant give her up I cant I cant

Down went Jos face into the wet handkerchief and she cried despairingly for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear Laurie drew his hand across his eyes but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips It might be unmanly but he couldnt help it and I am glad of it Presently as Jos sobs quieted he said hopefully I dont think she will die Shes so good and we all love her so much I dont believe God will take her away yet

The good and dear people always do die groaned Jo but she stopped crying for her friends words cheered her up in spite of her own doubts and fears

Poor girl youre worn out It isnt like you to be forlorn Stop a bit Ill hearten you up in a jiffy

Laurie went off two stairs at a time and Jo laid her wearied head down on Beths little brown hood which no one had thought of moving from the table where she left it It must have possessed some magic for the submissive spirit of its gentle owner seemed to enter into Jo and when Laurie came running down with a glass of wine she took it with a smile and said bravely I drink— Health to my Beth You are a good doctor Teddy and such a comfortable friend How can I ever pay you she added as the wine refreshed her body as the kind words had done her troubled mind

Ill send my bill byandby and tonight Ill give you something that will warm the cockles of your heart better than quarts of wine said Laurie beaming at her with a face of suppressed satisfaction at something

What is it cried Jo forgetting her woes for a minute in her wonder

I telegraphed to your mother yesterday and Brooke answered shed come at once and shell be here tonight and everything will be all right Arent you glad I did it

Laurie spoke very fast and turned red and excited all in a minute for he had kept his plot a secret for fear of disappointing the girls or harming Beth Jo grew quite white flew out of her chair and the moment he stopped speaking she electrified him by throwing her arms round his neck and crying out with a joyful cry Oh Laurie Oh Mother I am so glad She did not weep again but laughed hysterically and trembled and clung to her friend as if she was a little bewildered by the sudden news

Laurie though decidedly amazed behaved with great presence of mind He patted her back soothingly and finding that she was recovering followed it up by a bashful kiss or two which brought Jo round at once Holding on to the banisters she put him gently away saying breathlessly Oh dont I didnt mean to it was dreadful of me but you were such a dear to go and do it in spite of Hannah that I couldnt help flying at you Tell me all about it and dont give me wine again it makes me act so

I dont mind laughed Laurie as he settled his tie Why you see I got fidgety and so did Grandpa We thought Hannah was overdoing the authority business and your mother ought to know Shed never forgive us if Beth Well if anything happened you know So I got grandpa to say it was high time we did something and off I pelted to the office yesterday for the doctor looked sober and Hannah most took my head off when I proposed a telegram I never can bear to be lorded over so that settled my mind and I did it Your mother will come I know and the late train is in at two AM I shall go for her and youve only got to bottle up your rapture and keep Beth quiet till that blessed lady gets here

Laurie youre an angel How shall I ever thank you

Fly at me again I rather liked it said Laurie looking mischievous a thing he had not done for a fortnight

No thank you Ill do it by proxy when your grandpa comes Dont tease but go home and rest for youll be up half the night Bless you Teddy bless you

Jo had backed into a corner and as she finished her speech she vanished precipitately into the kitchen where she sat down upon a dresser and told the assembled cats that she was happy oh so happy while Laurie departed feeling that he had made a rather neat thing of it

Thats the interferingest chap I ever see but I forgive him and do hope Mrs March is coming right away said Hannah with an air of relief when Jo told the good news

Meg had a quiet rapture and then brooded over the letter while Jo set the sickroom in order and Hannah knocked up a couple of pies in case of company unexpected A breath of fresh air seemed to blow through the house and something better than sunshine brightened the quiet rooms Everything appeared to feel the hopeful change Beths bird began to chirp again and a halfblown rose was discovered on Amys bush in the window The fires seemed to burn with unusual cheeriness and every time the girls met their pale faces broke into smiles as they hugged one another whispering encouragingly Mothers coming dear Mothers coming Every one rejoiced but Beth She lay in that heavy stupor alike unconscious of hope and joy doubt and danger It was a piteous sight the once rosy face so changed and vacant the once busy hands so weak and wasted the once smiling lips quite dumb and the once pretty wellkept hair scattered rough and tangled on the pillow All day she lay so only rousing now and then to mutter Water with lips so parched they could hardly shape the word All day Jo and Meg hovered over her watching waiting hoping and trusting in God and Mother and all day the snow fell the bitter wind raged and the hours dragged slowly by But night came at last and every time the clock struck the sisters still sitting on either side of the bed looked at each other with brightening eyes for each hour brought help nearer The doctor had been in to say that some change for better or worse would probably take place about midnight at which time he would return

Hannah quite worn out lay down on the sofa at the beds foot and fell fast asleep Mr Laurence marched to and fro in the parlor feeling that he would rather face a rebel battery than Mrs Marchs countenance as she entered Laurie lay on the rug pretending to rest but staring into the fire with the thoughtful look which made his black eyes beautifully soft and clear

The girls never forgot that night for no sleep came to them as they kept their watch with that dreadful sense of powerlessness which comes to us in hours like those

If God spares Beth I never will complain again whispered Meg earnestly

If god spares Beth Ill try to love and serve Him all my life answered Jo with equal fervor

I wish I had no heart it aches so sighed Meg after a pause

If life is often as hard as this I dont see how we ever shall get through it added her sister despondently

Here the clock struck twelve and both forgot themselves in watching Beth for they fancied a change passed over her wan face The house was still as death and nothing but the wailing of the wind broke the deep hush Weary Hannah slept on and no one but the sisters saw the pale shadow which seemed to fall upon the little bed An hour went by and nothing happened except Lauries quiet departure for the station Another hour still no one came and anxious fears of delay in the storm or accidents by the way or worst of all a great grief at Washington haunted the girls

It was past two when Jo who stood at the window thinking how dreary the world looked in its winding sheet of snow heard a movement by the bed and turning quickly saw Meg kneeling before their mothers easy chair with her face hidden A dreadful fear passed coldly over Jo as she thought Beth is dead and Meg is afraid to tell me

She was back at her post in an instant and to her excited eyes a great change seemed to have taken place The fever flush and the look of pain were gone and the beloved little face looked so pale and peaceful in its utter repose that Jo felt no desire to weep or to lament Leaning low over this dearest of her sisters she kissed the damp forehead with her heart on her lips and softly whispered Goodby my Beth Goodby

As if awaked by the stir Hannah started out of her sleep hurried to the bed looked at Beth felt her hands listened at her lips and then throwing her apron over her head sat down to rock to and fro exclaiming under her breath The fevers turned shes sleepin natral her skins damp and she breathes easy Praise be given Oh my goodness me

Before the girls could believe the happy truth the doctor came to confirm it He was a homely man but they thought his face quite heavenly when he smiled and said with a fatherly look at them Yes my dears I think the little girl will pull through this time Keep the house quiet let her sleep and when she wakes give her

What they were to give neither heard for both crept into the dark hall and sitting on the stairs held each other close rejoicing with hearts too full for words When they went back to be kissed and cuddled by faithful Hannah they found Beth lying as she used to do with her cheek pillowed on her hand the dreadful pallor gone and breathing quietly as if just fallen asleep

If Mother would only come now said Jo as the winter night began to wane

See said Meg coming up with a white halfopened rose I thought this would hardly be ready to lay in Beths hand tomorrow if she—went away from us But it has blossomed in the night and now I mean to put it in my vase here so that when the darling wakes the first thing she sees will be the little rose and Mothers face

Never had the sun risen so beautifully and never had the world seemed so lovely as it did to the heavy eyes of Meg and Jo as they looked out in the early morning when their long sad vigil was done

It looks like a fairy world said Meg smiling to herself as she stood behind the curtain watching the dazzling sight

Hark cried Jo starting to her feet

Yes there was a sound of bells at the door below a cry from Hannah and then Lauries voice saying in a joyful whisper Girls shes come Shes come

CHAPTER NINETEEN

AMYS WILL

While these things were happening at home Amy was having hard times at Aunt Marchs She felt her exile deeply and for the first time in her life realized how much she was beloved and petted at home Aunt March never petted any one she did not approve of it but she meant to be kind for the wellbehaved little girl pleased her very much and Aunt March had a soft place in her old heart for her nephews children though she didnt think it proper to confess it She really did her best to make Amy happy but dear me what mistakes she made Some old people keep young at heart in spite of wrinkles and gray hairs can sympathize with childrens little cares and joys make them feel at home and can hide wise lessons under pleasant plays giving and receiving friendship in the sweetest way But Aunt March had not this gift and she worried Amy very much with her rules and orders her prim ways and long prosy talks Finding the child more docile and amiable than her sister the old lady felt it her duty to try and counteract as far as possible the bad effects of home freedom and indulgence So she took Amy by the hand and taught her as she herself had been taught sixty years ago a process which carried dismay to Amys soul and made her feel like a fly in the web of a very strict spider

She had to wash the cups every morning and polish up the oldfashioned spoons the fat silver teapot and the glasses till they shone Then she must dust the room and what a trying job that was Not a speck escaped Aunt Marchs eye and all the furniture had claw legs and much carving which was never dusted to suit Then Polly had to be fed the lap dog combed and a dozen trips upstairs and down to get things or deliver orders for the old lady was very lame and seldom left her big chair After these tiresome labors she must do her lessons which was a daily trial of every virtue she possessed Then she was allowed one hour for exercise or play and didnt she enjoy it

Laurie came every day and wheedled Aunt March till Amy was allowed to go out with him when they walked and rode and had capital times After dinner she had to read aloud and sit still while the old lady slept which she usually did for an hour as she dropped off over the first page Then patchwork or towels appeared and Amy sewed with outward meekness and inward rebellion till dusk when she was allowed to amuse herself as she liked till teatime The evenings were the worst of all for Aunt March fell to telling long stories about her youth which were so unutterably dull that Amy was always ready to go to bed intending to cry over her hard fate but usually going to sleep before she had squeezed out more than a tear or two

If it had not been for Laurie and old Esther the maid she felt that she never could have got through that dreadful time The parrot alone was enough to drive her distracted for he soon felt that she did not admire him and revenged himself by being as mischievous as possible He pulled her hair whenever she came near him upset his bread and milk to plague her when she had newly cleaned his cage made Mop bark by pecking at him while Madam dozed called her names before company and behaved in all respects like an reprehensible old bird Then she could not endure the dog a fat cross beast who snarled and yelped at her when she made his toilet and who lay on his back with all his legs in the air and a most idiotic expression of countenance when he wanted something to eat which was about a dozen times a day The cook was badtempered the old coachman was deaf and Esther the only one who ever took any notice of the young lady

Esther was a Frenchwoman who had lived with Madame as she called her mistress for many years and who rather tyrannized over the old lady who could not get along without her Her real name was Estelle but Aunt March ordered her to change it and she obeyed on condition that she was never asked to change her religion She took a fancy to Mademoiselle and amused her very much with odd stories of her life in France when Amy sat with her while she got up Madames laces She also allowed her to roam about the great house and examine the curious and pretty things stored away in the big wardrobes and the ancient chests for Aunt March hoarded like a magpie Amys chief delight was an Indian cabinet full of queer drawers little pigeonholes and secret places in which were kept all sorts of ornaments some precious some merely curious all more or less antique To examine and arrange these things gave Amy great satisfaction especially the jewel cases, in which on velvet cushions reposed the ornaments which had adorned a belle forty years ago There was the garnet set which Aunt March wore when she came out the pearls her father gave her on her wedding day her lovers diamonds the jet mourning rings and pins the queer lockets with portraits of dead friends and weeping willows made of hair inside the baby bracelets her one little daughter had worn Uncle Marchs big watch with the red seal so many childish hands had played with and in a box all by itself lay Aunt Marchs wedding ring too small now for her fat finger but put carefully away like the most precious jewel of them all

Which would Mademoiselle choose if she had her will asked Esther who always sat near to watch over and lock up the valuables

I like the diamonds best but there is no necklace among them and Im fond of necklaces they are so becoming I should choose this if I might replied Amy looking with great admiration at a string of gold and ebony beads from which hung a heavy cross of the same

I too covet that but not as a necklace Ah no To me it is a rosary and as such I should use it like a good catholic said Esther eyeing the handsome thing wistfully

Is it meant to use as you use the string of goodsmelling wooden beads hanging over your glass asked Amy

Truly yes to pray with It would be pleasing to the saints if one used so fine a rosary as this instead of wearing it as a vain bijou

You seem to take a great deal of comfort in your prayers Esther and always come down looking quiet and satisfied I wish I could

If Mademoiselle was a Catholic she would find true comfort but as that is not to be it would be well if you went apart each day to meditate and pray as did the good mistress whom I served before Madame She had a little chapel and in it found solacement for much trouble

Would it be right for me to do so too asked Amy who in her loneliness felt the need of help of some sort and found that she was apt to forget her little book now that Beth was not there to remind her of it

It would be excellent and charming and I shall gladly arrange the little dressing room for you if you like it Say nothing to Madame but when she sleeps go you and sit alone a while to think good thoughts and pray the dear God preserve your sister

Esther was truly pious and quite sincere in her advice for she had an affectionate heart and felt much for the sisters in their anxiety Amy liked the idea and gave her leave to arrange the light closet next her room hoping it would do her good

I wish I knew where all these pretty things would go when Aunt March dies she said as she slowly replaced the shining rosary and shut the jewel cases one by one

To you and your sisters I know it Madame confides in me I witnessed her will and it is to be so whispered Esther smiling

How nice But I wish shed let us have them now Procrastination is not agreeable observed Amy taking a last look at the diamonds

It is too soon yet for the young ladies to wear these things The first one who is affianced will have the pearls Madame has said it and I have a fancy that the little turquoise ring will be given to you when you go for Madame approves your good behavior and charming manners

Do you think so Oh Ill be a lamb if I can only have that lovely ring Its ever so much prettier than Kitty Bryants I do like Aunt March after all And Amy tried on the blue ring with a delighted face and a firm resolve to earn it

From that day she was a model of obedience and the old lady complacently admired the success of her training Esther fitted up the closet with a little table placed a footstool before it and over it a picture taken from one of the shutup rooms She thought it was of no great value but being appropriate she borrowed it well knowing that Madame would never know it nor care if she did It was however a very valuable copy of one of the famous pictures of the world and Amys beautyloving eyes were never tired of looking up at the sweet face of the Divine Mother while her tender thoughts of her own were busy at her heart On the table she laid her little testament and hymnbook kept a vase always full of the best flowers Laurie brought her and came every day to sit alone thinking good thoughts and praying the dear God to preserve her sister Esther had given her a rosary of black beads with a silver cross but Amy hung it up and did not use it feeling doubtful as to its fitness for Protestant prayers

The little girl was very sincere in all this for being left alone outside the safe home nest she felt the need of some kind hand to hold by so sorely that she instinctively turned to the strong and tender Friend whose fatherly love most closely surrounds His little children She missed her mothers help to understand and rule herself but having been taught where to look she did her best to find the way and walk in it confidingly But Amy was a young pilgrim and just now her burden seemed very heavy She tried to forget herself to keep cheerful and be satisfied with doing right though no one saw or praised her for it In her first effort at being very very good she decided to make her will as Aunt March had done so that if she did fall ill and die her possessions might be justly and generously divided It cost her a pang even to think of giving up the little treasures which in her eyes were as precious as the old ladys jewels

During one of her play hours she wrote out the important document as well as she could with some help from Esther as to certain legal terms and when the goodnatured Frenchwoman had signed her name Amy felt relieved and laid it by to show Laurie whom she wanted as a second witness As it was a rainy day she went upstairs to amuse herself in one of the large chambers and took Polly with her for company In this room there was a wardrobe full of oldfashioned costumes with which Esther allowed her to play and it was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades and parade up and down before the long mirror making stately curtsies and sweeping her train about with a rustle which delighted her ears So busy was she on this day that she did not hear Lauries ring nor see his face peeping in at her as she gravely promenaded to and fro flirting her fan and tossing her head on which she wore a great pink turban contrasting oddly with her blue brocade dress and yellow quilted petticoat She was obliged to walk carefully for she had on highheeled shoes and as Laurie told Jo afterward it was a comical sight to see her mince along in her gay suit with Polly sidling and bridling just behind her imitating her as well as he could and occasionally stopping to laugh or exclaim Aint we fine Get along you fright Hold your tongue Kiss me dear Ha Ha

Having with difficulty restrained an explosion of merriment lest it should offend her majesty Laurie tapped and was graciously received

Sit down and rest while I put these things away then I want to consult you about a very serious matter said Amy when she had shown her splendor and driven Polly into a corner That bird is the trial of my life she continued removing the pink mountain from her head while Laurie seated himself astride a chair

Yesterday when Aunt was asleep and I was trying to be as still as a mouse Polly began to squall and flap about in his cage so I went to let him out and found a big spider there I poked it out and it ran under the bookcase Polly marched straight after it stooped down and peeped under the bookcase saying in his funny way with a cock of his eye Come out and take a walk my dear I couldnt help laughing which made Poll swear and Aunt woke up and scolded us both

Did the spider accept the old fellows invitation asked Laurie yawning

Yes out it came and away ran Polly frightened to death and scrambled up on Aunts chair calling out Catch her Catch her Catch her as I chased the spider

Thats a lie Oh lor cried the parrot pecking at Lauries toes

Id wring your neck if you were mine you old torment cried Laurie shaking his fist at the bird who put his head on one side and gravely croaked Allyluyer bless your buttons dear

Now Im ready said Amy shutting the wardrobe and taking a piece of paper out of her pocket I want you to read that please and tell me if it is legal and right I felt I ought to do it for life is uncertain and I dont want any ill feeling over my tomb

Laurie bit his lips and turning a little from the pensive speaker read the following document with praiseworthy gravity considering the spelling

MY LAST WILL AND TESTIMENT

I Amy Curtis March being in my sane mind go give and bequeethe all my earthly property—viz to wit—namely

To my father my best pictures sketches maps and works of art including frames Also my 100 to do what he likes with

To my mother all my clothes except the blue apron with pockets—also my likeness and my medal with much love

To my dear sister Margaret I give my turkquoise ring if I get it also my green box with the doves on it also my piece of real lace for her neck and my sketch of her as a memorial of her little girl

To Jo I leave my breastpin the one mended with sealing wax also my bronze inkstand—she lost the cover—and my most precious plaster rabbit because I am sorry I burned up her story

To Beth if she lives after me I give my dolls and the little bureau my fan my linen collars and my new slippers if she can wear them being thin when she gets well And I herewith also leave her my regret that I ever made fun of old Joanna

To my friend and neighbor Theodore Laurence I bequeethe my paper mashay portfolio my clay model of a horse though he did say it hadnt any neck Also in return for his great kindness in the hour of affliction any one of my artistic works he likes Noter Dame is the best

To our venerable benefactor Mr Laurence I leave my purple box with a looking glass in the cover which will be nice for his pens and remind him of the departed girl who thanks him for his favors to her family especially Beth

I wish my favorite playmate Kitty Bryant to have the blue silk apron and my goldbead ring with a kiss

To Hannah I give the bandbox she wanted and all the patchwork I leave hoping she will remember me when it you see

And now having disposed of my most valuable property I hope all will be satisfied and not blame the dead I forgive everyone and trust we may all meet when the trump shall sound Amen

To this will and testiment I set my hand and seal on this 20th day of Nov Anni Domino 1861

Amy Curtis March

Witnesses

Estelle Valnor Theodore Laurence

The last name was written in pencil and Amy explained that he was to rewrite it in ink and seal it up for her properly

What put it into your head Did anyone tell you about Beths giving away her things asked Laurie soberly as Amy laid a bit of red tape with sealing wax a taper and a standish before him

She explained and then asked anxiously What about Beth

Im sorry I spoke but as I did Ill tell you She felt so ill one day that she told Jo she wanted to give her piano to Meg her cats to you and the poor old doll to Jo who would love it for her sake She was sorry she had so little to give and left locks of hair to the rest of us and her best love to Grandpa She never thought of a will

Laurie was signing and sealing as he spoke and did not look up till a great tear dropped on the paper Amys face was full of trouble but she only said Dont people put sort of postscripts to their wills sometimes

Yes codicils they call them

Put one in mine then that I wish all my curls cut off and given round to my friends I forgot it but I want it done though it will spoil my looks

Laurie added it smiling at Amys last and greatest sacrifice Then he amused her for an hour and was much interested in all her trials But when he came to go Amy held him back to whisper with trembling lips Is there really any danger about Beth

Im afraid there is but we must hope for the best so dont cry dear And Laurie put his arm about her with a brotherly gesture which was very comforting

When he had gone she went to her little chapel and sitting in the twilight prayed for Beth with streaming tears and an aching heart feeling that a million turquoise rings would not console her for the loss of her gentle little sister

CHAPTER TWENTY

CONFIDENTIAL

I dont think I have any words in which to tell the meeting of the mother and daughters Such hours are beautiful to live but very hard to describe so I will leave it to the imagination of my readers merely saying that the house was full of genuine happiness and that Megs tender hope was realized for when Beth woke from that long healing sleep the first objects on which her eyes fell were the little rose and Mothers face Too weak to wonder at anything she only smiled and nestled close in the loving arms about her feeling that the hungry longing was satisfied at last Then she slept again and the girls waited upon their mother for she would not unclasp the thin hand which clung to hers even in sleep

Hannah had dished up an astonishing breakfast for the traveler finding it impossible to vent her excitement in any other way and Meg and Jo fed their mother like dutiful young storks while they listened to her whispered account of Fathers state Mr Brookes promise to stay and nurse him the delays which the storm occasioned on the homeward journey and the unspeakable comfort Lauries hopeful face had given her when she arrived worn out with fatigue anxiety and cold

What a strange yet pleasant day that was So brilliant and gay without for all the world seemed abroad to welcome the first snow So quiet and reposeful within for everyone slept spent with watching and a Sabbath stillness reigned through the house while nodding Hannah mounted guard at the door With a blissful sense of burdens lifted off Meg and Jo closed their weary eyes and lay at rest like stormbeaten boats safe at anchor in a quiet harbor Mrs March would not leave Beths side but rested in the big chair waking often to look at touch and brood over her child like a miser over some recovered treasure

Laurie meanwhile posted off to comfort Amy and told his story so well that Aunt March actually sniffed herself and never once said I told you so Amy came out so strong on this occasion that I think the good thoughts in the little chapel really began to bear fruit She dried her tears quickly restrained her impatience to see her mother and never even thought of the turquoise ring when the old lady heartily agreed in Lauries opinion that she behaved like a capital little woman Even Polly seemed impressed for he called her a good girl blessed her buttons and begged her to come and take a walk dear in his most affable tone She would very gladly have gone out to enjoy the bright wintry weather but discovering that Laurie was dropping with sleep in spite of manful efforts to conceal the fact she persuaded him to rest on the sofa while she wrote a note to her mother She was a long time about it and when she returned he was stretched out with both arms under his head sound asleep while Aunt March had pulled down the curtains and sat doing nothing in an unusual fit of benignity

After a while they began to think he was not going to wake up till night and Im not sure that he would had he not been effectually roused by Amys cry of joy at sight of her mother There probably were a good many happy little girls in and about the city that day but it is my private opinion that Amy was the happiest of all when she sat in her mothers lap and told her trials receiving consolation and compensation in the shape of approving smiles and fond caresses They were alone together in the chapel to which her mother did not object when its purpose was explained to her

On the contrary I like it very much dear looking from the dusty rosary to the wellworn little book and the lovely picture with its garland of evergreen It is an excellent plan to have some place where we can go to be quiet when things vex or grieve us There are a good many hard times in this life of ours but we can always bear them if we ask help in the right way I think my little girl is learning this

Yes Mother and when I go home I mean to have a corner in the big closet to put my books and the copy of that picture which Ive tried to make The womans face is not good its too beautiful for me to draw but the baby is done better and I love it very much I like to think He was a little child once for then I dont seem so far away and that helps me

As Amy pointed to the smiling Christ child on his Mothers knee Mrs March saw something on the lifted hand that made her smile She said nothing but Amy understood the look and after a minutes pause she added gravely I wanted to speak to you about this but I forgot it Aunt gave me the ring today She called me to her and kissed me and put it on my finger and said I was a credit to her and shed like to keep me always She gave that funny guard to keep the turquoise on as its too big Id like to wear them Mother can I

They are very pretty but I think youre rather too young for such ornaments Amy said Mrs March looking at the plump little hand with the band of skyblue stones on the forefinger and the quaint guard formed of two tiny golden hands clasped together

Ill try not to be vain said Amy I dont think I like it only because its so pretty but I want to wear it as the girl in the story wore her bracelet to remind me of something

Do you mean Aunt March asked her mother laughing

No to remind me not to be selfish Amy looked so earnest and sincere about it that her mother stopped laughing and listened respectfully to the little plan

Ive thought a great deal lately about my bundle of naughties and being selfish is the largest one in it so Im going to try hard to cure it if I can Beth isnt selfish and thats the reason everyone loves her and feels so bad at the thoughts of losing her People wouldnt feel so bad about me if I was sick and I dont deserve to have them but Id like to be loved and missed by a great many friends so Im going to try and be like Beth all I can Im apt to forget my resolutions but if I had something always about me to remind me I guess I should do better May we try this way

Yes but I have more faith in the corner of the big closet Wear your ring dear and do your best I think you will prosper for the sincere wish to be good is half the battle Now I must go back to Beth Keep up your heart little daughter and we will soon have you home again

That evening while Meg was writing to her father to report the travelers safe arrival Jo slipped upstairs into Beths room and finding her mother in her usual place stood a minute twisting her fingers in her hair with a worried gesture and an undecided look

What is it deary asked Mrs March holding out her hand with a face which invited confidence

I want to tell you something Mother

About Meg

How quickly you guessed Yes its about her and though its a little thing it fidgets me

Beth is asleep Speak low and tell me all about it That Moffat hasnt been here I hope asked Mrs March rather sharply

No I should have shut the door in his face if he had said Jo settling herself on the floor at her mothers feet Last summer Meg left a pair of gloves over at the Laurences and only one was returned We forgot about it till Teddy told me that Mr Brooke owned that he liked Meg but didnt dare say so she was so young and he so poor Now isnt it a dreadful state of things

Do you think Meg cares for him asked Mrs March with an anxious look

Mercy me I dont know anything about love and such nonsense cried Jo with a funny mixture of interest and contempt In novels the girls show it by starting and blushing fainting away growing thin and acting like fools Now Meg does not do anything of the sort She eats and drinks and sleeps like a sensible creature she looks straight in my face when I talk about that man and only blushes a little bit when Teddy jokes about lovers I forbid him to do it but he doesnt mind me as he ought

Then you fancy that Meg is not interested in John

Who cried Jo staring

Mr Brooke I call him John now We fell into the way of doing so at the hospital and he likes it

Oh dear I know youll take his part Hes been good to Father and you wont send him away but let Meg marry him if she wants to Mean thing To go petting Papa and helping you just to wheedle you into liking him And Jo pulled her hair again with a wrathful tweak

My dear dont get angry about it and I will tell you how it happened John went with me at Mr Laurences request and was so devoted to poor Father that we couldnt help getting fond of him He was perfectly open and honorable about Meg for he told us he loved her but would earn a comfortable home before he asked her to marry him He only wanted our leave to love her and work for her and the right to make her love him if he could He is a truly excellent young man and we could not refuse to listen to him but I will not consent to Megs engaging herself so young

Of course not It would be idiotic I knew there was mischief brewing I felt it and now its worse than I imagined I just wish I could marry Meg myself and keep her safe in the family

This odd arrangement made Mrs March smile but she said gravely Jo I confide in you and dont wish you to say anything to Meg yet When John comes back and I see them together I can judge better of her feelings toward him

Shell see those handsome eyes that she talks about and then it will be all up with her Shes got such a soft heart it will melt like butter in the sun if anyone looks sentimentlly at her She read the short reports he sent more than she did your letters and pinched me when I spoke of it and likes brown eyes and doesnt think John an ugly name and shell go and fall in love and theres an end of peace and fun and cozy times together I see it all Theyll go lovering around the house and we shall have to dodge Meg will be absorbed and no good to me any more Brooke will scratch up a fortune somehow carry her off and make a hole in the family and I shall break my heart and everything will be abominably uncomfortable Oh dear me Why werent we all boys then there wouldnt be any bother

Jo leaned her chin on her knees in a disconsolate attitude and shook her fist at the reprehensible John Mrs March sighed and Jo looked up with an air of relief

You dont like it Mother Im glad of it Lets send him about his business and not tell Meg a word of it but all be happy together as we always have been

I did wrong to sigh Jo It is natural and right you should all go to homes of your own in time but I do want to keep my girls as long as I can and I am sorry that this happened so soon for Meg is only seventeen and it will be some years before John can make a home for her Your father and I have agreed that she shall not bind herself in any way nor be married before twenty If she and John love one another they can wait and test the love by doing so She is conscientious and I have no fear of her treating him unkindly My pretty tender hearted girl I hope things will go happily with her

Hadnt you rather have her marry a rich man asked Jo as her mothers voice faltered a little over the last words

Money is a good and useful thing Jo and I hope my girls will never feel the need of it too bitterly nor be tempted by too much I should like to know that John was firmly established in some good business which gave him an income large enough to keep free from debt and make Meg comfortable Im not ambitious for a splendid fortune a fashionable position or a great name for my girls If rank and money come with love and virtue also I should accept them gratefully and enjoy your good fortune but I know by experience how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house where the daily bread is earned and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures I am content to see Meg begin humbly for if I am not mistaken she will be rich in the possession of a good mans heart and that is better than a fortune

I understand Mother and quite agree but Im disappointed about Meg for Id planned to have her marry Teddy byandby and sit in the lap of luxury all her days Wouldnt it be nice asked Jo looking up with a brighter face

He is younger than she you know began Mrs March but Jo broke in

Only a little hes old for his age and tall and can be quite grownup in his manners if he likes Then hes rich and generous and good and loves us all and I say its a pity my plan is spoiled

Im afraid Laurie is hardly grownup enough for Meg and altogether too much of a weathercock just now for anyone to depend on Dont make plans Jo but let time and their own hearts mate your friends We cant meddle safely in such matters and had better not get romantic rubbish as you call it into our heads lest it spoil our friendship

Well I wont but I hate to see things going all crisscross and getting snarled up when a pull here and a snip there would straighten it out I wish wearing flatirons on our heads would keep us from growing up But buds will be roses and kittens cats mores the pity

Whats that about flatirons and cats asked Meg as she crept into the room with the finished letter in her hand

Only one of my stupid speeches Im going to bed Come Peggy said Jo unfolding herself like an animated puzzle

Quite right and beautifully written Please add that I send my love to John said Mrs March as she glanced over the letter and gave it back

Do you call him John asked Meg smiling with her innocent eyes looking down into her mothers

Yes he has been like a son to us and we are very fond of him replied Mrs March returning the look with a keen one

Im glad of that he is so lonely Good night Mother dear It is so inexpressibly comfortable to have you here was Megs answer

The kiss her mother gave her was a very tender one and as she went away Mrs March said with a mixture of satisfaction and regret She does not love John yet but will soon learn to

CHAPTER TWENTYONE

LAURIE MAKES MISCHIEF AND JO MAKES PEACE

Jos face was a study next day for the secret rather weighed upon her and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important Meg observed it but did not trouble herself to make inquiries for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask She was rather surprised therefore when the silence remained unbroken and Jo assumed a patronizing air which decidedly aggravated Meg who in turn assumed an air of dignified reserve and devoted herself to her mother This left Jo to her own devices for Mrs March had taken her place as nurse and bade her rest exercise and amuse herself after her long confinement Amy being gone Laurie was her only refuge and much as she enjoyed his society she rather dreaded him just then for he was an incorrigible tease and she feared he would coax the secret from her

She was quite right for the mischiefloving lad no sooner suspected a mystery than he set himself to find it out and led Jo a trying life of it He wheedled bribed ridiculed threatened and scolded affected indifference that he might surprise the truth from her declared he knew then that he didnt care and at last by dint of perseverance he satisfied himself that it concerned Meg and Mr Brooke Feeling indignant that he was not taken into his tutors confidence he set his wits to work to devise some proper retaliation for the slight

Meg meanwhile had apparently forgotten the matter and was absorbed in preparations for her fathers return but all of a sudden a change seemed to come over her and for a day or two she was quite unlike herself She started when spoken to blushed when looked at was very quiet and sat over her sewing with a timid troubled look on her face To her mothers inquiries she answered that she was quite well and Jos she silenced by begging to be let alone

She feels it in the air—love I mean—and shes going very fast Shes got most of the symptoms—is twittery and cross doesnt eat lies awake and mopes in corners I caught her singing that song he gave her and once she said John as you do and then turned as red as a poppy Whatever shall we do said Jo looking ready for any measures however violent

Nothing but wait Let her alone be kind and patient and Fathers coming will settle everything replied her mother

Heres a note to you Meg all sealed up How odd Teddy never seals mine said Jo next day as she distributed the contents of the little post office

Mrs March and Jo were deep in their own affairs when a sound from Meg made them look up to see her staring at her note with a frightened face

My child what is it cried her mother running to her while Jo tried to take the paper which had done the mischief

Its all a mistake he didnt send it Oh Jo how could you do it and Meg hid her face in her hands crying as if her heart were quite broken

Me Ive done nothing Whats she talking about cried Jo bewildered

Megs mild eyes kindled with anger as she pulled a crumpled note from her pocket and threw it at Jo saying reproachfully You wrote it and that bad boy helped you How could you be so rude so mean and cruel to us both

Jo hardly heard her for she and her mother were reading the note which was written in a peculiar hand

My Dearest Margaret

I can no longer restrain my passion and must know my fate before I return I dare not tell your parents yet but I think they would consent if they knew that we adored one another Mr Laurence will help me to some good place and then my sweet girl you will make me happy I implore you to say nothing to your family yet but to send one word of hope through Laurie to

Your devoted John

Oh the little villain Thats the way he meant to pay me for keeping my word to Mother Ill give him a hearty scolding and bring him over to beg pardon cried Jo burning to execute immediate justice But her mother held her back saying with a look she seldom wore

Stop Jo you must clear yourself first You have played so many pranks that I am afraid you have had a hand in this

On my word Mother I havent I never saw that note before and dont know anything about it as true as I live said Jo so earnestly that they believed her If I had taken part in it Id have done it better than this and have written a sensible note I should think youd have known Mr Brooke wouldnt write such stuff as that she added scornfully tossing down the paper

Its like his writing faltered Meg comparing it with the note in her hand

Oh Meg you didnt answer it cried Mrs March quickly

Yes I did and Meg hid her face again overcome with shame

Heres a scrape Do let me bring that wicked boy over to explain and be lectured I cant rest till I get hold of him And Jo made for the door again

Hush Let me handle this for it is worse than I thought Margaret tell me the whole story commanded Mrs March sitting down by Meg yet keeping hold of Jo lest she should fly off

I received the first letter from Laurie who didnt look as if he knew anything about it began Meg without looking up I was worried at first and meant to tell you then I remembered how you liked Mr Brooke so I thought you wouldnt mind if I kept my little secret for a few days Im so silly that I liked to think no one knew and while I was deciding what to say I felt like the girls in books who have such things to do Forgive me Mother Im paid for my silliness now I never can look him in the face again

What did you say to him asked Mrs March

I only said I was too young to do anything about it yet that I didnt wish to have secrets from you and he must speak to father I was very grateful for his kindness and would be his friend but nothing more for a long while

Mrs March smiled as if well pleased and Jo clapped her hands exclaiming with a laugh You are almost equal to Caroline Percy who was a pattern of prudence Tell on Meg What did he say to that

He writes in a different way entirely telling me that he never sent any love letter at all and is very sorry that my roguish sister Jo should take liberties with our names Its very kind and respectful but think how dreadful for me

Meg leaned against her mother looking the image of despair and Jo tramped about the room calling Laurie names All of a sudden she stopped caught up the two notes and after looking at them closely said decidedly I dont believe Brooke ever saw either of these letters Teddy wrote both and keeps yours to crow over me with because I wouldnt tell him my secret

Dont have any secrets Jo Tell it to Mother and keep out of trouble as I should have done said Meg warningly

Bless you child Mother told me

That will do Jo Ill comfort Meg while you go and get Laurie I shall sift the matter to the bottom and put a stop to such pranks at once

Away ran Jo and Mrs March gently told Meg Mr Brookes real feelings Now dear what are your own Do you love him enough to wait till he can make a home for you or will you keep yourself quite free for the present

Ive been so scared and worried I dont want to have anything to do with lovers for a long while perhaps never answered Meg petulantly If John doesnt know anything about this nonsense dont tell him and make Jo and Laurie hold their tongues I wont be deceived and plagued and made a fool of Its a shame

Seeing Megs usually gentle temper was roused and her pride hurt by this mischievous joke Mrs March soothed her by promises of entire silence and great discretion for the future The instant Lauries step was heard in the hall Meg fled into the study and Mrs March received the culprit alone Jo had not told him why he was wanted fearing he wouldnt come but he knew the minute he saw Mrs Marchs face and stood twirling his hat with a guilty air which convicted him at once Jo was dismissed but chose to march up and down the hall like a sentinel having some fear that the prisoner might bolt The sound of voices in the parlor rose and fell for half an hour but what happened during that interview the girls never knew

When they were called in Laurie was standing by their mother with such a penitent face that Jo forgave him on the spot but did not think it wise to betray the fact Meg received his humble apology and was much comforted by the assurance that Brooke knew nothing of the joke

Ill never tell him to my dying day wild horses shant drag it out of me so youll forgive me Meg and Ill do anything to show how outandout sorry I am he added looking very much ashamed of himself

Ill try but it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do I didnt think you could be so sly and malicious Laurie replied Meg trying to hide her maidenly confusion under a gravely reproachful air

It was altogether abominable and I dont deserve to be spoken to for a month but you will though wont you And Laurie folded his hands together with such and imploring gesture as he spoke in his irresistibly persuasive tone that it was impossible to frown upon him in spite of his scandalous behavior

Meg pardoned him and Mrs Marchs grave face relaxed in spite of her efforts to keep sober when she heard him declare that he would atone for his sins by all sorts of penances and abase himself like a worm before the injured damsel

Jo stood aloof meanwhile trying to harden her heart against him and succeeding only in primming up her face into an expression of entire disapprobation Laurie looked at her once or twice but as she showed no sign of relenting he felt injured and turned his back on her till the others were done with him when he made her a low bow and walked off without a word

As soon as he had gone she wished she had been more forgiving and when Meg and her mother went upstairs she felt lonely and longed for Teddy After resisting for some time she yielded to the impulse and armed with a book to return went over to the big house

Is Mr Laurence in asked Jo of a housemaid who was coming downstairs

Yes Miss but I dont believe hes seeable just yet

Why not Is he ill

La no Miss but hes had a scene with Mr Laurie who is in one of his tantrums about something which vexes the old gentleman so I dursnt go nigh him

Where is Laurie

Shut up in his room and he wont answer though Ive been atapping I dont know whats to become of the dinner for its ready and theres no one to eat it

Ill go and see what the matter is Im not afraid of either of them

Up went Jo and knocked smartly on the door of Lauries little study

Stop that or Ill open the door and make you called out the young gentleman in a threatening tone

Jo immediately knocked again The door flew open and in she bounced before Laurie could recover from his surprise Seeing that he really was out of temper Jo who knew how to manage him assumed a contrite expression and going artistically down upon her knees said meekly Please forgive me for being so cross I came to make it up and cant go away till I have

Its all right Get up and dont be a goose Jo was the cavalier reply to her petition

Thank you I will Could I ask whats the matter You dont look exactly easy in your mind

Ive been shaken and I wont bear it growled Laurie indignantly

Who did it demanded Jo

Grandfather If it had been anyone else Id have And the injured youth finished his sentence by an energetic gesture of the right arm

Thats nothing I often shake you and you dont mind said Jo soothingly

Pooh Youre a girl and its fun but Ill allow no man to shake me

I dont think anyone would care to try it if you looked as much like a thundercloud as you do now Why were you treated so

Just because I wouldnt say what your mother wanted me for Id promised not to tell and of course I wasnt going to break my word

Couldnt you satisfy your grandpa in any other way

No he would have the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth Id have told my part of the scrape if I could without bringing Meg in As I couldnt I held my tongue and bore the scolding till the old gentleman collared me Then I bolted for fear I should forget myself

It wasnt nice but hes sorry I know so go down and make up Ill help you

Hanged if I do Im not going to be lectured and pummelled by everyone just for a bit of a frolic I was sorry about Meg and begged pardon like a man but I wont do it again when I wasnt in the wrong

He didnt know that

He ought to trust me and not act as if I was a baby Its no use Jo hes got to learn that Im able to take care of myself and dont need anyones apron string to hold on by

What pepper pots you are sighed Jo How do you mean to settle this affair

Well he ought to beg pardon and believe me when I say I cant tell him what the fusss about

Bless you He wont do that

I wont go down till he does

Now Teddy be sensible Let it pass and Ill explain what I can You cant stay here so whats the use of being melodramatic

I dont intend to stay here long anyway Ill slip off and take a journey somewhere and when Grandpa misses me hell come round fast enough

I dare say but you ought not to go and worry him

Dont preach Ill go to Washington and see Brooke Its gay there and Ill enjoy myself after the troubles

What fun youd have I wish I could run off too said Jo forgetting her part of mentor in lively visions of martial life at the capital

Come on then Why not You go and surprise your father and Ill stir up old Brooke It would be a glorious joke Lets do it Jo Well leave a letter saying we are all right and trot off at once Ive got money enough It will do you good and no harm as you go to your father

For a moment Jo looked as if she would agree for wild as the plan was it just suited her She was tired of care and confinement longed for change and thoughts of her father blended temptingly with the novel charms of camps and hospitals liberty and fun Her eyes kindled as they turned wistfully toward the window but they fell on the old house opposite and she shook her head with sorrowful decision

If I was a boy wed run away together and have a capital time but as Im a miserable girl I must be proper and stop at home Dont tempt me Teddy its a crazy plan

Thats the fun of it began Laurie who had got a willful fit on him and was possessed to break out of bounds in some way

Hold your tongue cried Jo covering her ears Prunes and prisms are my doom and I may as well make up my mind to it I came here to moralize not to hear things that make me skip to think of

I know Meg would wetblanket such a proposal but I thought you had more spirit began Laurie insinuatingly

Bad boy be quiet Sit down and think of your own sins dont go making me add to mine If I get your grandpa to apologize for the shaking will you give up running away asked Jo seriously

Yes but you wont do it answered Laurie who wished to make up but felt that his outraged dignity must be appeased first

If I can manage the young one I can the old one muttered Jo as she walked away leaving Laurie bent over a railroad map with his head propped up on both hands

Come in and Mr Laurences gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever as Jo tapped at his door

Its only me Sir come to return a book she said blandly as she entered

Want any more asked the old gentleman looking grim and vexed but trying not to show it

Yes please I like old Sam so well I think Ill try the second volume returned Jo hoping to propitiate him by accepting a second dose of Boswells Johnson as he had recommended that lively work

The shaggy eyebrows unbent a little as he rolled the steps toward the shelf where the Johnsonian literature was placed Jo skipped up and sitting on the top step affected to be searching for her book but was really wondering how best to introduce the dangerous object of her visit Mr Laurence seemed to suspect that something was brewing in her mind for after taking several brisk turns about the room he faced round on her speaking so abruptly that Rasselas tumbled face downward on the floor

What has that boy been about Dont try to shield him I know he has been in mischief by the way he acted when he came home I cant get a word from him and when I threatened to shake the truth out of him he bolted upstairs and locked himself into his room

He did wrong but we forgave him and all promised not to say a word to anyone began Jo reluctantly

That wont do He shall not shelter himself behind a promise from you softhearted girls If hes done anything amiss he shall confess beg pardon and be punished Out with it Jo I wont be kept in the dark

Mr Laurence looked so alarming and spoke so sharply that Jo would have gladly run away if she could but she was perched aloft on the steps and he stood at the foot a lion in the path so she had to stay and brave it out

Indeed Sir I cannot tell Mother forbade it Laurie has confessed asked pardon and been punished quite enough We dont keep silence to shield him but someone else and it will make more trouble if you interfere Please dont It was partly my fault but its all right now So lets forget it and talk about the Rambler or something pleasant

Hang the Rambler Come down and give me your word that this harumscarum boy of mine hasnt done anything ungrateful or impertinent If he has after all your kindness to him Ill thrash him with my own hands

The threat sounded awful but did not alarm Jo for she knew the irascible old gentleman would never lift a finger against his grandson whatever he might say to the contrary She obediently descended and made as light of the prank as she could without betraying Meg or forgetting the truth

Hum ha well if the boy held his tongue because he promised and not from obstinacy Ill forgive him Hes a stubborn fellow and hard to manage said Mr Laurence rubbing up his hair till it looked as if he had been out in a gale and smoothing the frown from his brow with an air of relief

So am I but a kind word will govern me when all the kings horses and all the kings men couldnt said Jo trying to say a kind word for her friend who seemed to get out of one scrape only to fall into another

You think Im not kind to him hey was the sharp answer

Oh dear no Sir You are rather too kind sometimes and then just a trifle hasty when he tries your patience Dont you think you are

Jo was determined to have it out now and tried to look quite placid though she quaked a little after her bold speech To her great relief and surprise the old gentleman only threw his spectacles onto the table with a rattle and exclaimed frankly Youre right girl I am I love the boy but he tries my patience past bearing and I know how it will end if we go on so

Ill tell you hell run away Jo was sorry for that speech the minute it was made She meant to warn him that Laurie would not bear much restraint and hoped he would be more forebearing with the lad

Mr Laurences ruddy face changed suddenly and he sat down with a troubled glance at the picture of a handsome man which hung over his table It was Lauries father who had run away in his youth and married against the imperious old mans will Jo fancied he remembered and regretted the past and she wished she had held her tongue

He wont do it unless he is very much worried and only threatens it sometimes when he gets tired of studying I often think I should like to especially since my hair was cut so if you ever miss us you may advertise for two boys and look among the ships bound for India

She laughed as she spoke and Mr Laurence looked relieved evidently taking the whole as a joke

You hussy how dare you talk in that way Wheres your respect for me and your proper bringing up Bless the boys and girls What torments they are yet we cant do without them he said pinching her cheeks goodhumoredly Go and bring that boy down to his dinner tell him its all right and advise him not to put on tragedy airs with his grandfather I wont bear it

He wont come Sir He feels badly because you didnt believe him when he said he couldnt tell I think the shaking hurt his feelings very much

Jo tried to look pathetic but must have failed for Mr Laurence began to laugh and she knew the day was won

Im sorry for that and ought to thank him for not shaking me I suppose What the dickens does the fellow expect and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness

If I were you Id write him an apology Sir He says he wont come down till he has one and talks about Washington and goes on in an absurd way A formal apology will make him see how foolish he is and bring him down quite amiable Try it He likes fun and this way is better than talking Ill carry it up and teach him his duty

Mr Laurence gave her a sharp look and put on his spectacles saying slowly Youre a sly puss but I dont mind being managed by you and Beth Here give me a bit of paper and let us have done with this nonsense

The note was written in the terms which one gentleman would use to another after offering some deep insult Jo dropped a kiss on the top of Mr Laurences bald head and ran up to slip the apology under Lauries door advising him through the keyhole to be submissive decorous and a few other agreeable impossibilities Finding the door locked again she left the note to do its work and was going quietly away when the young gentleman slid down the banisters and waited for her at the bottom saying with his most virtuous expression of countenance What a good fellow you are Jo Did you get blown up he added laughing

No he was pretty mild on the whole

Ah I got it all round Even you cast me off over there and I felt just ready to go to the deuce he began apologetically

Dont talk that way turn over a new leaf and begin again Teddy my son

I keep turning over new leaves and spoiling them as I used to spoil my copybooks and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end he said dolefully

Go and eat your dinner youll feel better after it Men always croak when they are hungry and Jo whisked out at the front door after that

Thats a label on my sect answered Laurie quoting Amy as he went to partake of humble pie dutifully with his grandfather who was quite saintly in temper and overwhelmingly respectful in manner all the rest of the day

Everyone thought the matter ended and the little cloud blown over but the mischief was done for though others forgot it Meg remembered She never alluded to a certain person but she thought of him a good deal dreamed dreams more than ever and once Jo rummaging her sisters desk for stamps found a bit of paper scribbled over with the words Mrs John Brooke whereat she groaned tragically and cast it into the fire feeling that Lauries prank had hastened the evil day for her

CHAPTER TWENTYTWO

PLEASANT MEADOWS

Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed The invalids improved rapidly and Mr March began to talk of returning early in the new year Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day amusing herself with the wellbeloved cats at first and in time with dolls sewing which had fallen sadly behindhand Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for the dear while Amy a loyal slave of the ring celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept

As Christmas approached the usual mysteries began to haunt the house and Jo frequently convulsed the family by proposing utterly impossible or magnificently absurd ceremonies in honor of this unusually merry Christmas Laurie was equally impracticable and would have had bonfires skyrockets and triumphal arches if he had had his own way After many skirmishes and snubbings the ambitious pair were considered effectually quenched and went about with forlorn faces which were rather belied by explosions of laughter when the two got together

Several days of unusually mild weather fitly ushered in a splendid Christmas Day Hannah felt in her bones that it was going to be an unusually fine day and she proved herself a true prophetess for everybody and everything seemed bound to produce a grand success To begin with Mr March wrote that he should soon be with them then Beth felt uncommonly well that morning and being dressed in her mothers gift a soft crimson merino wrapper was borne in high triumph to the window to behold the offering of Jo and Laurie The Unquenchables had done their best to be worthy of the name for like elves they had worked by night and conjured up a comical surprise Out in the garden stood a stately snow maiden crowned with holly bearing a basket of fruit and flowers in one hand a great roll of music in the other a perfect rainbow of an Afghan round her chilly shoulders and a Christmas carol issuing from her lips on a pink paper streamer

THE JUNGFRAU TO BETH
God bless you dear Queen Bess
May nothing you dismay
But health and peace and happiness
Be yours this Christmas day
Heres fruit to feed our busy bee
And flowers for her nose
Heres music for her pianee
An afghan for her toes
A portrait of Joanna see
By Raphael No 2
Who laboured with great industry
To make it fair and true
Accept a ribbon red I beg
For Madam Purrers tail
And ice cream made by lovely Peg
A Mont Blanc in a pail
Their dearest love my makers laid
Within my breast of snow
Accept it and the Alpine maid
From Laurie and from Jo
How Beth laughed when she saw it how Laurie ran up and down to bring in the gifts and what ridiculous speeches Jo made as she presented them

Im so full of happiness that if Father was only here I couldnt hold one drop more said Beth quite sighing with contentment as Jo carried her off to the study to rest after the excitement and to refresh herself with some of the delicious grapes the Jungfrau had sent her

So am I added Jo slapping the pocket wherein reposed the longdesired Undine and Sintram

Im sure I am echoed Amy poring over the engraved copy of the Madonna and Child which her mother had given her in a pretty frame

Of course I am cried Meg smoothing the silvery folds of her first silk dress for Mr Laurence had insisted on giving it How can I be otherwise said Mrs March gratefully as her eyes went from her husbands letter to Beths smiling face and her hand carressed the brooch made of gray and golden chestnut and dark brown hair which the girls had just fastened on her breast

Now and then in this workaday world things do happen in the delightful storybook fashion and what a comfort it is Half an hour after everyone had said they were so happy they could only hold one drop more the drop came Laurie opened the parlor door and popped his head in very quietly He might just as well have turned a somersault and uttered an Indian war whoop for his face was so full of suppressed excitement and his voice so treacherously joyful that everyone jumped up though he only said in a queer breathless voice Heres another Christmas present for the March family

Before the words were well out of his mouth he was whisked away somehow and in his place appeared a tall man muffled up to the eyes leaning on the arm of another tall man who tried to say something and couldnt Of course there was a general stampede and for several minutes everybody seemed to lose their wits for the strangest things were done and no one said a word

Mr March became invisible in the embrace of four pairs of loving arms Jo disgraced herself by nearly fainting away and had to be doctored by Laurie in the china closet Mr Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake as he somewhat incoherently explained And Amy the dignified tumbled over a stool and never stopping to get up hugged and cried over her fathers boots in the most touching manner Mrs March was the first to recover herself and held up her hand with a warning Hush Remember Beth

But it was too late The study door flew open the little red wrapper appeared on the threshold joy put strength into the feeble limbs and Beth ran straight into her fathers arms Never mind what happened just after that for the full hearts overflowed washing away the bitterness of the past and leaving only the sweetness of the present

It was not at all romantic but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again for Hannah was discovered behind the door sobbing over the fat turkey which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen As the laugh subsided Mrs March began to thank Mr Brooke for his faithful care of her husband at which Mr Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr March needed rest and seizing Laurie he precipitately retired Then the two invalids were ordered to repose which they did by both sitting in one big chair and talking hard

Mr March told how he had longed to surprise them and how when the fine weather came he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it how devoted Brooke had been and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man Why Mr March paused a minute just there and after a glance at Meg who was violently poking the fire looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows I leave you to imagine Also why Mrs March gently nodded her head and asked rather abruptly if he wouldnt like to have something to eat Jo saw and understood the look and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea muttering to herself as she slammed the door I hate estimable young men with brown eyes

There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day The fat turkey was a sight to behold when Hannah sent him up stuffed browned and decorated So was the plum pudding which melted in ones mouth likewise the jellies in which Amy reveled like a fly in a honeypot Everything turned out well which was a mercy Hannah said For my mind was that flustered Mum that its a merrycle I didnt roast the pudding and stuff the turkey with raisins let alone bilin of it in a cloth

Mr Laurence and his grandson dined with them also Mr Brooke at whom Jo glowered darkly to Lauries infinite amusement Two easy chairs stood side by side at the head of the table in which sat Beth and her father feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit They drank healths told stories sang songs reminisced as the old folks say and had a thoroughly good time A sleigh ride had been planned but the girls would not leave their father so the guests departed early and as twilight gathered the happy family sat together round the fire

Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected to have Do you remember asked Jo breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things

Rather a pleasant year on the whole said Meg smiling at the fire and congratulating herself on having treated Mr Brooke with dignity

I think its been a pretty hard one observed Amy watching the light shine on her ring with thoughtful eyes

Im glad its over because weve got you back whispered Beth who sat on her fathers knee

Rather a rough road for you to travel my little pilgrims especially the latter part of it But you have got on bravely and I think the burdens are in a fair way to tumble off very soon said Mr March looking with fatherly satisfaction at the four young faces gathered round him

How do you know Did Mother tell you asked Jo

Not much Straws show which way the wind blows and Ive made several discoveries today

Oh tell us what they are cried Meg who sat beside him

Here is one And taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair he pointed to the roughened forefinger a burn on the back and two or three little hard spots on the palm I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth and your first care was to keep it so It was very pretty then but to me it is much prettier now for in this seeming blemishes I read a little history A burnt offering has been made to vanity this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters and Im sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time so much good will went into the stitches Meg my dear I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments Im proud to shake this good industrious little hand and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away

If Meg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor she received it in the hearty pressure of her fathers hand and the approving smile he gave her

What about Jo Please say something nice for she has tried so hard and been so very very good to me said Beth in her fathers ear

He laughed and looked across at the tall girl who sat opposite with an unusually mild expression in her face

In spite of the curly crop I dont see the son Jo whom I left a year ago said Mr March I see a young lady who pins her collar straight laces her boots neatly and neither whistles talks slang nor lies on the rug as she used to do Her face is rather thin and pale just now with watching and anxiety but I like to look at it for it has grown gentler and her voice is lower She doesnt bounce but moves quietly and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me I rather miss my wild girl but if I get a strong helpful tenderhearted woman in her place I shall feel quite satisfied I dont know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep but I do know that in all Washington I couldnt find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the fiveandtwenty dollars my good girl sent me

Jos keen eyes were rather dim for a minute and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight as she received her fathers praise feeling that she did deserve a portion of it

Now Beth said Amy longing for her turn but ready to wait

Theres so little of her Im afraid to say much for fear she will slip away altogether though she is not so shy as she used to be began their father cheerfully But recollecting how nearly he had lost her he held her close saying tenderly with her cheek against his own Ive got you safe my Beth and Ill keep you so please God

After a minutes silence he looked down at Amy who sat on the cricket at his feet and said with a caress of the shining hair

