TheProjectGutenbergEBookofLittleWomen,byLouisaMayAlcott

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Title:LittleWomen

Author:LouisaMayAlcott

PostingDate:September13,2008[EBook#514]

ReleaseDate:May,1996

[ThisfilelastupdatedonAugust19,2010]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKLITTLEWOMEN***

LITTLEWOMEN

by

LouisaMayAlcott

CONTENTS

PART1

ONE PLAYINGPILGRIMSTWO AMERRYCHRISTMASTHREE THELAURENCEBOYFOUR BURDENSFIVE BEINGNEIGHBORLYSIX BETHFINDSTHEPALACEBEAUTIFULSEVEN AMY'SVALLEYOFHUMILIATIONEIGHT JOMEETSAPOLLYONNINE MEGGOESTOVANITYFAIRTEN THEP.C.ANDP.O.ELEVEN EXPERIMENTSTWELVE CAMPLAURENCETHIRTEEN CASTLESINTHEAIRFOURTEEN SECRETSFIFTEEN ATELEGRAMSIXTEEN LETTERSSEVENTEEN LITTLEFAITHFULEIGHTEEN DARKDAYSNINETEEN AMY'SWILLTWENTY CONFIDENTIALTWENTY-ONE LAURIEMAKESMISCHIEF,ANDJOMAKESPEACETWENTY-TWO PLEASANTMEADOWSTWENTY-THREE AUNTMARCHSETTLESTHEQUESTION

PART2

TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIPTWENTY-FIVE THEFIRSTWEDDING

TWENTY-SIX ARTISTICATTEMPTSTWENTY-SEVEN LITERARYLESSONSTWENTY-EIGHT DOMESTICEXPERIENCESTWENTY-NINE CALLSTHIRTY CONSEQUENCESTHIRTY-ONE OURFOREIGNCORRESPONDENTTHIRTY-TWO TENDERTROUBLESTHIRTY-THREE JO'SJOURNALTHIRTY-FOUR FRIENDTHIRTY-FIVE HEARTACHETHIRTY-SIX BETH'SSECRETTHIRTY-SEVEN NEWIMPRESSIONSTHIRTY-EIGHT ONTHESHELFTHIRTY-NINE LAZYLAURENCEFORTY THEVALLEYOFTHESHADOWFORTY-ONE LEARNINGTOFORGETFORTY-TWO ALLALONEFORTY-THREE SURPRISESFORTY-FOUR MYLORDANDLADYFORTY-FIVE DAISYANDDEMIFORTY-SIX UNDERTHEUMBRELLAFORTY-SEVEN HARVESTTIME

CHAPTERONE

PLAYINGPILGRIMS

"Christmaswon'tbeChristmaswithoutanypresents,"grumbledJo,lyingontherug.

"It'ssodreadfultobepoor!"sighedMeg,lookingdownatherolddress.

"Idon'tthinkit'sfairforsomegirlstohaveplentyofprettythings,andothergirlsnothingatall,"addedlittleAmy,withaninjuredsniff.

"We'vegotFather andMother, and eachother," saidBeth contentedly fromhercorner.

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerfulwords, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, "Wehaven't got Father, and shall nothavehimforalongtime."Shedidn'tsay"perhapsnever,"buteachsilentlyaddedit,thinkingofFatherfaraway,wherethefightingwas.

Nobody spoke for a minute; thenMeg said in an altered tone, "You know thereasonMother proposednot having anypresents thisChristmaswasbecause it isgoingtobeahardwinterforeveryone;andshethinksweoughtnottospendmoneyforpleasure,whenourmenaresufferingsointhearmy.Wecan'tdomuch,butwecanmakeourlittlesacrifices,andoughttodoitgladly.ButIamafraidIdon't,"andMegshookherhead,asshethoughtregretfullyofalltheprettythingsshewanted.

"ButIdon'tthinkthelittleweshouldspendwoulddoanygood.We'veeachgotadollar, and the armywouldn't bemuch helped by our giving that. I agree not toexpectanythingfromMotheroryou,butIdowanttobuyUndineandSintran formyself.I'vewanteditsolong,"saidJo,whowasabookworm.

"Iplannedtospendmineinnewmusic,"saidBeth,withalittlesigh,whichnooneheardbutthehearthbrushandkettle-holder.

"IshallgetaniceboxofFaber'sdrawingpencils;Ireallyneedthem,"saidAmydecidedly.

"Motherdidn't sayanythingaboutourmoney,andshewon'twishus togiveupeverything.Let'seachbuywhatwewant,andhavealittlefun;I'msureweworkhardenough to earn it," cried Jo, examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanlymanner.

"IknowIdo—teachingthosetiresomechildrennearlyallday,whenI'mlongingtoenjoymyselfathome,"beganMeg,inthecomplainingtoneagain.

"Youdon'thavehalfsuchahardtimeasIdo,"saidJo."Howwouldyouliketobeshutupforhourswithanervous, fussyold lady,whokeepsyou trotting, isneversatisfied,andworriesyoutillyou'rereadytoflyoutthewindoworcry?"

"It'snaughtytofret,butIdothinkwashingdishesandkeepingthingstidyistheworst work in the world. It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff, I can'tpracticewellatall."AndBeth lookedather roughhandswithasigh thatanyonecouldhearthattime.

"Idon'tbelieveanyofyousufferasIdo,"criedAmy,"foryoudon'thavetogotoschoolwithimpertinentgirls,whoplagueyouifyoudon'tknowyourlessons,andlaughatyourdresses,andlabelyourfatherifheisn'trich,andinsultyouwhenyournoseisn'tnice."

"Ifyoumean libel, I'd sayso,andnot talkabout labels,as ifPapawasapicklebottle,"advisedJo,laughing.

"IknowwhatImean,andyouneedn'tbestatiricalaboutit.It'spropertousegoodwords,andimproveyourvocabilary,"returnedAmy,withdignity.

"Don'tpeckatoneanother,children.Don'tyouwishwehadthemoneyPapalostwhen we were little, Jo? Dear me! How happy and good we'd be, if we had noworries!"saidMeg,whocouldrememberbettertimes.

"You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the Kingchildren,fortheywerefightingandfrettingallthetime,inspiteoftheirmoney."

"SoIdid,Beth.Well,Ithinkweare.Forthoughwedohavetowork,wemakefunofourselves,andareaprettyjollyset,asJowouldsay."

"Jodoesusesuchslangwords!"observedAmy,withareprovinglookatthelongfigurestretchedontherug.

Joimmediatelysatup,putherhandsinherpockets,andbegantowhistle.

"Don't,Jo.It'ssoboyish!"

"That'swhyIdoit."

"Idetestrude,unladylikegirls!"

"Ihateaffected,niminy-piminychits!"

"Birds in their littlenests agree," sangBeth, thepeacemaker,with sucha funnyface that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the "pecking" ended for thattime.

"Really,girls,youarebothtobeblamed,"saidMeg,beginningtolectureinherelder-sisterlyfashion."Youareoldenoughtoleaveoffboyishtricks,andtobehavebetter,Josephine.Itdidn'tmattersomuchwhenyouwerealittlegirl,butnowyouaresotall,andturnupyourhair,youshouldrememberthatyouareayounglady."

"I'mnot!Andifturningupmyhairmakesmeone,I'llwearitintwotailstillI'mtwenty,"criedJo,pullingoffhernet,andshakingdownachestnutmane."Ihatetothink I'vegot togrowup,andbeMissMarch,andwear longgowns,and lookasprimasaChinaAster!It'sbadenoughtobeagirl,anyway,whenIlikeboy'sgamesandworkandmanners!Ican'tgetovermydisappointmentinnotbeingaboy.Andit'sworsethanevernow,forI'mdyingtogoandfightwithPapa.AndIcanonlystayhomeandknit,likeapokyoldwoman!"

And Jo shook theblue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets, andherballboundedacrosstheroom.

"PoorJo!It'stoobad,butitcan'tbehelped.Soyoumusttrytobecontentedwithmakingyournameboyish,andplayingbrothertousgirls,"saidBeth,strokingtheroughheadwithahandthatallthedishwashinganddustingintheworldcouldnotmakeungentleinitstouch.

"Asforyou,Amy,"continuedMeg,"youarealtogethertooparticularandprim.Your airs are funnynow,but you'll growup an affected little goose, if youdon'ttakecare.Ilikeyournicemannersandrefinedwaysofspeaking,whenyoudon'ttrytobeelegant.ButyourabsurdwordsareasbadasJo'sslang."

"If Jo is a tomboy andAmya goose,what am I, please?" askedBeth, ready tosharethelecture.

"You'readear,andnothingelse,"answeredMegwarmly,andnoonecontradictedher,forthe'Mouse'wasthepetofthefamily.

Asyoung readers like toknow 'howpeople look',wewill take thismoment togive thema little sketch of the four sisters,who sat knitting away in the twilight,while the December snow fell quietly without, and the fire crackled cheerfullywithin. Itwas a comfortable room, though the carpetwas faded and the furnitureveryplain,foragoodpictureortwohungonthewalls,booksfilledtherecesses,chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasantatmosphereofhomepeacepervadedit.

Margaret, the eldest of the four,was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump andfair,withlargeeyes,plentyofsoftbrownhair,asweetmouth,andwhitehands,ofwhichshewas rathervain.Fifteen-year-oldJowasvery tall, thin,andbrown,andreminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to knowwhat to dowith her longlimbs,whichwereverymuchinherway.Shehadadecidedmouth,acomicalnose,andsharp,grayeyes,whichappeared toseeeverything,andwereby turns fierce,

funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usuallybundledintoanet,tobeoutofherway.RoundshouldershadJo,bighandsandfeet,aflyawaylooktoherclothes,andtheuncomfortableappearanceofagirlwhowasrapidlyshootingupintoawomananddidn'tlikeit.Elizabeth,orBeth,aseveryonecalled her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shymanner,atimidvoice,andapeacefulexpressionwhichwasseldomdisturbed.Herfather calledher 'LittleMissTranquility', and thename suitedher excellently, forsheseemedtoliveinahappyworldofherown,onlyventuringouttomeetthefewwhom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most importantperson, in her own opinion at least. A regular snowmaiden,with blue eyes, andyellowhaircurlingonhershoulders,paleandslender,andalwayscarryingherselflikeayoung ladymindfulofhermanners.What thecharactersof the four sisterswerewewillleavetobefoundout.

Theclockstrucksixand,havingsweptupthehearth,Bethputapairofslippersdowntowarm.Somehowthesightoftheoldshoeshadagoodeffectuponthegirls,forMother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stoppedlecturing,andlightedthelamp,Amygotoutoftheeasychairwithoutbeingasked,andJoforgothowtiredshewasasshesatuptoholdtheslippersnearertotheblaze.

"Theyarequitewornout.Marmeemusthaveanewpair."

"IthoughtI'dgethersomewithmydollar,"saidBeth.

"No,Ishall!"criedAmy.

"I'm the oldest," beganMeg, but Jo cut inwith a decided, "I'm theman of thefamily nowPapa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he toldme to takespecialcareofMotherwhilehewasgone."

"I'lltellyouwhatwe'lldo,"saidBeth,"let'seachgethersomethingforChristmas,andnotgetanythingforourselves."

"That'slikeyou,dear!Whatwillweget?"exclaimedJo.

Everyone thoughtsoberlyforaminute, thenMegannounced,as if the ideawassuggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, "I shall give her a nice pair ofgloves."

"Armyshoes,besttobehad,"criedJo.

"Somehandkerchiefs,allhemmed,"saidBeth.

"I'llgetalittlebottleofcologne.Shelikesit,anditwon'tcostmuch,soI'llhavesomelefttobuymypencils,"addedAmy.

"Howwillwegivethethings?"askedMeg.

"Putthemonthetable,andbringherinandseeheropenthebundles.Don'tyourememberhowweusedtodoonourbirthdays?"answeredJo.

"Iusedtobesofrightenedwhenitwasmyturntositinthechairwiththecrownon,andseeyouallcomemarchingroundtogivethepresents,withakiss.Ilikedthethings and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while Iopenedthebundles,"saidBeth,whowastoastingherfaceandthebreadforteaatthesametime.

"LetMarmeethinkwearegettingthingsforourselves,andthensurpriseher.Wemustgoshoppingtomorrowafternoon,Meg.ThereissomuchtodoabouttheplayforChristmas night," said Jo,marching up and down,with her hands behind herback,andhernoseintheair.

"Idon'tmeantoactanymoreafterthistime.I'mgettingtoooldforsuchthings,"observedMeg,whowasasmuchachildaseverabout'dressing-up'frolics.

"Youwon'tstop,Iknow,aslongasyoucantrailroundinawhitegownwithyourhair down, andwear gold-paper jewelry. You are the best actress we've got, andthere'll be an end of everything if you quit the boards," said Jo. "We ought torehearsetonight.Comehere,Amy,anddothefaintingscene,foryouareasstiffasapokerinthat."

"I can'thelp it. Inever sawanyone faint, and Idon't choose tomakemyself allblackandblue,tumblingflatasyoudo.IfIcangodowneasily,I'lldrop.IfIcan't,Ishallfallintoachairandbegraceful.Idon'tcareifHugodoescomeatmewithapistol," returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosenbecauseshewassmallenoughtobeborneoutshriekingbythevillainofthepiece.

"Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, cryingfrantically,'Roderigo!Saveme!Saveme!'"andawaywentJo,withamelodramaticscreamwhichwastrulythrilling.

Amyfollowed,butshepokedherhandsoutstifflybeforeher,andjerkedherselfalong as if she went by machinery, and her "Ow!" was more suggestive of pinsbeingrunintoher thanoffearandanguish.Jogaveadespairinggroan,andMeglaughedoutright,whileBethletherbreadburnasshewatchedthefunwithinterest.

"It'snouse!Dothebestyoucanwhenthetimecomes,andif theaudiencelaughs,don'tblameme.Comeon,Meg."

Then thingswentsmoothly, forDonPedrodefied theworld inaspeechof twopageswithoutasinglebreak.Hagar,thewitch,chantedanawfulincantationoverherkettleful of simmering toads,withweird effect.Roderigo rent his chains asundermanfully,andHugodiedinagoniesofremorseandarsenic,withawild,"Ha!Ha!"

"It's thebestwe'vehadyet," saidMeg,as thedeadvillainsatupand rubbedhiselbows.

"Idon'tseehowyoucanwriteandactsuchsplendidthings,Jo.You'rearegularShakespeare!"exclaimedBeth,whofirmlybelievedthathersistersweregiftedwithwonderfulgeniusinallthings.

"Not quite," replied Jo modestly. "I do think The Witches Curse, an OperaticTragedyisratheranicething,butI'dliketotryMacbeth,ifweonlyhadatrapdoorforBanquo.Ialwayswantedtodothekillingpart.'IsthatadaggerthatIseebeforeme?"mutteredJo,rollinghereyesandclutchingattheair,asshehadseenafamoustragediando.

"No, it's the toasting fork,withMother's shoe on it instead of the bread.Beth'sstage-struck!"criedMeg,andtherehearsalendedinageneralburstoflaughter.

"Gladtofindyousomerry,mygirls,"saidacheeryvoiceatthedoor,andactorsandaudience turned towelcomea tall,motherly ladywitha 'can Ihelpyou' lookabout herwhichwas truly delightful. Shewas not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnetcoveredthemostsplendidmotherintheworld.

"Well,dearies,howhaveyougotontoday?Therewassomuchtodo,gettingtheboxesreadytogotomorrow,thatIdidn'tcomehometodinner.Hasanyonecalled,Beth?Howisyourcold,Meg?Jo,youlooktiredtodeath.Comeandkissme,baby."

Whilemaking thesematernal inquiriesMrs.March got herwet things off, herwarm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap,preparingtoenjoythehappiesthourofherbusyday.Thegirlsflewabout,tryingtomake things comfortable, each in her own way. Meg arranged the tea table, Jobroughtwoodandsetchairs,dropping,over-turning,andclatteringeverythingshetouched.Bethtrottedtoandfrobetweenparlorkitchen,quietandbusy,whileAmygavedirectionstoeveryone,asshesatwithherhandsfolded.

Astheygatheredaboutthetable,Mrs.Marchsaid,withaparticularlyhappyface,"I'vegotatreatforyouaftersupper."

A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Beth clapped herhands, regardlessof thebiscuit sheheld, and Jo tosseduphernapkin, crying, "Aletter!Aletter!ThreecheersforFather!"

"Yes,anicelongletter.Heiswell,andthinksheshallgetthroughthecoldseasonbetter thanwe feared. He sends all sorts of lovingwishes for Christmas, and anespecialmessagetoyougirls,"saidMrs.March,pattingherpocketasifshehadgotatreasurethere.

"Hurryandgetdone!Don'tstoptoquirkyourlittlefingerandsimperoveryourplate,Amy,"criedJo,chokingonherteaanddroppingherbread,buttersidedown,onthecarpetinherhastetogetatthetreat.

Bethatenomore,butcreptawaytositinhershadowycornerandbroodoverthedelighttocome,tilltheotherswereready.

"IthinkitwassosplendidinFathertogoaschaplainwhenhewastoooldtobedrafted,andnotstrongenoughforasoldier,"saidMegwarmly.

"Don'tIwishIcouldgoasadrummer,avivan—what'sitsname?Oranurse,soIcouldbenearhimandhelphim,"exclaimedJo,withagroan.

"Itmust be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tastingthings,anddrinkoutofatinmug,"sighedAmy.

"Whenwillhecomehome,Marmee?"askedBeth,withalittlequiverinhervoice.

"Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his workfaithfullyaslongashecan,andwewon'taskforhimbackaminutesoonerthanhecanbespared.Nowcomeandheartheletter."

Theyalldrewtothefire,MotherinthebigchairwithBethatherfeet,MegandAmyperchedoneitherarmofthechair,andJoleaningontheback,wherenoonewouldseeanysignofemotionifthelettershouldhappentobetouching.Veryfewletters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially thosewhich fathers sent home. In this one littlewas said of the hardships endured, thedangersfaced,orthehomesicknessconquered.Itwasacheerful,hopefulletter,fulloflivelydescriptionsofcamplife,marches,andmilitarynews,andonlyattheenddidthewriter'sheartover-flowwithfatherlyloveandlongingforthelittlegirlsat

home.

"Givethemallofmydearloveandakiss.TellthemIthinkofthembyday,prayfor thembynight,andfindmybestcomfort in theiraffectionatall times.AyearseemsverylongtowaitbeforeIseethem,butremindthemthatwhilewewaitwemayallwork,sothattheseharddaysneednotbewasted.Iknowtheywillrememberall I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their dutyfaithfully,fighttheirbosomenemiesbravely,andconquerthemselvessobeautifullythatwhenIcomebacktothemImaybefonderandprouderthaneverofmylittlewomen."Everybodysniffedwhentheycameto thatpart.Jowasn'tashamedof thegreattearthatdroppedofftheendofhernose,andAmynevermindedtherumplingofhercurlsasshehidherfaceonhermother'sshoulderandsobbedout,"Iamaselfishgirl!ButI'lltrulytrytobebetter,sohemayn'tbedisappointedinmeby-and-by."

"We allwill," criedMeg. "I think toomuchofmy looks andhate towork, butwon'tanymore,ifIcanhelpit."

"I'll try andbewhat he loves to callme, 'a littlewoman' andnot be rough andwild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else," said Jo,thinkingthatkeepinghertemperathomewasamuchhardertaskthanfacingarebelortwodownSouth.

Bethsaidnothing,butwipedawayhertearswiththebluearmysockandbegantoknitwithallhermight,losingnotimeindoingthedutythatlaynearesther,whilesheresolvedinherquietlittlesoultobeallthatFatherhopedtofindherwhentheyearbroughtroundthehappycominghome.

Mrs.Marchbroke thesilence that followedJo'swords,bysaying inhercheeryvoice,"DoyourememberhowyouusedtoplayPilgrimsProgresswhenyouwerelittlethings?Nothingdelightedyoumorethantohavemetiemypiecebagsonyourbacks for burdens, give youhats and sticks and rolls of paper, and let you travelthroughthehousefromthecellar,whichwastheCityofDestruction,up,up,tothehousetop,whereyouhadallthelovelythingsyoucouldcollecttomakeaCelestialCity."

"What fun itwas,especiallygoingby the lions, fightingApollyon,andpassingthroughthevalleywherethehob-goblinswere,"saidJo.

"Ilikedtheplacewherethebundlesfelloffandtumbleddownstairs,"saidMeg.

"Idon'tremembermuchaboutit,exceptthatIwasafraidofthecellarandthedark

entry,andalwayslikedthecakeandmilkwehadupatthetop.IfIwasn'ttoooldforsuch things, I'd rather like toplay itover again," saidAmy,whobegan to talkofrenouncingchildishthingsatthematureageoftwelve.

"Weneveraretoooldforthis,mydear,becauseitisaplayweareplayingallthetime inonewayor another.Ourburdensarehere,our road isbeforeus, and thelonging for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through manytroubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City. Now, my littlepilgrims,supposeyoubeginagain,not inplay,but inearnest,andseehowfaronyoucangetbeforeFathercomeshome."

"Really,Mother?Where are our bundles?" askedAmy,whowas a very literalyounglady.

"Eachofyoutoldwhatyourburdenwasjustnow,exceptBeth.Iratherthinkshehasn'tgotany,"saidhermother.

"Yes,Ihave.Mineisdishesanddusters,andenvyinggirlswithnicepianos,andbeingafraidofpeople."

Beth'sbundlewassuchafunnyonethateverybodywantedtolaugh,butnobodydid,foritwouldhavehurtherfeelingsverymuch.

"Let us do it," saidMeg thoughtfully. "It is only another name for trying to begood,andthestorymayhelpus,forthoughwedowanttobegood,it'shardworkandweforget,anddon'tdoourbest."

"WewereintheSloughofDespondtonight,andMothercameandpulledusoutasHelp did in the book.We ought to have our roll of directions, like Christian.Whatshallwedoaboutthat?"askedJo,delightedwiththefancywhichlentalittleromancetotheverydulltaskofdoingherduty.

"Look under your pillows Christmas morning, and you will find yourguidebook,"repliedMrs.March.

TheytalkedoverthenewplanwhileoldHannahclearedthetable,thenoutcamethefourlittleworkbaskets,andtheneedlesflewasthegirlsmadesheetsforAuntMarch.Itwasuninterestingsewing,buttonightnoonegrumbled.TheyadoptedJo'splan of dividing the long seams into four parts, and calling the quarters Europe,Asia,Africa, andAmerica, and in thatway got on capitally, especiallywhen theytalkedaboutthedifferentcountriesastheystitchedtheirwaythroughthem.

Atninetheystoppedwork,andsang,asusual,beforetheywenttobed.NoonebutBeth could get much music out of the old piano, but she had a way of softlytouchingtheyellowkeysandmakingapleasantaccompanimenttothesimplesongstheysang.Meghadavoicelikeaflute,andsheandhermotherledthelittlechoir.Amychirpedlikeacricket,andJowanderedthroughtheairsatherownsweetwill,alwayscomingoutatthewrongplacewithacroakoraquaverthatspoiledthemostpensivetune.Theyhadalwaysdonethisfromthetimetheycouldlisp...

Crinkle,crinkle,'ittle'tar,

andithadbecomeahouseholdcustom,forthemotherwasabornsinger.Thefirstsoundinthemorningwashervoiceasshewentaboutthehousesinginglikealark,andthelastsoundatnightwasthesamecheerysound,forthegirlsnevergrewtoooldforthatfamiliarlullaby.

CHAPTERTWO

AMERRYCHRISTMAS

Jowas the first towake in thegraydawnofChristmasmorning.No stockingshung at the fireplace, and for amoment she felt asmuchdisappointed as she didlongago,whenherlittlesockfelldownbecauseitwascrammedsofullofgoodies.Then she remembered her mother's promise and, slipping her hand under herpillow,drewoutalittlecrimson-coveredbook.Sheknewitverywell,foritwasthatbeautifuloldstoryofthebestlifeeverlived,andJofeltthatitwasatrueguidebookforanypilgrimgoingonalongjourney.ShewokeMegwitha"MerryChristmas,"andbadeherseewhatwasunderherpillow.Agreen-coveredbookappeared,withthesamepictureinside,andafewwordswrittenbytheirmother,whichmadetheironepresentverypreciousintheireyes.PresentlyBethandAmywoketorummageandfindtheirlittlebooksalso,onedove-colored,theotherblue,andallsatlookingatandtalkingaboutthem,whiletheeastgrewrosywiththecomingday.

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, whichunconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly,andobeyedherbecauseheradvicewassogentlygiven.

"Girls,"saidMegseriously,lookingfromthetumbledheadbesidehertothetwolittlenight-cappedonesintheroombeyond,"Motherwantsustoreadandloveand

mind thesebooks, andwemustbeginatonce.Weused tobe faithful about it,butsinceFatherwentawayandallthiswartroubleunsettledus,wehaveneglectedmanythings.Youcandoasyouplease,butIshallkeepmybookonthetablehereandreadalittleeverymorningassoonasIwake,forIknowitwilldomegoodandhelpmethroughtheday."

Thensheopenedhernewbookandbegantoread.Joputherarmroundherand,leaningcheektocheek,readalso,withthequietexpressionsoseldomseenonherrestlessface.

"HowgoodMeg is!Come,Amy, let'sdoas theydo. I'llhelpyouwith thehardwords,andthey'llexplainthingsifwedon'tunderstand,"whisperedBeth,verymuchimpressedbytheprettybooksandhersisters'example.

"I'mgladmine isblue,"saidAmy.and then theroomswereverystillwhile thepagesweresoftlyturned,andthewintersunshinecreptintotouchthebrightheadsandseriousfaceswithaChristmasgreeting.

"Where isMother?" askedMeg, as she and Jo ran down to thank her for theirgifts,halfanhourlater.

"Goodness only knows. Some poor creeter came a-beggin', and yourmawentstraightofftoseewhatwasneeded.Thereneverwassuchawomanforgivin'awayvittlesanddrink,clothesandfirin',"repliedHannah,whohadlivedwiththefamilysinceMegwasborn,andwasconsideredbythemallmoreasafriendthanaservant.

"Shewillbeback soon, I think, so fryyourcakes, andhaveeverything ready,"saidMeg,lookingoverthepresentswhichwerecollectedinabasketandkeptunderthesofa, ready tobeproducedat theproper time."Why,where isAmy'sbottleofcologne?"sheadded,asthelittleflaskdidnotappear.

"Shetookitoutaminuteago,andwentoffwithittoputaribbononit,orsomesuchnotion," replied Jo,dancingabout the room to take the first stiffnessoff thenewarmyslippers.

"Hownicemyhandkerchiefs look,don't they?Hannahwashedand ironed themforme,andImarkedthemallmyself,"saidBeth,lookingproudlyatthesomewhatunevenletterswhichhadcosthersuchlabor.

"Blessthechild!She'sgoneandput'Mother'ontheminsteadof'M.March'.Howfunny!"criedJo,takingoneup.

"Isn'tthatright?Ithoughtitwasbettertodoitso,becauseMeg'sinitialsareM.M.,andIdon'twantanyonetousethesebutMarmee,"saidBeth,lookingtroubled.

"It'sallright,dear,andaveryprettyidea,quitesensibletoo,fornoonecanevermistakenow.Itwillpleaseherverymuch,Iknow,"saidMeg,withafrownforJoandasmileforBeth.

"There'sMother.Hidethebasket,quick!"criedJo,asadoorslammedandstepssoundedinthehall.

Amy came in hastily, and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters allwaitingforher.

"Where have you been, and what are you hiding behind you?" asked Meg,surprisedtosee,byherhoodandcloak,thatlazyAmyhadbeenoutsoearly.

"Don't laugh atme, Jo! I didn'tmean anyone should know till the time came. Ionlymeanttochangethelittlebottleforabigone,andIgaveallmymoneytogetit,andI'mtrulytryingnottobeselfishanymore."

Asshespoke,Amyshowedthehandsomeflaskwhichreplacedthecheapone,andlookedsoearnestandhumbleinherlittleefforttoforgetherselfthatMeghuggedheronthespot,andJopronouncedher'atrump',whileBethrantothewindow,andpickedherfinestrosetoornamentthestatelybottle.

"YouseeIfeltashamedofmypresent,afterreadingandtalkingaboutbeinggoodthismorning,soIranroundthecornerandchangedittheminuteIwasup,andI'msoglad,formineisthehandsomestnow."

Anotherbangofthestreetdoorsentthebasketunderthesofa,andthegirlstothetable,eagerforbreakfast.

"MerryChristmas,Marmee!Manyof them!Thankyou forourbooks.We readsome,andmeantoeveryday,"theyallcriedinchorus.

"MerryChristmas,littledaughters!I'mgladyoubeganatonce,andhopeyouwillkeepon.ButIwanttosayonewordbeforewesitdown.Notfarawayfromhereliesapoorwomanwithalittlenewbornbaby.Sixchildrenarehuddledintoonebedtokeepfromfreezing,fortheyhavenofire.Thereisnothingtoeatoverthere,andtheoldestboycametotellmetheyweresufferinghungerandcold.Mygirls,willyougivethemyourbreakfastasaChristmaspresent?"

Theywereallunusuallyhungry,havingwaitednearlyanhour,andforaminutenoonespoke,onlyaminute,forJoexclaimedimpetuously,"I'msogladyoucamebeforewebegan!"

"May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children?" asked Betheagerly.

"I shall take the creamand themuffings," addedAmy,heroicallygivingup thearticleshemostliked.

Megwasalreadycoveringthebuckwheats,andpilingthebreadintoonebigplate.

"Ithoughtyou'ddoit,"saidMrs.March,smilingasifsatisfied."Youshallallgoandhelpme,andwhenwecomebackwewillhavebreadandmilk forbreakfast,andmakeitupatdinnertime."

Theywere soon ready,and theprocession setout.Fortunately itwasearly, andtheywentthroughbackstreets,sofewpeoplesawthem,andnoonelaughedatthequeerparty.

A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, raggedbedclothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pale, hungry childrencuddledunderoneoldquilt,tryingtokeepwarm.

Howthebigeyesstaredandthebluelipssmiledasthegirlswentin.

"Ach,meinGott!Itisgoodangelscometous!"saidthepoorwoman,cryingforjoy.

"Funnyangelsinhoodsandmittens,"saidJo,andsetthemtolaughing.

In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there.Hannah,whohadcarriedwood,madeafire,andstoppedupthebrokenpaneswithold hats and her own cloak. Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel, andcomfortedherwithpromisesofhelp,whileshedressedthelittlebabyastenderlyasifithadbeenherown.Thegirlsmeantimespreadthetable,setthechildrenroundthe fire, and fed them like somanyhungrybirds, laughing, talking, and trying tounderstandthefunnybrokenEnglish.

