Alcott_Eight_Cousins.txt topic ['13', '324', '378', '393']
a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl among
the flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please them
with a patient affection that worked many a small miracle
unperceived. , rough manners, and careless habits were
banished or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman; and
all the manly virtues cropping up were encouraged by the hearty
admiration bestowed upon them by one whose good opinion all
valued more than they confessed; while tried to imitate the
good qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish vanities
and fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well as
modest, kind, and beautiful.
trial worked so well that when the month was over, and
demanded a visit in their turn, and went, feeling that
she would like to hear grim say, as did at
parting, " wish could keep you all my life, dear."
and had had their turn, and bore
her away for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she
felt as if she would like to stay for ever, if she could have
also.
course, could not be neglected, and, with secret
despair, went to the "," as the boys called her
gloomy abode. , she was very near home, and .
dropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal than she
expected. them, they actually made laugh
heartily more than once; and did her so much good by letting
in the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesome
messes, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures on
physiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "'s
," because she slept so well, after the long walks and drives
she was beguiled into taking, that she needed no narcotic.
the winter flew rapidly away, and it was before was
fairly settled again at home. called her the " ,"
because she had spent a month with each of the aunts, and left
such pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance behind her, that
all wanted the family flower back again.
. rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as the
time drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many a
secret fear that might like to make her home for the next
twelve month with , or even , for 's
sake. said nothing, but waited with much anxiety for the day
when the matter should be decided; and while he waited he did his
best to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.
was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying the
beautiful awakening of the world, for spring came bright and early,
as if anxious to do its part. old horse-chestnuts budded round
her windows, green things sprung up like magic in the garden
under her hands, hardy flowers bloomed as fast as they could, the
birds sang blithely overhead, and every day a chorus of pleasant
voices cried, " morning, cousin, isn't it jolly weather?"
one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which
resulted in the 's experiment (no one but himself at least);
so when the aunts were invited to tea one they came quite
unsuspiciously, and were all sitting together having a social chat,
when entered with two photographs in his hand.
" you remember that?" he said, showing one to , who
happened to be nearest.
", indeed; it is very like her when she came. her sad,
unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."
picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very like
a year ago." point being settled, the showed the
second picture, which was received with great approbation, and
pronounced a "charming likeness."
certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was a
blooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with no
sign of melancholy, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and the
lines about the lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
. set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, falling
back a step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for
several minutes, then wheeled round, saying briefly, as he pointed
to the two faces
" is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded,
ladies?"
" me, so it is!" cried , dropping a stitch in her
surprise.
", dear," answered , smiling entire approval.
" certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and
she had no constitution to build upon," croaked .
" am willing to allow that, as far as mere health goes, the
experiment is a success," graciously observed , unable to
forget 's kindness to her .
" am ; and 'll go farther, for really do believe has done
wonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years,"
added , feeling that she could say nothing better than
that.
" always knew he would succeed, and 'm so glad you all allow it,
for he deserves more credit than you know, and more praise than
he will ever get," cried , clapping her hands with an
enthusiasm that caused 's little red stocking to wave like a
triumphal banner in the air.
. made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and
then said soberly
" you; now the question is, shall go on? for this is only the
beginning. of you know the hindrances 've had, the mistakes
've made, the study 've given the case, and the anxiety 've often
felt. is right is one thing is a delicate creature,
quick to flourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop without it.
has no special weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitive
nature, and needs the wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardent
little soul from wearing out a finely organised little body. think
have found the right treatment, and; with you to help me, believe
we may build up a lovely and a noble woman, who will be a pride
and comfort to us all."
. stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken very
earnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words.
gentle murmur from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and he
went on with an engaging smile, for the good man was slyly trying
to win all the ladies to vote for him when the time came.
", don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because am her
guardian, and shall leave free to choose for herself. all
want her, and if she likes to make her home with any of you rather
than with me, she shall do so. fact, encouraged her visits last
winter, that she might see what we can all offer her, and judge
where she will be happiest. not that the fairest way? you
agree to abide by her choice, as do?"
", we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement at
the prospect of having for a whole year.
"! she will be here directly, and then we will settle the
question for another year. most important year, mind you, for
she has got a good start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goes
well with her. beg of you don't undo my work, but deal very
wisely and gently with my little girl, for if any harm come to her,
think it would break my heart."
he spoke, . turned his back abruptly and affected to be
examining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dear
the child was to the solitary man who had loved her mother years
ago, and who now found his happiness in cherishing the little
who was so like her. good ladies nodded and sighed, and
telegraphed to one another that none of them would complain if
not chosen, or ever try to rob of his "'s ,"
as the boys called .
then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the
garden, and smiles broke out on all serious faces. . turned
at once, saying, as he threw back his head, " she is; now for
it!"
cousins had been a-, and soon came flocking in laden
with the spoils.
" is our bonny rose with all her thorns about her," said
. , surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as she
went to show her basket full of early flowers, fresh
leaves, and curious lichens.
" your clutter in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if you
choose to stop here, for we are busy," said , shaking
her finger at the turbulent , who were bubbling over with the
jollity born of spring sunshine and healthy exercise.
" course, we choose to stay! 't miss our high
tea for anything," said the , as he restored order among his
men with a nod, a word, and an occasional shake.
" is up? a court-martial?" asked , looking at the
assembled ladies with affected awe and real curiosity, for these
faces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat.
. explained in a few words, which he made as brief and
calm as he could; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, for
each of the lads began at once to bribe, entice, and wheedle "our
cousin" to choose his home.
" really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish, you
know, for she must be perfectly satiated with boys," began ,
using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
"! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! 've often longed to
give him something that he wished for very much, and now can."
, when, at a sudden gesture from , silence fell,
said slowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseeching
look about the room, as if asking pardon of the boys
"'s very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me;
therefore think 'd better go to the one who seems to need me
most."
", dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with,"
said . quickly, as a doleful sniff from , and a
murmur of " sainted ," made pause and look that
way.
" time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, and
remember, ''s your friend,' " added , hopeful still.
" don't want any time! know who love best, who 'm happiest
with, and choose uncle. he have me?" cried , in a tone
that produced a sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so full
of tender confidence and love.
she really had any doubt, the look in . 's face banished it
without a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them,
feeling that home was there.
one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion among
the aunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before the
water-works began to play. they took hands and began to
prance about uncle and niece, singing, with sudden inspiration, the
nursery rhyme
" around a !"
course that put an end to all sentiment, and emerged
laughing from . 's bosom, with the mark of a waistcoat
button nicely imprinted on her left cheek. saw it, and said with
a merry kiss that half effaced it, " is my ewe lamb, and have
set my mark on her, so no one can steal her away."
tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of
" had a little lamb!"
hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and making
them dance prettily like lads and lasses round a -pole; while
, coming in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter,
chirp, and coo, as if all the birds of the air had come to join in the
spring revel of the eight cousins.