I observed that Amy took drumsticks at dinner ran errands for her mother all the afternoon gave Meg her place tonight and has waited on every one with patience and good humor I also observe that she does not fret much nor look in the glass and has not even mentioned a very pretty ring which she wears so I conclude that she has learned to think of other people more and of herself less and has decided to try and mold her character as carefully as she molds her little clay figures I am glad of this for though I should be very proud of a graceful statue made by her I shall be infinitely prouder of a lovable daughter with a talent for making life beautiful to herself and others

What are you thinking of Beth asked Jo when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring

I read in Pilgrims Progress today how after many troubles Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow where lilies bloomed all year round and there they rested happily as we do now before they went on to their journeys end answered Beth adding as she slipped out of her fathers arms and went to the instrument Its singing time now and I want to be in my old place Ill try to sing the song of the shepherd boy which the Pilgrims heard I made the music for Father because he likes the verses

So sitting at the dear little piano Beth softly touched the keys and in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again sang to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn which was a singularly fitting song for her

He that is down need fear no fall
He that is low no pride
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide
I am content with what I have
Little be it or much
And Lord Contentment still I crave
Because Thou savest such
Fulness to them a burden is
That go on pilgrimage
Here little and hereafter bliss
Is best from age to age

CHAPTER TWENTYTHREE

AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION

Like bees swarming after their queen mother and daughters hovered about Mr March the next day neglecting everything to look at wait upon and listen to the new invalid who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beths sofa with the other three close by and Hannah popping in her head now and then to peek at the dear man nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness But something was needed and the elder ones felt it though none confessed the fact Mr and Mrs March looked at one another with an anxious expression as their eyes followed Meg Jo had sudden fits of sobriety and was seen to shake her fist at Mr Brookes umbrella which had been left in the hall Meg was absentminded shy and silent started when the bell rang and colored when Johns name was mentioned Amy said Everyone seemed waiting for something and couldnt settle down which was queer since Father was safe at home and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors didnt run over as usual

Laurie went by in the afternoon and seeing Meg at the window seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit for he fell down on one knee in the snow beat his breast tore his hair and clasped his hands imploringly as if begging some boon And when Meg told him to behave himself and go away he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair

What does the goose mean said Meg laughing and trying to look unconscious

Hes showing you how your John will go on byandby Touching isnt it answered Jo scornfully

Dont say my John it isnt proper or true but Megs voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her Please dont plague me Jo Ive told you I dont care much about him and there isnt to be anything said but we are all to be friendly and go on as before

We cant for something has been said and Lauries mischief has spoiled you for me I see it and so does Mother You are not like your old self a bit and seem ever so far away from me I dont mean to plague you and will bear it like a man but I do wish it was all settled I hate to wait so if you mean ever to do it make haste and have it over quickly said Jo pettishly

I cant say anything till he speaks and he wont because Father said I was too young began Meg bending over her work with a queer little smile which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point

If he did speak you wouldnt know what to say but would cry or blush or let him have his own way instead of giving a good decided no

Im not so silly and weak as you think I know just what I should say for Ive planned it all so I neednt be taken unawares Theres no knowing what may happen and I wished to be prepared

Jo couldnt help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks

Would you mind telling me what youd say asked Jo more respectfully

Not at all You are sixteen now quite old enough to be my confident and my experience will be useful to you byandby perhaps in your own affairs of this sort

Dont mean to have any Its fun to watch other people philander but I should feel like a fool doing it myself said Jo looking alarmed at the thought

I think not if you liked anyone very much and he liked you Meg spoke as if to herself and glanced out at the lane where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight

I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man said Jo rudely shortening her sisters little reverie

Oh I should merely say quite calmly and decidedly Thank you Mr Brooke you are very kind but I agree with Father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present so please say no more but let us be friends as we were

Hum thats stiff and cool enough I dont believe youll ever say it and I know he wont be satisfied if you do If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books youll give in rather than hurt his feelings

No I wont I shall tell him Ive made up my mind and shall walk out of the room with dignity

Meg rose as she spoke and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat and begin to sew as fast as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change and when someone gave a modest tap opened the door with a grim aspect which was anything but hospitable

Good afternoon I came to get my umbrella that is to see how your father finds himself today said Mr Brooke getting a trifle confused as his eyes went from one telltale face to the other

Its very well hes in the rack Ill get him and tell it you are here And having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity But the instant she vanished Meg began to sidle toward the door murmuring

Mother will like to see you Pray sit down Ill call her

Dont go Are you afraid of me Margaret and Mr Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead for he had never called her Margaret before and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease she put out her hand with a confiding gesture and said gratefully

How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to Father I only wish I could thank you for it

Shall I tell you how asked Mr Brooke holding the small hand fast in both his own and looking down at Meg with so much love in the brown eyes that her heart began to flutter and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen

Oh no please dont Id rather not she said trying to withdraw her hand and looking frightened in spite of her denial

I wont trouble you I only want to know if you care for me a little Meg I love you so much dear added Mr Brooke tenderly

This was the moment for the calm proper speech but Meg didnt make it She forgot every word of it hung her head and answered I dont know so softly that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply

He seemed to think it was worth the trouble for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied pressed the plump hand gratefully and said in his most persuasive tone Will you try and find out I want to know so much for I cant go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not

Im too young faltered Meg wondering why she was so fluttered yet rather enjoying it

Ill wait and in the meantime you could be learning to like me Would it be a very hard lesson dear

Not if I chose to learn it but

Please choose to learn Meg I love to teach and this is easier than German broke in John getting possession of the other hand so that she had no way of hiding her face as he bent to look into it

His tone was properly beseeching but stealing a shy look at him Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success This nettled her Annie Moffats foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind and the love of power which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her She felt excited and strange and not knowing what else to do followed a capricious impulse and withdrawing her hands said petulantly I dont choose Please go away and let me be

Poor Mr Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before and it rather bewildered him

Do you really mean that he asked anxiously following her as she walked away

Yes I do I dont want to be worried about such things Father says I neednt its too soon and Id rather not

Maynt I hope youll change your mind byandby Ill wait and say nothing till you have had more time Dont play with me Meg I didnt think that of you

Dont think of me at all Id rather you wouldnt said Meg taking a naughty satisfaction in trying her lovers patience and her own power

He was grave and pale now and looked decidedly more like the novel heroes whom she admired but he neither slapped his forehead nor tramped about the room as they did He just stood looking at her so wistfully so tenderly that she found her heart relenting in spite of herself What would have happened next I cannot say if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute

The old lady couldnt resist her longing to see her nephew for she had met Laurie as she took her airing and hearing of Mr Marchs arrival drove straight out to see him The family were all busy in the back part of the house and she had made her way quietly in hoping to surprise them She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost and Mr Brooke vanished into the study

Bless me whats all this cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady

Its Fathers friend Im so surprised to see you stammered Meg feeling that she was in for a lecture now

Thats evident returned Aunt March sitting down But what is Fathers friend saying to make you look like a peony Theres mischief going on and I insist upon knowing what it is with another rap

We were only talking Mr Brooke came for his umbrella began Meg wishing that Mr Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house

Brooke That boys tutor Ah I understand now I know all about it Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your Fathers letters and I made her tell me You havent gone and accepted him child cried Aunt March looking scandalized

Hush Hell hear Shant I call Mother said Meg much troubled

Not yet Ive something to say to you and I must free my mind at once Tell me do you mean to marry this Cook If you do not one penny of my money ever goes to you Remember that and be a sensible girl said the old lady impressively

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people and enjoyed doing it The best of us have a spice of perversity in us especially when we are young and in love If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke she would probably have declared she couldnt think of it but as she was preemptorily ordered not to like him she immediately made up her mind that she would Inclination as well as perversity made the decision easy and being already much excited Meg opposed the old lady with unusual spirit

I shall marry whom I please Aunt March and you can leave your money to anyone you like she said nodding her head with a resolute air

Hightytighty Is that the way you take my advice Miss Youll be sorry for it byandby when youve tried love in a cottage and found it a failure

It cant be a worse one than some people find in big houses retorted Meg

Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl for she did not know her in this new mood Meg hardly knew herself she felt so brave and independent so glad to defend John and assert her right to love him if she liked Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong and after a little pause made a fresh start saying as mildly as she could Now Meg my dear be reasonable and take my advice I mean it kindly and dont want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning You ought to marry well and help your family Its your duty to make a rich match and it ought to be impressed upon you

Father and Mother dont think so They like John though he is poor

Your parents my dear have no more worldly wisdom than a pair of babies

Im glad of it cried Meg stoutly

Aunt March took no notice but went on with her lecture This Rook is poor and hasnt got any rich relations has he

No but he has many warm friends

You cant live on friends try it and see how cool theyll grow He hasnt any business has he

Not yet Mr Laurence is going to help him

That wont last long James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow and not to be depended on So you intend to marry a man without money position or business and go on working harder than you do now when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better I thought you had more sense Meg

I couldnt do better if I waited half my life John is good and wise hes got heaps of talent hes willing to work and sure to get on hes so energetic and brave Everyone likes and respects him and Im proud to think he cares for me though Im so poor and young and silly said Meg looking prettier than ever in her earnestness

He knows you have got rich relations child Thats the secret of his liking I suspect

Aunt March how dare you say such a thing John is above such meanness and I wont listen to you a minute if you talk so cried Meg indignantly forgetting everything but the injustice of the old ladys suspicions My John wouldnt marry for money any more than I would We are willing to work and we mean to wait Im not afraid of being poor for Ive been happy so far and I know I shall be with him because he loves me and I

Meg stopped there remembering all of a sudden that she hadnt made up her mind that she had told her John to go away and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks

Aunt March was very angry for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match and something in the girls happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour

Well I wash my hands of the whole affair You are a willful child and youve lost more than you know by this piece of folly No I wont stop Im disappointed in you and havent spirits to see your father now Dont expect anything from me when you are married Your Mr Brookes friends must take care of you Im done with you forever

And slamming the door in Megs face Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon She seemed to take all the girls courage with her for when left alone Meg stood for a moment undecided whether to laugh or cry Before she could make up her mind she was taken possession of by Mr Brooke who said all in one breath I couldnt help hearing Meg Thank you for defending me and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit

I didnt know how much till she abused you began Meg

And I neednt go away but may stay and be happy may I dear

Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit but Meg never thought of doing either and disgraced herself forever in Jos eyes by meekly whispering Yes John and hiding her face on Mr Brookes waistcoat

Fifteen minutes after Aunt Marchs departure Jo came softly downstairs paused an instant at the parlor door and hearing no sound within nodded and smiled with a satisfied expression saying to herself She has seen him away as we planned and that affair is settled Ill go and hear the fun and have a good laugh over it

But poor Jo never got her laugh for she was transfixed upon the threshold by a spectacle which held her there staring with her mouth nearly as wide open as her eyes Going in to exult over a fallen enemy and to praise a strongminded sister for the banishment of an objectionable lover it certainly was a shock to behold the aforesaid enemy serenely sitting on the sofa with the strongminded sister enthroned upon his knee and wearing an expression of the most abject submission Jo gave a sort of gasp as if a cold shower bath had suddenly fallen upon her for such an unexpected turning of the tables actually took her breath away At the odd sound the lovers turned and saw her Meg jumped up looking both proud and shy but that man as Jo called him actually laughed and said coolly as he kissed the astonished newcomer Sister Jo congratulate us

That was adding insult to injury it was altogether too much and making some wild demonstration with her hands Jo vanished without a word Rushing upstairs she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically as she burst into the room Oh do somebody go down quick John Brooke is acting dreadfully and Meg likes it

Mr and Mrs March left the room with speed and casting herself upon the bed Jo cried and scolded tempestuously as she told the awful news to Beth and Amy The little girls however considered it a most agreeable and interesting event and Jo got little comfort from them so she went up to her refuge in the garret and confided her troubles to the rats

Nobody ever knew what went on in the parlor that afternoon but a great deal of talking was done and quiet Mr Brooke astonished his friends by the eloquence and spirit with which he pleaded his suit told his plans and persuaded them to arrange everything just as he wanted it

The tea bell rang before he had finished describing the paradise which he meant to earn for Meg and he proudly took her in to supper both looking so happy that Jo hadnt the heart to be jealous or dismal Amy was very much impressed by Johns devotion and Megs dignity Beth beamed at them from a distance while Mr and Mrs March surveyed the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it was perfectly evident Aunt March was right in calling them as unworldly as a pair of babies No one ate much but everyone looked very happy and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there

You cant say nothing pleasant ever happens now can you Meg said Amy trying to decide how she would group the lovers in a sketch she was planning to make

No Im sure I cant How much has happened since I said that It seems a year ago answered Meg who was in a blissful dream lifted far above such common things as bread and butter

The joys come close upon the sorrows this time and I rather think the changes have begun said Mrs March In most families there comes now and then a year full of events This has been such a one but it ends well after all

Hope the next will end better muttered Jo who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face for Jo loved a few persons very dearly and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way

I hope the third year from this will end better I mean it shall if I live to work out my plans said Mr Brooke smiling at Meg as if everything had become possible to him now

Doesnt it seem very long to wait asked Amy who was in a hurry for the wedding

Ive got so much to learn before I shall be ready it seems a short time to me answered Meg with a sweet gravity in her face never seen there before

You have only to wait I am to do the work said John beginning his labors by picking up Megs napkin with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head and then say to herself with an air of relief as the front door banged Here comes Laurie Now we shall have some sensible conversation

But Jo was mistaken for Laurie came prancing in overflowing with good spirits bearing a great bridallooking bouquet for Mrs John Brooke and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management

I knew Brooke would have it all his own way he always does for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything its done though the sky falls said Laurie when he had presented his offering and his congratulations

Much obliged for that recommendation I take it as a good omen for the future and invite you to my wedding on the spot answered Mr Brooke who felt at peace with all mankind even his mischievous pupil

Ill come if Im at the ends of the earth for the sight of Jos face alone on that occasion would be worth a long journey You dont look festive maam whats the matter asked Laurie following her into a corner of the parlor whither all had adjourned to greet Mr Laurence

I dont approve of the match but Ive made up my mind to bear it and shall not say a word against it said Jo solemnly You cant know how hard it is for me to give up Meg she continued with a little quiver in her voice

You dont give her up You only go halves said Laurie consolingly

It can never be the same again Ive lost my dearest friend sighed Jo

Youve got me anyhow Im not good for much I know but Ill stand by you Jo all the days of my life Upon my word I will and Laurie meant what he said

I know you will and Im ever so much obliged You are always a great comfort to me Teddy returned Jo gratefully shaking hands

Well now dont be dismal theres a good fellow Its all right you see Meg is happy Brooke will fly round and get settled immediately Grandpa will attend to him and it will be very jolly to see Meg in her own little house Well have capital times after she is gone for I shall be through college before long and then well go abroad on some nice trip or other Wouldnt that console you

I rather think it would but theres no knowing what may happen in three years said Jo thoughtfully

Thats true Dont you wish you could take a look forward and see where we shall all be then I do returned Laurie

I think not for I might see something sad and everyone looks so happy now I dont believe they could be much improved And Jos eyes went slowly round the room brightening as they looked for the prospect was a pleasant one

Father and Mother sat together quietly reliving the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago Amy was drawing the lovers who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy Beth lay on her sofa talking cheerily with her old friend who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked Jo lounged in her favorite low seat with the grave quiet look which best became her and Laurie leaning on the back of her chair his chin on a level with her curly head smiled with his friendliest aspect and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both

So the curtain falls upon Meg Jo Beth and Amy Whether it ever rises again depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called Little Women

LITTLE WOMEN PART 2

In order that we may start afresh and go to Megs wedding

CHAPTER TWENTYFOUR

GOSSIP

In order that we may start afresh and go to Megs wedding with free minds it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much lovering in the story as I fear they may Im not afraid the young folks will make that objection I can only say with Mrs March What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house and a dashing young neighbor over the way

The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family The war is over and Mr March safely at home busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace a quiet studious man rich in the wisdom that is better than learning the charity which calls all mankind brother the piety that blossoms into character making it august and lovely

These attributes in spite of poverty and the strict integrity which shut him out from the more worldly successes attracted to him many admirable persons as naturally as sweet herbs draw bees and as naturally he gave them the honey into which fifty years of hard experience had distilled no bitter drop Earnest young men found the grayheaded scholar as young at heart as they thoughtful or troubled women instinctively brought their doubts to him sure of finding the gentlest sympathy the wisest counsel Sinners told their sins to the purehearted old man and were both rebuked and saved Gifted men found a companion in him Ambitious men caught glimpses of nobler ambitions than their own and even worldlings confessed that his beliefs were beautiful and true although they wouldnt pay

To outsiders the five energetic women seemed to rule the house and so they did in many things but the quiet scholar sitting among his books was still the head of the family the household conscience anchor and comforter for to him the busy anxious women always turned in troublous times finding him in the truest sense of those sacred words husband and father

The girls gave their hearts into their mothers keeping their souls into their fathers and to both parents who lived and labored so faithfully for them they gave a love that grew with their growth and bound them tenderly together by the sweetest tie which blesses life and outlives death

Mrs March is as brisk and cheery though rather grayer than when we saw her last and just now so absorbed in Megs affairs that the hospitals and homes still full of wounded boys and soldiers widows decidedly miss the motherly missionarys visits

John Brooke did his duty manfully for a year got wounded was sent home and not allowed to return He received no stars or bars but he deserved them for he cheerfully risked all he had and life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom Perfectly resigned to his discharge he devoted himself to getting well preparing for business and earning a home for Meg With the good sense and sturdy independence that characterized him he refused Mr Laurences more generous offers and accepted the place of bookkeeper feeling better satisfied to begin with an honestly earned salary than by running any risks with borrowed money

Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting growing womanly in character wise in housewifely arts and prettier than ever for love is a great beautifier She had her girlish ambitions and hopes and felt some disappointment at the humble way in which the new life must begin Ned Moffat had just married Sallie Gardiner and Meg couldnt help contrasting their fine house and carriage many gifts and splendid outfit with her own and secretly wishing she could have the same But somehow envy and discontent soon vanished when she thought of all the patient love and labor John had put into the little home awaiting her and when they sat together in the twilight talking over their small plans the future always grew so beautiful and bright that she forgot Sallies splendor and felt herself the richest happiest girl in Christendom

Jo never went back to Aunt March for the old lady took such a fancy to Amy that she bribed her with the offer of drawing lessons from one of the best teachers going and for the sake of this advantage Amy would have served a far harder mistress So she gave her mornings to duty her afternoons to pleasure and prospered finely Jo meantime devoted herself to literature and Beth who remained delicate long after the fever was a thing of the past Not an invalid exactly but never again the rosy healthy creature she had been yet always hopeful happy and serene and busy with the quiet duties she loved everyones friend and an angel in the house long before those who loved her most had learned to know it

As long as The Spread Eagle paid her a dollar a column for her rubbish as she called it Jo felt herself a woman of means and spun her little romances diligently But great plans fermented in her busy brain and ambitious mind and the old tin kitchen in the garret held a slowly increasing pile of blotted manuscript which was one day to place the name of March upon the roll of fame

Laurie having dutifully gone to college to please his grandfather was now getting through it in the easiest possible manner to please himself A universal favorite thanks to money manners much talent and the kindest heart that ever got its owner into scrapes by trying to get other people out of them he stood in great danger of being spoiled and probably would have been like many another promising boy if he had not possessed a talisman against evil in the memory of the kind old man who was bound up in his success the motherly friend who watched over him as if he were her son and last but not least by any means the knowledge that four innocent girls loved admired and believed in him with all their hearts

Being only a glorious human boy of course he frolicked and flirted grew dandified aquatic sentimental or gymnastic as college fashions ordained hazed and was hazed talked slang and more than once came perilously near suspension and expulsion But as high spirits and the love of fun were the causes of these pranks he always managed to save himself by frank confession honorable atonement or the irresistible power of persuasion which he possessed in perfection In fact he rather prided himself on his narrow escapes and liked to thrill the girls with graphic accounts of his triumphs over wrathful tutors dignified professors and vanquished enemies The men of my class were heroes in the eyes of the girls who never wearied of the exploits of our fellows and were frequently allowed to bask in the smiles of these great creatures when Laurie brought them home with him

Amy especially enjoyed this high honor and became quite a belle among them for her ladyship early felt and learned to use the gift of fascination with which she was endowed Meg was too much absorbed in her private and particular John to care for any other lords of creation and Beth too shy to do more than peep at them and wonder how Amy dared to order them about so but Jo felt quite in her own element and found it very difficult to refrain from imitating the gentlemanly attitudes phrases and feats which seemed more natural to her than the decorums prescribed for young ladies They all liked Jo immensely but never fell in love with her though very few escaped without paying the tribute of a sentimental sigh or two at Amys shrine And speaking of sentiment brings us very naturally to the Dovecote

That was the name of the little brown house Mr Brooke had prepared for Megs first home Laurie had christened it saying it was highly appropriate to the gentle lovers who went on together like a pair of turtledoves with first a bill and then a coo It was a tiny house with a little garden behind and a lawn about as big as a pocket handkerchief in the front Here Meg meant to have a fountain shrubbery and a profusion of lovely flowers though just at present the fountain was represented by a weatherbeaten urn very like a dilapidated slopbowl the shrubbery consisted of several young larches undecided whether to live or die and the profusion of flowers was merely hinted by regiments of sticks to show where seeds were planted But inside it was altogether charming and the happy bride saw no fault from garret to cellar To be sure the hall was so narrow it was fortunate that they had no piano for one never could have been got in whole the dining room was so small that six people were a tight fit and the kitchen stairs seemed built for the express purpose of precipitating both servants and china pellmell into the coalbin But once get used to these slight blemishes and nothing could be more complete for good sense and good taste had presided over the furnishing and the result was highly satisfactory There were no marbletopped tables long mirrors or lace curtains in the little parlor but simple furniture plenty of books a fine picture or two a stand of flowers in the bay window and scattered all about the pretty gifts which came from friendly hands and were the fairer for the loving messages they brought

I dont think the Parian Psyche Laurie gave lost any of its beauty because John put up the bracket it stood upon that any upholsterer could have draped the plain muslin curtains more gracefully than Amys artistic hand or that any storeroom was ever better provided with good wishes merry words and happy hopes than that in which Jo and her mother put away Megs few boxes barrels and bundles and I am morally certain that the spandy new kitchen never could have looked so cozy and neat if Hannah had not arranged every pot and pan a dozen times over and laid the fire all ready for lighting the minute Mis Brooke came home I also doubt if any young matron ever began life with so rich a supply of dusters holders and piece bags for Beth made enough to last till the silver wedding came round and invented three different kinds of dishcloths for the express service of the bridal china

People who hire all these things done for them never know what they lose for the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them and Meg found so many proofs of this that everything in her small nest from the kitchen roller to the silver vase on her parlor table was eloquent of home love and tender forethought

What happy times they had planning together what solemn shopping excursions what funny mistakes they made and what shouts of laughter arose over Lauries ridiculous bargains In his love of jokes this young gentleman though nearly through college was a much of a boy as ever His last whim had been to bring with him on his weekly visits some new useful and ingenious article for the young housekeeper Now a bag of remarkable clothespins next a wonderful nutmeg grater which fell to pieces at the first trial a knife cleaner that spoiled all the knives or a sweeper that picked the nap neatly off the carpet and left the dirt laborsaving soap that took the skin off ones hands infallible cements which stuck firmly to nothing but the fingers of the deluded buyer and every kind of tinware from a toy savings bank for odd pennies to a wonderful boiler which would wash articles in its own steam with every prospect of exploding in the process

In vain Meg begged him to stop John laughed at him and Jo called him Mr Toodles He was possessed with a mania for patronizing Yankee ingenuity and seeing his friends fitly furnished forth So each week beheld some fresh absurdity

Everything was done at last even to Amys arranging different colored soaps to match the different colored rooms and Beths setting the table for the first meal

Are you satisfied Does it seem like home and do you feel as if you should be happy here asked Mrs March as she and her daughter went through the new kingdom arm in arm for just then they seemed to cling together more tenderly than ever

Yes Mother perfectly satisfied thanks to you all and so happy that I cant talk about it with a look that was far better than words

If she only had a servant or two it would be all right said Amy coming out of the parlor where she had been trying to decide whether the bronze Mercury looked best on the whatnot or the mantlepiece

Mother and I have talked that over and I have made up my mind to try her way first There will be so little to do that with Lotty to run my errands and help me here and there I shall only have enough work to keep me from getting lazy or homesick answered Meg tranquilly

Sallie Moffat has four began Amy

If Meg had four the house wouldnt hold them and master and missis would have to camp in the garden broke in Jo who enveloped in a big blue pinafore was giving the last polish to the door handles

Sallie isnt a poor mans wife and many maids are in keeping with her fine establishment Meg and John begin humbly but I have a feeling that there will be quite as much happiness in the little house as in the big one Its a great mistake for young girls like Meg to leave themselves nothing to do but dress give orders and gossip When I was first married I used to long for my new clothes to wear out or get torn so that I might have the pleasure of mending them for I got heartily sick of doing fancywork and tending my pocket handkerchief

Why didnt you go into the kitchen and make messes as Sallie says she does to amuse herself though they never turn out well and the servants laugh at her said Meg

I did after a while not to mess but to learn of Hannah how things should be done that my servants need not laugh at me It was play then but there came a time when I was truly grateful that I not only possessed the will but the power to cook wholesome food for my little girls and help myself when I could no longer afford to hire help You begin at the other end Meg dear but the lessons you learn now will be of use to you byandby when John is a richer man for the mistress of a house however splendid should know how work ought to be done if she wishes to be well and honestly served

Yes Mother Im sure of that said Meg listening respectfully to the little lecture for the best of women will hold forth upon the all absorbing subject of house keeping Do you know I like this room most of all in my baby house added Meg a minute after as they went upstairs and she looked into her wellstored linen closet

Beth was there laying the snowy piles smoothly on the shelves and exulting over the goodly array All three laughed as Meg spoke for that linen closet was a joke You see having said that if Meg married that Brooke she shouldnt have a cent of her money Aunt March was rather in a quandary when time had appeased her wrath and made her repent her vow She never broke her word and was much exercised in her mind how to get round it and at last devised a plan whereby she could satisfy herself Mrs Carrol Florences mamma was ordered to buy have made and marked a generous supply of house and table linen and send it as her present all of which was faithfully done but the secret leaked out and was greatly enjoyed by the family for Aunt March tried to look utterly unconscious and insisted that she could give nothing but the oldfashioned pearls long promised to the first bride

Thats a housewifely taste which I am glad to see I had a young friend who set up housekeeping with six sheets but she had finger bowls for company and that satisfied her said Mrs March patting the damask tablecloths with a truly feminine appreciation of their fineness

I havent a single finger bowl but this is a setout that will last me all my days Hannah says And Meg looked quite contented as well she might

A tall broadshouldered young fellow with a cropped head a felt basin of a hat and a flyaway coat came tramping down the road at a great pace walked over the low fence without stopping to open the gate straight up to Mrs March with both hands out and a hearty

Here I am Mother Yes its all right

The last words were in answer to the look the elder lady gave him a kindly questioning look which the handsome eyes met so frankly that the little ceremony closed as usual with a motherly kiss

For Mrs John Brooke with the makers congratulations and compliments Bless you Beth What a refreshing spectacle you are Jo Amy you are getting altogether too handsome for a single lady

As Laurie spoke he delivered a brown paper parcel to Meg pulled Beths hair ribbon stared at Jos big pinafore and fell into an attitude of mock rapture before Amy then shook hands all round and everyone began to talk

Where is John asked Meg anxiously

Stopped to get the license for tomorrow maam

Which side won the last match Teddy inquired Jo who persisted in feeling an interest in manly sports despite her nineteen years

Ours of course Wish youd been there to see

How is the lovely Miss Randal asked Amy with a significant smile

More cruel than ever Dont you see how Im pining away and Laurie gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh

Whats the last joke Undo the bundle and see Meg said Beth eying the knobby parcel with curiosity

Its a useful thing to have in the house in case of fire or thieves observed Laurie as a watchmans rattle appeared amid the laughter of the girls

Any time when John is away and you get frightened Mrs Meg just swing that out of the front window and it will rouse the neighborhood in a jiffy Nice thing isnt it and Laurie gave them a sample of its powers that made them cover up their ears

Theres gratitude for you And speaking of gratitude reminds me to mention that you may thank Hannah for saving your wedding cake from destruction I saw it going into your house as I came by and if she hadnt defended it manfully Id have had a pick at it for it looked like a remarkably plummy one

I wonder if you will ever grow up Laurie said Meg in a matronly tone

Im doing my best maam but cant get much higher Im afraid as six feet is about all men can do in these degenerate days responded the young gentleman whose head was about level with the little chandelier

I suppose it would be profanation to eat anything in this spickandspan bower so as Im tremendously hungry I propose an adjournment he added presently

Mother and I are going to wait for John There are some last things to settle said Meg bustling away

Beth and I are going over to Kitty Bryants to get more flowers for tomorrow added Amy tying a picturesque hat over her picturesque curls and enjoying the effect as much as anybody

Come Jo dont desert a fellow Im in such a state of exhaustion I cant get home without help Dont take off your apron whatever you do its peculiarly becoming said Laurie as Jo bestowed his especial aversion in her capacious pocket and offered her arm to support his feeble steps

Now Teddy I want to talk seriously to you about tomorrow began Jo as they strolled away together You must promise to behave well and not cut up any pranks and spoil our plans

Not a prank

And dont say funny things when we ought to be sober

I never do You are the one for that

And I implore you not to look at me during the ceremony I shall certainly laugh if you do

You wont see me youll be crying so hard that the thick fog round you will obscure the prospect

I never cry unless for some great affliction

Such as fellows going to college hey cut in Laurie with suggestive laugh

Dont be a peacock I only moaned a trifle to keep the girls company

Exactly I say Jo how is Grandpa this week Pretty amiable

Very Why have you got into a scrape and want to know how hell take it asked Jo rather sharply

Now Jo do you think Id look your mother in the face and say All right if it wasnt and Laurie stopped short with an injured air

No I dont

Then dont go and be suspicious I only want some money said Laurie walking on again appeased by her hearty tone

You spend a great deal Teddy

Bless you I dont spend it it spends itself somehow and is gone before I know it

You are so generous and kindhearted that you let people borrow and cant say No to anyone We heard about Henshaw and all you did for him If you always spent money in that way no one would blame you said Jo warmly

Oh he made a mountain out of a molehill You wouldnt have me let that fine fellow work himself to death just for want of a little help when he is worth a dozen of us lazy chaps would you

Of course not but I dont see the use of your having seventeen waistcoats endless neckties and a new hat every time you come home I thought youd got over the dandy period but every now and then it breaks out in a new spot Just now its the fashion to be hideous to make your head look like a scrubbing brush wear a strait jacket orange gloves and clumping squaretoed boots If it was cheap ugliness Id say nothing but it costs as much as the other and I dont get any satisfaction out of it

Laurie threw back his head and laughed so heartily at this attack that the felt hat fell off and Jo walked on it which insult only afforded him an opportunity for expatiating on the advantages of a roughandready costume as he folded up the maltreated hat and stuffed it into his pocket

Dont lecture any more theres a good soul I have enough all through the week and like to enjoy myself when I come home Ill get myself up regardless of expense tomorrow and be a satisfaction to my friends

Ill leave you in peace if youll only let your hair grow Im not aristocratic but I do object to being seen with a person who looks like a young prize fighter observed Jo severely

This unassuming style promotes study thats why we adopt it returned Laurie who certainly could not be accused of vanity having voluntarily sacrificed a handsome curly crop to the demand for quarterinchlong stubble

By the way Jo I think that little Parker is really getting desperate about Amy He talks of her constantly writes poetry and moons about in a most suspicious manner Hed better nip his little passion in the bud hadnt he added Laurie in a confidential elder brotherly tone after a minutes silence

Of course he had We dont want any more marrying in this family for years to come Mercy on us what are the children thinking of and Jo looked as much scandalized as if Amy and little Parker were not yet in their teens

Its a fast age and I dont know what we are coming to maam You are a mere infant but youll go next Jo and well be left lamenting said Laurie shaking his head over the degeneracy of the times

Dont be alarmed Im not one of the agreeable sort Nobody will want me and its a mercy for there should always be one old maid in a family

You wont give anyone a chance said Laurie with a sidelong glance and a little more color than before in his sunburned face You wont show the soft side of your character and if a fellow gets a peep at it by accident and cant help showing that he likes it you treat him as Mrs Gummidge did her sweetheart throw cold water over him and get so thorny no one dares touch or look at you

I dont like that sort of thing Im too busy to be worried with nonsense and I think its dreadful to break up families so Now dont say any more about it Megs wedding has turned all our heads and we talk of nothing but lovers and such absurdities I dont wish to get cross so lets change the subject and Jo looked quite ready to fling cold water on the slightest provocation

Whatever his feelings might have been Laurie found a vent for them in a long low whistle and the fearful prediction as they parted at the gate Mark my words Jo youll go next

CHAPTER TWENTYFIVE

THE FIRST WEDDING

The June roses over the porch were awake bright and early on that morning rejoicing with all their hearts in the cloudless sunshine like friendly little neighbors as they were Quite flushed with excitement were their ruddy faces as they swung in the wind whispering to one another what they had seen for some peeped in at the dining room windows where the feast was spread some climbed up to nod and smile at the sisters as they dressed the bride others waved a welcome to those who came and went on various errands in garden porch and hall and all from the rosiest fullblown flower to the palest baby bud offered their tribute of beauty and fragrance to the gentle mistress who had loved and tended them so long

Meg looked very like a rose herself for all that was best and sweetest in heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day making it fair and tender with a charm more beautiful than beauty Neither silk lace nor orange flowers would she have I dont want a fashionable wedding but only those about me whom I love and to them I wish to look and be my familiar self

So she made her wedding gown herself sewing into it the tender hopes and innocent romances of a girlish heart Her sisters braided up her pretty hair and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley which her John liked best of all the flowers that grew

You do look just like our own dear Meg only so very sweet and lovely that I should hug you if it wouldnt crumple your dress cried Amy surveying her with delight when all was done

Then I am satisfied But please hug and kiss me everyone and dont mind my dress I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today and Meg opened her arms to her sisters who clung about her with April faces for a minute feeling that the new love had not changed the old

Now Im going to tie Johns cravat for him and then to stay a few minutes with Father quietly in the study and Meg ran down to perform these little ceremonies and then to follow her mother wherever she went conscious that in spite of the smiles on the motherly face there was a secret sorrow hid in the motherly heart at the flight of the first bird from the nest

As the younger girls stand together giving the last touches to their simple toilet it may be a good time to tell of a few changes which three years have wrought in their appearance for all are looking their best just now

Jos angles are much softened she has learned to carry herself with ease if not grace The curly crop has lengthened into a thick coil more becoming to the small head atop of the tall figure There is a fresh color in her brown cheeks a soft shine in her eyes and only gentle words fall from her sharp tongue today

Beth has grown slender pale and more quiet than ever The beautiful kind eyes are larger and in them lies an expression that saddens one although it is not sad itself. It is the shadow of pain which touches the young face with such pathetic patience but Beth seldom complains and always speaks hopefully of being better soon

Amy is with truth considered the flower of the family for at sixteen she has the air and bearing of a fullgrown woman not beautiful but possessed of that indescribable charm called grace One saw it in the lines of her figure the make and motion of her hands the flow of her dress the droop of her hair unconscious yet harmonious and as attractive to many as beauty itself Amys nose still afflicted her for it never would grow Grecian so did her mouth being too wide and having a decided chin These offending features gave character to her whole face but she never could see it and consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion keen blue eyes and curls more golden and abundant than ever

All three wore suits of thin silver gray their best gowns for the summer with blush roses in hair and bosom and all three looked just what they were freshfaced happyhearted girls pausing a moment in their busy lives to read with wistful eyes the sweetest chapter in the romance of womanhood

There were to be no ceremonious performances everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible so when Aunt March arrived she was scandalized to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in to find the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down and to catch a glimpse of the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance and a wine bottle under each arm

Upon my word heres a state of things cried the old lady taking the seat of honor prepared for her and settling the folds of her lavender moire with a great rustle You oughtnt to be seen till the last minute child

Im not a show Aunty and no one is coming to stare at me to criticize my dress or count the cost of my luncheon Im too happy to care what anyone says or thinks and Im going to have my little wedding just as I like it John dear heres your hammer And away went Meg to help that man in his highly improper employment

Mr Brooke didnt even say Thank you but as he stooped for the unromantic tool he kissed his little bride behind the folding door with a look that made Aunt March whisk out her pocket handkerchief with a sudden dew in her sharp old eyes

A crash a cry and a laugh from Laurie accompanied by the indecorous exclamation Jupiter Ammon Jos upset the cake again caused a momentary flurry which was hardly over when a flock of cousins arrived and the party came in as Beth used to say when a child

Dont let that young giant come near me he worries me worse than mosquitoes whispered the old lady to Amy as the rooms filled and Lauries black head towered above the rest

He has promised to be very good today and he can be perfectly elegant if he likes returned Amy and gliding away to warn Hercules to beware of the dragon which warning caused him to haunt the old lady with a devotion that nearly distracted her

There was no bridal procession but a sudden silence fell upon the room as Mr March and the young couple took their places under the green arch Mother and sisters gathered close as if loath to give Meg up The fatherly voice broke more than once which only seemed to make the service more beautiful and solemn The bridegrooms hand trembled visibly and no one heard his replies But Meg looked straight up in her husbands eyes and said I will with such tender trust in her own face and voice that her mothers heart rejoiced and Aunt March sniffed audibly

Jo did not cry though she was very near it once and was only saved from a demonstration by the consciousness that Laurie was staring fixedly at her with a comical mixture of merriment and emotion in his wicked black eyes Beth kept her face hidden on her mothers shoulder but Amy stood like a graceful statue with a most becoming ray of sunshine touching her white forehead and the flower in her hair

It wasnt at all the thing Im afraid but the minute she was fairly married Meg cried The first kiss for Marmee and turning gave it with her heart on her lips During the next fifteen minutes she looked more like a rose than ever for everyone availed themselves of their privileges to the fullest extent from Mr Laurence to old Hannah who adorned with a headdress fearfully and wonderfully made fell upon her in the hall crying with a sob and a chuckle Bless you deary a hundred times The cake aint hurt a mite and everything looks lovely

Everybody cleared up after that and said something brilliant or tried to which did just as well for laughter is ready when hearts are light There was no display of gifts for they were already in the little house nor was there an elaborate breakfast but a plentiful lunch of cake and fruit dressed with flowers Mr Laurence and Aunt March shrugged and smiled at one another when water lemonade and coffee were found to be to only sorts of nectar which the three Hebes carried round No one said anything till Laurie who insisted on serving the bride appeared before her with a loaded salver in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face

Has Jo smashed all the bottles by accident he whispered or am I merely laboring under a delusion that I saw some lying about loose this morning

No your grandfather kindly offered us his best and Aunt March actually sent some but Father put away a little for Beth and dispatched the rest to the Soldiers Home You know he thinks that wine should be used only in illness and Mother says that neither she nor her daughters will ever offer it to any young man under her roof

Meg spoke seriously and expected to see Laurie frown or laugh but he did neither for after a quick look at her he said in his impetuous way I like that For Ive seen enough harm done to wish other women would think as you do

You are not made wise by experience I hope and there was an anxious accent in Megs voice

No I give you my word for it Dont think too well of me either this is not one of my temptations Being brought up where wine is as common as water and almost as harmless I dont care for it but when a pretty girl offers it one doesnt like to refuse you see

But you will for the sake of others if not for your own Come Laurie promise and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life

A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment for ridicule is often harder to bear than selfdenial Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs and feeling her power used it as a woman may for her friends good She did not speak but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness and a smile which said No one can refuse me anything today

Laurie certainly could not and with an answering smile he gave her his hand saying heartily I promise Mrs Brooke

I thank you very very much

And I drink long life to your resolution Teddy cried Jo baptizing him with a splash of lemonade as she waved her glass and beamed approvingly upon him

So the toast was drunk the pledge made and loyally kept in spite of many temptations for with instinctive wisdom the girls seized a happy moment to do their friend a service for which he thanked them all his life

After lunch people strolled about by twos and threes through the house and garden enjoying the sunshine without and within Meg and John happened to be standing together in the middle of the grass plot when Laurie was seized with an inspiration which put the finishing touch to this unfashionable wedding

All the married people take hands and dance round the newmade husband and wife as the Germans do while we bachelors and spinsters prance in couples outside cried Laurie promenading down the path with Amy with such infectious spirit and skill that everyone else followed their example without a murmur Mr and Mrs March Aunt and Uncle Carrol began it others rapidly joined in even Sallie Moffat after a moments hesitation threw her train over her arm and whisked Ned into the ring But the crowning joke was Mr Laurence and Aunt March for when the stately old gentleman chasseed solemnly up to the old lady she just tucked her cane under her arm and hopped briskly away to join hands with the rest and dance about the bridal pair while the young folks pervaded the garden like butterflies on a midsummer day

Want of breath brought the impromptu ball to a close and then people began to go

I wish you well my dear I heartily wish you well but I think youll be sorry for it said Aunt March to Meg adding to the bridegroom as he led her to the carriage Youve got a treasure young man see that you deserve it

That is the prettiest wedding Ive been to for an age Ned and I dont see why for there wasnt a bit of style about it observed Mrs Moffat to her husband as they drove away

Laurie my lad if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing get one of those little girls to help you and I shall be perfectly satisfied said Mr Laurence settling himself in his easy chair to rest after the excitement of the morning

Ill do my best to gratify you Sir was Lauries unusually dutiful reply as he carefully unpinned the posy Jo had put in his buttonhole

The little house was not far away and the only bridal journey Meg had was the quiet walk with John from the old home to the new When she came down looking like a pretty Quakeress in her dovecolored suit and straw bonnet tied with white they all gathered about her to say goodby as tenderly as if she had been going to make the grand tour

Dont feel that I am separated from you Marmee dear or that I love you any the less for loving John so much she said clinging to her mother with full eyes for a moment I shall come every day Father and expect to keep my old place in all your hearts though I am married Beth is going to be with me a great deal and the other girls will drop in now and then to laugh at my housekeeping struggles Thank you all for my happy wedding day Goodby goodby

They stood watching her with faces full of love and hope and tender pride as she walked away leaning on her husbands arm with her hands full of flowers and the June sunshine brightening her happy face—and so Megs married life began

CHAPTER TWENTYSIX

ARTISTIC ATTEMPTS

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius especially ambitious young men and women Amy was learning this distinction through much tribulation for mistaking enthusiasm for inspiration she attempted every branch of art with youthful audacity For a long time there was a lull in the mudpie business and she devoted herself to the finest penandink drawing in which she showed such taste and skill that her graceful handiwork proved both pleasant and profitable But overstrained eyes caused pen and ink to be laid aside for a bold attempt at pokersketching While this attack lasted the family lived in constant fear of a conflagration for the odor of burning wood pervaded the house at all hours smoke issued from attic and shed with alarming frequency redhot pokers lay about promiscuously and Hannah never went to bed without a pail of water and the dinner bell at her door in case of fire Raphaels face was found boldly executed on the underside of the moulding board and Bacchus on the head of a beer barrel A chanting cherub adorned the cover of the sugar bucket and attempts to portray Romeo and Juliet supplied kindling for some time

From fire to oil was a natural transition for burned fingers and Amy fell to painting with undiminished ardor An artist friend fitted her out with his castoff palettes brushes and colors and she daubed away producing pastoral and marine views such as were never seen on land or sea Her monstrosities in the way of cattle would have taken prizes at an agricultural fair and the perilous pitching of her vessels would have produced seasickness in the most nautical observer if the utter disregard to all known rules of shipbuilding and rigging had not convulsed him with laughter at the first glance Swarthy boys and darkeyed Madonnas staring at you from one corner of the studio suggested Murillo oily brown shadows of faces with a lurid streak in the wrong place meant Rembrandt buxom ladies and dropiscal infants Rubens and Turner appeared in tempests of blue thunder orange lightning brown rain and purple clouds with a tomatocolored splash in the middle which might be the sun or a bouy a sailors shirt or a kings robe as the spectator pleased

Charcoal portraits came next and the entire family hung in a row looking as wild and crocky as if just evoked from a coalbin Softened into crayon sketches they did better for the likenesses were good and Amys hair Jos nose Megs mouth and Lauries eyes were pronounced wonderfully fine A return to clay and plaster followed and ghostly casts of her acquaintances haunted corners of the house or tumbled off closet shelves onto peoples heads Children were enticed in as models till their incoherent accounts of her mysterious doings caused Miss Amy to be regarded in the light of a young ogress Her efforts in this line however were brought to an abrupt close by an untoward accident which quenched her ardor Other models failing her for a time she undertook to cast her own pretty foot and the family were one day alarmed by an unearthly bumping and screaming and running to the rescue found the young enthusiast hopping wildly about the shed with her foot held fast in a pan full of plaster which had hardened with unexpected rapidity With much difficulty and some danger she was dug out for Jo was so overcome with laughter while she excavated that her knife went too far cut the poor foot and left a lasting memorial of one artistic attempt at least

After this Amy subsided till a mania for sketching from nature set her to haunting river field and wood for picturesque studies and sighing for ruins to copy She caught endless colds sitting on damp grass to book a delicious bit composed of a stone a stump one mushroom and a broken mullein stalk or a heavenly mass of clouds that looked like a choice display of featherbeds when done She sacrificed her complexion floating on the river in the midsummer sun to study light and shade and got a wrinkle over her nose trying after points of sight or whatever the squintandstring performance is called

If genius is eternal patience as Michelangelo affirms Amy had some claim to the divine attribute for she persevered in spite of all obstacles failures and discouragements firmly believing that in time she should do something worthy to be called high art

She was learning doing and enjoying other things meanwhile for she had resolved to be an attractive and accomplished woman even if she never became a great artist Here she succeeded better for she was one of those happily created beings who please without effort make friends everywhere and take life so gracefully and easily that less fortunate souls are tempted to believe that such are born under a lucky star Everybody liked her for among her good gifts was tact She had an instinctive sense of what was pleasing and proper always said the right thing to the right person did just what suited the time and place and was so selfpossessed that her sisters used to say If Amy went to court without any rehearsal beforehand shed know exactly what to do

One of her weaknesses was a desire to move in our best society without being quite sure what the best really was Money position fashionable accomplishments and elegant manners were most desirable things in her eyes and she liked to associate with those who possessed them often mistaking the false for the true and admiring what was not admirable Never forgetting that by birth she was a gentlewoman she cultivated her aristocratic tastes and feelings so that when the opportunity came she might be ready to take the place from which poverty now excluded her

My lady as her friends called her sincerely desired to be a genuine lady and was so at heart but had yet to learn that money cannot buy refinement of nature that rank does not always confer nobility and that true breeding makes itself felt in spite of external drawbacks

I want to ask a favor of you Mamma Amy said coming in with an important air one day

Well little girl what is it replied her mother in whose eyes the stately young lady still remained the baby

Our drawing class breaks up next week and before the girls separate for the summer I want to ask them out here for a day They are wild to see the river sketch the broken bridge and copy some of the things they admire in my book They have been very kind to me in many ways and I am grateful for they are all rich and I know I am poor yet they never made any difference

Why should they and Mrs March put the question with what the girls called her Maria Theresa air

You know as well as I that it does make a difference with nearly everyone so dont ruffle up like a dear motherly hen when your chickens get pecked by smarter birds The ugly duckling turned out a swan you know and Amy smiled without bitterness for she possessed a happy temper and hopeful spirit

Mrs March laughed and smoothed down her maternal pride as she asked Well my swan what is your plan

I should like to ask the girls out to lunch next week to take them for a drive to the places they want to see a row on the river perhaps and make a little artistic fete for them

That looks feasible What do you want for lunch Cake sandwiches fruit and coffee will be all that is necessary I suppose

Oh dear no We must have cold tongue and chicken French chocolate and ice cream besides The girls are used to such things and I want my lunch to be proper and elegant though I do work for my living

How many young ladies are there asked her mother beginning to look sober

Twelve or fourteen in the class but I dare say they wont all come

Bless me child you will have to charter an omnibus to carry them about

Why Mother how can you think of such a thing Not more than six or eight will probably come so I shall hire a beach wagon and borrow Mr Laurences cherrybounce Hannahs pronunciation of charabanc

All of this will be expensive Amy

Not very Ive calculated the cost and Ill pay for it myself

Dont you think dear that as these girls are used to such things and the best we can do will be nothing new that some simpler plan would be pleasanter to them as a change if nothing more and much better for us than buying or borrowing what we dont need and attempting a style not in keeping with our circumstances

If I cant have it as I like I dont care to have it at all I know that I can carry it out perfectly well if you and the girls will help a little and I dont see why I cant if Im willing to pay for it said Amy with the decision which opposition was apt to change into obstinacy

Mrs March knew that experience was an excellent teacher and when it was possible she left her children to learn alone the lessons which she would gladly have made easier if they had not objected to taking advice as much as they did salts and senna

Very well Amy if your heart is set upon it and you see your way through without too great an outlay of money time and temper Ill say no more Talk it over with the girls and whichever way you decide Ill do my best to help you

Thanks Mother you are always so kind and away went Amy to lay her plan before her sisters

Meg agreed at once and promised her aid gladly offering anything she possessed from her little house itself to her very best saltspoons But Jo frowned upon the whole project and would have nothing to do with it at first

Why in the world should you spend your money worry your family and turn the house upside down for a parcel of girls who dont care a sixpence for you I thought you had too much pride and sense to truckle to any mortal woman just because she wears French boots and rides in a coupe said Jo who being called from the tragic climax of her novel was not in the best mood for social enterprises

I dont truckle and I hate being patronized as much as you do returned Amy indignantly for the two still jangled when such questions arose The girls do care for me and I for them and theres a great deal of kindness and sense and talent among them in spite of what you call fashionable nonsense You dont care to make people like you to go into good society and cultivate your manners and tastes I do and I mean to make the most of every chance that comes You can go through the world with your elbows out and your nose in the air and call it independence if you like Thats not my way

When Amy had whetted her tongue and freed her mind she usually got the best of it for she seldom failed to have common sense on her side while Jo carried her love of liberty and hate of conventionalities to such an unlimited extent that she naturally found herself worsted in an argument Amys definition of Jos idea of independence was such a good hit that both burst out laughing and the discussion took a more amiable turn Much against her will Jo at length consented to sacrifice a day to Mrs Grundy and help her sister through what she regarded as a nonsensical business

The invitations were sent nearly all accepted and the following Monday was set apart for the grand event Hannah was out of humor because her weeks work was deranged and prophesied that ef the washin and ironin warnt done reglar nothin would go well anywheres This hitch in the mainspring of the domestic machinery had a bad effect upon the whole concern but Amys motto was Nil desperandum and having made up her mind what to do she proceeded to do it in spite of all obstacles To begin with Hannahs cooking didnt turn out well The chicken was tough the tongue too salty and the chocolate wouldnt froth properly Then the cake and ice cost more than Amy expected so did the wagon and various other expenses which seemed trifling at the outset counted up rather alarmingly afterward Beth got a cold and took to her bed Meg had an unusual number of callers to keep her at home and Jo was in such a divided state of mind that her breakages accidents and mistakes were uncommonly numerous serious and trying

If it was not fair on Monday the young ladies were to come on Tuesday an arrangement which aggravated Jo and Hannah to the last degree On Monday morning the weather was in that undecided state which is more exasperating than a steady pour It drizzled a little shone a little blew a little and didnt make up its mind till it was too late for anyone else to make up theirs Amy was up at dawn hustling people out of their beds and through their breakfasts that the house might be got in order The parlor struck her as looking uncommonly shabby but without stopping to sigh for what she had not she skillfully made the best of what she had arranging chairs over the worn places in the carpet covering stains on the walls with homemade statuary which gave an artistic air to the room as did the lovely vases of flowers Jo scattered about

The lunch looked charming and as she surveyed it she sincerely hoped it would taste well and that the borrowed glass china and silver would get safely home again The carriages were promised Meg and Mother were all ready to do the honors Beth was able to help Hannah behind the scenes Jo had engaged to be as lively and amiable as an absent mind and aching head and a very decided disapproval of everybody and everything would allow and as she wearily dressed Amy cheered herself with anticipations of the happy moment when lunch safely over she should drive away with her friends for an afternoon of artistic delights for the cherry bounce and the broken bridge were her strong points

Then came the hours of suspense during which she vibrated from parlor to porch while public opinion varied like the weathercock A smart shower at eleven had evidently quenched the enthusiasm of the young ladies who were to arrive at twelve for nobody came and at two the exhausted family sat down in a blaze of sunshine to consume the perishable portions of the feast that nothing might be lost

No doubt about the weather today they will certainly come so we must fly round and be ready for them said Amy as the sun woke her next morning She spoke briskly but in her secret soul she wished she had said nothing about Tuesday for her interest like her cake was getting a little stale

I cant get any lobsters so you will have to do without salad today said Mr March coming in half an hour later with an expression of placid despair

Use the chicken then the toughness wont matter in a salad advised his wife

Hannah left it on the kitchen table a minute and the kittens got at it Im very sorry Amy added Beth who was still a patroness of cats

Then I must have a lobster for tongue alone wont do said Amy decidedly

Shall I rush into town and demand one asked Jo with the magnanimity of a martyr

Youd come bringing it home under your arm without any paper just to try me Ill go myself answered Amy whose temper was beginning to fail

Shrouded in a thick veil and armed with a genteel traveling basket she departed feeling that a cool drive would soothe her ruffled spirit and fit her for the labors of the day After some delay the object of her desire was procured likewise a bottle of dressing to prevent further loss of time at home and off she drove again well pleased with her own forethought

As the omnibus contained only one other passenger a sleepy old lady Amy pocketed her veil and beguiled the tedium of the way by trying to find out where all her money had gone to So busy was she with her card full of refractory figures that she did not observe a newcomer who entered without stopping the vehicle till a masculine voice said Good morning Miss March and looking up she beheld one of Lauries most elegant college friends Fervently hoping that he would get out before she did Amy utterly ignored the basket at her feet and congratulating herself that she had on her new traveling dress returned the young mans greeting with her usual suavity and spirit

They got on excellently for Amys chief care was soon set at rest by learning that the gentleman would leave first and she was chatting away in a peculiarly lofty strain when the old lady got out In stumbling to the door she upset the basket and—oh horror—the lobster in all its vulgar size and brilliancy was revealed to the highborn eyes of a Tudor

By Jove shes forgotten her dinner cried the unconscious youth poking the scarlet monster into its place with his cane and preparing to hand out the basket after the old lady

Please dont—its—its mine murmured Amy with a face nearly as red as her fish

Oh really I beg pardon Its an uncommonly fine one isnt it said Tudor with great presence of mind and an air of sober interest that did credit to his breeding

Amy recovered herself in a breath set her basket boldly on the seat and said laughing Dont you wish you were to have some of the salad hes going to make and to see the charming young ladies who are to eat it

Now that was tact for two of the ruling foibles of the masculine mind were touched The lobster was instantly surrounded by a halo of pleasing reminiscences and curiosity about the charming young ladies diverted his mind from the comical mishap

I suppose hell laugh and joke over it with Laurie but I shant see them thats a comfort thought Amy as Tudor bowed and departed

She did not mention this meeting at home though she discovered that thanks to the upset her new dress was much damaged by the rivulets of dressing that meandered down the skirt but went through with the preparations which now seemed more irksome than before and at twelve oclock all was ready again Feeling that the neighbors were interested in her movements she wished to efface the memory of yesterdays failure by a grand success today so she ordered the cherry bounce and drove away in state to meet and escort her guests to the banquet

Theres the rumble theyre coming Ill go onto the porch and meet them It looks hospitable and I want the poor child to have a good time after all her trouble said Mrs March suiting the action to the word But after one glance she retired with an indescribable expression for looking quite lost in the big carriage sat Amy and one young lady

Run Beth and help Hannah clear half the things off the table It will be too absurd to put a luncheon for twelve before a single girl cried Jo hurrying away to the lower regions too excited to stop even for a laugh

In came Amy quite calm and delightfully cordial to the one guest who had kept her promise The rest of the family being of a dramatic turn played their parts equally well and Miss Eliott found them a most hilarious set for it was impossible to control entirely the merriment which possessed them The remodeled lunch being gaily partaken of the studio and garden visited and art discussed with enthusiasm Amy ordered a buggy alas for the elegant cherrybounce and drove her friend quietly about the neighborhood till sunset when the party went out