"Das istgut!""DieEngel-kinder!"cried thepoor thingsas theyateandwarmedtheirpurplehandsat thecomfortableblaze.Thegirlshadneverbeencalledangelchildren before, and thought it very agreeable, especially Jo, who had been

considered a 'Sancho' ever since shewas born. Thatwas a very happy breakfast,thoughtheydidn'tgetanyofit.Andwhentheywentaway,leavingcomfortbehind,Ithink therewerenot inall thecity fourmerrierpeople than thehungry littlegirlswhogave away their breakfasts and contented themselveswithbread andmilkonChristmasmorning.

"That'slovingourneighborbetterthanourselves,andIlikeit,"saidMeg,astheysetouttheirpresentswhiletheirmotherwasupstairscollectingclothesforthepoorHummels.

Notaverysplendidshow,buttherewasagreatdealoflovedoneupinthefewlittle bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailingvines,whichstoodinthemiddle,gavequiteanelegantairtothetable.

"She'scoming!Strikeup,Beth!Openthedoor,Amy!ThreecheersforMarmee!"criedJo,prancingaboutwhileMegwenttoconductMothertotheseatofhonor.

Bethplayedhergayestmarch,Amythrewopenthedoor,andMegenactedescortwithgreatdignity.Mrs.Marchwasbothsurprisedandtouched,andsmiledwithhereyesfullassheexaminedherpresentsandreadthelittlenoteswhichaccompaniedthem.Theslipperswentonatonce,anewhandkerchiefwasslippedintoherpocket,wellscentedwithAmy'scologne,therosewasfastenedinherbosom,andthenicegloveswerepronouncedaperfectfit.

Therewas a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining, in the simple,lovingfashionwhichmakesthesehomefestivalssopleasantatthetime,sosweettorememberlongafterward,andthenallfelltowork.

Themorningcharitiesandceremoniestooksomuchtimethattherestofthedaywasdevotedtopreparationsfortheeveningfestivities.Beingstilltooyoungtogooften to the theater, and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for privateperformances, the girls put theirwits towork, and necessity being themother ofinvention,madewhatevertheyneeded.Verycleverweresomeoftheirproductions,pasteboardguitars,antiquelampsmadeofold-fashionedbutterboatscoveredwithsilver paper, gorgeous robes of old cotton, glittering with tin spangles from apicklefactory,andarmorcoveredwiththesameusefuldiamondshapedbitsleftinsheetswhenthelidsofpreservepotswerecutout.Thebigchamberwasthesceneofmanyinnocentrevels.

Nogentlemanwereadmitted,soJoplayedmaleparts toherheart'scontentandtook immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots given her by a friend,

whoknewaladywhoknewanactor.Theseboots,anoldfoil,andaslasheddoubletonceusedbyanartistforsomepicture,wereJo'schieftreasuresandappearedonalloccasions.Thesmallnessofthecompanymadeitnecessaryforthetwoprincipalactorstotakeseveralpartsapiece,andtheycertainlydeservedsomecreditfor thehardworktheydidinlearningthreeorfourdifferentparts,whiskinginandoutofvarious costumes, andmanaging the stage besides. Itwas excellent drill for theirmemories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwisewouldhavebeenidle,lonely,orspentinlessprofitablesociety.

OnChristmasnight,adozengirlspiledontothebedwhichwasthedresscircle,and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state ofexpectancy.Therewasagooddealofrustlingandwhisperingbehindthecurtain,atrifle of lamp smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to gethysterical in the excitement of themoment. Presently a bell sounded, the curtainsflewapart,andtheoperatictragedybegan.

"Agloomywood,"accordingtotheoneplaybill,wasrepresentedbyafewshrubsinpots,greenbaizeonthefloor,andacaveinthedistance.Thiscavewasmadewithaclotheshorseforaroof,bureausforwalls,andinitwasasmallfurnaceinfullblast,withablackpotonitandanoldwitchbendingoverit.Thestagewasdarkandtheglowof the furnacehada fineeffect,especiallyas real steamissuedfromthekettlewhenthewitchtookoffthecover.Amomentwasallowedforthefirstthrilltosubside, then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, aslouchinghat,blackbeard,mysteriouscloak,andtheboots.Afterpacingtoandfroinmuchagitation,hestruckhisforehead,andburstoutinawildstrain,singingofhishatred forRoderigo, his love forZara, andhis pleasing resolution tokill theoneandwin theother.Thegruff tonesofHugo'svoice,with anoccasional shoutwhenhisfeelingsovercamehim,wereveryimpressive,andtheaudienceapplaudedthemomenthepausedforbreath.Bowingwiththeairofoneaccustomedtopublicpraise,hestoletothecavernandorderedHagartocomeforthwithacommanding,"Whatho,minion!Ineedthee!"

OutcameMeg,withgrayhorsehairhangingaboutherface,aredandblackrobe,astaff,andcabalisticsignsuponhercloak.HugodemandedapotiontomakeZaraadore him, and one to destroy Roderigo. Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody,promisedboth,andproceededtocallupthespiritwhowouldbringthelovephilter.

Hither,hither,fromthyhome,Airysprite,Ibidtheecome!Bornofroses,fedondew,Charmsandpotionscanstthoubrew?Bringmehere,withelfinspeed,ThefragrantphilterwhichIneed.

Makeitsweetandswiftandstrong,Spirit,answernowmysong!

Asoftstrainofmusicsounded,andthenatthebackofthecaveappearedalittlefigureincloudywhite,withglitteringwings,goldenhair,andagarlandofrosesonitshead.Wavingawand,itsang...

HitherIcome,Frommyairyhome,Afarinthesilvermoon.Takethemagicspell,Anduseitwell,Oritspowerwillvanishsoon!

Anddroppingasmall,gildedbottleatthewitch'sfeet,thespiritvanished.AnotherchantfromHagarproducedanotherapparition,notalovelyone,forwithabanganuglyblackimpappearedand,havingcroakedareply,tossedadarkbottleatHugoand disappeared with a mocking laugh. Having warbled his thanks and put thepotionsinhisboots,Hugodeparted,andHagarinformedtheaudiencethatashehadkilledafewofherfriendsintimespast,shehadcursedhim,andintendstothwarthisplans,andberevengedonhim.Thenthecurtainfell,andtheaudiencereposedandatecandywhilediscussingthemeritsoftheplay.

A good deal of hammeringwent on before the curtain rose again, butwhen itbecame evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentery had been got up, no onemurmuredatthedelay.Itwastrulysuperb.Atowerrosetotheceiling,halfwayupappearedawindowwithalampburninginit,andbehindthewhitecurtainappearedZarainalovelyblueandsilverdress,waitingforRoderigo.Hecameingorgeousarray,with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut lovelocks, a guitar, and the boots, ofcourse.Kneelingatthefootofthetower,hesangaserenadeinmeltingtones.Zararepliedand,afteramusicaldialogue,consentedtofly.Thencamethegrandeffectoftheplay.Roderigoproducedaropeladder,withfivestepstoit,threwuponeend,and invited Zara to descend. Timidly she crept from her lattice, put her hand onRoderigo'sshoulder,andwasabout to leapgracefullydownwhen"Alas!AlasforZara!" she forgot her train. It caught in the window, the tower tottered, leanedforward,fellwithacrash,andburiedtheunhappyloversintheruins.

Auniversalshriekaroseastherussetbootswavedwildlyfromthewreckandagoldenheademerged, exclaiming, "I toldyou so! I toldyou so!"Withwonderfulpresenceofmind,DonPedro, thecruel sire, rushed in,draggedouthisdaughter,withahastyaside...

"Don'tlaugh!Actasifitwasallright!"and,orderingRoderigoup,banishedhim

fromthekingdomwithwrathandscorn.Thoughdecidedlyshakenbythefallfromthe tower upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir. ThisdauntlessexamplefiredZara.Shealsodefiedhersire,andheorderedthembothtothedeepestdungeonsofthecastle.Astoutlittleretainercameinwithchainsandledthem away, looking verymuch frightened and evidently forgetting the speech heoughttohavemade.

Act thirdwas thecastlehall,andhereHagarappeared,havingcome to free theloversandfinishHugo.Shehearshimcomingandhides,seeshimputthepotionsintotwocupsofwineandbidthetimidlittleservant,"Bearthemtothecaptivesintheircells,andtellthemIshallcomeanon."TheservanttakesHugoasidetotellhimsomething, and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless.Ferdinando, the 'minion', carries them away, and Hagar puts back the cup whichholds the poison meant for Roderigo. Hugo, getting thirsty after a long warble,drinksit, loseshiswits,andafteragooddealofclutchingandstamping,fallsflatanddies,whileHagarinformshimwhatshehasdoneinasongofexquisitepowerandmelody.

Thiswasatrulythrillingscene,thoughsomepersonsmighthavethoughtthatthesuddentumblingdownofaquantityoflongredhairrathermarredtheeffectofthevillain'sdeath.Hewascalledbeforethecurtain,andwithgreatproprietyappeared,leadingHagar,whosesingingwasconsideredmorewonderful thanall the restoftheperformanceputtogether.

Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himselfbecausehehasbeentoldthatZarahasdesertedhim.Justasthedaggerisathisheart,a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true but indanger,andhecansaveherifhewill.Akeyisthrownin,whichunlocksthedoor,andinaspasmofrapturehetearsoffhischainsandrushesawaytofindandrescuehisladylove.

ActfifthopenedwithastormyscenebetweenZaraandDonPedro.Hewisheshertogointoaconvent,butshewon'thearofit,andafteratouchingappeal,isabouttofaintwhenRoderigodashesinanddemandsherhand.DonPedrorefuses,becausehe is not rich. They shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree, andRodrigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara,when the timid servant enterswith a letter andabag fromHagar,whohasmysteriouslydisappeared.The latterinforms theparty that shebequeathsuntoldwealth to theyoungpairandanawfuldoomtoDonPedro,ifhedoesn'tmakethemhappy.Thebagisopened,andseveralquarts of tinmoney shower downupon the stage till it is quite glorifiedwith theglitter.Thisentirelysoftensthesternsire.Heconsentswithoutamurmur,alljoinin

a joyful chorus, and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive DonPedro'sblessinginattitudesofthemostromanticgrace.

Tumultuousapplausefollowedbutreceivedanunexpectedcheck,forthecotbed,on which the dress circle was built, suddenly shut up and extinguished theenthusiastic audience. Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all weretakenout unhurt, thoughmanywere speechlesswith laughter.The excitement hadhardly subsided when Hannah appeared, with "Mrs. March's compliments, andwouldtheladieswalkdowntosupper."

Thiswasasurpriseeventotheactors,andwhentheysawthetable,theylookedatoneanotherinrapturousamazement.ItwaslikeMarmeetogetupalittletreatforthem,butanythingsofineasthiswasunheardofsincethedeparteddaysofplenty.Therewas icecream,actually twodishesof it,pinkandwhite, andcakeand fruitanddistractingFrenchbonbonsand,inthemiddleofthetable,fourgreatbouquetsofhothouseflowers.

Itquite took theirbreathaway,and theystaredfirstat the tableand thenat theirmother,wholookedasifsheenjoyeditimmensely.

"Isitfairies?"askedAmy.

"SantaClaus,"saidBeth.

"Mother did it." AndMeg smiled her sweetest, in spite of her gray beard andwhiteeyebrows.

"Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper," cried Jo, with a suddeninspiration.

"Allwrong.OldMr.Laurencesentit,"repliedMrs.March.

"The Laurence boy's grandfather!What in the world put such a thing into hishead?Wedon'tknowhim!"exclaimedMeg.

"Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party. He is an odd oldgentleman, but that pleased him.He knewmy father years ago, and he sentme apolitenotethisafternoon,sayinghehopedIwouldallowhimtoexpresshisfriendlyfeeling towardmy children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day. Icouldnotrefuse,andsoyouhavealittlefeastatnighttomakeupforthebread-and-milkbreakfast."

"Thatboyputitintohishead,Iknowhedid!He'sacapitalfellow,andIwishwecouldgetacquainted.Helooksasifhe'dliketoknowusbuthe'sbashful,andMegissoprim shewon't letme speak tohimwhenwepass," said Jo, as theplateswentround,andtheicebegantomeltoutofsight,withohsandahsofsatisfaction.

"Youmeanthepeoplewholiveinthebighousenextdoor,don'tyou?"askedoneof the girls. "Mymother knows oldMr. Laurence, but says he's very proud anddoesn'tliketomixwithhisneighbors.Hekeepshisgrandsonshutup,whenheisn'tridingorwalkingwithhistutor,andmakeshimstudyveryhard.Weinvitedhimtoourparty,buthedidn'tcome.Mothersayshe'sverynice,thoughheneverspeakstousgirls."

"Ourcatranawayonce,andhebroughtherback,andwetalkedoverthefence,and were getting on capitally, all about cricket, and so on, when he saw Megcoming,andwalkedoff.Imeantoknowhimsomeday,forheneedsfun,I'msurehedoes,"saidJodecidedly.

"I likehismanners,andhe looks likea littlegentleman,soI'venoobjection toyourknowinghim,ifaproperopportunitycomes.Hebroughttheflowershimself,andIshouldhaveaskedhimin,ifIhadbeensurewhatwasgoingonupstairs.Helookedsowistfulashewentaway,hearingthefrolicandevidentlyhavingnoneofhisown."

"It's amercy you didn't,Mother!" laughed Jo, looking at her boots. "But we'llhaveanotherplaysometimethathecansee.Perhapshe'llhelpact.Wouldn'tthatbejolly?"

"Ineverhadsuchafinebouquetbefore!Howprettyitis!"AndMegexaminedherflowerswithgreatinterest.

"Theyarelovely.ButBeth'srosesaresweetertome,"saidMrs.March,smellingthehalf-deadposyinherbelt.

Beth nestled up to her, andwhispered softly, "Iwish I could sendmybunch toFather.I'mafraidheisn'thavingsuchamerryChristmasasweare."

CHAPTERTHREE

THELAURENCEBOY

"Jo!Jo!Whereareyou?"criedMegatthefootofthegarretstairs.

"Here!" answered a husky voice from above, and, running up,Meg found hersister eating apples and crying over the Heir of Redclyffe, wrapped up in acomforteronanoldthree-leggedsofabythesunnywindow.ThiswasJo'sfavoriterefuge, andhere she loved to retirewithhalf adozen russets andanicebook, toenjoythequietandthesocietyofapetratwholivednearbyanddidn'tmindheraparticle.AsMegappeared,Scrabblewhisked intohishole. Jo shook the tearsoffhercheeksandwaitedtohearthenews.

"Such fun! Only see! A regular note of invitation from Mrs. Gardiner fortomorrow night!" criedMeg, waving the precious paper and then proceeding toreaditwithgirlishdelight.

"'Mrs.GardinerwouldbehappytoseeMissMarchandMissJosephineatalittledance on NewYear's Eve.'Marmee is willing we should go, nowwhat shall wewear?"

"What'stheuseofaskingthat,whenyouknowweshallwearourpoplins,becausewehaven'tgotanythingelse?"answeredJowithhermouthfull.

"IfIonlyhadasilk!"sighedMeg."MothersaysImaywhenI'meighteenperhaps,buttwoyearsisaneverlastingtimetowait."

"I'm sureourpops look like silk, and they arenice enough forus.Yours is asgoodasnew,but I forgot theburnand the tear inmine.Whatevershall Ido?Theburnshowsbadly,andIcan'ttakeanyout."

"Youmust sit still allyoucanandkeepyourbackoutof sight.The front isallright. I shall have a new ribbon formy hair, andMarmeewill lendme her littlepearlpin,andmynewslippersarelovely,andmygloveswilldo,thoughtheyaren'tasniceasI'dlike."

"Minearespoiledwithlemonade,andIcan'tgetanynewones,soIshallhavetogowithout,"saidJo,whonevertroubledherselfmuchaboutdress.

"Youmusthavegloves,or Iwon'tgo,"criedMegdecidedly."Glovesaremoreimportantthananythingelse.Youcan'tdancewithoutthem,andifyoudon'tIshouldbesomortified."

"Then I'll stay still. I don't care much for company dancing. It's no fun to gosailinground.Iliketoflyaboutandcutcapers."

"You can't ask Mother for new ones, they are so expensive, and you are socareless.Shesaidwhenyouspoiledtheothersthatsheshouldn'tgetyouanymorethiswinter.Can'tyoumakethemdo?"

"Icanholdthemcrumpledupinmyhand,sonoonewillknowhowstainedtheyare.That'sall Icando.No!I'll tellyouhowwecanmanage,eachwearonegoodoneandcarryabadone.Don'tyousee?"

"Your hands are bigger thanmine, and youwill stretchmy glove dreadfully,"beganMeg,whosegloveswereatenderpointwithher.

"ThenI'llgowithout.Idon'tcarewhatpeoplesay!"criedJo,takingupherbook.

"Youmayhave it,youmay!Onlydon't stain it,anddobehavenicely.Don'tputyourhandsbehindyou,orstare,orsay'ChristopherColumbus!'willyou?"

"Don'tworryaboutme.I'llbeasprimasIcanandnotgetintoanyscrapes,ifIcanhelpit.Nowgoandansweryournote,andletmefinishthissplendidstory."

SoMegwentawayto'acceptwiththanks',lookoverherdress,andsingblithelyasshedidupheronereallacefrill,whileJofinishedherstory,herfourapples,andhadagameofrompswithScrabble.

OnNewYear's Eve the parlor was deserted, for the two younger girls playeddressingmaids and the two elder were absorbed in the all-important business of'getting ready for the party'. Simple as the toiletswere, therewas a great deal ofrunning up and down, laughing and talking, and at one time a strong smell ofburned hair pervaded the house.Meg wanted a few curls about her face, and Joundertooktopinchthepaperedlockswithapairofhottongs.

"Oughttheytosmokelikethat?"askedBethfromherperchonthebed.

"It'sthedampnessdrying,"repliedJo.

"What a queer smell! It's like burned feathers," observed Amy, smoothing herownprettycurlswithasuperiorair.

"There,nowI'lltakeoffthepapersandyou'llseeacloudoflittleringlets,"saidJo,puttingdownthetongs.

Shedidtakeoffthepapers,butnocloudofringletsappeared,forthehaircamewiththepapers,andthehorrifiedhairdresserlaidarowoflittlescorchedbundlesonthebureaubeforehervictim.

"Oh,oh,oh!Whathaveyoudone?I'mspoiled!Ican'tgo!Myhair,oh,myhair!"wailedMeg,lookingwithdespairattheunevenfrizzleonherforehead.

"Justmyluck!Youshouldn'thaveaskedmetodoit.Ialwaysspoileverything.I'msosorry,but the tongswere toohot, and so I'vemadeamess,"groanedpoor Jo,regardingthelittleblackpancakeswithtearsofregret.

"It isn't spoiled. Just frizzle it, and tie your ribbon so the ends come on yourforeheadabit,anditwilllooklikethelastfashion.I'veseenmanygirlsdoitso,"saidAmyconsolingly.

"Servesme right for trying tobe fine. Iwish I'd letmyhair alone," criedMegpetulantly.

"SodoI,itwassosmoothandpretty.Butitwillsoongrowoutagain,"saidBeth,comingtokissandcomforttheshornsheep.

Aftervariouslessermishaps,Megwasfinishedatlast,andbytheunitedexertionsoftheentirefamilyJo'shairwasgotupandherdresson.Theylookedverywellintheirsimplesuits,Meg'sinsilverydrab,withabluevelvetsnood,lacefrills,andthepearl pin. Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a whitechrysanthemumortwoforheronlyornament.Eachputononenicelightglove,andcarriedone soiledone, andallpronounced theeffect "quiteeasyand fine".Meg'shigh-heeledslipperswereverytightandhurther,thoughshewouldnotownit,andJo'snineteenhairpinsallseemedstuckstraightintoherhead,whichwasnotexactlycomfortable,but,dearme,letusbeelegantordie.

"Haveagoodtime,dearies!"saidMrs.March,as thesisterswentdaintilydownthewalk."Don'teatmuchsupper,andcomeawayatelevenwhenIsendHannahforyou."Asthegateclashedbehindthem,avoicecriedfromawindow...

"Girls,girls!Haveyouyoubothgotnicepockethandkerchiefs?"

"Yes, yes, spandy nice, andMeghas cologne on hers," cried Jo, addingwith alaughastheywenton,"IdobelieveMarmeewouldaskthatifwewereallrunningawayfromanearthquake."

"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 goodmanylittle'aristocratictastes'ofherown.

"Nowdon'tforgettokeepthebadbreadthoutofsight,Jo.Ismysashright?Anddoes my hair look very bad?" said Meg, as she turned from the glass in Mrs.Gardiner'sdressingroomafteraprolongedprink.

"IknowIshallforget.Ifyouseemedoinganythingwrong,justremindmebyawink,willyou?"returnedJo,givinghercollaratwitchandherheadahastybrush.

"No,winkingisn'tladylike.I'llliftmyeyebrowsifanythingiswrong,andnodifyouareall right.Nowholdyourshoulderstraight,and takeshortsteps,anddon'tshakehandsifyouareintroducedtoanyone.Itisn'tthething."

"Howdoyoulearnalltheproperways?Inevercan.Isn'tthatmusicgay?"

Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, andinformalasthislittlegatheringwas,itwasaneventtothem.Mrs.Gardiner,astatelyold lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her sixdaughters.MegknewSallieandwasathereaseverysoon,butJo,whodidn'tcaremuch for girls or girlish gossip, stood about,with her back carefully against thewall,andfeltasmuchoutofplaceasacoltinaflowergarden.Halfadozenjovialladsweretalkingaboutskatesinanotherpartoftheroom,andshelongedtogoandjointhem,forskatingwasoneofthejoysofherlife.ShetelegraphedherwishtoMeg,buttheeyebrowswentupsoalarminglythatshedarednotstir.Noonecametotalk to her, and one by one the group dwindled away till shewas left alone. Shecouldnotroamaboutandamuseherself,fortheburnedbreadthwouldshow,soshestaredatpeopleratherforlornlytillthedancingbegan.Megwasaskedatonce,andthe tight slippers tripped about so briskly that nonewould have guessed the paintheir wearer suffered smilingly. Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching hercorner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess,intendingtopeepandenjoyherselfinpeace.Unfortunately,anotherbashfulpersonhad chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herselffacetofacewiththe'Laurenceboy'.

"Dearme,Ididn'tknowanyonewashere!"stammeredJo,preparingtobackoutasspeedilyasshehadbouncedin.

Buttheboylaughedandsaidpleasantly,thoughhelookedalittlestartled,"Don'tmindme,stayifyoulike."

"Shan'tIdisturbyou?"

"Not a bit. I only came here because I don't knowmany people and felt ratherstrangeatfirst,youknow."

"SodidI.Don'tgoaway,please,unlessyou'drather."

Theboysatdownagainandlookedathispumps,tillJosaid,tryingtobepoliteandeasy,"IthinkI'vehadthepleasureofseeingyoubefore.Youlivenearus,don'tyou?"

"Nextdoor."Andhe lookedupandlaughedoutright, forJo'sprimmannerwasrather funny when he remembered how they had chatted about cricket when hebroughtthecathome.

ThatputJoathereaseandshelaughedtoo,asshesaid,inherheartiestway,"WedidhavesuchagoodtimeoveryourniceChristmaspresent."

"Grandpasentit."

"Butyouputitintohishead,didn'tyou,now?"

"How is your cat,MissMarch?" asked the boy, trying to look soberwhile hisblackeyesshonewithfun.

"Nicely,thankyou,Mr.Laurence.ButIamnotMissMarch,I'monlyJo,"returnedtheyounglady.

"I'mnotMr.Laurence,I'monlyLaurie."

"LaurieLaurence,whatanoddname."

"MyfirstnameisTheodore,butIdon'tlikeit,forthefellowscalledmeDora,soImadethemsayLaurieinstead."

"Ihatemyname, too, so sentimental! IwisheveryonewouldsayJo insteadofJosephine.HowdidyoumaketheboysstopcallingyouDora?"

"Ithrashed'em."

"Ican'tthrashAuntMarch,soIsupposeIshallhavetobearit."AndJoresignedherselfwithasigh.

"Don't you like to dance,Miss Jo?" askedLaurie, looking as if he thought the

namesuitedher.

"Ilikeitwellenoughifthereisplentyofroom,andeveryoneislively.Inaplacelike this I'm sure to upset something, tread on people's toes, or do somethingdreadful,soIkeepoutofmischiefandletMegsailabout.Don'tyoudance?"

"Sometimes.YouseeI'vebeenabroadagoodmanyyears,andhaven'tbeenintocompanyenoughyettoknowhowyoudothingshere."

"Abroad!"cried Jo. "Oh, tellmeabout it! I lovedearly tohearpeopledescribetheirtravels."

Lauriedidn'tseemtoknowwheretobegin,butJo'seagerquestionssoonsethimgoing,andhe toldherhowhehadbeenatschool inVevay,where theboysneverworehatsandhadafleetofboatsonthelake,andforholidayfunwentonwalkingtripsaboutSwitzerlandwiththeirteachers.

"Don'tIwishI'dbeenthere!"criedJo."DidyougotoParis?"

"Wespentlastwinterthere."

"CanyoutalkFrench?"

"WewerenotallowedtospeakanythingelseatVevay."

"Dosaysome!Icanreadit,butcan'tpronounce."

"Quelnomacettejeunedemoiselleenlespantouflesjolis?"

"Hownicelyyoudoit!Letmesee...yousaid,'Whoistheyoungladyintheprettyslippers',didn'tyou?"

"Oui,mademoiselle."

"It'smysisterMargaret,andyouknewitwas!Doyouthinksheispretty?"

"Yes,shemakesmethinkoftheGermangirls,shelookssofreshandquiet,anddanceslikealady."

Joquiteglowedwithpleasureatthisboyishpraiseofhersister,andstoredituptorepeat to Meg. Both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like oldacquaintances.Laurie'sbashfulnesssoonworeoff, forJo'sgentlemanlydemeanor

amusedandsethimathisease,andJowashermerryselfagain,becauseherdresswasforgottenandnobodyliftedtheireyebrowsather.Shelikedthe'Laurenceboy'betterthaneverandtookseveralgoodlooksathim,sothatshemightdescribehimtothegirls,fortheyhadnobrothers,veryfewmalecousins,andboyswerealmostunknowncreaturestothem.

"Curlyblackhair,brownskin,bigblackeyes,handsomenose, fine teeth, smallhandsandfeet,tallerthanIam,verypolite,foraboy,andaltogetherjolly.Wonderhowoldheis?"

ItwasonthetipofJo's tonguetoask,butshecheckedherself intimeand,withunusualtact,triedtofindoutinaround-aboutway.

"Isupposeyouaregoingtocollegesoon?Iseeyoupeggingawayatyourbooks,no, I mean studying hard." And Jo blushed at the dreadful 'pegging' which hadescapedher.

Laurie smiled but didn't seem shocked, and answeredwith a shrug. "Not for ayearortwo.Iwon'tgobeforeseventeen,anyway."

"Aren'tyoubutfifteen?"askedJo,lookingatthetalllad,whomshehadimaginedseventeenalready.

"Sixteen,nextmonth."

"HowIwishIwasgoingtocollege!Youdon'tlookasifyoulikedit."

"Ihateit!Nothingbutgrindingorskylarking.AndIdon'tlikethewayfellowsdoeither,inthiscountry."

"Whatdoyoulike?"

"ToliveinItaly,andtoenjoymyselfinmyownway."

Jowantedverymuchtoaskwhathisownwaywas,buthisblackbrowslookedratherthreateningasheknitthem,soshechangedthesubjectbysaying,asherfootkepttime,"That'sasplendidpolka!Whydon'tyougoandtryit?"

"Ifyouwillcometoo,"heanswered,withagallantlittlebow.

"I can't, for I told Meg I wouldn't, because..." There Jo stopped, and lookedundecidedwhethertotellortolaugh.

"Because,what?"

"Youwon'ttell?"

"Never!"

"Well,Ihaveabadtrickofstandingbeforethefire,andsoIburnmyfrocks,andIscorchedthisone,andthoughit'snicelymended,itshows,andMegtoldmetokeepstillsonoonewouldseeit.Youmaylaugh,ifyouwantto.Itisfunny,Iknow."

ButLauriedidn'tlaugh.Heonlylookeddownaminute,andtheexpressionofhisfacepuzzledJowhenhesaidverygently,"Nevermindthat.I'lltellyouhowwecanmanage.There'salonghalloutthere,andwecandancegrandly,andnoonewillseeus.Pleasecome."

Jothankedhimandgladlywent,wishingshehadtwoneatgloveswhenshesawthenice,pearl-coloredonesherpartnerwore.Thehallwasempty,and theyhadagrand polka, for Laurie danced well, and taught her the German step, whichdelightedJo,beingfullofswingandspring.Whenthemusicstopped,theysatdownon the stairs to get their breath, and Laurie was in the midst of an account of astudents' festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister. Shebeckoned,andJoreluctantlyfollowedherintoasideroom,whereshefoundheronasofa,holdingherfoot,andlookingpale.

"I'vesprainedmyankle.Thatstupidhighheelturnedandgavemeasadwrench.Itachesso,Icanhardlystand,andIdon'tknowhowI'mevergoingtogethome,"shesaid,rockingtoandfroinpain.

"Iknewyou'dhurtyourfeetwiththosesillyshoes.I'msorry.ButIdon'tseewhatyou can do, except get a carriage, or stay here all night," answered Jo, softlyrubbingthepoorankleasshespoke.

"Ican'thaveacarriagewithoutitscostingeversomuch.IdaresayIcan'tgetoneatall,formostpeoplecomeintheirown,andit'salongwaytothestable,andnoonetosend."

"I'llgo."

"No, indeed! It'spastnine,anddarkasEgypt. Ican't stophere, for thehouse isfull.Salliehassomegirlsstayingwithher.I'llresttillHannahcomes,andthendothebestIcan."

"I'llaskLaurie.Hewillgo,"saidJo,lookingrelievedastheideaoccurredtoher.

"Mercy,no!Don'taskortellanyone.Getmemyrubbers,andputtheseslipperswith our things. I can't dance anymore, but as soon as supper is over, watch forHannahandtellmetheminuteshecomes."

"Theyaregoingouttosuppernow.I'llstaywithyou.I'drather."

"No,dear,runalong,andbringmesomecoffee.I'msotiredIcan'tstir."

SoMegreclined,withrubberswellhidden,andJowentblunderingawayto thediningroom,whichshefoundaftergoingintoachinacloset,andopeningthedoorofaroomwhereoldMr.Gardinerwastakingalittleprivaterefreshment.Makingadart at the table, she secured the coffee, which she immediately spilled, therebymakingthefrontofherdressasbadastheback.

"Oh, dear, what a blunderbuss I am!" exclaimed Jo, finishing Meg's glove byscrubbinghergownwithit.

"CanIhelpyou?"saidafriendlyvoice.AndtherewasLaurie,withafullcupinonehandandaplateoficeintheother.

"Iwas trying toget something forMeg,who isvery tired,andsomeoneshookme,andhereIaminanicestate,"answeredJo,glancingdismallyfromthestainedskirttothecoffee-coloredglove.

"Toobad!Iwaslookingforsomeonetogivethisto.MayItakeittoyoursister?"