As she came walking in looking very tired but as composed as ever she observed that every vestige of the unfortunate fete had disappeared except a suspicious pucker about the corners of Jos mouth

Youve had a loverly afternoon for your drive dear said her mother as respectfully as if the whole twelve had come

Miss Eliott is a very sweet girl and seemed to enjoy herself I thought observed Beth with unusual warmth

Could you spare me some of your cake I really need some I have so much company and I cant make such delicious stuff as yours asked Meg soberly

Take it all Im the only one here who likes sweet things and it will mold before I can dispose of it answered Amy thinking with a sigh of the generous store she had laid in for such an end as this

Its a pity Laurie isnt here to help us began Jo as they sat down to ice cream and salad for the second time in two days

A warning look from her mother checked any further remarks and the whole family ate in heroic silence till Mr March mildly observed salad was one of the favorite dishes of the ancients and Evelyn Here a general explosion of laughter cut short the history of salads to the great surprise of the learned gentleman

Bundle everything into a basket and send it to the Hummels Germans like messes Im sick of the sight of this and theres no reason you should all die of a surfeit because Ive been a fool cried Amy wiping her eyes

I thought I should have died when I saw you two girls rattling about in the whatyoucallit like two little kernels in a very big nutshell and Mother waiting in state to receive the throng sighed Jo quite spent with laughter

Im very sorry you were disappointed dear but we all did our best to satisfy you said Mrs March in a tone full of motherly regret

I am satisfied Ive done what I undertook and its not my fault that it failed I comfort myself with that said Amy with a little quiver in her voice I thank you all very much for helping me and Ill thank you still more if you wont allude to it for a month at least

No one did for several months but the word fete always produced a general smile and Lauries birthday gift to Amy was a tiny coral lobster in the shape of a charm for her watch guard

CHAPTER TWENTYSEVEN

LITERARY LESSONS

Fortune suddenly smiled upon Jo and dropped a good luck penny in her path Not a golden penny exactly but I doubt if half a million would have given more real happiness then did the little sum that came to her in this wise

Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room put on her scribbling suit and fall into a vortex as she expressed it writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul for till that was finished she could find no peace Her scribbling suit consisted of a black woolen pinafore on which she could wipe her pen at will and a cap of the same material adorned with a cheerful red bow into which she bundled her hair when the decks were cleared for action This cap was a beacon to the inquiring eyes of her family who during these periods kept their distance merely popping in their heads semioccasionally to ask with interest Does genius burn Jo They did not always venture even to ask this question but took an observation of the cap and judged accordingly If this expressive article of dress was drawn low upon the forehead it was a sign that hard work was going on in exciting moments it was pushed rakishly askew and when despair seized the author it was plucked wholly off and cast upon the floor At such times the intruder silently withdrew and not until the red bow was seen gaily erect upon the gifted brow did anyone dare address Jo

She did not think herself a genius by any means but when the writing fit came on she gave herself up to it with entire abandon and led a blissful life unconscious of want care or bad weather while she sat safe and happy in an imaginary world full of friends almost as real and dear to her as any in the flesh Sleep forsook her eyes meals stood untasted day and night were all too short to enjoy the happiness which blessed her only at such times and made these hours worth living even if they bore no other fruit The devine afflatus usually lasted a week or two and then she emerged from her vortex hungry sleepy cross or despondent

She was just recovering from one of these attacks when she was prevailed upon to escort Miss Crocker to a lecture and in return for her virtue was rewarded with a new idea It was a Peoples Course the lecture on the Pyramids and Jo rather wondered at the choice of such a subject for such an audience but took it for granted that some great social evil would be remedied or some great want supplied by unfolding the glories of the Pharaohs to an audience whose thoughts were busy with the price of coal and flour and whose lives were spent in trying to solve harder riddles than that of the Sphinx

They were early and while Miss Crocker set the heel of her stocking Jo amused herself by examining the faces of the people who occupied the seat with them On her left were two matrons with massive foreheads and bonnets to match discussing Womens Rights and making tatting Beyond sat a pair of humble lovers artlessly holding each other by the hand a somber spinster eating peppermints out of a paper bag and an old gentleman taking his preparatory nap behind a yellow bandanna On her right her only neighbor was a studious looking lad absorbed in a newspaper

It was a pictorial sheet and Jo examined the work of art nearest her idly wondering what fortuitous concatenation of circumstances needed the melodramatic illustration of an Indian in full war costume tumbling over a precipice with a wolf at his throat while two infuriated young gentlemen with unnaturally small feet and big eyes were stabbing each other close by and a disheveled female was flying away in the background with her mouth wide open Pausing to turn a page the lad saw her looking and with boyish good nature offered half his paper saying bluntly want to read it Thats a firstrate story

Jo accepted it with a smile for she had never outgrown her liking for lads and soon found herself involved in the usual labyrinth of love mystery and murder for the story belonged to that class of light literature in which the passions have a holiday and when the authors invention fails a grand catastrophe clears the stage of one half the dramatis personae leaving the other half to exult over their downfall

Prime isnt it asked the boy as her eye went down the last paragraph of her portion

I think you and I could do as well as that if we tried returned Jo amused at his admiration of the trash

I should think I was a pretty lucky chap if I could She makes a good living out of such stories they say and he pointed to the name of Mrs SLANG Northbury under the title of the tale

Do you know her asked Jo with sudden interest

No but I read all her pieces and I know a fellow who works in the office where this paper is printed

Do you say she makes a good living out of stories like this and Jo looked more respectfully at the agitated group and thickly sprinkled exclamation points that adorned the page

Guess she does She knows just what folks like and gets paid well for writing it

Here the lecture began but Jo heard very little of it for while Professor Sands was prosing away about Belzoni Cheops scarabei and hieroglyphics she was covertly taking down the address of the paper and boldly resolving to try for the hundreddollar prize offered in its columns for a sensational story By the time the lecture ended and the audience awoke she had built up a splendid fortune for herself not the first founded on paper and was already deep in the concoction of her story being unable to decide whether the duel should come before the elopement or after the murder

She said nothing of her plan at home but fell to work next day much to the disquiet of her mother who always looked a little anxious when genius took to burning Jo had never tried this style before contenting herself with very mild romances for The Spread Eagle Her experience and miscellaneous reading were of service now for they gave her some idea of dramatic effect and supplied plot language and costumes Her story was as full of desperation and despair as her limited acquaintance with those uncomfortable emotions enabled her to make it and having located it in Lisbon she wound up with an earthquake as a striking and appropriate denouement The manuscript was privately dispatched accompanied by a note modestly saying that if the tale didnt get the prize which the writer hardly dared expect she would be very glad to receive any sum it might be considered worth

Six weeks is a long time to wait and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret but Jo did both and was just beginning to give up all hope of ever seeing her manuscript again when a letter arrived which almost took her breath away for on opening it a check for a hundred dollars fell into her lap For a minute she stared at it as if it had been a snake then she read her letter and began to cry If the amiable gentleman who wrote that kindly note could have known what intense happiness he was giving a fellow creature I think he would devote his leisure hours if he has any to that amusement for Jo valued the letter more than the money because it was encouraging and after years of effort it was so pleasant to find that she had learned to do something though it was only to write a sensation story

A prouder young woman was seldom seen than she when having composed herself she electrified the family by appearing before them with the letter in one hand the check in the other announcing that she had won the prize Of course there was a great jubilee and when the story came everyone read and praised it though after her father had told her that the language was good the romance fresh and hearty and the tragedy quite thrilling he shook his head and said in his unworldly way

You can do better than this Jo Aim at the highest and never mind the money

I think the money is the best part of it What will you do with such a fortune asked Amy regarding the magic slip of paper with a reverential eye

Send Beth and Mother to the seaside for a month or two answered Jo promptly

To the seaside they went after much discussion and though Beth didnt come home as plump and rosy as could be desired she was much better while Mrs March declared she felt ten years younger So Jo was satisfied with the investment of her prize money and fell to work with a cheery spirit bent on earning more of those delightful checks She did earn several that year and began to feel herself a power in the house for by the magic of a pen her rubbish turned into comforts for them all The Dukes Daughter paid the butchers bill A Phantom Hand put down a new carpet and the Curse of the Coventrys proved the blessing of the Marches in the way of groceries and gowns

Wealth is certainly a most desirable thing but poverty has its sunny side and one of the sweet uses of adversity is the genuine satisfaction which comes from hearty work of head or hand and to the inspiration of necessity we owe half the wise beautiful and useful blessings of the world Jo enjoyed a taste of this satisfaction and ceased to envy richer girls taking great comfort in the knowledge that she could supply her own wants and need ask no one for a penny

Little notice was taken of her stories but they found a market and encouraged by this fact she resolved to make a bold stroke for fame and fortune Having copied her novel for the fourth time read it to all her confidential friends and submitted it with fear and trembling to three publishers she at last disposed of it on condition that she would cut it down one third and omit all the parts which she particularly admired

Now I must either bundle it back in to my tin kitchen to mold pay for printing it myself or chop it up to suit purchasers and get what I can for it Fame is a very good thing to have in the house but cash is more convenient so I wish to take the sense of the meeting on this important subject said Jo calling a family council

Dont spoil your book my girl for there is more in it than you know and the idea is well worked out Let it wait and ripen was her fathers advice and he practiced what he preached having waited patiently thirty years for fruit of his own to ripen and being in no haste to gather it even now when it was sweet and mellow

It seems to me that Jo will profit more by taking the trial than by waiting said Mrs March Criticism is the best test of such work for it will show her both unsuspected merits and faults and help her to do better next time We are too partial but the praise and blame of outsiders will prove useful even if she gets but little money

Yes said Jo knitting her brows thats just it Ive been fussing over the thing so long I really dont know whether its good bad or indifferent It will be a great help to have cool impartial persons take a look at it and tell me what they think of it

I wouldnt leave a word out of it Youll spoil it if you do for the interest of the story is more in the minds than in the actions of the people and it will be all a muddle if you dont explain as you go on said Meg who firmly believed that this book was the most remarkable novel ever written

But Mr Allen says Leave out the explanations make it brief and dramatic and let the characters tell the story interrupted Jo turning to the publishers note

Do as he tells you He knows what will sell and we dont Make a good popular book and get as much money as you can Byandby when youve got a name you can afford to digress and have philosophical and metaphysical people in your novels said Amy who took a strictly practical view of the subject

Well said Jo laughing if my people are philosophical and metaphysical it isnt my fault for I know nothing about such things except what I hear father say sometimes If Ive got some of his wise ideas jumbled up with my romance so much the better for me Now Beth what do you say

I should so like to see it printed soon was all Beth said and smiled in saying it But there was an unconscious emphasis on the last word and a wistful look in the eyes that never lost their childlike candor which chilled Jos heart for a minute with a forboding fear and decided her to make her little venture soon

So with Spartan firmness the young authoress laid her firstborn on her table and chopped it up as ruthlessly as any ogre In the hope of pleasing everyone she took everyones advice and like the old man and his donkey in the fable suited nobody

Her father liked the metaphysical streak which had unconsciously got into it so that was allowed to remain though she had her doubts about it Her mother thought that there was a trifle too much description Out therefore it came and with it many necessary links in the story Meg admired the tragedy so Jo piled up the agony to suit her while Amy objected to the fun and with the best intentions in life Jo quenched the spritly scenes which relieved the somber character of the story Then to complicate the ruin she cut it down one third and confidingly sent the poor little romance like a picked robin out into the big busy world to try its fate

Well it was printed and she got three hundred dollars for it likewise plenty of praise and blame both so much greater than she expected that she was thrown into a state of bewilderment from which it took her some time to recover

You said Mother that criticism would help me But how can it when its so contradictory that I dont know whether Ive written a promising book or broken all the ten commandments cried poor Jo turning over a heap of notices the perusal of which filled her with pride and joy one minute wrath and dismay the next This man says An exquisite book full of truth beauty and earnestness All is sweet pure and healthy continued the perplexed authoress The next The theory of the book is bad full of morbid fancies spiritualistic ideas and unnatural characters Now as I had no theory of any kind dont believe in Spiritualism and copied my characters from life I dont see how this critic can be right Another says Its one of the best American novels which has appeared for years I know better than that and the next asserts that Though it is original and written with great force and feeling it is a dangerous book Tisnt Some make fun of it some overpraise and nearly all insist that I had a deep theory to expound when I only wrote it for the pleasure and the money I wish Id printed the whole or not at all for I do hate to be so misjudged

Her family and friends administered comfort and commendation liberally Yet it was a hard time for sensitive highspirited Jo who meant so well and had apparently done so ill But it did her good for those whose opinion had real value gave her the criticism which is an authors best education and when the first soreness was over she could laugh at her poor little book yet believe in it still and feel herself the wiser and stronger for the buffeting she had received

Not being a genius like Keats it wont kill me she said stoutly and Ive got the joke on my side after all for the parts that were taken straight out of real life are denounced as impossible and absurd and the scenes that I made up out of my own silly head are pronounced charmingly natural tender and true So Ill comfort myself with that and when Im ready Ill up again and take another

CHAPTER TWENTYEIGHT

DOMESTIC EXPERIENCES

Like most other young matrons Meg began her married life with the determination to be a model housekeeper John should find home a paradise he should always see a smiling face should fare sumptuously every day and never know the loss of a button She brought so much love energy and cheerfulness to the work that she could not but succeed in spite of some obstacles Her paradise was not a tranquil one for the little woman fussed was overanxious to please and bustled about like a true Martha cumbered with many cares She was too tired sometimes even to smile John grew dyspeptic after a course of dainty dishes and ungratefully demanded plain fare As for buttons she soon learned to wonder where they went to shake her head over the carelessness of men and to threaten to make him sew them on himself and see if his work would stand impatient and clumsy fingers any better than hers

They were very happy even after they discovered that they couldnt live on love alone John did not find Megs beauty diminished though she beamed at him from behind the familiar coffee pot Nor did Meg miss any of the romance from the daily parting when her husband followed up his kiss with the tender inquiry Shall I send some veal or mutton for dinner darling The little house ceased to be a glorified bower but it became a home and the young couple soon felt that it was a change for the better At first they played keephouse and frolicked over it like children Then John took steadily to business feeling the cares of the head of a family upon his shoulders and Meg laid by her cambric wrappers put on a big apron and fell to work as before said with more energy than discretion

While the cooking mania lasted she went through Mrs Corneliuss Receipt Book as if it were a mathematical exercise working out the problems with patience and care Sometimes her family were invited in to help eat up a too bounteous feast of successes or Lotty would be privately dispatched with a batch of failures which were to be concealed from all eyes in the convenient stomachs of the little Hummels An evening with John over the account books usually produced a temporary lull in the culinary enthusiasm and a frugal fit would ensue during which the poor man was put through a course of bread pudding hash and warmedover coffee which tried his soul although he bore it with praiseworthy fortitude Before the golden mean was found however Meg added to her domestic possessions what young couples seldom get on long without a family jar

Fired a with housewifely wish to see her storeroom stocked with homemade preserves she undertook to put up her own currant jelly John was requested to order home a dozen or so of little pots and an extra quantity of sugar for their own currants were ripe and were to be attended to at once As John firmly believed that my wife was equal to anything and took a natural pride in her skill he resolved that she should be gratified and their only crop of fruit laid by in a most pleasing form for winter use Home came four dozen delightful little pots half a barrel of sugar and a small boy to pick the currants for her With her pretty hair tucked into a little cap arms bared to the elbow and a checked apron which had a coquettish look in spite of the bib the young housewife fell to work feeling no doubts about her success for hadnt she seen Hannah do it hundreds of times The array of pots rather amazed her at first but John was so fond of jelly and the nice little jars would look so well on the top shelf that Meg resolved to fill them all and spent a long day picking boiling straining and fussing over her jelly She did her best she asked advice of Mrs Cornelius she racked her brain to remember what Hannah did that she left undone she reboiled resugared and restrained but that dreadful stuff wouldnt jell

She longed to run home bib and all and ask Mother to lend her a hand but John and she had agreed that they would never annoy anyone with their private worries experiments or quarrels They had laughed over that last word as if the idea it suggested was a most preposterous one but they had held to their resolve and whenever they could get on without help they did so and no one interfered for Mrs March had advised the plan So Meg wrestled alone with the refractory sweetmeats all that hot summer day and at five oclock sat down in her topsyturvey kitchen wrung her bedaubed hands lifted up her voice and wept

Now in the first flush of the new life she had often said My husband shall always feel free to bring a friend home whenever he likes I shall always be prepared There shall be no flurry no scolding no discomfort but a neat house a cheerful wife and a good dinner John dear never stop to ask my leave invite whom you please and be sure of a welcome from me

How charming that was to be sure John quite glowed with pride to hear her say it and felt what a blessed thing it was to have a superior wife But although they had had company from time to time it never happened to be unexpected and Meg had never had an opportunity to distinguish herself till now It always happens so in this vale of tears there is an inevitability about such things which we can only wonder at deplore and bear as we best can

If John had not forgotten all about the jelly it really would have been unpardonable in him to choose that day of all the days in the year to bring a friend home to dinner unexpectedly Congratulating himself that a handsome repast had been ordered that morning feeling sure that it would be ready to the minute and indulging in pleasant anticipations of the charming effect it would produce when his pretty wife came running out to meet him he escorted his friend to his mansion with the irrepressible satisfaction of a young host and husband

It is a world of disappointments as John discovered when he reached the Dovecote The front door usually stood hospitably open Now it was not only shut but locked and yesterdays mud still adorned the steps The parlor windows were closed and curtained no picture of the pretty wife sewing on the piazza in white with a distracting little bow in her hair or a brighteyed hostess smiling a shy welcome as she greeted her guest Nothing of the sort for not a soul appeared but a sanginarylooking boy asleep under the current bushes

Im afraid something has happened Step into the garden Scott while I look up Mrs Brooke said John alarmed at the silence and solitude

Round the house he hurried led by a pungent smell of burned sugar and Mr Scott strolled after him with a queer look on his face He paused discreetly at a distance when Brooke disappeared but he could both see and hear and being a bachelor enjoyed the prospect mightily

In the kitchen reigned confusion and despair One edition of jelly was trickled from pot to pot another lay upon the floor and a third was burning gaily on the stove Lotty with Teutonic phlegm was calmly eating bread and currant wine for the jelly was still in a hopelessly liquid state while Mrs Brooke with her apron over her head sat sobbing dismally

My dearest girl what is the matter cried John rushing in with awful visions of scalded hands sudden news of affliction and secret consternation at the thought of the guest in the garden

Oh John I am so tired and hot and cross and worried Ive been at it till Im all worn out Do come and help me or I shall die and the exhausted housewife cast herself upon his breast giving him a sweet welcome in every sense of the word for her pinafore had been baptized at the same time as the floor

What worries you dear Has anything dreadful happened asked the anxious John tenderly kissing the crown of the little cap which was all askew

Yes sobbed Meg despairingly

Tell me quick then Dont cry I can bear anything better than that Out with it love

The The jelly wont jell and I dont know what to do

John Brooke laughed then as he never dared to laugh afterward and the derisive Scott smiled involuntarily as he heard the hearty peal which put the finishing stroke to poor Megs woe

Is that all Fling it out of the window and dont bother any more about it Ill buy you quarts if you want it but for heavens sake dont have hysterics for Ive brought Jack Scott home to dinner and

John got no further for Meg cast him off and clasped her hands with a tragic gesture as she fell into a chair exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation reproach and dismay

A man to dinner and everything in a mess John Brooke how could you do such a thing

Hush hes in the garden I forgot the confounded jelly but it cant be helped now said John surveying the prospect with an anxious eye

You ought to have sent word or told me this morning and you ought to have remembered how busy I was continued Meg petulantly for even turtledoves will peck when ruffled

I didnt know it this morning and there was no time to send word for I met him on the way out I never thought of asking leave when you have always told me to do as I liked I never tried it before and hang me if I ever do again added John with an aggrieved air

I should hope not Take him away at once I cant see him and there isnt any dinner

Well I like that Wheres the beef and vegetables I sent home and the pudding you promised cried John rushing to the larder

I hadnt time to cook anything I meant to dine at Mothers Im sorry but I was so busy and Megs tears began again

John was a mild man but he was human and after a long days work to come home tired hungry and hopeful to find a chaotic house an empty table and a cross wife was not exactly conducive to repose of mind or manner He restrained himself however and the little squall would have blown over but for one unlucky word

Its a scrape I acknowledge but if you will lend a hand well pull through and have a good time yet Dont cry dear but just exert yourself a bit and fix us up something to eat Were both as hungry as hunters so we shant mind what it is Give us the cold meat and bread and cheese We wont ask for jelly

He meant it to be a goodnatured joke but that one word sealed his fate Meg thought it was too cruel to hint about her sad failure and the last atom of patience vanished as he spoke

You must get yourself out of the scrape as you can Im too used up to exert myself for anyone Its like a man to propose a bone and vulgar bread and cheese for company I wont have anything of the sort in my house Take that Scott up to Mothers and tell him Im away sick dead anything I wont see him and you two can laugh at me and my jelly as much as you like You wont have anything else here and having delivered her defiance all on one breath Meg cast away her pinafore and precipitately left the field to bemoan herself in her own room

What those two creatures did in her absence she never knew but Mr Scott was not taken up to Mothers and when Meg descended after they had strolled away together she found traces of a promiscuous lunch which filled her with horror Lotty reported that they had eaten a much and greatly laughed and the master bid her throw away all the sweet stuff and hide the pots

Meg longed to go and tell Mother but a sense of shame at her own shortcomings of loyalty to John who might be cruel but nobody should know it restrained her and after a summary cleaning up she dressed herself prettily and sat down to wait for John to come and be forgiven

Unfortunately John didnt come not seeing the matter in that light He had carried it off as a good joke with Scott excused his little wife as well as he could and played the host so hospitably that his friend enjoyed the impromptu dinner and promised to come again but John was angry though he did not show it he felt that Meg had deserted him in his hour of need It wasnt fair to tell a man to bring folks home any time with perfect freedom and when he took you at your word to flame up and blame him and leave him in the lurch to be laughed at or pitied No by George it wasnt And Meg must know it

He had fumed inwardly during the feast but when the flurry was over and he strolled home after seeing Scott off a milder mood came over him Poor little thing It was hard upon her when she tried so heartily to please me She was wrong of course but then she was young I must be patient and teach her He hoped she had not gone home—he hated gossip and interference For a minute he was ruffled again at the mere thought of it and then the fear that Meg would cry herself sick softened his heart and sent him on at a quicker pace resolving to be calm and kind but firm quite firm and show her where she had failed in her duty to her spouse

Meg likewise resolved to be calm and kind but firm and show him his duty She longed to run to meet him and beg pardon and be kissed and comforted as she was sure of being but of course she did nothing of the sort and when she saw John coming began to hum quite naturally as she rocked and sewed like a lady of leisure in her best parlor

John was a little disappointed not to find a tender Niobe but feeling that his dignity demanded the first apology he made none only came leisurely in and laid himself upon the sofa with the singularly relevant remark We are going to have a new moon my dear

Ive no objection was Megs equally soothing remark A few other topics of general interest were introduced by Mr Brooke and wetblanketed by Mrs Brooke and conversation languished John went to one window unfolded his paper and wrapped himself in it figuratively speaking Meg went to the other window and sewed as if new rosettes for slippers were among the necessaries of life Neither spoke Both looked quite calm and firm and both felt desperately uncomfortable

Oh dear thought Meg married life is very trying and does need infinite patience as well as love as Mother says The word Mother suggested other maternal counsels given long ago and received with unbelieving protests

John is a good man but he has his faults and you must learn to see and bear with them remembering your own He is very decided but never will be obstinate if you reason kindly not oppose impatiently He is very accurate and particular about the truth—a good trait though you call him fussy Never deceive him by look or word Meg and he will give you the confidence you deserve the support you need He has a temper not like ours—one flash and then all over—but the white still anger that is seldom stirred but once kindled is hard to quench Be careful be very careful not to wake his anger against yourself for peace and happiness depend on keeping his respect Watch yourself be the first to ask pardon if you both err and guard against the little piques misunderstandings and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret

These words came back to Meg as she sat sewing in the sunset especially the last This was the first serious disagreement her own hasty speeches sounded both silly and unkind as she recalled them her own anger looked childish now and thoughts of poor John coming home to such a scene quite melted her heart She glanced at him with tears in her eyes but he did not see them She put down her work and got up thinking I will be the first to say Forgive me but he did not seem to hear her She went very slowly across the room for pride was hard to swallow and stood by him but he did not turn his head For a minute she felt as if she really couldnt do it then came the thought This is the beginning Ill do my part and have nothing to reproach myself with and stooping down she softly kissed her husband on the forehead Of course that settled it The penitent kiss was better than a world of words and John had her on his knee in a minute saying tenderly

It was too bad to laugh at the poor little jelly pots Forgive me dear I never will again

But he did oh bless you yes hundreds of times and so did Meg both declaring that it was the sweetest jelly they ever made for family peace was preserved in that little family jar

After this Meg had Mr Scott to dinner by special invitation and served him up a pleasant feast without a cooked wife for the first course on which occasion she was so gay and gracious and made everything go off so charmingly that Mr Scott told John he was a lucky fellow and shook his head over the hardships of bachelorhood all the way home

In the autumn new trials and experiences came to Meg Sallie Moffat renewed her friendship was always running out for a dish of gossip at the little house or inviting that poor dear to come in and spend the day at the big house It was pleasant for in dull weather Meg often felt lonely All were busy at home John absent till night and nothing to do but sew or read or potter about So it naturally fell out that Meg got into the way of gadding and gossiping with her friend Seeing Sallies pretty things made her long for such and pity herself because she had not got them Sallie was very kind and often offered her the coveted trifles but Meg declined them knowing that John wouldnt like it and then this foolish little woman went and did what John disliked even worse

She knew her husbands income and she loved to feel that he trusted her not only with his happiness but what some men seem to value more—his money She knew where it was was free to take what she liked and all he asked was that she should keep account of every penny pay bills once a month and remember that she was a poor mans wife Till now she had done well been prudent and exact kept her little account books neatly and showed them to him monthly without fear But that autumn the serpent got into Megs paradise and tempted her like many a modern Eve not with apples but with dress Meg didnt like to be pitied and made to feel poor It irritated her but she was ashamed to confess it and now and then she tried to console herself by buying something pretty so that Sallie neednt think she had to economize She always felt wicked after it for the pretty things were seldom necessaries but then they cost so little it wasnt worth worrying about so the trifles increased unconsciously and in the shopping excursions she was no longer a passive lookeron

But the trifles cost more than one would imagine and when she cast up her accounts at the end of the month the sum total rather scared her John was busy that month and left the bills to her the next month he was absent but the third he had a grand quarterly settling up and Meg never forgot it A few days before she had done a dreadful thing and it weighed upon her conscience Sallie had been buying silks and Meg longed for a new one just a handsome light one for parties her black silk was so common and thin things for evening wear were only proper for girls Aunt March usually gave the sisters a present of twentyfive dollars apiece at New Years That was only a month to wait and here was a lovely violet silk going at a bargain and she had the money if she only dared to take it John always said what was his was hers but would he think it right to spend not only the prospective fiveandtwenty but another fiveandtwenty out of the household fund That was the question Sallie had urged her to do it had offered to lend the money and with the best intentions in life had tempted Meg beyond her strength In an evil moment the shopman held up the lovely shimmering folds and said A bargain I assure you maam She answered Ill take it and it was cut off and paid for and Sallie had exulted and she had laughed as if it were a thing of no consequence and driven away feeling as if she had stolen something and the police were after her

When she got home she tried to assuage the pangs of remorse by spreading forth the lovely silk but it looked less silvery now didnt become her after all and the words fifty dollars seemed stamped like a pattern down each breadth She put it away but it haunted her not delightfully as a new dress should but dreadfully like the ghost of a folly that was not easily laid When John got out his books that night Megs heart sank and for the first time in her married life she was afraid of her husband The kind brown eyes looked as if they could be stern and though he was unusually merry she fancied he had found her out but didnt mean to let her know it The house bills were all paid the books all in order John had praised her and was undoing the old pocketbook which they called the bank when Meg knowing that it was quite empty stopped his hand saying nervously

You havent seen my private expense book yet

John never asked to see it but she always insisted on his doing so and used to enjoy his masculine amazement at the queer things women wanted and made him guess what piping was demand fiercely the meaning of a hugmetight or wonder how a little thing composed of three rosebuds a bit of velvet and a pair of strings could possibly be a bonnet and cost six dollars That night he looked as if he would like the fun of quizzing her figures and pretending to be horrified at her extravagance as he often did being particularly proud of his prudent wife

The little book was brought slowly out and laid down before him Meg got behind his chair under pretense of smoothing the wrinkles out of his tired forehead and standing there she said with her panic increasing with every word

John dear Im ashamed to show you my book for Ive really been dreadfully extravagant lately I go about so much I must have things you know and Sallie advised my getting it so I did and my New Years money will partly pay for it but I was sorry after I had done it for I knew youd think it wrong in me

John laughed and drew her round beside him saying goodhumoredly Dont go and hide I wont beat you if you have got a pair of killing boots Im rather proud of my wifes feet and dont mind if she does pay eight or nine dollars for her boots if they are good ones

That had been one of her last trifles and Johns eye had fallen on it as he spoke Oh what will he say when he comes to that awful fifty dollars thought Meg with a shiver

Its worse than boots its a silk dress she said with the calmness of desperation for she wanted the worst over

Well dear what is the demd total as Mr Mantalini says

That didnt sound like John and she knew he was looking up at her with the straightforward look that she had always been ready to meet and answer with one as frank till now She turned the page and her head at the same time pointing to the sum which would have been bad enough without the fifty but which was appalling to her with that added For a minute the room was very still then John said slowly—but she could feel it cost him an effort to express no displeasure—

Well I dont know that fifty is much for a dress with all the furbelows and notions you have to have to finish it off these days

It isnt made or trimmed sighed Meg faintly for a sudden recollection of the cost still to be incurred quite overwhelmed her

Twentyfive yards of silk seems a good deal to cover one small woman but Ive no doubt my wife will look as fine as Ned Moffats when she gets it on said John dryly

I know you are angry John but I cant help it I dont mean to waste your money and I didnt think those little things would count up so I cant resist them when I see Sallie buying all she wants and pitying me because I dont I try to be contented but it is hard and Im tired of being poor

The last words were spoken so low she thought he did not hear them but he did and they wounded him deeply for he had denied himself many pleasures for Megs sake She could have bitten her tongue out the minute she had said it for John pushed the books away and got up saying with a little quiver in his voice I was afraid of this I do my best Meg If he had scolded her or even shaken her it would not have broken her heart like those few words She ran to him and held him close crying with repentant tears Oh John my dear kind hardworking boy I didnt mean it It was so wicked so untrue and ungrateful how could I say it Oh how could I say it

He was very kind forgave her readily and did not utter one reproach but Meg knew that she had done and said a thing which would not be forgotten soon although he might never allude to it again She had promised to love him for better or worse and then she his wife had reproached him with his poverty after spending his earnings recklessly It was dreadful and the worst of it was John went on so quietly afterward just as if nothing had happened except that he stayed in town later and worked at night when she had gone to cry herself to sleep A week of remorse nearly made Meg sick and the discovery that John had countermanded the order for his new greatcoat reduced her to a state of despair which was pathetic to behold He had simply said in answer to her surprised inquiries as to the change I cant afford it my dear

Meg said no more but a few minutes after he found her in the hall with her face buried in the old greatcoat crying as if her heart would break

They had a long talk that night and Meg learned to love her husband better for his poverty because it seemed to have made a man of him given him the strength and courage to fight his own way and taught him a tender patience with which to bear and comfort the natural longings and failures of those he loved

Next day she put her pride in her pocket went to Sallie told the truth and asked her to buy the silk as a favor The goodnatured Mrs Moffat willingly did so and had the delicacy not to make her a present of it immediately afterward Then Meg ordered home the greatcoat and when John arrived she put it on and asked him how he liked her new silk gown One can imagine what answer he made how he received his present and what a blissful state of things ensued John came home early Meg gadded no more and that greatcoat was put on in the morning by a very happy husband and taken off at night by a most devoted little wife So the year rolled round and at midsummer there came to Meg a new experience the deepest and tenderest of a womans life

Laurie came sneaking into the kitchen of the Dovecote one Saturday with an excited face and was received with the clash of cymbals for Hannah clapped her hands with a saucepan in one and the cover in the other

Hows the little mamma Where is everybody Why didnt you tell me before I came home began Laurie in a loud whisper

Happy as a queen the dear Every soul of em is upstairs a worshipin We didnt want no hurrycanes round Now you go into the parlor and Ill send em down to you with which somewhat involved reply Hannah vanished chuckling ecstatically

Presently Jo appeared proudly bearing a flannel bundle laid forth upon a large pillow Jos face was very sober but her eyes twinkled and there was an odd sound in her voice of repressed emotion of some sort

Shut your eyes and hold out your arms she said invitingly

Laurie backed precipitately into a corner and put his hands behind him with an imploring gesture No thank you Id rather not I shall drop it or smash it as sure as fate

Then you shant see your nevvy said Jo decidedly turning as if to go

I will I will Only you must be responsible for damages and obeying orders Laurie heroically shut his eyes while something was put into his arms A peal of laughter from Jo Amy Mrs March Hannah and John caused him to open them the next minute to find himself invested with two babies instead of one

No wonder they laughed for the expression of his face was droll enough to convulse a Quaker as he stood and stared wildly from the unconscious innocents to the hilarious spectators with such dismay that Jo sat down on the floor and screamed

Twins by Jupiter was all he said for a minute then turning to the women with an appealing look that was comically piteous he added Take em quick somebody Im going to laugh and I shall drop em

Jo rescued his babies and marched up and down with one on each arm as if already initiated into the mysteries of babytending while Laurie laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks

Its the best joke of the season isnt it I wouldnt have told you for I set my heart on surprising you and I flatter myself Ive done it said Jo when she got her breath

I never was more staggered in my life Isnt it fun Are they boys What are you going to name them Lets have another look Hold me up Jo for upon my life its one too many for me returned Laurie regarding the infants with the air of a big benevolent Newfoundland looking at a pair of infantile kittens

Boy and girl Arent they beauties said the proud papa beaming upon the little red squirmers as if they were unfledged angels

Most remarkable children I ever saw Which is which and Laurie bent like a wellsweep to examine the prodigies

Amy put a blue ribbon on the boy and a pink on the girl French fashion so you can always tell Besides one has blue eyes and one brown Kiss them Uncle Teddy said wicked Jo

Im afraid they mightnt like it began Laurie with unusual timidity in such matters

Of course they will they are used to it now Do it this minute sir commanded Jo fearing he might propose a proxy

Laurie screwed up his face and obeyed with a gingerly peck at each little cheek that produced another laugh and made the babies squeal

There I knew they didnt like it Thats the boy see him kick he hits out with his fists like a good one Now then young Brooke pitch into a man of your own size will you cried Laurie delighted with a poke in the face from a tiny fist flapping aimlessly about

Hes to be named John Laurence and the girl Margaret after mother and grandmother We shall call her Daisey so as not to have two Megs and I suppose the mannie will be Jack unless we find a better name said Amy with auntlike interest

Name him Demijohn and call him Demi for short said Laurie

Daisy and Demi just the thing I knew Teddy would do it cried Jo clapping her hands

Teddy certainly had done it that time for the babies were Daisy and Demi to the end of the chapter

CHAPTER TWENTYNINE

CALLS

Come Jo its time

For what

You dont mean to say you have forgotten that you promised to make half a dozen calls with me today

Ive done a good many rash and foolish things in my life but I dont think I ever was mad enough to say Id make six calls in one day when a single one upsets me for a week

Yes you did it was a bargain between us I was to finish the crayon of Beth for you and you were to go properly with me and return our neighbors visits

If it was fair that was in the bond and I stand to the letter of my bond Shylock There is a pile of clouds in the east its not fair and I dont go

Now thats shirking Its a lovely day no prospect of rain and you pride yourself on keeping promises so be honorable come and do your duty and then be at peace for another six months

At that minute Jo was particularly absorbed in dressmaking for she was mantuamaker general to the family and took especial credit to herself because she could use a needle as well as a pen It was very provoking to be arrested in the act of a first tryingon and ordered out to make calls in her best array on a warm July day She hated calls of the formal sort and never made any till Amy compelled her with a bargain bribe or promise In the present instance there was no escape and having clashed her scissors rebelliously while protesting that she smelled thunder she gave in put away her work and taking up her hat and gloves with an air of resignation told Amy the victim was ready

Jo March you are perverse enough to provoke a saint You dont intend to make calls in that state I hope cried Amy surveying her with amazement

Why not Im neat and cool and comfortable quite proper for a dusty walk on a warm day If people care more for my clothes than they do for me I dont wish to see them You can dress for both and be as elegant as you please It pays for you to be fine It doesnt for me and furbelows only worry me

Oh dear sighed Amy now shes in a contrary fit and will drive me distracted before I can get her properly ready Im sure its no pleasure to me to go today but its a debt we owe society and theres no one to pay it but you and me Ill do anything for you Jo if youll only dress yourself nicely and come and help me do the civil You can talk so well look so aristocratic in your best things and behave so beautifully if you try that Im proud of you Im afraid to go alone do come and take care of me

Youre an artful little puss to flatter and wheedle your cross old sister in that way The idea of my being aristocratic and wellbred and your being afraid to go anywhere alone I dont know which is the most absurd Well Ill go if I must and do my best You shall be commander of the expedition and Ill obey blindly will that satisfy you said Jo with a sudden change from perversity to lamblike submission

Youre a perfect cherub Now put on all your best things and Ill tell you how to behave at each place so that you will make a good impression I want people to like you and they would if youd only try to be a little more agreeable Do your hair the pretty way and put the pink rose in your bonnet Its becoming and you look too sober in your plain suit Take your light gloves and the embroidered handkerchief Well stop at Megs and borrow her white sunshade and then you can have my dovecolored one

While Amy dressed she issued her orders and Jo obeyed them not without entering her protest however for she sighed as she rustled into her new organdie frowned darkly at herself as she tied her bonnet strings in an irreproachable bow wrestled viciously with pins as she put on her collar wrinkled up her features generally as she shook out the handkerchief whose embroidery was as irritating to her nose as the present mission was to her feelings and when she had squeezed her hands into tight gloves with three buttons and a tassel as the last touch of elegance she turned to Amy with an imbecile expression of countenance saying meekly

Im perfectly miserable but if you consider me presentable I die happy

Youre highly satisfactory Turn slowly round and let me get a careful view Jo revolved and Amy gave a touch here and there then fell back with her head on one side observing graciously Yes youll do Your head is all I could ask for that white bonnet with the rose is quite ravishing Hold back your shoulders and carry your hands easily no matter if your gloves do pinch Theres one thing you can do well Jo that is wear a shawl I cant but its very nice to see you and Im so glad Aunt March gave you that lovely one Its simple but handsome and those folds over the arm are really artistic Is the point of my mantle in the middle and have I looped my dress evenly I like to show my boots for my feet are pretty though my nose isnt

You are a thing of beauty and a joy forever said Jo looking through her hand with the air of a connoisseur at the blue feather against the golden hair Am I to drag my best dress through the dust or loop it up please maam

Hold it up when you walk but drop it in the house The sweeping style suits you best and you must learn to trail your skirts gracefully You havent half buttoned one cuff do it at once Youll never look finished if you are not careful about the little details for they make up the pleasing whole

Jo sighed and proceeded to burst the buttons off her glove in doing up her cuff but at last both were ready and sailed away looking as pretty as picters Hannah said as she hung out of the upper window to watch them

Now Jo dear the Chesters consider themselves very elegant people so I want you to put on your best deportment Dont make any of your abrupt remarks or do anything odd will you Just be calm cool and quiet thats safe and ladylike and you can easily do it for fifteen minutes said Amy as they approached the first place having borrowed the white parasol and been inspected by Meg with a baby on each arm

Let me see Calm cool and quiet yes I think I can promise that Ive played the part of a prim young lady on the stage and Ill try it off My powers are great as you shall see so be easy in your mind my child

Amy looked relieved but naughty Jo took her at her word for during the first call she sat with every limb gracefully composed every fold correctly draped calm as a summer sea cool as a snowbank and as silent as the sphinx In vain Mrs Chester alluded to her charming novel and the Misses Chester introduced parties picnics the opera and the fashions Each and all were answered by a smile a bow and a demure Yes or No with the chill on In vain Amy telegraphed the word talk tried to draw her out and administered covert pokes with her foot Jo sat as if blandly unconscious of it all with deportment like Mauds face icily regular splendidly null

What a haughty uninteresting creature that oldest Miss March is was the unfortunately audible remark of one of the ladies as the door closed upon their guests Jo laughed noiselessly all through the hall but Amy looked disgusted at the failure of her instructions and very naturally laid the blame upon Jo

How could you mistake me so I merely meant you to be properly dignified and composed and you made yourself a perfect stock and stone Try to be sociable at the Lambs Gossip as other girls do and be interested in dress and flirtations and whatever nonsense comes up They move in the best society are valuable persons for us to know and I wouldnt fail to make a good impression there for anything

Ill be agreeable Ill gossip and giggle and have horrors and raptures over any trifle you like I rather enjoy this and now Ill imitate what is called a charming girl I can do it for I have May Chester as a model and Ill improve upon her See if the Lambs dont say What a lively nice creature that Jo March is

Amy felt anxious as well she might for when Jo turned freakish there was no knowing where she would stop Amys face was a study when she saw her sister skim into the next drawing room kiss all the young ladies with effusion beam graciously upon the young gentlemen and join in the chat with a spirit which amazed the beholder Amy was taken possession of by Mrs Lamb with whom she was a favorite and forced to hear a long account of Lucretias last attack while three delightful young gentlemen hovered near waiting for a pause when they might rush in and rescue her So situated she was powerless to check Jo who seemed possessed by a spirit of mischief and talked away as volubly as the lady A knot of heads gathered about her and Amy strained her ears to hear what was going on for broken sentences filled her with curiosity and frequent peals of laughter made her wild to share the fun One may imagine her suffering on overhearing fragments of this sort of conversation

She rides splendidly Who taught her

No one She used to practice mounting holding the reins and sitting straight on an old saddle in a tree Now she rides anything for she doesnt know what fear is and the stableman lets her have horses cheap because she trains them to carry ladies so well She has such a passion for it I often tell her if everything else fails she can be a horsebreaker and get her living so

At this awful speech Amy contained herself with difficulty for the impression was being given that she was rather a fast young lady which was her especial aversion But what could she do For the old lady was in the middle of her story and long before it was done Jo was off again making more droll revelations and committing still more fearful blunders

Yes Amy was in despair that day for all the good beasts were gone and of three left one was lame one blind and the other so balky that you had to put dirt in his mouth before he would start Nice animal for a pleasure party wasnt it

Which did she choose asked one of the laughing gentlemen who enjoyed the subject

None of them She heard of a young horse at the farm house over the river and though a lady had never ridden him she resolved to try because he was handsome and spirited Her struggles were really pathetic There was no one to bring the horse to the saddle so she took the saddle to the horse My dear creature she actually rowed it over the river put it on her head and marched up to the barn to the utter amazement of the old man

Did she ride the horse

Of course she did and had a capital time I expected to see her brought home in fragments but she managed him perfectly and was the life of the party

Well I call that plucky and young Mr Lamb turned an approving glance upon Amy wondering what his mother could be saying to make the girl look so red and uncomfortable

She was still redder and more uncomfortable a moment after when a sudden turn in the conversation introduced the subject of dress One of the young ladies asked Jo where she got the pretty drab hat she wore to the picnic and stupid Jo instead of mentioning the place where it was bought two years ago must needs answer with unnecessary frankness Oh Amy painted it You cant buy those soft shades so we paint ours any color we like Its a great comfort to have an artistic sister

Isnt that an original idea cried Miss Lamb who found Jo great fun

Thats nothing compared to some of her brilliant performances Theres nothing the child cant do Why she wanted a pair of blue boots for Sallies party so she just painted her soiled white ones the loveliest shade of sky blue you ever saw and they looked exactly like satin added Jo with an air of pride in her sisters accomplishments that exasperated Amy till she felt that it would be a relief to throw her cardcase at her

We read a story of yours the other day and enjoyed it very much observed the elder Miss Lamb wishing to compliment the literary lady who did not look the character just then it must be confessed

Any mention of her works always had a bad effect upon Jo who either grew rigid and looked offended or changed the subject with a brusque remark as now Sorry you could find nothing better to read I write that rubbish because it sells and ordinary people like it Are you going to New York this winter

As Miss Lamb had enjoyed the story this speech was not exactly grateful or complimentary The minute it was made Jo saw her mistake but fearing to make the matter worse suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first move toward departure and did so with an abruptness that left three people with halffinished sentences in their mouths

Amy we must go Goodby dear do come and see us We are pining for a visit I dont dare to ask you Mr Lamb but if you should come I dont think I shall have the heart to send you away

Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chesters gushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly as possible feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time

Didnt I do well asked Jo with a satisfied air as they walked away

Nothing could have been worse was Amys crushing reply What possessed you to tell those stories about my saddle and the hats and boots and all the rest of it

Why its funny and amuses people They know we are poor so its no use pretending that we have grooms buy three or four hats a season and have things as easy and fine as they do

You neednt go and tell them all our little shifts and expose our poverty in that perfectly unnecessary way You havent a bit of proper pride and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak said Amy despairingly

Poor Jo looked abashed and silently chafed the end of her nose with the stiff handkerchief as if performing a penance for her misdemeanors

How shall I behave here she asked as they approached the third mansion

Just as you please I wash my hands of you was Amys short answer

Then Ill enjoy myself The boys are at home and well have a comfortable time Goodness knows I need a little change for elegance has a bad effect upon my constitution returned Jo gruffly being disturbed by her failure to suit

An enthusiastic welcome from three big boys and several pretty children speedily soothed her ruffled feelings and leaving Amy to entertain the hostess and Mr Tudor who happened to be calling likewise Jo devoted herself to the young folks and found the change refreshing She listened to college stories with deep interest caressed pointers and poodles without a murmur agreed heartily that Tom Brown was a brick regardless of the improper form of praise and when one lad proposed a visit to his turtle tank she went with an alacrity which caused Mamma to smile upon her as that motherly lady settled the cap which was left in a ruinous condition by filial hugs bearlike but affectionate and dearer to her than the most faultless coiffure from the hands of an inspired Frenchwoman

Leaving her sister to her own devices Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to her hearts content Mr Tudors uncle had married an English lady who was third cousin to a living lord and Amy regarded the whole family with great respect for in spite of her American birth and breeding she possessed that reverence for titles which haunts the best of us—that unacknowledged loyalty to the early faith in kings which set the most democratic nation under the sun in ferment at the coming of a royal yellowhaired laddie some years ago and which still has something to do with the love the young country bears the old like that of a big son for an imperious little mother who held him while she could and let him go with a farewell scolding when he rebelled But even the satisfaction of talking with a distant connection of the British nobility did not render Amy forgetful of time and when the proper number of minutes had passed she reluctantly tore herself from this aristocratic society and looked about for Jo fervently hoping that her incorrigible sister would not be found in any position which should bring disgrace upon the name of March

It might have been worse but Amy considered it bad For Jo sat on the grass with an encampment of boys about her and a dirtyfooted dog reposing on the skirt of her state and festival dress as she related one of Lauries pranks to her admiring audience One small child was poking turtles with Amys cherished parasol a second was eating gingerbread over Jos best bonnet and a third playing ball with her gloves but all were enjoying themselves and when Jo collected her damaged property to go her escort accompanied her begging her to come again It was such fun to hear about Lauries larks

Capital boys arent they I feel quite young and brisk again after that said Jo strolling along with her hands behind her partly from habit partly to conceal the bespattered parasol

Why do you always avoid Mr Tudor asked Amy wisely refraining from any comment upon Jos dilapidated appearance

Dont like him he puts on airs snubs his sisters worries his father and doesnt speak respectfully of his mother Laurie says he is fast and I dont consider him a desirable acquaintance so I let him alone

You might treat him civilly at least You gave him a cool nod and just now you bowed and smiled in the politest way to Tommy Chamberlain whose father keeps a grocery store If you had just reversed the nod and the bow it would have been right said Amy reprovingly

No it wouldnt returned Jo I neither like respect nor admire Tudor though his grandfathers uncles nephews niece was a third cousin to a lord Tommy is poor and bashful and good and very clever I think well of him and like to show that I do for he is a gentleman in spite of the brown paper parcels

Its no use trying to argue with you began Amy

Not the least my dear interrupted Jo so let us look amiable and drop a card here as the Kings are evidently out for which Im deeply grateful

The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on and Jo uttered another thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house and being told that the young ladies were engaged

Now let us go home and never mind Aunt March today We can run down there any time and its really a pity to trail through the dust in our best bibs and tuckers when we are tired and cross

Speak for yourself if you please Aunt March likes to have us pay her the compliment of coming in style and making a formal call Its a little thing to do but it gives her pleasure and I dont believe it will hurt your things half so much as letting dirty dogs and clumping boys spoil them Stoop down and let me take the crumbs off of your bonnet

What a good girl you are Amy said Jo with a repentant glance from her own damaged costume to that of her sister which was fresh and spotless still I wish it was as easy for me to do little things to please people as it is for you I think of them but it takes too much time to do them so I wait for a chance to confer a great favor and let the small ones slip but they tell best in the end I fancy

Amy smiled and was mollified at once saying with a maternal air Women should learn to be agreeable particularly poor ones for they have no other way of repaying the kindnesses they receive If youd remember that and practice it youd be better liked than I am because there is more of you

Im a crotchety old thing and always shall be but Im willing to own that you are right only its easier for me to risk my life for a person than to be pleasant to him when I dont feel like it Its a great misfortune to have such strong likes and dislikes isnt it

Its a greater not to be able to hide them I dont mind saying that I dont approve of Tudor any more than you do but Im not called upon to tell him so Neither are you and there is no use in making yourself disagreeable because he is

But I think girls ought to show when they disapprove of young men and how can they do it except by their manners Preaching does not do any good as I know to my sorrow since Ive had Teddie to manage But there are many little ways in which I can influence him without a word and I say we ought to do it to others if we can

Teddy is a remarkable boy and cant be taken as a sample of other boys said Amy in a tone of solemn conviction which would have convulsed the remarkable boy if he had heard it If we were belles or women of wealth and position we might do something perhaps but for us to frown at one set of young gentlemen because we dont approve of them and smile upon another set because we do wouldnt have a particle of effect and we should only be considered odd and puritanical

So we are to countenance things and people which we detest merely because we are not belles and millionaires are we Thats a nice sort of morality

I cant argue about it I only know that its the way of the world and people who set themselves against it only get laughed at for their pains I dont like reformers and I hope you never try to be one

I do like them and I shall be one if I can for in spite of the laughing the world would never get on without them We cant agree about that for you belong to the old set and I to the new You will get on the best but I shall have the liveliest time of it I should rather enjoy the brickbats and hooting I think

Well compose yourself now and dont worry Aunt with your new ideas

Ill try not to but Im always possessed to burst out with some particularly blunt speech or revolutionary sentiment before her Its my doom and I cant help it

They found Aunt Carrol with the old lady both absorbed in some very interesting subject but they dropped it as the girls came in with a conscious look which betrayed that they had been talking about their nieces Jo was not in a good humor and the perverse fit returned but Amy who had virtuously done her duty kept her temper and pleased everybody was in a most angelic frame of mind This amiable spirit was felt at once and both aunts my deared her affectionately looking what they afterward said emphatically That child improves every day

Are you going to help about the fair dear asked Mrs Carrol as Amy sat down beside her with the confiding air elderly people like so well in the young

Yes Aunt Mrs Chester asked me if I would and I offered to tend a table as I have nothing but my time to give

Im not put in Jo decidedly I hate to be patronized and the Chesters think its a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair I wonder you consented Amy they only want you to work

I am willing to work Its for the freedmen as well as the Chesters and I think it very kind of them to let me share the labor and the fun Patronage does not trouble me when it is well meant

Quite right and proper I like your grateful spirit my dear Its a pleasure to help people who appreciate our efforts Some do not and that is trying observed Aunt March looking over her spectacles at Jo who sat apart rocking herself with a somewhat morose expression

If Jo had only known what a great happiness was wavering in the balance for one of them she would have turned dovelike in a minute but unfortunately we dont have windows in our breasts and cannot see what goes on in the minds of our friends Better for us that we cannot as a general thing but now and then it would be such a comfort such a saving of time and temper By her next speech Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue

I dont like favors they oppress and make me feel like a slave Id rather do everything for myself and be perfectly independent

Ahem coughed Aunt Carrol softly with a look at Aunt March

I told you so said Aunt March with a decided nod to Aunt Carrol

Mercifully unconscious of what she had done Jo sat with her nose in the air and a revolutionary aspect which was anything but inviting

Do you speak French dear asked Mrs Carrol laying a hand on Amys

Pretty well thanks to Aunt March who lets Esther talk to me as often as I like replied Amy with a grateful look which caused the old lady to smile affably

How are you about languages asked Mrs Carrol of Jo

Dont know a word Im very stupid about studying anything cant bear French its such a slippery silly sort of language was the brusque reply

Another look passed between the ladies and Aunt March said to Amy You are quite strong and well now dear I believe Eyes dont trouble you any more do they

Not at all thank you maam Im very well and mean to do great things next winter so that I may be ready for Rome whenever that joyful time arrives

Good girl You deserve to go and Im sure you will some day said Aunt March with an approving pat on the head as Amy picked up her ball for her

Crosspatch draw the latch
Sit by the fire and spin
squalled Polly bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into Jos face with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing

Most observing bird said the old lady

Come and take a walk my dear cried Polly hopping toward the china closet with a look suggestive of a lump of sugar

Thank you I will Come Amy and Jo brought the visit to an end feeling more strongly than ever that calls did have a bad effect upon her constitution She shook hands in a gentlemanly manner but Amy kissed both the aunts and the girls departed leaving behind them the impression of shadow and sunshine which impression caused Aunt March to say as they vanished

Youd better do it Mary Ill supply the money and Aunt Carrol to reply decidedly I certainly will if her father and mother consent

CHAPTER THIRTY

CONSEQUENCES

Mrs Chesters fair was so very elegant and select that it was considered a great honor by the young ladies of the neighborhood to be invited to take a table and everyone was much interested in the matter Amy was asked but Jo was not which was fortunate for all parties as her elbows were decidedly akimbo at this period of her life and it took a good many hard knocks to teach her how to get on easily The haughty uninteresting creature was let severely alone but Amys talent and taste were duly complimented by the offer of the art table and she exerted herself to prepare and secure appropriate and valuable contributions to it

Everything went on smoothly till the day before the fair opened then there occurred one of the little skirmishes which it is almost impossible to avoid when some fiveandtwenty women old and young with all their private piques and prejudices try to work together

May Chester was rather jealous of Amy because the latter was a greater favorite than herself and just at this time several trifling circumstances occurred to increase the feeling Amys dainty penandink work entirely eclipsed Mays painted vases—that was one thorn Then the all conquering Tudor had danced four times with Amy at a late party and only once with May—that was thorn number two But the chief grievance that rankled in her soul and gave an excuse for her unfriendly conduct was a rumor which some obliging gossip had whispered to her that the March girls had made fun of her at the Lambs All the blame of this should have fallen upon Jo for her naughty imitation had been too lifelike to escape detection and the frolicsome Lambs had permitted the joke to escape No hint of this had reached the culprits however and Amys dismay can be imagined when the very evening before the fair as she was putting the last touches to her pretty table Mrs Chester who of course resented the supposed ridicule of her daughter said in a bland tone but with a cold look

I find dear that there is some feeling among the young ladies about my giving this table to anyone but my girls As this is the most prominent and some say the most attractive table of all and they are the chief gettersup of the fair it is thought best for them to take this place Im sorry but I know you are too sincerely interested in the cause to mind a little personal disappointment and you shall have another table if you like

Mrs Chester fancied beforehand that it would be easy to deliver this little speech but when the time came she found it rather difficult to utter it naturally with Amys unsuspicious eyes looking straight at her full of surprise and trouble

Amy felt that there was something behind this but could not guess what and said quietly feeling hurt and showing that she did Perhaps you had rather I took no table at all

Now my dear dont have any ill feeling I beg Its merely a matter of expediency you see my girls will naturally take the lead and this table is considered their proper place I think it very appropriate to you and feel very grateful for your efforts to make it so pretty but we must give up our private wishes of course and I will see that you have a good place elsewhere Wouldnt you like the flower table The little girls undertook it but they are discouraged You could make a charming thing of it and the flower table is always attractive you know

Especially to gentlemen added May with a look which enlightened Amy as to one cause of her sudden fall from favor She colored angrily but took no other notice of that girlish sarcasm and answered with unexpected amiability

It shall be as you please Mrs Chester Ill give up my place here at once and attend to the flowers if you like

You can put your own things on your own table if you prefer began May feeling a little consciencestricken as she looked at the pretty racks the painted shells and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged She meant it kindly but Amy mistook her meaning and said quickly

Oh certainly if they are in your way and sweeping her contributions into her apron pellmell she walked off feeling that herself and her works of art had been insulted past forgiveness

Now shes mad Oh dear I wish I hadnt asked you to speak Mama said May looking disconsolately at the empty spaces on her table

Girls quarrels are soon over returned her mother feeling a trifle ashamed of her own part in this one as well she might

The little girls hailed Amy and her treasures with delight which cordial reception somewhat soothed her perturbed spirit and she fell to work determined to succeed florally if she could not artistically But everything seemed against her It was late and she was tired Everyone was too busy with their own affairs to help her and the little girls were only hindrances for the dears fussed and chattered like so many magpies making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve the most perfect order The evergreen arch wouldnt stay firm after she got it up but wiggled and threatened to tumble down on her head when the hanging baskets were filled Her best tile got a splash of water which left a sepia tear on the Cupids cheek She bruised her hands with hammering and got cold working in a draft which last affliction filled her with apprehensions for the morrow Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor Amy and wish her well through her task

There was great indignation at home when she told her story that evening Her mother said it was a shame but told her she had done right Beth declared she wouldnt go to the fair at all and Jo demanded why she didnt take all her pretty things and leave those mean people to get on without her

Because they are mean is no reason why I should be I hate such things and though I think Ive a right to be hurt I dont intend to show it They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions wont they Marmee

Thats the right spirit my dear A kiss for a blow is always best though its not very easy to give it sometimes said her mother with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practicing

In spite of various very natural temptations to resent and retaliate Amy adhered to her resolution all the next day bent on conquering her enemy by kindness She began well thanks to a silent reminder that came to her unexpectedly but most opportunely As she arranged her table that morning while the little girls were in the anteroom filling the baskets she took up her pet production a little book the antique cover of which her father had found among his treasures and in which on leaves of vellum she had beautifully illuminated different texts As she turned the pages rich in dainty devices with very pardonable pride her eye fell upon one verse that made her stop and think Framed in a brilliant scrollwork of scarlet blue and gold with little spirits of good will helping one another up and down among the thorns and flowers were the words Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself

I ought but I dont thought Amy as her eye went from the bright page to Mays discontented face behind the big vases that could not hide the vacancies her pretty work had once filled Amy stood a minute turning the leaves in her hand reading on each some sweet rebuke for all heartburnings and uncharitableness of spirit Many wise and true sermons are preached us every day by unconscious ministers in street school office or home Even a fair table may become a pulpit if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season Amys conscience preached her a little sermon from that text then and there and she did what many of us do not always do took the sermon to heart and straightway put it in practice

A group of girls were standing about Mays table admiring the pretty things and talking over the change of saleswomen They dropped their voices but Amy knew they were speaking of her hearing one side of the story and judging accordingly It was not pleasant but a better spirit had come over her and presently a chance offered for proving it She heard May say sorrowfully

Its too bad for there is no time to make other things and I dont want to fill up with odds and ends The table was just complete then Now its spoiled

I dare say shed put them back if you asked her suggested someone

How could I after all the fuss began May but she did not finish for Amys voice came across the hall saying pleasantly

You may have them and welcome without asking if you want them I was just thinking Id offer to put them back for they belong to your table rather than mine Here they are please take them and forgive me if I was hasty in carrying them away last night

As she spoke Amy returned her contribution with a nod and a smile and hurried away again feeling that it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it

Now I call that lovely of her dont you cried one girl

Mays answer was inaudible but another young lady whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade added with a disagreeable laugh Very lovely for she knew she wouldnt sell them at her own table

Now that was hard When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated at least and for a minute Amy was sorry she had done it feeling that virtue was not always its own reward But it is as she presently discovered for her spirits began to rise and her table to blossom under her skillful hands the girls were very kind and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly

It was a very long day and a hard one for Amy as she sat behind her table often quite alone for the little girls deserted very soon Few cared to buy flowers in summer and her bouquets began to droop long before night

The art table was the most attractive in the room There was a crowd about it all day long and the tenders were constantly flying to and fro with important faces and rattling money boxes Amy often looked wistfully across longing to be there where she felt at home and happy instead of in a corner with nothing to do It might seem no hardship to some of us but to a pretty blithe young girl it was not only tedious but very trying and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom

She did not go home till night and then she looked so pale and quiet that they knew the day had been a hard one though she made no complaint and did not even tell what she had done Her mother gave her an extra cordial cup of tea Beth helped her dress and made a charming little wreath for her hair while Jo astonished her family by getting herself up with unusual care and hinting darkly that the tables were about to be turned

Dont do anything rude pray Jo I wont have any fuss made so let it all pass and behave yourself begged Amy as she departed early hoping to find a reinforcement of flowers to refresh her poor little table

I merely intend to make myself entrancingly agreeable to every one I know and to keep them in your corner as long as possible Teddy and his boys will lend a hand and well have a good time yet returned Jo leaning over the gate to watch for Laurie Presently the familiar tramp was heard in the dusk and she ran out to meet him

Is that my boy

As sure as this is my girl and Laurie tucked her hand under his arm with the air of a man whose every wish was gratified

Oh Teddy such doings and Jo told Amys wrongs with sisterly zeal

A flock of our fellows are going to drive over byandby and Ill be hanged if I dont make them buy every flower shes got and camp down before her table afterward said Laurie espousing her cause with warmth

The flowers are not at all nice Amy says and the fresh ones may not arrive in time I dont wish to be unjust or suspicious but I shouldnt wonder if they never came at all When people do one mean thing they are very likely to do another observed Jo in a disgusted tone

Didnt Hayes give you the best out of our gardens I told him to

I didnt know that he forgot I suppose and as your grandpa was poorly I didnt like to worry him by asking though I did want some

Now Jo how could you think there was any need of asking They are just as much yours as mine Dont we always go halves in everything began Laurie in the tone that always made Jo turn thorny

Gracious I hope not Half of some of your things wouldnt suit me at all But we mustnt stand philandering here Ive got to help Amy so you go and make yourself splendid and if youll be so very kind as to let Hayes take a few nice flowers up to the Hall Ill bless you forever

Couldnt you do it now asked Laurie so suggestively that Jo shut the gate in his face with inhospitable haste and called through the bars Go away Teddy Im busy

Thanks to the conspirators the tables were turned that night for Hayes sent up a wilderness of flowers with a loverly basket arranged in his best manner for a centerpiece Then the March family turned out en masse and Jo exerted herself to some purpose for people not only came but stayed laughing at her nonsense admiring Amys taste and apparently enjoying themselves very much Laurie and his friends gallantly threw themselves into the breach bought up the bouquets encamped before the table and made that corner the liveliest spot in the room Amy was in her element now and out of gratitude if nothing more was as spritely and gracious as possible coming to the conclusion about that time that virtue was its own reward after all

Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety and when Amy was happily surrounded by her guard of honor Jo circulated about the Hall picking up various bits of gossip which enlightened her upon the subject of the Chester change of base She reproached herself for her share of the ill feeling and resolved to exonerate Amy as soon as possible She also discovered what Amy had done about the things in the morning and considered her a model of magnanimity As she passed the art table she glanced over it for her sisters things but saw no sign of them Tucked away out of sight I dare say thought Jo who could forgive her own wrongs but hotly resented any insult offered her family

Good evening Miss Jo How does Amy get on asked May with a conciliatory air for she wanted to show that she also could be generous

She has sold everything she had that was worth selling and now she is enjoying herself The flower table is always attractive you know especially to gentlemen Jo couldnt resist giving that little slap but May took it so meekly she regretted it a minute after and fell to praising the great vases which still remained unsold

Is Amys illumination anywhere about I took a fancy to buy that for Father said Jo very anxious to learn the fate of her sisters work

Everything of Amys sold long ago I took care that the right people saw them and they made a nice little sum of money for us returned May who had overcome sundry small temptations as well as Amy had that day

Much gratified Jo rushed back to tell the good news and Amy looked both touched and surprised by the report of Mays word and manner

Now gentlemen I want you to go and do your duty by the other tables as generously as you have by mine especially the art table she said ordering out Teddys own as the girls called the college friends

Charge Chester charge is the motto for that table but do your duty like men and youll get your moneys worth of art in every sense of the word said the irrepressible Jo as the devoted phalanx prepared to take the field

To hear is to obey but March is fairer far than May said little Parker making a frantic effort to be both witty and tender and getting promptly quenched by Laurie who said

Very well my son for a small boy and walked him off with a paternal pat on the head

Buy the vases whispered Amy to Laurie as a final heaping of coals of fire on her enemys head

To Mays great delight Mr Laurence not only bought the vases but pervaded the hall with one under each arm The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles and wandered helplessly about afterward burdened with wax flowers painted fans filigree portfolios and other useful and appropriate purchases

Aunt Carrol was there heard the story looked pleased and said something to Mrs March in a corner which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later

The fair was pronounced a success and when May bade Amy goodnight she did not gush as usual but gave her an affectionate kiss and a look which said forgive and forget That satisfied Amy and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each The reward of merit for a magnanimous March as Laurie announced with a flourish

Youve a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for Amy Youve behaved sweetly and I respect you with all my heart said Jo warmly as they brushed their hair together late that night

Yes we all do and love her for being so ready to forgive It must have been dreadfully hard after working so long and setting your heart on selling your own pretty things I dont believe I could have done it as kindly as you did added Beth from her pillow

Why girls you neednt praise me so I only did as Id be done by You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners and I try to do it as far as I know how I cant explain exactly but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women Im far from it now but I do my best and hope in time to be what Mother is

Amy spoke earnestly and Jo said with a cordial hug I understand now what you mean and Ill never laugh at you again You are getting on faster than you think and Ill take lessons of you in true politeness for youve learned the secret I believe Try away deary youll get your reward some day and no one will be more delighted than I shall

A week later Amy did get her reward and poor Jo found it hard to be delighted A letter came from Aunt Carrol and Mrs Marchs face was illuminated to such a degree when she read it that Jo and Beth who were with her demanded what the glad tidings were

Aunt Carrol is going abroad next month and wants

Me to go with her burst in Jo flying out of her chair in an uncontrollable rapture

No dear not you Its Amy

Oh Mother Shes too young its my turn first Ive wanted it so long It would do me so much good and be so altogether splendid I must go

Im afraid its impossible Jo Aunt says Amy decidedly and it is not for us to dictate when she offers such a favor

Its always so Amy has all the fun and I have all the work It isnt fair oh it isnt fair cried Jo passionately

Im afraid its partly your own fault dear When Aunt spoke to me the other day she regretted your blunt manners and too independent spirit and here she writes as if quoting something you had said—I planned at first to ask Jo but as favors burden her and she hates French I think I wont venture to invite her Amy is more docile will make a good companion for Flo and receive gratefully any help the trip may give her

Oh my tongue my abominable tongue Why cant I learn to keep it quiet groaned Jo remembering words which had been her undoing When she had heard the explanation of the quoted phrases Mrs March said sorrowfully

I wish you could have gone but there is no hope of it this time so try to bear it cheerfully and dont sadden Amys pleasure by reproaches or regrets

Ill try said Jo winking hard as she knelt down to pick up the basket she had joyfully upset Ill take a leaf out of her book and try not only to seem glad but to be so and not grudge her one minute of happiness But it wont be easy for it is a dreadful disappointment and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she held with several very bitter tears

Jo dear Im very selfish but I couldnt spare you and Im glad you are not going quite yet whispered Beth embracing her basket and all with such a clinging touch and loving face that Jo felt comforted in spite of the sharp regret that made her want to box her own ears and humbly beg Aunt Carrol to burden her with this favor and see how gratefully she would bear it

By the time Amy came in Jo was able to take her part in the family jubilation not quite as heartily as usual perhaps but without repinings at Amys good fortune The young lady herself received the news as tidings of great joy went about in a solemn sort of rapture and began to sort her colors and pack her pencils that evening leaving such trifles as clothes money and passports to those less absorbed in visions of art than herself

It isnt a mere pleasure trip to me girls she said impressively as she scraped her best palette It will decide my career for if I have any genius I shall find it out in Rome and will do something to prove it

Suppose you havent said Jo sewing away with red eyes at the new collars which were to be handed over to Amy

Then I shall come home and teach drawing for my living replied the aspirant for fame with philosophic composure But she made a wry face at the prospect and scratched away at her palette as if bent on vigorous measures before she gave up her hopes

No you wont You hate hard work and youll marry some rich man and come home to sit in the lap of luxury all your days said Jo

Your predictions sometimes come to pass but I dont believe that one will Im sure I wish it would for if I cant be an artist myself I should like to be able to help those who are said Amy smiling as if the part of Lady Bountiful would suit her better than that of a poor drawing teacher

Hum said Jo with a sigh If you wish it youll have it for your wishes are always granted—mine never

Would you like to go asked Amy thoughtfully patting her nose with her knife

Rather

Well in a year or two Ill send for you and well dig in the Forum for relics and carry out all the plans weve made so many times

Thank you Ill remind you of your promise when that joyful day comes if it ever does returned Jo accepting the vague but magnificent offer as gratefully as she could

There was not much time for preparation and the house was in a ferment till Amy was off Jo bore up very well till the last flutter of blue ribbon vanished when she retired to her refuge the garret and cried till she couldnt cry any more Amy likewise bore up stoutly till the steamer sailed Then just as the gangway was about to be withdrawn it suddenly came over her that a whole ocean was soon to roll between her and those who loved her best and she clung to Laurie the last lingerer saying with a sob

Oh take care of them for me and if anything should happen

I will dear I will and if anything happens Ill come and comfort you whispered Laurie little dreaming that he would be called upon to keep his word

So Amy sailed away to find the Old World which is always new and beautiful to young eyes while her father and friend watched her from the shore fervently hoping that none but gentle fortunes would befall the happyhearted girl who waved her hand to them till they could see nothing but the summer sunshine dazzling on the sea

CHAPTER THIRTYONE

OUR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

London

Dearest People Here I really sit at a front window of the Bath Hotel Piccadilly Its not a fashionable place but Uncle stopped here years ago and wont go anywhere else However we dont mean to stay long so its no great matter Oh I cant begin to tell you how I enjoy it all I never can so Ill only give you bits out of my notebook for Ive done nothing but sketch and scribble since I started

I sent a line from Halifax when I felt pretty miserable but after that I got on delightfully seldom ill on deck all day with plenty of pleasant people to amuse me Everyone was very kind to me especially the officers Dont laugh Jo gentlemen really are very necessary aboard ship to hold on to or to wait upon one and as they have nothing to do its a mercy to make them useful otherwise they would smoke themselves to death Im afraid

Aunt and Flo were poorly all the way and liked to be let alone so when I had done what I could for them I went and enjoyed myself Such walks on deck such sunsets such splendid air and waves It was almost as exciting as riding a fast horse when we went rushing on so grandly I wish Beth could have come it would have done her so much good As for Jo she would have gone up and sat on the maintop jib or whatever the high thing is called made friends with the engineers and tooted on the captains speaking trumpet shed have been in such a state of rapture

It was all heavenly but I was glad to see the Irish coast and found it very lovely so green and sunny with brown cabins here and there ruins on some of the hills and gentlemens countryseats in the valleys with deer feeding in the parks It was early in the morning but I didnt regret getting up to see it for the bay was full of little boats the shore so picturesque and a rosy sky overhead I never shall forget it

At Queenstown one of my new acquaintances left us Mr Lennox and when I said something about the Lakes of Killarney he sighed and sung with a look at me

Oh have you eer heard of Kate Kearney
She lives on the banks of Killarney
From the glance of her eye
Shun danger and fly
For fatals the glance of Kate Kearney
Wasnt that nonsensical

We only stopped at Liverpool a few hours Its a dirty noisy place and I was glad to leave it Uncle rushed out and bought a pair of dogskin gloves some ugly thick shoes and an umbrella and got shaved à la mutton chop the first thing Then he flattered himself that he looked like a true Briton but the first time he had the mud cleaned off his shoes the little bootblack knew that an American stood in them and said with a grin There yer har sir Ive given em the latest Yankee shine It amused Uncle immensely Oh I must tell you what that absurd Lennox did He got his friend Ward who came on with us to order a bouquet for me and the first thing I saw in my room was a lovely one with Robert Lennoxs compliments on the card Wasnt that fun girls I like traveling

I never shall get to London if I dont hurry The trip was like riding through a long picture gallery full of lovely landscapes The farmhouses were my delight with thatched roofs ivy up to the eaves latticed windows and stout women with rosy children at the doors The very cattle looked more tranquil than ours as they stood kneedeep in clover and the hens had a contented cluck as if they never got nervous like Yankee biddies Such perfect color I never saw the grass so green sky so blue grain so yellow woods so dark I was in a rapture all the way So was Flo and we kept bouncing from one side to the other trying to see everything while we were whisking along at the rate of sixty miles an hour Aunt was tired and went to sleep but Uncle read his guidebook and wouldnt be astonished at anything This is the way we went on Amy flying up—Oh that must be Kenilworth that gray place among the trees Flo darting to my window—How sweet We must go there sometime wont we Papa Uncle calmly admiring his boots—No my dear not unless you want beer thats a brewery

A pause—then Flo cried out Bless me theres a gallows and a man going up Where where shrieks Amy staring out at two tall posts with a crossbeam and some dangling chains A colliery remarks Uncle with a twinkle of the eye Heres a lovely flock of lambs all lying down says Amy See Papa arent they pretty added Flo sentimentally Geese young ladies returns Uncle in a tone that keeps us quiet till Flo settles down to enjoy the Flirtations of Captain Cavendish and I have the scenery all to myself

Of course it rained when we got to London and there was nothing to be seen but fog and umbrellas We rested unpacked and shopped a little between the showers Aunt Mary got me some new things for I came off in such a hurry I wasnt half ready A white hat and blue feather a muslin dress to match and the loveliest mantle you ever saw Shopping in Regent Street is perfectly splendid Things seem so cheap nice ribbons only sixpence a yard I laid in a stock but shall get my gloves in Paris Doesnt that sound sort of elegant and rich

Flo and I for the fun of it ordered a hansom cab while Aunt and Uncle were out and went for a drive though we learned afterward that it wasnt the thing for young ladies to ride in them alone It was so droll For when we were shut in by the wooden apron the man drove so fast that Flo was frightened and told me to stop him but he was up outside behind somewhere and I couldnt get at him He didnt hear me call nor see me flap my parasol in front and there we were quite helpless rattling away and whirling around corners at a breakneck pace At last in my despair I saw a little door in the roof and on poking it open a red eye appeared and a beery voice said

Now then mum

I gave my order as soberly as I could and slamming down the door with an Aye aye mum the man made his horse walk as if going to a funeral I poked again and said A little faster then off he went helterskelter as before and we resigned ourselves to our fate

Today was fair and we went to Hyde Park close by for we are more aristocratic than we look The Duke of Devonshire lives near I often see his footmen lounging at the back gate and the Duke of Wellingtons house is not far off Such sights as I saw my dear It was as good as Punch for there were fat dowagers rolling about in their red and yellow coaches with gorgeous Jeameses in silk stockings and velvet coats up behind and powdered coachmen in front Smart maids with the rosiest children I ever saw handsome girls looking half asleep dandies in queer English hats and lavender kids lounging about and tall soldiers in short red jackets and muffin caps stuck on one side looking so funny I longed to sketch them

Rotten Row means Route de Roi or the kings way but now its more like a riding school than anything else The horses are splendid and the men especially the grooms ride well but the women are stiff and bounce which isnt according to our rules I longed to show them a tearing American gallop for they trotted solemnly up and down in their scant habits and high hats looking like the women in a toy Noahs Ark Everyone rides—old men stout ladies little children—and the young folks do a deal of flirting here I saw a pair exchange rose buds for its the thing to wear one in the buttonhole and I thought it rather a nice little idea

In the PM to Westminster Abbey but dont expect me to describe it thats impossible so Ill only say it was sublime This evening we are going to see Fechter which will be an appropriate end to the happiest day of my life

Its very late but I cant let my letter go in the morning without telling you what happened last evening Who do you think came in as we were at tea Lauries English friends Fred and Frank Vaughn I was so surprised for I shouldnt have known them but for the cards Both are tall fellows with whiskers Fred handsome in the English style and Frank much better for he only limps slightly and uses no crutches They had heard from Laurie where we were to be and came to ask us to their house but Uncle wont go so we shall return the call and see them as we can They went to the theater with us and we did have such a good time for Frank devoted himself to Flo and Fred and I talked over past present and future fun as if we had known each other all our days Tell Beth Frank asked for her and was sorry to hear of her ill health Fred laughed when I spoke of Jo and sent his respectful compliments to the big hat Neither of them had forgotten Camp Laurence or the fun we had there What ages ago it seems doesnt it

Aunt is tapping on the wall for the third time so I must stop I really feel like a dissipated London fine lady writing here so late with my room full of pretty things and my head a jumble of parks theaters new gowns and gallant creatures who say Ah and twirl their blond mustaches with the true English lordliness I long to see you all and in spite of my nonsense am as ever your loving

AMY

PARIS

Dear girls

In my last I told you about our London visit how kind the Vaughns were and what pleasant parties they made for us I enjoyed the trips to Hampton Court and the Kensington Museum more than anything else for at Hampton I saw Raphaels cartoons and at the Museum rooms full of pictures by Turner Lawrence Reynolds Hogarth and the other great creatures The day in Richmond Park was charming for we had a regular English picnic and I had more splendid oaks and groups of deer than I could copy also heard a nightingale and saw larks go up We did London to our hearts content thanks to Fred and Frank and were sorry to go away for though English people are slow to take you in when they once make up their minds to do it they cannot be outdone in hospitality I think The Vaughns hope to meet us in Rome next winter and I shall be dreadfully disappointed if they dont for Grace and I are great friends and the boys very nice fellows especially Fred

Well we were hardly settled here when he turned up again saying he had come for a holiday and was going to Switzerland Aunt looked sober at first but he was so cool about it she couldnt say a word And now we get on nicely and are very glad he came for he speaks French like a native and I dont know what we should do without him Uncle doesnt know ten words and insists on talking English very loud as if it would make people understand him Aunts pronunciation is oldfashioned and Flo and I though we flattered ourselves that we knew a good deal find we dont and are very grateful to have Fred do the parley vooing as Uncle calls it

Such delightful times as we are having Sightseeing from morning till night stopping for nice lunches in the gay cafes and meeting with all sorts of droll adventures Rainy days I spend in the Louvre revelling in pictures Jo would turn up her naughty nose at some of the finest because she has no soul for art but I have and Im cultivating eye and taste as fast as I can She would like the relics of great people better for Ive seen her Napoleons cocked hat and gray coat his babys cradle and his old toothbrush also Marie Antoinettes little shoe the ring of Saint Denis Charlemagnes sword and many other interesting things Ill talk for hours about them when I come but havent time to write

The Palais Royale is a heavenly place so full of bijouterie and lovely things that Im nearly distracted because I cant buy them Fred wanted to get me some but of course I didnt allow it Then the Bois and Champs Elysees are tres magnifique Ive seen the imperial family several times the emperor an ugly hardlooking man the empress pale and pretty but dressed in bad taste I thought—purple dress green hat and yellow gloves Little Nap is a handsome boy who sits chatting to his tutor and kisses his hand to the people as he passes in his fourhorse barouche with postilions in red satin jackets and a mounted guard before and behind

We often walk in the Tuileries Gardens for they are lovely though the antique Luxembourg Gardens suit me better Pere la Chaise is very curious for many of the tombs are like small rooms and looking in one sees a table with images or pictures of the dead and chairs for the mourners to sit in when they come to lament That is so Frenchy

Our rooms are on the Rue de Rivoli and sitting on the balcony we look up and down the long brilliant street It is so pleasant that we spend our evenings talking there when too tired with our days work to go out Fred is very entertaining and is altogether the most agreeable young man I ever knew—except Laurie whose manners are more charming I wish Fred was dark for I dont fancy light men however the Vaughns are very rich and come of an excellent family so I wont find fault with their yellow hair as my own is yellower

Next week we are off to Germany and Switzerland and as we shall travel fast I shall only be able to give you hasty letters I keep my diary and try to remember correctly and describe clearly all that I see and admire as Father advised It is good practice for me and with my sketchbook will give you a better idea of my tour than these scribbles

Adieu I embrace you tenderly Votre Amie

HEIDELBERG

My dear Mamma

Having a quiet hour before we leave for Berne Ill try to tell you what has happened for some of it is very important as you will see

The sail up the Rhine was perfect and I just sat and enjoyed it with all my might Get Fathers old guidebooks and read about it I havent words beautiful enough to describe it At Coblentz we had a lovely time for some students from Bonn with whom Fred got acquainted on the boat gave us a serenade It was a moonlight night and about one oclock Flo and I were waked by the most delicious music under our windows We flew up and hid behind the curtains but sly peeps showed us Fred and the students singing away down below It was the most romantic thing I ever saw—the river the bridge of boats the great fortress opposite moonlight everywhere and music fit to melt a heart of stone

When they were done we threw down some flowers and saw them scramble for them kiss their hands to the invisible ladies and go laughing away to smoke and drink beer I suppose Next morning Fred showed me one of the crumpled flowers in his vest pocket and looked very sentimental I laughed at him and said I didnt throw it but Flo which seemed to disgust him for he tossed it out of the window and turned sensible again Im afraid Im going to have trouble with that boy it begins to look like it

The baths at Nassau were very gay so was BadenBaden where Fred lost some money and I scolded him He needs someone to look after him when Frank is not with him Kate said once she hoped hed marry soon and I quite agree with her that it would be well for him Frankfurt was delightful I saw Goethes house Schillers statue and Danneckers famous Ariadne It was very lovely but I should have enjoyed it more if I had known the story better I didnt like to ask as everyone knew it or pretended they did I wish Jo would tell me all about it I ought to have read more for I find I dont know anything and it mortifies me

Now comes the serious part for it happened here and Fred has just gone He has been so kind and jolly that we all got quite fond of him I never thought of anything but a traveling friendship till the serenade night Since then Ive begun to feel that the moonlight walks balcony talks and daily adventures were something more to him than fun I havent flirted Mother truly but remembered what you said to me and have done my very best I cant help it if people like me I dont try to make them and it worries me if I dont care for them though Jo says I havent got any heart Now I know Mother will shake her head and the girls say Oh the mercenary little wretch but Ive made up my mind and if Fred asks me I shall accept him though Im not madly in love I like him and we get on comfortably together He is handsome young clever enough and very rich—ever so much richer than the Laurences I dont think his family would object and I should be very happy for they are all kind wellbred generous people and they like me Fred as the eldest twin will have the estate I suppose and such a splendid one it is A city house in a fashionable street not so showy as our big houses but twice as comfortable and full of solid luxury such as English people believe in I like it for its genuine Ive seen the plate the family jewels the old servants and pictures of the country place with its park great house lovely grounds and fine horses Oh it would be all I should ask And Id rather have it than any title such as girls snap up so readily and find nothing behind I may be mercenary but I hate poverty and dont mean to bear it a minute longer than I can help One of us must marry well Meg didnt Jo wont Beth cant yet so I shall and make everything okay all round I wouldnt marry a man I hated or despised You may be sure of that and though Fred is not my model hero he does very well and in time I should get fond enough of him if he was very fond of me and let me do just as I liked So Ive been turning the matter over in my mind the last week for it was impossible to help seeing that Fred liked me He said nothing but little things showed it He never goes with Flo always gets on my side of the carriage table or promenade looks sentimental when we are alone and frowns at anyone else who ventures to speak to me Yesterday at dinner when an Austrian officer stared at us and then said something to his friend a rakishlooking baron about ein wonderschones Blondchen Fred looked as fierce as a lion and cut his meat so savagely it nearly flew off his plate He isnt one of the cool stiff Englishmen but is rather peppery for he has Scotch blood in him as one might guess from his bonnie blue eyes

Well last evening we went up to the castle about sunset at least all of us but Fred who was to meet us there after going to the Post Restante for letters We had a charming time poking about the ruins the vaults where the monster tun is and the beautiful gardens made by the elector long ago for his English wife I liked the great terrace best for the view was divine so while the rest went to see the rooms inside I sat there trying to sketch the gray stone lions head on the wall with scarlet woodbine sprays hanging round it I felt as if Id got into a romance sitting there watching the Neckar rolling through the valley listening to the music of the Austrian band below and waiting for my lover like a real storybook girl I had a feeling that something was going to happen and I was ready for it I didnt feel blushy or quakey but quite cool and only a little excited

Byandby I heard Freds voice and then he came hurrying through the great arch to find me He looked so troubled that I forgot all about myself and asked what the matter was He said hed just got a letter begging him to come home for Frank was very ill So he was going at once on the night train and only had time to say goodby I was very sorry for him and disappointed for myself but only for a minute because he said as he shook hands and said it in a way that I could not mistake I shall soon come back you wont forget me Amy

I didnt promise but I looked at him and he seemed satisfied and there was no time for anything but messages and goodbyes for he was off in an hour and we all miss him very much I know he wanted to speak but I think from something he once hinted that he had promised his father not to do anything of the sort yet a while for he is a rash boy and the old gentleman dreads a foreign daughterinlaw We shall soon meet in Rome and then if I dont change my mind Ill say Yes thank you when he says Will you please

Of course this is all very private but I wished you to know what was going on Dont be anxious about me remember I am your prudent Amy and be sure I will do nothing rashly Send me as much advice as you like Ill use it if I can I wish I could see you for a good talk Marmee Love and trust me

Ever your AMY

CHAPTER THIRTYTWO

TENDER TROUBLES

Jo Im anxious about Beth

Why Mother she has seemed unusually well since the babies came

Its not her health that troubles me now its her spirits Im sure there is something on her mind and I want you to discover what it is

What makes you think so Mother

She sits alone a good deal and doesnt talk to her father as much as she used I found her crying over the babies the other day When she sings the songs are always sad ones and now and then I see a look in her face that I dont understand This isnt like Beth and it worries me

Have you asked her about it

I have tried once or twice but she either evaded my questions or looked so distressed that I stopped I never force my childrens confidence and I seldom have to wait for long

Mrs March glanced at Jo as she spoke but the face opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude but Beths and after sewing thoughtfully for a minute Jo said I think she is growing up and so begins to dream dreams and have hopes and fears and fidgets without knowing why or being able to explain them Why Mother Beths eighteen but we dont realize it and treat her like a child forgetting shes a woman

So she is Dear heart how fast you do grow up returned her mother with a sigh and a smile

Cant be helped Marmee so you must resign yourself to all sorts of worries and let your birds hop out of the nest one by one I promise never to hop very far if that is any comfort to you

Its a great comfort Jo I always feel strong when you are at home now Meg is gone Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon but when the tug comes you are always ready

Why you know I dont mind hard jobs much and there must always be one scrub in a family Amy is splendid in fine works and Im not but I feel in my element when all the carpets are to be taken up or half the family fall sick at once Amy is distinguishing herself abroad but if anything is amiss at home Im your man

I leave Beth to your hands then for she will open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than to anyone else Be very kind and dont let her think anyone watches or talks about her If she only would get quite strong and cheerful again I shouldnt have a wish in the world

Happy woman Ive got heaps

My dear what are they

Ill settle Bethys troubles and then Ill tell you mine They are not very wearing so theyll keep and Jo stitched away with a wise nod which set her mothers heart at rest about her for the present at least

While apparently absorbed in her own affairs Jo watched Beth and after many conflicting conjectures finally settled upon one which seemed to explain the change in her A slight incident gave Jo the clue to the mystery she thought and lively fancy loving heart did the rest She was affecting to write busily one Saturday afternoon when she and Beth were alone together Yet as she scribbled she kept her eye on her sister who seemed unusually quiet Sitting at the window Beths work often dropped into her lap and she leaned her head upon her hand in a dejected attitude while her eyes rested on the dull autumnal landscape Suddenly some one passed below whistling like an operatic blackbird and a voice called out All serene Coming in tonight

Beth started leaned forward smiled and nodded watched the passerby till his quick tramp died away then said softly as if to herself How strong and well and happy that dear boy looks

Hum said Jo still intent upon her sisters face for the bright color faded as quickly as it came the smile vanished and presently a tear lay shining on the window ledge Beth whisked it off and in her halfaverted face read a tender sorrow that made her own eyes fill Fearing to betray herself she slipped away murmuring something about needing more paper

Mercy on me Beth loves Laurie she said sitting down in her own room pale with the shock of the discovery which she believed she had just made I never dreamed of such a thing What will Mother say I wonder if her there Jo stopped and turned scarlet with a sudden thought If he shouldnt love back again how dreadful it would be He must Ill make him and she shook her head threateningly at the picture of the mischievouslooking boy laughing at her from the wall Oh dear we are growing up with a vengeance Heres Meg married and a mamma Amy flourishing away at Paris and Beth in love Im the only one that has sense enough to keep out of mischief Jo thought intently for a minute with her eyes fixed on the picture then she smoothed out her wrinkled forehead and said with a decided nod at the face opposite No thank you sir youre very charming but youve no more stability than a weathercock So you neednt write touching notes and smile in that insinuating way for it wont do a bit of good and I wont have it

Then she sighed and fell into a reverie from which she did not wake till the early twilight sent her down to take new observations which only confirmed her suspicion Though Laurie flirted with Amy and joked with Jo his manner to Beth had always been peculiarly kind and gentle but so was everybodys Therefore no one thought of imagining that he cared more for her than for the others Indeed a general impression had prevailed in the family of late that our boy was getting fonder than ever of Jo who however wouldnt hear a word upon the subject and scolded violently if anyone dared to suggest it If they had known the various tender passages which had been nipped in the bud they would have had the immense satisfaction of saying I told you so But Jo hated philandering and wouldnt allow it always having a joke or a smile ready at the least sign of impending danger

When Laurie first went to college he fell in love about once a month but these small flames were as brief as ardent did no damage and much amused Jo who took great interest in the alternations of hope despair and resignation which were confided to her in their weekly conferences But there came a time when Laurie ceased to worship at many shrines hinted darkly at one allabsorbing passion and indulged occasionally in Byronic fits of gloom Then he avoided the tender subject altogether wrote philosophical notes to Jo turned studious and gave out that he was going to dig intending to graduate in a blaze of glory This suited the young lady better than twilight confidences tender pressures of the hand and eloquent glances of the eye for with Jo brain developed earlier than heart and she preferred imaginary heroes to real ones because when tired of them the former could be shut up in the tin kitchen till called for and the latter were less manageable

Things were in this state when the grand discovery was made and Jo watched Laurie that night as she had never done before If she had not got the new idea into her head she would have seen nothing unusual in the fact that Beth was very quiet and Laurie very kind to her But having given the rein to her lively fancy it galloped away with her at a great pace and common sense being rather weakened by a long course of romance writing did not come to the rescue As usual Beth lay on the sofa and Laurie sat in a low chair close by amusing her with all sorts of gossip for she depended on her weekly spin and he never disappointed her But that evening Jo fancied that Beths eyes rested on the lively dark face beside her with peculiar pleasure and that she listened with intense interest to an account of some exciting cricket match though the phrases caught off a tice stumped off his ground and the leg hit for three were as intelligible to her as Sanskrit She also fancied having set her heart upon seeing it that she saw a certain increase of gentleness in Lauries manner that he dropped his voice now and then laughed less than usual was a little absentminded and settled the afghan over Beths feet with an assiduity that was really almost tender

Who knows Stranger things have happened thought Jo as she fussed about the room She will make quite an angel of him and he will make life delightfully easy and pleasant for the dear if they only love each other I dont see how he can help it and I do believe he would if the rest of us were out of the way

As everyone was out of the way but herself Jo began to feel that she ought to dispose of herself with all speed But where should she go And burning to lay herself upon the shrine of sisterly devotion she sat down to settle that point

Now the old sofa was a regular patriarch of a sofa—long broad wellcushioned and low a trifle shabby as well it might be for the girls had slept and sprawled on it as babies fished over the back rode on the arms and had menageries under it as children and rested tired heads dreamed dreams and listened to tender talk on it as young women They all loved it for it was a family refuge and one corner had always been Jos favorite lounging place Among the many pillows that adorned the venerable couch was one hard round covered with prickly horsehair and furnished with a knobby button at each end This repulsive pillow was her especial property being used as a weapon of defense a barricade or a stern preventive of too much slumber

Laurie knew this pillow well and had cause to regard it with deep aversion having been unmercifully pummeled with it in former days when romping was allowed and now frequently debarred by it from the seat he most coveted next to Jo in the sofa corner If the sausage as they called it stood on end it was a sign that he might approach and repose but if it lay flat across the sofa woe to man woman or child who dared disturb it That evening Jo forgot to barricade her corner and had not been in her seat five minutes before a massive form appeared beside her and with both arms spread over the sofa back both long legs stretched out before him Laurie exclaimed with a sigh of satisfaction

Now this is filling at the price

No slang snapped Jo slamming down the pillow But it was too late there was no room for it and coasting onto the floor it disappeared in a most mysterious manner

Come Jo dont be thorny After studying himself to a skeleton all the week a fellow deserves petting and ought to get it

Beth will pet you Im busy

No shes not to be bothered with me but you like that sort of thing unless youve suddenly lost your taste for it Have you Do you hate your boy and want to fire pillows at him

Anything more wheedlesome than that touching appeal was seldom heard but Jo quenched her boy by turning on him with a stern query How many bouquets have you sent Miss Randal this week

Not one upon my word Shes engaged Now then

Im glad of it thats one of your foolish extravagances sending flowers and things to girls for whom you dont care two pins continued Jo reprovingly

Sensible girls for whom I do care whole papers of pins wont let me send them flowers and things so what can I do My feelings need a vent

Mother doesnt approve of flirting even in fun and you do flirt desperately Teddy

Id give anything if I could answer So do you As I cant Ill merely say that I dont see any harm in that pleasant little game if all parties understand that its only play

Well it does look pleasant but I cant learn how its done Ive tried because one feels awkward in company not to do as everybody else is doing but I dont seem to get on said Jo forgetting to play mentor

Take lessons of Amy she has a regular talent for it

Yes she does it very prettily and never seems to go too far I suppose its natural to some people to please without trying and others to always say and do the wrong thing in the wrong place

Im glad you cant flirt Its really refreshing to see a sensible straightforward girl who can be jolly and kind without making a fool of herself Between ourselves Jo some of the girls I know really do go on at such a rate Im ashamed of them They dont mean any harm Im sure but if they knew how we fellows talked about them afterward theyd mend their ways I fancy

They do the same and as their tongues are the sharpest you fellows get the worst of it for you are as silly as they every bit If you behaved properly they would but knowing you like their nonsense they keep it up and then you blame them

Much you know about it maam said Laurie in a superior tone We dont like romps and flirts though we may act as if we did sometimes The pretty modest girls are never talked about except respectfully among gentleman Bless your innocent soul If you could be in my place for a month youd see things that would astonish you a trifle Upon my word when I see one of those harumscarum girls I always want to say with our friend Cock Robin

Out upon you fie upon you
Boldfaced jig
It was impossible to help laughing at the funny conflict between Lauries chivalrous reluctance to speak ill of womankind and his very natural dislike of the unfeminine folly of which fashionable society showed him many samples Jo knew that young Laurence was regarded as a most eligible parti by worldly mamas was much smiled upon by their daughters and flattered enough by ladies of all ages to make a coxcomb of him so she watched him rather jealously fearing he would be spoiled and rejoiced more than she confessed to find that he still believed in modest girls Returning suddenly to her admonitory tone she said dropping her voice If you must have a vent Teddy go and devote yourself to one of the pretty modest girls whom you do respect and not waste your time with the silly ones

You really advise it and Laurie looked at her with an odd mixture of anxiety and merriment in his face

Yes I do but youd better wait till you are through college on the whole and be fitting yourself for the place meantime Youre not half good enough for—well whoever the modest girl may be and Jo looked a little queer likewise for a name had almost escaped her

That Im not acquiesced Laurie with an expression of humility quite new to him as he dropped his eyes and absently wound Jos apron tassel round his finger

Mercy on us this will never do thought Jo adding aloud Go and sing to me Im dying for some music and always like yours

Id rather stay here thank you

Well you cant there isnt room Go and make yourself useful since you are too big to be ornamental I thought you hated to be tied to a womans apron string retorted Jo quoting certain rebellious words of his own

Ah that depends on who wears the apron and Laurie gave an audacious tweak at the tassel

Are you going demanded Jo diving for the pillow

He fled at once and the minute it was well Up with the bonnets of bonnie Dundee she slipped away to return no more till the young gentleman departed in high dudgeon

Jo lay long awake that night and was just dropping off when the sound of a stifled sob made her fly to Beths bedside with the anxious inquiry What is it dear

I thought you were asleep sobbed Beth

Is it the old pain my precious

No its a new one but I can bear it and Beth tried to check her tears

Tell me all about it and let me cure it as I often did the other

You cant there is no cure There Beths voice gave way and clinging to her sister she cried so despairingly that Jo was frightened

Where is it Shall I call Mother

No no dont call her dont tell her I shall be better soon Lie down here and poor my head Ill be quiet and go to sleep indeed I will

Jo obeyed but as her hand went softly to and fro across Beths hot forehead and wet eyelids her heart was very full and she longed to speak But young as she was Jo had learned that hearts like flowers cannot be rudely handled but must open naturally so though she believed she knew the cause of Beths new pain she only said in her tenderest tone Does anything trouble you deary

Yes Jo after a long pause

Wouldnt it comfort you to tell me what it is

Not now not yet

Then I wont ask but remember Bethy that Mother and Jo are always glad to hear and help you if they can

I know it Ill tell you byandby

Is the pain better now

Oh yes much better you are so comfortable Jo

Go to sleep dear Ill stay with you

So cheek to cheek they fell asleep and on the morrow Beth seemed quite herself again for at eighteen neither heads nor hearts ache long and a loving word can medicine most ills

But Jo had made up her mind and after pondering over a project for some days she confided it to her mother

You asked me the other day what my wishes were Ill tell you one of them Marmee she began as they sat along together I want to go away somewhere this winter for a change

Why Jo and her mother looked up quickly as if the words suggested a double meaning

With her eyes on her work Jo answered soberly I want something new I feel restless and anxious to be seeing doing and learning more than I am I brood too much over my own small affairs and need stirring up so as I can be spared this winter Id like to hop a little way and try my wings

Where will you hop

To New York I had a bright idea yesterday and this is it You know Mrs Kirke wrote to you for some respectable young person to teach her children and sew Its rather hard to find just the thing but I think I should suit if I tried

My dear go out to service in that great boarding house and Mrs March looked surprised but not displeased

Its not exactly going out to service for Mrs Kirke is your friend—the kindest soul that ever lived—and would make things pleasant for me I know Her family is separate from the rest and no one knows me there Dont care if they do Its honest work and Im not ashamed of it

Nor I But your writing

All the better for the change I shall see and hear new things get new ideas and even if I havent much time there I shall bring home quantities of material for my rubbish

I have no doubt of it but are these your only reasons for this sudden fancy

No Mother

May I know the others

Jo looked up and Jo looked down then said slowly with sudden color in her cheeks It may be vain and wrong to say it but—Im afraid—Laurie is getting too fond of me

Then you dont care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you and Mrs March looked anxious as she put the question

Mercy no I love the dear boy as I always have and am immensely proud of him but as for anything more its out of the question

Im glad of that Jo

Why please

Because dear I dont think you suited to one another As friends you are very happy and your frequent quarrels soon blow over but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life You are too much alike and too fond of freedom not to mention hot tempers and strong wills to get on happily together in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance as well as love

Thats just the feeling I had though I couldnt express it Im glad you think he is only beginning to care for me It would trouble me sadly to make him unhappy for I couldnt fall in love with the dear old fellow merely out of gratitude could I

You are sure of his feeling for you

The color deepened in Jos cheeks as she answered with the look of mingled pleasure pride and pain which young girls wear when speaking of first lovers Im afraid it is so Mother He hasnt said anything but he looks a great deal I think I had better go away before it comes to anything

I agree with you and if it can be managed you shall go

Jo looked relieved and after a pause said smiling How Mrs Moffat would wonder at your want of management if she knew and how she will rejoice that Annie may still hope

Ah Jo mothers may differ in their management but the hope is the same in all—the desire to see their children happy Meg is so and I am content with her success You I leave to enjoy your liberty till you tire of it for only then will you find that there is something sweeter Amy is my chief care now but her good sense will help her For Beth I indulge no hopes except that she may be well By the way she seems brighter this last day or two Have you spoken to her

Yes she owned she had a trouble and promised to tell me byandby I said no more for I think I know it and Jo told her little story

Mrs March shook her head and did not take so romantic a view of the case but looked grave and repeated her opinion that for Lauries sake Jo should go away for a time

Let us say nothing about it to him till the plan is settled then Ill run away before he can collect his wits and be tragic Beth must think Im going to please myself as I am for I cant talk about Laurie to her But she can pet and comfort him after Im gone and so cure him of this romantic notion Hes been through so many little trials of the sort hes used to it and will soon get over his lovelornity

Jo spoke hopefully but could not rid herself of the foreboding fear that this little trial would be harder than the others and that Laurie would not get over his lovelornity as easily as heretofore

The plan was talked over in a family council and agreed upon for Mrs Kirke gladly accepted Jo and promised to make a pleasant home for her The teaching would render her independent and such leisure as she got might be made profitable by writing while the new scenes and society would be both useful and agreeable Jo liked the prospect and was eager to be gone for the home nest was growing too narrow for her restless nature and adventurous spirit When all was settled with fear and trembling she told Laurie but to her surprise he took it very quietly He had been graver than usual of late but very pleasant and when jokingly accused of turning over a new leaf he answered soberly So I am and I mean this one shall stay turned

Jo was very much relieved that one of his virtuous fits should come on just then and made her preparations with a lightened heart for Beth seemed more cheerful and hoped she was doing the best for all

One thing I leave in your especial care she said the night before she left

You mean your papers asked Beth

No my boy Be very good to him wont you

Of course I will but I cant fill your place and hell miss you sadly

It wont hurt him so remember I leave him in your charge to plague pet and keep in order

Ill do my best for your sake promised Beth wondering why Jo looked at her so queerly

When Laurie said goodby he whispered significantly It wont do a bit of good Jo My eye is on you so mind what you do or Ill come and bring you home

CHAPTER THIRTYTHREE

JOS JOURNAL

New York November

Dear Marmee and Beth

Im going to write you a regular volume for Ive got heaps to tell though Im not a fine young lady traveling on the continent When I lost sight of Fathers dear old face I felt a trifle blue and might have shed a briny drop or two if an Irish lady with four small children all crying more or less hadnt diverted my mind for I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar

Soon the sun came out and taking it as a good omen I cleared up likewise and enjoyed my journey with all my heart

Mrs Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once even in that big house full of strangers She gave me a funny little sky parlor—all she had but there is a stove in it and a nice table in a sunny window so I can sit here and write whenever I like A fine view and a church tower opposite atone for the many stairs and I took a fancy to my den on the spot The nursery where I am to teach and sew is a pleasant room next Mrs Kirkes private parlor and the two little girls are pretty children rather spoiled I fancy but they took to me after telling them The Seven Bad Pigs and Ive no doubt I shall make a model governess

I am to have my meals with the children if I prefer it to the great table and for the present I do for I am bashful though no one will believe it

Now my dear make yourself at home said Mrs K in her motherly way Im on the drive from morning to night as you may suppose with such a family but a great anxiety will be off my mind if I know the children are safe with you My rooms are always open to you and your own shall be as comfortable as I can make it There are some pleasant people in the house if you feel sociable and your evenings are always free Come to me if anything goes wrong and be as happy as you can Theres the tea bell I must run and change my cap And off she bustled leaving me to settle myself in my new nest

As I went downstairs soon after I saw something I liked The flights are very long in this tall house and as I stood waiting at the head of the third one for a little servant girl to lumber up I saw a gentleman come along behind her take the heavy hod of coal out of her hand carry it all the way up put it down at a door near by and walk away saying with a kind nod and a foreign accent It goes better so The little back is too young to haf such heaviness

Wasnt it good of him I like such things for as Father says trifles show character When I mentioned it to Mrs K that evening she laughed and said That must have been Professor Bhaer hes always doing things of that sort

Mrs K told me he was from Berlin very learned and good but poor as a church mouse and gives lessons to support himself and two little orphan nephews whom he is educating here according to the wishes of his sister who married an American Not a very romantic story but it interested me and I was glad to hear that Mrs K lends him her parlor for some of his scholars There is a glass door between it and the nursery and I mean to peep at him and then Ill tell you how he looks Hes almost forty so its no harm Marmee

After tea and a gotobed romp with the little girls I attacked the big workbasket and had a quiet evening chatting with my new friend I shall keep a journalletter and send it once a week so goodnight and more tomorrow

Tuesday Eve

Had a lively time in my seminary this morning for the children acted like Sancho and at one time I really thought I should shake them all round Some good angel inspired me to try gymnastics and I kept it up till they were glad to sit down and keep still After luncheon the girl took them out for a walk and I went to my needlework like little Mabel with a willing mind I was thanking my stars that Id learned to make nice buttonholes when the parlor door opened and shut and someone began to hum Kennst Du Das Land like a big bumblebee It was dreadfully improper I know but I couldnt resist the temptation and lifting one end of the curtain before the glass door I peeped in Professor Bhaer was there and while he arranged his books I took a good look at him A regular German—rather stout with brown hair tumbled all over his head a bushy beard good nose the kindest eyes I ever saw and a splendid big voice that does ones ears good after our sharp or slipshod American gabble His clothes were rusty his hands were large and he hadnt a really handsome feature in his face except his beautiful teeth yet I liked him for he had a fine head his linen was very nice and he looked like a gentleman though two buttons were off his coat and there was a patch on one shoe He looked sober in spite of his humming till he went to the window to turn the hyacinth bulbs toward the sun and stroke the cat who received him like an old friend Then he smiled and when a tap came at the door called out in a loud brisk tone Herein

I was just going to run when I caught sight of a morsel of a child carrying a big book and stopped to see what was going on

Me wants me Bhaer said the mite slamming down her book and running to meet him

Thou shalt haf thy Bhaer Come then and take a goot hug from him my Tina said the Professor catching her up with a laugh and holding her so high over his head that she had to stoop her little face to kiss him

Now me mus tuddy my lessin went on the funny little thing So he put her up at the table opened the great dictionary she had brought and gave her a paper and pencil and she scribbled away turning a leaf now and then and passing her little fat finger down the page as if finding a word so soberly that I nearly betrayed myself by a laugh while Mr Bhaer stood stroking her pretty hair with a fatherly look that made me think she must be his own though she looked more French than German

Another knock and the appearance of two young ladies sent me back to my work and there I virtuously remained through all the noise and gabbling that went on next door One of the girls kept laughing affectedly and saying Now Professor in a coquettish tone and the other pronounced her German with an accent that must have made it hard for him to keep sober

Both seemed to try his patience sorely for more than once I heard him say emphatically No no it is not so you haf not attend to what I say and once there was a loud rap as if he struck the table with his book followed by the despairing exclamation Prut It all goes bad this day

Poor man I pitied him and when the girls were gone took just one more peep to see if he survived it He seemed to have thrown himself back in his chair tired out and sat there with his eyes shut till the clock struck two when he jumped up put his books in his pocket as if ready for another lesson and taking little Tina who had fallen asleep on the sofa in his arms he carried her quietly away I fancy he has a hard life of it Mrs Kirke asked me if I wouldnt go down to the five oclock dinner and feeling a little bit homesick I thought I would just to see what sort of people are under the same roof with me So I made myself respectable and tried to slip in behind Mrs Kirke but as she is short and Im tall my efforts at concealment were rather a failure She gave me a seat by her and after my face cooled off I plucked up courage and looked about me The long table was full and every one intent on getting their dinner the gentlemen especially who seemed to be eating on time for they bolted in every sense of the word vanishing as soon as they were done There was the usual assortment of young men absorbed in themselves young couples absorbed in each other married ladies in their babies and old gentlemen in politics I dont think I shall care to have much to do with any of them except one sweetfaced maiden lady who looks as if she had something in her

Cast away at the very bottom of the table was the Professor shouting answers to the questions of a very inquisitive deaf old gentleman on one side and talking philosophy with a Frenchman on the other If Amy had been here shed have turned her back on him forever because sad to relate he had a great appetite and shoveled in his dinner in a manner which would have horrified her ladyship I didnt mind for I like to see folks eat with a relish as Hannah says and the poor man must have needed a deal of food after teaching idiots all day

As I went upstairs after dinner two of the young men were settling their hats before the hall mirror and I heard one say low to the other Whos the new party

Governess or something of that sort

What the deuce is she at our table for

Friend of the old ladys

Handsome head but no style

Not a bit of it Give us a light and come on

I felt angry at first and then I didnt care for a governess is as good as a clerk and Ive got sense if I havent style which is more than some people have judging from the remarks of the elegant beings who clattered away smoking like bad chimneys I hate ordinary people

Thursday

Yesterday was a quiet day spent in teaching sewing and writing in my little room which is very cozy with a light and fire I picked up a few bits of news and was introduced to the Professor It seems that Tina is the child of the Frenchwoman who does the fine ironing in the laundry here The little thing has lost her heart to Mr Bhaer and follows him about the house like a dog whenever he is at home which delights him as he is very fond of children though a bacheldore Kitty and Minnie Kirke likewise regard him with affection and tell all sorts of stories about the plays he invents the presents he brings and the splendid tales he tells The younger men quiz him it seems call him Old Fritz Lager Beer Ursa Major and make all manner of jokes on his name But he enjoys it like a boy Mrs Kirke says and takes it so goodnaturedly that they all like him in spite of his foreign ways

The maiden lady is a Miss Norton rich cultivated and kind She spoke to me at dinner today for I went to table again its such fun to watch people and asked me to come and see her at her room She has fine books and pictures knows interesting persons and seems friendly so I shall make myself agreeable for I do want to get into good society only it isnt the same sort that Amy likes

I was in our parlor last evening when Mr Bhaer came in with some newspapers for Mrs Kirke She wasnt there but Minnie who is a little old woman introduced me very prettily This is Mammas friend Miss March

Yes and shes jolly and we like her lots added Kitty who is an enfant terrible

We both bowed and then we laughed for the prim introduction and the blunt addition were rather a comical contrast

Ah yes I hear these naughty ones go to vex you Mees Marsch If so again call at me and I come he said with a threatening frown that delighted the little wretches

I promised I would and he departed but it seems as if I was doomed to see a good deal of him for today as I passed his door on my way out by accident I knocked against it with my umbrella It flew open and there he stood in his dressing gown with a big blue sock on one hand and a darning needle in the other He didnt seem at all ashamed of it for when I explained and hurried on he waved his hand sock and all saying in his loud cheerful way

You haf a fine day to make your walk Bon voyage Mademoiselle

I laughed all the way downstairs but it was a little pathetic also to think of the poor man having to mend his own clothes The German gentlemen embroider I know but darning hose is another thing and not so pretty

Saturday

Nothing has happened to write about except a call on Miss Norton who has a room full of pretty things and who was very charming for she showed me all her treasures and asked me if I would sometimes go with her to lectures and concerts as her escort if I enjoyed them She put it as a favor but Im sure Mrs Kirke has told her about us and she does it out of kindness to me Im as proud as Lucifer but such favors from such people dont burden me and I accepted gratefully

When I got back to the nursery there was such an uproar in the parlor that I looked in and there was Mr Bhaer down on his hands and knees with Tina on his back Kitty leading him with a jump rope and Minnie feeding two small boys with seedcakes as they roared and ramped in cages built of chairs

We are playing nargerie explained Kitty

Dis is mine effalunt added Tina holding on by the Professors hair

Mamma always allows us to do what we like Saturday afternoon when Franz and Emil come doesnt she Mr Bhaer said Minnie