"Oh, thankyou! I'll showyouwhereshe is. Idon'toffer to take itmyself, for IshouldonlygetintoanotherscrapeifIdid."

Joledtheway,andasifusedtowaitingonladies,Lauriedrewupalittle table,broughtasecondinstallmentofcoffeeandiceforJo,andwassoobligingthatevenparticular Meg pronounced him a 'nice boy'. They had a merry time over thebonbonsandmottoes,andwere in themidstofaquietgameofBuzz,with twoorthreeotheryoungpeoplewhohadstrayed in,whenHannahappeared.Megforgother foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Jo, with anexclamationofpain.

"Hush!Don't say anything," shewhispered, adding aloud, "It's nothing. I turnedmyfootalittle,that'sall,"andlimpedupstairstoputherthingson.

Hannahscolded,Megcried,andJowasatherwits'end, till shedecided to takethingsintoherownhands.Slippingout,sherandownand,findingaservant,askedifhecouldgetheracarriage. Ithappened tobeahiredwaiterwhoknewnothingabouttheneighborhoodandJowaslookingroundforhelpwhenLaurie,whohadheardwhatshesaid,cameupandofferedhisgrandfather'scarriage,whichhadjustcomeforhim,hesaid.

"It'ssoearly!Youcan'tmeantogoyet?"beganJo,lookingrelievedbuthesitatingtoaccepttheoffer.

"Ialwaysgoearly, Ido, truly!Please letmetakeyouhome.It'sallonmyway,youknow,anditrains,theysay."

Thatsettledit,andtellinghimofMeg'smishap,Jogratefullyacceptedandrusheduptobringdowntherestoftheparty.Hannahhatedrainasmuchasacatdoessoshemadenotrouble,andtheyrolledawayintheluxuriousclosecarriage,feelingveryfestiveandelegant.LauriewentontheboxsoMegcouldkeepherfootup,andthegirlstalkedovertheirpartyinfreedom.

"I had a capital time. Did you?" asked Jo, rumpling up her hair, and makingherselfcomfortable.

"Yes, till I hurt myself. Sallie's friend, AnnieMoffat, took a fancy to me, andaskedmetocomeandspendaweekwithherwhenSalliedoes.Sheisgoinginthespringwhentheoperacomes,anditwillbeperfectlysplendid,ifMotheronlyletsmego,"answeredMeg,cheeringupatthethought.

"IsawyoudancingwiththeredheadedmanIranawayfrom.Washenice?"

"Oh, very! His hair is auburn, not red, and he was very polite, and I had adeliciousredowawithhim."

"He looked like a grasshopper in a fit when he did the new step. Laurie and Icouldn'thelplaughing.Didyouhearus?"

"No,butitwasveryrude.Whatwereyouaboutallthattime,hiddenawaythere?"

Jotoldheradventures,andbythetimeshehadfinishedtheywereathome.Withmany thanks, they saidgoodnight andcrept in, hoping todisturbnoone, but theinstanttheirdoorcreaked,twolittlenightcapsbobbedup,andtwosleepybuteagervoicescriedout...

"Tellabouttheparty!Tellabouttheparty!"

WithwhatMegcalled'agreatwantofmanners'Johadsavedsomebonbonsforthelittlegirls,andtheysoonsubsided,afterhearingthemostthrillingeventsoftheevening.

"Ideclare, it reallyseemslikebeingafineyounglady, tocomehomefromthe

party inacarriageandsit inmydressinggownwithamaid towaitonme," saidMeg,asJoboundupherfootwitharnicaandbrushedherhair.

"Idon'tbelievefineyoungladiesenjoythemselvesabitmorethanwedo,inspiteofourburnedhair,oldgowns,onegloveapieceandtightslippers thatsprainourankleswhenwearesillyenoughtowearthem."AndIthinkJowasquiteright.

CHAPTERFOUR

BURDENS

"Oh,dear,howharditdoesseemtotakeupourpacksandgoon,"sighedMegthemorningaftertheparty,fornowtheholidayswereover,theweekofmerrymakingdidnotfitherforgoingoneasilywiththetasksheneverliked.

"IwishitwasChristmasorNewYear'sallthetime.Wouldn'titbefun?"answeredJo,yawningdismally.

"Weshouldn'tenjoyourselveshalf somuchaswedonow.But itdoesseemsonicetohavelittlesuppersandbouquets,andgotoparties,anddrivehome,andreadandrest,andnotwork.It'slikeotherpeople,youknow,andIalwaysenvygirlswhodo such things, I'm so fond of luxury," saidMeg, trying to decidewhich of twoshabbygownswastheleastshabby.

"Well, we can't have it, so don't let us grumble but shoulder our bundles andtrudgealongascheerfullyasMarmeedoes.I'msureAuntMarchisaregularOldMan of the Sea to me, but I suppose when I've learned to carry her withoutcomplaining,shewilltumbleoff,orgetsolightthatIshan'tmindher."

ThisideatickledJo'sfancyandputheringoodspirits,butMegdidn'tbrighten,forherburden,consistingoffourspoiledchildren,seemedheavierthanever.Shehadnotheartenougheventomakeherselfprettyasusualbyputtingonablueneckribbonanddressingherhairinthemostbecomingway.

"Where'stheuseoflookingnice,whennooneseesmebutthosecrossmidgets,andnoonecareswhetherI'mprettyornot?"shemuttered,shuttingherdrawerwithajerk."Ishallhavetotoilandmoilallmydays,withonlylittlebitsoffunnowandthen, and get old and ugly and sour, because I'm poor and can't enjoymy life as

othergirlsdo.It'sashame!"

So Meg went down, wearing an injured look, and wasn't at all agreeable atbreakfasttime.Everyoneseemedratheroutofsortsandinclinedtocroak.

Bethhadaheadacheandlayonthesofa,tryingtocomfortherselfwiththecatandthree kittens. Amy was fretting because her lessons were not learned, and shecouldn'tfindherrubbers.Jowouldwhistleandmakeagreatracketgettingready.

Mrs.Marchwasverybusy trying to finish a letter,whichmustgo at once, andHannahhadthegrumps,forbeinguplatedidn'tsuither.

"Thereneverwassuchacrossfamily!"criedJo,losinghertemperwhenshehadupsetaninkstand,brokenbothbootlacings,andsatdownuponherhat.

"You'rethecrossestpersoninit!"returnedAmy,washingoutthesumthatwasallwrongwiththetearsthathadfallenonherslate.

"Beth, if youdon't keep these horrid cats down cellar I'll have themdrowned,"exclaimedMegangrilyasshetriedtogetridofthekittenwhichhadscrambledupherbackandstucklikeaburrjustoutofreach.

Jo laughed,Meg scolded,Beth implored, andAmywailedbecause she couldn'trememberhowmuchninetimestwelvewas.

"Girls,girls,dobequietoneminute!Imustgetthisoffbytheearlymail,andyoudrive me distracted with your worry," cried Mrs. March, crossing out the thirdspoiledsentenceinherletter.

There was a momentary lull, broken by Hannah, who stalked in, laid two hotturnoverson the table, and stalkedout again.These turnoverswere an institution,andthegirlscalledthem'muffs',fortheyhadnoothersandfoundthehotpiesverycomfortingtotheirhandsoncoldmornings.

Hannahneverforgottomakethem,nomatterhowbusyorgrumpyshemightbe,for the walk was long and bleak. The poor things got no other lunch and wereseldomhomebeforetwo.

"Cuddleyourcatsandgetoveryourheadache,Bethy.Goodbye,Marmee.Weareasetofrascalsthismorning,butwe'llcomehomeregularangels.Nowthen,Meg!"AndJotrampedaway,feelingthatthepilgrimswerenotsettingoutastheyoughttodo.

Theyalwayslookedbackbeforeturningthecorner,fortheirmotherwasalwaysatthewindowtonodandsmile,andwaveherhandtothem.Somehowitseemedasif they couldn't have got through the day without that, for whatever their moodmight be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them likesunshine.

"IfMarmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us, itwould serve usright,formoreungratefulwretchesthanwearewereneverseen,"criedJo,takingaremorsefulsatisfactioninthesnowywalkandbitterwind.

"Don'tusesuchdreadfulexpressions,"repliedMegfromthedepthsoftheveilinwhichshehadshroudedherselflikeanunsickoftheworld.

"Ilikegoodstrongwordsthatmeansomething,"repliedJo,catchingherhatasittookaleapoffherheadpreparatorytoflyingawayaltogether.

"Callyourselfanynamesyou like,but Iamneithera rascalnorawretchand Idon'tchoosetobecalledso."

"You'reablightedbeing,anddecidedlycrosstodaybecauseyoucan'tsitinthelapofluxuryallthetime.Poordear,justwaittillImakemyfortune,andyoushallrevelin carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers, and posies, and red-headedboystodancewith."

"Howridiculousyouare,Jo!"ButMeglaughedatthenonsenseandfeltbetterinspiteofherself.

"LuckyforyouIam,forifIputoncrushedairsandtriedtobedismal,asyoudo,weshouldbeinanicestate.Thankgoodness,Icanalwaysfindsomethingfunnytokeepmeup.Don'tcroakanymore,butcomehomejolly,there'sadear."

Jogavehersisteranencouragingpatontheshoulderastheypartedfortheday,eachgoingadifferentway,eachhuggingherlittlewarmturnover,andeachtryingtobecheerfulinspiteofwintryweather,hardwork,andtheunsatisfieddesiresofpleasure-lovingyouth.

WhenMr.Marchlosthispropertyintryingtohelpanunfortunatefriend,thetwooldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support, atleast.Believingthattheycouldnotbegintooearlytocultivateenergy,industry,andindependence, theirparents consented, andboth fell toworkwith theheartygoodwillwhichinspiteofallobstaclesissuretosucceedatlast.

Margaretfoundaplaceasnurserygovernessandfeltrichwithhersmallsalary.Asshesaid,shewas'fondofluxury',andherchieftroublewaspoverty.Shefoundithardertobearthantheothersbecauseshecouldrememberatimewhenhomewasbeautiful,lifefullofeaseandpleasure,andwantofanykindunknown.Shetriednottobeenviousordiscontented,butitwasverynaturalthattheyounggirlshouldlongforprettythings,gayfriends,accomplishments,andahappylife.AttheKings'shedaily saw all she wanted, for the children's older sisters were just out, andMegcaught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses andbouquets, heard lively gossipabouttheaters,concerts,sleighingparties,andmerrymakingsofallkinds,andsawmoney lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her. PoorMegseldomcomplained,but a senseof injusticemadeher feelbitter towardeveryonesometimes,forshehadnotyet learnedtoknowhowrichshewas in theblessingswhichalonecanmakelifehappy.

Johappened to suitAuntMarch,whowas lameandneededanactiveperson towaituponher.Thechildlessoldladyhadofferedtoadoptoneofthegirlswhenthetroubles came, and was much offended because her offer was declined. Otherfriends told theMarches that theyhad lostall chanceofbeing remembered in thericholdlady'swill,buttheunworldlyMarchesonlysaid...

"We can't give up our girls for a dozen fortunes. Rich or poor, we will keeptogetherandbehappyinoneanother."

The old ladywouldn't speak to them for a time, but happening tomeet Jo at afriend's, something in her comical face and blunt manners struck the old lady'sfancy,andsheproposedtotakeherforacompanion.ThisdidnotsuitJoatall,butsheacceptedtheplacesincenothingbetterappearedand,toeveryone'ssurprise,goton remarkablywellwith her irascible relative. Therewas an occasional tempest,andonceJomarchedhome,declaringshecouldn'tbear it longer,butAuntMarchalwaysclearedupquickly,andsentforhertocomebackagainwithsuchurgencythatshecouldnotrefuse,forinherheartsheratherlikedthepepperyoldlady.

Isuspectthattherealattractionwasalargelibraryoffinebooks,whichwaslefttodustandspiderssinceUncleMarchdied.Jorememberedthekindoldgentleman,who used to let her build railroads and bridgeswith his big dictionaries, tell herstories aboutqueerpictures inhisLatinbooks, andbuyher cardsofgingerbreadwheneverhemetherinthestreet.Thedim,dustyroom,withthebustsstaringdownfromthetallbookcases,thecozychairs,theglobes,andbestofall,thewildernessofbooksinwhichshecouldwanderwheresheliked,madethelibraryaregionofblisstoher.

ThemomentAuntMarchtookhernap,orwasbusywithcompany,Johurriedtothisquietplace,andcurlingherselfupintheeasychair,devouredpoetry,romance,history,travels,andpictureslikearegularbookworm.But,likeallhappiness,itdidnotlastlong,forassureasshehadjustreachedtheheartofthestory,thesweetestverseofasong,orthemostperilousadventureofhertraveler,ashrillvoicecalled,"Josy-phine!Josy-phine!"andshehadtoleaveherparadisetowindyarn,washthepoodle,orreadBelsham'sEssaysbythehourtogether.

Jo'sambitionwastodosomethingverysplendid.Whatitwas,shehadnoideaasyet,butleftitfortimetotellher,andmeanwhile,foundhergreatestafflictioninthefactthatshecouldn'tread,run,andrideasmuchassheliked.Aquicktemper,sharptongue,andrestlessspiritwerealwaysgettingher intoscrapes,andher lifewasaseriesofupsanddowns,whichwerebothcomicandpathetic.Butthetrainingshereceived at AuntMarch's was just what she needed, and the thought that she wasdoingsomethingtosupportherselfmadeherhappyinspiteoftheperpetual"Josy-phine!"

Bethwastoobashfultogotoschool.Ithadbeentried,butshesufferedsomuchthatitwasgivenup,andshedidherlessonsathomewithherfather.Evenwhenhewentaway,andhermotherwascalledtodevoteherskillandenergytoSoldiers'AidSocieties,Bethwent faithfullyonbyherselfanddid thebest shecould.Shewasahousewifelylittlecreature,andhelpedHannahkeephomeneatandcomfortablefortheworkers, never thinking of any reward but to be loved. Long, quiet days shespent,notlonelynoridle,forherlittleworldwaspeopledwithimaginaryfriends,andshewasbynatureabusybee.Thereweresixdollstobetakenupanddressedeverymorning,forBethwasachildstillandlovedherpetsaswellasever.Notonewholeorhandsomeoneamong them,allwereoutcasts tillBeth took themin, forwhenhersistersoutgrewthese idols, theypassed toherbecauseAmywouldhavenothingoldorugly.Bethcherishedthemallthemoretenderlyforthatveryreason,and set up a hospital for infirm dolls. No pins were ever stuck into their cottonvitals,noharshwordsorblowswereevergiventhem,noneglecteversaddenedtheheartofthemostrepulsive,butallwerefedandclothed,nursedandcaressedwithanaffectionwhichneverfailed.OneforlornfragmentofdollanityhadbelongedtoJoand,havingledatempestuouslife,wasleftawreckintheragbag,fromwhichdrearypoorhouseitwasrescuedbyBethandtakentoherrefuge.Havingnotoptoitshead,shetiedonaneatlittlecap,andasbotharmsandlegsweregone,shehidthesedeficienciesbyfoldingitinablanketanddevotingherbestbedtothischronicinvalid. Ifanyonehadknownthecare lavishedon thatdolly, I think itwouldhavetouched theirhearts,evenwhile they laughed.Shebrought itbitsofbouquets, shereadtoit,tookitouttobreathefreshair,hiddenunderhercoat,shesangitlullabiesandneverwenttobedwithoutkissingitsdirtyfaceandwhisperingtenderly,"Ihope

you'llhaveagoodnight,mypoordear."

Beth had her troubles aswell as the others, and not being an angel but a veryhumanlittlegirl,sheoften'weptalittleweep'asJosaid,becauseshecouldn'ttakemusic lessons and have a fine piano. She lovedmusic so dearly, tried so hard tolearn,andpracticedawaysopatientlyatthejinglingoldinstrument,thatitdidseemasifsomeone(nottohintAuntMarch)oughttohelpher.Nobodydid,however,andnobodysawBethwipethetearsofftheyellowkeys,thatwouldn'tkeepintune,whenshewasallalone.Shesanglikealittlelarkaboutherwork,neverwastootiredforMarmeeandthegirls,anddayafterdaysaidhopefullytoherself,"IknowI'llgetmymusicsometime,ifI'mgood."

TherearemanyBeths in theworld,shyandquiet,sittingincorners tillneeded,andlivingforotherssocheerfullythatnooneseesthesacrificestillthelittlecricketon the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leavingsilenceandshadowbehind.

IfanybodyhadaskedAmywhatthegreatesttrialofherlifewas,shewouldhaveansweredatonce,"Mynose."Whenshewasababy,Johadaccidentlydroppedherintothecoalhod,andAmyinsistedthatthefallhadruinedhernoseforever.Itwasnotbignorred,likepoor'Petrea's',itwasonlyratherflat,andallthepinchingintheworldcouldnotgiveitanaristocraticpoint.Noonemindeditbutherself,anditwasdoing itsbest togrow,butAmyfeltdeeply thewantofaGreciannose,anddrewwholesheetsofhandsomeonestoconsoleherself.

"LittleRaphael,"asher sisterscalledher,hadadecided talent fordrawing,andwas never so happy as when copying flowers, designing fairies, or illustratingstorieswithqueerspecimensofart.Herteacherscomplainedthat insteadofdoinghersumsshecoveredherslatewithanimals,theblankpagesofheratlaswereusedtocopymapson,andcaricaturesofthemostludicrousdescriptioncameflutteringoutofallherbooksatunluckymoments.Shegotthroughherlessonsaswellasshecould,andmanagedtoescapereprimandsbybeingamodelofdeportment.Shewasagreatfavoritewithhermates,beinggood-temperedandpossessingthehappyartofpleasingwithouteffort.Her littleairsandgracesweremuchadmired, sowereheraccomplishments,forbesidesherdrawing,shecouldplaytwelvetunes,crochet,and readFrenchwithoutmispronouncingmore than two-thirds of thewords. Shehadaplaintivewayofsaying,"WhenPapawasrichwedidso-and-so,"whichwasverytouching,andherlongwordswereconsidered'perfectlyelegant'bythegirls.

Amy was in a fair way to be spoiled, for everyone petted her, and her smallvanities and selfishnesses were growing nicely. One thing, however, rather

quenchedthevanities.Shehadtowearhercousin'sclothes.NowFlorence'smamahadn'taparticleoftaste,andAmysuffereddeeplyathavingtoweararedinsteadofabluebonnet,unbecominggowns,andfussyapronsthatdidnotfit.Everythingwasgood, well made, and little worn, but Amy's artistic eyes were much afflicted,especiallythiswinter,whenherschooldresswasadullpurplewithyellowdotsandnotrimming.

"Myonlycomfort,"shesaidtoMeg,withtearsinhereyes,"isthatMotherdoesn'ttaketucksinmydresseswheneverI'mnaughty,asMariaParks'smotherdoes.Mydear,it'sreallydreadful,forsometimessheissobadherfrockisuptoherknees,andshecan'tcometoschool.WhenIthinkofthisdeggerredation, Ifeel thatIcanbearevenmyflatnoseandpurplegownwithyellowsky-rocketsonit."

Meg was Amy's confidant and monitor, and by some strange attraction ofoppositesJowasgentleBeth's.ToJoalonedidtheshychildtellherthoughts,andover her big harum-scarum sister Beth unconsciously exercised more influencethananyoneinthefamily.Thetwooldergirlswereagreatdealtooneanother,buteachtookoneoftheyoungersistersintoherkeepingandwatchedoverherinherown way, 'playing mother' they called it, and put their sisters in the places ofdiscardeddollswiththematernalinstinctoflittlewomen.

"Hasanybodygotanythingtotell?It'sbeensuchadismaldayI'mreallydyingforsomeamusement,"saidMeg,astheysatsewingtogetherthatevening.

"IhadaqueertimewithAunttoday,and,asIgotthebestofit,I'lltellyouaboutit," began Jo, who dearly loved to tell stories. "I was reading that everlastingBelsham,anddroningawayasIalwaysdo,forAuntsoondropsoff,andthenItakeout some nice book, and read like fury till shewakes up. I actuallymademyselfsleepy, andbefore shebegan tonod, Igave suchagape that sheaskedmewhat Imeantbyopeningmymouthwideenoughtotakethewholebookinatonce."

"IwishIcould,andbedonewithit,"saidI,tryingnottobesaucy.

"Thenshegavemealonglectureonmysins,andtoldmetositandthinkthemoverwhileshejust'lost'herselfforamoment.Sheneverfindsherselfverysoon,sotheminute her cap began to bob like a top-heavy dahlia, I whipped theVicar ofWakefieldoutofmypocket,andreadaway,withoneeyeonhimandoneonAunt.I'djustgottowheretheyalltumbledintothewaterwhenIforgotandlaughedoutloud.Auntwokeupand,beingmoregood-naturedafterhernap,toldmetoreadabitandshowwhatfrivolousworkIpreferredtotheworthyandinstructiveBelsham.Ididmyverybest,andshelikedit,thoughsheonlysaid...

"'Idon'tunderstandwhatit'sallabout.Gobackandbeginit,child.'"

"BackIwent,andmadethePrimrosesasinterestingaseverIcould.OnceIwaswickedenoughtostopinathrillingplace,andsaymeekly, 'I'mafraidit tiresyou,ma'am.Shan'tIstopnow?'"

"Shecaughtupherknitting,whichhaddroppedoutofherhands,gavemeasharplookthroughherspecs,andsaid,inhershortway,'Finishthechapter,anddon'tbeimpertinent,miss'."

"Didsheownshelikedit?"askedMeg.

"Oh,blessyou,no!But she letoldBelshamrest, andwhen I ranbackaftermygloves this afternoon, there shewas, so hard at theVicar that she didn't hearmelaughasIdancedajiginthehallbecauseofthegoodtimecoming.Whatapleasantlifeshemighthaveifonlyshechose!Idon'tenvyhermuch,inspiteofhermoney,forafterallrichpeoplehaveaboutasmanyworriesaspoorones,I think,"addedJo.

"Thatremindsme,"saidMeg,"thatI'vegotsomethingto tell. It isn't funny, likeJo'sstory,butIthoughtaboutitagooddealasIcamehome.AttheKings'todayIfoundeverybodyinaflurry,andoneofthechildrensaidthatheroldestbrotherhaddonesomethingdreadful,andPapahadsenthimaway.IheardMrs.KingcryingandMr.Kingtalkingveryloud,andGraceandEllenturnedawaytheirfaceswhentheypassedme,soIshouldn'tseehowredandswollentheireyeswere.Ididn'taskanyquestions,ofcourse,but I felt so sorry for themandwas ratherglad Ihadn't anywildbrotherstodowickedthingsanddisgracethefamily."

"Ithinkbeingdisgracedinschoolisagreatdealtryingerthananythingbadboyscando,"saidAmy,shakingherhead,as ifherexperienceof lifehadbeenadeepone."SusiePerkinscametoschooltodaywithalovelyredcarnelianring.Iwanteditdreadfully,andwishedIwasherwithallmymight.Well,shedrewapictureofMr.Davis,withamonstrousnoseandahump,andthewords,'Youngladies,myeyeisuponyou!'comingoutofhismouth inaballoon thing.Wewere laughingover itwhenallofasuddenhiseyewasonus,andheorderedSusietobringupherslate.Shewasparrylizedwithfright,butshewent,andoh,whatdoyouthinkhedid?Hetookherbytheear—theear!Justfancyhowhorrid!—andledhertotherecitationplatform,andmadeherstandtherehalfanhour,holdingtheslatesoeveryonecouldsee."

"Didn'tthegirlslaughatthepicture?"askedJo,whorelishedthescrape.

"Laugh?Notone!Theysatstillasmice,andSusiecriedquarts,Iknowshedid.Ididn'tenvyher then,forI felt thatmillionsofcarnelianringswouldn'thavemademe happy after that. I never, never should have got over such a agonizingmortification." And Amy went on with her work, in the proud consciousness ofvirtueandthesuccessfulutteranceoftwolongwordsinabreath.

"I saw something I liked this morning, and I meant to tell it at dinner, but Iforgot," saidBeth, putting Jo's topsy-turvybasket inorder as she talked. "When Iwent to get some oysters for Hannah,Mr. Laurencewas in the fish shop, but hedidn'tseeme,forIkeptbehindthefishbarrel,andhewasbusywithMr.Cutterthefish-man.Apoorwomancameinwithapailandamop,andaskedMr.Cutterifhewouldletherdosomescrubbingforabitoffish,becauseshehadn'tanydinnerforherchildren,andhadbeendisappointedofaday'swork.Mr.Cutterwasinahurryand said 'No', rather crossly, so shewas going away, looking hungry and sorry,whenMr.Laurencehookedupabigfishwiththecrookedendofhiscaneandhelditouttoher.Shewassogladandsurprisedshetookitrightintoherarms,andthankedhimover andover.He toldher to 'goalongandcook it', and shehurriedoff, sohappy!Wasn'titgoodofhim?Oh,shedidlooksofunny,huggingthebig,slipperyfish,andhopingMr.Laurence'sbedinheavenwouldbe'aisy'."

WhentheyhadlaughedatBeth'sstory,theyaskedtheirmotherforone,andafteramomentsthought,shesaidsoberly,"AsIsatcuttingoutblueflanneljacketstodayattherooms,IfeltveryanxiousaboutFather,andthoughthowlonelyandhelplessweshouldbe,ifanythinghappenedtohim.Itwasnotawisethingtodo,butIkeptonworryingtillanoldmancameinwithanorderforsomeclothes.Hesatdownnearme,andIbegantotalktohim,forhelookedpoorandtiredandanxious.

"'Haveyousonsinthearmy?'Iasked,forthenotehebroughtwasnottome."

"Yes,ma'am.Ihadfour,buttwowerekilled,oneisaprisoner,andI'mgoingtotheother,whoisverysickinaWashingtonhospital.'heansweredquietly."

"'Youhavedoneagreatdeal foryour country, sir,' I said, feeling respectnow,insteadofpity."

"'NotamitemorethanIought,ma'am.I'dgomyself,ifIwasanyuse.AsIain't,Igivemyboys,andgive'emfree.'"

"Hespokesocheerfully, lookedsosincere,andseemedsoglad togivehisall,thatIwasashamedofmyself.I'dgivenonemanandthoughtittoomuch,whilehegavefourwithoutgrudgingthem.Ihadallmygirlstocomfortmeathome,andhis

lastsonwaswaiting,milesaway,tosaygood-bytohim,perhaps!Ifeltsorich,sohappy thinking of my blessings, that I made him a nice bundle, gave him somemoney,andthankedhimheartilyforthelessonhehadtaughtme."

"Tellanotherstory,Mother,onewithamoraltoit,likethis.Iliketothinkaboutthem afterward, if they are real and not too preachy," said Jo, after a minute'ssilence.

Mrs. March smiled and began at once, for she had told stories to this littleaudienceformanyyears,andknewhowtopleasethem.

"Onceupona time, therewerefourgirls,whohadenoughtoeatanddrinkandwear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends and parents who lovedthemdearly,andyettheywerenotcontented."(Herethelistenersstoleslylooksatoneanother,andbegantosewdiligently.)"Thesegirlswereanxioustobegoodandmademany excellent resolutions, but theydid not keep themverywell, andwereconstantlysaying,'Ifonlywehadthis,'or'Ifwecouldonlydothat,'quiteforgettinghowmuch theyalreadyhad,andhowmany things theyactuallycoulddo.So theyaskedanoldwomanwhat spell theycoulduse tomake themhappy, and she said,'Whenyoufeeldiscontented,thinkoveryourblessings,andbegrateful.'"(HereJolookedupquickly,asifabouttospeak,butchangedhermind,seeingthatthestorywasnotdoneyet.)

"Beingsensiblegirls,theydecidedtotryheradvice,andsoonweresurprisedtosee howwell off theywere.One discovered thatmoney couldn't keep shame andsorrowout of richpeople's houses, another that, though shewaspoor, shewas agreat deal happier,with her youth, health, and good spirits, than a certain fretful,feebleoldladywhocouldn'tenjoyhercomforts,athirdthat,disagreeableasitwastohelpgetdinner,itwasharderstill togobeggingforitandthefourth,thatevencarnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior. So they agreed to stopcomplaining,toenjoytheblessingsalreadypossessed,andtrytodeservethem,lestthey should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe theywereneverdisappointedorsorrythattheytooktheoldwoman'sadvice."

"Now,Marmee,thatisverycunningofyoutoturnourownstoriesagainstus,andgiveusasermoninsteadofaromance!"criedMeg.

"I like that kind of sermon. It's the sort Father used to tell us," said Beththoughtfully,puttingtheneedlesstraightonJo'scushion.

"Idon'tcomplainnearasmuchastheothersdo,andIshallbemorecarefulthan

evernow,forI'vehadwarningfromSusie'sdownfall,"saidAmymorally.

"Weneededthatlesson,andwewon'tforgetit.Ifwedoso,youjustsaytous,asoldChloedidinUncleTom, 'Tinkobyermarcies,chillen!' 'Tinkobyermarcies!'"addedJo,whocouldnot,forthelifeofher,helpgettingamorseloffunoutofthelittlesermon,thoughshetookittoheartasmuchasanyofthem.

CHAPTERFIVE

BEINGNEIGHBORLY

"What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?" asked Meg one snowyafternoon,ashersistercametrampingthroughthehall, inrubberboots,oldsack,andhood,withabroominonehandandashovelintheother.

"Goingoutforexercise,"answeredJowithamischievoustwinkleinhereyes.

"I should think two longwalks thismorningwouldhavebeenenough! It'scoldanddullout,andIadviseyoutostaywarmanddrybythefire,asIdo,"saidMegwithashiver.

"Nevertakeadvice!Can'tkeepstillallday,andnotbeingapussycat,Idon'tliketodozebythefire.Ilikeadventures,andI'mgoingtofindsome."

MegwentbacktotoastherfeetandreadIvanhoe,andJobegantodigpathswithgreat energy. The snowwas light, andwith her broom she soon swept a path allroundthegarden,forBethtowalkinwhenthesuncameoutandtheinvaliddollsneededair.Now,thegardenseparatedtheMarches'housefromthatofMr.Laurence.Both stood in a suburb of the city, whichwas still country-like, with groves andlawns,largegardens,andquietstreets.Alowhedgepartedthetwoestates.Ononesidewasanold,brownhouse,lookingratherbareandshabby,robbedofthevinesthatinsummercovereditswallsandtheflowers,whichthensurroundedit.Ontheothersidewasastatelystonemansion,plainlybetokeningeverysortofcomfortandluxury,fromthebigcoachhouseandwell-keptgroundstotheconservatoryandtheglimpsesoflovelythingsonecaughtbetweentherichcurtains.

Yet it seemed a lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on thelawn,nomotherlyfaceeversmiledatthewindows,andfewpeoplewentinandout,

excepttheoldgentlemanandhisgrandson.

To Jo's lively fancy, this finehouse seemedakindof enchantedpalace, full ofsplendorsanddelightswhichnooneenjoyed.Shehadlongwantedtobeholdthesehiddenglories,andtoknowtheLaurenceboy,wholookedasifhewouldliketobeknown,ifheonlyknewhowtobegin.Sincetheparty,shehadbeenmoreeagerthanever,andhadplannedmanywaysofmakingfriendswithhim,buthehadnotbeenseen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied abrown face at an upperwindow, lookingwistfully down into their garden,whereBethandAmyweresnow-ballingoneanother.

"Thatboyissufferingforsocietyandfun,"shesaidtoherself."Hisgrandpadoesnotknowwhat'sgoodforhim,andkeepshimshutupallalone.Heneedsapartyofjollyboystoplaywith,orsomebodyyoungandlively.I'veagreatmindtogooverandtelltheoldgentlemanso!"

TheideaamusedJo,wholikedtododaringthingsandwasalwaysscandalizingMegbyherqueerperformances.Theplanof 'goingover'wasnot forgotten.Andwhenthesnowyafternooncame,Joresolvedtotrywhatcouldbedone.ShesawMr.Lawrencedriveoff,and thensalliedout todigherwaydownto thehedge,whereshe paused and took a survey. All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows,servantsoutofsight,andnothinghumanvisiblebutacurlyblackheadleaningonathinhandattheupperwindow.

"There he is," thought Jo, "Poor boy!All alone and sick this dismal day. It's ashame!I'lltossupasnowballandmakehimlookout,andthensayakindwordtohim."

Upwentahandfulofsoftsnow,andtheheadturnedatonce,showingafacewhichlostitslistlesslookinaminute,asthebigeyesbrightenedandthemouthbegantosmile.Jonoddedandlaughed,andflourishedherbroomasshecalledout...

"Howdoyoudo?Areyousick?"

Laurieopenedthewindow,andcroakedoutashoarselyasaraven...

"Better,thankyou.I'vehadabadcold,andbeenshutupaweek."

"I'msorry.Whatdoyouamuseyourselfwith?"

"Nothing.It'sdullastombsuphere."

"Don'tyouread?"

"Notmuch.Theywon'tletme."

"Can'tsomebodyreadtoyou?"

"Grandpa does sometimes, but my books don't interest him, and I hate to askBrookeallthetime."

"Havesomeonecomeandseeyouthen."

"Thereisn'tanyoneI'dliketosee.Boysmakesucharow,andmyheadisweak."

"Isn'ttheresomenicegirlwho'dreadandamuseyou?Girlsarequietandliketoplaynurse."

"Don'tknowany."

"Youknowus,"beganJo,thenlaughedandstopped.

"SoIdo!Willyoucome,please?"criedLaurie.

"I'mnotquietandnice,butI'llcome,ifMotherwillletme.I'llgoaskher.Shutthewindow,likeagoodboy,andwaittillIcome."

Withthat,Joshoulderedherbroomandmarchedintothehouse,wonderingwhattheywouldallsaytoher.Lauriewasinaflutterofexcitementattheideaofhavingcompany, and flew about to get ready, for as Mrs. March said, he was 'a littlegentleman',anddidhonortothecomingguestbybrushinghiscurlypate,puttingonafreshcolor,andtryingtotidyuptheroom,whichinspiteofhalfadozenservants,wasanythingbutneat.Presentlytherecamealoudring,thanadecidedvoice,askingfor 'Mr. Laurie', and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce ayounglady.

"Allright,showherup,it'sMissJo,"saidLaurie,goingtothedoorofhislittleparlortomeetJo,whoappeared,lookingrosyandquiteatherease,withacovereddishinonehandandBeth'sthreekittensintheother.

"HereIam,bagandbaggage,"shesaidbriskly."Mothersenther love,andwasglad if I could do anything for you.Megwantedme to bring some of her blancmange,shemakesitverynicely,andBeththoughthercatswouldbecomforting.Iknew you'd laugh at them, but I couldn't refuse, she was so anxious to do

something."

ItsohappenedthatBeth'sfunnyloanwasjustthething,forinlaughingoverthekits,Laurieforgothisbashfulness,andgrewsociableatonce.

"Thatlookstooprettytoeat,"hesaid,smilingwithpleasure,asJouncoveredthedish,andshowedtheblancmange,surroundedbyagarlandofgreenleaves,andthescarletflowersofAmy'spetgeranium.

"It isn'tanything,onlytheyallfeltkindlyandwantedtoshowit.Tell thegirl toputitawayforyourtea.It'ssosimpleyoucaneatit,andbeingsoft,itwillslipdownwithouthurtingyoursorethroat.Whatacozyroomthisis!"

"Itmightbe if itwaskeptnice,but themaidsare lazy,andIdon'tknowhowtomakethemmind.Itworriesmethough."

"I'llrightitupintwominutes,foritonlyneedstohavethehearthbrushed,so—andthethingsmadestraightonthemantelpiece,so—andthebooksputhere,andthebottlesthere,andyoursofaturnedfromthelight,andthepillowsplumpedupabit.Nowthen,you'refixed."

Andsohewas,for,asshelaughedandtalked,Johadwhiskedthingsintoplaceandgivenquiteadifferentairtotheroom.Lauriewatchedherinrespectfulsilence,andwhen she beckoned him to his sofa, he sat downwith a sigh of satisfaction,sayinggratefully...

"Howkindyouare!Yes,that'swhatitwanted.Nowpleasetakethebigchairandletmedosomethingtoamusemycompany."

"No, I came to amuse you. Shall I read aloud?" and Jo looked affectionatelytowardsomeinvitingbooksnearby.

"Thankyou!I'vereadallthose,andifyoudon'tmind,I'drathertalk,"answeredLaurie.

"Not a bit. I'll talk all day if you'll only setme going.Beth says I never knowwhentostop."

"IsBeththerosyone,whostaysathomegooddealandsometimesgoesoutwithalittlebasket?"askedLauriewithinterest.

"Yes,that'sBeth.She'smygirl,andaregulargoodonesheis,too."

"TheprettyoneisMeg,andthecurly-hairedoneisAmy,Ibelieve?"

"Howdidyoufindthatout?"

Lauriecoloredup,butansweredfrankly,"Why,youseeIoftenhearyoucallingtooneanother,andwhenI'maloneuphere,Ican'thelplookingoveratyourhouse,you always seem to be having such good times. I beg your pardon for being sorude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at thewindowwhere theflowersare.Andwhenthelampsarelighted,it'slikelookingatapicturetoseethefire,andyouallaroundthetablewithyourmother.Herfaceisrightopposite,anditlookssosweetbehindtheflowers,Ican'thelpwatchingit.Ihaven'tgotanymother,youknow."AndLaurie poked the fire to hide a little twitchingof the lips that hecouldnotcontrol.

The solitary,hungry look inhis eyeswent straight to Jo'swarmheart.Shehadbeensosimplytaughtthattherewasnononsenseinherhead,andatfifteenshewasasinnocentandfrankasanychild.Lauriewassickandlonely,andfeelinghowrichshewasinhomeandhappiness,shegladlytriedtoshareitwithhim.Herfacewasveryfriendlyandhersharpvoiceunusuallygentleasshesaid...

"We'llneverdrawthatcurtainanymore,andIgiveyouleavetolookasmuchasyoulike.Ijustwish,though,insteadofpeeping,you'dcomeoverandseeus.Motherissosplendid,she'ddoyouheapsofgood,andBethwouldsingtoyouifIbeggedher to, andAmywould dance.Meg and Iwouldmake you laugh over our funnystageproperties,andwe'dhavejollytimes.Wouldn'tyourgrandpaletyou?"

"Ithinkhewould,ifyourmotheraskedhim.He'sverykind,thoughhedoesnotlook so, andhe letsmedowhat I like,prettymuch,onlyhe's afraid Imightbeabothertostrangers,"beganLaurie,brighteningmoreandmore.

"Wearenotstrangers,weareneighbors,andyouneedn'tthinkyou'dbeabother.Wewanttoknowyou,andI'vebeentryingtodoitthiseversolong.Wehaven'tbeenhereagreatwhile,youknow,butwehavegotacquaintedwithallourneighborsbutyou."

"Yousee,Grandpalivesamonghisbooks,anddoesn'tmindmuchwhathappensoutside.Mr.Brooke,mytutor,doesn'tstayhere,youknow,andIhavenoonetogoaboutwithme,soIjuststopathomeandgetonasIcan."

"That's bad. You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you areasked, thenyou'llhaveplentyoffriends,andpleasantplacestogoto.Nevermindbeingbashful.Itwon'tlastlongifyoukeepgoing."

Laurieturnedredagain,butwasn'toffendedatbeingaccusedofbashfulness,fortherewassomuchgoodwillinJoitwasimpossiblenottotakeherbluntspeechesaskindlyastheyweremeant.

"Do you like your school?" asked the boy, changing the subject, after a littlepause,duringwhichhestaredatthefireandJolookedabouther,wellpleased.

"Don'tgotoschool,I'mabusinessman—girl,Imean.Igotowaitonmygreat-aunt,andadear,crossoldsoulsheis,too,"answeredJo.

Laurieopenedhismouth toaskanotherquestion,but remembering just in timethat itwasn'tmanners tomake toomany inquiries into people's affairs, he shut itagain,andlookeduncomfortable.

Jolikedhisgoodbreeding,anddidn'tmindhavingalaughatAuntMarch,soshegavehimalivelydescriptionofthefidgetyoldlady,herfatpoodle,theparrotthattalkedSpanish,andthelibrarywhereshereveled.

Laurieenjoyedthatimmensely,andwhenshetoldabouttheprimoldgentlemanwhocameonce towooAuntMarch,and in themiddleofa finespeech,howPollhad tweakedhiswigoff tohisgreatdismay, theboy laybackand laughed till thetearsrandownhischeeks,andamaidpoppedherheadintoseewhatwasthematter.

"Oh!Thatdoesmenoendofgood.Tellon,please,"hesaid,takinghisfaceoutofthesofacushion,redandshiningwithmerriment.

Muchelatedwithhersuccess,Jodid'tellon',allabouttheirplaysandplans,theirhopes and fears for Father, and the most interesting events of the little world inwhichthesisterslived.Thentheygottotalkingaboutbooks,andtoJo'sdelight,shefound that Laurie loved them as well as she did, and had read even more thanherself.

"Ifyoulikethemsomuch,comedownandseeours.Grandfatherisout,soyouneedn'tbeafraid,"saidLaurie,gettingup.

"I'mnotafraidofanything,"returnedJo,withatossofthehead.

"I don't believe you are!" exclaimed the boy, looking at her with muchadmiration,thoughheprivatelythoughtshewouldhavegoodreasontobeatrifleafraidoftheoldgentleman,ifshemethiminsomeofhismoods.

Theatmosphereofthewholehousebeingsummerlike,Laurieledthewayfromroomtoroom,lettingJostoptoexaminewhateverstruckherfancy.Andso,atlasttheycametothelibrary,wheresheclappedherhandsandpranced,asshealwaysdidwhen especially delighted. It was lined with books, and there were pictures andstatues, and distracting little cabinets full of coins and curiosities, and SleepyHollowchairs,andqueertables,andbronzes,andbestofall,agreatopenfireplacewithquainttilesallroundit.

"What richness!"sighedJo, sinking into thedepthofavelourchairandgazingaboutherwithanairof intensesatisfaction."TheodoreLaurence,yououghttobethehappiestboyintheworld,"sheaddedimpressively.

"Afellowcan'tliveonbooks,"saidLaurie,shakinghisheadasheperchedonatableopposite.

Before he could more, a bell rang, and Jo flew up, exclaiming with alarm,"Mercyme!It'syourgrandpa!"

"Well,whatifitis?Youarenotafraidofanything,youknow,"returnedtheboy,lookingwicked.

"IthinkIamalittlebitafraidofhim,butIdon'tknowwhyIshouldbe.MarmeesaidImightcome,andIdon'tthinkyou'reanytheworseforit,"saidJo,composingherself,thoughshekepthereyesonthedoor.

"I'magreatdealbetterforit,andeversomuchobliged.I'monlyafraidyouareverytiredoftalkingtome.Itwassopleasant,Icouldn'tbeartostop,"saidLauriegratefully.

"Thedoctortoseeyou,sir,"andthemaidbeckonedasshespoke.

"Would you mind if I left you for a minute? I suppose I must see him," saidLaurie.

"Don'tmindme.I'mhappyasacrickethere,"answeredJo.

Lauriewentaway,andhisguestamusedherselfinherownway.Shewasstandingbeforeafineportraitoftheoldgentlemanwhenthedooropenedagain,andwithoutturning,shesaiddecidedly,"I'msurenowthatIshouldn'tbeafraidofhim,forhe'sgotkindeyes,thoughhismouthisgrim,andhelooksasifhehadatremendouswillofhisown.Heisn'tashandsomeasmygrandfather,butIlikehim."

"Thankyou,ma'am,"saidagruffvoicebehindher,andthere,tohergreatdismay,stoodoldMr.Laurence.

Poor Jo blushed till she couldn't blush any redder, and her heart began to beatuncomfortablyfastasshethoughtwhatshehadsaid.Foraminuteawilddesiretorunawaypossessedher,butthatwascowardly,andthegirlswouldlaughather,sosheresolvedtostayandgetoutofthescrapeasshecould.Asecondlookshowedherthatthelivingeyes,underthebushyeyebrows,werekindereventhanthepaintedones,andtherewasaslytwinkleinthem,whichlessenedherfearagooddeal.Thegruff voice was gruffer than ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after thedreadfulpause,"Soyou'renotafraidofme,hey?"

"Notmuch,sir."

"Andyoudon'tthinkmeashandsomeasyourgrandfather?"

"Notquite,sir."

"AndI'vegotatremendouswill,haveI?"

"IonlysaidIthoughtso."

"Butyoulikemeinspiteofit?"

"Yes,Ido,sir."

Thatanswerpleasedtheoldgentleman.Hegaveashortlaugh,shookhandswithher,and,puttinghisfingerunderherchin,turnedupherface,examineditgravely,andletitgo,sayingwithanod,"You'vegotyourgrandfather'sspirit,ifyouhaven'thisface.Hewasafineman,mydear,butwhatisbetter,hewasabraveandanhonestone,andIwasproudtobehisfriend."

"Thankyou,sir,"AndJowasquitecomfortableafterthat,foritsuitedherexactly.

"What have you been doing to this boy of mine, hey?" was the next question,sharplyput.

"Onlytryingtobeneighborly,sir."AndJotoldhowhervisitcameabout.

"Youthinkheneedscheeringupabit,doyou?"

"Yes,sir,heseemsalittle lonely,andyoungfolkswoulddohimgoodperhaps.

Weareonlygirls,butweshouldbegladtohelpifwecould,forwedon'tforgetthesplendidChristmaspresentyousentus,"saidJoeagerly.

"Tut,tut,tut!Thatwastheboy'saffair.Howisthepoorwoman?"

"Doingnicely, sir."Andoffwent Jo, talkingvery fast, as she toldall about theHummels,inwhomhermotherhadinterestedricherfriendsthantheywere.

"Justherfather'swayofdoinggood.Ishallcomeandseeyourmothersomefineday.Tellher so.There's the teabell,wehave it earlyon theboy'saccount.Comedownandgoonbeingneighborly."

"Ifyou'dliketohaveme,sir."

"Shouldn'taskyou, if Ididn't."AndMr.Laurenceofferedherhisarmwithold-fashionedcourtesy.

"WhatwouldMegsaytothis?"thoughtJo,asshewasmarchedaway,whilehereyesdancedwithfunassheimaginedherselftellingthestoryathome.

"Hey!Why,whatthedickenshascometothefellow?"saidtheoldgentleman,asLaurie came running downstairs and brought up with a start of surprise at theastoundingsightofJoarminarmwithhisredoubtablegrandfather.

"I didn't know you'd come, sir," he began, as Jo gave him a triumphant littleglance.

"That's evident, by the way you racket downstairs. Come to your tea, sir, andbehavelikeagentleman."Andhavingpulledtheboy'shairbywayofacaress,Mr.Laurencewalkedon,whileLauriewentthroughaseriesofcomicevolutionsbehindtheirbacks,whichnearlyproducedanexplosionoflaughterfromJo.

The old gentleman did not saymuch as he drank his four cups of tea, but hewatchedtheyoungpeople,whosoonchattedawaylikeoldfriends,andthechangeinhisgrandsondidnotescapehim.Therewascolor,light,andlifeintheboy'sfacenow,vivacityinhismanner,andgenuinemerrimentinhislaugh.

"She's right, the lad is lonely. I'll see what these little girls can do for him,"thoughtMr. Laurence, as he looked and listened. He liked Jo, for her odd, bluntwayssuitedhim,andsheseemedtounderstandtheboyalmostaswellasifshehadbeenoneherself.

IftheLaurenceshadbeenwhatJocalled'primandpoky',shewouldnothavegotonatall,forsuchpeoplealwaysmadehershyandawkward.Butfindingthemfreeand easy, she was so herself, and made a good impression.When they rose sheproposedtogo,butLauriesaidhehadsomethingmoretoshowher,andtookheraway to the conservatory,which had been lighted for her benefit. It seemed quitefairyliketoJo,asshewentupanddownthewalks,enjoyingthebloomingwallsoneitherside,thesoftlight,thedampsweetair,andthewonderfulvinesandtreesthathungabouther,whilehernewfriendcutthefinestflowerstillhishandswerefull.Thenhetiedthemup,saying,withthehappylookJolikedtosee,"Pleasegivethesetoyourmother,andtellherIlikethemedicineshesentmeverymuch."

TheyfoundMr.Laurencestandingbeforethefireinthegreatdrawingroom,butJo'sattentionwasentirelyabsorbedbyagrandpiano,whichstoodopen.

"Doyouplay?"sheasked,turningtoLauriewitharespectfulexpression.

"Sometimes,"heansweredmodestly.

"Pleasedonow.Iwanttohearit,soIcantellBeth."

"Won'tyoufirst?"

"Don'tknowhow.Toostupidtolearn,butIlovemusicdearly."

SoLaurieplayedandJolistened,withhernoseluxuriouslyburiedinheliotropeandtearoses.Herrespectandregardfor the 'Laurence'boyincreasedverymuch,for he played remarkablywell and didn't put on any airs. ShewishedBeth couldhearhim,butshedidnotsayso,onlypraisedhimtillhewasquiteabashed,andhisgrandfathercametohisrescue.

"Thatwilldo, thatwilldo,younglady.Toomanysugarplumsarenotgoodforhim.Hismusic isn't bad, but I hope hewill do aswell inmore important things.Going?well,I'mmuchobligedtoyou,andIhopeyou'llcomeagain.Myrespectstoyourmother.Goodnight,DoctorJo."

Heshookhandskindly,butlookedasifsomethingdidnotpleasehim.Whentheygot into the hall, Jo askedLaurie if she had said something amiss.He shook hishead.

"No,itwasme.Hedoesn'tliketohearmeplay."

"Whynot?"

"I'lltellyousomeday.Johnisgoinghomewithyou,asIcan't."

"Noneedofthat.Iamnotayounglady,andit'sonlyastep.Takecareofyourself,won'tyou?"

"Yes,butyouwillcomeagain,Ihope?"

"Ifyoupromisetocomeandseeusafteryouarewell."

"Iwill."

"Goodnight,Laurie!"

"Goodnight,Jo,goodnight!"

Whenalltheafternoon'sadventureshadbeentold,thefamilyfeltinclinedtogovisitinginabody,foreachfoundsomethingveryattractiveinthebighouseontheother sideof thehedge.Mrs.Marchwanted to talkofher fatherwith theoldmanwhohadnotforgottenhim,Meglongedtowalkintheconservatory,Bethsighedforthegrandpiano,andAmywaseagertoseethefinepicturesandstatues.

"Mother,whydidn'tMr.LaurenceliketohaveLaurieplay?"askedJo,whowasofaninquiringdisposition.

"I am not sure, but I think it was because his son, Laurie's father, married anItalianlady,amusician,whichdispleasedtheoldman,whoisveryproud.Theladywasgoodandlovelyandaccomplished,buthedidnot likeher,andneversawhisson after hemarried. They both diedwhenLauriewas a little child, and then hisgrandfather took him home. I fancy the boy, who was born in Italy, is not verystrong,andtheoldmanisafraidoflosinghim,whichmakeshimsocareful.Lauriecomesnaturallybyhis loveofmusic,forheis likehismother,andIdaresayhisgrandfatherfearsthathemaywanttobeamusician.Atanyrate,hisskillremindshimofthewomanhedidnotlike,andsohe'glowered'asJosaid."

"Dearme,howromantic!"exclaimedMeg.

"Howsilly!"saidJo."Lethimbeamusicianifhewantsto,andnotplaguehislifeoutsendinghimtocollege,whenhehatestogo."

"That's why he has such handsome black eyes and pretty manners, I suppose.Italiansarealwaysnice,"saidMeg,whowasalittlesentimental.

"What do you know about his eyes and hismanners?You never spoke to him,hardly,"criedJo,whowasnotsentimental.

"Isawhimattheparty,andwhatyoutellshowsthatheknowshowtobehave.ThatwasanicelittlespeechaboutthemedicineMothersenthim."

"Hemeanttheblancmange,Isuppose."

"Howstupidyouare,child!Hemeantyou,ofcourse."

"Didhe?"AndJoopenedhereyesasifithadneveroccurredtoherbefore.

"I never saw such a girl!You don't know a complimentwhen you get it," saidMeg,withtheairofayoungladywhoknewallaboutthematter.

"Ithinktheyaregreatnonsense,andI'llthankyounottobesillyandspoilmyfun.Laurie's a nice boy and I like him, and I won't have any sentimental stuff aboutcomplimentsandsuchrubbish.We'llallbegoodtohimbecausehehasn'tgotanymother,andhemaycomeoverandseeus,mayn'the,Marmee?"

"Yes,Jo,yourlittlefriendisverywelcome,andIhopeMegwillrememberthatchildrenshouldbechildrenaslongastheycan."

"Idon'tcallmyselfachild,andI'mnotinmyteensyet,"observedAmy."Whatdoyousay,Beth?"

"Iwasthinkingaboutour'Pilgrim'sProgress',"answeredBeth,whohadnotheardaword."HowwegotoutoftheSloughandthroughtheWicketGatebyresolvingtobegood,andupthesteephillbytrying,andthatmaybethehouseoverthere,fullofsplendidthings,isgoingtobeourPalaceBeautiful."

"Wehavegottogetbythelionsfirst,"saidJo,asifsheratherlikedtheprospect.

CHAPTERSIX

BETHFINDSTHEPALACEBEAUTIFUL

ThebighousedidproveaPalaceBeautiful, thoughit tooksometimeforall toget in, and Beth found it very hard to pass the lions. OldMr. Laurence was the

biggestone,butafterhehadcalled,saidsomethingfunnyorkindtoeachoneofthegirls,andtalkedoveroldtimeswiththeirmother,nobodyfeltmuchafraidofhim,excepttimidBeth.TheotherlionwasthefactthattheywerepoorandLaurierich,forthismadethemshyofacceptingfavorswhichtheycouldnotreturn.But,afterawhile,theyfoundthatheconsideredthemthebenefactors,andcouldnotdoenoughto show how grateful hewas forMrs.March'smotherlywelcome, their cheerfulsociety,andthecomforthetookinthathumblehomeoftheirs.Sotheysoonforgottheir pride and interchanged kindnesses without stopping to think which was thegreater.

All sorts of pleasant things happened about that time, for the new friendshipflourishedlikegrass inspring.EveryonelikedLaurie,andheprivately informedhis tutor that "the Marches were regularly splendid girls." With the delightfulenthusiasmofyouth,theytookthesolitaryboyintotheirmidstandmademuchofhim,andhefoundsomethingverycharmingintheinnocentcompanionshipofthesesimple-heartedgirls.Neverhavingknownmotherorsisters,hewasquicktofeeltheinfluencestheybroughtabouthim,andtheirbusy,livelywaysmadehimashamedoftheindolentlifeheled.Hewastiredofbooks,andfoundpeoplesointerestingnowthatMr.Brookewas obliged tomake very unsatisfactory reports, forLauriewasalwaysplayingtruantandrunningovertotheMarches'.

"Never mind, let him take a holiday, and make it up afterward," said the oldgentleman."Thegoodladynextdoorsaysheisstudyingtoohardandneedsyoungsociety,amusement,andexercise.Isuspectsheisright,andthatI'vebeencoddlingthefellowasifI'dbeenhisgrandmother.Lethimdowhathelikes,aslongasheishappy.Hecan'tgetintomischiefinthatlittlenunneryoverthere,andMrs.Marchisdoingmoreforhimthanwecan."

Whatgoodtimestheyhad,tobesure.Suchplaysandtableaux,suchsleighridesandskatingfrolics,suchpleasanteveningsintheoldparlor,andnowandthensuchgaylittlepartiesat thegreathouse.Megcouldwalkin theconservatorywhenevershelikedandrevelinbouquets,Jobrowsedoverthenewlibraryvoraciously,andconvulsedtheoldgentlemanwithhercriticisms,Amycopiedpicturesandenjoyedbeauty to her heart's content, and Laurie played 'lord of the manor' in the mostdelightfulstyle.

ButBeth,thoughyearningforthegrandpiano,couldnotpluckupcouragetogoto the 'Mansion of Bliss', as Meg called it. She went once with Jo, but the oldgentleman,notbeingawareofher infirmity, staredathersohard fromunderhisheavyeyebrows,andsaid"Hey!"so loud, thathefrightenedhersomuchher 'feetchatteredonthefloor',shenevertoldhermother,andsheranaway,declaringshe

would never go there anymore, not even for the dear piano.No persuasions orenticementscouldovercomeherfear,till,thefactcomingtoMr.Laurence'searinsomemysteriousway,hesetaboutmendingmatters.Duringoneofthebriefcallshemade,heartfullyledtheconversationtomusic,andtalkedawayaboutgreatsingerswhomhehadseen,fineorganshehadheard,andtoldsuchcharminganecdotesthatBethfounditimpossibletostayinherdistantcorner,butcreptnearerandnearer,asiffascinated.Atthebackofhischairshestoppedandstoodlistening,withhergreateyeswide open and her cheeks redwith excitement of this unusual performance.Taking nomore notice of her than if she had been a fly,Mr.Laurence talked onaboutLaurie'slessonsandteachers.Andpresently,asiftheideahadjustoccurredtohim,hesaidtoMrs.March...

"Theboyneglectshismusicnow,andI'mgladofit,forhewasgettingtoofondofit.Butthepianosuffersforwantofuse.Wouldn'tsomeofyourgirlsliketorunover,andpracticeonitnowandthen,justtokeepitintune,youknow,ma'am?"

Beth took a step forward, and pressed her hands tightly together to keep fromclappingthem,forthiswasanirresistibletemptation,andthethoughtofpracticingon that splendid instrument quite took her breath away.BeforeMrs.March couldreply,Mr.Laurencewentonwithanoddlittlenodandsmile...

"Theyneedn'tseeorspeaktoanyone,butruninatanytime.ForI'mshutupinmystudyattheotherendofthehouse,Laurieisoutagreatdeal,andtheservantsarenevernearthedrawingroomafternineo'clock."

Here he rose, as if going, and Beth made up her mind to speak, for that lastarrangementleftnothingtobedesired."Please,telltheyoungladieswhatIsay,andiftheydon'tcaretocome,why,nevermind."Herealittlehandslippedintohis,andBeth lookedupathimwitha face fullofgratitude,as shesaid, inherearnestyettimidway...

"Ohsir,theydocare,veryverymuch!"

"Areyouthemusicalgirl?"heasked,withoutanystartling"Hey!"ashe lookeddownatherverykindly.

"I'mBeth. I love itdearly,andI'llcome, ifyouarequitesurenobodywillhearme, and be disturbed," she added, fearing to be rude, and trembling at her ownboldnessasshespoke.

"Notasoul,mydear.Thehouseisemptyhalftheday,socomeanddrumawayasmuchasyoulike,andIshallbeobligedtoyou."

"Howkindyouare,sir!"

Beth blushed like a rose under the friendly look he wore, but she was notfrightenednow,andgavethehandagratefulsqueezebecauseshehadnowordstothankhimforthepreciousgifthehadgivenher.Theoldgentlemansoftlystrokedthehairoffherforehead,and,stoopingdown,hekissedher,saying,inatonefewpeopleeverheard...

"Ihadalittlegirlonce,witheyeslikethese.Godblessyou,mydear!Goodday,madam."Andawayhewent,inagreathurry.

Beth had a rapturewith hermother, and then rushed up to impart the gloriousnewstoherfamilyof invalids,as thegirlswerenothome.Howblithelyshesangthatevening,andhowtheyalllaughedatherbecauseshewokeAmyinthenightbyplayingthepianoonherface inhersleep.Nextday,havingseenboth theoldandyounggentlemanoutofthehouse,Beth,aftertwoorthreeretreats,fairlygotinatthesidedoor,andmadeherwayasnoiselesslyasanymousetothedrawingroomwhereheridolstood.Quitebyaccident,ofcourse,somepretty,easymusiclayonthepiano, andwith trembling fingers and frequent stops to listen and look about,Bethat last touched thegreat instrument, and straightway forgother fear,herself,andeverythingelsebuttheunspeakabledelightwhichthemusicgaveher,foritwaslikethevoiceofabelovedfriend.

ShestayedtillHannahcametotakeherhometodinner,butshehadnoappetite,andcouldonlysitandsmileuponeveryoneinageneralstateofbeatitude.

Afterthat,thelittlebrownhoodslippedthroughthehedgenearlyeveryday,andthegreatdrawingroomwashauntedbyatunefulspiritthatcameandwentunseen.SheneverknewthatMr.Laurenceopenedhisstudydoortoheartheold-fashionedairs he liked. She never sawLauriemount guard in the hall towarn the servantsaway.Sheneversuspectedthattheexercisebooksandnewsongswhichshefoundinthe rackwere put there for her especial benefit, andwhen he talked to her aboutmusicathome,sheonly thoughthowkindhewas to tell things thathelpedhersomuch.Sosheenjoyedherselfheartily,andfound,whatisn'talwaysthecase,thathergrantedwishwasallshehadhoped.Perhapsitwasbecauseshewassogratefulforthisblessingthatagreaterwasgivenher.Atanyrateshedeservedboth.

"Mother,I'mgoingtoworkMr.Laurenceapairofslippers.Heissokindtome,Imust thank him, and I don't know any otherway.Can I do it?" askedBeth, a fewweeksafterthateventfulcallofhis.

"Yes,dear.Itwillpleasehimverymuch,andbeanicewayofthankinghim.Thegirls will help you about them, and I will pay for the making up," repliedMrs.March, who took peculiar pleasure in granting Beth's requests because she soseldomaskedanythingforherself.

After many serious discussions with Meg and Jo, the pattern was chosen, thematerialsbought,andtheslippersbegun.Aclusterofgraveyetcheerfulpansiesona deeper purple ground was pronounced very appropriate and pretty, and Bethworkedawayearlyandlate,withoccasionalliftsoverhardparts.Shewasanimblelittleneedlewoman,and theywere finishedbeforeanyonegot tiredof them.Thenshewroteashort,simplenote,andwithLaurie'shelp,gotthemsmuggledontothestudytableonemorningbeforetheoldgentlemanwasup.