The effalunt sat up looking as much in earnest as any of them and said soberly to me I gif you my wort it is so if we make too large a noise you shall say Hush to us and we go more softly

I promised to do so but left the door open and enjoyed the fun as much as they did for a more glorious frolic I never witnessed They played tag and soldiers danced and sang and when it began to grow dark they all piled onto the sofa about the Professor while he told charming fairy stories of the storks on the chimney tops and the little koblods who ride the snowflakes as they fall I wish Americans were as simple and natural as Germans dont you

Im so fond of writing I should go spinning on forever if motives of economy didnt stop me for though Ive used thin paper and written fine I tremble to think of the stamps this long letter will need Pray forward Amys as soon as you can spare them My small news will sound very flat after her splendors but you will like them I know Is Teddy studying so hard that he cant find time to write to his friends Take good care of him for me Beth and tell me all about the babies and give heaps of love to everyone From your faithful Jo

PS On reading over my letter it strikes me as rather Bhaery but I am always interested in odd people and I really had nothing else to write about Bless you

DECEMBER

My Precious Betsey

As this is to be a scribblescrabble letter I direct it to you for it may amuse you and give you some idea of my goings on for though quiet they are rather amusing for which oh be joyful After what Amy would call Herculaneum efforts in the way of mental and moral agriculture my young ideas begin to shoot and my little twigs to bend as I could wish They are not so interesting to me as Tina and the boys but I do my duty by them and they are fond of me Franz and Emil are jolly little lads quite after my own heart for the mixture of German and American spirit in them produces a constant state of effervescence Saturday afternoons are riotous times whether spent in the house or out for on pleasant days they all go to walk like a seminary with the Professor and myself to keep order and then such fun

We are very good friends now and Ive begun to take lessons I really couldnt help it and it all came about in such a droll way that I must tell you To begin at the beginning Mrs Kirke called to me one day as I passed Mr Bhaers room where she was rummaging

Did you ever see such a den my dear Just come and help me put these books to rights for Ive turned everything upside down trying to discover what he has done with the six new handkerchiefs I gave him not long ago

I went in and while we worked I looked about me for it was a den to be sure Books and papers everywhere a broken meerschaum and an old flute over the mantlepiece as if done with a ragged bird without any tail chirped on one window seat and a box of white mice adorned the other Halffinished boats and bits of string lay among the manuscripts Dirty little boots stood drying before the fire and traces of the dearly beloved boys for whom he makes a slave of himself were to be seen all over the room After a grand rummage three of the missing articles were found one over the bird cage one covered with ink and a third burned brown having been used as a holder

Such a man laughed goodnatured Mrs K as she put the relics in the rag bay I suppose the others are torn up to rig ships bandage cut fingers or make kite tails Its dreadful but I cant scold him Hes so absentminded and goodnatured he lets those boys ride over him roughshod I agreed to do his washing and mending but he forgets to give out his things and I forget to look them over so he comes to a sad pass sometimes

Let me mend them said I I dont mind it and he neednt know Id like to hes so kind to me about bringing my letters and lending books

So I have got his things in order and knit heels into two pairs of the socks for they were boggled out of shape with his queer darns Nothing was said and I hoped he wouldnt find it out but one day last week he caught me at it Hearing the lessons he gives to others has interested and amused me so much that I took a fancy to learn for Tina runs in and out leaving the door open and I can hear I had been sitting near this door finishing off the last sock and trying to understand what he said to a new scholar who is as stupid as I am The girl had gone and I thought he had also it was so still and I was busily gabbling over a verb and rocking to and fro in a most absurd way when a little crow made me look up and there was Mr Bhaer looking and laughing quietly while he made signs to Tina not to betray him

So he said as I stopped and stared like a goose you peep at me I peep at you and this is not bad but see I am not pleasanting when I say haf you a wish for German

Yes but you are too busy I am too stupid to learn I blundered out as red as a peony

Prut We will make the time and we fail not to find the sense At efening I shall gif a little lesson with much gladness for look you Mees Marsch I haf this debt to pay And he pointed to my work Yes they say to one another these so kind ladies he is a stupid old fellow he will see not what we do he will never observe that his sock heels go not in holes any more he will think his buttons grow out new when they fall and believe that strings make theirselves Ah But I haf an eye and I see much I haf a heart and I feel thanks for this Come a little lesson then and now or—no more good fairy works for me and mine

Of course I couldnt say anything after that and as it really is a splendid opportunity I made the bargain and we began I took four lessons and then I stuck fast in a grammatical bog The Professor was very patient with me but it must have been torment to him and now and then hed look at me with such an expression of mild despair that it was a tossup with me whether to laugh or cry I tried both ways and when it came to a sniff or utter mortification and woe he just threw the grammar on to the floor and marched out of the room I felt myself disgraced and deserted forever but didnt blame him a particle and was scrambling my papers together meaning to rush upstairs and shake myself hard when in he came as brisk and beaming as if Id covered myself in glory

Now we shall try a new way You and I will read these pleasant little marchen together and dig no more in that dry book that goes in the corner for making us trouble

He spoke so kindly and opened Hans Andersons fairy tales so invitingly before me that I was more ashamed than ever and went at my lesson in a neckornothing style that seemed to amuse him immensely I forgot my bashfulness and pegged away no other word will express it with all my might tumbling over long words pronouncing according to inspiration of the minute and doing my very best When I finished reading my first page and stopped for breath he clapped his hands and cried out in his hearty way Das ist gut Now we go well My turn I do him in German gif me your ear And away he went rumbling out the words with his strong voice and a relish which was good to see as well as hear Fortunately the story was The Constant Tin Soldier which is droll you know so I could laugh and I did though I didnt understand half he read for I couldnt help it he was so earnest I so excited and the whole thing so comical

After that we got on better and now I read my lessons pretty well for this way of studying suits me and I can see that the grammar gets tucked into the tales and poetry as one gives pills in jelly I like it very much and he doesnt seem tired of it yet which is very good of him isnt it I mean to give him something on Christmas for I dare not offer money Tell me something nice Marmee

Im glad Laurie seems so happy and busy that he has given up smoking and lets his hair grow You see Beth manages him better than I did Im not jealous dear do your best only dont make a saint of him Im afraid I couldnt like him without a spice of human naughtiness Read him bits of my letters I havent time to write much and that will do just as well Thank Heaven Beth continues so comfortable

JANUARY

A Happy New Year to you all my dearest family which of course includes Mr L and a young man by the name of Teddy I cant tell you how much I enjoyed your Christmas bundle for I didnt get it till night and had given up hoping Your letter came in the morning but you said nothing about a parcel meaning it for a surprise so I was disappointed for Id had a kind of feeling that you wouldnt forget me I felt a little low in my mind as I sat up in my room after tea and when the big muddy batteredlooking bundle was brought to me I just hugged it and pranced It was so homey and refreshing that I sat down on the floor and read and looked and ate and laughed and cried in my usual absurd way The things were just what I wanted and all the better for being made instead of bought Beths new ink bib was capital and Hannahs box of hard gingerbread will be a treasure Ill be sure and wear the nice flannels you sent Marmee and read carefully the books Father has marked Thank you all heaps and heaps

Speaking of books reminds me that Im getting rich in that line for on New Years Day Mr Bhaer gave me a fine Shakespeare It is one he values much and Ive often admired it set up in the place of honor with his German Bible Plato Homer and Milton so you may imagine how I felt when he brought it down without its cover and showed me my own name in it from my friend Friedrich Bhaer

You say often you wish a library Here I gif you one for between these lids he meant covers is many books in one Read him well and he will help you much for the study of character in this book will help you to read it in the world and paint it with your pen

I thanked him as well as I could and talk now about my library as if I had a hundred books I never knew how much there was in Shakespeare before but then I never had a Bhaer to explain it to me Now dont laugh at his horrid name It isnt pronounced either Bear or Beer as people will say it but something between the two as only Germans can give it Im glad you both like what I tell you about him and hope you will know him some day Mother would admire his warm heart Father his wise head I admire both and feel rich in my new friend Friedrich Bhaer

Not having much money or knowing what hed like I got several little things and put them about the room where he would find them unexpectedly They were useful pretty or funny a new standish on his table a little vase for his flower he always has one or a bit of green in a glass to keep him fresh he says and a holder for his blower so that he neednt burn up what Amy calls mouchoirs I made it like those Beth invented a big butterfly with a fat body and black and yellow wings worsted feelers and bead eyes It took his fancy immensely and he put it on his mantlepiece as an article of virtue so it was rather a failure after all Poor as he is he didnt forget a servant or a child in the house and not a soul here from the French laundrywoman to Miss Norton forgot him I was so glad of that

They got up a masquerade and had a gay time New Years Eve I didnt mean to go down having no dress But at the last minute Mrs Kirke remembered some old brocades and Miss Norton lent me lace and feathers So I dressed up as Mrs Malaprop and sailed in with a mask on No one knew me for I disguised my voice and no one dreamed of the silent haughty Miss March for they think I am very stiff and cool most of them and so I am to whippersnappers could dance and dress and burst out into a nice derangement of epitaphs like an allegory on the banks of the Nile I enjoyed it very much and when we unmasked it was fun to see them stare at me I heard one of the young men tell another that he knew Id been an actress in fact he thought he remembered seeing me at one of the minor theaters Meg will relish that joke Mr Bhaer was Nick Bottom and Tina was Titania a perfect little fairy in his arms To see them dance was quite a landscape to use a Teddyism

I had a very happy New Year after all and when I thought it over in my room I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures for Im cheerful all the time now work with a will and take more interest in other people than I used to which is satisfactory Bless you all Ever your loving Jo

CHAPTER THIRTYFOUR

FRIEND

Though very happy in the social atmosphere about her and very busy with the daily work that earned her bread and made it sweeter for the effort Jo still found time for literary labors The purpose which now took possession of her was a natural one to a poor and ambitious girl but the means she took to gain her end were not the best She saw that money conferred power money and power therefore she resolved to have not to be used for herself alone but for those whom she loved more than life The dream of filling home with comforts giving Beth everything she wanted from strawberries in winter to an organ in her bedroom going abroad herself and always having more than enough so that she might indulge in the luxury of charity had been for years Jos most cherished castle in the air

The prizestory experience had seemed to open a way which might after long traveling and much uphill work lead to this delightful chateau en Espagne But the novel disaster quenched her courage for a time for public opinion is a giant which has frightened stouterhearted Jacks on bigger beanstalks than hers Like that immortal hero she reposed awhile after the first attempt which resulted in a tumble and the least lovely of the giants treasures if I remember rightly But the up again and take another spirit was as strong in Jo as in Jack so she scrambled up on the shady side this time and got more booty but nearly left behind her what was far more precious than the moneybags

She took to writing sensation stories for in those dark ages even allperfect America read rubbish She told no one but concocted a thrilling tale and boldly carried it herself to Mr Dashwood editor of the Weekly Volcano She had never read Sartor Resartus but she had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners So she dressed herself in her best and trying to persuade herself that she was neither excited nor nervous bravely climbed two pairs of dark and dirty stairs to find herself in a disorderly room a cloud of cigar smoke and the presence of three gentlemen sitting with their heels rather higher than their hats which articles of dress none of them took the trouble to remove on her appearance Somewhat daunted by this reception Jo hesitated on the threshold murmuring in much embarrassment

Excuse me I was looking for the Weekly Volcano office I wished to see Mr Dashwood

Down went the highest pair of heels up rose the smokiest gentleman and carefully cherishing his cigar between his fingers he advanced with a nod and a countenance expressive of nothing but sleep Feeling that she must get through the matter somehow Jo produced her manuscript and blushing redder and redder with each sentence blundered out fragments of the little speech carefully prepared for the occasion

A friend of mine desired me to offer—a story—just as an experiment—would like your opinion—be glad to write more if this suits

While she blushed and blundered Mr Dashwood had taken the manuscript and was turning over the leaves with a pair of rather dirty fingers and casting critical glances up and down the neat pages

Not a first attempt I take it observing that the pages were numbered covered only on one side and not tied up with a ribbon—sure sign of a novice

No sir She has had some experience and got a prize for a tale in the Blarneystone Banner

Oh did she and Mr Dashwood gave Jo a quick look which seemed to take note of everything she had on from the bow in her bonnet to the buttons on her boots Well you can leave it if you like Weve more of this sort of thing on hand than we know what to do with at present but Ill run my eye over it and give you an answer next week

Now Jo did not like to leave it for Mr Dashwood didnt suit her at all but under the circumstances there was nothing for her to do but bow and walk away looking particularly tall and dignified as she was apt to do when nettled or abashed Just then she was both for it was perfectly evident from the knowing glances exchanged among the gentlemen that her little fiction of my friend was considered a good joke and a laugh produced by some inaudible remark of the editor as he closed the door completed her discomfiture Half resolving never to return she went home and worked off her irritation by stitching pinafores vigorously and in an hour or two was cool enough to laugh over the scene and long for next week

When she went again Mr Dashwood was alone whereat she rejoiced Mr Dashwood was much wider awake than before which was agreeable and Mr Dashwood was not too deeply absorbed in a cigar to remember his manners so the second interview was much more comfortable than the first

Well take this editors never say I if you dont object to a few alterations Its too long but omitting the passages Ive marked will make it just the right length he said in a businesslike tone

Jo hardly knew her own MS again so crumpled and underscored were its pages and paragraphs but feeling as a tender parent might on being asked to cut off her babys legs in order that it might fit into a new cradle she looked at the marked passages and was surprised to find that all the moral reflections—which she had carefully put in as ballast for much romance—had been stricken out

But Sir I thought every story should have some sort of a moral so I took care to have a few of my sinners repent

Mr Dashwoodss editorial gravity relaxed into a smile for Jo had forgotten her friend and spoken as only an author could

People want to be amused not preached at you know Morals dont sell nowadays Which was not quite a correct statement by the way

You think it would do with these alterations then

Yes its a new plot and pretty well worked up—language good and so on was Mr Dashwoods affable reply

What do you—that is what compensation— began Jo not exactly knowing how to express herself

Oh yes well we give from twentyfive to thirty for things of this sort Pay when it comes out returned Mr Dashwood as if that point had escaped him Such trifles do escape the editorial mind it is said

Very well you can have it said Jo handing back the story with a satisfied air for after the dollaracolumn work even twentyfive seemed good pay

Shall I tell my friend you will take another if she has one better than this asked Jo unconscious of her little slip of the tongue and emboldened by her success

Well well look at it Cant promise to take it Tell her to make it short and spicy and never mind the moral What name would your friend like to put on it in a careless tone

None at all if you please she doesnt wish her name to appear and has no nom de plume said Jo blushing in spite of herself

Just as she likes of course The tale will be out next week Will you call for the money or shall I send it asked Mr Dashwood who felt a natural desire to know who his new contributor might be

Ill call Good morning Sir

As she departed Mr Dashwood put up his feet with the graceful remark Poor and proud as usual but shell do

Following Mr Dashwoods directions and making Mrs Northbury her model Jo rashly took a plunge into the frothy sea of sensational literature but thanks to the life preserver thrown her by a friend she came up again not much the worse for her ducking

Like most young scribblers she went abroad for her characters and scenery and banditti counts gypsies nuns and duchesses appeared upon her stage and played their parts with as much accuracy and spirit as could be expected Her readers were not particular about such trifles as grammar punctuation and probability and Mr Dashwood graciously permitted her to fill his columns at the lowest prices not thinking it necessary to tell her that the real cause of his hospitality was the fact that one of his hacks on being offered higher wages had basely left him in the lurch

She soon became interested in her work for her emaciated purse grew stout and the little hoard she was making to take Beth to the mountains next summer grew slowly but surely as the weeks passed One thing disturbed her satisfaction and that was that she did not tell them at home She had a feeling that Father and Mother would not approve and preferred to have her own way first and beg pardon afterward It was easy to keep her secret for no name appeared with her stories Mr Dashwood had of course found it out very soon but promised to be dumb and for a wonder kept his word

She thought it would do her no harm for she sincerely meant to write nothing of which she would be ashamed and quieted all pricks of conscience by anticipations of the happy minute when she should show her earnings and laugh over her wellkept secret

But Mr Dashwood rejected any but thrilling tales and as thrills could not be produced except by harrowing up the souls of the readers history and romance land and sea science and art police records and lunatic asylums had to be ransacked for the purpose Jo soon found that her innocent experience had given her but few glimpses of the tragic world which underlies society so regarding it in a business light she set about supplying her deficiencies with characteristic energy Eager to find material for stories and bent on making them original in plot if not masterly in execution she searched newspapers for accidents incidents and crimes She excited the suspicions of public librarians by asking for works on poisons She studied faces in the street and characters good bad and indifferent all about her She delved in the dust of ancient times for facts or fictions so old that they were as good as new and introduced herself to folly sin and misery as well as her limited opportunities allowed She thought she was prospering finely but unconsciously she was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a womans character She was living in bad society and imaginary though it was its influence affected her for she was feeding heart and fancy on dangerous and unsubstantial food and was fast brushing the innocent bloom from her nature by a premature acquaintance with the darker side of life which comes soon enough to all of us

She was beginning to feel rather than see this for much describing of other peoples passions and feelings set her to studying and speculating about her own a morbid amusement in which healthy young minds do not voluntarily indulge Wrongdoing always brings its own punishment and when Jo most needed hers she got it

I dont know whether the study of Shakespeare helped her to read character or the natural instinct of a woman for what was honest brave and strong but while endowing her imaginary heroes with every perfection under the sun Jo was discovering a live hero who interested her in spite of many human imperfections Mr Bhaer in one of their conversations had advised her to study simple true and lovely characters wherever she found them as good training for a writer Jo took him at his word for she coolly turned round and studied him—a proceeding which would have much surprised him had he known it for the worthy Professor was very humble in his own conceit

Why everybody liked him was what puzzled Jo at first He was neither rich nor great young nor handsome in no respect what is called fascinating imposing or brilliant and yet he was as attractive as a genial fire and people seemed to gather about him as naturally as about a warm hearth He was poor yet always appeared to be giving something away a stranger yet everyone was his friend no longer young but as happyhearted as a boy plain and peculiar yet his face looked beautiful to many and his oddities were freely forgiven for his sake Jo often watched him trying to discover the charm and at last decided that it was benevolence which worked the miracle If he had any sorrow it sat with its head under its wing and he turned only his sunny side to the world There were lines upon his forehead but Time seemed to have touched him gently remembering how kind he was to others The pleasant curves about his mouth were the memorials of many friendly words and cheery laughs his eyes were never cold or hard and his big hand had a warm strong grasp that was more expressive than words

His very clothes seemed to partake of the hospitable nature of the wearer They looked as if they were at ease and liked to make him comfortable His capacious waistcoat was suggestive of a large heart underneath His rusty coat had a social air and the baggy pockets plainly proved that little hands often went in empty and came out full His very boots were benevolent and his collars never stiff and raspy like other peoples

Thats it said Jo to herself when she at length discovered that genuine good will toward ones fellow men could beautify and dignify even a stout German teacher who shoveled in his dinner darned his own socks and was burdened with the name of Bhaer

Jo valued goodness highly but she also possessed a most feminine respect for intellect and a little discovery which she made about the Professor added much to her regard for him He never spoke of himself and no one ever knew that in his native city he had been a man much honored and esteemed for learning and integrity till a countryman came to see him He never spoke of himself and in a conversation with Miss Norton divulged the pleasing fact From her Jo learned it and liked it all the better because Mr Bhaer had never told it She felt proud to know that he was an honored Professor in Berlin though only a poor languagemaster in America and his homely hardworking life was much beautified by the spice of romance which this discovery gave it Another and a better gift than intellect was shown her in a most unexpected manner Miss Norton had the entree into most society which Jo would have had no chance of seeing but for her The solitary woman felt an interest in the ambitious girl and kindly conferred many favors of this sort both on Jo and the Professor She took them with her one night to a select symposium held in honor of several celebrities

Jo went prepared to bow down and adore the mighty ones whom she had worshiped with youthful enthusiasm afar off But her reverence for genius received a severe shock that night and it took her some time to recover from the discovery that the great creatures were only men and women after all Imagine her dismay on stealing a glance of timid admiration at the poet whose lines suggested an ethereal being fed on spirit fire and dew to behold him devouring his supper with an ardor which flushed his intellectual countenance Turning as from a fallen idol she made other discoveries which rapidly dispelled her romantic illusions The great novelist vibrated between two decanters with the regularity of a pendulum the famous divine flirted openly with one of the Madame de Staels of the age who looked daggers at another Corinne who was amiably satirizing her after outmaneuvering her in efforts to absorb the profound philosopher who imbibed tea Johnsonianly and appeared to slumber the loquacity of the lady rendering speech impossible The scientific celebrities forgetting their mollusks and glacial periods gossiped about art while devoting themselves to oysters and ices with characteristic energy the young musician who was charming the city like a second Orpheus talked horses and the specimen of the British nobility present happened to be the most ordinary man of the party

Before the evening was half over Jo felt so completely disillusioned that she sat down in a corner to recover herself Mr Bhaer soon joined her looking rather out of his element and presently several of the philosophers each mounted on his hobby came ambling up to hold an intellectual tournament in the recess The conversations were miles beyond Jos comprehension but she enjoyed it though Kant and Hegel were unknown gods the Subjective and Objective unintelligible terms and the only thing evolved from her inner consciousness was a bad headache after it was all over It dawned upon her gradually that the world was being picked to pieces and put together on new and according to the talkers on infinitely better principles than before that religion was in a fair way to be reasoned into nothingness and intellect was to be the only God Jo knew nothing about philosophy or metaphysics of any sort but a curious excitement half pleasurable half painful came over her as she listened with a sense of being turned adrift into time and space like a young balloon out on a holiday

She looked round to see how the Professor liked it and found him looking at her with the grimmest expression she had ever seen him wear He shook his head and beckoned her to come away but she was fascinated just then by the freedom of Speculative Philosophy and kept her seat trying to find out what the wise gentlemen intended to rely upon after they had annihilated all the old beliefs

Now Mr Bhaer was a diffident man and slow to offer his own opinions not because they were unsettled but too sincere and earnest to be lightly spoken As he glanced from Jo to several other young people attracted by the brilliancy of the philosophic pyrotechnics he knit his brows and longed to speak fearing that some inflammable young soul would be led astray by the rockets to find when the display was over that they had only an empty stick or a scorched hand

He bore it as long as he could but when he was appealed to for an opinion he blazed up with honest indignation and defended religion with all the eloquence of truth—an eloquence which made his broken English musical and his plain face beautiful He had a hard fight for the wise men argued well but he didnt know when he was beaten and stood to his colors like a man Somehow as he talked the world got right again to Jo The old beliefs that had lasted so long seemed better than the new God was not a blind force and immortality was not a pretty fable but a blessed fact She felt as if she had solid ground under her feet again and when Mr Bhaer paused outtalked but not one whit convinced Jo wanted to clap her hands and thank him

She did neither but she remembered the scene and gave the Professor her heartiest respect for she knew it cost him an effort to speak out then and there because his conscience would not let him be silent She began to see that character is a better possession than money rank intellect or beauty and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be truth reverence and good will then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good but great

This belief strengthened daily She valued his esteem she coveted his respect she wanted to be worthy of his friendship and just when the wish was sincerest she came near to losing everything It all grew out of a cocked hat for one evening the Professor came in to give Jo her lesson with a paper soldier cap on his head which Tina had put there and he had forgotten to take off

Its evident he doesnt look in his glass before coming down thought Jo with a smile as he said Goot efening and sat soberly down quite unconscious of the ludicrous contrast between his subject and his headgear for he was going to read her the Death of Wallenstein

She said nothing at first for she liked to hear him laugh out his big hearty laugh when anything funny happened so she left him to discover it for himself and presently forgot all about it for to hear a German read Schiller is rather an absorbing occupation After the reading came the lesson which was a lively one for Jo was in a gay mood that night and the cocked hat kept her eyes dancing with merriment The Professor didnt know what to make of her and stopped at last to ask with an air of mild surprise that was irresistible

Mees Marsch for what do you laugh in your masters face Haf you no respect for me that you go on so bad

How can I be respectful Sir when you forget to take your hat off said Jo

Lifting his hand to his head the absentminded Professor gravely felt and removed the little cocked hat looked at it a minute and then threw back his head and laughed like a merry bass viol

Ah I see him now it is that imp Tina who makes me a fool with my cap Well it is nothing but see you if this lesson goes not well you too shall wear him

But the lesson did not go at all for a few minutes because Mr Bhaer caught sight of a picture on the hat and unfolding it said with great disgust I wish these papers did not come in the house They are not for children to see nor young people to read It is not well and I haf no patience with those who make this harm

Jo glanced at the sheet and saw a pleasing illustration composed of a lunatic a corpse a villain and a viper She did not like it but the impulse that made her turn it over was not one of displeasure but fear because for a minute she fancied the paper was the Volcano It was not however and her panic subsided as she remembered that even if it had been and one of her own tales in it there would have been no name to betray her She had betrayed herself however by a look and a blush for though an absent man the Professor saw a good deal more than people fancied He knew that Jo wrote and had met her down among the newspaper offices more than once but as she never spoke of it he asked no questions in spite of a strong desire to see her work Now it occurred to him that she was doing what she was ashamed to own and it troubled him He did not say to himself It is none of my business Ive no right to say anything as many people would have done He only remembered that she was young and poor a girl far away from mothers love and fathers care and he was moved to help her with an impulse as quick and natural as that which would prompt him to put out his hand to save a baby from a puddle All this flashed through his mind in a minute but not a trace of it appeared in his face and by the time the paper was turned and Jos needle threaded he was ready to say quite naturally but very gravely

Yes you are right to put it from you I do not think that good young girls should see such things They are made pleasant to some but I would more rather give my boys gunpowder to play with than this bad trash

All may not be bad only silly you know and if there is a demand for it I dont see any harm in supplying it Many very respectable people make an honest living out of what are called sensation stories said Jo scratching gathers so energetically that a row of little slits followed her pin

There is a demand for whisky but I think you and I do not care to sell it If the respectable people knew what harm they did they would not feel that the living was honest They haf no right to put poison in the sugarplum and let the small ones eat it No they should think a little and sweep mud in the street before they do this thing

Mr Bhaer spoke warmly and walked to the fire crumpling the paper in his hands Jo sat still looking as if the fire had come to her for her cheeks burned long after the cocked hat had turned to smoke and gone harmlessly up the chimney

I should like much to send all the rest after him muttered the Professor coming back with a relieved air

Jo thought what a blaze her pile of papers upstairs would make and her hardearned money lay rather heavily on her conscience at that minute Then she thought consolingly to herself Mine are not like that they are only silly never bad so I wont be worried and taking up her book she said with a studious face Shall we go on Sir Ill be very good and proper now

I shall hope so was all he said but he meant more than she imagined and the grave kind look he gave her made her feel as if the words Weekly Volcano were printed in large type on her forehead

As soon as she went to her room she got out her papers and carefully reread every one of her stories Being a little shortsighted Mr Bhaer sometimes used eye glasses and Jo had tried them once smiling to see how they magnified the fine print of her book Now she seemed to have on the Professors mental or moral spectacles also for the faults of these poor stories glared at her dreadfully and filled her with dismay

They are trash and will soon be worse trash if I go on for each is more sensational than the last Ive gone blindly on hurting myself and other people for the sake of money I know its so for I cant read this stuff in sober earnest without being horribly ashamed of it and what should I do if they were seen at home or Mr Bhaer got hold of them

Jo turned hot at the bare idea and stuffed the whole bundle into her stove nearly setting the chimney afire with the blaze

Yes thats the best place for such inflammable nonsense Id better burn the house down I suppose than let other people blow themselves up with my gunpowder she thought as she watched the Demon of the Jura whisk away a little black cinder with fiery eyes

But when nothing remained of all her three months work except a heap of ashes and the money in her lap Jo looked sober as she sat on the floor wondering what she ought to do about her wages

I think I havent done much harm yet and may keep this to pay for my time she said after a long meditation adding impatiently I almost wish I hadnt any conscience its so inconvenient If I didnt care about doing right and didnt feel uncomfortable when doing wrong I should get on capitally I cant help wishing sometimes that Mother and Father hadnt been so particular about such things

Ah Jo instead of wishing that thank God that Father and Mother were particular and pity from your heart those who have no such guardians to hedge them round with principles which may seem like prison walls to impatient youth but which will prove sure foundations to build character upon in womanhood

Jo wrote no more sensational stories deciding that the money did not pay for her share of the sensation but going to the other extreme as is the way with people of her stamp she took a course of Mrs Sherwood Miss Edgeworth and Hannah More and then produced a tale which might have been more properly called an essay or a sermon so intensely moral was it She had her doubts about it from the beginning for her lively fancy and girlish romance felt as ill at ease in the new style as she would have done masquerading in the stiff and cumbrous costume of the last century She sent this didactic gem to several markets but it found no purchaser and she was inclined to agree with Mr Dashwood that morals didnt sell

Then she tried a childs story which she could easily have disposed of if she had not been mercenary enough to demand filthy lucre for it The only person who offered enough to make it worth her while to try juvenile literature was a worthy gentleman who felt it his mission to convert all the world to his particular belief But much as she liked to write for children Jo could not consent to depict all her naughty boys as being eaten by bears or tossed by mad bulls because they did not go to a particular Sabbath school nor all the good infants who did go as rewarded by every kind of bliss from gilded gingerbread to escorts of angels when they departed this life with psalms or sermons on their lisping tongues So nothing came of these trials and Jo corked up her inkstand and said in a fit of very wholesome humility

I dont know anything Ill wait until I do before I try again and meantime sweep mud in the street if I cant do better thats honest at least Which decision proved that her second tumble down the beanstalk had done her some good

While these internal revolutions were going on her external life had been as busy and uneventful as usual and if she sometimes looked serious or a little sad no one observed it but Professor Bhaer He did it so quietly that Jo never knew he was watching to see if she would accept and profit by his reproof but she stood the test and he was satisfied for though no words passed between them he knew that she had given up writing Not only did he guess it by the fact that the second finger of her right hand was no longer inky but she spent her evenings downstairs now was met no more among newspaper offices and studied with a dogged patience which assured him that she was bent on occupying her mind with something useful if not pleasant

He helped her in many ways proving himself a true friend and Jo was happy for while her pen lay idle she was learning other lessons besides German and laying a foundation for the sensation story of her own life

It was a pleasant winter and a long one for she did not leave Mrs Kirke till June Everyone seemed sorry when the time came The children were inconsolable and Mr Bhaers hair stuck straight up all over his head for he always rumpled it wildly when disturbed in mind

Going home Ah you are happy that you haf a home to go in he said when she told him and sat silently pulling his beard in the corner while she held a little levee on that last evening

She was going early so she bade them all goodbye overnight and when his turn came she said warmly Now Sir you wont forget to come and see us if you ever travel our way will you Ill never forgive you if you do for I want them all to know my friend

Do you Shall I come he asked looking down at her with an eager expression which she did not see

Yes come next month Laurie graduates then and youd enjoy commencement as something new

That is your best friend of whom you speak he said in an altered tone

Yes my boy Teddy Im very proud of him and should like you to see him

Jo looked up then quite unconscious of anything but her own pleasure in the prospect of showing them to one another Something in Mr Bhaers face suddenly recalled the fact that she might find Laurie more than a best friend and simply because she particularly wished not to look as if anything was the matter she involuntarily began to blush and the more she tried not to the redder she grew If it had not been for Tina on her knee She didnt know what would have become of her Fortunately the child was moved to hug her so she managed to hide her face an instant hoping the Professor did not see it But he did and his own changed again from that momentary anxiety to its usual expression as he said cordially

I fear I shall not make the time for that but I wish the friend much success and you all happiness Gott bless you And with that he shook hands warmly shouldered Tina and went away

But after the boys were abed he sat long before his fire with the tired look on his face and the heimweh or homesickness lying heavy at his heart Once when he remembered Jo as she sat with the little child in her lap and that new softness in her face he leaned his head on his hands a minute and then roamed about the room as if in search of something that he could not find

It is not for me I must not hope it now he said to himself with a sigh that was almost a groan Then as if reproaching himself for the longing that he could not repress he went and kissed the two tousled heads upon the pillow took down his seldomused meerschaum and opened his Plato

He did his best and did it manfully but I dont think he found that a pair of rampant boys a pipe or even the divine Plato were very satisfactory substitutes for wife and child at home

Early as it was he was at the station next morning to see Jo off and thanks to him she began her solitary journey with the pleasant memory of a familiar face smiling its farewell a bunch of violets to keep her company and best of all the happy thought Well the winters gone and Ive written no books earned no fortune but Ive made a friend worth having and Ill try to keep him all my life

CHAPTER THIRTYFIVE

HEARTACHE

Whatever his motive might have been Laurie studied to some purpose that year for he graduated with honor and gave the Latin oration with the grace of a Phillips and the eloquence of a Demosthenes so his friends said They were all there his grandfather—oh so proud—Mr and Mrs March John and Meg Jo and Beth and all exulted over him with the sincere admiration which boys make light of at the time but fail to win from the world by any aftertriumphs

Ive got to stay for this confounded supper but I shall be home early tomorrow Youll come and meet me as usual girls Laurie said as he put the sisters into the carriage after the joys of the day were over He said girls but he meant Jo for she was the only one who kept up the old custom She had not the heart to refuse her splendid successful boy anything and answered warmly

Ill come Teddy rain or shine and march before you playing Hail the conquering hero comes on a jewsharp

Laurie thanked her with a look that made her think in a sudden panic Oh deary me I know hell say something and then what shall I do

Evening meditation and morning work somewhat allayed her fears and having decided that she wouldnt be vain enough to think people were going to propose when she had given them every reason to know what her answer would be she set forth at the appointed time hoping Teddy wouldnt do anything to make her hurt his poor feelings A call at Megs and a refreshing sniff and sip at the Daisy and Demijohn still further fortified her for the teteatete but when she saw a stalwart figure looming in the distance she had a strong desire to turn about and run away

Wheres the jewsharp Jo cried Laurie as soon as he was within speaking distance

I forgot it And Jo took heart again for that salutation could not be called loverlike

She always used to take his arm on these occasions now she did not and he made no complaint which was a bad sign but talked on rapidly about all sorts of faraway subjects till they turned from the road into the little path that led homeward through the grove Then he walked more slowly suddenly lost his fine flow of language and now and then a dreadful pause occurred To rescue the conversation from one of the wells of silence into which it kept falling Jo said hastily Now you must have a good long holiday

I intend to

Something in his resolute tone made Jo look up quickly to find him looking down at her with an expression that assured her the dreaded moment had come and made her put out her hand with an imploring No Teddy Please dont

I will and you must hear me Its no use Jo weve got to have it out and the sooner the better for both of us he answered getting flushed and excited all at once

Say what you like then Ill listen said Jo with a desperate sort of patience

Laurie was a young lover but he was in earnest and meant to have it out if he died in the attempt so he plunged into the subject with characteristic impetuousity saying in a voice that would get choky now and then in spite of manful efforts to keep it steady

Ive loved you ever since Ive known you Jo couldnt help it youve been so good to me Ive tried to show it but you wouldnt let me Now Im going to make you hear and give me an answer for I cant go on so any longer

I wanted to save you this I thought youd understand began Jo finding it a great deal harder than she expected

I know you did but the girls are so queer you never know what they mean They say no when they mean yes and drive a man out of his wits just for the fun of it returned Laurie entrenching himself behind an undeniable fact

I dont I never wanted to make you care for me so and I went away to keep you from it if I could

I thought so It was like you but it was no use I only loved you all the more and I worked hard to please you and I gave up billiards and everything you didnt like and waited and never complained for I hoped youd love me though Im not half good enough Here there was a choke that couldnt be controlled so he decapitated buttercups while he cleared his confounded throat

You you are youre a great deal too good for me and Im so grateful to you and so proud and fond of you I dont know why I cant love you as you want me to Ive tried but I cant change the feeling and it would be a lie to say I do when I dont

Really truly Jo

He stopped short and caught both her hands as he put his question with a look that she did not soon forget

Really truly dear

They were in the grove now close by the stile and when the last words fell reluctantly from Jos lips Laurie dropped her hands and turned as if to go on but for once in his life the fence was too much for him So he just laid his head down on the mossy post and stood so still that Jo was frightened

Oh Teddy Im sorry so desperately sorry I could kill myself if it would do any good I wish you wouldnt take it so hard I cant help it You know its impossible for people to make themselves love other people if they dont cried Jo inelegantly but remorsefully as she softly patted his shoulder remembering the time when he had comforted her so long ago

They do sometimes said a muffled voice from the post I dont believe its the right sort of love and Id rather not try it was the decided answer

There was a long pause while a blackbird sung blithely on the willow by the river and the tall grass rustled in the wind Presently Jo said very soberly as she sat down on the step of the stile Laurie I want to tell you something

He started as if he had been shot threw up his head and cried out in a fierce tone Dont tell me that Jo I cant bear it now

Tell what she asked wondering at his violence

That you love that old man

What old man demanded Jo thinking he must mean his grandfather

That devilish Professor you were always writing about If you say you love him I know I shall do something desperate and he looked as if he would keep his word as he clenched his hands with a wrathful spark in his eyes

Jo wanted to laugh but restrained herself and said warmly for she too was getting excited with all this Dont swear Teddy He isnt old nor anything bad but good and kind and the best friend Ive got next to you Pray dont fly into a passion I want to be kind but I know I shall get angry if you abuse my Professor I havent the least idea of loving him or anybody else

But you will after a while and then what will become of me

Youll love someone else too like a sensible boy and forget all this trouble

I cant love anyone else and Ill never forget you Jo Never Never with a stamp to emphasize his passionate words

What shall I do with him sighed Jo finding that emotions were more unmanagable than she expected You havent heard what I wanted to tell you Sit down and listen for indeed I want to do right and make you happy she said hoping to soothe him with a little reason which proved that she knew nothing about love

Seeing a ray of hope in that last speech Laurie threw himself down on the grass at her feet leaned his arm on the lower step of the stile and looked up at her with an expectant face Now that arrangement was not conducive to calm speech or clear thought on Jos part for how could she say hard things to her boy while he watched her with eyes full of love and longing and lashes still wet with the bitter drop or two her hardness of heart had wrung from him She gently turned his head away saying as she stroked the wavy hair which had been allowed to grow for her sake—how touching that was to be sure I agree with Mother that you and I are not suited to each other because our quick tempers and strong wills would probably make us very miserable if we were so foolish as to Jo paused a little over the last word but Laurie uttered it with a rapturous expression

Marry—no we shouldnt If you loved me Jo I should be a perfect saint for you could make me anything you like

No I cant Ive tried and failed and I wont risk our happiness by such a serious experiment We dont agree and we never shall so well be good friends all our lives but we wont go and do anything rash

Yes we will if we get the chance muttered Laurie rebelliously

Now do be reasonable and take a sensible view of the case implored Jo almost at her wits end

I wont be reasonable I dont want to take what you call a sensible view It wont help me and it only makes it harder I dont believe youve got any heart

I wish I hadnt

There was a little quiver in Jos voice and thinking it a good omen Laurie turned round bringing all his persuasive powers to bear as he said in the wheedlesome tone that had never been so dangerously wheedlesome before Dont disappoint us dear Everyone expects it Grandpa has set his heart upon it your people like it and I cant get on without you Say you will and lets be happy Do do

Not until months afterward did Jo understand how she had the strength of mind to hold fast to the resolution she had made when she decided that she did not love her boy and never could It was very hard to do but she did it knowing that delay was both useless and cruel

I cant say yes truly so I wont say it at all Youll see that Im right byandby and thank me for it she began solemnly

Ill be hanged if I do and Laurie bounced up off the grass burning with indignation at the very idea

Yes you will persisted Jo Youll get over this after a while and find some lovely accomplished girl who will adore you and make a fine mistress for your fine house I shouldnt Im homely and awkward and odd and old and youd be ashamed of me and we should quarrel—we cant help it even now you see—and I shouldnt like elegant society and you would and youd hate my scribbling and I couldnt get on without it and we should be unhappy and wish we hadnt done it and everything would be horrid

Anything more asked Laurie finding it hard to listen patiently to this prophetic burst

Nothing more except that I dont believe I shall ever marry Im happy as I am and love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man

I know better broke in Laurie You think so now but therell come a time when you will care for somebody and youll love him tremendously and live and die for him I know you will its your way and I shall have to stand by and see it and the despairing lover cast his hat upon the ground with a gesture that would have seemed comical if his face had not been so tragic

Yes I will live and die for him if he ever comes and makes me love him in spite of myself and you must do the best you can cried Jo losing patience with poor Teddy Ive done my best but you wont be reasonable and its selfish of you to keep teasing for what I cant give I shall always be fond of you very fond indeed as a friend but Ill never marry you and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us—so now

That speech was like gunpowder Laurie looked at her a minute as if he did not quite know what to do with himself then turned sharply away saying in a desperate sort of tone Youll be sorry some day Jo

Oh where are you going she cried for his face frightened her

To the devil was the consoling answer

For a minute Jos heart stood still as he swung himself down the bank toward the river but it takes much folly sin or misery to send a young man to a violent death and Laurie was not one of the weak sort who are conquered by a single failure He had no thought of a melodramatic plunge but some blind instinct led him to fling hat and coat into his boat and row away with all his might making better time up the river than he had done in any race Jo drew a long breath and unclasped her hands as she watched the poor fellow trying to outstrip the trouble which he carried in his heart

That will do him good and hell come home in such a tender penitent state of mind that I shant dare to see him she said adding as she went slowly home feeling as if she had murdered some innocent thing and buried it under the leaves Now I must go and prepare Mr Laurence to be very kind to my poor boy I wish hed love Beth perhaps he may in time but I begin to think I was mistaken about her Oh dear How can girls like to have lovers and refuse them I think its dreadful

Being sure that no one could do it so well as herself she went straight to Mr Laurence told the hard story bravely through and then broke down crying so dismally over her own insensibility that the kind old gentleman though sorely disappointed did not utter a reproach He found it difficult to understand how any girl could help loving Laurie and hoped she would change her mind but he knew even better than Jo that love cannot be forced so he shook his head sadly and resolved to carry his boy out of harms way for Young Impetuositys parting words to Jo disturbed him more than he would confess

When Laurie came home dead tired but quite composed his grandfather met him as if he knew nothing and kept up the delusion very successfully for an hour or two But when they sat together in the twilight the time they used to enjoy so much it was hard work for the old man to ramble on as usual and harder still for the young one to listen to praises of the last years success which to him now seemed like loves labor lost He bore it as long as he could then went to his piano and began to play The windows were open and Jo walking in the garden with Beth for once understood music better than her sister for he played the Sonata Pathetique and played it as he never did before

Thats very fine I dare say but its sad enough to make one cry Give us something gayer lad said Mr Laurence whose kind old heart was full of sympathy which he longed to show but knew not how

Laurie dashed into a livelier strain played stormily for several minutes and would have got through bravely if in a momentary lull Mrs Marchs voice had not been heard calling Jo dear come in I want you

Just what Laurie longed to say with a different meaning As he listened he lost his place the music ended with a broken chord and the musician sat silent in the dark

I cant stand this muttered the old gentleman Up he got groped his way to the piano laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders and said as gently as a woman I know my boy I know

No answer for an instant then Laurie asked sharply Who told you

Jo herself

Then theres an end of it And he shook off his grandfathers hands with an impatient motion for though grateful for the sympathy his mans pride could not bear a mans pity

Not quite I want to say one thing and then there shall be an end of it returned Mr Laurence with unusual mildness You wont care to stay at home now perhaps

I dont intend to run away from a girl Jo cant prevent my seeing her and I shall stay and do it as long as I like interrupted Laurie in a defiant tone

Not if you are the gentleman I think you Im disappointed but the girl cant help it and the only thing left for you to do is to go away for a time Where will you go

Anywhere I dont care what becomes of me and Laurie got up with a reckless laugh that grated on his grandfathers ear

Take it like a man and dont do anything rash for Gods sake Why not go abroad as you planned and forget it

I cant

But youve been wild to go and I promised you should when you got through college

Ah but I didnt mean to go alone and Laurie walked fast through the room with an expression which it was well his grandfather did not see

I dont ask you to go alone Theres someone ready and glad to go with you anywhere in the world

Who Sir stopping to listen

Myself

Laurie came back as quickly as he went and put out his hand saying huskily Im a selfish brute but—you know—Grandfather—

Lord help me yes I do know for Ive been through it all before once in my own young days and then with your father Now my dear boy just sit quietly down and hear my plan Its all settled and can be carried out at once said Mr Laurence keeping hold of the young man as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him

Well sir what is it and Laurie sat down without a sign of interest in face or voice

There is business in London that needs looking after I meant you should attend to it but I can do it better myself and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them My partners do almost everything Im merely holding on until you take my place and can be off at any time

But you hate traveling Sir I cant ask it of you at your age began Laurie who was grateful for the sacrifice but much preferred to go alone if he went at all

The old gentleman knew that perfectly well and particularly desired to prevent it for the mood in which he found his grandson assured him that it would not be wise to leave him to his own devices So stifling a natural regret at the thought of the home comforts he would leave behind him he said stoutly Bless your soul Im not superannuated yet I quite enjoy the idea It will do me good and my old bones wont suffer for traveling nowadays is almost as easy as sitting in a chair

A restless movement from Laurie suggested that his chair was not easy or that he did not like the plan and made the old man add hastily I dont mean to be a marplot or a burden I go because I think youd feel happier than if I was left behind I dont intend to gad about with you but leave you free to go where you like while I amuse myself in my own way Ive friends in London and Paris and should like to visit them Meantime you can go to Italy Germany Switzerland where you will and enjoy pictures music scenery and adventures to your hearts content

Now Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness but at the sound of certain words which the old gentleman artfully introduced into his closing sentence the broken heart gave an unexpected leap and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howling wilderness He sighed and then said in a spiritless tone Just as you like Sir It doesnt matter where I go or what I do

It does to me remember that my lad I give you entire liberty but I trust you to make an honest use of it Promise me that Laurie

Anything you like Sir

Good thought the old gentleman You dont care now but therell come a time when that promise will keep you out of mischief or Im much mistaken

Being an energetic individual Mr Laurence struck while the iron was hot and before the blighted being recovered spirit enough to rebel they were off During the time necessary for preparation Laurie bore himself as young gentleman usually do in such cases He was moody irritable and pensive by turns lost his appetite neglected his dress and devoted much time to playing tempestuously on his piano avoided Jo but consoled himself by staring at her from his window with a tragic face that haunted her dreams by night and oppressed her with a heavy sense of guilt by day Unlike some sufferers he never spoke of his unrequited passion and would allow no one not even Mrs March to attempt consolation or offer sympathy On some accounts this was a relief to his friends but the weeks before his departure were very uncomfortable and everyone rejoiced that the poor dear fellow was going away to forget his trouble and come home happy Of course he smiled darkly at their delusion but passed it by with the sad superiority of one who knew that his fidelity like his love was unalterable

When the parting came he affected high spirits to conceal certain inconvenient emotions which seemed inclined to assert themselves This gaiety did not impose upon anybody but they tried to look as if it did for his sake and he got on very well till Mrs March kissed him with a whisper full of motherly solicitude Then feeling that he was going very fast he hastily embraced them all round not forgetting the afflicted Hannah and ran downstairs as if for his life Jo followed a minute after to wave her hand to him if he looked round He did look round came back put his arms about her as she stood on the step above him and looked up at her with a face that made his short appeal eloquent and pathetic

Oh Jo cant you

Teddy dear I wish I could

That was all except a little pause Then Laurie straightened himself up said Its all right never mind and went away without another word Ah but it wasnt all right and Jo did mind for while the curly head lay on her arm a minute after her hard answer she felt as if she had stabbed her dearest friend and when he left her without a look behind him she knew that the boy Laurie never would come again

CHAPTER THIRTYSIX

BETHS SECRET

When Jo came home that spring she had been struck with the change in Beth No one spoke of it or seemed aware of it for it had come too gradually to startle those who saw her daily but to eyes sharpened by absence it was very plain and a heavy weight fell on Jos heart as she saw her sisters face It was no paler and but littler thinner than in the autumn yet there was a strange transparent look about it as if the mortal was being slowly refined away and the immortal shining through the frail flesh with an indescribably pathetic beauty Jo saw and felt it but said nothing at the time and soon the first impression lost much of its power for Beth seemed happy no one appeared to doubt that she was better and presently in other cares Jo for a time forgot her fear

But when Laurie was gone and peace prevailed again the vague anxiety returned and haunted her She had confessed her sins and been forgiven but when she showed her savings and proposed a mountain trip Beth had thanked her heartily but begged not to go so far away from home Another little visit to the seashore would suit her better and as Grandma could not be prevailed upon to leave the babies Jo took Beth down to the quiet place where she could live much in the open air and let the fresh sea breezes blow a little color into her pale cheeks

It was not a fashionable place but even among the pleasant people there the girls made few friends preferring to live for one another Beth was too shy to enjoy society and Jo too wrapped up in her to care for anyone else So they were all in all to each other and came and went quite unconscious of the interest they exited in those about them who watched with sympathetic eyes the strong sister and the feeble one always together as if they felt instinctively that a long separation was not far away

They did feel it yet neither spoke of it for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome Jo felt as if a veil had fallen between her heart and Beths but when she put out her hand to lift it up there seemed something sacred in the silence and she waited for Beth to speak She wondered and was thankful also that her parents did not seem to see what she saw and during the quiet weeks when the shadows grew so plain to her she said nothing of it to those at home believing that it would tell itself when Beth came back no better She wondered still more if her sister really guessed the hard truth and what thoughts were passing through her mind during the long hours when she lay on the warm rocks with her head in Jos lap while the winds blew healthfully over her and the sea made music at her feet

One day Beth told her Jo thought she was asleep she lay so still and putting down her book sat looking at her with wistful eyes trying to see signs of hope in the faint color on Beths cheeks But she could not find enough to satisfy her for the cheeks were very thin and the hands seemed too feeble to hold even the rosy little shells they had been collecting It came to her then more bitterly than ever that Beth was slowly drifting away from her and her arms instinctively tightened their hold upon the dearest treasure she possessed For a minute her eyes were too dim for seeing and when they cleared Beth was looking up at her so tenderly that there was hardly any need for her to say Jo dear Im glad you know it Ive tried to tell you but I couldnt

There was no answer except her sisters cheek against her own not even tears for when most deeply moved Jo did not cry She was the weaker then and Beth tried to comfort and sustain her with her arms about her and the soothing words she whispered in her ear

Ive known it for a good while dear and now Im used to it it isnt hard to think of or to bear Try to see it so and dont be troubled about me because its best indeed it is

Is this what made you so unhappy in the autumn Beth You did not feel it then and keep it to yourself so long did you asked Jo refusing to see or say that it was best but glad to know that Laurie had no part in Beths trouble

Yes I gave up hoping then but I didnt like to own it I tried to think it was a sick fancy and would not let it trouble anyone But when I saw you all so well and strong and full of happy plans it was hard to feel that I could never be like you and then I was miserable Jo

Oh Beth and you didnt tell me didnt let me comfort and help you How could you shut me out bear it all alone

Jos voice was full of tender reproach and her heart ached to think of the solitary struggle that must have gone on while Beth learned to say goodbye to health love and life and take up her cross so cheerfully

Perhaps it was wrong but I tried to do right I wasnt sure no one said anything and I hoped I was mistaken It would have been selfish to frighten you all when Marmee was so anxious about Meg and Amy away and you so happy with Laurie—at least I thought so then

And I thought you loved him Beth and I went away because I couldnt cried Jo glad to say all the truth

Beth looked so amazed at the idea that Jo smiled in spite of her pain and added softly Then you didnt dearie I was afraid it was so and imagined your poor little heart full of lovelornity all that while

Why Jo how could I when he was so fond of you asked Beth as innocently as a child I do love him dearly He is so good to me how can I help It But he could never be anything to me but my brother I hope he truly will be sometime

Not through me said Jo decidedly Amy is left for him and they would suit excellently but I have no heart for such things now I dont care what becomes of anybody but you Beth You must get well

I want to oh so much I try but every day I lose a little and feel more sure that I shall never gain it back Its like the tide Jo when it turns it goes slowly but it cant be stopped

It shall be stopped your tide must not turn so soon nineteen is too young Beth I cant let you go Ill work and pray and fight against it Ill keep you in spite of everything There must be ways it cant be too late God wont be so cruel as to take you from me cried poor Jo rebelliously for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beths

Simple sincere people seldom speak much of their piety It shows itself in acts rather than in words and has more influence than homilies or protestations Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life and cheerfully wait for death Like a confiding child she asked no questions but left everything to God and nature Father and Mother of us all feeling sure that they and they only could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches only loved her better for her passionate affection and clung more closely to the dear human love from which our Father never means us to be weaned but through which He draws us closer to Himself She could not say Im glad to go for life was very sweet for her She could only sob out I try to be willing while she held fast to Jo as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together

By and by Beth said with recovered serenity Youll tell them this when we go home

I think they will see it without words sighed Jo for now it seemed to her that Beth changed every day

Perhaps not Ive heard that the people who love best are often blindest to such things If they dont see it you will tell them for me I dont want any secrets and its kinder to prepare them Meg has John and the babies to comfort her but you must stand by Father and Mother wont you Jo

If I can But Beth I dont give up yet Im going to believe that it is a sick fancy and not let you think its true said Jo trying to speak cheerfully

Beth lay a minute thinking and then said in her quiet way I dont know how to express myself and shouldnt try to anyone but you because I cant speak out except to my Jo I only mean to say that I have a feeling that it never was intended I should live long Im not like the rest of you I never made any plans about what Id do when I grew up I never thought of being married as you all did I couldnt seem to imagine myself anything but stupid little Beth trotting about at home of no use anywhere but there I never wanted to go away and the hard part now is the leaving you all Im not afraid but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven

Jo could not speak and for several minutes there was no sound but the sigh of the wind and the lapping of the tide A whitewinged gull flew by with the flash of sunshine on its silvery breast Beth watched it till it vanished and her eyes were full of sadness A little graycoated sand bird came tripping over the beach peeping softly to itself as if enjoying the sun and sea It came quite close to Beth and looked at her with a friendly eye and sat upon a warm stone dressing its wet feathers quite at home Beth smiled and felt comforted for the tiny thing seemed to offer its small friendship and remind her that a pleasant world was still to be enjoyed

Dear little bird See Jo how tame it is I like peeps better than the gulls They are not so wild and handsome but they seem happy confiding little things I used to call them my birds last summer and Mother said they reminded her of me—busy quakercolored creatures always near the shore and always chirping that contented little song of theirs You are the gull Jo strong and wild fond of the storm and the wind flying far out to sea and happy all alone Meg is the turtledove and Amy is like the lark she writes about trying to get up among the clouds but always dropping down into its nest again Dear little girl Shes so ambitious but her heart is good and tender and no matter how high she flies she never will forget home I hope I shall see her again but she seems so far away

She is coming in the spring and I mean that you shall be all ready to see and enjoy her Im going to have you well and rosy by that time began Jo feeling that of all the changes in Beth the talking change was the greatest for it seemed to cost no effort now and she thought aloud in a way quite unlike bashful Beth

Jo dear dont hope any more It wont do any good Im sure of that We wont be miserable but enjoy being together while we wait Well have happy times for I dont suffer much and I think the tide will go out easily if you help me

Jo leaned down to kiss the tranquil face and with that silent kiss she dedicated herself soul and body to Beth

She was right There was no need of any words when they got home for Father and Mother saw plainly now what they had prayed to be saved from seeing Tired with her short journey Beth went at once to bed saying how glad she was to be home and when Jo went down she found that she would be spared the hard task of telling Beths secret Her father stood leaning his head on the mantelpiece and did not turn as she came in but her mother stretched out her arms as if for help and Jo went to comfort her without a word

CHAPTER THIRTYSEVEN

NEW IMPRESSIONS

At three oclock in the afternoon all the fashionable world at Nice may be seen on the Promenade des Anglais—a charming place for the wide walk bordered with palms flowers and tropical shrubs is bounded on one side by the sea on the other by the grand drive lined with hotels and villas while beyond lie orange orchards and the hills Many nations are represented many languages spoken many costumes worn and on a sunny day the spectacle is as gay and brilliant as a carnival Haughty English lively French sober Germans handsome Spaniards ugly Russians meek Jews freeandeasy Americans all drive sit or saunter here chatting over the news and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived—Ristori or Dickens Victor Emmanuel or the Queen of the Sandwich Islands The equipages are as varied as the company and attract as much attention especially the low basket barouches in which ladies drive themselves with a pair of dashing ponies gay nets to keep their voluminous flounces from overflowing the diminutive vehicles and little grooms on the perch behind