When this excitementwasover,Bethwaited to seewhatwouldhappen.All daypassed and a part of the next before any acknowledgement arrived, and she wasbeginning to fear she had offended her crochety friend. On the afternoon of thesecondday,shewentouttodoanerrand,andgivepoorJoanna,theinvaliddoll,herdaily exercise.As she came up the street, on her return, she saw three, yes, fourheads popping in and out of the parlor windows, and the moment they saw her,severalhandswerewaved,andseveraljoyfulvoicesscreamed...

"Here'saletterfromtheoldgentleman!Comequick,andreadit!"

"Oh,Beth,he's sentyou..."beganAmy,gesticulatingwithunseemlyenergy,butshegotnofurther,forJoquenchedherbyslammingdownthewindow.

Bethhurriedon inaflutterofsuspense.At thedoorhersistersseizedandboreher to the parlor in a triumphal procession, all pointing and all saying at once,"Lookthere!Lookthere!"Bethdidlook,andturnedpalewithdelightandsurprise,for therestooda littlecabinetpiano,witha letter lyingon theglossy lid,directedlikeasignboardto"MissElizabethMarch."

"For me?" gasped Beth, holding onto Jo and feeling as if she should tumbledown,itwassuchanoverwhelmingthingaltogether.

"Yes,allforyou,myprecious!Isn't itsplendidofhim?Don'tyouthinkhe's thedearestoldmanintheworld?Here'sthekeyintheletter.Wedidn'topenit,butwearedyingtoknowwhathesays,"criedJo,hugginghersisterandofferingthenote.

"Youreadit!Ican't,Ifeelsoqueer!Oh,itistoolovely!"andBethhidherfaceinJo'sapron,quiteupsetbyherpresent.

Joopenedthepaperandbegantolaugh,forthefirstwordsshesawwere...

"MissMarch:"DearMadam—"

"How nice it sounds! I wish someone would write to me so!" said Amy, whothoughttheold-fashionedaddressveryelegant.

"'Ihavehadmanypairsofslippersinmylife,butIneverhadanythatsuitedmesowellasyours,'"continuesJo."'Heart's-easeismyfavoriteflower,andthesewillalways remindmeof thegentlegiver. I like topaymydebts, so Iknowyouwillallow 'theoldgentleman' tosendyousomethingwhichoncebelonged to the littlegranddaughterhelost.Withheartythanksandbestwishes,Iremain"'Yourgratefulfriendandhumbleservant,'JAMESLAURENCE'."

"There,Beth,that'sanhonortobeproudof,I'msure!LaurietoldmehowfondMr.Laurenceusedtobeofthechildwhodied,andhowhekeptallherlittlethingscarefully.Justthink,he'sgivenyouherpiano.Thatcomesofhavingbigblueeyesandlovingmusic,"saidJo, trying tosootheBeth,whotrembledand lookedmoreexcitedthanshehadeverbeenbefore.

"Seethecunningbrackets toholdcandles,andthenicegreensilk,puckeredup,withagoldrose in themiddle,and theprettyrackandstool,allcomplete,"addedMeg,openingtheinstrumentanddisplayingitsbeauties.

"'Yourhumbleservant,JamesLaurence'.Onlythinkofhiswritingthattoyou.I'lltellthegirls.They'llthinkit'ssplendid,"saidAmy,muchimpressedbythenote.

"Tryit,honey.Let'shearthesoundofthebabypianny,"saidHannah,whoalwaystookashareinthefamilyjoysandsorrows.

So Beth tried it, and everyone pronounced it the most remarkable piano everheard.Ithadevidentlybeennewlytunedandputinapple-pieorder,but,perfectasitwas,Ithinktherealcharmlayinthehappiestofallhappyfaceswhichleanedoverit,asBethlovinglytouchedthebeautifulblackandwhitekeysandpressedthebrightpedals.

"You'llhavetogoandthankhim,"saidJo,bywayofajoke,fortheideaofthechild'sreallygoingneverenteredherhead.

"Yes,Imeanto.IguessI'llgonow,beforeIgetfrightenedthinkingaboutit."And,totheutteramazementoftheassembledfamily,Bethwalkeddeliberatelydownthegarden,throughthehedge,andinattheLaurences'door.

"Well, Iwish Imay die if it ain't the queerest thing I ever see!The pianny hasturnedherhead!She'dneverhavegone inher rightmind," criedHannah, staringafterher,whilethegirlswererenderedquitespeechlessbythemiracle.

TheywouldhavebeenstillmoreamazediftheyhadseenwhatBethdidafterward.

If youwill believeme, shewent and knocked at the study door before she gaveherself timetothink,andwhenagruffvoicecalledout,"comein!"shedidgoin,right up toMr. Laurence, who looked quite taken aback, and held out her hand,saying,withonlyasmallquaverinhervoice,"Icametothankyou,sir,for..."Butshe didn't finish, for he looked so friendly that she forgot her speech and, onlyremembering thathehad lost the littlegirlhe loved, sheputbotharms roundhisneckandkissedhim.

Iftheroofofthehousehadsuddenlyflownoff,theoldgentlemanwouldn'thavebeenmoreastonished.Buthelikedit.Oh,dear,yes,helikeditamazingly!Andwassotouchedandpleasedbythatconfidinglittlekiss thatallhiscrustinessvanished,andhe just setheronhisknee, and laidhiswrinkledcheekagainsther rosyone,feelingasifhehadgothisownlittlegranddaughterbackagain.Bethceasedtofearhimfromthatmoment,andsat there talking tohimascozilyas ifshehadknownhimallherlife,forlovecastsoutfear,andgratitudecanconquerpride.Whenshewenthome,hewalkedwithhertoherowngate,shookhandscordially,andtouchedhishatashemarchedbackagain,lookingverystatelyanderect,likeahandsome,soldierlyoldgentleman,ashewas.

When the girls saw that performance, Jo began to dance a jig, by way ofexpressinghersatisfaction,Amynearlyfelloutofthewindowinhersurprise,andMegexclaimed,withup-liftedhands,"Well,Idobelievetheworldiscomingtoanend."

CHAPTERSEVEN

AMY'SVALLEYOFHUMILIATION

"Thatboyisaperfectcyclops,isn'the?"saidAmyoneday,asLaurieclatteredbyonhorseback,withaflourishofhiswhipashepassed.

"Howdareyousayso,whenhe'sgotbothhiseyes?Andveryhandsomeonestheyare,too,"criedJo,whoresentedanyslightingremarksaboutherfriend.

"Ididn'tsayanythingabouthiseyes,andIdon'tseewhyyouneedfireupwhenIadmirehisriding."

"Oh, my goodness! That little goose means a centaur, and she called him a

Cyclops,"exclaimedJo,withaburstoflaughter.

"Youneedn'tbesorude, it'sonlya 'lapseof lingy',asMr.Davissays,"retortedAmy, finishing Jo with her Latin. "I just wish I had a little of themoney Lauriespendsonthathorse,"sheadded,asiftoherself,yethopinghersisterswouldhear.

"Why?"askedMegkindly,forJohadgoneoffinanotherlaughatAmy'ssecondblunder.

"Ineeditsomuch.I'mdreadfullyindebt,anditwon'tbemyturntohavetheragmoneyforamonth."

"Indebt,Amy?Whatdoyoumean?"AndMeglookedsober.

"Why,Ioweatleastadozenpickledlimes,andIcan'tpaythem,youknow,tillIhavemoney,forMarmeeforbademyhavinganythingchargedattheshop."

"Tellme all about it.Are limes the fashionnow? It used to beprickingbits ofrubber to make balls." AndMeg tried to keep her countenance, Amy looked sograveandimportant.

"Why, you see, the girls are always buying them, and unless you want to bethought mean, you must do it too. It's nothing but limes now, for everyone issucking them in their desks in schooltime, and trading themoff for pencils, beadrings,paperdolls,orsomethingelse,atrecess.Ifonegirllikesanother,shegivesheralime.Ifshe'smadwithher,sheeatsonebeforeherface,anddoesn'tofferevenasuck.Theytreatbyturns,andI'vehadeversomanybuthaven'treturnedthem,andIoughtfortheyaredebtsofhonor,youknow."

"Howmuchwillpaythemoffandrestoreyourcredit?"askedMeg,takingoutherpurse.

"Aquarterwouldmorethandoit,andleaveafewcentsoverforatreatforyou.Don'tyoulikelimes?"

"Notmuch.Youmayhavemyshare.Here'sthemoney.Makeitlastaslongasyoucan,foritisn'tveryplenty,youknow."

"Oh,thankyou!Itmustbesonicetohavepocketmoney!I'llhaveagrandfeast,for I haven't tasted a lime thisweek. I felt delicate about taking any, as I couldn'treturnthem,andI'mactuallysufferingforone."

Next dayAmywas rather late at school, but could not resist the temptation ofdisplaying, with pardonable pride, a moist brown-paper parcel, before sheconsigned it to the inmost recesses of her desk.During the next fewminutes therumorthatAmyMarchhadgottwenty-fourdeliciouslimes(sheateoneontheway)andwasgoingtotreatcirculatedthroughher'set',andtheattentionsofherfriendsbecamequiteoverwhelming.KatyBrowninvitedhertohernextpartyonthespot.Mary Kingsley insisted on lending her her watch till recess, and Jenny Snow, asatiricalyounglady,whohadbaselytwittedAmyuponherlimelessstate,promptlyburied the hatchet and offered to furnish answers to certain appalling sums. ButAmy had not forgottenMiss Snow's cutting remarks about 'some personswhosenoseswerenottooflattosmellotherpeople'slimes,andstuck-uppeoplewhowerenottooproudtoaskforthem',andsheinstantlycrushed'thatSnowgirl's'hopesbythewitheringtelegram,"Youneedn'tbesopoliteallofasudden,foryouwon'tgetany."

Adistinguishedpersonagehappenedtovisittheschoolthatmorning,andAmy'sbeautifullydrawnmapsreceivedpraise,whichhonortoherfoerankledinthesoulof Miss Snow, and caused Miss March to assume the airs of a studious youngpeacock.But,alas,alas!Pridegoesbeforeafall,andtherevengefulSnowturnedthetables with disastrous success. No sooner had the guest paid the usual stalecompliments and bowed himself out, than Jenny, under pretense of asking animportant question, informedMr.Davis, the teacher, thatAmyMarchhadpickledlimesinherdesk.

NowMr.Davishaddeclaredlimesacontrabandarticle,andsolemnlyvowedtopublicly ferrule the first person who was found breaking the law. This much-enduringman had succeeded in banishing chewing gum after a long and stormywar,hadmadeabonfireoftheconfiscatednovelsandnewspapers,hadsuppressedaprivate post office, had forbidden distortions of the face, nicknames, andcaricatures, anddoneall thatonemancoulddo tokeephalfahundred rebelliousgirlsinorder.Boysaretryingenoughtohumanpatience,goodnessknows,butgirlsareinfinitelymoreso,especiallytonervousgentlemenwithtyrannicaltempersandnomoretalentforteachingthanDr.Blimber.Mr.DavisknewanyquantityofGreek,Latin,algebra,andologiesofallsortssohewascalledafineteacher,andmanners,morals,feelings,andexampleswerenotconsideredofanyparticularimportance.ItwasamostunfortunatemomentfordenouncingAmy,andJennyknewit.Mr.Davishad 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 creditwhichhefelthedeserved.Therefore,tousetheexpressive,ifnotelegant,languageofaschoolgirl, "Hewasasnervousasawitchandascrossasabear".Theword'limes'waslikefiretopowder,hisyellowfaceflushed,andherappedonhisdesk

withanenergywhichmadeJennyskiptoherseatwithunusualrapidity.

"Youngladies,attention,ifyouplease!"

Atthesternorderthebuzzceased,andfiftypairsofblue,black,gray,andbrowneyeswereobedientlyfixeduponhisawfulcountenance.

"MissMarch,cometothedesk."

Amy rose to complywithoutward composure, but a secret fear oppressedher,forthelimesweigheduponherconscience.

"Bringwithyouthelimesyouhaveinyourdesk,"wastheunexpectedcommandwhicharrestedherbeforeshegotoutofherseat.

"Don'ttakeall."whisperedherneighbor,ayoungladyofgreatpresenceofmind.

Amy hastily shook out half a dozen and laid the rest down beforeMr. Davis,feeling that any man possessing a human heart would relent when that deliciousperfumemethisnose.Unfortunately,Mr.Davisparticularlydetestedtheodorofthefashionablepickle,anddisgustaddedtohiswrath.

"Isthatall?"

"Notquite,"stammeredAmy.

"Bringtherestimmediately."

Withadespairingglanceatherset,sheobeyed.

"Youaresuretherearenomore?"

"Ineverlie,sir."

"SoIsee.Nowtakethesedisgustingthingstwobytwo,andthrowthemoutofthewindow."

Therewasasimultaneoussigh,whichcreatedquitealittlegust,asthelasthopefled, and the treat was ravished from their longing lips. Scarlet with shame andanger,Amywenttoandfrosixdreadfultimes,andaseachdoomedcouple,lookingoh, so plump and juicy, fell from her reluctant hands, a shout from the streetcompletedtheanguishofthegirls,forittoldthemthattheirfeastwasbeingexulted

over by the little Irish children, who were their sworn foes. This—this was toomuch.All flashed indignantorappealingglancesat the inexorableDavis,andonepassionatelimeloverburstintotears.

AsAmyreturnedfromherlasttrip,Mr.Davisgaveaportentous"Hem!"andsaid,inhismostimpressivemanner...

"Youngladies,yourememberwhatIsaidtoyouaweekago.Iamsorrythishashappened,butIneverallowmyrules tobe infringed,andIneverbreakmyword.MissMarch,holdoutyourhand."

Amystarted, andputbothhandsbehindher, turningonhiman imploring lookwhich pleaded for her better than thewords she could not utter. Shewas rather afavoritewith'oldDavis',as,ofcourse,hewascalled,andit'smyprivatebeliefthathewouldhavebrokenhiswordif theindignationofoneirrepressibleyoungladyhad not found vent in a hiss. That hiss, faint as it was, irritated the irasciblegentleman,andsealedtheculprit'sfate.

"Yourhand,MissMarch!"wastheonlyanswerhermuteappealreceived,andtooproudtocryorbeseech,Amysetherteeth,threwbackherheaddefiantly,andborewithoutflinchingseveraltinglingblowsonherlittlepalm.Theywereneithermanynorheavy,butthatmadenodifferencetoher.Forthefirsttimeinherlifeshehadbeen struck, and the disgrace, in her eyes,was as deep as if he had knocked herdown.

"Youwillnowstandon theplatformtill recess,"saidMr.Davis, resolved todothethingthoroughly,sincehehadbegun.

Thatwasdreadful.Itwouldhavebeenbadenoughtogotoherseat,andseethepityingfacesofherfriends,orthesatisfiedonesofherfewenemies,buttofacethewholeschool,withthatshamefreshuponher,seemedimpossible,andforasecondshefeltas ifshecouldonlydropdownwhereshestood,andbreakherheartwithcrying.AbittersenseofwrongandthethoughtofJennySnowhelpedhertobearit,and,takingtheignominiousplace,shefixedhereyesonthestovefunnelabovewhatnowseemedaseaoffaces,andstoodthere,somotionlessandwhite that thegirlsfoundithardtostudywiththatpatheticfigurebeforethem.

During the fifteen minutes that followed, the proud and sensitive little girlsuffered a shame and pain which she never forgot. To others it might seem aludicrousortrivialaffair,buttoheritwasahardexperience,forduringthetwelveyearsofherlifeshehadbeengovernedbylovealone,andablowofthatsorthad

never touched her before. The smart of her hand and the ache of her heartwereforgotteninthestingofthethought,"Ishallhavetotellathome,andtheywillbesodisappointedinme!"

Thefifteenminutesseemedanhour,buttheycametoanendatlast,andtheword'Recess!'hadneverseemedsowelcometoherbefore.

"Youcango,MissMarch,"saidMr.Davis,looking,ashefelt,uncomfortable.

He did not soon forget the reproachful glance Amy gave him, as she went,withoutawordtoanyone,straight into theanteroom,snatchedher things,andlefttheplace "forever," as shepassionatelydeclared toherself.Shewas ina sad statewhen she got home, and when the older girls arrived, some time later, anindignation meeting was held at once. Mrs. March did not say much but lookeddisturbed,andcomfortedherafflictedlittledaughterinhertenderestmanner.Megbathed the insulted handwith glycerine and tears, Beth felt that even her belovedkittens would fail as a balm for griefs like this, Jo wrathfully proposed thatMr.Davis be arrested without delay, and Hannah shook her fist at the 'villain' andpoundedpotatoesfordinnerasifshehadhimunderherpestle.

No notice was taken of Amy's flight, except by her mates, but the sharp-eyeddemoiselles discovered thatMr. Davis was quite benignant in the afternoon, alsounusually nervous. Just before school closed, Jo appeared, wearing a grimexpressionasshestalkeduptothedesk,anddeliveredaletterfromhermother,thencollectedAmy'sproperty,anddeparted,carefullyscrapingthemudfromherbootsonthedoormat,asifsheshookthedustoftheplaceoffherfeet.

"Yes,youcanhaveavacationfromschool,butIwantyoutostudyalittleeveryday with Beth," said Mrs. March that evening. "I don't approve of corporalpunishment,especiallyforgirls.IdislikeMr.Davis'smannerofteachinganddon'tthink the girls you associate with are doing you any good, so I shall ask yourfather'sadvicebeforeIsendyouanywhereelse."

"That's good! I wish all the girls would leave, and spoil his old school. It'sperfectlymaddeningtothinkofthoselovelylimes,"sighedAmy,withtheairofamartyr.

"I am not sorry you lost them, for you broke the rules, and deserved somepunishment fordisobedience,"was thesevere reply,which ratherdisappointed theyounglady,whoexpectednothingbutsympathy.

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

Amy.

"Ishouldnothavechosenthatwayofmendingafault,"repliedhermother,"butI'mnotsurethatitwon'tdoyoumoregoodthanaboldermethod.Youaregettingtobe rather conceited,mydear, and it is quite timeyou set about correcting it.Youhaveagoodmanylittlegiftsandvirtues,butthereisnoneedofparadingthem,forconceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent orgoodnesswillbeoverlookedlong,evenifitis,theconsciousnessofpossessingandusingitwellshouldsatisfyone,andthegreatcharmofallpowerismodesty."

"Soitis!"criedLaurie,whowasplayingchessinacornerwithJo."Iknewagirlonce,whohada really remarkable talent formusic, andshedidn'tknow it,neverguessedwhat sweet little things she composedwhen shewas alone, andwouldn'thavebelieveditifanyonehadtoldher."

"IwishI'dknownthatnicegirl.Maybeshewouldhavehelpedme,I'msostupid,"saidBeth,whostoodbesidehim,listeningeagerly.

"Youdoknowher, and shehelpsyoubetter than anyone else could," answeredLaurie,lookingatherwithsuchmischievousmeaninginhismerryblackeyesthatBethsuddenlyturnedveryred,andhidherfaceinthesofacushion,quiteovercomebysuchanunexpecteddiscovery.

Jo letLauriewinthegametopayfor thatpraiseofherBeth,whocouldnotbeprevailedupon toplayfor themafterhercompliment.SoLauriedidhisbest,andsangdelightfully,beinginaparticularlylivelyhumor,fortotheMarchesheseldomshowed themoody sideofhis character.Whenhewasgone,Amy,whohadbeenpensive all evening, said suddenly, as if busy over some new idea, "Is Laurie anaccomplishedboy?"

"Yes,hehashadanexcellenteducation,andhasmuchtalent.Hewillmakeafineman,ifnotspoiledbypetting,"repliedhermother.

"Andheisn'tconceited,ishe?"askedAmy.

"Notintheleast.Thatiswhyheissocharmingandwealllikehimsomuch."

"Isee.It'snicetohaveaccomplishmentsandbeelegant,butnottoshowofforgetperkedup,"saidAmythoughtfully.

"Thesethingsarealwaysseenandfeltinaperson'smannerandconversations,ifmodestlyused,butitisnotnecessarytodisplaythem,"saidMrs.March.

"Anymore than it's proper towear all your bonnets andgowns and ribbons atonce, that folksmayknowyou'vegot them,"added Jo, and the lectureended inalaugh.

CHAPTEREIGHT

JOMEETSAPOLLYON

"Girls,whereareyougoing?"askedAmy,comingintotheirroomoneSaturdayafternoon, and finding themgetting ready to gooutwith an air of secrecywhichexcitedhercuriosity.

"Nevermind.Littlegirlsshouldn'taskquestions,"returnedJosharply.

Nowifthereisanythingmortifyingtoourfeelingswhenweareyoung,itistobetoldthat,andtobebiddento"runaway,dear"isstillmoretryingtous.Amybridledup at this insult, and determined to find out the secret, if she teased for an hour.TurningtoMeg,whoneverrefusedheranythingverylong,shesaidcoaxingly,"Dotellme!Ishouldthinkyoumightletmego,too,forBethisfussingoverherpiano,andIhaven'tgotanythingtodo,andamsolonely."

"Ican't,dear,becauseyouaren'tinvited,"beganMeg,butJobrokeinimpatiently,"Now,Meg,bequietoryouwillspoilitall.Youcan'tgo,Amy,sodon'tbeababyandwhineaboutit."

"You are going somewherewithLaurie, I knowyou are.Youwerewhisperingandlaughingtogetheronthesofalastnight,andyoustoppedwhenIcamein.Aren'tyougoingwithhim?"

"Yes,weare.Nowdobestill,andstopbothering."

Amyheldhertongue,butusedhereyes,andsawMegslipafanintoherpocket.

"Iknow!Iknow!You'regoingtothetheatertoseetheSevenCastles!"shecried,addingresolutely,"andIshallgo,forMothersaidImightseeit,andI'vegotmyragmoney,anditwasmeannottotellmeintime."

"Just listentomeaminute,andbeagoodchild,"saidMegsoothingly."Motherdoesn'twishyoutogothisweek,becauseyoureyesarenotwellenoughyettobear

thelightofthisfairypiece.NextweekyoucangowithBethandHannah,andhaveanicetime."

"Idon'tlikethathalfaswellasgoingwithyouandLaurie.Pleaseletme.I'vebeensickwith thiscold so long,andshutup, I'mdying for some fun.Do,Meg! I'llbeeversogood,"pleadedAmy,lookingaspatheticasshecould.

"Supposewe take her. I don't believeMotherwouldmind, ifwe bundle her upwell,"beganMeg.

"IfshegoesIshan't,andifIdon't,Lauriewon'tlikeit,anditwillbeveryrude,afterhe invitedonlyus, togoanddrag inAmy. I should think she'dhate topokeherself where she isn't wanted," said Jo crossly, for she disliked the trouble ofoverseeingafidgetychildwhenshewantedtoenjoyherself.

HertoneandmannerangeredAmy,whobegantoputherbootson,saying,inhermostaggravatingway,"Ishallgo.MegsaysImay,andifIpayformyself,Lauriehasn'tanythingtodowithit."

"You can't sitwith us, for our seats are reserved, and youmustn't sit alone, soLauriewillgiveyouhisplace,andthatwillspoilourpleasure.Orhe'llgetanotherseatforyou,andthatisn'tproperwhenyouweren'tasked.Youshan'tstirastep,soyoumayjuststaywhereyouare,"scoldedJo,crosserthanever,havingjustprickedherfingerinherhurry.

Sittingonthefloorwithonebooton,AmybegantocryandMegtoreasonwithher,whenLauriecalledfrombelow,andthetwogirlshurrieddown,leavingtheirsister wailing. For now and then she forgot her grown-upways and acted like aspoiledchild. Justas thepartywas settingout,Amycalledover thebanisters inathreateningtone,"You'llbesorryforthis,JoMarch,seeifyouain't."

"Fiddlesticks!"returnedJo,slammingthedoor.

Theyhadacharming time, forTheSevenCastlesOfTheDiamondLakewasasbrilliant andwonderful asheart couldwish.But in spiteof the comical red imps,sparklingelves,andthegorgeousprincesandprincesses,Jo'spleasurehadadropofbitternessinit.Thefairyqueen'syellowcurlsremindedherofAmy,andbetweentheactssheamusedherselfwithwonderingwhathersisterwoulddo tomakeher'sorry for it'.SheandAmyhadhadmany lively skirmishes in thecourseof theirlives, for both had quick tempers andwere apt to be violentwhen fairly roused.Amy teasedJo,andJo irritatedAmy,andsemioccasionalexplosionsoccurred,ofwhichbothweremuchashamedafterward.Althoughtheoldest,Johadtheleastself-

control, and had hard times trying to curb the fiery spirit whichwas continuallygettingherintotrouble.Herangerneverlastedlong,andhavinghumblyconfessedher fault, shesincerely repentedand tried todobetter.Hersistersused tosay thattheyratherlikedtogetJointoafurybecauseshewassuchanangelafterward.PoorJotrieddesperatelytobegood,butherbosomenemywasalwaysreadytoflameupanddefeather,andittookyearsofpatientefforttosubdueit.

When they got home, they found Amy reading in the parlor. She assumed aninjuredairastheycamein,neverliftedhereyesfromherbook,oraskedasinglequestion.Perhapscuriositymighthaveconqueredresentment,ifBethhadnotbeentheretoinquireandreceiveaglowingdescriptionof theplay.Ongoinguptoputaway her best hat, Jo's first lookwas toward the bureau, for in their last quarrelAmyhadsoothedherfeelingsbyturningJo'stopdrawerupsidedownonthefloor.Everything was in its place, however, and after a hasty glance into her variousclosets, bags, and boxes, Jo decided that Amy had forgiven and forgotten herwrongs.

There Jo was mistaken, for next day she made a discovery which produced atempest.Meg,Beth, andAmywere sitting together, late in theafternoon,whenJoburstintotheroom,lookingexcitedanddemandingbreathlessly,"Hasanyonetakenmybook?"

MegandBethsaid,"No."atonce,andlookedsurprised.Amypokedthefireandsaidnothing.Josawhercolorriseandwasdownuponherinaminute.

"Amy,you'vegotit!"

"No,Ihaven't."

"Youknowwhereitis,then!"

"No,Idon't."

"That'safib!"criedJo,takingherbytheshoulders,andlookingfierceenoughtofrightenamuchbraverchildthanAmy.

"Itisn't.Ihaven'tgotit,don'tknowwhereitisnow,anddon'tcare."

"Youknow something about it, and you'd better tell at once, or I'llmake you."AndJogaveheraslightshake.

"Scold asmuch as you like, you'll never see your silly old book again," cried

Amy,gettingexcitedinherturn.

"Whynot?"

"Iburneditup."

"What!My little book Iwas so fond of, andworked over, andmeant to finishbefore Father got home?Have you really burned it?" said Jo, turning very pale,whilehereyeskindledandherhandsclutchedAmynervously.

"Yes,Idid!ItoldyouI'dmakeyoupayforbeingsocrossyesterday,andIhave,so..."

Amygotnofarther,forJo'shottempermasteredher,andsheshookAmytillherteethchatteredinherhead,cryinginapassionofgriefandanger...

"Youwicked,wickedgirl!Inevercanwriteitagain,andI'llneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive."

MegflewtorescueAmy,andBethtopacifyJo,butJowasquitebesideherself,andwithapartingboxonhersister'sear,sherushedoutoftheroomuptotheoldsofainthegarret,andfinishedherfightalone.

Thestormclearedupbelow,forMrs.Marchcamehome,and,havingheardthestory,soonbroughtAmytoasenseofthewrongshehaddonehersister.Jo'sbookwas theprideofherheart,andwasregardedbyherfamilyasa literarysproutofgreat promise. Itwas only half a dozen little fairy tales, but Jo hadworked overthempatiently, putting herwhole heart into herwork, hoping tomake somethinggoodenoughtoprint.Shehadjustcopiedthemwithgreatcare,andhaddestroyedtheoldmanuscript,sothatAmy'sbonfirehadconsumedthelovingworkofseveralyears.Itseemedasmalllosstoothers,buttoJoitwasadreadfulcalamity,andshefeltthatitnevercouldbemadeuptoher.Bethmournedasforadepartedkitten,andMegrefusedtodefendherpet.Mrs.Marchlookedgraveandgrieved,andAmyfeltthat no onewould love her till she had asked pardon for the act which she nowregrettedmorethananyofthem.

Whentheteabellrang,Joappeared,lookingsogrimandunapproachablethatittookallAmy'scouragetosaymeekly...

"Pleaseforgiveme,Jo.I'mvery,verysorry."

"I never shall forgive you," was Jo's stern answer, and from that moment she

ignoredAmyentirely.

Noonespokeof thegreat trouble,notevenMrs.March, forallhad learnedbyexperiencethatwhenJowasinthatmoodwordswerewasted,andthewisestcoursewas to wait till some little accident, or her own generous nature, softened Jo'sresentmentandhealedthebreach.Itwasnotahappyevening,forthoughtheysewedas usual, while their mother read aloud from Bremer, Scott, or Edgeworth,somethingwaswanting,andthesweethomepeacewasdisturbed.Theyfeltthismostwhensinging timecame, forBethcouldonlyplay,Jostooddumbasastone,andAmybrokedown,soMegandMothersangalone.Butinspiteoftheireffortstobeascheeryaslarks,theflutelikevoicesdidnotseemtochordaswellasusual,andallfeltoutoftune.

AsJoreceivedhergood-nightkiss,Mrs.Marchwhisperedgently,"Mydear,don'tletthesungodownuponyouranger.Forgiveeachother,helpeachother,andbeginagaintomorrow."

Jowanted to layherheaddownon thatmotherlybosom,andcryhergriefandangerallaway,buttearswereanunmanlyweakness,andshefeltsodeeplyinjuredthatshereallycouldn'tquiteforgiveyet.Soshewinkedhard,shookherhead,andsaid gruffly because Amy was listening, "It was an abominable thing, and shedoesn'tdeservetobeforgiven."

Withthatshemarchedofftobed,andtherewasnomerryorconfidentialgossipthatnight.

Amywasmuchoffendedthatheroverturesofpeacehadbeenrepulsed,andbegantowishshehadnothumbledherself, tofeelmore injuredthanever,andtoplumeherselfonhersuperiorvirtueinawaywhichwasparticularlyexasperating.Jostilllookedlikeathundercloud,andnothingwentwellallday.Itwasbittercoldinthemorning,shedroppedherpreciousturnoverinthegutter,AuntMarchhadanattackofthefidgets,Megwassensitive,Bethwouldlookgrievedandwistfulwhenshegothome,andAmykeptmakingremarksaboutpeoplewhowerealwaystalkingaboutbeing good and yet wouldn't even try when other people set them a virtuousexample.

"Everybodyissohateful,I'llaskLaurietogoskating.Heisalwayskindandjolly,andwillputmetorights,Iknow,"saidJotoherself,andoffshewent.

Amyheardtheclashofskates,andlookedoutwithanimpatientexclamation.

"There!ShepromisedIshouldgonexttime,forthisisthelasticeweshallhave.

Butit'snousetoasksuchacrosspatchtotakeme."

"Don'tsay that.Youwereverynaughty,andit ishard toforgive the lossofherpreciouslittlebook,butIthinkshemightdoitnow,andIguessshewill,ifyoutryherattherightminute,"saidMeg."Goafterthem.Don'tsayanythingtillJohasgotgood-naturedwith Laurie, than take a quietminute and just kiss her, or do somekindthing,andI'msureshe'llbefriendsagainwithallherheart."

"I'lltry,"saidAmy,fortheadvicesuitedher,andafteraflurrytogetready,sheranafterthefriends,whowerejustdisappearingoverthehill.

Itwasnotfartotheriver,butbothwerereadybeforeAmyreachedthem.Josawhercoming,and turnedherback.Lauriedidnot see, forhewascarefully skatingalongtheshore,soundingtheice,forawarmspellhadprecededthecoldsnap.

"I'llgoontothefirstbend,andseeifit'sallrightbeforewebegintorace,"Amyheardhim say, ashe shot away, looking like ayoungRussian inhis fur-trimmedcoatandcap.

JoheardAmypantingafterherrun,stampingherfeetandblowingonherfingersas she tried toputher skateson,but Jonever turnedandwent slowlyzigzaggingdowntheriver, takingabitter,unhappysortofsatisfactioninhersister's troubles.Shehadcherishedherangertillitgrewstrongandtookpossessionofher,asevilthoughtsandfeelingsalwaysdounlesscastoutatonce.AsLaurieturnedthebend,heshoutedback...

"Keep near the shore. It isn't safe in the middle." Jo heard, but Amy wasstrugglingtoherfeetanddidnotcatchaword.Joglancedoverhershoulder,andthelittledemonshewasharboringsaidinherear...

"Nomatterwhethersheheardornot,lethertakecareofherself."

Lauriehadvanishedroundthebend,Jowasjustattheturn,andAmy,farbehind,striking out toward the smoother ice in themiddle of the river. For aminute Jostood still with a strange feeling in her heart, then she resolved to go on, butsomethingheldand turnedherround, just in timetoseeAmythrowupherhandsandgodown,withasuddencrashofrottenice, thesplashofwater,andacrythatmadeJo'sheartstandstillwithfear.ShetriedtocallLaurie,buthervoicewasgone.Shetriedtorushforward,butherfeetseemedtohavenostrengthinthem,andforasecond, she couldonly standmotionless, staringwith a terror-stricken face at thelittlebluehoodabovetheblackwater.Somethingrushedswiftlybyher,andLaurie'svoicecriedout...

"Bringarail.Quick,quick!"

How she did it, she never knew, but for the next fewminutes sheworked as ifpossessed, blindly obeying Laurie, who was quite self-possessed, and lying flat,heldAmyupbyhisarmandhockeysticktillJodraggedarailfromthefence,andtogethertheygotthechildout,morefrightenedthanhurt.

"Nowthen,wemustwalkherhomeasfastaswecan.Pileourthingsonher,whileIgetofftheseconfoundedskates,"criedLaurie,wrappinghiscoatroundAmy,andtuggingawayatthestrapswhichneverseemedsointricatebefore.

Shivering,dripping,andcrying, theygotAmyhome,andafteranexcitingtimeof it, shefellasleep, rolled inblanketsbeforeahot fire.During thebustleJohadscarcelyspokenbutflownabout,lookingpaleandwild,withherthingshalfoff,herdress torn, andherhands cut andbruisedby ice and rails and refractorybuckles.WhenAmywascomfortablyasleep,thehousequiet,andMrs.Marchsittingbythebed,shecalledJotoherandbegantobindupthehurthands.

"Are you sure she is safe?" whispered Jo, looking remorsefully at the goldenhead, which might have been swept away from her sight forever under thetreacherousice.

"Quitesafe,dear.Sheisnothurt,andwon'teventakecold,I think,youweresosensibleincoveringandgettingherhomequickly,"repliedhermothercheerfully.

"Laurie did it all. I only let her go.Mother, if she should die, it would bemyfault."AndJodroppeddownbesidethebedinapassionofpenitenttears,tellingallthathadhappened,bitterlycondemningherhardnessofheart,andsobbingouthergratitudeforbeingsparedtheheavypunishmentwhichmighthavecomeuponher.

"It'smy dreadful temper! I try to cure it, I think I have, and then it breaks outworse thanever.Oh,Mother,what shall Ido?Whatshall Ido?"criedpoorJo, indespair.

"Watchandpray,dear,nevergettiredoftrying,andneverthinkitisimpossibletoconqueryourfault,"saidMrs.March,drawingtheblowzyheadtohershoulderandkissingthewetcheeksotenderlythatJocriedevenharder.

"Youdon'tknow,youcan'tguesshowbaditis!ItseemsasifIcoulddoanythingwhenI'minapassion.Igetsosavage,Icouldhurtanyoneandenjoyit.I'mafraidIshalldosomethingdreadfulsomeday,andspoilmylife,andmakeeverybodyhate

me.Oh,Mother,helpme,dohelpme!"

"Iwill,mychild,Iwill.Don'tcrysobitterly,butrememberthisday,andresolvewithallyoursoulthatyouwillneverknowanotherlikeit.Jo,dear,weallhaveourtemptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives toconquerthem.Youthinkyourtemperistheworstintheworld,butmineusedtobejustlikeit."

"Yours, Mother? Why, you are never angry!" And for the moment Jo forgotremorseinsurprise.

"I'vebeentryingtocureitforfortyyears,andhaveonlysucceededincontrollingit.Iamangrynearlyeverydayofmylife,Jo,butIhavelearnednottoshowit,andIstillhopetolearnnottofeelit,thoughitmaytakemeanotherfortyyearstodoso."

ThepatienceandthehumilityofthefaceshelovedsowellwasabetterlessontoJo than thewisest lecture, the sharpest reproof.She felt comforted at onceby thesympathyandconfidencegivenher.Theknowledgethathermotherhadafaultlikehers, and tried to mend it, made her own easier to bear and strengthened herresolutiontocureit,thoughfortyyearsseemedratheralongtimetowatchandpraytoagirloffifteen.

"Mother,areyouangrywhenyoufoldyourlipstighttogetherandgooutoftheroomsometimes,whenAuntMarchscoldsorpeopleworryyou?"askedJo,feelingneareranddearertohermotherthaneverbefore.

"Yes,I'velearnedtocheckthehastywordsthatrisetomylips,andwhenIfeelthattheymeantobreakoutagainstmywill,Ijustgoawayforaminute,andgivemyselfalittleshakeforbeingsoweakandwicked,"answeredMrs.Marchwithasighandasmile,asshesmoothedandfastenedupJo'sdisheveledhair.

"Howdidyoulearntokeepstill?Thatiswhattroublesme,forthesharpwordsflyoutbeforeIknowwhatI'mabout,andthemoreIsaytheworseIget, till it'sapleasure tohurtpeople's feelingsandsaydreadful things.Tellmehowyoudo it,Marmeedear."

"Mygoodmotherusedtohelpme..."

"Asyoudous..."interruptedJo,withagratefulkiss.

"ButIlostherwhenIwasalittleolderthanyouare,andforyearshadtostruggleonalone,forIwastooproudtoconfessmyweaknesstoanyoneelse.Ihadahard

time, Jo, and shed a goodmany bitter tears overmy failures, for in spite ofmyeffortsIneverseemedtogeton.Thenyourfathercame,andIwassohappythatIfounditeasytobegood.Butby-and-by,whenIhadfourlittledaughtersroundmeandwewerepoor,thentheoldtroublebeganagain,forIamnotpatientbynature,andittriedmeverymuchtoseemychildrenwantinganything."

"PoorMother!Whathelpedyouthen?"

"Yourfather,Jo.Heneverlosespatience,neverdoubtsorcomplains,butalwayshopes,andworksandwaitssocheerfullythatoneisashamedtodootherwisebeforehim.Hehelpedandcomfortedme,andshowedmethatImusttrytopracticeallthevirtuesIwouldhavemylittlegirlspossess,forIwastheirexample.Itwaseasiertotryforyoursakesthanformyown.Astartledorsurprisedlookfromoneofyouwhen I spoke sharply rebukedmemore thananywords couldhavedone, and thelove,respect,andconfidenceofmychildrenwasthesweetestrewardIcouldreceiveformyeffortstobethewomanIwouldhavethemcopy."

"Oh,Mother,ifI'meverhalfasgoodasyou,Ishallbesatisfied,"criedJo,muchtouched.

"Ihopeyouwillbeagreatdealbetter,dear,butyoumustkeepwatchoveryour'bosomenemy',asfathercallsit,oritmaysadden,ifnotspoilyourlife.Youhavehadawarning.Rememberit,andtrywithheartandsoultomasterthisquicktemper,beforeitbringsyougreatersorrowandregretthanyouhaveknowntoday."

"Iwill try,Mother, I trulywill.Butyoumusthelpme,remindme,andkeepmefromflyingout.IusedtoseeFathersometimesputhisfingeronhislips,andlookatyouwithaverykindbut sober face, andyoualways foldedyour lips tight andwentaway.Washeremindingyouthen?"askedJosoftly.

"Yes.Iaskedhimtohelpmeso,andheneverforgotit,butsavedmefrommanyasharpwordbythatlittlegestureandkindlook."

Jo saw that her mother's eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke, andfearingthatshehadsaidtoomuch,shewhisperedanxiously,"Wasitwrongtowatchyouandtospeakofit?Ididn'tmeantoberude,butit'ssocomfortabletosayallIthinktoyou,andfeelsosafeandhappyhere."

"MyJo,youmaysayanythingtoyourmother,foritismygreatesthappinessandpridetofeelthatmygirlsconfideinmeandknowhowmuchIlovethem."

"IthoughtI'dgrievedyou."

"No,dear,butspeakingofFatherremindedmehowmuchImisshim,howmuchIowehim, andhow faithfully I shouldwatch andwork to keephis little daughterssafeandgoodforhim."

"Yetyoutoldhimtogo,Mother,anddidn'tcrywhenhewent,andnevercomplainnow,orseemasifyouneededanyhelp,"saidJo,wondering.

"Igavemybest to the country I love, andkeptmy tears till hewasgone.WhyshouldIcomplain,whenwebothhavemerelydoneourdutyandwillsurelybethehappier for it in theend?If Idon'tseemtoneedhelp, it isbecauseIhaveabetterfriend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles andtemptationsofyourlifearebeginningandmaybemany,butyoucanovercomeandoutlive themall ifyou learn to feel the strengthand tendernessofyourHeavenlyFather as youdo that of your earthly one.Themore you love and trustHim, thenearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power andwisdom.Hisloveandcarenevertireorchange,canneverbetakenfromyou,butmay become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe thisheartily,andgotoGodwithallyourlittlecares,andhopes,andsins,andsorrows,asfreelyandconfidinglyasyoucometoyourmother."

Jo'sonlyanswerwastoholdhermotherclose,andinthesilencewhichfollowedthesincerestprayershehadeverprayedleftherheartwithoutwords.Forinthatsadyethappyhour,shehadlearnednotonlythebitternessofremorseanddespair,butthesweetnessofself-denialandself-control,andledbyhermother'shand,shehaddrawnnearertotheFriendwhoalwayswelcomeseverychildwithalovestrongerthanthatofanyfather,tendererthanthatofanymother.

Amystirredandsighedinhersleep,andasifeagertobeginatoncetomendherfault,Jolookedupwithanexpressiononherfacewhichithadneverwornbefore.

"Iletthesungodownonmyanger.Iwouldn'tforgiveher,andtoday,ifithadn'tbeenforLaurie, itmighthavebeen too late!HowcouldIbesowicked?"saidJo,halfaloud,assheleanedoverhersistersoftlystrokingthewethairscatteredonthepillow.

As ifsheheard,Amyopenedhereyes,andheldoutherarms,withasmile thatwentstraighttoJo'sheart.Neithersaidaword,buttheyhuggedoneanotherclose,in spite of the blankets, and everythingwas forgiven and forgotten in one heartykiss.

CHAPTERNINE

MEGGOESTOVANITYFAIR

"Idothinkitwasthemostfortunatethingintheworldthatthosechildrenshouldhavethemeasles justnow,"saidMeg,oneAprilday,asshestoodpackingthe 'goabroady'trunkinherroom,surroundedbyhersisters.

"AndsoniceofAnnieMoffatnottoforgetherpromise.Awholefortnightoffunwillberegularlysplendid,"repliedJo,lookinglikeawindmillasshefoldedskirtswithherlongarms.

"Andsuchlovelyweather,I'msogladofthat,"addedBeth,tidilysortingneckandhairribbonsinherbestbox,lentforthegreatoccasion.

"IwishIwasgoingtohaveafinetimeandwearallthesenicethings,"saidAmywithhermouthfullofpins,assheartisticallyreplenishedhersister'scushion.

"Iwishyouwereallgoing,butasyoucan't,Ishallkeepmyadventurestotellyouwhen I come back. I'm sure it's the least I can do when you have been so kind,lendingmethingsandhelpingmegetready,"saidMeg,glancingroundtheroomattheverysimpleoutfit,whichseemednearlyperfectintheireyes.

"What didMother give youout of the treasure box?" askedAmy,whohadnotbeenpresentattheopeningofacertaincedarchestinwhichMrs.Marchkeptafewrelicsofpastsplendor,asgiftsforhergirlswhenthepropertimecame.

"Apairofsilkstockings,thatprettycarvedfan,andalovelybluesash.Iwantedthevioletsilk,but thereisn't timetomakeitover,soImustbecontentedwithmyoldtarlaton."

"Itwilllookniceovermynewmuslinskirt,andthesashwillsetitoffbeautifully.IwishIhadn'tsmashedmycoralbracelet,foryoumighthavehadit,"saidJo,wholovedtogiveandlend,butwhosepossessionswereusuallytoodilapidatedtobeofmuchuse.

"There isa lovelyold-fashionedpearl set in the treasurechest,butMothersaidreal flowerswere theprettiestornamentforayounggirl,andLauriepromised tosendmeall Iwant," repliedMeg. "Now, letme see, there'smynewgraywalkingsuit,justcurlupthefeatherinmyhat,Beth,thenmypoplinforSundayandthesmall

party, it looks heavy for spring, doesn't it?The violet silkwould be so nice.Oh,dear!"

"Nevermind,you'vegotthetarlatonforthebigparty,andyoualwayslooklikeanangelinwhite,"saidAmy,broodingoverthelittlestoreoffineryinwhichhersouldelighted.

"Itisn'tlow-necked,anditdoesn'tsweepenough,butitwillhavetodo.Mybluehousedresslookssowell,turnedandfreshlytrimmed,thatIfeelasifI'dgotanewone.Mysilksacqueisn'tabitthefashion,andmybonnetdoesn'tlooklikeSallie's.Ididn't like to say anything, but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella. I toldMother blackwith awhite handle, but she forgot and bought a green onewith ayellowishhandle.It'sstrongandneat,soIoughtnottocomplain,butIknowIshallfeelashamedofitbesideAnnie'ssilkonewithagoldtop,"sighedMeg,surveyingthelittleumbrellawithgreatdisfavor.

"Changeit,"advisedJo.

"Iwon'tbesosilly,orhurtMarmee'sfeelings,whenshe tooksomuchpains togetmythings.It'sanonsensicalnotionofmine,andI'mnotgoingtogiveuptoit.Mysilkstockingsandtwopairsofnewglovesaremycomfort.Youareadeartolendmeyours,Jo.Ifeelsorichandsortofelegant,withtwonewpairs,andtheoldonescleanedupforcommon."AndMegtookarefreshingpeepatherglovebox.

"AnnieMoffathasblueandpinkbowsonhernightcaps.Wouldyouputsomeonmine?"sheasked,asBethbroughtupapileofsnowymuslins,freshfromHannah'shands.

"No, I wouldn't, for the smart caps won't match the plain gowns without anytrimmingonthem.Poorfolksshouldn'trig,"saidJodecidedly.

"Iwonder if I shall ever behappy enough to have real laceonmyclothes andbowsonmycaps?"saidMegimpatiently.

"You said the other day that you'd be perfectly happy if you could only go toAnnieMoffat's,"observedBethinherquietway.

"SoIdid!Well,Iamhappy,andIwon'tfret,butitdoesseemasifthemoreonegetsthemoreonewants,doesn'tit?Therenow,thetraysareready,andeverythinginbutmyballdress,whichIshallleaveforMothertopack,"saidMeg,cheeringup,as she glanced from the half-filled trunk to themany times pressed andmendedwhitetarlaton,whichshecalledher'balldress'withanimportantair.

Thenextdaywasfine,andMegdepartedinstyleforafortnightofnoveltyandpleasure. Mrs. March had consented to the visit rather reluctantly, fearing thatMargaret would come backmore discontented than she went. But she begged sohard,andSalliehadpromisedtotakegoodcareofher,andalittlepleasureseemedso delightful after a winter of irksome work that the mother yielded, and thedaughterwenttotakeherfirsttasteoffashionablelife.

TheMoffatswereveryfashionable,andsimpleMegwasratherdaunted,atfirst,bythesplendorofthehouseandtheeleganceofitsoccupants.Buttheywerekindlypeople, inspiteof thefrivolous life they led,andsoonput theirguestatherease.Perhaps Meg felt, without understanding why, that they were not particularlycultivatedorintelligentpeople,andthatalltheirgildingcouldnotquiteconcealtheordinary material of which they were made. It certainly was agreeable to faresumptuously,driveinafinecarriage,wearherbestfrockeveryday,anddonothingbutenjoyherself. It suitedherexactly, andsoonshebegan to imitate themannersand conversation of those about her, to put on little airs and graces, use Frenchphrases,crimpherhair, take inherdresses,and talkabout thefashionsaswellasshecould.ThemoreshesawofAnnieMoffat'sprettythings, themoresheenviedherandsighedtoberich.Homenowlookedbareanddismalasshethoughtofit,work grewharder than ever, and she felt that shewas a very destitute andmuch-injuredgirl,inspiteofthenewglovesandsilkstockings.

She had not much time for repining, however, for the three young girls werebusilyemployedin'havingagoodtime'.Theyshopped,walked,rode,andcalledallday,wenttotheatersandoperasorfrolickedathomeintheevening,forAnniehadmany friends and knew how to entertain them. Her older sisters were very fineyoungladies,andonewasengaged,whichwasextremelyinterestingandromantic,Megthought.Mr.Moffatwasafat, jollyoldgentleman,whoknewherfather,andMrs.Moffat,afat,jollyoldlady,whotookasgreatafancytoMegasherdaughterhaddone.Everyonepettedher,and'Daisey',astheycalledher,wasinafairwaytohaveherheadturned.

Whentheeveningforthesmallpartycame,shefoundthatthepoplinwouldn'tdoatall,fortheothergirlswereputtingonthindressesandmakingthemselvesveryfineindeed.Sooutcamethetarlatan,lookingolder,limper,andshabbierthaneverbesideSallie'scrispnewone.Megsawthegirlsglanceatitandthenatoneanother,andhercheeksbegan toburn, forwithallhergentlenessshewasveryproud.Noonesaidawordabout it,butSallieoffered todressherhair,andAnnie to tiehersash, andBelle, the engaged sister, praised herwhite arms. But in their kindnessMeg sawonlypity forherpoverty, andherheart felt veryheavyas she stoodbyherself,while the others laughed, chattered, and flew about like gauzy butterflies.

Thehard,bitterfeelingwasgettingprettybad,whenthemaidbroughtinaboxofflowers.Beforeshecouldspeak,Anniehadthecoveroff,andallwereexclaimingatthelovelyroses,heath,andfernwithin.

"It'sforBelle,ofcourse,Georgealwayssendshersome,butthesearealtogetherravishing,"criedAnnie,withagreatsniff.

"They are forMissMarch, the man said. And here's a note," put in the maid,holdingittoMeg.

"What fun!Who are they from?Didn't knowyou had a lover," cried the girls,flutteringaboutMeginahighstateofcuriosityandsurprise.

"Thenote is fromMother, and the flowers fromLaurie," saidMeg simply, yetmuchgratifiedthathehadnotforgottenher.

"Oh, indeed!" said Annie with a funny look, asMeg slipped the note into herpocketasasortoftalismanagainstenvy,vanity,andfalsepride,forthefewlovingwordshaddonehergood,andtheflowerscheeredherupbytheirbeauty.

Feeling almost happy again, she laid by a few ferns and roses for herself, andquicklymade up the rest in dainty bouquets for the breasts, hair, or skirts of herfriends, offering themsoprettily thatClara, the elder sister, toldher shewas 'thesweetest little thing she ever saw', and they looked quite charmedwith her smallattention.Somehowthekindactfinishedherdespondency,andwhenalltherestwenttoshowthemselvestoMrs.Moffat,shesawahappy,bright-eyedfaceinthemirror,asshelaidherfernsagainstherripplinghairandfastenedtherosesinthedressthatdidn'tstrikeherassoveryshabbynow.

Sheenjoyedherselfverymuchthatevening,forshedancedtoherheart'scontent.Everyonewasverykind,andshehadthreecompliments.Anniemadehersing,andsomeonesaidshehadaremarkablyfinevoice.MajorLincolnaskedwho'thefreshlittlegirlwiththebeautifuleyes'was,andMr.Moffatinsistedondancingwithherbecauseshe'didn'tdawdle,buthadsomespringinher',ashegracefullyexpressedit.Soaltogethershehadaverynicetime, tillsheoverheardabitofconversation,whichdisturbedherextremely.Shewassittingjustinsidetheconservatory,waitingforherpartnertobringheranice,whensheheardavoiceaskontheothersideoftheflowerywall...

"Howoldishe?"

"Sixteenorseventeen,Ishouldsay,"repliedanothervoice.

"Itwouldbeagrandthingforoneofthosegirls,wouldn'tit?Salliesaystheyareveryintimatenow,andtheoldmanquitedotesonthem."

"Mrs.M.hasmadeherplans,Idaresay,andwillplayhercardswell,earlyasitis.Thegirlevidentlydoesn'tthinkofityet,"saidMrs.Moffat.

"Shetoldthatfibabouthermomma,asifshedidknow,andcoloredupwhentheflowerscamequiteprettily.Poorthing!She'dbesoniceifshewasonlygotupinstyle. Do you think she'd be offended if we offered to lend her a dress forThursday?"askedanothervoice.

"She'sproud,butIdon'tbelieveshe'dmind,forthatdowdytarlatonisallshehasgot.Shemay tear it tonight, and thatwill be agoodexcuse foroffering adecentone."

Here Meg's partner appeared, to find her looking much flushed and ratheragitated.Shewasproud,andherpridewasusefuljustthen,forithelpedherhidehermortification, anger, and disgust at what she had just heard. For, innocent andunsuspiciousasshewas,shecouldnothelpunderstandingthegossipofherfriends.Shetriedtoforgetit,butcouldnot,andkeptrepeatingtoherself,"Mrs.M.hasmadeherplans,""thatfibabouthermamma,"and"dowdytarlaton,"tillshewasreadytocryandrushhometotellher troublesandaskforadvice.Asthatwasimpossible,shedidherbesttoseemgay,andbeingratherexcited,shesucceededsowellthatnoonedreamedwhataneffortshewasmaking.Shewasverygladwhenitwasalloverandshewasquiet inherbed,whereshecould thinkandwonderandfume tillherheadachedandherhotcheekswerecooledbyafewnaturaltears.Thosefoolish,yetwellmeantwords,hadopenedanewworldtoMeg,andmuchdisturbedthepeaceofthe old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child. Her innocentfriendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard. HerfaithinhermotherwasalittleshakenbytheworldlyplansattributedtoherbyMrs.Moffat,who judgedothers by herself, and the sensible resolution to be contentedwiththesimplewardrobewhichsuitedapoorman'sdaughterwasweakenedbytheunnecessarypityofgirlswhothoughtashabbydressoneofthegreatestcalamitiesunderheaven.

PoorMeg had a restless night, and got up heavy-eyed, unhappy, half resentfultowardher friends, andhalf ashamedof herself for not speakingout frankly andsettingeverythingright.Everybodydawdledthatmorning,anditwasnoonbeforethegirlsfoundenergyenougheventotakeuptheirworstedwork.SomethinginthemannerofherfriendsstruckMegatonce.Theytreatedherwithmorerespect,shethought,tookquiteatenderinterestinwhatshesaid,andlookedatherwitheyesthat

plainly betrayed curiosity.All this surprised and flattered her, though she did notunderstandittillMissBellelookedupfromherwriting,andsaid,withasentimentalair...

"Daisy, dear, I've sent an invitation toyour friend,Mr.Laurence, forThursday.Weshouldliketoknowhim,andit'sonlyapropercomplimenttoyou."

Megcolored,butamischievousfancytoteasethegirlsmadeherreplydemurely,"Youareverykind,butI'mafraidhewon'tcome."

"Whynot,Cherie?"askedMissBelle.

"He'stooold."

"Mychild,whatdoyoumean?Whatishisage,Ibegtoknow!"criedMissClara.

"Nearly seventy, I believe," answered Meg, counting stitches to hide themerrimentinhereyes.

"You sly creature!Of coursewemeant theyoungman," exclaimedMissBelle,laughing.

"Thereisn'tany,Laurieisonlyalittleboy."AndMeglaughedalsoat thequeerlookwhichthesistersexchangedasshethusdescribedhersupposedlover.

"Aboutyourage,"Nansaid.

"Nearer my sister Jo's; I am seventeen in August," returned Meg, tossing herhead.

"It's very nice of him to send you flowers, isn't it?" said Annie, looking wiseaboutnothing.

"Yes, heoftendoes, to all of us, for their house is full, andwe are so fondofthem.MymotherandoldMr.Laurencearefriends,youknow,soitisquitenaturalthatwechildrenshouldplaytogether,"andMeghopedtheywouldsaynomore.

"It'sevidentDaisyisn'toutyet,"saidMissClaratoBellewithanod.

"Quiteapastoralstateofinnocenceallround,"returnedMissBellewithashrug.

"I'mgoingouttogetsomelittlemattersformygirls.CanIdoanythingforyou,

youngladies?"askedMrs.Moffat,lumberinginlikeanelephantinsilkandlace.

"No,thankyou,ma'am,"repliedSallie."I'vegotmynewpinksilkforThursdayanddon'twantathing."

"Nor I..." beganMeg, but stopped because it occurred to her that she didwantseveralthingsandcouldnothavethem.

"Whatshallyouwear?"askedSallie.

"My oldwhite one again, if I canmend it fit to be seen, it got sadly torn lastnight,"saidMeg,tryingtospeakquiteeasily,butfeelingveryuncomfortable.

"Whydon'tyousendhomeforanother?"saidSallie,whowasnotanobservingyounglady.

"Ihaven'tgotanyother."ItcostMeganefforttosaythat,butSalliedidnotseeitandexclaimedinamiablesurprise,"Onlythat?Howfunny..."Shedidnotfinishherspeech,forBelleshookherheadatherandbrokein,sayingkindly...

"Not at all.Where is the use of having a lot of dresseswhen she isn't out yet?There's no need of sending home,Daisy, even if you had a dozen, for I've got asweetbluesilklaidaway,whichI'veoutgrown,andyoushallwearittopleaseme,won'tyou,dear?"

"You are very kind, but I don't mind my old dress if you don't, it does wellenoughforalittlegirllikeme,"saidMeg.

"Nowdoletmepleasemyselfbydressingyouupinstyle.Iadmiretodoit,andyou'dbea regular littlebeautywitha touchhereand there. Ishan't letanyoneseeyou till you are done, and then we'll burst upon them like Cinderella and hergodmothergoingtotheball,"saidBelleinherpersuasivetone.

Megcouldn'trefusetheoffersokindlymade,foradesiretoseeifshewouldbe'a little beauty' after touching up caused her to accept and forget all her formeruncomfortablefeelingstowardtheMoffats.

OntheThursdayevening,Belleshutherselfupwithhermaid,andbetweenthemthey turnedMeg intoa fine lady.Theycrimpedandcurledherhair, theypolishedherneckandarmswithsomefragrantpowder,touchedherlipswithcorallinesalvetomakethemredder,andHortensewouldhaveadded'asoupconofrouge',ifMeghadnotrebelled.Theylacedherintoasky-bluedress,whichwassotightshecould

hardly breathe and so low in the neck thatmodestMeg blushed at herself in themirror. A set of silver filagreewas added, bracelets, necklace, brooch, and evenearrings, forHortense tied themonwithabitofpink silkwhichdidnot show.Aclusteroftea-rosebudsatthebosom,andaruche,reconciledMegtothedisplayofher pretty,white shoulders, and a pair of high-heeled silk boots satisfied the lastwish of her heart.A lace handkerchief, a plumy fan, and a bouquet in a shoulderholderfinishedheroff,andMissBellesurveyedherwiththesatisfactionofalittlegirlwithanewlydresseddoll.

"Mademoiselleischarmante,tresjolie,isshenot?"criedHortense,claspingherhandsinanaffectedrapture.

"Comeandshowyourself,"saidMissBelle, leadingthewaytotheroomwheretheotherswerewaiting.

AsMegwentrustlingafter,withherlongskirtstrailing,herearringstinkling,hercurlswaving,andherheartbeating,shefeltasifherfunhadreallybegunatlast,forthemirrorhadplainlytoldherthatshewas'alittlebeauty'.Herfriendsrepeatedthepleasingphraseenthusiastically,andforseveralminutesshestood,likeajackdawinthe fable, enjoying her borrowed plumes,while the rest chattered like a party ofmagpies.

"While Idress,doyoudrillher,Nan, in themanagementofherskirtand thoseFrenchheels,orshewilltripherselfup.Takeyoursilverbutterfly,andcatchupthatlong curl on the left side of her head, Clara, and don't any of you disturb thecharmingworkofmyhands,"saidBelle,asshehurriedaway,lookingwellpleasedwithhersuccess.

"Youdon'tlookabitlikeyourself,butyouareverynice.I'mnowherebesideyou,forBellehasheapsoftaste,andyou'requiteFrench,Iassureyou.Letyourflowershang,don'tbesocarefulofthem,andbesureyoudon'ttrip,"returnedSallie,tryingnottocarethatMegwasprettierthanherself.

Keeping that warning carefully in mind, Margaret got safely down stairs andsailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests wereassembled.Sheverysoondiscoveredthatthereisacharmaboutfineclotheswhichattracts 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 notonlystared,butaskedtobeintroduced,andsaidallmanneroffoolishbutagreeablethingstoher,andseveraloldladies,whosatonthesofas,andcriticizedtherestof

theparty,inquiredwhoshewaswithanairofinterest.SheheardMrs.Moffatreplytooneofthem...

"Daisy March—father a colonel in the army—one of our first families, butreversesoffortune,youknow;intimatefriendsoftheLaurences;sweetcreature,Iassureyou;myNedisquitewildabouther."