Along this walk on Christmas Day a tall young man walked slowly with his hands behind him and a somewhat absent expression of countenance He looked like an Italian was dressed like an Englishman and had the independent air of an American—a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him and sundry dandies in black velvet suits with rosecolored neckties buff gloves and orange flowers in their buttonholes to shrug their shoulders and then envy him his inches There were plenty of pretty faces to admire but the young man took little notice of them except to glance now and then at some blonde girl in blue Presently he strolled out of the promenade and stood a moment at the crossing as if undecided whether to go and listen to the band in the Jardin Publique or to wander along the beach toward Castle Hill The quick trot of ponies feet made him look up as one of the little carriages containing a single young lady came rapidly down the street The lady was young blonde and dressed in blue He stared a minute then his whole face woke up and waving his hat like a boy he hurried forward to meet her

Oh Laurie is it really you I thought youd never come cried Amy dropping the reins and holding out both hands to the great scandalization of a French mamma who hastened her daughters steps lest she should be demoralized by beholding the free manners of these mad English

I was detained by the way but I promised to spend Christmas with you and here I am

How is your grandfather When did you come Where are you staying

Very well—last night—at the Chauvain I called at your hotel but you were out

I have so much to say I dont know where to begin Get in and we can talk at our ease I was going for a drive and longing for company Flos saving up for tonight

What happens then a ball

A Christmas party at our hotel There are many Americans there and they give it in honor of the day Youll go with us of course Aunt will be charmed

Thank you Where now asked Laurie leaning back and folding his arms a proceeding which suited Amy who preferred to drive for her parasol whip and blue reins over the white ponies backs afforded her infinite satisfaction

Im going to the bankers first for letters and then to Castle Hill The view is so lovely and I like to feed the peacocks Have you ever been there

Often years ago but I dont mind having a look at it

Now tell me all about yourself The last I heard of you your grandfather wrote that he expected you from Berlin

Yes I spent a month there and then joined him in Paris where he has settled for the winter He has friends there and finds plenty to amuse him so I go and come and we get on capitally

Thats a sociable arrangement said Amy missing something in Lauries manner though she couldnt tell what

Why you see he hates to travel and I hate to keep still so we each suit ourselves and there is no trouble I am often with him and he enjoys my adventures while I like to feel that someone is glad to see me when I get back from my wanderings Dirty old hole isnt it he added with a look of disgust as they drove along the boulevard to the Place Napoleon in the old city

The dirt is picturesque so I dont mind The river and the hills are delicious and these glimpses of the narrow cross streets are my delight Now we shall have to wait for that procession to pass Its going to the Church of St John

While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies whiteveiled nuns bearing lighted tapers and some brotherhood in blue chanting as they walked Amy watched him and felt a new sort of shyness steal over her for he was changed and she could not find the merryfaced boy she left in the moodylooking man beside her He was handsomer than ever and greatly improved she thought but now that the flush of pleasure at meeting her was over he looked tired and spiritless—not sick nor exactly unhappy but older and graver than a year or two of prosperous life should have made him She couldnt understand it and did not venture to ask questions so she shook her head and touched up her ponies as the procession wound away across the arches of the Paglioni bridge and vanished in the church

Que pensezvous she said airing her French which had improved in quantity if not in quality since she came abroad

That mademoiselle has made good use of her time and the result is charming replied Laurie bowing with his hand on his heart and an admiring look

She blushed with pleasure but somehow the compliment did not satisfy her like the blunt praises he used to give her at home when he promenaded round her on festival occasions and told her she was altogether jolly with a hearty smile and an approving pat on the head She didnt like the new tone for though not blase it sounded indifferent in spite of the look

If thats the way hes going to grow up I wish hed stay a boy she thought with a curious sense of disappointment and discomfort trying meantime to seem quite easy and gay

At Avigdors she found the precious home letters and giving the reins to Laurie read them luxuriously as they wound up the shady road between green hedges where tea roses bloomed as freshly as in June

Beth is very poorly Mother says I often think I ought to go home but they all say stay So I do for I shall never have another chance like this said Amy looking sober over one page

I think you are right there You could do nothing at home and it is a great comfort to them to know that you are well and happy and enjoying so much my dear

He drew a little nearer and looked more like his old self as he said that and the fear that sometimes weighed on Amys heart was lightened for the look the act the brotherly my dear seemed to assure her that if any trouble did come she would not be alone in a strange land Presently she laughed and showed him a small sketch of Jo in her scribbling suit with the bow rampantly erect upon her cap and issuing from her mouth the words Genius burns

Laurie smiled took it put it in his vest pocket to keep it from blowing away and listened with interest to the lively letter Amy read him

This will be a regularly merry Christmas to me with presents in the morning you and letters in the afternoon and a party at night said Amy as they alighted among the ruins of the old fort and a flock of splendid peacocks came trooping about them tamely waiting to be fed While Amy stood laughing on the bank above him as she scattered crumbs to the brilliant birds Laurie looked at her as she had looked at him with a natural curiosity to see what changes time and absence had wrought He found nothing to perplex or disappoint much to admire and approve for overlooking a few little affectations of speech and manner she was as sprightly and graceful as ever with the addition of that indescribable something in dress and bearing which we call elegance Always mature for her age she had gained a certain aplomb in both carriage and conversation which made her seem more of a woman of the world than she was but her old petulance now and then showed itself her strong will still held its own and her native frankness was unspoiled by foreign polish

Laurie did not read all this while he watched her feed the peacocks but he saw enough to satisfy and interest him and carried away a pretty little picture of a brightfaced girl standing in the sunshine which brought out the soft hue of her dress the fresh color of her cheeks the golden gloss of her hair and made her a prominent figure in the pleasant scene

As they came up onto the stone plateau that crowns the hill Amy waved her hand as if welcoming him to her favorite haunt and said pointing here and there Do you remember the Cathedral and the Corso the fishermen dragging their nets in the bay and the lovely road to Villa Franca Schuberts Tower just below and best of all that speck far out to sea which they say is Corsica

I remember Its not much changed he answered without enthusiasm

What Jo would give for a sight of that famous speck said Amy feeling in good spirits and anxious to see him so also

Yes was all he said but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight

Take a good look at it for her sake and then come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while said Amy seating herself ready for a good talk

But she did not get it for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been to Greece So after idling away an hour they drove home again and having paid his respects to Mrs Carrol Laurie left them promising to return in the evening

It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night Time and absence had done its work on both the young people She had seen her old friend in a new light not as our boy but as a handsome and agreeable man and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight Amy knew her good points and made the most of them with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman

Tarlatan and tulle were cheap at Nice so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers a few trinkets and all manner of dainty devices which were both inexpensive and effective It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman and indulged in antique coiffures statuesque attitudes and classic draperies But dear heart we all have our little weaknesses and find it easy to pardon such in the young who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness and keep our hearts merry with their artless vanities

I do want him to think I look well and tell them so at home said Amy to herself as she put on Flos old white silk ball dress and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion out of which her white shoulders and golden head emerged with a most artistic effect Her hair she had the sense to let alone after gathering up the thick waves and curls into a Hebelike knot at the back of her head

Its not the fashion but its becoming and I cant afford to make a fright of myself she used to say when advised to frizzle puff or braid as the latest style commanded

Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines Remembering the painted boots she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction and chassed down the room admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself

My new fan just matches my flowers my gloves fit to a charm and the real lace on Aunts mouchoir gives an air to my whole dress If I only had a classical nose and mouth I should be perfectly happy she said surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand

In spite of this affliction she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away She seldom ran—it did not suit her style she thought for being tall the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante She walked up and down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie and once arranged herself under the chandelier which had a good effect upon her hair then she thought better of it and went away to the other end of the room as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one It so happened that she could not have done a better thing for Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him and as she stood at the distant window with her head half turned and one hand gathering up her dress the slender white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a wellplaced statue

Good evening Diana said Laurie with the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her

Good evening Apollo she answered smiling back at him for he too looked unusually debonair and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart

Here are your flowers I arranged them myself remembering that you didnt like what Hannah calls a sotbookay said Laurie handing her a delicate nosegay in a holder that she had long coveted as she daily passed it in Cardiglias window

How kind you are she exclaimed gratefully If Id known you were coming Id have had something ready for you today though not as pretty as this Im afraid

Thank you It isnt what it should be but you have improved it he added as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist

Please dont

I thought you liked that sort of thing

Not from you it doesnt sound natural and I like your old bluntness better

Im glad of it he answered with a look of relief then buttoned her gloves for her and asked if his tie was straight just as he used to do when they went to parties together at home

The company assembled in the long salle a manger that evening was such as one sees nowhere but on the Continent The hospitable Americans had invited every acquaintance they had in Nice and having no prejudice against titles secured a few to add luster to their Christmas ball

A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with a massive lady dressed like Hamlets mother in black velvet with a pearl bridle under her chin A Polish count aged eighteen devoted himself to the ladies who pronounced him a fascinating dear and a German Serene Something having come to supper alone roamed vaguely about seeking what he might devour Baron Rothschilds private secretary a largenosed Jew in tight boots affably beamed upon the world as if his masters name crowned him with a golden halo A stout Frenchman who knew the Emperor came to indulge his mania for dancing and Lady de Jones a British matron adorned the scene with her little family of eight Of course there were many lightfooted shrillvoiced American girls handsome lifelesslooking English ditto and a few plain but piquante French demoiselles likewise the usual set of traveling young gentlemen who disported themselves gaily while mammas of all nations lined the walls and smiled upon them benignly when they danced with their daughters

Any young girl can imagine Amys state of mind when she took the stage that night leaning on Lauries arm She knew she looked well she loved to dance she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty youth and womanhood She did pity the Davis girls who were awkward plain and destitute of escort except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed which was good of her as it permitted them to see her dress and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguishedlooking friend might be With the first burst of the band Amys color rose her eyes began to sparkle and her feet to tap the floor impatiently for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone Do you care to dance

One usually does at a ball

Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible

I meant the first dance May I have the honor

I can give you one if I put off the Count He dances devinely but he will excuse me as you are an old friend said Amy hoping that the name would have a good effect and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with

Nice little boy but rather a short Pole to support

A daughter of the gods
Devinely tall and most devinely fair
was all the satisfaction she got however

The set in which they found themselves was composed of English and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish Laurie resigned her to the nice little boy and went to do his duty to Flo without securing Amy for the joys to come which reprehensible want of forethought was properly punished for she immediately engaged herself till supper meaning to relent if he then gave any signs penitence She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next a glorious polka redowa But his polite regrets didnt impose upon her and when she galloped away with the Count she saw Laurie sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief

That was unpardonable and Amy took no more notice of him for a long while except a word now and then when she came to her chaperon between the dances for a necessary pin or a moments rest Her anger had a good effect however for she hid it under a smiling face and seemed unusually blithe and brilliant Lauries eyes followed her with pleasure for she neither romped nor sauntered but danced with spirit and grace making the delightsome pastime what it should be He very naturally fell to studying her from this new point of view and before the evening was half over had decided that little Amy was going to make a very charming woman

It was a lively scene for soon the spirit of the social season took possession of everyone and Christmas merriment made all faces shine hearts happy and heels light The musicians fiddled tooted and banged as if they enjoyed it everybody danced who could and those who couldnt admired their neighbors with uncommon warmth The air was dark with Davises and many Joneses gamboled like a flock of young giraffes The golden secretary darted through the room like a meteor with a dashing Frenchwoman who carpeted the floor with her pink satin train The serene Teuton found the suppertable and was happy eating steadily through the bill of fare and dismayed the garcons by the ravages he committed But the Emperors friend covered himself with glory for he danced everything whether he knew it or not and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him The boyish abandon of that stout man was charming to behold for though he carried weight he danced like an Indiarubber ball He ran he flew he pranced his face glowed his bald head shown his coattails waved wildly his pumps actually twinkled in the air and when the music stopped he wiped the drops from his brow and beamed upon his fellow men like a French Pickwick without glasses

Amy and her Pole distinguished themselves by equal enthusiasm but more graceful agility and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to the rhythmic rise and fall of the white slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as if winged When little Vladimir finally relinquished her with assurances that he was desolated to leave so early she was ready to rest and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment

It had been successful for at threeandtwenty blighted affections find a balm in friendly society and young nerves will thrill young blood dance and healthy young spirits rise when subjected to the enchantment of beauty light music and motion Laurie had a wakedup look as he rose to give her his seat and when he hurried away to bring her some supper she said to herself with a satisfied smile Ah I thought that would do him good

You look like Balzacs Femme Peinte Par ElleMeme he said as he fanned her with one hand and held her coffee cup in the other

My rouge wont come off and Amy rubbed her brilliant cheek and showed him her white glove with a sober simplicity that made him laugh outright

What do you call this stuff he asked touching a fold of her dress that had blown over his knee

Illusion

Good name for it Its very pretty—new thing isnt it

Its as old as the hills You have seen it on dozens of girls and you never found out that it was pretty till now—stupide

I never saw it on you before which accounts for the mistake you see

None of that it is forbidden Id rather take coffee than compliments just now No dont lounge it makes me nervous

Laurie sat bold upright and meekly took her empty plate feeling an odd sort of pleasure in having little Amy order him about for she had lost her shyness now and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him as girls have a delightful way of doing when lords of creation show any signs of subjection

Where did you learn all this sort of thing he asked with a quizzical look

As this sort of thing is rather a vague expression would you kindly explain returned Amy knowing perfectly well what he meant but wickedly leaving him to describe what is indescribable

Well—the general air the style the selfpossession the—the—illusion—you know laughed Laurie breaking down and helping himself out of his quandary with the new word

Amy was gratified but of course didnt show it and demurely answered Foreign life polishes one in spite of ones self I study as well as play and as for this—with a little gesture toward her dress—why tulle is cheap posies to be had for nothing and I am used to making the most of my poor little things

Amy rather regretted that last sentence fearing it wasnt in good taste but Laurie liked her better for it and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly nor why he filled up her book with his own name and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening in the most delightful manner but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving

CHAPTER THIRTYEIGHT

ON THE SHELF

In France the young girls have a dull time of it till they are married when Vive la liberte becomes their motto In America as everyone knows girls early sign the declaration of independence and enjoy their freedom with republican zest but the young matrons usually abdicate with the first heir to the throne and go into a seclusion almost as close as a French nunnery though by no means as quiet Whether they like it or not they are virtually put upon the shelf as soon as the wedding excitement is over and most of them might exclaim as did a very pretty woman the other day Im as handsome as ever but no one takes any notice of me because Im married

Not being a belle or even a fashionable lady Meg did not experience this affliction till her babies were a year old for in her little world primitive customs prevailed and she found herself more admired and beloved than ever

As she was a womanly little woman the maternal instinct was very strong and she was entirely absorbed in her children to the utter exclusion of everything and everybody else Day and night she brooded over them with tireless devotion and anxiety leaving John to the tender mercies of the help for an Irish lady now presided over the kitchen department Being a domestic man John decidedly missed the wifely attentions he had been accustomed to receive but as he adored his babies he cheerfully relinquished his comfort for a time supposing with masculine ignorance that peace would soon be restored But three months passed and there was no return of repose Meg looked worn and nervous the babies absorbed every minute of her time the house was neglected and Kitty the cook who took life aisy kept him on short commons When he went out in the morning he was bewildered by small commissions for the captive mamma if he came gaily in at night eager to embrace his family he was quenched by a Hush They are just asleep after worrying all day If he proposed a little amusement at home No it would disturb the babies If he hinted at a lecture or a concert he was answered with a reproachful look and a decided—Leave my children for pleasure never His sleep was broken by infant wails and visions of a phantom figure pacing noiselessly to and fro in the watches of the night His meals were interrupted by the frequent flight of the presiding genius who deserted him halfhelped if a muffled chirp sounded from the nest above And when he read his paper of an evening Demis colic got into the shipping list and Daisys fall affected the price of stocks for Mrs Brooke was only interested in domestic news

The poor man was very uncomfortable for the children had bereft him of his wife home was merely a nursery and the perpetual hushing made him feel like a brutal intruder whenever he entered the sacred precincts of Babyland He bore it very patiently for six months and when no signs of amendment appeared he did what other paternal exiles do—tried to get a little comfort elsewhere Scott had married and gone to housekeeping not far off and John fell into the way of running over for an hour or two of an evening when his own parlor was empty and his own wife singing lullabies that seemed to have no end Mrs Scott was a lively pretty girl with nothing to do but be agreeable and she performed her mission most successfully The parlor was always bright and attractive the chessboard ready the piano in tune plenty of gay gossip and a nice little supper set forth in tempting style

John would have preferred his own fireside if it had not been so lonely but as it was he gratefully took the next best thing and enjoyed his neighbors society

Meg rather approved of the new arrangement at first and found it a relief to know that John was having a good time instead of dozing in the parlor or tramping about the house and waking the children But byandby when the teething worry was over and the idols went to sleep at proper hours leaving Mamma time to rest she began to miss John and find her workbasket dull company when he was not sitting opposite in his old dressing gown comfortably scorching his slippers on the fender She would not ask him to stay at home but felt injured because he did not know that she wanted him without being told entirely forgetting the many evenings he had waited for her in vain She was nervous and worn out with watching and worry and in that unreasonable frame of mind which the best of mothers occasionally experience when domestic cares oppress them Want of exercise robs them of cheerfulness and too much devotion to that idol of American women the teapot makes them feel as if they were all nerve and no muscle

Yes she would say looking in the glass Im getting old and ugly John doesnt find me interesting any longer so he leaves his faded wife and goes to see his pretty neighbor who has no incumbrances Well the babies love me they dont care if I am thin and pale and havent time to crimp my hair they are my comfort and some day John will see what Ive gladly sacrificed for them wont he my precious

To which pathetic appeal Daisy would answer with a coo or Demi with a crow and Meg would put by her lamentations for a maternal revel which soothed her solitude for the time being But the pain increased as politics absorbed John who was always running over to discuss interesting points with Scott quite unconscious that Meg missed him Not a word did she say however till her mother found her in tears one day and insisted on knowing what the matter was for Megs drooping spirits had not escaped her observation

I wouldnt tell anyone except you Mother but I really do need advice for if John goes on much longer I might as well be widowed replied Mrs Brooke drying her tears on Daisys bib with an injured air

Goes on how my dear asked her mother anxiously

Hes away all day and at night when I want to see him he is continually going over to the Scotts It isnt fair that I should have the hardest work and never any amusement Men are very selfish even the best of them

So are women Dont blame John till you see where you are wrong yourself

But it cant be right for him to neglect me

Dont you neglect him

Why Mother I thought youd take my part

So I do as far as sympathizing goes but I think the fault is yours Meg

I dont see how

Let me show you Did John ever neglect you as you call it while you made it a point to give him your society of an evening his only leisure time

No but I cant do it now with two babies to tend

I think you could dear and I think you ought May I speak quite freely and will you remember that its Mother who blames as well as Mother who sympathizes

Indeed I will Speak to me as if I were little Meg again I often feel as if I needed teaching more than ever since these babies look to me for everything

Meg drew her low chair beside her mothers and with a little interruption in either lap the two women rocked and talked lovingly together feeling that the tie of motherhood made them more one than ever

You have only made the mistake that most young wives make—forgotten your duty to your husband in your love for your children A very natural and forgivable mistake Meg but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways for children should draw you nearer than ever not separate you as if they were all yours and John had nothing to do but support them Ive seen it for some weeks but have not spoken feeling sure it would come right in time

Im afraid it wont If I ask him to stay hell think Im jealous and I wouldnt insult him by such an idea He doesnt see that I want him and I dont know how to tell him without words

Make it so pleasant he wont want to go away My dear hes longing for his little home but it isnt home without you and you are always in the nursery

Oughtnt I to be there

Not all the time too much confinement makes you nervous and then you are unfitted for everything Besides you owe something to John as well as to the babies Dont neglect husband for children dont shut him out of the nursery but teach him how to help in it His place is there as well as yours and the children need him Let him feel that he has a part to do and he will do it gladly and faithfully and it will be better for you all

You really think so Mother

I know it Meg for Ive tried it and I seldom give advice unless Ive proved its practicability When you and Jo were little I went on just as you are feeling as if I didnt do my duty unless I devoted myself wholly to you Poor Father took to his books after I had refused all offers of help and left me to try my experiment alone I struggled along as well as I could but Jo was too much for me I nearly spoiled her by indulgence You were poorly and I worried about you till I fell sick myself Then Father came to the rescue quietly managed everything and made himself so helpful that I saw my mistake and never have been able to get on without him since That is the secret of our home happiness He does not let business wean him from the little cares and duties that affect us all and I try not to let domestic worries destroy my interest in his pursuits Each do our part alone in many things but at home we work together always

It is so Mother and my great wish is to be to my husband and children what you have been to yours Show me how Ill do anything you say

You always were my docile daughter Well dear if I were you Id let John have more to do with the management of Demi for the boy needs training and its none too soon to begin Then Id do what I have often proposed let Hannah come and help you She is a capital nurse and you may trust the precious babies to her while you do more housework You need the exercise Hannah would enjoy the rest and John would find his wife again Go out more keep cheerful as well as busy for you are the sunshinemaker of the family and if you get dismal there is no fair weather Then Id try to take an interest in whatever John likes—talk with him let him read to you exchange ideas and help each other in that way Dont shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman but understand what is going on and educate yourself to take your part in the worlds work for it all affects you and yours

John is so sensible Im afraid he will think Im stupid if I ask questions about politics and things

I dont believe he would Love covers a multitude of sins and of whom could you ask more freely than of him Try it and see if he doesnt find your society far more agreeable than Mrs Scotts suppers

I will Poor John Im afraid I have neglected him sadly but I thought I was right and he never said anything

He tried not to be selfish but he has felt rather forlorn I fancy This is just the time Meg when young married people are apt to grow apart and the very time when they ought to be most together for the first tenderness soon wears off unless care is taken to preserve it And no time is so beautiful and precious to parents as the first years of the little lives given to them to train Dont let John be a stranger to the babies for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should Now dear goodby Think over Mothers preachment act upon it if it seems good and God bless you all

Meg did think it over found it good and acted upon it though the first attempt was not made exactly as she planned to have it Of course the children tyrannized over her and ruled the house as soon as they found out that kicking and squalling brought them whatever they wanted Mamma was an abject slave to their caprices but Papa was not so easily subjugated and occasionally afflicted his tender spouse by an attempt at paternal discipline with his obstreperous son For Demi inherited a trifle of his sires firmness of character we wont call it obstinacy and when he made up his little mind to have or to do anything all the kings horses and all the kings men could not change that pertinacious little mind Mamma thought the dear too young to be taught to conquer his prejudices but Papa believed that it never was too soon to learn obedience So Master Demi early discovered that when he undertook to wrastle with Parpar he always got the worst of it yet like the Englishman baby respected the man who conquered him and loved the father whose grave No no was more impressive than all Mammas love pats

A few days after the talk with her mother Meg resolved to try a social evening with John so she ordered a nice supper set the parlor in order dressed herself prettily and put the children to bed early that nothing should interfere with her experiment But unfortunately Demis most unconquerable prejudice was against going to bed and that night he decided to go on a rampage So poor Meg sang and rocked told stories and tried every sleepprevoking wile she could devise but all in vain the big eyes wouldnt shut and long after Daisy had gone to byelow like the chubby little bunch of good nature she was naughty Demi lay staring at the light with the most discouragingly wideawake expression of countenance

Will Demi lie still like a good boy while Mamma runs down and gives poor Papa his tea asked Meg as the hall door softly closed and the wellknown step went tiptoeing into the dining room

Me has tea said Demi preparing to join in the revel

No but Ill save you some little cakies for breakfast if youll go byebye like Daisy Will you lovey

Iss and Demi shut his eyes tight as if to catch sleep and hurry the desired day

Taking advantage of the propitious moment Meg slipped away and ran down to greet her husband with a smiling face and the little blue bow in her hair which was his especial admiration He saw it at once and said with pleased surprise Why little mother how gay we are tonight Do you expect company

Only you dear

Is it a birthday anniversary or anything

No Im tired of being dowdy so I dressed up as a change You always make yourself nice for table no matter how tired you are so why shouldnt I when I have the time

I do it out of respect for you my dear said oldfashioned John

Ditto ditto Mr Brooke laughed Meg looking young and pretty again as she nodded to him over the teapot

Well its altogether delightful and like old times This tastes right I drink your health dear and John sipped his tea with an air of reposeful rapture which was of very short duration however for as he put down his cup the door handle rattled mysteriously and a little voice was heard saying impatiently

Opy doy Mes tummin

Its that naughty boy I told him to go to sleep alone and here he is downstairs getting his death acold pattering over that canvas said Meg answering the call

Mornin now announced Demi in joyful tone as he entered with his long nightgown gracefully festooned over his arm and every curl bobbing gayly as he pranced about the table eyeing the cakies with loving glances

No it isnt morning yet You must go to bed and not trouble poor Mamma Then you can have the little cake with sugar on it

Me loves Parpar said the artful one preparing to climb the paternal knee and revel in forbidden joys But John shook his head and said to Meg

If you told him to stay up there and go to sleep alone make him do it or he will never learn to mind you

Yes of course Come Demi and Meg led her son away feeling a strong desire to spank the little marplot who hopped beside her laboring under the delusion that the bribe was to be administered as soon as they reached the nursery

Nor was he disappointed for that shortsighted woman actually gave him a lump of sugar tucked him into his bed and forbade any more promenades till morning

Iss said Demi the perjured blissfully sucking his sugar and regarding his first attempt as eminently successful

Meg returned to her place and supper was progressing pleasantly when the little ghost walked again and exposed the maternal delinquencies by boldly demanding More sudar Marmar

Now this wont do said John hardening his heart against the engaging little sinner We shall never know any peace till that child learns to go to bed properly You have made a slave of yourself long enough Give him one lesson and then there will be an end of it Put him in his bed and leave him Meg

He wont stay there he never does unless I sit by him

Ill manage him Demi go upstairs and get into your bed as Mamma bids you

Sant replied the young rebel helping himself to the coveted cakie and beginning to eat the same with calm audacity

You must never say that to Papa I shall carry you if you dont go yourself

Go way me dont love Parpar and Demi retired to his mothers skirts for protection

But even that refuge proved unavailing for he was delivered over to the enemy with a Be gentle with him John which struck the culprit with dismay for when Mamma deserted him then the judgment day was at hand Bereft of his cake defrauded of his frolic and borne away by a strong hand to that detested bed poor Demi could not restrain his wrath but openly defied Papa and kicked and screamed lustily all the way upstairs The minute he was put into bed on one side he rolled out on the other and made for the door only to be ignominiously caught up by the tail of his little toga and put back again which lively performance was kept up till the young mans strength gave out when he devoted himself to roaring at the top of his voice This vocal exercise usually conquered Meg but John sat as unmoved as the post which is popularly believed to be deaf No coaxing no sugar no lullaby no story even the light was put out and only the red glow of the fire enlivened the big dark which Demi regarded with curiosity rather than fear This new order of things disgusted him and he howled dismally for Marmar as his angry passions subsided and recollections of his tender bondwoman returned to the captive autocrat The plaintive wail which succeeded the passionate roar went to Megs heart and she ran up to say beseechingly

Let me stay with him hell be good now John

No my dear Ive told him he must go to sleep as you bid him and he must if I stay here all night

But hell cry himself sick pleaded Meg reproaching herself for deserting her boy

No he wont hes so tired he will soon drop off and then the matter is settled for he will understand that he has got to mind Dont interfere Ill manage him

Hes my child and I cant have his spirit broken by harshness

Hes my child and I wont have his temper spoiled by indulgence Go down my dear and leave the boy to me

When John spoke in that masterful tone Meg always obeyed and never regretted her docility

Please let me kiss him once John

Certainly Demi say good night to Mamma and let her go and rest for she is very tired with taking care of you all day

Meg always insisted upon it that the kiss won the victory for after it was given Demi sobbed more quietly and lay quite still at the bottom of the bed whither he had wriggled in his anguish of mind

Poor little man hes worn out with sleep and crying Ill cover him up and then go and set Megs heart at rest thought John creeping to the bedside hoping to find his rebellious heir asleep

But he wasnt for the moment his father peeped at him Demis eyes opened his little chin began to quiver and he put up his arms saying with a penitent hiccough Mes dood now

Sitting on the stairs outside Meg wondered at the long silence which followed the uproar and after imagining all sorts of impossible accidents she slipped into the room to set her fears at rest Demi lay fast asleep not in his usual spreadeagle attitude but in a subdued bunch cuddled close in the circle of his fathers arm and holding his fathers finger as if he felt that justice was tempered with mercy and had gone to sleep a sadder and wiser baby So held John had waited with a womanly patience till the little hand relaxed its hold and while waiting had fallen asleep more tired by that tussle with his son than with his whole days work

As Meg stood watching the two faces on the pillow she smiled to herself and then slipped away again saying in a satisfied tone I never need fear that John will be too harsh with my babies He does know how to manage them and will be a great help for Demi is getting too much for me

When John came down at last expecting to find a pensive or reproachful wife he was agreeably surprised to find Meg placidly trimming a bonnet and to be greeted with the request to read something about the election if he was not too tired John saw in a minute that a revolution of some kind was going on but wisely asked no questions knowing that Meg was such a transparent little person she couldnt keep a secret to save her life and therefore the clue would soon appear He read a long debate with the most amiable readiness and then explained it in his most lucid manner while Meg tried to look deeply interested to ask intelligent questions and keep her thoughts from wandering from the state of the nation to the state of her bonnet In her secret soul however she decided that politics were as bad as mathematics and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names but she kept these feminine ideas to herself and when John paused shook her head and said with what she thought diplomatic ambiguity Well I really dont see what we are coming to

John laughed and watched her for a minute as she poised a pretty little preparation of lace and flowers on her hand and regarded it with the genuine interest which his harangue had failed to waken

She is trying to like politics for my sake so Ill try and like millinery for hers thats only fair thought John the Just adding aloud Thats very pretty Is it what you call a breakfast cap

My dear man its a bonnet My very best gotoconcertandtheater bonnet

I beg your pardon it was so small I naturally mistook it for one of the flyaway things you sometimes wear How do you keep it on

These bits of lace are fastened under the chin with a rosebud so and Meg illustrated by putting on the bonnet and regarding him with an air of calm satisfaction that was irresistible

Its a love of a bonnet but I prefer the face inside for it looks young and happy again and John kissed the smiling face to the great detriment of the rosebud under the chin

Im glad you like it for I want you to take me to one of the new concerts some night I really need some music to put me in tune Will you please

Of course I will with all my heart or anywhere else you like You have been shut up so long it will do you no end of good and I shall enjoy it of all things What put it into your head little mother

Well I had a talk with Marmee the other day and told her how nervous and cross and out of sorts I felt and she said I needed change and less care so Hannah is to help me with the children and Im to see to things about the house more and now and then have a little fun just to keep me from getting to be a fidgety brokendown old woman before my time Its only an experiment John and I want to try it for your sake as much as for mine because Ive neglected you shamefully lately and Im going to make home what it used to be if I can You dont object I hope

Never mind what John said or what a very narrow escape the little bonnet had from utter ruin All that we have any business to know is that John did not appear to object judging from the changes which gradually took place in the house and its inmates It was not all Paradise by any means but everyone was better for the division of labor system The children throve under the paternal rule for accurate steadfast John brought order and obedience into Babydom while Meg recovered her spirits and composed her nerves by plenty of wholesome exercise a little pleasure and much confidential conversation with her sensible husband Home grew homelike again and John had no wish to leave it unless he took Meg with him The Scotts came to the Brookes now and everyone found the little house a cheerful place full of happiness content and family love Even Sallie Moffatt liked to go there It is always so quiet and pleasant here it does me good Meg she used to say looking about her with wistful eyes as if trying to discover the charm that she might use it in her great house full of splendid loneliness for there were no riotous sunnyfaced babies there and Ned lived in a world of his own where there was no place for her

This household happiness did not come all at once but John and Meg had found the key to it and each year of married life taught them how to use it unlocking the treasuries of real home love and mutual helpfulness which the poorest may possess and the richest cannot buy This is the sort of shelf on which young wives and mothers may consent to be laid safe from the restless fret and fever of the world finding loyal lovers in the little sons and daughters who cling to them undaunted by sorrow poverty or age walking side by side through fair and stormy weather with a faithful friend who is in the true sense of the good old Saxon word the houseband and learning as Meg learned that a womans happiest kingdom is home her highest honor the art of ruling it not as a queen but as a wise wife and mother

CHAPTER THIRTYNINE

LAZY LAURENCE

Laurie went to Nice intending to stay a week and remained a month He was tired of wandering about alone and Amys familiar presence seemed to give a homelike charm to the foreign scenes in which she bore a part He rather missed the petting he used to receive and enjoyed a taste of it again for no attentions however flattering from strangers were half so pleasant as the sisterly adoration of the girls at home Amy never would pet him like the others but she was very glad to see him now and quite clung to him feeling that he was the representative of the dear family for whom she longed more than she would confess They naturally took comfort in each others society and were much together riding walking dancing or dawdling for at Nice no one can be very industrious during the gay season But while apparently amusing themselves in the most careless fashion they were halfconsciously making discoveries and forming opinions about each other Amy rose daily in the estimation of her friend but he sank in hers and each felt the truth before a word was spoken Amy tried to please and succeeded for she was grateful for the many pleasures he gave her and repaid him with the little services to which womanly women know how to lend an indescribable charm Laurie made no effort of any kind but just let himself drift along as comfortably as possible trying to forget and feeling that all women owed him a kind word because one had been cold to him It cost him no effort to be generous and he would have given Amy all the trinkets in Nice if she would have taken them but at the same time he felt that he could not change the opinion she was forming of him and he rather dreaded the keen blue eyes that seemed to watch him with such halfsorrowful halfscornful surprise

All the rest have gone to Monaco for the day I preferred to stay at home and write letters They are done now and I am going to Valrosa to sketch will you come said Amy as she joined Laurie one lovely day when he lounged in as usual about noon

Well yes but isnt it rather warm for such a long walk he answered slowly for the shaded salon looked inviting after the glare without

Im going to have the little carriage and Baptiste can drive so youll have nothing to do but hold your umbrella and keep your gloves nice returned Amy with a sarcastic glance at the immaculate kids which were a weak point with Laurie

Then Ill go with pleasure and he put out his hand for her sketchbook But she tucked it under her arm with a sharp

Dont trouble yourself Its no exertion to me but you dont look equal to it

Laurie lifted his eyebrows and followed at a leisurely pace as she ran downstairs but when they got into the carriage he took the reins himself and left little Baptiste nothing to do but fold his arms and fall asleep on his perch

The two never quarreled Amy was too wellbred and just now Laurie was too lazy so in a minute he peeped under her hatbrim with an inquiring air She answered him with a smile and they went on together in the most amicable manner

It was a lovely drive along winding roads rich in the picturesque scenes that delight beautyloving eyes Here an ancient monastery whence the solemn chanting of the monks came down to them There a barelegged shepherd in wooden shoes pointed hat and rough jacket over one shoulder sat piping on a stone while his goats skipped among the rocks or lay at his feet Meek mousecolored donkeys laden with panniers of freshly cut grass passed by with a pretty girl in a capaline sitting between the green piles or an old woman spinning with a distaff as she went Brown softeyed children ran out from the quaint stone hovels to offer nosegays or bunches of oranges still on the bough Gnarled olive trees covered the hills with their dusky foliage fruit hung golden in the orchard and great scarlet anemones fringed the roadside while beyond green slopes and craggy heights the Maritime Alps rose sharp and white against the blue Italian sky

Valrosa well deserved its name for in that climate of perpetual summer roses blossomed everywhere They overhung the archway thrust themselves between the bars of the great gate with a sweet welcome to passersby and lined the avenue winding through lemon trees and feathery palms up to the villa on the hill Every shadowy nook where seats invited one to stop and rest was a mass of bloom every cool grotto had its marble nymph smiling from a veil of flowers and every fountain reflected crimson white or pale pink roses leaning down to smile at their own beauty Roses covered the walls of the house draped the cornices climbed the pillars and ran riot over the balustrade of the wide terrace whence one looked down on the sunny Mediterranean and the whitewalled city on its shore

This is a regular honeymoon paradise isnt it Did you ever see such roses asked Amy pausing on the terrace to enjoy the view and a luxurious whiff of perfume that came wandering by

No nor felt such thorns returned Laurie with his thumb in his mouth after a vain attempt to capture a solitary scarlet flower that grew just beyond his reach

Try lower down and pick those that have no thorns said Amy gathering three of the tiny creamcolored ones that starred the wall behind her She put them in his buttonhole as a peace offering and he stood a minute looking down at them with a curious expression for in the Italian part of his nature there was a touch of superstition and he was just then in that state of halfsweet halfbitter melancholy when imaginative young men find significance in trifles and food for romance everywhere He had thought of Jo in reaching after the thorny red rose for vivid flowers became her and she had often worn ones like that from the greenhouse at home The pale roses Amy gave him were the sort that the Italians lay in dead hands never in bridal wreaths and for a moment he wondered if the omen was for Jo or for himself but the next instant his American common sense got the better of sentimentality and he laughed a heartier laugh than Amy had heard since he came

Its good advice youd better take it and save your fingers she said thinking her speech amused him

Thank you I will he answered in jest and a few months later he did it in earnest

Laurie when are you going to your grandfather she asked presently as she settled herself on a rustic seat

Very soon

You have said that a dozen times within the last three weeks

I dare say short answers save trouble

He expects you and you really ought to go

Hospitable creature I know it

Then why dont you do it

Natural depravity I suppose

Natural indolence you mean Its really dreadful and Amy looked severe

Not so bad as it seems for I should only plague him if I went so I might as well stay and plague you a little longer you can bear it better in fact I think it agrees with you excellently and Laurie composed himself for a lounge on the broad ledge of the balustrade

Amy shook her head and opened her sketchbook with an air of resignation but she had made up her mind to lecture that boy and in a minute she began again

What are you doing just now

Watching lizards

No no I mean what do you intend and wish to do

Smoke a cigarette if youll allow me

How provoking you are I dont approve of cigars and I will only allow it on condition that you let me put you into my sketch I need a figure

With all the pleasure in life How will you have me full length or threequarters on my head or my heels I should respectfully suggest a recumbent posture then put yourself in also and call it Dolce far niente

Stay as you are and go to sleep if you like I intend to work hard said Amy in her most energetic tone

What delightful enthusiasm and he leaned against a tall urn with an air of entire satisfaction

What would Jo say if she saw you now asked Amy impatiently hoping to stir him up by the mention of her still more energetic sisters name

As usual Go away Teddy Im busy He laughed as he spoke but the laugh was not natural and a shade passed over his face for the utterance of the familiar name touched the wound that was not healed yet Both tone and shadow struck Amy for she had seen and heard them before and now she looked up in time to catch a new expression on Lauries face—a hard bitter look full of pain dissatisfaction and regret It was gone before she could study it and the listless expression back again She watched him for a moment with artistic pleasure thinking how like an Italian he looked as he lay basking in the sun with uncovered head and eyes full of southern dreaminess for he seemed to have forgotten her and fallen into a reverie

You look like the effigy of a young knight asleep on his tomb she said carefully tracing the wellcut profile defined against the dark stone

Wish I was

Thats a foolish wish unless you have spoiled your life You are so changed I sometimes think— there Amy stopped with a halftimid halfwistful look more significant than her unfinished speech

Laurie saw and understood the affectionate anxiety which she hesitated to express and looking straight into her eyes said just as he used to say it to her mother Its all right maam

That satisfied her and set at rest the doubts that had begun to worry her lately It also touched her and she showed that it did by the cordial tone in which she said

Im glad of that I didnt think youd been a very bad boy but I fancied you might have wasted money at that wicked BadenBaden lost your heart to some charming Frenchwoman with a husband or got into some of the scrapes that young men seem to consider a necessary part of a foreign tour Dont stay out there in the sun come and lie on the grass here and let us be friendly as Jo used to say when we got in the sofa corner and told secrets

Laurie obediently threw himself down on the turf and began to amuse himself by sticking daisies into the ribbons of Amys hat that lay there

Im all ready for the secrets and he glanced up with a decided expression of interest in his eyes

Ive none to tell You may begin

Havent one to bless myself with I thought perhaps youd had some news from home

You have heard all that has come lately Dont you hear often I fancied Jo would send you volumes

Shes very busy Im roving about so its impossible to be regular you know When do you begin your great work of art Raphaella he asked changing the subject abruptly after another pause in which he had been wondering if Amy knew his secret and wanted to talk about it

Never she answered with a despondent but decided air Rome took all the vanity out of me for after seeing the wonders there I felt too insignificant to live and gave up all my foolish hopes in despair

Why should you with so much energy and talent

Thats just why because talent isnt genius and no amount of energy can make it so I want to be great or nothing I wont be a commonplace dauber so I dont intend to try any more

And what are you going to do with yourself now if I may ask

Polish up my other talents and be an ornament to society if I get the chance

It was a characteristic speech and sounded daring but audacity becomes young people and Amys ambition had a good foundation Laurie smiled but he liked the spirit with which she took up a new purpose when a longcherished one died and spent no time lamenting

Good And here is where Fred Vaughn comes in I fancy

Amy preserved a discreet silence but there was a conscious look in her downcast face that made Laurie sit up and say gravely Now Im going to play brother and ask questions May I

I dont promise to answer

Your face will if your tongue wont You arent woman of the world enough yet to hide your feelings my dear I heard rumors about Fred and you last year and its my private opinion that if he had not been called home so suddenly and detained so long something would have come of it hey

Thats not for me to say was Amys grim reply but her lips would smile and there was a traitorous sparkle of the eye which betrayed that she knew her power and enjoyed the knowledge

You are not engaged I hope and Laurie looked very elderbrotherly and grave all of a sudden

No

But you will be if he comes back and goes properly down on his knees wont you

Very likely

Then you are fond of old Fred

I could be if I tried

But you dont intend to try till the proper moment Bless my soul what unearthly prudence Hes a good fellow Amy but not the man I fancied youd like

He is rich a gentleman and has delightful manners began Amy trying to be quite cool and dignified but feeling a little ashamed of herself in spite of the sincerity of her intentions

I understand Queens of society cant get on without money so you mean to make a good match and start in that way Quite right and proper as the world goes but it sounds odd from the lips of one of your mothers girls

True nevertheless

A short speech but the quiet decision with which it was uttered contrasted curiously with the young speaker Laurie felt this instinctively and laid himself down again with a sense of disappointment which he could not explain His look and silence as well as a certain inward selfdisapproval ruffled Amy and made her resolve to deliver her lecture without delay

I wish youd do me the favor to rouse yourself a little she said sharply

Do it for me theres a dear girl

I could if I tried and she looked as if she would like doing it in the most summary style

Try then I give you leave returned Laurie who enjoyed having someone to tease after his long abstinence from his favorite pastime

Youd be angry in five minutes

Im never angry with you It takes two flints to make a fire You are as cool and soft as snow

You dont know what I can do Snow produces a glow and a tingle if applied rightly Your indifference is half affectation and a good stirring up would prove it

Stir away it wont hurt me and it may amuse you as the big man said when his little wife beat him Regard me in the light of a husband or a carpet and beat till you are tired if that sort of exercise agrees with you

Being decidedly nettled herself and longing to see him shake off the apathy that so altered him Amy sharpened both tongue and pencil and began

Flo and I have got a new name for you Its Lazy Laurence How do you like it

She thought it would annoy him but he only folded his arms under his head with an imperturbable Thats not bad Thank you ladies

Do you want to know what I honestly think of you

Pining to be told

Well I despise you

If she had even said I hate you in a petulant or coquettish tone he would have laughed and rather liked it but the grave almost sad accent in her voice made him open his eyes and ask quickly

Why if you please

Because with every chance for being good useful and happy you are faulty lazy and miserable

Strong language mademoiselle

If you like it Ill go on

Pray do its quite interesting

I thought youd find it so Selfish people always like to talk about themselves

Am I selfish the question slipped out involuntarily and in a tone of surprise for the one virtue on which he prided himself was generosity

Yes very selfish continued Amy in a calm cool voice twice as effective just then as an angry one Ill show you how for Ive studied you while we were frolicking and Im not at all satisfied with you Here you have been abroad nearly six months and done nothing but waste time and money and disappoint your friends

Isnt a fellow to have any pleasure after a fouryear grind

You dont look as if youd had much At any rate you are none the better for it as far as I can see I said when we first met that you had improved Now I take it all back for I dont think you half so nice as when I left you at home You have grown abominably lazy you like gossip and waste time on frivolous things you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people instead of being loved and respected by wise ones With money talent position health and beauty ah you like that old Vanity But its the truth so I cant help saying it with all these splendid things to use and enjoy you can find nothing to do but dawdle and instead of being the man you ought to be you are only there she stopped with a look that had both pain and pity in it

Saint Laurence on a gridiron added Laurie blandly finishing the sentence But the lecture began to take effect for there was a wideawake sparkle in his eyes now and a halfangry halfinjured expression replaced the former indifference

I supposed youd take it so You men tell us we are angels and say we can make you what we will but the instant we honestly try to do you good you laugh at us and wont listen which proves how much your flattery is worth Amy spoke bitterly and turned her back on the exasperating martyr at her feet

In a minute a hand came down over the page so that she could not draw and Lauries voice said with a droll imitation of a penitent child I will be good oh I will be good

But Amy did not laugh for she was in earnest and tapping on the outspread hand with her pencil said soberly Arent you ashamed of a hand like that Its as soft and white as a womans and looks as if it never did anything but wear Jouvins best gloves and pick flowers for ladies You are not a dandy thank Heaven so Im glad to see there are no diamonds or big seal rings on it only the little old one Jo gave you so long ago Dear soul I wish she was here to help me

So do I

The hand vanished as suddenly as it came and there was energy enough in the echo of her wish to suit even Amy She glanced down at him with a new thought in her mind but he was lying with his hat half over his face as if for shade and his mustache hid his mouth She only saw his chest rise and fall with a long breath that might have been a sigh and the hand that wore the ring nestled down into the grass as if to hide something too precious or too tender to be spoken of All in a minute various hints and trifles assumed shape and significance in Amys mind and told her what her sister never had confided to her She remembered that Laurie never spoke voluntarily of Jo she recalled the shadow on his face just now the change in his character and the wearing of the little old ring which was no ornament to a handsome hand Girls are quick to read such signs and feel their eloquence Amy had fancied that perhaps a love trouble was at the bottom of the alteration and now she was sure of it Her keen eyes filled and when she spoke again it was in a voice that could be beautifully soft and kind when she chose to make it so

I know I have no right to talk so to you Laurie and if you werent the sweetesttempered fellow in the world youd be very angry with me But we are all so fond and proud of you I couldnt bear to think they should be disappointed in you at home as I have been though perhaps they would understand the change better than I do

I think they would came from under the hat in a grim tone quite as touching as a broken one

They ought to have told me and not let me go blundering and scolding when I should have been more kind and patient than ever I never did like that Miss Randal and now I hate her said artful Amy wishing to be sure of her facts this time

Hang Miss Randal and Laurie knocked the hat off his face with a look that left no doubt of his sentiments toward that young lady

I beg pardon I thought and there she paused diplomatically

No you didnt you knew perfectly well I never cared for anyone but Jo Laurie said that in his old impetuous tone and turned his face away as he spoke

I did think so but as they never said anything about it and you came away I supposed I was mistaken And Jo wouldnt be kind to you Why I was sure she loved you dearly

She was kind but not in the right way and its lucky for her she didnt love me if Im the goodfornothing fellow you think me Its her fault though and you may tell her so

The hard bitter look came back again as he said that and it troubled Amy for she did not know what balm to apply

I was wrong I didnt know Im very sorry I was so cross but I cant help wishing youd bear it better Teddy dear

Dont thats her name for me and Laurie put up his hand with a quick gesture to stop the words spoken in Jos halfkind halfreproachful tone Wait till youve tried it yourself he added in a low voice as he pulled up the grass by the handful

Id take it manfully and be respected if I couldnt be loved said Amy with the decision of one who knew nothing about it

Now Laurie flattered himself that he had borne it remarkably well making no moan asking no sympathy and taking his trouble away to live it down alone Amys lecture put the matter in a new light and for the first time it did look weak and selfish to lose heart at the first failure and shut himself up in moody indifference He felt as if suddenly shaken out of a pensive dream and found it impossible to go to sleep again Presently he sat up and asked slowly Do you think Jo would despise me as you do

Yes if she saw you now She hates lazy people Why dont you do something splendid and make her love you

I did my best but it was no use

Graduating well you mean That was no more than you ought to have done for your grandfathers sake It would have been shameful to fail after spending so much time and money when everyone knew that you could do well

I did fail say what you will for Jo wouldnt love me began Laurie leaning his head on his hand in a despondent attitude

No you didnt and youll say so in the end for it did you good and proved that you could do something if you tried If youd only set about another task of some sort youd soon be your hearty happy self again and forget your trouble

Thats impossible

Try it and see You neednt shrug your shoulders and think Much she knows about such things I dont pretend to be wise but I am observing and I see a great deal more than youd imagine Im interested in other peoples experiences and inconsistencies and though I cant explain I remember and use them for my own benefit Love Jo all your days if you choose but dont let it spoil you for its wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you cant have the one you want There I wont lecture any more for I know youll wake up and be a man in spite of that hardhearted girl

Neither spoke for several minutes Laurie sat turning the little ring on his finger and Amy put the last touches to the hasty sketch she had been working at while she talked Presently she put it on his knee merely saying How do you like that

He looked and then he smiled as he could not well help doing for it was capitally done the long lazy figure on the grass with listless face halfshut eyes and one hand holding a cigar from which came the little wreath of smoke that encircled the dreamers head

How well you draw he said with a genuine surprise and pleasure at her skill adding with a halflaugh Yes thats me

As you are This is as you were and Amy laid another sketch beside the one he held

It was not nearly so well done but there was a life and spirit in it which atoned for many faults and it recalled the past so vividly that a sudden change swept over the young mans face as he looked Only a rough sketch of Laurie taming a horse Hat and coat were off and every line of the active figure resolute face and commanding attitude was full of energy and meaning The handsome brute just subdued stood arching his neck under the tightly drawn rein with one foot impatiently pawing the ground and ears pricked up as if listening for the voice that had mastered him In the ruffled mane the riders breezy hair and erect attitude there was a suggestion of suddenly arrested motion of strength courage and youthful buoyancy that contrasted sharply with the supine grace of the Dolce far Niente sketch Laurie said nothing but as his eye went from one to the other Amy saw him flush up and fold his lips together as if he read and accepted the little lesson she had given him That satisfied her and without waiting for him to speak she said in her sprightly way

Dont you remember the day you played Rarey with Puck and we all looked on Meg and Beth were frightened but Jo clapped and pranced and I sat on the fence and drew you I found that sketch in my portfolio the other day touched it up and kept it to show you

Much obliged Youve improved immensely since then and I congratulate you May I venture to suggest in a honeymoon paradise that five oclock is the dinner hour at your hotel

Laurie rose as he spoke returned the pictures with a smile and a bow and looked at his watch as if to remind her that even moral lectures should have an end He tried to resume his former easy indifferent air but it was an affectation now for the rousing had been more effacious than he would confess Amy felt the shade of coldness in his manner and said to herself

Now Ive offended him Well if it does him good Im glad if it makes him hate me Im sorry but its true and I cant take back a word of it

They laughed and chatted all the way home and little Baptiste up behind thought that monsieur and madamoiselle were in charming spirits But both felt ill at ease The friendly frankness was disturbed the sunshine had a shadow over it and despite their apparent gaiety there was a secret discontent in the heart of each

Shall we see you this evening mon frere asked Amy as they parted at her aunts door

Unfortunately I have an engagement Au revoir madamoiselle and Laurie bent as if to kiss her hand in the foreign fashion which became him better than many men Something in his face made Amy say quickly and warmly

No be yourself with me Laurie and part in the good old way Id rather have a hearty English handshake than all the sentimental salutations in France

Goodbye dear and with these words uttered in the tone she liked Laurie left her after a handshake almost painful in its heartiness

Next morning instead of the usual call Amy received a note which made her smile at the beginning and sigh at the end

My Dear Mentor Please make my adieux to your aunt and exult within yourself for Lazy Laurence has gone to his grandpa like the best of boys A pleasant winter to you and may the gods grant you a blissful honeymoon at Valrosa I think Fred would be benefited by a rouser Tell him so with my congratulations

Yours gratefully Telemachus

Good boy Im glad hes gone said Amy with an approving smile The next minute her face fell as she glanced about the empty room adding with an involuntary sigh Yes I am glad but how I shall miss him

CHAPTER FORTY

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

When the first bitterness was over the family accepted the inevitable and tried to bear it cheerfully helping one another by the increased affection which comes to bind households tenderly together in times of trouble They put away their grief and each did his or her part toward making that last year a happy one

The pleasantest room in the house was set apart for Beth and in it was gathered everything that she most loved flowers pictures her piano the little worktable and the beloved pussies Fathers best books found their way there Mothers easy chair Jos desk Amys finest sketches and every day Meg brought her babies on a loving pilgrimage to make sunshine for Aunty Beth John quietly set apart a little sum that he might enjoy the pleasure of keeping the invalid supplied with the fruit she loved and longed for Old Hannah never wearied of concocting dainty dishes to tempt a capricious appetite dropping tears as she worked and from across the sea came little gifts and cheerful letters seeming to bring breaths of warmth and fragrance from lands that know no winter

Here cherished like a household saint in its shrine sat Beth tranquil and busy as ever for nothing could change the sweet unselfish nature and even while preparing to leave life she tried to make it happier for those who should remain behind The feeble fingers were never idle and one of her pleasures was to make little things for the school children daily passing to and fro to drop a pair of mittens from her window for a pair of purple hands a needlebook for some small mother of many dolls penwipers for young penmen toiling through forests of pothooks scrapbooks for pictureloving eyes and all manner of pleasant devices till the reluctant climbers of the ladder of learning found their way strewn with flowers as it were and came to regard the gentle giver as a sort of fairy godmother who sat above there and showered down gifts miraculously suited to their tastes and needs If Beth had wanted any reward she found it in the bright little faces always turned up to her window with nods and smiles and the droll little letters which came to her full of blots and gratitude

The first few months were very happy ones and Beth often used to look round and say How beautiful this is as they all sat together in her sunny room the babies kicking and crowing on the floor mother and sisters working near and father reading in his pleasant voice from the wise old books which seemed rich in good and comfortable words as applicable now as when written centuries ago a little chapel where a paternal priest taught his flock the hard lessons all must learn trying to show them that hope can comfort love and faith make resignation possible Simple sermons that went straight to the souls of those who listened for the fathers heart was in the ministers religion and the frequent falter in the voice gave a double eloquence to the words he spoke or read

It was well for all that this peaceful time was given them as preparation for the sad hours to come for byandby Beth said the needle was so heavy and put it down forever Talking wearied her faces troubled her pain claimed her for its own and her tranquil spirit was sorrowfully perturbed by the ills that vexed her feeble flesh Ah me Such heavy days such long long nights such aching hearts and imploring prayers when those who loved her best were forced to see the thin hands stretched out to them beseechingly to hear the bitter cry Help me help me and to feel that there was no help A sad eclipse of the serene soul a sharp struggle of the young life with death but both were mercifully brief and then the natural rebellion over the old peace returned more beautiful than ever With the wreck of her frail body Beths soul grew strong and though she said little those about her felt that she was ready saw that the first pilgrim called was likewise the fittest and waited with her on the shore trying to see the Shining Ones coming to receive her when she crossed the river

Jo never left her for an hour since Beth had said I feel stronger when you are here She slept on a couch in the room waking often to renew the fire to feed lift or wait upon the patient creature who seldom asked for anything and tried not to be a trouble All day she haunted the room jealous of any other nurse and prouder of being chosen then than of any honor her life ever brought her Precious and helpful hours to Jo for now her heart received the teaching that it needed Lessons in patience were so sweetly taught her that she could not fail to learn them charity for all the lovely spirit that can forgive and truly forget unkindness the loyalty to duty that makes the hardest easy and the sincere faith that fears nothing but trusts undoubtingly