"Dearme!"saidtheoldlady,puttingupherglassforanotherobservationofMeg,whotriedtolookasifshehadnotheardandbeenrathershockedatMrs.Moffat'sfibs.The'queerfeeling'didnotpassaway,butsheimaginedherselfactingthenewpartoffineladyandsogotonprettywell, thoughthetightdressgaveheraside-ache, the train kept getting under her feet, and she was in constant fear lest herearringsshouldflyoffandgetlostorbroken.Shewasflirtingherfanandlaughingatthefeeblejokesofayounggentlemanwhotriedtobewitty,whenshesuddenlystopped laughing and looked confused, for just opposite, she sawLaurie.Hewasstaring at her with undisguised surprise, and disapproval also, she thought, forthoughhebowedandsmiled,yetsomethinginhishonesteyesmadeherblushandwish she had her old dress on. To complete her confusion, she sawBelle nudgeAnnie, and both glance from her to Laurie, who, she was happy to see, lookedunusuallyboyishandshy.

"Silly creatures, to put such thoughts intomyhead. Iwon't care for it, or let itchangemeabit,"thoughtMeg,andrustledacrosstheroomtoshakehandswithherfriend.

"I'mgladyoucame,Iwasafraidyouwouldn't."shesaid,withhermostgrown-upair.

"Jowantedmetocome,andtellherhowyoulooked,soIdid,"answeredLaurie,withoutturninghiseyesuponher,thoughhehalfsmiledathermaternaltone.

"Whatshallyoutellher?"askedMeg,fullofcuriositytoknowhisopinionofher,yetfeelingillateasewithhimforthefirsttime.

"IshallsayIdidn'tknowyou,foryoulooksogrown-upandunlikeyourself,I'mquiteafraidofyou,"hesaid,fumblingathisglovebutton.

"How absurd of you! The girls dressed me up for fun, and I rather like it.Wouldn't Jo stare if she sawme?" saidMeg, bent onmakinghim saywhether hethoughtherimprovedornot.

"Yes,Ithinkshewould,"returnedLauriegravely.

"Don'tyoulikemeso?"askedMeg.

"No,Idon't,"wasthebluntreply.

"Whynot?"inananxioustone.

Heglancedatherfrizzledhead,bareshoulders,andfantasticallytrimmeddresswithanexpressionthatabashedhermorethanhisanswer,whichhadnotaparticleofhisusualpolitenessinit.

"Idon'tlikefussandfeathers."

Thatwasaltogethertoomuchfromaladyoungerthanherself,andMegwalkedaway,sayingpetulantly,"YouaretherudestboyIeversaw."

Feeling very much ruffled, she went and stood at a quiet window to cool hercheeks,forthetightdressgaveheranuncomfortablybrilliantcolor.Asshestoodthere, Major Lincoln passed by, and a minute after she heard him saying to hismother...

"Theyaremakingafoolofthatlittlegirl.Iwantedyoutoseeher,buttheyhavespoiledherentirely.She'snothingbutadolltonight."

"Oh,dear!"sighedMeg."IwishI'dbeensensibleandwornmyownthings,thenIshouldnothavedisgustedotherpeople, or felt souncomfortable and ashamedofmyself."

Sheleanedherforeheadonthecoolpane,andstoodhalfhiddenbythecurtains,never minding that her favorite waltz had begun, till some one touched her, andturning,shesawLaurie,lookingpenitent,ashesaid,withhisverybestbowandhishandout...

"Pleaseforgivemyrudeness,andcomeanddancewithme."

"I'mafraiditwillbetoodisagreeabletoyou,"saidMeg,tryingtolookoffendedandfailingentirely.

"Notabitofit,I'mdyingtodoit.Come,I'llbegood.Idon'tlikeyourgown,butIdo think you are just splendid." And he waved his hands, as if words failed toexpresshisadmiration.

Megsmiledandrelented,andwhisperedastheystoodwaitingtocatchthetime,

"Takecaremyskirtdoesn'ttripyouup.It'stheplagueofmylifeandIwasagoosetowearit."

"Pinitroundyourneck,andthenitwillbeuseful,"saidLaurie,lookingdownatthelittleblueboots,whichheevidentlyapprovedof.

Away theywent fleetly andgracefully, forhavingpracticed at home, theywerewell matched, and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as theytwirledmerrilyroundandround,feelingmorefriendlythaneveraftertheirsmalltiff.

"Laurie, Iwantyou todomeafavor,willyou?"saidMeg,ashestoodfanningherwhen her breath gave out,which it did very soon though shewould not ownwhy.

"Won'tI!"saidLaurie,withalacrity.

"Pleasedon'ttellthemathomeaboutmydresstonight.Theywon'tunderstandthejoke,anditwillworryMother."

"Thenwhydidyoudoit?"saidLaurie'seyes,soplainlythatMeghastilyadded...

"Ishalltellthemmyselfallaboutit,and'fess'toMotherhowsillyI'vebeen.ButI'dratherdoitmyself.Soyou'llnottell,willyou?"

"IgiveyoumywordIwon't,onlywhatshallIsaywhentheyaskme?"

"JustsayIlookedprettywellandwashavingagoodtime."

"I'llsaythefirstwithallmyheart,buthowabouttheother?Youdon'tlookasifyou were having a good time. Are you?" And Laurie looked at her with anexpressionwhichmadeheranswerinawhisper...

"No,not justnow.Don't thinkI'mhorrid.Ionlywanteda littlefun,but thissortdoesn'tpay,Ifind,andI'mgettingtiredofit."

"Here comes NedMoffat.What does he want?" said Laurie, knitting his blackbrowsasifhedidnotregardhisyounghostinthelightofapleasantadditiontotheparty.

"He put his name down for three dances, and I suppose he's coming for them.Whatabore!"saidMeg,assumingalanguidairwhichamusedLaurieimmensely.

He did not speak to her again till suppertime, when he saw her drinkingchampagnewithNedandhisfriendFisher,whowerebehaving'likeapairoffools',as Laurie said to himself, for he felt a brotherly sort of right to watch over theMarchesandfighttheirbattleswheneveradefenderwasneeded.

"You'llhaveasplittingheadachetomorrow,ifyoudrinkmuchofthat.Iwouldn't,Meg,yourmotherdoesn'tlikeit,youknow,"hewhispered,leaningoverherchair,asNedturnedtorefillherglassandFisherstoopedtopickupherfan.

"I'mnotMegtonight,I'm'adoll'whodoesallsortsofcrazythings.TomorrowIshallputawaymy'fussandfeathers'andbedesperatelygoodagain,"sheansweredwithanaffectedlittlelaugh.

"Wishtomorrowwashere,then,"mutteredLaurie,walkingoff,ill-pleasedatthechangehesawinher.

Megdancedandflirted,chatteredandgiggled,astheothergirlsdid.Aftersuppersheundertook theGerman, andblundered through it, nearlyupsettingherpartnerwithherlongskirt,andrompinginawaythatscandalizedLaurie,wholookedonandmeditatedalecture.Buthegotnochancetodeliverit,forMegkeptawayfromhimtillhecametosaygoodnight.

"Remember!" she said, trying to smile, for the splitting headache had alreadybegun.

"Silence a la mort," replied Laurie, with a melodramatic flourish, as he wentaway.

ThislittlebitofbyplayexcitedAnnie'scuriosity,butMegwastootiredforgossipand went to bed, feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and hadn't enjoyedherselfasmuchassheexpected.Shewassickallthenextday,andonSaturdaywenthome,quiteusedupwithherfortnight'sfunandfeelingthatshehad'satinthelapofluxury'longenough.

"Itdoesseempleasanttobequiet,andnothavecompanymannersonallthetime.Homeisaniceplace,thoughitisn'tsplendid,"saidMeg,lookingaboutherwitharestfulexpression,asshesatwithhermotherandJoontheSundayevening.

"I'mglad tohearyousay so,dear, for Iwasafraidhomewould seemdull andpoortoyouafteryourfinequarters,"repliedhermother,whohadgivenhermanyanxiouslooksthatday.Formotherlyeyesarequicktoseeanychangeinchildren'sfaces.

Meghadtoldheradventuresgaylyandsaidoverandoverwhatacharmingtimeshe had had, but something still seemed toweigh upon her spirits, andwhen theyoungergirlsweregonetobed,shesatthoughtfullystaringatthefire,sayinglittleandlookingworried.AstheclockstrucknineandJoproposedbed,Megsuddenlyleft her chair and, taking Beth's stool, leaned her elbows on her mother's knee,sayingbravely...

"Marmee,Iwantto'fess'."

"Ithoughtso.Whatisit,dear?"

"ShallIgoaway?"askedJodiscreetly.

"Ofcoursenot.Don'tIalwaystellyoueverything?Iwasashamedtospeakofitbeforetheyoungerchildren,butIwantyoutoknowallthedreadfulthingsIdidattheMoffats'."

"Weareprepared,"saidMrs.March,smilingbutlookingalittleanxious.

"I told you they dressed me up, but I didn't tell you that they powdered andsqueezed and frizzled, and made me look like a fashion-plate. Laurie thought Iwasn'tproper.Iknowhedid,thoughhedidn'tsayso,andonemancalledme'adoll'.Iknewitwassilly,but theyflatteredmeandsaidIwasabeauty,andquantitiesofnonsense,soIletthemmakeafoolofme."

"Isthatall?"askedJo,asMrs.Marchlookedsilentlyatthedowncastfaceofherprettydaughter,andcouldnotfinditinherhearttoblameherlittlefollies.

"No, I drank champagne and romped and tried to flirt, and was altogetherabominable,"saidMegself-reproachfully.

"There is somethingmore, I think."AndMrs.March smoothed the soft cheek,whichsuddenlygrewrosyasMegansweredslowly...

"Yes.It'sverysilly,butIwanttotellit,becauseIhatetohavepeoplesayandthinksuchthingsaboutusandLaurie."

ThenshetoldthevariousbitsofgossipshehadheardattheMoffats',andasshespoke,Josawhermotherfoldherlipstightly,asifillpleasedthatsuchideasshouldbeputintoMeg'sinnocentmind.

"Well, if that isn't thegreatest rubbishIeverheard,"criedJo indignantly."Whydidn'tyoupopoutandtellthemsoonthespot?"

"Icouldn't,itwassoembarrassingforme.Icouldn'thelphearingatfirst,andthenIwassoangryandashamed,Ididn'trememberthatIoughttogoaway."

"JustwaittillIseeAnnieMoffat,andI'llshowyouhowtosettlesuchridiculousstuff.Theideaofhaving'plans'andbeingkindtoLauriebecausehe'srichandmaymarryusby-and-by!Won'theshoutwhenItellhimwhatthosesillythingssayaboutuspoorchildren?"AndJolaughed,asifonsecondthoughtsthethingstruckherasagoodjoke.

"Ifyou tellLaurie, I'llnever forgiveyou!Shemustn't,must she,Mother?" saidMeg,lookingdistressed.

"No,neverrepeatthatfoolishgossip,andforgetitassoonasyoucan,"saidMrs.Marchgravely."IwasveryunwisetoletyougoamongpeopleofwhomIknowso

little, kind, I dare say, but worldly, ill-bred, and full of these vulgar ideas aboutyoungpeople. I ammore sorry than I can express for themischief thisvisitmayhavedoneyou,Meg."

"Don'tbesorry,Iwon'tletithurtme.I'llforgetallthebadandrememberonlythegood,forIdidenjoyagreatdeal,andthankyouverymuchforlettingmego.I'llnotbesentimentalordissatisfied,Mother.IknowI'masillylittlegirl,andI'llstaywithyoutillI'mfittotakecareofmyself.Butitisnicetobepraisedandadmired,andIcan'thelpsayingIlikeit,"saidMeg,lookinghalfashamedoftheconfession.

"That is perfectly natural, and quite harmless, if the liking does not become apassionandleadonetodofoolishorunmaidenlythings.Learntoknowandvaluethepraisewhichisworthhaving,andtoexcitetheadmirationofexcellentpeoplebybeingmodestaswellaspretty,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 seeMegblushingandtalkingaboutadmiration,lovers,andthingsofthatsort.AndJofeltasifduring that fortnighther sisterhadgrownupamazingly,andwasdriftingawayfromherintoaworldwhereshecouldnotfollow.

"Mother,doyouhave'plans',asMrs.Moffatsaid?"askedMegbashfully.

"Yes,my dear, I have a greatmany, allmothers do, butmine differ somewhatfromMrs.Moffat's, Isuspect. Iwill tellyousomeof them,for the timehascomewhenawordmayset this romantic littleheadandheartofyours right,onaveryserious subject. You are young, Meg, but not too young to understand me, andmothers' lipsare thefittest tospeakofsuch things togirls likeyou.Jo,your turnwill come in time,perhaps, so listen tomy 'plans' andhelpmecarry themout, iftheyaregood."

Jowentandsatononearmofthechair,lookingasifshethoughttheywereaboutto join insomeverysolemnaffair.Holdingahandofeach,andwatching the twoyoungfaceswistfully,Mrs.Marchsaid,inherseriousyetcheeryway...

"Iwantmy daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good.To be admired,loved,andrespected.Tohaveahappyyouth,tobewellandwiselymarried,andtoleaduseful,pleasantlives,withaslittlecareandsorrowtotrythemasGodseesfittosend.Tobelovedandchosenbyagoodmanisthebestandsweetestthingwhichcan happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautifulexperience.Itisnaturaltothinkofit,Meg,righttohopeandwaitforit,andwiseto

prepareforit,sothatwhenthehappytimecomes,youmayfeelreadyforthedutiesandworthyof thejoy.Mydeargirls, Iamambitiousforyou,butnot tohaveyoumake adash in theworld,marry richmenmerelybecause they are rich, or havesplendidhouses,whicharenothomesbecauseloveiswanting.Moneyisaneedfulandpreciousthing,andwhenwellused,anoblething,butIneverwantyoutothinkitisthefirstoronlyprizetostrivefor.I'dratherseeyoupoormen'swives,ifyouwere happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect andpeace."

"Poor girls don't stand any chance, Belle says, unless they put themselvesforward,"sighedMeg.

"Thenwe'llbeoldmaids,"saidJostoutly.

"Right,Jo.Betterbehappyoldmaids thanunhappywives,orunmaidenlygirls,running about to find husbands," saidMrs. March decidedly. "Don't be troubled,Meg, poverty seldomdaunts a sincere lover. Some of the best andmost honoredwomenIknowwerepoorgirls,butsolove-worthythattheywerenotallowedtobeoldmaids.Leavethesethingstotime.Makethishomehappy,sothatyoumaybefitforhomesofyourown,iftheyareofferedyou,andcontentedhereiftheyarenot.Onethingremember,mygirls.Motherisalwaysreadytobeyourconfidant,Fathertobeyourfriend,andbothofushopeandtrustthatourdaughters,whethermarriedorsingle,willbetheprideandcomfortofourlives."

"Wewill,Marmee,wewill!" cried both,with all their hearts, as she bade themgoodnight.

CHAPTERTEN

THEP.C.ANDP.O.

As spring came on, a new set of amusements became the fashion, and thelengtheningdaysgavelongafternoonsforworkandplayofallsorts.Thegardenhadtobeputinorder,andeachsisterhadaquarterofthelittleplottodowhatshelikedwith.Hannahusedtosay,"I'dknowwhicheachofthemgardingsbelongedto,efIsee'eminChiny,"andsoshemight,forthegirls'tastesdifferedasmuchastheircharacters.Meg'shadrosesandheliotrope,myrtle,andalittleorangetreeinit.Jo'sbedwasneveraliketwoseasons,forshewasalwaystryingexperiments.Thisyearit

wastobeaplantationofsunflowers,theseedsofwhichcheerfullandaspiringplantwere to feed Aunt Cockle-top and her family of chicks. Beth had old-fashionedfragrantflowersinhergarden,sweetpeasandmignonette,larkspur,pinks,pansies,andsouthernwood,withchickweedforthebirdsandcatnipforthepussies.Amyhada bower in hers, rather small and earwiggy, but very pretty to look at, withhoneysuckleandmorning-glorieshangingtheircoloredhornsandbellsingracefulwreathsalloverit,tallwhitelilies,delicateferns,andasmanybrilliant,picturesqueplantsaswouldconsenttoblossomthere.

Gardening,walks, rowson the river, and flowerhunts employed the finedays,andforrainyones,theyhadhousediversions,someold,somenew,allmoreorlessoriginal.Oneofthesewasthe'P.C.',forassecretsocietieswerethefashion,itwasthought proper to have one, and as all of the girls admiredDickens, they calledthemselvesthePickwickClub.Withafewinterruptions,theyhadkeptthisupforayear, and met every Saturday evening in the big garret, on which occasions theceremonieswereasfollows:Threechairswerearrangedinarowbeforeatableonwhichwas a lamp, also fourwhitebadges,with abig 'P.C.' indifferent colorsoneach, and the weekly newspaper called, The Pickwick Portfolio, to which allcontributed something,while Jo,who reveled in pens and ink,was the editor.Atseveno'clock,thefourmembersascendedtotheclubroom,tiedtheirbadgesroundtheirheads,andtooktheirseatswithgreatsolemnity.Meg,astheeldest,wasSamuelPickwick,Jo,beingofa literary turn,AugustusSnodgrass,Beth,becauseshewasround and rosy,TracyTupman, andAmy,whowas always trying to dowhat shecouldn't,wasNathanielWinkle.Pickwick, thepresident, read thepaper,whichwasfilled with original tales, poetry, local news, funny advertisements, and hints, inwhich theygood-naturedlyremindedeachotherof their faultsandshortcomings.Ononeoccasion,Mr.Pickwickputonapairofspectacleswithoutanyglass,rappeduponthetable,hemmed,andhavingstaredhardatMr.Snodgrass,whowastiltingbackinhischair,tillhearrangedhimselfproperly,begantoread:

_________________________________________________

"THEPICKWICKPORTFOLIO"

MAY20,18—

POET'SCORNER

ANNIVERSARYODE

Againwemeettocelebrate

Withbadgeandsolemnrite,

Ourfifty-secondanniversary,

InPickwickHall,tonight.

Weallarehereinperfecthealth,

Nonegonefromoursmallband:

Againweseeeachwell-knownface,

Andpresseachfriendlyhand.

OurPickwick,alwaysathispost,

Withreverencewegreet,

As,spectaclesonnose,hereads

Ourwell-filledweeklysheet.

Althoughhesuffersfromacold,

Wejoytohearhimspeak,

Forwordsofwisdomfromhimfall,

Inspiteofcroakorsqueak.

Oldsix-footSnodgrassloomsonhigh,

Withelephantinegrace,

Andbeamsuponthecompany,

Withbrownandjovialface.

Poeticfirelightsuphiseye,

Hestruggles'gainsthislot.

Beholdambitiononhisbrow,

Andonhisnose,ablot.

NextourpeacefulTupmancomes,

Sorosy,plump,andsweet,

Whochokeswithlaughteratthepuns,

Andtumblesoffhisseat.

PrimlittleWinkletooishere,

Witheveryhairinplace,

Amodelofpropriety,

Thoughhehatestowashhisface.

Theyearisgone,westillunite

Tojokeandlaughandread,

Andtreadthepathofliterature

Thatdothtoglorylead.

Longmayourpaperprosperwell,

Ourclubunbrokenbe,

Andcomingyearstheirblessingspour

Ontheuseful,gay'P.C.'.

A.SNODGRASS

________

THEMASKEDMARRIAGE

(ATaleOfVenice)

Gondolaaftergondolasweptuptothemarble

steps,andleftitslovelyloadtoswellthe

brilliantthrongthatfilledthestatelyhallsofCount

Adelon.Knightsandladies,elvesandpages,monks

andflowergirls,allmingledgailyinthedance.

Sweetvoicesandrichmelodyfilledtheair,andso

withmirthandmusicthemasqueradewenton.

"HasyourHighnessseentheLadyViolatonight?"

askedagallanttroubadourofthefairyqueenwho

floateddownthehalluponhisarm.

"Yes,isshenotlovely,thoughsosad!Her

dressiswellchosen,too,forinaweeksheweds

CountAntonio,whomshepassionatelyhates."

"Bymyfaith,Ienvyhim.Yonderhecomes,

arrayedlikeabridegroom,excepttheblackmask.

Whenthatisoffweshallseehowheregardsthe

fairmaidwhosehearthecannotwin,thoughher

sternfatherbestowsherhand,"returnedthetroubadour.

"TiswhisperedthatshelovestheyoungEnglish

artistwhohauntshersteps,andisspurnedbythe

oldCount,"saidthelady,astheyjoinedthedance.

Therevelwasatitsheightwhenapriest

appeared,andwithdrawingtheyoungpairtoanalcove,

hungwithpurplevelvet,hemotionedthemtokneel.

Instantsilencefellonthegaythrong,andnota

sound,butthedashoffountainsortherustleof

orangegrovessleepinginthemoonlight,brokethe

hush,asCountdeAdelonspokethus:

"Mylordsandladies,pardontherusebywhich

Ihavegatheredyouheretowitnessthemarriageof

mydaughter.Father,wewaityourservices."

Alleyesturnedtowardthebridalparty,anda

murmurofamazementwentthroughthethrong,for

neitherbridenorgroomremovedtheirmasks.Curiosity

andwonderpossessedallhearts,butrespectrestrained

alltonguestilltheholyritewasover.Thenthe

eagerspectatorsgatheredroundthecount,demanding

anexplanation.

"GladlywouldIgiveitifIcould,butIonly

knowthatitwasthewhimofmytimidViola,andI

yieldedtoit.Now,mychildren,lettheplayend.

Unmaskandreceivemyblessing."

Butneitherbenttheknee,fortheyoungbridegroom

repliedinatonethatstartledalllisteners

asthemaskfell,disclosingthenoblefaceofFerdinand

Devereux,theartistlover,andleaningonthe

breastwherenowflashedthestarofanEnglishearl

wasthelovelyViola,radiantwithjoyandbeauty.

"Mylord,youscornfullybademeclaimyour

daughterwhenIcouldboastashighanameandvasta

fortuneastheCountAntonio.Icandomore,foreven

yourambitioussoulcannotrefusetheEarlofDevereux

andDeVere,whenhegiveshisancientnameandboundless

wealthinreturnforthebelovedhandofthisfairlady,

nowmywife."

Thecountstoodlikeonechangedtostone,and

turningtothebewilderedcrowd,Ferdinandadded,with

agaysmileoftriumph,"Toyou,mygallantfriends,I

canonlywishthatyourwooingmayprosperasminehas

done,andthatyoumayallwinasfairabrideasIhave

bythismaskedmarriage."

S.PICKWICK

WhyistheP.C.liketheTowerofBabel?

Itisfullofunrulymembers.

________

THEHISTORYOFASQUASH

Onceuponatimeafarmerplantedalittleseed

inhisgarden,andafterawhileitsproutedandbecame

avineandboremanysquashes.OnedayinOctober,

whentheywereripe,hepickedoneandtookit

tomarket.Agrocermanboughtandputitinhisshop.

Thatsamemorning,alittlegirlinabrownhat

andbluedress,witharoundfaceandsnubnose,went

andboughtitforhermother.Sheluggedithome,cut

itup,andboileditinthebigpot,mashedsomeofit

withsaltandbutter,fordinner.Andtotherestsheadded

apintofmilk,twoeggs,fourspoonsofsugar,nutmeg,

andsomecrackers,putitinadeepdish,andbakedit

tillitwasbrownandnice,andnextdayitwaseaten

byafamilynamedMarch.

T.TUPMAN

________

Mr.Pickwick,Sir:—

Iaddressyouuponthesubjectofsinthesinner

ImeanisamannamedWinklewhomakestroubleinhis

clubbylaughingandsometimeswon'twritehispiecein

thisfinepaperIhopeyouwillpardonhisbadnessand

lethimsendaFrenchfablebecausehecan'twriteout

ofhisheadashehassomanylessonstodoandnobrains

infutureIwilltrytotaketimebythefetlockand

preparesomeworkwhichwillbeallcommylafothat

meansallrightIaminhasteasitisnearlyschool

time.

Yoursrespectably,

N.WINKLE

[Theaboveisamanlyandhandsomeacknowledgmentofpast

misdemeanors.Ifouryoungfriendstudiedpunctuation,it

wouldbewell.]

________

ASADACCIDENT

OnFridaylast,wewerestartledbyaviolentshock

inourbasement,followedbycriesofdistress.

Onrushinginabodytothecellar,wediscoveredourbeloved

Presidentprostrateuponthefloor,havingtrippedand

fallenwhilegettingwoodfordomesticpurposes.Aperfect

sceneofruinmetoureyes,forinhisfallMr.Pickwick

hadplungedhisheadandshouldersintoatubofwater,

upsetakegofsoftsoapuponhismanlyform,andtorn

hisgarmentsbadly.Onbeingremovedfromthisperilous

situation,itwasdiscoveredthathehadsuffered

noinjurybutseveralbruises,andwearehappytoadd,

isnowdoingwell.

ED.

________

THEPUBLICBEREAVEMENT

Itisourpainfuldutytorecordthesuddenand

mysteriousdisappearanceofourcherishedfriend,Mrs.

SnowballPatPaw.Thislovelyandbelovedcatwasthe

petofalargecircleofwarmandadmiringfriends;for

herbeautyattractedalleyes,hergracesandvirtues

endearedhertoallhearts,andherlossisdeeplyfelt

bythewholecommunity.

Whenlastseen,shewassittingatthegate,watching

thebutcher'scart,anditisfearedthatsomevillain,

temptedbyhercharms,baselystoleher.Weekshavepassed,

butnotraceofherhasbeendiscovered,andwerelinquish

allhope,tieablackribbontoherbasket,setasideher

dish,andweepforherasonelosttousforever.

________

Asympathizingfriendsendsthefollowinggem:

ALAMENT

(FORS.B.PATPAW)

Wemournthelossofourlittlepet,

Andsigho'erherhaplessfate,

Fornevermorebythefireshe'llsit,

Norplaybytheoldgreengate.

Thelittlegravewhereherinfantsleeps

Is'neaththechestnuttree.

Buto'erhergravewemaynotweep,

Weknownotwhereitmaybe.

Heremptybed,heridleball,

Willneverseehermore;

Nogentletap,nolovingpurr

Isheardattheparlordoor.

Anothercatcomesafterhermice,

Acatwithadirtyface,

Butshedoesnothuntasourdarlingdid,

Norplaywithherairygrace.

Herstealthypawstreadtheveryhall

WhereSnowballusedtoplay,

Butsheonlyspitsatthedogsourpet

Sogallantlydroveaway.

Sheisusefulandmild,anddoesherbest,

Butsheisnotfairtosee,

Andwecannotgiveheryourplacedear,

Norworshipherasweworshipthee.

A.S.

________

ADVERTISEMENTS

MISSORANTHYBLUGGAGE,theaccomplished

strong-mindedlecturer,willdeliverher

famouslectureon"WOMANANDHERPOSITION"

atPickwickHall,nextSaturdayEvening,

aftertheusualperformances.

AWEEKLYMEETINGwillbeheldatKitchen

Place,toteachyoungladieshowtocook.

HannahBrownwillpreside,andallare

invitedtoattend.

TheDUSTPANSOCIETYwillmeetonWednesday

next,andparadeintheupperstoryofthe

ClubHouse.Allmemberstoappearinuniform

andshouldertheirbroomsatnineprecisely.

Mrs.BETHBOUNCERwillopenhernew

assortmentofDoll'sMillinerynextweek.

ThelatestParisfashionshavearrived,

andordersarerespectfullysolicited.

ANEWPLAYwillappearattheBarnville

Theatre,inthecourseofafewweeks,which

willsurpassanythingeverseenontheAmericanstage.

"TheGreekSlave,orConstantinetheAvenger,"isthename

ofthisthrillingdrama!!!

HINTS

IfS.P.didn'tusesomuchsoaponhishands,

hewouldn'talwaysbelateatbreakfast.A.S.

isrequestednottowhistleinthestreet.T.T.

pleasedon'tforgetAmy'snapkin.N.W.must

notfretbecausehisdresshasnotninetucks.

WEEKLYREPORT

Meg—Good.

Jo—Bad.

Beth—VeryGood.

Amy—Middling.

_________________________________________________

As the President finished reading the paper (which I beg leave to assure myreadersisabonafidecopyofonewrittenbybonafidegirlsonceuponatime),aroundofapplausefollowed,andthenMr.Snodgrassrosetomakeaproposition.

"Mr.Presidentandgentlemen,"hebegan,assumingaparliamentaryattitudeandtone,"Iwishtoproposetheadmissionofanewmember—onewhohighlydeservesthehonor,wouldbedeeplygratefulforit,andwouldaddimmenselytothespiritoftheclub,theliteraryvalueofthepaper,andbenoendjollyandnice.IproposeMr.TheodoreLaurenceasanhonorarymemberoftheP.C.Comenow,dohavehim."

Jo's suddenchangeof tonemade thegirls laugh,butall looked ratheranxious,andnoonesaidawordasSnodgrasstookhisseat.

"We'llputit toavote,"saidthePresident."All infavorofthismotionpleasetomanifestitbysaying,'Aye'."

A loud response fromSnodgrass, followed, toeverybody's surprise,bya timidonefromBeth.

"Contrary-mindedsay,'No'."

Meg and Amy were contrary-minded, and Mr. Winkle rose to say with greatelegance, "We don't wish any boys, they only joke and bounce about. This is aladies'club,andwewishtobeprivateandproper."

"I'm afraid he'll laugh at our paper, and make fun of us afterward," observedPickwick,pullingthelittlecurlonherforehead,asshealwaysdidwhendoubtful.

Up rose Snodgrass, very much in earnest. "Sir, I give you my word as agentleman,Lauriewon'tdoanythingofthesort.Helikestowrite,andhe'llgiveatonetoourcontributionsandkeepusfrombeingsentimental,don'tyousee?Wecandoso little forhim,andhedoessomuch forus, I think the leastwecando is toofferhimaplacehere,andmakehimwelcomeifhecomes."

ThisartfulallusiontobenefitsconferredbroughtTupmantohisfeet,lookingasifhehadquitemadeuphismind.

"Yes;weoughttodoit,evenifweareafraid.Isayhemaycome,andhisgrandpa,too,ifhelikes."

This spirited burst fromBeth electrified the club, and Jo left her seat to shakehandsapprovingly."Nowthen,voteagain.Everybodyrememberit'sourLaurie,andsay,'Aye!'"criedSnodgrassexcitedly.

"Aye!Aye!Aye!"repliedthreevoicesatonce.

"Good! Bless you!Now, as there's nothing like 'taking time by the fetlock', asWinklecharacteristicallyobserves,allowme topresent thenewmember."And, tothe dismay of the rest of the club, Jo threw open the door of the closet, anddisplayed Laurie sitting on a rag bag, flushed and twinkling with suppressedlaughter.

"Yourogue!Youtraitor!Jo,howcouldyou?"criedthethreegirls,asSnodgrassledherfriendtriumphantlyforth,andproducingbothachairandabadge,installedhiminajiffy.