Often when she woke Jo found Beth reading in her wellworn little book heard her singing softly to beguile the sleepless night or saw her lean her face upon her hands while slow tears dropped through the transparent fingers and Jo would lie watching her with thoughts too deep for tears feeling that Beth in her simple unselfish way was trying to wean herself from the dear old life and fit herself for the life to come by sacred words of comfort quiet prayers and the music she loved so well

Seeing this did more for Jo than the wisest sermons the saintliest hymns the most fervent prayers that any voice could utter For with eyes made clear by many tears and a heart softened by the tenderest sorrow she recognized the beauty of her sisters life—uneventful unambitious yet full of the genuine virtues which smell sweet and blossom in the dust the selfforgetfulness that makes the humblest on earth remembered soonest in heaven the true success which is possible to all

One night when Beth looked among the books upon her table to find something to make her forget the mortal weariness that was almost as hard to bear as pain as she turned the leaves of her old favorite Pilgrimss Progress she found a little paper scribbled over in Jos hand The name caught her eye and the blurred look of the lines made her sure that tears had fallen on it

Poor Jo Shes fast asleep so I wont wake her to ask leave She shows me all her things and I dont think shell mind if I look at this thought Beth with a glance at her sister who lay on the rug with the tongs beside her ready to wake up the minute the log fell apart

MY BETH
Sitting patient in the shadow
Till the blessed light shall come
A serene and saintly presence
Sanctifies our troubled home
Earthly joys and hopes and sorrows
Break like ripples on the strand
Of the deep and solemn river
Where her willing feet now stand
O my sister passing from me
Out of human care and strife
Leave me as a gift those virtues
Which have beautified your life
Dear bequeath me that great patience
Which has power to sustain
A cheerful uncomplaining spirit
In its prisonhouse of pain
Give me for I need it sorely
Of that courage wise and sweet
Which has made the path of duty
Green beneath your willing feet
Give me that unselfish nature
That with charity devine
Can pardon wrong for loves dear sake—
Meek heart forgive me mine
Thus our parting daily loseth
Something of its bitter pain
And while learning this hard lesson
My great loss becomes my gain
For the touch of grief will render
My wild nature more serene
Give to life new aspirations
A new trust in the unseen
Henceforth safe across the river
I shall see forever more
A beloved household spirit
Waiting for me on the shore
Hope and faith born of my sorrow
Guardian angels shall become
And the sister gone before me
By their hands shall lead me home
Blurred and blotted faulty and feeble as the lines were they brought a look of inexpressible comfort to Beths face for her one regret had been that she had done so little and this seemed to assure her that her life had not been useless that her death would not bring the despair she feared As she sat with the paper folded between her hands the charred log fell asunder Jo started up revived the blaze and crept to the bedside hoping Beth slept

Not asleep but so happy dear See I found this and read it I knew you wouldnt care Have I been all that to you Jo she asked with wistful humble earnestness

Oh Beth so much so much and Jos head went down upon the pillow beside her sisters

Then I dont feel as if Id wasted my life Im not so good as you make me but I have tried to do right And now when its too late to begin even to do better its such a comfort to know that someone loves me so much and feels as if Id helped them

More than any one in the world Beth I used to think I couldnt let you go but Im learning to feel that I dont lose you that youll be more to me than ever and death cant part us though it seems to

I know it cannot and I dont fear it any longer for Im sure I shall be your Beth still to love and help you more than ever You must take my place Jo and be everything to Father and Mother when Im gone They will turn to you dont fail them and if its hard to work alone remember that I dont forget you and that youll be happier in doing that than writing splendid books or seeing all the world for love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go and it makes the end so easy

Ill try Beth and then and there Jo renounced her old ambition pledged herself to a new and better one acknowledging the poverty of other desires and feeling the blessed solace of a belief in the immortality of love

So the spring days came and went the sky grew clearer the earth greener the flowers were up fairly early and the birds came back in time to say goodbye to Beth who like a tired but trustful child clung to the hands that had led her all her life as Father and Mother guided her tenderly through the Valley of the Shadow and gave her up to God

Seldom except in books do the dying utter memorable words see visions or depart with beatified countenances and those who have sped many parting souls know that to most the end comes as naturally and simply as sleep As Beth had hoped the tide went out easily and in the dark hour before dawn on the bosom where she had drawn her first breath she quietly drew her last with no farewell but one loving look one little sigh

With tears and prayers and tender hands Mother and sisters made her ready for the long sleep that pain would never mar again seeing with grateful eyes the beautiful serenity that soon replaced the pathetic patience that had wrung their hearts so long and feeling with reverent joy that to their darling death was a benignant angel not a phantom full of dread

When morning came for the first time in many months the fire was out Jos place was empty and the room was very still But a bird sang blithely on a budding bough close by the snowdrops blossomed freshly at the window and the spring sunshine streamed in like a benediction over the placid face upon the pillow a face so full of painless peace that those who loved it best smiled through their tears and thanked God that Beth was well at last

CHAPTER FORTYONE

LEARNING TO FORGET

Amys lecture did Laurie good though of course he did not own it till long afterward Men seldom do for when women are the advisers the lords of creation dont take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do Then they act upon it and if it succeeds they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it If it fails they generously give her the whole Laurie went back to his grandfather and was so dutifully devoted for several weeks that the old gentleman declared the climate of Nice had improved him wonderfully and he had better try it again There was nothing the young gentleman would have liked better but elephants could not have dragged him back after the scolding he had received Pride forbid and whenever the longing grew very strong he fortified his resolution by repeating the words that had made the deepest impression—I despise you Go and do something splendid that will make her love you

Laurie turned the matter over in his mind so often that he soon brought himself to confess that he had been selfish and lazy but then when a man has a great sorrow he should be indulged in all sorts of vagaries till he has lived it down He felt that his blighted affections were quite dead now and though he should never cease to be a faithful mourner there was no occasion to wear his weeds ostentatiously Jo wouldnt love him but he might make her respect and admire him by doing something which should prove that a girls No had not spoiled his life He had always meant to do something and Amys advice was quite unnecessary He had only been waiting till the aforesaid blighted affections were decently interred That being done he felt that he was ready to hide his stricken heart and still toil on

As Goethe when he had a joy or a grief put it into a song so Laurie resolved to embalm his love sorrow in music and to compose a Requiem which should harrow up Jos soul and melt the heart of every hearer Therefore the next time the old gentleman found him getting restless and moody and ordered him off he went to Vienna where he had musical friends and fell to work with the firm determination to distinguish himself But whether the sorrow was too vast to be embodied in music or music too ethereal to uplift a mortal woe he soon discovered that the Requiem was beyond him just at present It was evident that his mind was not in working order yet and his ideas needed clarifying for often in the middle of a plaintive strain he would find himself humming a dancing tune that vividly recalled the Christmas ball at Nice especially the stout Frenchman and put an effectual stop to tragic composition for the time being

Then he tried an opera for nothing seemed impossible in the beginning but here again unforeseen difficulties beset him He wanted Jo for his heroine and called upon his memory to supply him with tender recollections and romantic visions of his love But memory turned traitor and as if possessed by the perverse spirit of the girl would only recall Jos oddities faults and freaks would only show her in the most unsentimental aspects—beating mats with her head tied up in a bandanna barricading herself with the sofa pillow or throwing cold water over his passion a la Gummidge—and an irresistable laugh spoiled the pensive picture he was endeavoring to paint Jo wouldnt be put into the opera at any price and he had to give her up with a Bless that girl what a torment she is and a clutch at his hair as became a distracted composer

When he looked about him for another and a less intractable damsel to immortalize in melody memory produced one with the most obliging readiness This phantom wore many faces but it always had golden hair was enveloped in a diaphanous cloud and floated airily before his minds eye in a pleasing chaos of roses peacocks white ponies and blue ribbons He did not give the complacent wraith any name but he took her for his heroine and grew quite fond of her as well he might for he gifted her with every gift and grace under the sun and escorted her unscathed through trials which would have annihilated any mortal woman

Thanks to this inspiration he got on swimmingly for a time but gradually the work lost its charm and he forgot to compose while he sat musing pen in hand or roamed about the gay city to get some new ideas and refresh his mind which seemed to be in a somewhat unsettled state that winter He did not do much but he thought a great deal and was conscious of a change of some sort going on in spite of himself Its genius simmering perhaps Ill let it simmer and see what comes of it he said with a secret suspicion all the while that it wasnt genius but something far more common Whatever it was it simmered to some purpose for he grew more and more discontented with his desultory life began to long for some real and earnest work to go at soul and body and finally came to the wise conclusion that everyone who loved music was not a composer Returning from one of Mozarts grand operas splendidly performed at the Royal Theatre he looked over his own played a few of the best parts sat staring at the busts of Mendelssohn Beethoven and Bach who stared benignly back again Then suddenly he tore up his music sheets one by one and as the last fluttered out of his hand he said soberly to himself

She is right Talent isnt genius and you cant make it so That music has taken the vanity out of me as Rome took it out of her and I wont be a humbug any longer Now what shall I do

That seemed a hard question to answer and Laurie began to wish he had to work for his daily bread Now if ever occurred an eligible opportunity for going to the devil as he once forcibly expressed it for he had plenty of money and nothing to do and Satan is proverbially fond of providing employment for full and idle hands The poor fellow had temptations enough from without and from within but he withstood them pretty well for much as he valued liberty he valued good faith and confidence more so his promise to his grandfather and his desire to be able to look honestly into the eyes of the women who loved him and say Alls well kept him safe and steady

Very likely some Mrs Grundy will observe I dont believe it boys will be boys young men must sow their wild oats and women must not expect miracles I dare say you dont Mrs Grundy but its true nevertheless Women work a good many miracles and I have a persuasion that they may perform even that of raising the standard of manhood by refusing to echo such sayings Let the boys be boys the longer the better and let the young men sow their wild oats if they must But mothers sisters and friends may help to make the crop a small one and keep many tares from spoiling the harvest by believing and showing that they believe in the possibility of loyalty to the virtues which make men manliest in good womens eyes If it is a feminine delusion leave us to enjoy it while we may for without it half the beauty and the romance of life is lost and sorrowful forebodings would embitter all our hopes of the brave tenderhearted little lads who still love their mothers better than themselves and are not ashamed to own it

Laurie thought that the task of forgetting his love for Jo would absorb all his powers for years but to his great surprise he discovered it grew easier every day He refused to believe it at first got angry with himself and couldnt understand it but these hearts of ours are curious and contrary things and time and nature work their will in spite of us Lauries heart wouldnt ache The wound persisted in healing with a rapidity that astonished him and instead of trying to forget he found himself trying to remember He had not foreseen this turn of affairs and was not prepared for it He was disgusted with himself surprised at his own fickleness and full of a queer mixture of disappointment and relief that he could recover from such a tremendous blow so soon He carefully stirred up the embers of his lost love but they refused to burst into a blaze There was only a comfortable glow that warmed and did him good without putting him into a fever and he was reluctantly obliged to confess that the boyish passion was slowly subsiding into a more tranquil sentiment very tender a little sad and resentful still but that was sure to pass away in time leaving a brotherly affection which would last unbroken to the end

As the word brotherly passed through his mind in one of his reveries he smiled and glanced up at the picture of Mozart that was before him

Well he was a great man and when he couldnt have one sister he took the other and was happy

Laurie did not utter the words but he thought them and the next instant kissed the little old ring saying to himself No I wont I havent forgotten I never can Ill try again and if that fails why then

Leaving his sentence unfinished he seized pen and paper and wrote to Jo telling her that he could not settle to anything while there was the least hope of her changing her mind Couldnt she wouldnt she—and let him come home and be happy While waiting for an answer he did nothing but he did it energetically for he was in a fever of impatience It came at last and settled his mind effectually on one point for Jo decidedly couldnt and wouldnt She was wrapped up in Beth and never wished to hear the word love again Then she begged him to be happy with somebody else but always keep a little corner of his heart for his loving sister Jo In a postscript she desired him not to tell Amy that Beth was worse she was coming home in the spring and there was no need of saddening the remainder of her stay That would be time enough please God but Laurie must write to her often and not let her feel lonely homesick or anxious

So I will at once Poor little girl it will be a sad going home for her Im afraid and Laurie opened his desk as if writing to Amy had been the proper conclusion of the sentence left unfinished some weeks before

But he did not write the letter that day for as he rummaged out his best paper he came across something which changed his purpose Tumbling about in one part of the desk among bills passports and business documents of various kinds were several of Jos letters and in another compartment were three notes from Amy carefully tied up with one of her blue ribbons and sweetly suggestive of the little dead roses put away inside With a halfrepentant halfamused expression Laurie gathered up all Jos letters smoothed folded and put them neatly into a small drawer of the desk stood a minute turning the ring thoughtfully on his finger then slowly drew it off laid it with the letters locked the drawer and went out to hear High Mass at Saint Stefans feeling as if there had been a funeral and though not overwhelmed with affliction this seemed a more proper way to spend the rest of the day than in writing letters to charming young ladies

The letter went very soon however and was promptly answered for Amy was homesick and confessed it in the most delightfully confiding manner The correspondence flourished famously and letters flew to and fro with unfailing regularity all through the early spring Laurie sold his busts made allumettes of his opera and went back to Paris hoping somebody would arrive before long He wanted desperately to go to Nice but would not till he was asked and Amy would not ask him for just then she was having little experiences of her own which made her rather wish to avoid the quizzical eyes of our boy

Fred Vaughn had returned and put the question to which she had once decided to answer Yes thank you but now she said No thank you kindly but steadily for when the time came her courage failed her and she found that something more than money and position was needed to satisfy the new longing that filled her heart so full of tender hopes and fears The words Fred is a good fellow but not at all the man I fancied you would ever like and Lauries face when he uttered them kept returning to her as pertinaciously as her own did when she said in look if not in words I shall marry for money It troubled her to remember that now she wished she could take it back it sounded so unwomanly She didnt want Laurie to think her a heartless worldly creature She didnt care to be a queen of society now half so much as she did to be a lovable woman She was so glad he didnt hate her for the dreadful things she said but took them so beautifully and was kinder than ever His letters were such a comfort for the home letters were very irregular and not half so satisfactory as his when they did come It was not only a pleasure but a duty to answer them for the poor fellow was forlorn and needed petting since Jo persisted in being stonyhearted She ought to have made an effort and tried to love him It couldnt be very hard many people would be proud and glad to have such a dear boy care for them But Jo never would act like other girls so there was nothing to do but be very kind and treat him like a brother

If all brothers were treated as well as Laurie was at this period they would be a much happier race of beings than they are Amy never lectured now She asked his opinion on all subjects she was interested in everything he did made charming little presents for him and sent him two letters a week full of lively gossip sisterly confidences and captivating sketches of the lovely scenes about her As few brothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sisters pockets read and reread diligently cried over when short kissed when long and treasured carefully we will not hint that Amy did any of these fond and foolish things But she certainly did grow a little pale and pensive that spring lost much of her relish for society and went out sketching alone a good deal She never had much to show when she came home but was studying nature I dare say while she sat for hours with her hands folded on the terrace at Valrosa or absently sketched any fancy that occurred to her a stalwart knight carved on a tomb a young man asleep in the grass with his hat over his eyes or a curly haired girl in gorgeous array promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman both faces being left a blur according to the last fashion in art which was safe but not altogether satisfactory

Her aunt thought that she regretted her answer to Fred and finding denials useless and explanations impossible Amy left her to think what she liked taking care that Laurie should know that Fred had gone to Egypt That was all but he understood it and looked relieved as he said to himself with a venerable air

I was sure she would think better of it Poor old fellow Ive been through it all and I can sympathize

With that he heaved a great sigh and then as if he had discharged his duty to the past put his feet up on the sofa and enjoyed Amys letter luxuriously

While these changes were going on abroad trouble had come at home But the letter telling that Beth was failing never reached Amy and when the next found her at Vevay for the heat had driven them from Nice in May and they had travelled slowly to Switzerland by way of Genoa and the Italian lakes She bore it very well and quietly submitted to the family decree that she should not shorten her visit for since it was too late to say goodbye to Beth she had better stay and let absence soften her sorrow But her heart was very heavy she longed to be at home and every day looked wistfully across the lake waiting for Laurie to come and comfort her

He did come very soon for the same mail brought letters to them both but he was in Germany and it took some days to reach him The moment he read it he packed his knapsack bade adieu to his fellow pedestrians and was off to keep his promise with a heart full of joy and sorrow hope and suspense

He knew Vevay well and as soon as the boat touched the little quay he hurried along the shore to La Tour where the Carrols were living en pension The garcon was in despair that the whole family had gone to take a promenade on the lake but no the blonde mademoiselle might be in the chateau garden If monsieur would give himself the pain of sitting down a flash of time should present her But monsieur could not wait even a flash of time and in the middle of the speech departed to find mademoiselle himself

A pleasant old garden on the borders of the lovely lake with chestnuts rustling overhead ivy climbing everywhere and the black shadow of the tower falling far across the sunny water At one corner of the wide low wall was a seat and here Amy often came to read or work or console herself with the beauty all about her She was sitting here that day leaning her head on her hand with a homesick heart and heavy eyes thinking of Beth and wondering why Laurie did not come She did not hear him cross the courtyard beyond nor see him pause in the archway that led from the subterranean path into the garden He stood a minute looking at her with new eyes seeing what no one had ever seen before the tender side of Amys character Everything about her mutely suggested love and sorrow the blotted letters in her lap the black ribbon that tied up her hair the womanly pain and patience in her face even the little ebony cross at her throat seemed pathetic to Laurie for he had given it to her and she wore it as her only ornament If he had any doubts about the reception she would give him they were set at rest the minute she looked up and saw him for dropping everything she ran to him exclaiming in a tone of unmistakable love and longing

Oh Laurie Laurie I knew youd come to me

I think everything was said and settled then for as they stood together quite silent for a moment with the dark head bent down protectingly over the light one Amy felt that no one could comfort and sustain her so well as Laurie and Laurie decided that Amy was the only woman in the world who could fill Jos place and make him happy He did not tell her so but she was not disappointed for both felt the truth were satisfied and gladly left the rest to silence

In a minute Amy went back to her place and while she dried her tears Laurie gathered up the scattered papers finding in the sight of sundry wellworn letters and suggestive sketches good omens for the future As he sat down beside her Amy felt shy again and turned rosy red at the recollection of her impulsive greeting

I couldnt help it I felt so lonely and sad and was so very glad to see you It was such a surprise to look up and find you just as I was beginning to fear you wouldnt come she said trying in vain to speak quite naturally

I came the minute I heard I wish I could say something to comfort you for the loss of dear little Beth but I can only feel and He could not get any further for he too turned bashful all of a sudden and did not quite know what to say He longed to lay Amys head down on his shoulder and tell her to have a good cry but he did not dare so took her hand instead and gave it a sympathetic squeeze that was better than words

You neednt say anything this comforts me she said softly Beth is well and happy and I mustnt wish her back but I dread the going home much as I long to see them all We wont talk about it now for it makes me cry and I want to enjoy you while you stay You neednt go right back need you

Not if you want me dear

I do so much Aunt and Flo are very kind but you seem like one of the family and it would be so comfortable to have you for a little while

Amy spoke and looked so like a homesick child whose heart was full that Laurie forgot his bashfulness all at once and gave her just what she wanted—the petting she was used to and the cheerful conversation she needed

Poor little soul you look as if youd grieved yourself half sick Im going to take care of you so dont cry any more but come and walk about with me the wind is too chilly for you to sit still he said in the halfcaressing halfcommanding way that Amy liked as he tied on her hat drew her arm through his and began to pace up and down the sunny walk under the newleaved chestnuts He felt more at ease upon his legs and Amy found it pleasant to have a strong arm to lean upon a familiar face to smile at her and a kind voice to talk delightfully for her alone

The quaint old garden had sheltered many pairs of lovers and seemed expressly made for them so sunny and secluded was it with nothing but the tower to overlook them and the wide lake to carry away the echo of their words as it rippled by below For an hour this new pair walked and talked or rested on the wall enjoying the sweet influences which gave such a charm to time and place and when an unromantic dinner bell warned them away Amy felt as if she left her burden of loneliness and sorrow behind her in the chateau garden

The moment Mrs Carrol saw the girls altered face she was illuminated with a new idea and exclaimed to herself Now I understand it all—the child has been pining for young Laurence Bless my heart I never thought of such a thing

With praiseworthy discretion the good lady said nothing and betrayed no sign of enlightenment but cordially urged Laurie to stay and begged Amy to enjoy his society for it would do her more good than so much solitude Amy was a model of docility and as her aunt was a good deal occupied with Flo she was left to entertain her friend and did it with more than her usual success

At Nice Laurie had lounged and Amy had scolded At Vevay Laurie was never idle but always walking riding boating or studying in the most energetic manner while Amy admired everything he did and followed his example as far and as fast as she could He said the change was owing to the climate and she did not contradict him being glad of a like excuse for her own recovered health and spirits

The invigorating air did them both good and much exercise worked wholesome changes in minds as well as bodies They seemed to get clearer views of life and duty up there among the everlasting hills The fresh winds blew away desponding doubts delusive fancies and moody mists The warm spring sunshine brought out all sorts of aspiring ideas tender hopes and happy thoughts The lake seemed to wash away the troubles of the past and the grand old mountains to look benignly down upon them saying Little children love one another

In spite of the new sorrow it was a very happy time so happy that Laurie could not bear to disturb it by a word It took him a little while to recover from his surprise at the cure of his first and as he had firmly believed his last and only love He consoled himself for the seeming disloyalty by the thought that Jos sister was almost the same as Jos self and the conviction that it would have been impossible to love any other woman but Amy so soon and so well His first wooing had been of the tempestuous order and he looked back upon it as if through a long vista of years with a feeling of compassion blended with regret He was not ashamed of it but put it away as one of the bittersweet experiences of his life for which he could be grateful when the pain was over His second wooing he resolved should be as calm and simple as possible There was no need of having a scene hardly any need of telling Amy that he loved her she knew it without words and had given him his answer long ago It all came about so naturally that no one could complain and he knew that everybody would be pleased even Jo But when our first little passion has been crushed we are apt to be wary and slow in making a second trial so Laurie let the days pass enjoying every hour and leaving to chance the utterance of the word that would put an end to the first and sweetest part of his new romance

He had rather imagined that the denoument would take place in the chateau garden by moonlight and in the most graceful and decorous manner but it turned out exactly the reverse for the matter was settled on the lake at noonday in a few blunt words They had been floating about all the morning from gloomy St Gingolf to sunny Montreux with the Alps of Savoy on one side Mont St Bernard and the Dent du Midi on the other pretty Vevay in the valley and Lausanne upon the hill beyond a cloudless blue sky overhead and the bluer lake below dotted with the picturesque boats that look like whitewinged gulls

They had been talking of Bonnivard as they glided past Chillon and of Rousseau as they looked up at Clarens where he wrote his Heloise Neither had read it but they knew it was a love story and each privately wondered if it was half as interesting as their own Amy had been dabbling her hand in the water during the little pause that fell between them and when she looked up Laurie was leaning on his oars with an expression in his eyes that made her say hastily merely for the sake of saying something

You must be tired Rest a little and let me row It will do me good for since you came I have been altogether lazy and luxurious

Im not tired but you may take an oar if you like Theres room enough though I have to sit nearly in the middle else the boat wont trim returned Laurie as if he rather liked the arrangement

Feeling that she had not mended matters much Amy took the offered third of a seat shook her hair over her face and accepted an oar She rowed as well as she did many other things and though she used both hands and Laurie but one the oars kept time and the boat went smoothly through the water

How well we pull together dont we said Amy who objected to silence just then

So well that I wish we might always pull in the same boat Will you Amy very tenderly

Yes Laurie very low

Then they both stopped rowing and unconsciously added a pretty little tableau of human love and happiness to the dissolving views reflected in the lake

CHAPTER FORTYTWO

ALL ALONE

It was easy to promise selfabnegation when self was wrapped up in another and heart and soul were purified by a sweet example But when the helpful voice was silent the daily lesson over the beloved presence gone and nothing remained but loneliness and grief then Jo found her promise very hard to keep How could she comfort Father and Mother when her own heart ached with a ceaseless longing for her sister how could she make the house cheerful when all its light and warmth and beauty seemed to have deserted it when Beth left the old home for the new and where in all the world could she find some useful happy work to do that would take the place of the loving service which had been its own reward She tried in a blind hopeless way to do her duty secretly rebelling against it all the while for it seemed unjust that her few joys should be lessened her burdens made heavier and life get harder and harder as she toiled along Some people seemed to get all sunshine and some all shadow It was not fair for she tried more than Amy to be good but never got any reward only disappointment trouble and hard work

Poor Jo these were dark days to her for something like despair came over her when she thought of spending all her life in that quiet house devoted to humdrum cares a few small pleasures and the duty that never seemed to grow any easier I cant do it I wasnt meant for a life like this and I know I shall break away and do something desperate if somebody doesnt come and help me she said to herself when her first efforts failed and she fell into the moody miserable state of mind which often comes when strong wills have to yield to the inevitable

But someone did come and help her though Jo did not recognize her good angels at once because they wore familiar shapes and used the simple spells best fitted to poor humanity Often she started up at night thinking Beth called her and when the sight of the little empty bed made her cry with the bitter cry of unsubmissive sorrow Oh Beth come back Come back she did not stretch out her yearning arms in vain For as quick to hear her sobbing as she had been to hear her sisters faintest whisper her mother came to comfort her not with words only but the patient tenderness that soothes by a touch tears that were mute reminders of a greater grief than Jos and broken whispers more eloquent than prayers because hopeful resignation went handinhand with natural sorrow Sacred moments when heart talked to heart in the silence of the night turning affliction to a blessing which chastened grief and strengthned love Feeling this Jos burden seemed easier to bear duty grew sweeter and life looked more endurable seen from the safe shelter of her mothers arms

When aching heart was a little comforted troubled mind likewise found help for one day she went to the study and leaning over the good gray head lifted to welcome her with a tranquil smile she said very humbly Father talk to me as you did to Beth I need it more than she did for Im all wrong

My dear nothing can comfort me like this he answered with a falter in his voice and both arms round her as if he too needed help and did not fear to ask for it

Then sitting in Beths little chair close beside him Jo told her troubles the resentful sorrow for her loss the fruitless efforts that discouraged her the want of faith that made life look so dark and all the sad bewilderment which we call despair She gave him entire confidence he gave her the help she needed and both found consolation in the act For the time had come when they could talk together not only as father and daughter but as man and woman able and glad to serve each other with mutual sympathy as well as mutual love Happy thoughtful times there in the old study which Jo called the church of one member and from which she came with fresh courage recovered cheerfulness and a more submissive spirit For the parents who had taught one child to meet death without fear were trying now to teach another to accept life without despondency or distrust and to use its beautiful opportunities with gratitude and power

Other helps had Jo—humble wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her and which she slowly learned to see and value Brooms and dishcloths never could be as distasteful as they once had been for Beth had presided over both and something of her housewifely spirit seemed to linger around the little mop and the old brush never thrown away As she used them Jo found herself humming the songs Beth used to hum imitating Beths orderly ways and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy which was the first step toward making home happy though she didnt know it till Hannah said with an approving squeeze of the hand

You thoughtful creeter youre determined we shant miss that dear lamb ef you can help it We dont say much but we see it and the Lord will bless you fort see ef He dont

As they sat sewing together Jo discovered how much improved her sister Meg was how well she could talk how much she knew about good womanly impulses thoughts and feelings how happy she was in husband and children and how much they were all doing for each other

Marriage is an excellent thing after all I wonder if I should blossom out half as well as you have if I tried it always perwisin I could said Jo as she constructed a kite for Demi in the topsyturvy nursery

Its just what you need to bring out the tender womanly half of your nature Jo You are like a chestnut burr prickly outside but silkysoft within and a sweet kernal if one can only get at it Love will make you show your heart one day and then the rough burr will fall off

Frost opens chestnut burrs maam and it takes a good shake to bring them down Boys go nutting and I dont care to be bagged by them returned Jo pasting away at the kite which no wind that blows would ever carry up for Daisy had tied herself on as a bob

Meg laughed for she was glad to see a glimmer of Jos old spirit but she felt it her duty to enforce her opinion by every argument in her power and the sisterly chats were not wasted especially as two of Megs most effective arguments were the babies whom Jo loved tenderly Grief is the best opener of some hearts and Jos was nearly ready for the bag A little more sunshine to ripen the nut then not a boys impatient shake but a mans hand reached up to pick it gently from the burr and find the kernal sound and sweet If she suspected this she would have shut up tight and been more prickly than ever fortunately she wasnt thinking about herself so when the time came down she dropped

Now if she had been the heroine of a moral storybook she ought at this period of her life to have become quite saintly renounced the world and gone about doing good in a mortified bonnet with tracts in her pocket But you see Jo wasnt a heroine she was only a struggling human girl like hundreds of others and she just acted out her nature being sad cross listless or energetic as the mood suggested Its highly virtuous to say well be good but we cant do it all at once and it takes a long pull a strong pull and a pull all together before some of us even get our feet set in the right way Jo had got so far she was learning to do her duty and to feel unhappy if she did not but to do it cheerfully ah that was another thing She had often said she wanted to do something splendid no matter how hard and now she had her wish for what could be more beautiful than to devote her life to Father and Mother trying to make home as happy to them as they had to her And if difficulties were necessary to increase the splendor of the effort what could be harder for a restless ambitious girl than to give up her own hopes plans and desires and cheerfully live for others

Providence had taken her at her word Here was the task not what she had expected but better because self had no part in it Now could she do it She decided that she would try and in her first attempt she found the helps I have suggested Still another was given her and she took it not as a reward but as a comfort as Christian took the refreshment afforded by the little arbor where he rested as he climbed the hill called Difficulty

Why dont you write That always used to make you happy said her mother once when the desponding fit overshadowed Jo

Ive no heart to write and if I had nobody cares for my things

We do Write something for us and never mind the rest of the world Try it dear Im sure it would do you good and please us very much

Dont believe I can But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her halffinished manuscripts

An hour afterward her mother peeped in and there she was scratching away with her black pinafore on and an absorbed expression which caused Mrs March to smile and slip away well pleased with the success of her suggestion Jo never knew how it happened but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it for when her family had laughed and cried over it her father sent it much against her will to one of the popular magazines and to her utter surprise it was not only paid for but others requested Letters from several persons whose praise was honor followed the appearance of the little story newspapers copied it and strangers as well as friends admired it For a small thing it was a great success and Jo was more astonished than when her novel was commended and condemned all at once

I dont understand it What can there be in a simple little story like that to make people praise it so she said quite bewildered

There is truth in it Jo thats the secret Humor and pathos make it alive and you have found your style at last You wrote with no thoughts of fame and money and put your heart into it my daughter You have had the bitter now comes the sweet Do your best and grow as happy as we are in your success

If there is anything good or true in what I write it isnt mine I owe it all to you and Mother and Beth said Jo more touched by her fathers words than by any amount of praise from the world

So taught by love and sorrow Jo wrote her little stories and sent them away to make friends for themselves and her finding it a very charitable world to such humble wanderers for they were kindly welcomed and sent home comfortable tokens to their mother like dutiful children whom good fortune overtakes

When Amy and Laurie wrote of their engagement Mrs March feared that Jo would find it difficult to rejoice over it but her fears were soon set at rest for though Jo looked grave at first she took it very quietly and was full of hopes and plans for the children before she read the letter twice It was a sort of written duet wherein each glorified the other in loverlike fashion very pleasant to read and satisfactory to think of for no one had any objection to make

You like it Mother said Jo as they laid down the closely written sheets and looked at one another

Yes I hoped it would be so ever since Amy wrote that she had refused Fred I felt sure then that something better than what you call the mercenary spirit had come over her and a hint here and there in her letters made me suspect that love and Laurie would win the day

How sharp you are Marmee and how silent You never said a word to me

Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage I was half afraid to put the idea into your head lest you should write and congratulate them before the thing was settled

Im not the scatterbrain I was You may trust me Im sober and sensible enough for anyones confidante now

So you are my dear and I should have made you mine only I fancied it might pain you to learn that your Teddy loved someone else

Now Mother did you really think I could be so silly and selfish after Id refused his love when it was freshest if not best

I knew you were sincere then Jo but lately I have thought that if he came back and asked again you might perhaps feel like giving another answer Forgive me dear I cant help seeing that you are very lonely and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart So I fancied that your boy might fill the empty place if he tried now

No Mother it is better as it is and Im glad Amy has learned to love him But you are right in one thing I am lonely and perhaps if Teddy had tried again I might have said Yes not because I love him any more but because I care more to be loved than when he went away

Im glad of that Jo for it shows that you are getting on There are plenty to love you so try to be satisfied with Father and Mother sisters and brothers friends and babies till the best lover of all comes to give you your reward

Mothers are the best lovers in the world but I dont mind whispering to Marmee that Id like to try all kinds Its very curious but the more I try to satisfy myself with all sorts of natural affections the more I seem to want Id no idea hearts could take in so many Mine is so elastic it never seems full now and I used to be quite contented with my family I dont understand it

I do and Mrs March smiled her wise smile as Jo turned back the leaves to read what Amy said of Laurie

It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me He isnt sentimental doesnt say much about it but I see and feel it in all he says and does and it makes me so happy and so humble that I dont seem to be the same girl I was I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now for he lets me read his heart and I find it full of noble impulses and hopes and purposes and am so proud to know its mine He says he feels as if he could make a prosperous voyage now with me aboard as mate and lots of love for ballast I pray he may and try to be all he believes me for I love my gallant captain with all my heart and soul and might and never will desert him while God lets us be together Oh Mother I never knew how much like heaven this world could be when two people love and live for one another

And thats our cool reserved and worldly Amy Truly love does work miracles How very very happy they must be and Jo laid the rustling sheets together with a careful hand as one might shut the covers of a lovely romance which holds the reader fast till the end comes and he finds himself alone in the workaday world again

Byandby Jo roamed away upstairs for it was rainy and she could not walk A restless spirit possessed her and the old feeling came again not bitter as it once was but a sorrowfully patient wonder why one sister should have all she asked the other nothing It was not true she knew that and tried to put it away but the natural craving for affection was strong and Amys happiness woke the hungry longing for someone to love with heart and soul and cling to while God let them be together Up in the garret where Jos unquiet wanderings ended stood four little wooden chests in a row each marked with its owners name and each filled with relics of the childhood and girlhood ended now for all Jo glanced into them and when she came to her own leaned her chin on the edge and stared absently at the chaotic collection till a bundle of old exercise books caught her eye She drew them out turned them over and relived that pleasant winter at kind Mrs Kirkes She had smiled at first then she looked thoughtful next sad and when she came to a little message written in the Professors hand her lips began to tremble the books slid out of her lap and she sat looking at the friendly words as they took a new meaning and touched a tender spot in her heart

Wait for me my friend I may be a little late but I shall surely come

Oh if he only would So kind so good so patient with me always my dear old Fritz I didnt value him half enough when I had him but now how I should love to see him for everyone seems going away from me and Im all alone

And holding the little paper fast as if it were a promise yet to be fulfilled Jo laid her head down on a comfortable rag bag and cried as if in opposition to the rain pattering on the roof

Was it all selfpity loneliness or low spirits Or was it the waking up of a sentiment which had bided its time as patiently as its inspirer Who shall say

CHAPTER FORTYTHREE

SURPRISES

Jo was alone in the twilight lying on the old sofa looking at the fire and thinking It was her favorite way of spending the hour of dusk No one disturbed her and she used to lie there on Beths little red pillow planning stories dreaming dreams or thinking tender thoughts of the sister who never seemed far away Her face looked tired grave and rather sad for tomorrow was her birthday and she was thinking how fast the years went by how old she was getting and how little she seemed to have accomplished Almost twentyfive and nothing to show for it Jo was mistaken in that There was a good deal to show and byandby she saw and was grateful for it

An old maid thats what Im to be A literary spinster with a pen for a spouse a family of stories for children and twenty years hence a morsel of fame perhaps when like poor Johnson Im old and cant enjoy it solitary and cant share it independent and dont need it Well I neednt be a sour saint nor a selfish sinner and I dare say old maids are very comfortable when they get used to it but and there Jo sighed as if the prospect was not inviting

It seldom is at first and thirty seems the end of all things to fiveandtwenty But its not as bad as it looks and one can get on quite happily if one has something in ones self to fall back upon At twentyfive girls begin to talk about being old maids but secretly resolve that they never will be At thirty they say nothing about it but quietly accept the fact and if sensible console themselves by remembering that they have twenty more useful happy years in which they may be learning to grow old gracefully Dont laugh at the spinsters dear girls for often very tender tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns and many silent sacrifices of youth health ambition love itself make the faded faces beautiful in Gods sight Even the sad sour sisters should be kindly dealt with because they have missed the sweetest part of life if for no other reason And looking at them with compassion not contempt girls in their bloom should remember that they too may miss the blossom time That rosy cheeks dont last forever that silver threads will come in the bonnie brown hair and that byandby kindness and respect will be as sweet as love and admiration now

Gentlemen which means boys be courteous to the old maids no matter how poor and plain and prim for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to pay deference to the old protect the feeble and serve womankind regardless of rank age or color Just recollect the good aunts who have not only lectured and fussed but nursed and petted too often without thanks the scrapes they have helped you out of the tips they have given you from their small store the stitches the patient old fingers have set for you the steps the willing old feet have taken and gratefully pay the dear old ladies the little attentions that women love to receive as long as they live The brighteyed girls are quick to see such traits and will like you all the better for them and if death almost the only power that can part mother and son should rob you of yours you will be sure to find a tender welcome and maternal cherishing from some Aunt Priscilla who has kept the warmest corner of her lonely old heart for the best nevvy in the world

Jo must have fallen asleep as I dare say my reader has during this little homily for suddenly Lauries ghost seemed to stand before her a substantial lifelike ghost leaning over her with the very look he used to wear when he felt a good deal and didnt like to show it But like Jenny in the ballad

She could not think it he
and lay staring up at him in startled silence till he stooped and kissed her Then she knew him and flew up crying joyfully

Oh my Teddy Oh my Teddy

Dear Jo you are glad to see me then

Glad My blessed boy words cant express my gladness Wheres Amy

Your mother has got her down at Megs We stopped there by the way and there was no getting my wife out of their clutches

Your what cried Jo for Laurie uttered those two words with an unconscious pride and satisfaction which betrayed him

Oh the dickens Now Ive done it and he looked so guilty that Jo was down on him like a flash

Youve gone and got married

Yes please but I never will again and he went down upon his knees with a penitent clasping of hands and a face full of mischief mirth and triumph

Actually married

Very much so thank you

Mercy on us What dreadful thing will you do next and Jo fell into her seat with a gasp

A characteristic but not exactly complimentary congratulation returned Laurie still in an abject attitude but beaming with satisfaction

What can you expect when you take ones breath away creeping in like a burglar and letting cats out of bags like that Get up you ridiculous boy and tell me all about it

Not a word unless you let me come in my old place and promise not to barricade

Jo laughed at that as she had not done for many a long day and patted the sofa invitingly as she said in a cordial tone The old pillow is up garret and we dont need it now So come and fess Teddy

How good it sounds to hear you say Teddy No one ever calls me that but you and Laurie sat down with an air of great content

What does Amy call you

My lord

Thats like her Well you look it and Jos eye plainly betrayed that she found her boy comelier than ever

The pillow was gone but there was a barricade nevertheless a natural one raised by time absence and change of heart Both felt it and for a minute looked at one another as if that invisible barrier cast a little shadow over them It was gone directly however for Laurie said with a vain attempt at dignity

Dont I look like a married man and the head of a family

Not a bit and you never will Youve grown bigger and bonnier but you are the same scapegrace as ever

Now really Jo you ought to treat me with more respect began Laurie who enjoyed it all immensely

How can I when the mere idea of you married and settled is so irresistibly funny that I cant keep sober answered Jo smiling all over her face so infectiously that they had another laugh and then settled down for a good talk quite in the pleasant old fashion

Its no use your going out in the cold to get Amy for they are all coming up presently I couldnt wait I wanted to be the one to tell you the grand surprise and have first skim as we used to say when we squabbled about the cream

Of course you did and spoiled your story by beginning at the wrong end Now start right and tell me how it all happened Im pining to know

Well I did it to please Amy began Laurie with a twinkle that made Jo exclaim

Fib number one Amy did it to please you Go on and tell the truth if you can sir

Now shes beginning to marm it Isnt it jolly to hear her said Laurie to the fire and the fire glowed and sparkled as if it quite agreed Its all the same you know she and I being one We planned to come home with the Carrols a month or more ago but they suddenly changed their minds and decided to pass another winter in Paris But Grandpa wanted to come home He went to please me and I couldnt let him go alone neither could I leave Amy and Mrs Carrol had got English notions about chaperons and such nonsense and wouldnt let Amy come with us So I just settled the difficulty by saying Lets be married and then we can do as we like

Of course you did You always have things to suit you

Not always and something in Lauries voice made Jo say hastily

How did you ever get Aunt to agree

It was hard work but between us we talked her over for we had heaps of good reasons on our side There wasnt time to write and ask leave but you all liked it had consented to it byandby and it was only taking time by the fetlock as my wife says

Arent we proud of those two words and dont we like to say them interrupted Jo addressing the fire in her turn and watching with delight the happy light it seemed to kindle in the eyes that had been so tragically gloomy when she saw them last

A trifle perhaps shes such a captivating little woman I cant help being proud of her Well then Uncle and Aunt were there to play propriety We were so absorbed in one another we were of no mortal use apart and that charming arrangement would make everything easy all round so we did it

When where how asked Jo in a fever of feminine interest and curiosity for she could not realize it a particle

Six weeks ago at the American consuls in Paris a very quiet wedding of course for even in our happiness we didnt forget dear little Beth

Jo put her hand in his as he said that and Laurie gently smoothed the little red pillow which he remembered well

Why didnt you let us know afterward asked Jo in a quieter tone when they had sat quite still a minute

We wanted to surprise you We thought we were coming directly home at first but the dear old gentleman as soon as we were married found he couldnt be ready under a month at least and sent us off to spend our honeymoon wherever we liked Amy had once called Valrosa a regular honeymoon home so we went there and were as happy as people are but once in their lives My faith Wasnt it love among the roses

Laurie seemed to forget Jo for a minute and Jo was glad of it for the fact that he told her these things so freely and so naturally assured her that he had quite forgiven and forgotten She tried to draw away her hand but as if he guessed the thought that prompted the halfinvoluntary impulse Laurie held it fast and said with a manly gravity she had never seen in him before

Jo dear I want to say one thing and then well put it by forever As I told you in my letter when I wrote that Amy had been so kind to me I never shall stop loving you but the love is altered and I have learned to see that it is better as it is Amy and you changed places in my heart thats all I think it was meant to be so and would have come about naturally if I had waited as you tried to make me but I never could be patient and so I got a heartache I was a boy then headstrong and violent and it took a hard lesson to show me my mistake For it was one Jo as you said and I found it out after making a fool of myself Upon my word I was so tumbled up in my mind at one time that I didnt know which I loved best you or Amy and tried to love you both alike But I couldnt and when I saw her in Switzerland everything seemed to clear up all at once You both got into your right places and I felt sure that it was well off with the old love before it was on with the new that I could honestly share my heart between sister Jo and wife Amy and love them dearly Will you believe it and go back to the happy old times when we first knew one another

Ill believe it with all my heart but Teddy we never can be boy and girl again The happy old times cant come back and we mustnt expect it We are man and woman now with sober work to do for playtime is over and we must give up frolicking Im sure you feel this I see the change in you and youll find it in me I shall miss my boy but I shall love the man as much and admire him more because he means to be what I hoped he would We cant be little playmates any longer but we will be brother and sister to love and help one another all our lives wont we Laurie

He did not say a word but took the hand she offered him and laid his face down on it for a minute feeling that out of the grave of a boyish passion there had risen a beautiful strong friendship to bless them both Presently Jo said cheerfully for she didnt want the coming home to be a sad one I cant make it true that you children are really married and going to set up housekeeping Why it seems only yesterday that I was buttoning Amys pinafore and pulling your hair when you teased Mercy me how time does fly

As one of the children is older than yourself you neednt talk so like a grandma I flatter myself Im a gentleman growed as Peggotty said of David and when you see Amy youll find her rather a precocious infant said Laurie looking amused at her maternal air

You may be a little older in years but Im ever so much older in feeling Teddy Women always are and this last year has been such a hard one that I feel forty

Poor Jo We left you to bear it alone while we went pleasuring You are older Heres a line and theres another Unless you smile your eyes look sad and when I touched the cushion just now I found a tear on it Youve had a great deal to bear and had to bear it all alone What a selfish beast Ive been and Laurie pulled his own hair with a remorseful look

But Jo only turned over the traitorous pillow and answered in a tone which she tried to make more cheerful No I had Father and Mother to help me and the dear babies to comfort me and the thought that you and Amy were safe and happy to make the troubles here easier to bear I am lonely sometimes but I dare say its good for me and

You never shall be again broke in Laurie putting his arm about her as if to fence out every human ill Amy and I cant get on without you so you must come and teach the children to keep house and go halves in everything just as we used to do and let us pet you and all be blissfully happy and friendly together

If I shouldnt be in the way it would be very pleasant I begin to feel quite young already for somehow all my troubles seemed to fly away when you came You always were a comfort Teddy and Jo leaned her head on his shoulder just as she did years ago when Beth lay ill and Laurie told her to hold on to him

He looked down at her wondering if she remembered the time but Jo was smiling to herself as if in truth her troubles had all vanished at his coming

You are the same Jo still dropping tears about one minute and laughing the next You look a little wicked now What is it Grandma

I was wondering how you and Amy get on together

Like angels

Yes of course but which rules

I dont mind telling you that she does now at least I let her think so it pleases her you know Byandby we shall take turns for marriage they say halves ones rights and doubles ones duties

Youll go on as you begin and Amy will rule you all the days of your life

Well she does it so imperceptibly that I dont think I shall mind much She is the sort of woman who knows how to rule well In fact I rather like it for she winds one round her finger as softly and prettily as a skein of silk and makes you feel as if she was doing you a favor all the while

That ever I should live to see you a henpecked husband and enjoying it cried Jo with uplifted hands

It was good to see Laurie square his shoulders and smile with masculine scorn at that insinuation as he replied with his high and mighty air Amy is too wellbred for that and I am not the sort of man to submit to it My wife and I respect ourselves and one another too much ever to tyrannize or quarrel

Jo liked that and thought the new dignity very becoming but the boy seemed changing very fast into the man and regret mingled with her pleasure

I am sure of that Amy and you never did quarrel as we used to She is the sun and I the wind in the fable and the sun managed the man best you remember

She can blow him up as well as shine on him laughed Laurie Such a lecture as I got at Nice I give you my word it was a deal worse than any of your scoldings a regular rouser Ill tell you all about it sometime she never will because after telling me that she despised and was ashamed of me she lost her heart to the despicable party and married the goodfornothing

What baseness Well if she abuses you come to me and Ill defend you

I look as if I needed it dont I said Laurie getting up and striking an attitude which suddenly changed from the imposing to the rapturous as Amys voice was heard calling Where is she Wheres my dear old Jo

In trooped the whole family and everyone was hugged and kissed all over again and after several vain attempts the three wanderers were set down to be looked at and exulted over Mr Laurence hale and hearty as ever was quite as much improved as the others by his foreign tour for the crustiness seemed to be nearly gone and the oldfashioned courtliness had received a polish which made it kindlier than ever It was good to see him beam at my children as he called the young pair It was better still to see Amy pay him the daughterly duty and affection which completely won his old heart and best of all to watch Laurie revolve about the two as if never tired of enjoying the pretty picture they made

The minute she put her eyes upon Amy Meg became conscious that her own dress hadnt a Parisian air that young Mrs Moffat would be entirely eclipsed by young Mrs Laurence and that her ladyship was altogether a most elegant and graceful woman Jo thought as she watched the pair How well they look together I was right and Laurie has found the beautiful accomplished girl who will become his home better than clumsy old Jo and be a pride not a torment to him Mrs March and her husband smiled and nodded at each other with happy faces for they saw that their youngest had done well not only in worldly things but the better wealth of love confidence and happiness

For Amys face was full of the soft brightness which betokens a peaceful heart her voice had a new tenderness in it and the cool prim carriage was changed to a gentle dignity both womanly and winning No little affectations marred it and the cordial sweetness of her manner was more charming than the new beauty or the old grace for it stamped her at once with the unmistakable sign of the true gentlewoman she had hoped to become

Love has done much for our little girl said her mother softly

She has had a good example before her all her life my dear Mr March whispered back with a loving look at the worn face and gray head beside him

Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyes off her pitty aunty but attached herself like a lap dog to the wonderful chatelaine full of delightful charms Demi paused to consider the new relationship before he compromised himself by the rash acceptance of a bribe which took the tempting form of a family of wooden bears from Berne A flank movement produced an unconditional surrender however for Laurie knew where to have him

Young man when I first had the honor of making your acquaintance you hit me in the face Now I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman and with that the tall uncle proceeded to toss and tousle the small nephew in a way that damaged his philosophical dignity as much as it delighted his boyish soul

Blest if she aint in silk from head to foot aint it a relishin sight to see her settin there as fine as a fiddle and hear folks calling little Amy Mis Laurence muttered old Hannah who could not resist frequent peeks through the slide as she set the table in a most decidedly promiscuous manner

Mercy on us how they did talk first one then the other then all burst out together—trying to tell the history of three years in half an hour It was fortunate that tea was at hand to produce a lull and provide refreshment—for they would have been hoarse and faint if they had gone on much longer Such a happy procession as filed away into the little dining room Mr March proudly escorted Mrs Laurence Mrs March as proudly leaned on the arm of my son The old gentleman took Jo with a whispered You must be my girl now and a glance at the empty corner by the fire that made Jo whisper back Ill try to fill her place sir

The twins pranced behind feeling that the millennium was at hand for everyone was so busy with the newcomers that they were left to revel at their own sweet will and you may be sure they made the most of the opportunity Didnt they steal sips of tea stuff gingerbread ad libitum get a hot biscuit apiece and as a crowning trespass didnt they each whisk a captivating little tart into their tiny pockets there to stick and crumble treacherously teaching them that both human nature and a pastry are frail Burdened with the guilty consciousness of the sequestered tarts and fearing that Dodos sharp eyes would pierce the thin disguise of cambric and merino which hid their booty the little sinners attached themselves to Dranpa who hadnt his spectacles on Amy who was handed about like refreshments returned to the parlor on Father Laurences arm The others paired off as before and this arrangement left Jo companionless She did not mind it at the minute for she lingered to answer Hannahs eager inquiry

Will Miss Amy ride in her coop coupe and use all them lovely silver dishes thats stored away over yander

Shouldnt wonder if she drove six white horses ate off gold plate and wore diamonds and point lace every day Teddy thinks nothing too good for her returned Jo with infinite satisfaction

No more there is Will you have hash or fishballs for breakfast asked Hannah who wisely mingled poetry and prose

I dont care and Jo shut the door feeling that food was an uncongenial topic just then She stood a minute looking at the party vanishing above and as Demis short plaid legs toiled up the last stair a sudden sense of loneliness came over her so strongly that she looked about her with dim eyes as if to find something to lean upon for even Teddy had deserted her If she had known what birthday gift was coming every minute nearer and nearer she would not have said to herself Ill weep a little weep when I go to bed It wont do to be dismal now Then she drew her hand over her eyes for one of her boyish habits was never to know where her handkerchief was and had just managed to call up a smile when there came a knock at the porch door

She opened with hospitable haste and started as if another ghost had come to surprise her for there stood a tall bearded gentleman beaming on her from the darkness like a midnight sun

Oh Mr Bhaer I am so glad to see you cried Jo with a clutch as if she feared the night would swallow him up before she could get him in

And I to see Miss Marsch but no you haf a party and the Professor paused as the sound of voices and the tap of dancing feet came down to them

No we havent only the family My sister and friends have just come home and we are all very happy Come in and make one of us

Though a very social man I think Mr Bhaer would have gone decorously away and come again another day but how could he when Jo shut the door behind him and bereft him of his hat Perhaps her face had something to do with it for she forgot to hide her joy at seeing him and showed it with a frankness that proved irresistible to the solitary man whose welcome far exceeded his boldest hopes

If I shall not be Monsieur de Trop I will so gladly see them all You haf been ill my friend

He put the question abruptly for as Jo hung up his coat the light fell on her face and he saw a change in it

Not ill but tired and sorrowful We have had trouble since I saw you last

Ah yes I know My heart was sore for you when I heard that and he shook hands again with such a sympathetic face that Jo felt as if no comfort could equal the look of the kind eyes the grasp of the big warm hand

Father Mother this is my friend Professor Bhaer she said with a face and tone of such irrepressible pride and pleasure that she might as well have blown a trumpet and opened the door with a flourish

If the stranger had any doubts about his reception they were set at rest in a minute by the cordial welcome he received Everyone greeted him kindly for Jos sake at first but very soon they liked him for his own They could not help it for he carried the talisman that opens all hearts and these simple people warmed to him at once feeling even the more friendly because he was poor For poverty enriches those who live above it and is a sure passport to truly hospitable spirits Mr Bhaer sat looking about him with the air of a traveler who knocks at a strange door and when it opens finds himself at home The children went to him like bees to a honeypot and establishing themselves on each knee proceeded to captivate him by rifling his pockets pulling his beard and investigating his watch with juvenile audacity The women telegraphed their approval to one another and Mr March feeling that he had got a kindred spirit opened his choicest stores for his guests benefit while silent John listened and enjoyed the talk but said not a word and Mr Laurence found it impossible to go to sleep

If Jo had not been otherwise engaged Lauries behavior would have amused her for a faint twinge not of jealousy but something like suspicion caused that gentleman to stand aloof at first and observe the newcomer with brotherly circumspection But it did not last long He got interested in spite of himself and before he knew it was drawn into the circle For Mr Bhaer talked well in this genial atmosphere and did himself justice He seldom spoke to Laurie but he looked at him often and a shadow would pass across his face as if regretting his own lost youth as he watched the young man in his prime Then his eyes would turn to Jo so wistfully that she would have surely answered the mute inquiry if she had seen it But Jo had her own eyes to take care of and feeling that they could not be trusted she prudently kept them on the little sock she was knitting like a model maiden aunt

A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens Mr Bhaers face had lost the absentminded expression and looked all alive with interest in the present moment actually young and handsome she thought forgetting to compare him with Laurie as she usually did strange men to their great detriment Then he seemed quite inspired though the burial customs of the ancients to which the conversation had strayed might not be considered an exhilarating topic Jo quite glowed with triumph when Teddy got quenched in an argument and thought to herself as she watched her fathers absorbed face How he would enjoy having such a man as my Professor to talk with every day Lastly Mr Bhaer was dressed in a new suit of black which made him look more like a gentleman than ever His bushy hair had been cut and smoothly brushed but didnt stay in order long for in exciting moments he rumpled it up in the droll way he used to do and Jo liked it rampantly erect better than flat because she thought it gave his fine forehead a Jovelike aspect Poor Jo how she did glorify that plain man as she sat knitting away so quietly yet letting nothing escape her not even the fact that Mr Bhaer actually had gold sleevebuttons in his immaculate wristbands

Dear old fellow He couldnt have got himself up with more care if hed been going awooing said Jo to herself and then a sudden thought born of the words made her blush so dreadfully that she had to drop her ball and go down after it to hide her face

The maneuver did not succeed as well as she expected however for though just in the act of setting fire to a funeral pyre the Professor dropped his torch metaphorically speaking and made a dive after the little blue ball Of course they bumped their heads smartly together saw stars and both came up flushed and laughing without the ball to resume their seats wishing they had not left them

Nobody knew where the evening went to for Hannah skillfully abstracted the babies at an early hour nodding like two rosy poppies and Mr Laurence went home to rest The others sat round the fire talking away utterly regardless of the lapse of time till Meg whose maternal mind was impressed with a firm conviction that Daisy had tumbled out of bed and Demi set his nightgown afire studying the structure of matches made a move to go

We must have our sing in the good old way for we are all together again once more said Jo feeling that a good shout would be a safe and pleasant vent for the jubilant emotions of her soul

They were not all there But no one found the words thougtless or untrue for Beth still seemed among them a peaceful presence invisible but dearer than ever since death could not break the household league that love made disoluble The little chair stood in its old place The tidy basket with the bit of work she left unfinished when the needle grew so heavy was still on its accustomed shelf The beloved instrument seldom touched now had not been moved and above it Beths face serene and smiling as in the early days looked down upon them seeming to say Be happy I am here

Play something Amy Let them hear how much you have improved said Laurie with pardonable pride in his promising pupil

But Amy whispered with full eyes as she twirled the faded stool Not tonight dear I cant show off tonight

But she did show something better than brilliancy or skill for she sang Beths songs with a tender music in her voice which the best master could not have taught and touched the listeners hearts with a sweeter power than any other inspiration could have given her The room was very still when the clear voice failed suddenly at the last line of Beths favorite hymn It was hard to say

Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal
and Amy leaned against her husband who stood behind her feeling that her welcome home was not quite perfect without Beths kiss

Now we must finish with Mignons song for Mr Bhaer sings that said Jo before the pause grew painful And Mr Bhaer cleared his throat with a gratified Hem as he stepped into the corner where Jo stood saying

You will sing with me We go excellently well together

A pleasing fiction by the way for Jo had no more idea of music than a grasshopper But she would have consented if he had proposed to sing a whole opera and warbled away blissfully regardless of time and tune It didnt much matter for Mr Bhaer sang like a true German heartily and well and Jo soon subsided into a subdued hum that she might listen to the mellow voice that seemed to sing for her alone

Knowst thou the land where the citron blooms
used to be the Professors favorite line for das land meant Germany to him but now he seemed to dwell with peculiar warmth and melody upon the words

There oh there might I with thee
O my beloved go
and one listener was so thrilled by the tender invitation that she longed to say she did know the land and would joyfully depart thither whenever he liked

The song was considered a great success and the singer retired covered with laurels But a few minutes afterward he forgot his manners entirely and stared at Amy putting on her bonnet for she had been introduced simply as my sister and no one had called her by her new name since he came He forgot himself still further when Laurie said in his most gracious manner at parting

My wife and I are very glad to meet you sir Please remember that there is always a welcome waiting for you over the way

Then the Professor thanked him so heartily and looked so suddenly illuminated with satisfaction that Laurie thought him the most delightfully demonstrative old fellow he ever met

I too shall go but I shall gladly come again if you will gif me leave dear madame for a little business in the city will keep me here some days

He spoke to Mrs March but he looked at Jo and the mothers voice gave as cordial an assent as did the daughters eyes for Mrs March was not so blind to her childrens interest as Mrs Moffat supposed

I suspect that is a wise man remarked Mr March with placid satisfaction from the hearthrug after the last guest had gone

I know he is a good one added Mrs March with decided approval as she wound up the clock

I thought youd like him was all Jo said as she slipped away to her bed

She wondered what the business was that brought Mr Bhaer to the city and finally decided that he had been appointed to some great honor somewhere but had been too modest to mention the fact If she had seen his face when safe in his own room he looked at the picture of a severe and rigid young lady with a good deal of hair who appeared to be gazing darkly into futurity it might have thrown some light upon the subject especially when he turned off the gas and kissed the picture in the dark

CHAPTER FORTYFOUR

MY LORD AND LADY

Please Madam Mother could you lend me my wife for half an hour The luggage has come and Ive been making hay of Amys Paris finery trying to find some things I want said Laurie coming in the next day to find Mrs Laurence sitting in her mothers lap as if being made the baby again

Certainly Go dear I forgot that you have any home but this and Mrs March pressed the white hand that wore the wedding ring as if asking pardon for her maternal covetousness

I shouldnt have come over if I could have helped it but I cant get on without my little woman any more than a

Weathercock can without the wind suggested Jo as he paused for a simile Jo had grown quite her own saucy self again since Teddy came home

Exactly for Amy keeps me pointing due west most of the time with only an occasional whiffle round to the south and I havent had an easterly spell since I was married Dont know anything about the north but am altogether salubrious and balmy hey my lady

Lovely weather so far I dont know how long it will last but Im not afraid of storms for Im learning how to sail my ship Come home dear and Ill find your bootjack I suppose thats what you are rummaging after among my things Men are so helpless Mother said Amy with a matronly air which delighted her husband

What are you going to do with yourselves after you get settled asked Jo buttoning Amys cloak as she used to button her pinafores

We have our plans We dont mean to say much about them yet because we are such very new brooms but we dont intend to be idle Im going into business with a devotion that shall delight Grandfather and prove to him that Im not spoiled I need something of the sort to keep me steady Im tired of dawdling and mean to work like a man

And Amy what is she going to do asked Mrs March well pleased at Lauries decision and the energy with which he spoke

After doing the civil all round and airing our best bonnet we shall astonish you by the elegant hospitalities of our mansion the brilliant society we shall draw about us and the beneficial influence we shall exert over the world at large Thats about it isnt it Madame Recamier asked Laurie with a quizzical look at Amy

Time will show Come away Impertinence and dont shock my family by calling me names before their faces answered Amy resolving that there should be a home with a good wife in it before she set up a salon as a queen of society

How happy those children seem together observed Mr March finding it difficult to become absorbed in his Aristotle after the young couple had gone

Yes and I think it will last added Mrs March with the restful expression of a pilot who has brought a ship safely into port

I know it will Happy Amy and Jo sighed then smiled brightly as Professor Bhaer opened the gate with an impatient push

Later in the evening when his mind had been set at rest about the bootjack Laurie said suddenly to his wife Mrs Laurence

My Lord

That man intends to marry our Jo

I hope so dont you dear

Well my love I consider him a trump in the fullest sense of that expressive word but I do wish he was a little younger and a good deal richer

Now Laurie dont be too fastidious and worldlyminded If they love one another it doesnt matter a particle how old they are nor how poor Women never should marry for money Amy caught herself up short as the words escaped her and looked at her husband who replied with malicious gravity

Certainly not though you do hear charming girls say that they intend to do it sometimes If my memory serves me you once thought it your duty to make a rich match That accounts perhaps for your marrying a goodfornothing like me

Oh my dearest boy dont dont say that I forgot you were rich when I said Yes Id have married you if you hadnt a penny and I sometimes wish you were poor that I might show how much I love you And Amy who was very dignified in public and very fond in private gave convincing proofs of the truth of her words

You dont really think I am such a mercenary creature as I tried to be once do you It would break my heart if you didnt believe that Id gladly pull in the same boat with you even if you had to get your living by rowing on the lake

Am I an idiot and a brute How could I think so when you refused a richer man for me and wont let me give you half I want to now when I have the right Girls do it every day poor things and are taught to think it is their only salvation but you had better lessons and though I trembled for you at one time I was not disappointed for the daughter was true to the mothers teaching I told Mamma so yesterday and she looked as glad and grateful as if Id given her a check for a million to be spent in charity You are not listening to my moral remarks Mrs Laurence and Laurie paused for Amys eyes had an absent look though fixed upon his face

Yes I am and admiring the mole in your chin at the same time I dont wish to make you vain but I must confess that Im prouder of my handsome husband than of all his money Dont laugh but your nose is such a comfort to me and Amy softly caressed the wellcut feature with artistic satisfaction

Laurie had received many compliments in his life but never one that suited him better as he plainly showed though he did laugh at his wifes peculiar taste while she said slowly May I ask you a question dear

Of course you may

Shall you care if Jo does marry Mr Bhaer

Oh thats the trouble is it I thought there was something in the dimple that didnt quite suit you Not being a dog in the manger but the happiest fellow alive I assure you I can dance at Jos wedding with a heart as light as my heels Do you doubt it my darling

Amy looked up at him and was satisfied Her little jealous fear vanished forever and she thanked him with a face full of love and confidence

I wish we could do something for that capital old Professor Couldnt we invent a rich relation who shall obligingly die out there in Germany and leave him a tidy little fortune said Laurie when they began to pace up and down the long drawing room arm in arm as they were fond of doing in memory of the chateau garden

Jo would find us out and spoil it all She is very proud of him just as he is and said yesterday that she thought poverty was a beautiful thing

Bless her dear heart She wont think so when she has a literary husband and a dozen little professors and professorins to support We wont interfere now but watch our chance and do them a good turn in spite of themselves I owe Jo for a part of my education and she believes in peoples paying their honest debts so Ill get round her in that way

How delightful it is to be able to help others isnt it That was always one of my dreams to have the power of giving freely and thanks to you the dream has come true

Ah well do quantities of good wont we Theres one sort of poverty that I particularly like to help Outandout beggars get taken care of but poor gentle folks fare badly because they wont ask and people dont dare to offer charity Yet there are a thousand ways of helping them if one only knows how to do it so delicately that it does not offend I must say I like to serve a decayed gentleman better than a blarnerying beggar I suppose its wrong but I do though it is harder

Because it takes a gentleman to do it added the other member of the domestic admiration society

Thank you Im afraid I dont deserve that pretty compliment But I was going to say that while I was dawdling about abroad I saw a good many talented young fellows making all sorts of sacrifices and enduring real hardships that they might realize their dreams Splendid fellows some of them working like heros poor and friendless but so full of courage patience and ambition that I was ashamed of myself and longed to give them a right good lift Those are people whom its a satisfaction to help for if theyve got genius its an honor to be allowed to serve them and not let it be lost or delayed for want of fuel to keep the pot boiling If they havent its a pleasure to comfort the poor souls and keep them from despair when they find it out

Yes indeed and theres another class who cant ask and who suffer in silence I know something of it for I belonged to it before you made a princess of me as the king does the beggarmaid in the old story Ambitious girls have a hard time Laurie and often have to see youth health and precious opportunities go by just for want of a little help at the right minute People have been very kind to me and whenever I see girls struggling along as we used to do I want to put out my hand and help them as I was helped

And so you shall like an angel as you are cried Laurie resolving with a glow of philanthropic zeal to found and endow an institution for the express benefit of young women with artistic tendencies Rich people have no right to sit down and enjoy themselves or let their money accumulate for others to waste Its not half so sensible to leave legacies when one dies as it is to use the money wisely while alive and enjoy making ones fellow creatures happy with it Well have a good time ourselves and add an extra relish to our own pleasure by giving other people a generous taste Will you be a little Dorcas going about emptying a big basket of comforts and filling it up with good deeds

With all my heart if you will be a brave St Martin stopping as you ride gallantly through the world to share your cloak with the beggar

Its a bargain and we shall get the best of it

So the young pair shook hands upon it and then paced happily on again feeling that their pleasant home was more homelike because they hoped to brighten other homes believing that their own feet would walk more uprightly along the flowery path before them if they smoothed rough ways for other feet and feeling that their hearts were more closely knit together by a love which could tenderly remember those less blest than they

CHAPTER FORTYFIVE

DAISY AND DEMI

I cannot feel that I have done my duty as humble historian of the March family without devoting at least one chapter to the two most precious and important members of it Daisy and Demi had now arrived at years of discretion for in this fast age babies of three or four assert their rights and get them too which is more than many of their elders do If there ever were a pair of twins in danger of being utterly spoiled by adoration it was these prattling Brookes Of course they were the most remarkable children ever born as will be shown when I mention that they walked at eight months talked fluently at twelve months and at two years they took their places at table and behaved with a propriety which charmed all beholders At three Daisy demanded a needler and actually made a bag with four stitches in it She likewise set up housekeeping in the sideboard and managed a microscopic cooking stove with a skill that brought tears of pride to Hannahs eyes while Demi learned his letters with his grandfather who invented a new mode of teaching the alphabet by forming letters with his arms and legs thus uniting gymnastics for head and heels The boy early developed a mechanical genius which delighted his father and distracted his mother for he tried to imitate every machine he saw and kept the nursery in a chaotic condition with his sewinsheen a mysterious structure of string chairs clothespins and spools for wheels to go wound and wound Also a basket hung over the back of a chair in which he vainly tried to hoist his too confiding sister who with feminine devotion allowed her little head to be bumped till rescued when the young inventor indignantly remarked Why Marmar dats my lellywaiter and mes trying to pull her up

Though utterly unlike in character the twins got on remarkably well together and seldom quarreled more than thrice a day Of course Demi tyrannized over Daisy and gallantly defended her from every other aggressor while Daisy made a galley slave of herself and adored her brother as the one perfect being in the world A rosy chubby sunshiny little soul was Daisy who found her way to everybodys heart and nestled there One of the captivating children who seem made to be kissed and cuddled adorned and adored like little goddesses and produced for general approval on all festive occasions Her small virtues were so sweet that she would have been quite angelic if a few small naughtinesses had not kept her delightfully human It was all fair weather in her world and every morning she scrambled up to the window in her little nightgown to look out and say no matter whether it rained or shone Oh pitty day oh pitty day Everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to a stranger so confidingly that the most inveterate bachelor relented and babylovers became faithful worshipers

Me loves evvybody she once said opening her arms with her spoon in one hand and her mug in the other as if eager to embrace and nourish the whole world

As she grew her mother began to feel that the Dovecote would be blessed by the presence of an inmate as serene and loving as that which had helped to make the old house home and to pray that she might be spared a loss like that which had lately taught them how long they had entertained an angel unawares Her grandfather often called her Beth and her grandmother watched over her with untiring devotion as if trying to atone for some past mistake which no eye but her own could see

Demi like a true Yankee was of an inquiring turn wanting to know everything and often getting much disturbed because he could not get satisfactory answers to his perpetual What for

He also possessed a philosophic bent to the great delight of his grandfather who used to hold Socratic conversations with him in which the precocious pupil occasionally posed his teacher to the undisguised satisfaction of the womenfolk

What makes my legs go Dranpa asked the young philosopher surveying those active portions of his frame with a meditative air while resting after a gotobed frolic one night

Its your little mind Demi replied the sage stroking the yellow head respectfully

What is a little mine

It is something which makes your body move as the spring made the wheels go in my watch when I showed it to you

Open me I want to see it go wound

I cant do that any more than you could open the watch God winds you up and you go till He stops you

Does I and Demis brown eyes grew big and bright as he took in the new thought Is I wounded up like the watch

Yes but I cant show you how for it is done when we dont see

Demi felt his back as if expecting to find it like that of the watch and then gravely remarked I dess Dod does it when Is asleep

A careful explanation followed to which he listened so attentively that his anxious grandmother said My dear do you think it wise to talk about such things to that baby Hes getting great bumps over his eyes and learning to ask the most unanswerable questions

If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers I am not putting the thoughts into his head but helping him unfold those already there These children are wiser than we are and I have no doubt the boy understands every word I have said to him Now Demi tell me where you keep your mind

If the boy had replied like Alcibiades By the gods Socrates I cannot tell his grandfather would not have been surprised but when after standing a moment on one leg like a meditative young stork he answered in a tone of calm conviction In my little belly the old gentleman could only join in Grandmas laugh and dismiss the class in metaphysics

There might have been cause for maternal anxiety if Demi had not given convincing proofs that he was a true boy as well as a budding philosopher for often after a discussion which caused Hannah to prophesy with ominous nods That child aint long for this world he would turn about and set her fears at rest by some of the pranks with which dear dirty naughty little rascals distract and delight their parents souls

Meg made many moral rules and tried to keep them but what mother was ever proof against the winning wiles the ingenious evasions or the tranquil audacity of the miniature men and women who so early show themselves accomplished Artful Dodgers

No more raisins Demi Theyll make you sick says Mamma to the young person who offers his services in the kitchen with unfailing regularity on plumpudding day

Me likes to be sick

I dont want to have you so run away and help Daisy make patty cakes

He reluctantly departs but his wrongs weigh upon his spirit and byandby when an opportunity comes to redress them he outwits Mamma by a shrewd bargain

Now you have been good children and Ill play anything you like says Meg as she leads her assistant cooks upstairs when the pudding is safely bouncing in the pot

Truly Marmar asks Demi with a brilliant idea in his wellpowdered head

Yes truly Anything you say replies the shortsighted parent preparing herself to sing The Three Little Kittens half a dozen times over or to take her family to Buy a penny bun regardless of wind or limb But Demi corners her by the cool reply

Then well go and eat up all the raisins

Aunt Dodo was chief playmate and confidante of both children and the trio turned the little house topsyturvy Aunt Amy was as yet only a name to them Aunt Beth soon faded into a pleasantly vague memory but Aunt Dodo was a living reality and they made the most of her for which compliment she was deeply grateful But when Mr Bhaer came Jo neglected her playfellows and dismay and desolation fell upon their little souls Daisy who was fond of going about peddling kisses lost her best customer and became bankrupt Demi with infantile penetration soon discovered that Dodo like to play with the bearman better than she did him but though hurt he concealed his anguish for he hadnt the heart to insult a rival who kept a mine of chocolate drops in his waistcoat pocket and a watch that could be taken out of its case and freely shaken by ardent admirers

Some persons might have considered these pleasing liberties as bribes but Demi didnt see it in that light and continued to patronize the the bearman with pensive affability while Daisy bestowed her small affections upon him at the third call and considered his shoulder her throne his arm her refuge his gifts treasures surpassing worth

Gentlemen are sometimes seized with sudden fits of admiration for the young relatives of ladies whom they honor with their regard but this counterfeit philoprogenitiveness sits uneasily upon them and does not deceive anybody a particle Mr Bhaers devotion was sincere however likewise effective—for honesty is the best policy in love as in law He was one of the men who are at home with children and looked particularly well when little faces made a pleasant contrast with his manly one His business whatever it was detained him from day to day but evening seldom failed to bring him out to see—well he always asked for Mr March so I suppose he was the attraction The excellent papa labored under the delusion that he was and reveled in long discussions with the kindred spirit till a chance remark of his more observing grandson suddenly enlightened him

Mr Bhaer came in one evening to pause on the threshold of the study astonished by the spectacle that met his eye Prone upon the floor lay Mr March with his respectable legs in the air and beside him likewise prone was Demi trying to imitate the attitude with his own short scarletstockinged legs both grovelers so seriously absorbed that they were unconscious of spectators till Mr Bhaer laughed his sonorous laugh and Jo cried out with a scandalized face

Father Father heres the Professor

Down went the black legs and up came the gray head as the preceptor said with undisturbed dignity Good evening Mr Bhaer Excuse me for a moment We are just finishing our lesson Now Demi make the letter and tell its name

I knows him and after a few convulsive efforts the red legs took the shape of a pair of compasses and the intelligent pupil triumphantly shouted Its a We Dranpa its a We

Hes a born Weller laughed Jo as her parent gathered himself up and her nephew tried to stand on his head as the only mode of expressing his satisfaction that school was over

What have you been at today bubchen asked Mr Bhaer picking up the gymnast

Me went to see little Mary

And what did you there

I kissed her began Demi with artless frankness

Prut Thou beginnest early What did the little Mary say to that asked Mr Bhaer continuing to confess the young sinner who stood upon the knee exploring the waistcoat pocket

Oh she liked it and she kissed me and I liked it Dont little boys like little girls asked Demi with his mouth full and an air of bland satisfaction

You precocious chick Who put that into your head said Jo enjoying the innocent revelation as much as the Professor

Tisnt in mine head its in mine mouf answered literal Demi putting out his tongue with a chocolate drop on it thinking she alluded to confectionery not ideas

Thou shouldst save some for the little friend Sweets to the sweet mannling and Mr Bhaer offered Jo some with a look that made her wonder if chocolate was not the nectar drunk by the gods Demi also saw the smile was impressed by it and artlessy inquired

Do great boys like great girls to Fessor

Like young Washington Mr Bhaer couldnt tell a lie so he gave the somewhat vague reply that he believed they did sometimes in a tone that made Mr March put down his clothesbrush glance at Jos retiring face and then sink into his chair looking as if the precocious chick had put an idea into his head that was both sweet and sour

Why Dodo when she caught him in the china closet half an hour afterward nearly squeezed the breath out of his little body with a tender embrace instead of shaking him for being there and why she followed up this novel performance by the unexpected gift of a big slice of bread and jelly remained one of the problems over which Demi puzzled his small wits and was forced to leave unsolved forever

CHAPTER FORTYSIX

UNDER THE UMBRELLA

While Laurie and Amy were taking conjugal strolls over velvet carpets as they set their house in order and planned a blissful future Mr Bhaer and Jo were enjoying promenades of a different sort along muddy roads and sodden fields

I always do take a walk toward evening and I dont know why I should give it up just because I happen to meet the Professor on his way out said Jo to herself after two or three encounters for though there were two paths to Megs whichever one she took she was sure to meet him either going or returning He was always walking rapidly and never seemed to see her until quite close when he would look as if his shortsighted eyes had failed to recognize the approaching lady till that moment Then if she was going to Megs he always had something for the babies If her face was turned homeward he had merely strolled down to see the river and was just returning unless they were tired of his frequent calls

Under the circumstances what could Jo do but greet him civilly and invite him in If she was tired of his visits she concealed her weariness with perfect skill and took care that there should be coffee for supper as Friedrich—I mean Mr Bhaer—doesnt like tea

By the second week everyone knew perfectly well what was going on yet everyone tried to look as if they were stoneblind to the changes in Jos face They never asked why she sang about her work did up her hair three times a day and got so blooming with her evening exercise And no one seemed to have the slightest suspicion that Professor Bhaer while talking philosophy with the father was giving the daughter lessons in love

Jo couldnt even lose her heart in a decorous manner but sternly tried to quench her feelings and failing to do so led a somewhat agitated life She was mortally afraid of being laughed at for surrendering after her many and vehement declarations of independence Laurie was her especial dread but thanks to the new manager he behaved with praiseworthy propriety never called Mr Bhaer a capital old fellow in public never alluded in the remotest manner to Jos improved appearance or expressed the least surprise at seeing the Professors hat on the Marches table nearly every evening But he exulted in private and longed for the time to come when he could give Jo a piece of plate with a bear and a ragged staff on it as an appropriate coat of arms

For a fortnight the Professor came and went with loverlike regularity Then he stayed away for three whole days and made no sign a proceeding which caused everybody to look sober and Jo to become pensive at first and then—alas for romance—very cross

Disgusted I dare say and gone home as suddenly as he came Its nothing to me of course but I should think he would have come and bid us goodbye like a gentleman she said to herself with a despairing look at the gate as she put on her things for the customary walk one dull afternoon

Youd better take the little umbrella dear It looks like rain said her mother observing that she had on her new bonnet but not alluding to the fact

Yes Marmee do you want anything in town Ive got to run in and get some paper returned Jo pulling out the bow under her chin before the glass as an excuse for not looking at her mother

Yes I want some twilled silesia a paper of number nine needles and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon Have you got your thick boots on and something warm under your cloak

I believe so answered Jo absently

If you happen to meet Mr Bhaer bring him home to tea I quite long to see the dear man added Mrs March

Jo heard that but made no answer except to kiss her mother and walk rapidly away thinking with a glow of gratitude in spite of her heartache How good she is to me What do girls do who havent any mothers to help them through their troubles

The drygoods stores were not down among the countinghouses banks and wholesale warerooms where gentlemen most do congregate but Jo found herself in that part of the city before she did a single errand loitering along as if waiting for someone examining engineering instruments in one window and samples of wool in another with most unfeminine interest tumbling over barrels being halfsmothered by descending bales and hustled unceremoniously by busy men who looked as if they wondered how the deuce she got there A drop of rain on her cheek recalled her thoughts from baffled hopes to ruined ribbons For the drops continued to fall and being a woman as well as a lover she felt that though it was too late to save her heart she might her bonnet Now she remembered the little umbrella which she had forgotten to take in her hurry to be off but regret was unavailing and nothing could be done but borrow one or submit to a drenching She looked up at the lowering sky down at the crimson bow already flecked with black forward along the muddy street then one long lingering look behind at a certain grimy warehouse with Hoffmann Swartz  Co over the door and said to herself with a sternly reproachful air

It serves me right what business had I to put on all my best things and come philandering down here hoping to see the Professor Jo Im ashamed of you No you shall not go there to borrow an umbrella or find out where he is from his friends You shall trudge away and do your errands in the rain and if you catch your death and ruin your bonnet its no more than you deserve Now then

With that she rushed across the street so impetuously that she narrowly escaped annihilation from a passing truck and precipitated herself into the arms of a stately old gentleman who said I beg pardon maam and looked mortally offended Somewhat daunted Jo righted herself spread her handkerchief over the devoted ribbons and putting temptation behind her hurried on with increasing dampness about the ankles and much clashing of umbrellas overhead The fact that a somewhat dilapidated blue one remained stationary above the unprotected bonnet attracted her attention and looking up she saw Mr Bhaer looking down

I feel to know the strongminded lady who goes so bravely under many horse noses and so fast through much mud What do you down here my friend

Im shopping

Mr Bhaer smiled as he glanced from the pickle factory on one side to the wholesale hide and leather concern on the other but he only said politely You haf no umbrella May I go also and take for you the bundles

Yes thank you

Jos cheeks were as red as her ribbon and she wondered what he thought of her but she didnt care for in a minute she found herself walking away arm in arm with her Professor feeling as if the sun had suddenly burst out with uncommon brilliancy that the world was all right again and that one thoroughly happy woman was paddling through the wet that day

We thought you had gone said Jo hastily for she knew he was looking at her Her bonnet wasnt big enough to hide her face and she feared he might think the joy it betrayed unmaidenly

Did you believe that I should go with no farewell to those who haf been so heavenly kind to me he asked so reproachfully that she felt as if she had insulted him by the suggestion and answered heartily

No I didnt I knew you were busy about your own affairs but we rather missed you Father and Mother especially

And you

Im always glad to see you sir

In her anxiety to keep her voice quite calm Jo made it rather cool and the frosty little monosyllable at the end seemed to chill the Professor for his smile vanished as he said gravely

I thank you and come one more time before I go

You are going then

I haf no longer any business here it is done

Successfully I hope said Jo for the bitterness of disappointment was in that short reply of his

I ought to think so for I haf a way opened to me by which I can make my bread and gif my Junglings much help

Tell me please I like to know all about the—the boys said Jo eagerly

That is so kind I gladly tell you My friends find for me a place in a college where I teach as at home and earn enough to make the way smooth for Franz and Emil For this I should be grateful should I not

Indeed you should How splendid it will be to have you doing what you like and be able to see you often and the boys cried Jo clinging to the lads as an excuse for the satisfaction she could not help betraying

Ah But we shall not meet often I fear this place is at the West

So far away and Jo left her skirts to their fate as if it didnt matter now what became of her clothes or herself

Mr Bhaer could read several languages but he had not learned to read women yet He flattered himself that he knew Jo pretty well and was therefore much amazed by the contradictions of voice face and manner which she showed him in rapid succession that day for she was in half a dozen different moods in the course of half an hour When she met him she looked surprised though it was impossible to help suspecting that she had come for that express purpose When he offered her his arm she took it with a look that filled him with delight but when he asked if she missed him she gave such a chilly formal reply that despair fell upon him On learning his good fortune she almost clapped her hands Was the joy all for the boys Then on hearing his destination she said So far away in a tone of despair that lifted him on to a pinnacle of hope but the next minute she tumbled him down again by observing like one entirely absorbed in the matter

Heres the place for my errands Will you come in It wont take long

Jo rather prided herself upon her shopping capabilities and particularly wished to impress her escort with the neatness and dispatch with which she would accomplish the business But owing to the flutter she was in everything went amiss She upset the tray of needles forgot the silesia was to be twilled till it was cut off gave the wrong change and covered herself with confusion by asking for lavender ribbon at the calico counter Mr Bhaer stood by watching her blush and blunder and as he watched his own bewilderment seemed to subside for he was beginning to see that on some occasions women like dreams go by contraries

When they came out he put the parcel under his arm with a more cheerful aspect and splashed through the puddles as if he rather enjoyed it on the whole

Should we no do a little what you call shopping for the babies and haf a farewell feast tonight if I go for my last call at your so pleasant home he asked stopping before a window full of fruit and flowers

What will we buy asked Jo ignoring the latter part of his speech and sniffing the mingled odors with an affectation of delight as they went in

May they haf oranges and figs asked Mr Bhaer with a paternal air

They eat them when they can get them

Do you care for nuts

Like a squirrel

Hamburg grapes Yes we shall drink to the Fatherland in those

Jo frowned upon that piece of extravagance and asked why he didnt buy a frail of dates a cask of raisins and a bag of almonds and be done with it Whereat Mr Bhaer confiscated her purse produced his own and finished the marketing by buying several pounds of grapes a pot of rosy daisies and a pretty jar of honey to be regarded in the light of a demijohn Then distorting his pockets with knobby bundles and giving her the flowers to hold he put up the old umbrella and they traveled on again

Miss Marsch I haf a great favor to ask of you began the Professor after a moist promenade of half a block

Yes sir and Jos heart began to beat so hard she was afraid he would hear it

I am bold to say it in spite of the rain because so short a time remains to me

Yes sir and Jo nearly crushed the small flowerpot with the sudden squeeze she gave it

I wish to get a little dress for my Tina and I am too stupid to go alone Will you kindly gif me a word of taste and help

Yes sir and Jo felt as calm and cool all of a sudden as if she had stepped into a refrigerator

Perhaps also a shawl for Tinas mother she is so poor and sick and the husband is such a care Yes yes a thick warm shawl would be a friendly thing to take the little mother

Ill do it with pleasure Mr Bhaer Im going very fast and hes getting dearer every minute added Jo to herself then with a mental shake she entered into the business with an energy that was pleasant to behold

Mr Bhaer left it all to her so she chose a pretty gown for Tina and then ordered out the shawls The clerk being a married man condescended to take an interest in the couple who appeared to be shopping for their family

Your lady may prefer this Its a superior article a most desirable color quite chaste and genteel he said shaking out a comfortable gray shawl and throwing it over Jos shoulders

Does this suit you Mr Bhaer she asked turning her back to him and feeling deeply grateful for the chance of hiding her face

Excellently well we will haf it answered the Professor smiling to himself as he paid for it while Jo continued to rummage the counters like a confirmed bargainhunter

Now shall we go home he asked as if the words were very pleasant to him

Yes its late and Im so tired Jos voice was more pathetic than she knew For now the sun seemed to have gone in as suddenly as it came out and the world grew muddy and miserable again and for the first time she discovered that her feet were cold her head ached and that her heart was colder than the former fuller of pain than the latter Mr Bhaer was going away he only cared for her as a friend it was all a mistake and the sooner it was over the better With this idea in her head she hailed an approaching omnibus with such a hasty gesture that the daisies flew out of the pot and were badly damaged

This is not our omniboos said the Professor waving the loaded vehicle away and stopping to pick up the poor little flowers

I beg your pardon I didnt see the name distinctly Never mind I can walk Im used to plodding in the mud returned Jo winking hard because she would have died rather than openly wipe her eyes

Mr Bhaer saw the drops on her cheeks though she turned her head away The sight seemed to touch him very much for suddenly stooping down he asked in a tone that meant a great deal Hearts dearest why do you cry

Now if Jo had not been new to this sort of thing she would have said she wasnt crying had a cold in her head or told any other feminine fib proper to the occasion Instead of which that undignified creature answered with an irrepressible sob Because you are going away

Ach mein Gott that is so good cried Mr Bhaer managing to clasp his hands in spite of the umbrella and the bundles Jo I haf nothing but much love to gif you I came to see if you could care for it and I waited to be sure that I was something more than a friend Am I Can you make a little place in your heart for old Fritz he added all in one breath

Oh yes said Jo and he was quite satisfied for she folded both hands over his arm and looked up at him with an expression that plainly showed how happy she would be to walk through life beside him even though she had no better shelter than the old umbrella if he carried it

It was certainly proposing under difficulties for even if he had desired to do so Mr Bhaer could not go down upon his knees on account of the mud Neither could he offer Jo his hand except figuratively for both were full Much less could he indulge in tender remonstrations in the open street though he was near it So the only way in which he could express his rapture was to look at her with an expression which glorified his face to such a degree that there actually seemed to be little rainbows in the drops that sparkled on his beard If he had not loved Jo very much I dont think he could have done it then for she looked far from lovely with her skirts in a deplorable state her rubber boots splashed to the ankle and her bonnet a ruin Fortunately Mr Bhaer considered her the most beautiful woman living and she found him more Jovelike than ever though his hatbrim was quite limp with the little rills trickling thence upon his shoulders for he held the umbrella all over Jo and every finger of his gloves needed mending

Passersby probably thought them a pair of harmless lunatics for they entirely forgot to hail a bus and strolled leisurely along oblivious of deepening dusk and fog Little they cared what anybody thought for they were enjoying the happy hour that seldom comes but once in any life the magical moment which bestows youth on the old beauty on the plain wealth on the poor and gives human hearts a foretaste of heaven The Professor looked as if he had conquered a kingdom and the world had nothing more to offer him in the way of bliss While Jo trudged beside him feeling as if her place had always been there and wondering how she ever could have chosen any other lot Of course she was the first to speak—intelligibly I mean for the emotional remarks which followed her impetuous Oh yes were not of a coherent or reportable character

Friedrich why didnt you

Ah heaven she gifs me the name that no one speaks since Minna died cried the Professor pausing in a puddle to regard her with grateful delight

I always call you so to myself—I forgot but I wont unless you like it

Like it It is more sweet to me than I can tell Say thou also and I shall say your language is almost as beautiful as mine

Isnt thou a little sentimental asked Jo privately thinking it a lovely monosyllable

Sentimental Yes Thank Gott we Germans believe in sentiment and keep ourselves young mit it Your English you is so cold say thou hearts dearest it means so much to me pleaded Mr Bhaer more like a romantic student than a grave professor

Well then why didnt thou tell me all this sooner asked Jo bashfully

Now I shall haf to show thee all my heart and I so gladly will because thou must take care of it hereafter See then my Jo—ah the dear funny little name—I had a wish to tell something the day I said goodbye in New York but I thought the handsome friend was betrothed to thee and so I spoke not Wouldst thou have said Yes then if I had spoken

I dont know Im afraid not for I didnt have any heart just then

Prut That I do not believe It was asleep till the fairy prince came through the wood and waked it up Ah well Die erste Liebe ist die beste but that I should not expect

Yes the first love is the best but be so contented for I never had another Teddy was only a boy and soon got over his little fancy said Jo anxious to correct the Professors mistake

Good Then I shall rest happy and be sure that thou givest me all I haf waited so long I am grown selfish as thou wilt find Professorin

I like that cried Jo delighted with her new name Now tell me what brought you at last just when I wanted you

This and Mr Bhaer took a little worn paper out of his waistcoat pocket

Jo unfolded it and looked much abashed for it was one of her own contributions to a paper that paid for poetry which accounted for her sending it an occasional attempt

How could that bring you she asked wondering what he meant

I found it by chance I knew it by the names and the initials and in it there was one little verse that seemed to call me Read and find him I will see that you go not in the wet

IN THE GARRET
Four little chests all in a row
Dim with dust and worn by time
All fashioned and filled long ago
By children now in their prime
Four little keys hung side by side
With faded ribbons brave and gay
When fastened there with childish pride
Long ago on a rainy day
Four little names one on each lid
Carved out by a boyish hand
And underneath there lieth hid
Histories of the happy band
Once playing here and pausing oft
To hear the sweet refrain
That came and went on the roof aloft
In the falling summer rain
Meg on the first lid smooth and fair
I look in with loving eyes
For folded here with wellknown care
A goodly gathering lies
The record of a peaceful life—
Gifts to gentle child and girl
A bridal gown lines to a wife
A tiny shoe a baby curl
No toys in this first chest remain
For all are carried away
In their old age to join again
In another small Megs play
Ah happy mother Well I know
You hear like a sweet refrain
Lullabies ever soft and low
In the falling summer rain
Jo on the next lid scratched and worn
And within a motley store
Of headless dolls of schoolbooks torn
Birds and beasts that speak no more
Spoils brought home from the fairy ground
Only trod by youthful feet
Dreams of a future never found
Memories of a past still sweet
Halfwrit poems stories wild
April letters warm and cold
Diaries of a wilful child
Hints of a woman early old
A woman in a lonely home
Hearing like a sad refrain—
Be worthy love and love will come
In the falling summer rain
My Beth the dust is always swept
From the lid that bears your name
As if by loving eyes that wept
By careful hands that often came
Death canonized for us one saint
Ever less human than divine
And still we lay with tender plaint
Relics in this household shrine—
The silver bell so seldom rung
The little cap which last she wore
The fair dead Catherine that hung
By angels borne above her door
The songs she sang without lament
In her prisonhouse of pain
Forever are they sweetly blent
With the falling summer rain
Upon the last lids polished field—
Legend now both fair and true
A gallant knight bears on his shield
Amy in letters gold and blue
Within lie snoods that bound her hair
Slippers that have danced their last
Faded flowers laid by with care
Fans whose airy toils are past
Gay valentines all ardent flames
Trifles that have borne their part
In girlish hopes and fears and shames
The record of a maiden heart
Now learning fairer truer spells
Hearing like a blithe refrain
The silver sound of bridal bells
In the falling summer rain
Four little chests all in a row
Dim with dust and worn by time
Four women taught by weal and woe
To love and labor in their prime
Four sisters parted for an hour
None lost one only gone before
Made by loves immortal power
Nearest and dearest evermore
Oh when these hidden stores of ours
Lie open to the Fathers sight
May they be rich in golden hours
Deeds that show fairer for the light
Lives whose brave music long shall ring
Like a spiritstirring strain
Souls that shall gladly soar and sing
In the long sunshine after rain
Its very bad poetry but I felt it when I wrote it one day when I was very lonely and had a good cry on a rag bag I never thought it would go where it could tell tales said Jo tearing up the verses the Professor had treasured so long

Let it go it has done its duty and I will haf a fresh one when I read all the brown book in which she keeps her little secrets said Mr Bhaer with a smile as he watched the fragments fly away on the wind Yes he added earnestly I read that and I think to myself She has a sorrow she is lonely she would find comfort in true love I haf a heart full full for her Shall I not go and say If this is not too poor a thing to gif for what I shall hope to receive take it in Gotts name

And so you came to find that it was not too poor but the one precious thing I needed whispered Jo

I had no courage to think that at first heavenly kind as was your welcome to me But soon I began to hope and then I said I will haf her if I die for it and so I will cried Mr Bhaer with a defiant nod as if the walls of mist closing round them were barriers which he was to surmount or valiantly knock down

Jo thought that was splendid and resolved to be worthy of her knight though he did not come prancing on a charger in gorgeous array

What made you stay away so long she asked presently finding it so pleasant to ask confidential questions and get delightful answers that she could not keep silent

It was not easy but I could not find the heart to take you from that so happy home until I could haf a prospect of one to gif you after much time perhaps and hard work How could I ask you to gif up so much for a poor old fellow who has no fortune but a little learning

Im glad you are poor I couldnt bear a rich husband said Jo decidedly adding in a softer tone Dont fear poverty Ive known it long enough to lose my dread and be happy working for those I love and dont call yourself old—forty is the prime of life I couldnt help loving you if you were seventy

The Professor found that so touching that he would have been glad of his handkerchief if he could have got at it As he couldnt Jo wiped his eyes for him and said laughing as she took away a bundle or two

I may be strongminded but no one can say Im out of my sphere now for womans special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens Im to carry my share Friedrich and help to earn the home Make up your mind to that or Ill never go she added resolutely as he tried to reclaim his load

We shall see Haf you patience to wait a long time Jo I must go away and do my work alone I must help my boys first because even for you I may not break my word to Minna Can you forgif that and be happy while we hope and wait

Yes I know I can for we love one another and that makes all the rest easy to bear I have my duty also and my work I couldnt enjoy myself if I neglected them even for you so theres no need of hurry or impatience You can do your part out West I can do mine here and both be happy hoping for the best and leaving the future to be as God wills

Ah Thou gifest me such hope and courage and I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands cried the Professor quite overcome

Jo never never would learn to be proper for when he said that as they stood upon the steps she just put both hands into his whispering tenderly Not empty now and stooping down kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella It was dreadful but she would have done it if the flock of draggletailed sparrows on the hedge had been human beings for she was very far gone indeed and quite regardless of everything but her own happiness Though it came in such a very simple guise that was the crowning moment of both their lives when turning from the night and storm and loneliness to the household light and warmth and peace waiting to receive them with a glad Welcome home Jo led her lover in and shut the door

CHAPTER FORTYSEVEN

HARVEST TIME

For a year Jo and her Professor worked and waited hoped and loved met occasionally and wrote such voluminous letters that the rise in the price of paper was accounted for Laurie said The second year began rather soberly for their prospects did not brighten and Aunt March died suddenly But when their first sorrow was over—for they loved the old lady in spite of her sharp tongue—they found they had cause for rejoicing for she had left Plumfield to Jo which made all sorts of joyful things possible

Its a fine old place and will bring a handsome sum for of course you intend to sell it said Laurie as they were all talking the matter over some weeks later

No I dont was Jos decided answer as she petted the fat poodle whom she had adopted out of respect to his former mistress

You dont mean to live there

Yes I do

But my dear girl its an immense house and will take a power of money to keep it in order The garden and orchard alone need two or three men and farming isnt in Bhaers line I take it

Hell try his hand at it there if I propose it

And you expect to live on the produce of the place Well that sounds paradisiacal but youll find it desperate hard work

The crop we are going to raise is a profitable one and Jo laughed

Of what is this fine crop to consist maam

Boys I want to open a school for little lads—a good happy homelike school with me to take care of them and Fritz to teach them

Thats a truly Joian plan for you Isnt that just like her cried Laurie appealing to the family who looked as much surprised as he

I like it said Mrs March decidedly

So do I added her husband who welcomed the thought of a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern youth

It will be an immense care for Jo said Meg stroking the head of her one allabsorbing son

Jo can do it and be happy in it Its a splendid idea Tell us all about it cried Mr Laurence who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand but knew that they would refuse his help

I knew youd stand by me sir Amy does too—I see it in her eyes though she prudently waits to turn it over in her mind before she speaks Now my dear people continued Jo earnestly just understand that this isnt a new idea of mine but a long cherished plan Before my Fritz came I used to think how when Id made my fortune and no one needed me at home Id hire a big house and pick up some poor forlorn little lads who hadnt any mothers and take care of them and make life jolly for them before it was too late I see so many going to ruin for want of help at the right minute I love so to do anything for them I seem to feel their wants and sympathize with their troubles and oh I should so like to be a mother to them

Mrs March held out her hand to Jo who took it smiling with tears in her eyes and went on in the old enthusiastic way which they had not seen for a long while

I told my plan to Fritz once and he said it was just what he would like and agreed to try it when we got rich Bless his dear heart hes been doing it all his life—helping poor boys I mean not getting rich that hell never be Money doesnt stay in his pocket long enough to lay up any But now thanks to my good old aunt who loved me better than I ever deserved Im rich at least I feel so and we can live at Plumfield perfectly well if we have a flourishing school Its just the place for boys the house is big and the furniture strong and plain Theres plenty of room for dozens inside and splendid grounds outside They could help in the garden and orchard Such work is healthy isnt it sir Then Fritz could train and teach in his own way and Father will help him I can feed and nurse and pet and scold them and Mother will be my standby Ive always longed for lots of boys and never had enough now I can fill the house full and revel in the little dears to my hearts content Think what luxury— Plumfield my own and a wilderness of boys to enjoy it with me

As Jo waved her hands and gave a sigh of rapture the family went off into a gale of merriment and Mr Laurence laughed till they thought hed have an apoplectic fit

I dont see anything funny she said gravely when she could be heard Nothing could be more natural and proper than for my Professor to open a school and for me to prefer to reside in my own estate

She is putting on airs already said Laurie who regarded the idea in the light of a capital joke But may I inquire how you intend to support the establishment If all the pupils are little ragamuffins Im afraid your crop wont be profitable in a worldly sense Mrs Bhaer

Now dont be a wetblanket Teddy Of course I shall have rich pupils also—perhaps begin with such altogether Then when Ive got a start I can take in a ragamuffin or two just for a relish Rich peoples children often need care and comfort as well as poor Ive seen unfortunate little creatures left to servants or backward ones pushed forward when its real cruelty Some are naughty through mismanagment or neglect and some lose their mothers Besides the best have to get through the hobbledehoy age and thats the very time they need most patience and kindness People laugh at them and hustle them about try to keep them out of sight and expect them to turn all at once from pretty children into fine young men They dont complain much—plucky little souls—but they feel it Ive been through something of it and I know all about it Ive a special interest in such young bears and like to show them that I see the warm honest wellmeaning boys hearts in spite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsyturvy heads Ive had experience too for havent I brought up one boy to be a pride and honor to his family

Ill testify that you tried to do it said Laurie with a grateful look

And Ive succeeded beyond my hopes for here you are a steady sensible businessman doing heaps of good with your money and laying up the blessings of the poor instead of dollars But you are not merely a businessman you love good and beautiful things enjoy them yourself and let others go halves as you always did in the old times I am proud of you Teddy for you get better every year and everyone feels it though you wont let them say so Yes and when I have my flock Ill just point to you and say Theres your model my lads

Poor Laurie didnt know where to look for man though he was something of the old bashfulness came over him as this burst of praise made all faces turn approvingly upon him

I say Jo thats rather too much he began just in his old boyish way You have all done more for me than I can ever thank you for except by doing my best not to disappoint you You have rather cast me off lately Jo but Ive had the best of help nevertheless So if Ive got on at all you may thank these two for it and he laid one hand gently on his grandfathers head and the other on Amys golden one for the three were never far apart

I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world burst out Jo who was in an unusually uplifted frame of mind just then When I have one of my own I hope it will be as happy as the three I know and love the best If John and my Fritz were only here it would be quite a little heaven on earth she added more quietly And that night when she went to her room after a blissful evening of family counsels hopes and plans her heart was so full of happiness that she could only calm it by kneeling beside the empty bed always near her own and thinking tender thoughts of Beth

It was a very astonishing year altogether for things seemed to happen in an unusually rapid and delightful manner Almost before she knew where she was Jo found herself married and settled at Plumfield Then a family of six or seven boys sprung up like mushrooms and flourished surprisingly poor boys as well as rich for Mr Laurence was continually finding some touching case of destitution and begging the Bhaers to take pity on the child and he would gladly pay a trifle for its support In this way the sly old gentleman got round proud Jo and furnished her with the style of boy in which she most delighted

Of course it was uphill work at first and Jo made queer mistakes but the wise Professor steered her safely into calmer waters and the most rampant ragamuffin was conquered in the end How Jo did enjoy her wilderness of boys and how poor dear Aunt March would have lamented had she been there to see the sacred precincts of prim wellordered Plumfield overrun with Toms Dicks and Harrys There was a sort of poetic justice about it after all for the old lady had been the terror of the boys for miles around and now the exiles feasted freely on forbidden plums kicked up the gravel with profane boots unreproved and played cricket in the big field where the irritable cow with a crumpled horn used to invite rash youths to come and be tossed It became a sort of boys paradise and Laurie suggested that it should be called the Bhaergarten as a compliment to its master and appropriate to its inhabitants

It never was a fashionable school and the Professor did not lay up a fortune but it was just what Jo intended it to be—a happy homelike place for boys who needed teaching care and kindness Every room in the big house was soon full Every little plot in the garden soon had its owner A regular menagerie appeared in barn and shed for pet animals were allowed And three times a day Jo smiled at her Fritz from the head of a long table lined on either side with rows of happy young faces which all turned to her with affectionate eyes confiding words and grateful hearts full of love for Mother Bhaer She had boys enough now and did not tire of them though they were not angels by any means and some of them caused both Professor and Professorin much trouble and anxiety But her faith in the good spot which exists in the heart of the naughtiest sauciest most tantalizing little ragamuffin gave her patience skill and in time success for no mortal boy could hold out long with Father Bhaer shining on him as benevolently as the sun and Mother Bhaer forgiving him seventy times seven Very precious to Jo was the friendship of the lads their penitent sniffs and whispers after wrongdoing their droll or touching little confidences their pleasant enthusiasms hopes and plans even their misfortunes for they only endeared them to her all the more There were slow boys and bashful boys feeble boys and riotous boys boys that lisped and boys that stuttered one or two lame ones and a merry little quadroon who could not be taken in elsewhere but who was welcome to the Bhaergarten though some people predicted that his admission would ruin the school

Yes Jo was a very happy woman there in spite of hard work much anxiety and a perpetual racket She enjoyed it heartily and found the applause of her boys more satisfying than any praise of the world for now she told no stories except to her flock of enthusiastic believers and admirers As the years went on two little lads of her own came to increase her happiness—Rob named for Grandpa and Teddy a happygolucky baby who seemed to have inherited his papas sunshiny temper as well as his mothers lively spirit How they ever grew up alive in that whirlpool of boys was a mystery to their grandma and aunts but they flourished like dandelions in spring and their rough nurses loved and served them well

There were a great many holidays at Plumfield and one of the most delightful was the yearly applepicking For then the Marches Laurences Brookes and Bhaers turned out in full force and made a day of it Five years after Jos wedding one of these fruitful festivals occurred a mellow October day when the air was full of an exhilarating freshness which made the spirits rise and the blood dance healthily in the veins The old orchard wore its holiday attire Goldenrod and asters fringed the mossy walls Grasshoppers skipped briskly in the sere grass and crickets chirped like fairy pipers at a feast Squirrels were busy with their small harvesting Birds twittered their adieux from the alders in the lane and every tree stood ready to send down its shower of red or yellow apples at the first shake Everybody was there Everybody laughed and sang climbed up and tumbled down Everybody declared that there never had been such a perfect day or such a jolly set to enjoy it and everyone gave themselves up to the simple pleasures of the hour as freely as if there were no such things as care or sorrow in the world

Mr March strolled placidly about quoting Tusser Cowley and Columella to Mr Laurence while enjoying

The gentle apples winey juice

The Professor charged up and down the green aisles like a stout Teutonic knight with a pole for a lance leading on the boys who made a hook and ladder company of themselves and performed wonders in the way of ground and lofty tumbling Laurie devoted himself to the little ones rode his small daughter in a bushelbasket took Daisy up among the birds nests and kept adventurous Rob from breaking his neck Mrs March and Meg sat among the apple piles like a pair of Pomonas sorting the contributions that kept pouring in while Amy with a beautiful motherly expression in her face sketched the various groups and watched over one pale lad who sat adoring her with his little crutch beside him

Jo was in her element that day and rushed about with her gown pinned up and her hat anywhere but on her head and her baby tucked under her arm ready for any lively adventure which might turn up Little Teddy bore a charmed life for nothing ever happened to him and Jo never felt any anxiety when he was whisked up into a tree by one lad galloped off on the back of another or supplied with sour russets by his indulgent papa who labored under the Germanic delusion that babies could digest anything from pickled cabbage to buttons nails and their own small shoes She knew that little Ted would turn up again in time safe and rosy dirty and serene and she always received him back with a hearty welcome for Jo loved her babies tenderly

At four oclock a lull took place and baskets remained empty while the apple pickers rested and compared rents and bruises Then Jo and Meg with a detachment of the bigger boys set forth the supper on the grass for an outofdoor tea was always the crowning joy of the day The land literally flowed with milk and honey on such occasions for the lads were not required to sit at table but allowed to partake of refreshment as they liked—freedom being the sauce best beloved by the boyish soul They availed themselves of the rare privilege to the fullest extent for some tried the pleasing experiment of drinking milk while standing on their heads others lent a charm to leapfrog by eating pie in the pauses of the game cookies were sown broadcast over the field and apple turnovers roosted in the trees like a new style of bird The little girls had a private tea party and Ted roved among the edibles at his own sweet will

When no one could eat any more the Professor proposed the first regular toast which was always drunk at such times—Aunt March God bless her A toast heartily given by the good man who never forgot how much he owed her and quietly drunk by the boys who had been taught to keep her memory green

Now Grandmas sixtieth birthday Long life to her with three times three

That was given with a will as you may well believe and the cheering once begun it was hard to stop it Everybodys health was proposed from Mr Laurence who was considered their special patron to the astonished guinea pig who had strayed from its proper sphere in search of its young master Demi as the oldest grandchild then presented the queen of the day with various gifts so numerous that they were transported to the festive scene in a wheelbarrow Funny presents some of them but what would have been defects to other eyes were ornaments to Grandmas—for the childrens gifts were all their own Every stitch Daisys patient little fingers had put into the handkerchiefs she hemmed was better than embroidery to Mrs March Demis miracle of mechanical skill though the cover wouldnt shut Robs footstool had a wiggle in its uneven legs that she declared was soothing and no page of the costly book Amys child gave her was so fair as that on which appeared in tipsy capitals the words—To dear Grandma from her little Beth

During the ceremony the boys had mysteriously disappeared and when Mrs March had tried to thank her children and broken down while Teddy wiped her eyes on his pinafore the Professor suddenly began to sing Then from above him voice after voice took up the words and from tree to tree echoed the music of the unseen choir as the boys sang with all their hearts the little song that Jo had written Laurie set to music and the Professor trained his lads to give with the best effect This was something altogether new and it proved a grand success for Mrs March couldnt get over her surprise and insisted on shaking hands with every one of the featherless birds from tall Franz and Emil to the little quadroon who had the sweetest voice of all

After this the boys dispersed for a final lark leaving Mrs March and her daughters under the festival tree

I dont think I ever ought to call myself unlucky Jo again when my greatest wish has been so beautifully gratified said Mrs Bhaer taking Teddys little fist out of the milk pitcher in which he was rapturously churning

And yet your life is very different from the one you pictured so long ago Do you remember our castles in the air asked Amy smiling as she watched Laurie and John playing cricket with the boys

Dear fellows It does my heart good to see them forget business and frolic for a day answered Jo who now spoke in a maternal way of all mankind Yes I remember but the life I wanted then seems selfish lonely and cold to me now I havent given up the hope that I may write a good book yet but I can wait and Im sure it will be all the better for such experiences and illustrations as these and Jo pointed from the lively lads in the distance to her father leaning on the Professors arm as they walked to and fro in the sunshine deep in one of the conversations which both enjoyed so much and then to her mother sitting enthroned among her daughters with their children in her lap and at her feet as if all found help and happiness in the face which never could grow old to them

My castle was the most nearly realized of all I asked for splendid things to be sure but in my heart I knew I should be satisfied if I had a little home and John and some dear children like these Ive got them all thank God and am the happiest woman in the world and Meg laid her hand on her tall boys head with a face full of tender and devout content

My castle is very different from what I planned but I would not alter it though like Jo I dont relinquish all my artistic hopes or confine myself to helping others fulfill their dreams of beauty Ive begun to model a figure of baby and Laurie says it is the best thing Ive ever done I think so myself and mean to do it in marble so that whatever happens I may at least keep the image of my little angel

As Amy spoke a great tear dropped on the golden hair of the sleeping child in her arms for her one wellbeloved daughter was a frail little creature and the dread of losing her was the shadow over Amys sunshine This cross was doing much for both father and mother for one love and sorrow bound them closely together Amys nature was growing sweeter deeper and more tender Laurie was growing more serious strong and firm and both were learning that beauty youth good fortune even love itself cannot keep care and pain loss and sorrow from the most blessed for

Into each life some rain must fall
Some days must be dark and sad and dreary

She is growing better I am sure of it my dear Dont despond but hope and keep happy said Mrs March as tenderhearted Daisy stooped from her knee to lay her rosy cheek against her little cousins pale one

I never ought to while I have you to cheer me up Marmee and Laurie to take more than half of every burden replied Amy warmly He never lets me see his anxiety but is so sweet and patient with me so devoted to Beth and such a stay and comfort to me always that I cant love him enough So in spite of my one cross I can say with Meg Thank God Im a happy woman

Theres no need for me to say it for everyone can see that Im far happier than I deserve added Jo glancing from her good husband to her chubby children tumbling on the grass beside her Fritz is getting gray and stout Im growing as thin as a shadow and am thirty We never shall be rich and Plumfield may burn up any night for that incorrigible Tommy Bangs will smoke sweetfern cigars under the bedclothes though hes set himself afire three times already But in spite of these unromantic facts I have nothing to complain of and never was so jolly in my life Excuse the remark but living among boys I cant help using their expressions now and then

Yes Jo I think your harvest will be a good one began Mrs March frightening away a big black cricket that was staring Teddy out of countenance

Not half so good as yours Mother Here it is and we never can thank you enough for the patient sowing and reaping you have done cried Jo with the loving impetuosity which she never would outgrow

I hope there will be more wheat and fewer tares every year said Amy softly

A large sheaf but I know theres room in your heart for it Marmee dear added Megs tender voice

Touched to the heart Mrs March could only stretch out her arms as if to gather children and grandchildren to herself and say with face and voice full of motherly love gratitude and humility

Oh my girls however long you may live I never can wish you a greater happiness than this

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