"Thecoolnessofyoutworascalsisamazing,"beganMr.Pickwick,tryingtogetupanawfulfrownandonlysucceedinginproducinganamiablesmile.Butthenewmemberwasequaltotheoccasion,andrising,withagratefulsalutationtotheChair,said in the most engaging manner, "Mr. President and ladies—I beg pardon,gentlemen—allowmetointroducemyselfasSamWeller,theveryhumbleservantoftheclub."

"Good!Good!" cried Jo, poundingwith the handle of the oldwarming pan onwhichsheleaned.

"Myfaithfulfriendandnoblepatron,"continuedLauriewithawaveofthehand,"whohassoflatteringlypresentedme,isnottobeblamedforthebasestratagemoftonight.Iplannedit,andsheonlygaveinafterlotsofteasing."

"Come now, don't lay it all on yourself. You know I proposed the cupboard,"brokeinSnodgrass,whowasenjoyingthejokeamazingly.

"Nevermindwhatshesays.I'mthewretchthatdidit,sir,"saidthenewmember,withaWelleresquenodtoMr.Pickwick."Butonmyhonor,Ineverwilldosoagain,andhenceforthdevotemyselftotheinterestofthisimmortalclub."

"Hear!Hear!"criedJo,clashingthelidofthewarmingpanlikeacymbal.

"Goon,goon!"addedWinkleandTupman,whilethePresidentbowedbenignly.

"Imerelywish tosay, thatasaslight tokenofmygratitudefor thehonordoneme, and as ameans of promoting friendly relations between adjoining nations, Ihave set up a post office in the hedge in the lower corner of the garden, a fine,spaciousbuildingwithpadlocksonthedoorsandeveryconvenienceforthemails,also thefemales, if Imaybeallowedtheexpression. It's theoldmartinhouse,butI'vestoppedupthedoorandmadetheroofopen,soitwillholdallsortsofthings,andsaveourvaluabletime.Letters,manuscripts,books,andbundlescanbepassedinthere,andaseachnationhasakey,itwillbeuncommonlynice,Ifancy.Allowmetopresenttheclubkey,andwithmanythanksforyourfavor,takemyseat."

GreatapplauseasMr.Wellerdepositedalittlekeyonthetableandsubsided,thewarmingpanclashedandwavedwildly,anditwassometimebeforeordercouldberestored. A long discussion followed, and everyone came out surprising, foreveryonedidherbest.Soitwasanunusuallylivelymeeting,anddidnotadjourntillalatehour,whenitbrokeupwiththreeshrillcheersforthenewmember.

Nooneever regretted theadmittanceofSamWeller, foramoredevoted,well-behaved,andjovialmembernoclubcouldhave.Hecertainlydidadd'spirit'tothemeetings, and 'a tone' to thepaper, forhisorations convulsedhishearers andhiscontributions were excellent, being patriotic, classical, comical, or dramatic, butnever sentimental. Jo regarded themasworthyofBacon,Milton,orShakespeare,andremodeledherownworkswithgoodeffect,shethought.

TheP.O.wasacapitallittleinstitution,andflourishedwonderfully,fornearlyasmanyqueerthingspassedthroughitasthroughtherealpostoffice.Tragediesandcravats,poetryandpickles,gardenseedsand long letters,musicandgingerbread,rubbers, invitations, scoldings, andpuppies.Theold gentleman liked the fun, andamused himself by sending odd bundles, mysterious messages, and funnytelegrams,andhisgardener,whowassmittenwithHannah'scharms,actuallysentalovelettertoJo'scare.Howtheylaughedwhenthesecretcameout,neverdreaminghowmanylovelettersthatlittlepostofficewouldholdintheyearstocome.

CHAPTERELEVEN

EXPERIMENTS

"The first of June! TheKings are off to the seashore tomorrow, and I'm free.Threemonths'vacation—howIshallenjoyit!"exclaimedMeg,cominghomeonewarmdaytofindJolaiduponthesofainanunusualstateofexhaustion,whileBethtookoffherdustyboots,andAmymadelemonadefortherefreshmentofthewholeparty.

"AuntMarchwenttoday,forwhich,oh,bejoyful!"saidJo."Iwasmortallyafraidshe'daskmetogowithher.Ifshehad,IshouldhavefeltasifIoughttodoit,butPlumfieldisaboutasgayasachurchyard,youknow,andI'dratherbeexcused.Wehadaflurrygettingtheoldladyoff,andIhadafrighteverytimeshespoketome,forIwasinsuchahurrytobethroughthatIwasuncommonlyhelpfulandsweet,andfearedshe'dfinditimpossibletopartfromme.Iquakedtillshewasfairlyinthecarriage,andhadafinalfright,forasitdroveof,shepoppedoutherhead,saying,'Josyphine,won'tyou—?'Ididn'thearanymore,forIbaselyturnedandfled.Ididactuallyrun,andwhiskedroundthecornerwhereIfeltsafe."

"PooroldJo!Shecameinlookingasifbearswereafterher,"saidBeth,asshecuddledhersister'sfeetwithamotherlyair.

"Aunt March is a regular samphire, is she not?" observed Amy, tasting hermixturecritically.

"She means vampire, not seaweed, but it doesn't matter. It's too warm to beparticularaboutone'spartsofspeech,"murmuredJo.

"Whatshallyoudoallyourvacation?"askedAmy,changingthesubjectwithtact.

"Ishalllieabedlate,anddonothing,"repliedMeg,fromthedepthsoftherockingchair."I'vebeenroutedupearlyallwinterandhad tospendmydaysworkingforotherpeople,sonowI'mgoingtorestandreveltomyheart'scontent."

"No,"saidJo,"thatdozywaywouldn'tsuitme.I'velaidinaheapofbooks,andI'mgoingtoimprovemyshininghoursreadingonmyperchintheoldappletree,whenI'mnothavingl——"

"Don'tsay'larks!'"imploredAmy,asareturnsnubforthe'samphire'correction.

"I'llsay'nightingales'then,withLaurie.That'sproperandappropriate,sincehe'sawarbler."

"Don'tletusdoanylessons,Beth,forawhile,butplayallthetimeandrest,asthegirlsmeanto,"proposedAmy.

"Well, Iwill, ifMother doesn'tmind. Iwant to learn somenew songs, andmychildrenneedfittingupforthesummer.Theyaredreadfullyoutoforderandreallysufferingforclothes."

"Maywe,Mother?"askedMeg, turning toMrs.March,whosat sewing inwhattheycalled'Marmee'scorner'.

"Youmay try your experiment for a week and see how you like it. I think bySaturdaynightyouwillfindthatallplayandnoworkisasbadasallworkandnoplay."

"Oh,dear,no!Itwillbedelicious,I'msure,"saidMegcomplacently.

"Inowproposeatoast,asmy'friendandpardner,SairyGamp',says.Funforever,andnogrubbing!"criedJo,rising,glassinhand,asthelemonadewentround.

Theyalldrank itmerrily,andbegan theexperimentby loungingfor therestoftheday.Nextmorning,Megdidnotappeartillteno'clock.Hersolitarybreakfastdidnot taste good, and the room seemed lonely and untidy, for Jo had not filled thevases,Bethhadnotdusted,andAmy'sbookslayscatteredabout.Nothingwasneatand pleasant but 'Marmee's corner',which looked as usual.And thereMeg sat, to'restand read',whichmeant toyawnand imaginewhatprettysummerdressesshewould getwith her salary. Jo spent themorning on the riverwithLaurie and theafternoonreadingandcryingoverTheWide,WideWorld,upintheappletree.Bethbeganbyrummagingeverythingoutofthebigclosetwhereherfamilyresided,butgettingtiredbeforehalfdone,sheleftherestablishmenttopsy-turvyandwenttohermusic, rejoicing that shehadnodishes towash.Amyarrangedherbower,putonher best white frock, smoothed her curls, and sat down to draw under thehoneysuckle,hopingsomeonewouldseeandinquirewhotheyoungartistwas.Asno one appeared but an inquisitive daddy-longlegs,who examined herworkwithinterest,shewenttowalk,gotcaughtinashower,andcamehomedripping.

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 itwouldn'twash,whichmishapmadeherslightlycross.Johadburnedtheskinoffhernoseboating,andgotaragingheadachebyreadingtoolong.Bethwasworriedbytheconfusionofherclosetandthedifficultyoflearningthreeorfoursongsatonce,andAmydeeplyregrettedthedamagedoneherfrock,forKatyBrown'spartywasto be the next day and now like FloraMcFlimsey, she had 'nothing towear'. Butthese were mere trifles, and they assured their mother that the experiment was

workingfinely.Shesmiled,saidnothing,andwithHannah'shelpdidtheirneglectedwork,keepinghomepleasantandthedomesticmachineryrunningsmoothly.Itwasastonishingwhatapeculiaranduncomfortablestateofthingswasproducedbythe'restingandreveling'process.Thedayskeptgettinglongerandlonger,theweatherwas unusually variable and so were tempers; an unsettled feeling possessedeveryone,andSatanfoundplentyofmischieffortheidlehandstodo.Astheheightof luxury,Megputoutsomeofhersewing,and thenfound timehangsoheavily,thatshefelltosnippingandspoilingherclothesinherattemptstofurbishthemupalaMoffat.Joreadtillhereyesgaveoutandshewassickofbooks,gotsofidgetythatevengood-naturedLauriehadaquarrelwithher,andsoreducedinspiritsthatshedesperatelywishedshehadgonewithAuntMarch.Bethgotonprettywell,forshewasconstantly forgetting that itwas tobeallplayandnowork,andfellbackintoheroldwaysnowandthen.Butsomethingintheairaffectedher,andmorethanonce her tranquility was much disturbed, so much so that on one occasion sheactuallyshookpoordearJoannaandtoldhershewas'afright'.Amyfaredworstofall,forherresourcesweresmall,andwhenhersisterslefthertoamuseherself,shesoonfoundthataccomplishedandimportantlittleselfagreatburden.Shedidn'tlikedolls,fairytaleswerechildish,andonecouldn'tdrawallthetime.Teapartiesdidn'tamounttomuch,neitherdidpicnics,unlessverywellconducted."Ifonecouldhaveafinehouse,fullofnicegirls,orgotraveling,thesummerwouldbedelightful,buttostayathomewiththreeselfishsistersandagrown-upboywasenoughtotrythepatience of a Boaz," complained Miss Malaprop, after several days devoted topleasure,fretting,andennui.

No onewould own that theywere tired of the experiment, but by Friday nighteachacknowledgedtoherselfthatshewasgladtheweekwasnearlydone.Hopingtoimpress 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 aholidayandletthegirlsenjoythefulleffectoftheplaysystem.

When they got up on Saturday morning, there was no fire in the kitchen, nobreakfastinthediningroom,andnomotheranywheretobeseen.

"Mercyonus!Whathashappened?"criedJo,staringaboutherindismay.

Meg ran upstairs and soon came back again, looking relieved but ratherbewildered,andalittleashamed.

"Motherisn'tsick,onlyverytired,andshesayssheisgoingtostayquietlyinherroomalldayandletusdothebestwecan.It'saveryqueerthingforhertodo,shedoesn't act a bit like herself.But she says it has been a hardweek for her, sowe

mustn'tgrumblebuttakecareofourselves."

"That'seasyenough,andI liketheidea,I'machingforsomethingtodo,thatis,somenewamusement,youknow,"addedJoquickly.

In fact itwasan immense relief to themall tohavea littlework,and they tookholdwithawill,butsoonrealizedthetruthofHannah'ssaying,"Housekeepingain'tno joke."Therewasplentyof food in the larder, andwhileBethandAmyset thetable,Meg and Jo got breakfast, wondering as they didwhy servants ever talkedabouthardwork.

"IshalltakesomeuptoMother,thoughshesaidwewerenottothinkofher,forshe'd takecareofherself,"saidMeg,whopresidedandfeltquitematronlybehindtheteapot.

So a tray was fitted out before anyone began, and taken up with the cook'scompliments.Theboiled teawasverybitter, theomelet scorched,and thebiscuitsspeckledwithsaleratus,butMrs.MarchreceivedherrepastwiththanksandlaughedheartilyoveritafterJowasgone.

"Poorlittlesouls,theywillhaveahardtime,I'mafraid,buttheywon'tsuffer,anditwilldothemgood,"shesaid,producingthemorepalatableviandswithwhichshehadprovidedherself,anddisposingofthebadbreakfast,sothattheirfeelingsmightnotbehurt,amotherlylittledeceptionforwhichtheyweregrateful.

Manywere thecomplaintsbelow,andgreat thechagrinof theheadcookatherfailures."Nevermind,I'llgetthedinnerandbeservant,youbemistress,keepyourhandsnice, seecompany,andgiveorders," said Jo,whoknewstill less thanMegaboutculinaryaffairs.

This obliging offer was gladly accepted, and Margaret retired to the parlor,whichshehastilyputinorderbywhiskingthelitterunderthesofaandshuttingtheblindstosavethetroubleofdusting.Jo,withperfectfaithinherownpowersandafriendlydesiretomakeupthequarrel,immediatelyputanoteintheoffice,invitingLaurietodinner.

"You'dbetterseewhatyouhavegotbeforeyou thinkofhavingcompany,"saidMeg,wheninformedofthehospitablebutrashact.

"Oh, there's cornedbeefandplentyofpotatoes, and I shallget someasparagusanda lobster, 'fora relish',asHannahsays.We'llhave lettuceandmakeasalad. Idon't know how, but the book tells. I'll have blanc mange and strawberries for

dessert,andcoffeetoo,ifyouwanttobeelegant."

"Don'ttrytoomanymesses,Jo,foryoucan'tmakeanythingbutgingerbreadandmolassescandyfit toeat.Iwashmyhandsofthedinnerparty,andsinceyouhaveaskedLaurieonyourownresponsibility,youmayjusttakecareofhim."

"Idon'twantyoutodoanythingbutbeciviltohimandhelptothepudding.You'llgivemeyouradviceifIgetinamuddle,won'tyou?"askedJo,ratherhurt.

"Yes,butIdon'tknowmuch,exceptaboutbreadandafewtrifles.YouhadbetteraskMother'sleavebeforeyouorderanything,"returnedMegprudently.

"Of course I shall. I'm not a fool." And Jo went off in a huff at the doubtsexpressedofherpowers.

"Getwhatyoulike,anddon'tdisturbme.I'mgoingouttodinnerandcan'tworryabout things at home," saidMrs.March, when Jo spoke to her. "I never enjoyedhousekeeping,andI'mgoingtotakeavacationtoday,andread,write,govisiting,andamusemyself."

TheunusualspectacleofherbusymotherrockingcomfortablyandreadingearlyinthemorningmadeJofeelasifsomeunnaturalphenomenonhadoccurred,foraneclipse,anearthquake,oravolcaniceruptionwouldhardlyhaveseemedstranger.

"Everything is out of sorts, somehow," she said to herself, going downstairs."There'sBeth crying, that's a sure sign that something iswrong in this family. IfAmyisbothering,I'llshakeher."

Feeling verymuch out of sorts herself, Jo hurried into the parlor to findBethsobbing over Pip, the canary, who lay dead in the cage with his little clawspatheticallyextended,asifimploringthefoodforwantofwhichhehaddied.

"It'sallmyfault,Iforgothim,thereisn'taseedoradropleft.Oh,Pip!Oh,Pip!HowcouldIbesocrueltoyou?"criedBeth,takingthepoorthinginherhandsandtryingtorestorehim.

Jo peeped into his half-open eye, felt his little heart, and finding him stiff andcold,shookherhead,andofferedherdominoboxforacoffin.

"Put him in the oven, and maybe he will get warm and revive," said Amyhopefully.

"He'sbeenstarved,andheshan'tbebakednowhe'sdead.I'llmakehimashroud,andheshallbeburiedinthegarden,andI'llneverhaveanotherbird,never,myPip!for I am too bad to own one,"murmured Beth, sitting on the floor with her petfoldedinherhands.

"Thefuneralshallbethisafternoon,andwewillallgo.Now,don'tcry,Bethy.It'sapity,butnothinggoesrightthisweek,andPiphashadtheworstoftheexperiment.Maketheshroud,andlayhiminmybox,andafterthedinnerparty,we'llhaveanicelittlefuneral,"saidJo,beginningtofeelasifshehadundertakenagooddeal.

Leaving theothers toconsoleBeth, shedeparted to thekitchen,whichwas inamostdiscouragingstateofconfusion.Puttingonabigapron,shefelltoworkandgotthedishespiledupreadyforwashing,whenshediscoveredthatthefirewasout.

"Here's a sweet prospect!" muttered Jo, slamming the stove door open, andpokingvigorouslyamongthecinders.

Having rekindled the fire, she thought shewould go tomarketwhile thewaterheated.Thewalkrevivedherspirits,andflatteringherselfthatshehadmadegoodbargains,shetrudgedhomeagain,afterbuyingaveryyounglobster,someveryoldasparagus,andtwoboxesofacidstrawberries.Bythetimeshegotclearedup,thedinner arrived and the stovewas red-hot.Hannah had left a pan of bread to rise,Meghadworkeditupearly,setitonthehearthforasecondrising,andforgottenit.MegwasentertainingSallieGardinerintheparlor,whenthedoorflewopenandafloury,crocky,flushed,anddisheveledfigureappeared,demandingtartly...

"Isay,isn'tbread'riz'enoughwhenitrunsoverthepans?"

Salliebegan to laugh,butMegnodded and liftedher eyebrowsashigh as theywouldgo,whichcausedtheapparitiontovanishandputthesourbreadintotheovenwithoutfurtherdelay.Mrs.Marchwentout,afterpeepinghereandtheretoseehowmatterswent, also saying aword of comfort toBeth,who satmaking awindingsheet, while the dear departed lay in state in the domino box.A strange sense ofhelplessness fellupon thegirlsas thegraybonnetvanishedround thecorner,anddespairseizedthemwhenafewminuteslaterMissCrockerappeared,andsaidshe'dcome to dinner.Now this ladywas a thin, yellow spinster,with a sharp nose andinquisitiveeyes,whosaweverythingandgossipedaboutallshesaw.Theydislikedher,buthadbeentaughttobekindtoher,simplybecauseshewasoldandpoorandhadfewfriends.SoMeggavehertheeasychairandtriedtoentertainher,whilesheasked questions, criticized everything, and told stories of the people whom sheknew.

Language cannot describe the anxieties, experiences, and exertions which Jounderwent 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 thatsomethingmorethanenergyandgoodwillisnecessarytomakeacook.Sheboiledthe asparagus for an hour andwas grieved to find the heads cooked off and thestalks harder than ever. The bread burned black; for the salad dressing soaggravatedherthatshecouldnotmakeitfittoeat.Thelobsterwasascarletmysterytoher,butshehammeredandpokedtillitwasunshelledanditsmeagerproportionsconcealedinagroveoflettuceleaves.Thepotatoeshadtobehurried,nottokeeptheasparaguswaiting,andwerenotdoneat the last.Theblancmangewas lumpy,andthestrawberriesnotasripeastheylooked,havingbeenskilfully'deaconed'.

"Well, they can eat beef and bread and butter, if they are hungry, only it'smortifying tohave tospendyourwholemorning fornothing," thoughtJo,assherang the bell half an hour later than usual, and stood, hot, tired, and dispirited,surveying thefeastspreadbeforeLaurie,accustomed toall sortsofelegance,andMissCrocker,whosetattlingtonguewouldreportthemfarandwide.

PoorJowouldgladlyhavegoneunderthetable,asonethingafteranotherwastastedandleft,whileAmygiggled,Meglookeddistressed,MissCrockerpursedherlips,andLaurietalkedandlaughedwithallhismighttogiveacheerfultonetothefestivescene.Jo'sonestrongpointwasthefruit,forshehadsugareditwell,andhadapitcherofrichcreamtoeatwithit.Herhotcheekscooledatrifle,andshedrewalongbreathastheprettyglassplateswentround,andeveryonelookedgraciouslyatthe littlerosyislandsfloatinginaseaofcream.MissCrocker tastedfirst,madeawryface,anddranksomewaterhastily.Jo,whorefused,thinkingtheremightnotbeenough,fortheydwindledsadlyafterthepickingover,glancedatLaurie,buthewaseatingawaymanfully,thoughtherewasaslightpuckerabouthismouthandhekepthis eye fixed on his plate. Amy, who was fond of delicate fare, took a heapingspoonful,choked,hidherfaceinhernapkin,andleftthetableprecipitately.

"Oh,whatisit?"exclaimedJo,trembling.

"Saltinsteadofsugar,andthecreamissour,"repliedMegwithatragicgesture.

Joutteredagroanandfellbackinherchair, rememberingthatshehadgivenalasthastypowderingtotheberriesoutofoneofthetwoboxesonthekitchentable,andhadneglectedtoputthemilkintherefrigerator.Sheturnedscarletandwasonthevergeofcrying,whenshemetLaurie'seyes,whichwouldlookmerryinspiteofhis heroic efforts. The comical side of the affair suddenly struck her, and shelaughedtillthetearsrandownhercheeks.Sodideveryoneelse,even'Croaker'as

thegirlscalledtheoldlady,andtheunfortunatedinnerendedgaily,withbreadandbutter,olivesandfun.

"Ihaven't strengthofmindenough toclearupnow,sowewill soberourselveswith a funeral," said Jo, as they rose, andMissCrockermade ready togo, beingeagertotellthenewstoryatanotherfriend'sdinnertable.

TheydidsoberthemselvesforBeth'ssake.Lauriedugagraveunderthefernsinthegrove,littlePipwaslaidin,withmanytearsbyhistender-heartedmistress,andcoveredwithmoss,whileawreathofvioletsandchickweedwashungonthestonewhichborehisepitaph,composedbyJowhileshestruggledwiththedinner.

HereliesPipMarch,Whodiedthe7thofJune;Lovedandlamentedsore,Andnotforgottensoon.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies,Beth retired to her room, overcomewithemotionandlobster,buttherewasnoplaceofrepose,forthebedswerenotmade,andshefoundhergriefmuchassuagedbybeatingupthepillowsandputtingthingsin order.Meg helped Jo clear away the remains of the feast,which took half theafternoonandleft themsotiredthat theyagreedtobecontentedwithteaandtoastforsupper.

Laurie took Amy to drive, which was a deed of charity, for the sour creamseemedtohavehadabadeffectuponhertemper.Mrs.Marchcamehometofindthethreeolder girls hard atwork in themiddle of the afternoon, and a glance at theclosetgaveheranideaofthesuccessofonepartoftheexperiment.

Beforethehousewivescouldrest,severalpeoplecalled,andtherewasascrambleto get ready to see them. Then tea must be got, errands done, and one or twonecessarybitsofsewingneglecteduntil the lastminute.As twilight fell,dewyandstill, one by one they gathered on the porch where the June roses were buddingbeautifully,andeachgroanedorsighedasshesatdown,asiftiredortroubled.

"Whatadreadfuldaythishasbeen!"beganJo,usuallythefirsttospeak.

"Ithasseemedshorterthanusual,butsouncomfortable,"saidMeg.

"Notabitlikehome,"addedAmy.

"Itcan'tseemsowithoutMarmeeandlittlePip,"sighedBeth,glancingwithfulleyesattheemptycageaboveherhead.

"Here'sMother,dear,andyoushallhaveanotherbirdtomorrow,ifyouwantit."

Asshespoke,Mrs.Marchcameandtookherplaceamongthem,lookingasifherholidayhadnotbeenmuchpleasanterthantheirs.

"Areyousatisfiedwithyourexperiment,girls,ordoyouwantanotherweekofit?" she asked, as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her withbrighteningfaces,asflowersturntowardthesun.

"Idon't!"criedJodecidedly.

"NorI,"echoedtheothers.

"Youthinkthen,thatitisbettertohaveafewdutiesandlivealittleforothers,doyou?"

"Loungingandlarkingdoesn'tpay,"observedJo,shakingherhead."I'mtiredofitandmeantogotoworkatsomethingrightoff."

"Suppose you learn plain cooking. That's a useful accomplishment, which nowomanshouldbewithout,"saidMrs.March,laughinginaudiblyattherecollectionofJo'sdinnerparty,forshehadmetMissCrockerandheardheraccountofit.

"Mother, didyougo away and let everythingbe, just to seehowwe'dget on?"criedMeg,whohadhadsuspicionsallday.

"Yes,Iwantedyoutoseehowthecomfortofalldependsoneachdoinghersharefaithfully.WhileHannahandIdidyourwork,yougotonprettywell,thoughIdon'tthinkyouwereveryhappyoramiable.SoIthought,asalittlelesson,Iwouldshowyouwhat happenswhen everyone thinks only of herself. Don't you feel that it ispleasantertohelponeanother,tohavedailydutieswhichmakeleisuresweetwhenitcomes,andtobearandforbear,thathomemaybecomfortableandlovelytousall?"

"Wedo,Mother,wedo!"criedthegirls.

"Thenletmeadviseyoutotakeupyourlittleburdensagain,forthoughtheyseemheavysometimes,theyaregoodforus,andlightenaswelearntocarrythem.Workiswholesome,andthereisplentyforeveryone.Itkeepsusfromennuiandmischief,isgoodforhealthandspirits,andgivesusasenseofpowerandindependencebetterthanmoneyorfashion."

"We'llwork likebees,and love it too, see ifwedon't," said Jo. "I'll learnplain

cookingformyholidaytask,andthenextdinnerpartyIhaveshallbeasuccess."

"I'llmakethesetofshirtsforfather, insteadof lettingyoudoit,Marmee.IcanandIwill,thoughI'mnotfondofsewing.Thatwillbebetterthanfussingovermyownthings,whichareplentyniceenoughastheyare."saidMeg.

"I'll domy lessons every day, and not spend somuch timewithmymusic anddolls. I am a stupid thing, and ought to be studying, not playing," was Beth'sresolution,whileAmyfollowedtheirexamplebyheroicallydeclaring,"Ishalllearntomakebuttonholes,andattendtomypartsofspeech."

"Verygood!ThenIamquitesatisfiedwiththeexperiment,andfancythatweshallnothavetorepeatit,onlydon'tgototheotherextremeanddelvelikeslaves.Haveregularhoursforworkandplay,makeeachdaybothusefulandpleasant,andprovethat you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bedelightful, old agewill bring few regrets, and life becomeabeautiful success, inspiteofpoverty."

"We'llremember,Mother!"andtheydid.

CHAPTERTWELVE

CAMPLAURENCE

Bethwaspostmistress,for,beingmostathome,shecouldattendtoitregularly,anddearlylikedthedailytaskofunlockingthelittledooranddistributingthemail.One July day she came inwith her hands full, andwent about the house leavinglettersandparcelslikethepennypost.

"Here'syourposy,Mother!Laurieneverforgetsthat,"shesaid,puttingthefreshnosegay in thevase that stood in 'Marmee's corner', andwaskept suppliedby theaffectionateboy.

"MissMegMarch,oneletterandaglove,"continuedBeth,deliveringthearticlestohersister,whosatnearhermother,stitchingwristbands.

"Why,Ileftapairoverthere,andhereisonlyone,"saidMeg,lookingatthegraycottonglove."Didn'tyoudroptheotherinthegarden?"

"No,I'msureIdidn't,fortherewasonlyoneintheoffice."

"Ihatetohaveoddgloves!Nevermind,theothermaybefound.Myletterisonlya translationof theGermansongIwanted. I thinkMr.Brookedid it, for this isn'tLaurie'swriting."

Mrs. March glanced at Meg, who was looking very pretty in her ginghammorninggown,withthelittlecurlsblowingaboutherforehead,andverywomanly,asshesatsewingatherlittleworktable,fulloftidywhiterolls,sounconsciousofthethoughtinhermother'smindasshesewedandsang,whileherfingersflewandherthoughtswerebusiedwithgirlishfanciesasinnocentandfreshasthepansiesinherbelt,thatMrs.Marchsmiledandwassatisfied.

"TwolettersforDoctorJo,abook,andafunnyoldhat,whichcoveredthewholepostofficeandstuckoutside,"saidBeth,laughingasshewentintothestudywhereJosatwriting.

"WhataslyfellowLaurieis!IsaidIwishedbiggerhatswerethefashion,becauseIburnmyfaceeveryhotday.Hesaid,'Whymindthefashion?Wearabighat,andbecomfortable!'IsaidIwouldifIhadone,andhehassentmethis, totryme.I'llwearitforfun,andshowhimIdon'tcareforthefashion."Andhangingtheantiquebroad-brimonabustofPlato,Joreadherletters.

Onefromhermothermadehercheeksglowandhereyesfill,foritsaidtoher...

MyDear:

I write a little word to tell youwith howmuch satisfaction I watch your efforts to control yourtemper.Yousaynothingaboutyourtrials,failures,orsuccesses,andthink,perhaps,thatnooneseesthembuttheFriendwhosehelpyoudailyask,ifImaytrustthewell-worncoverofyourguidebook.I,too,haveseenthemall,andheartilybelieveinthesincerityofyourresolution,sinceitbeginstobear fruit. Go on, dear, patiently and bravely, and always believe that no one sympathizesmoretenderlywithyouthanyourloving...

Mother

"That doesmegood!That'sworthmillions ofmoney andpecks of praise.Oh,Marmee,Idotry!Iwillkeepontrying,andnotgettired,sinceIhaveyoutohelpme."

Layingherheadonherarms,Jowether little romancewitha fewhappy tears,forshehadthoughtthatnoonesawandappreciatedhereffortstobegood,andthisassurancewasdoublyprecious,doublyencouraging,becauseunexpectedandfrom

the person whose commendation she most valued. Feeling stronger than ever tomeetandsubdueherApollyon,shepinnedthenoteinsideherfrock,asashieldandareminder,lestshebetakenunaware,andproceededtoopenherotherletter,quitereadyforeithergoodorbadnews.Inabig,dashinghand,Lauriewrote...

DearJo,Whatho!

SomeEnglishgirlsandboysarecomingtoseemetomorrowandIwanttohaveajollytime.Ifit'sfine,I'mgoingtopitchmytentinLongmeadow,androwupthewholecrewtolunchandcroquet—haveafire,makemesses,gypsyfashion,andallsortsoflarks.Theyarenicepeople,andlikesuchthings.Brookewillgotokeepusboyssteady,andKateVaughnwillplayproprietyforthegirls.Iwant you all to come, can't let Beth off at any price, and nobody shall worry her. Don't botheraboutrations,I'llseetothatandeverythingelse,onlydocome,there'sagoodfellow!

Inatearinghurry,Yoursever,Laurie.

"Here'srichness!"criedJo,flyingintotellthenewstoMeg.

"Ofcoursewecango,Mother?ItwillbesuchahelptoLaurie,forIcanrow,andMegseetothelunch,andthechildrenbeusefulinsomeway."

"IhopetheVaughnsarenotfinegrown-uppeople.Doyouknowanythingaboutthem,Jo?"askedMeg.

"Onlythattherearefourofthem.Kateisolderthanyou,FredandFrank(twins)aboutmyage,andalittlegirl(Grace),whoisnineorten.Laurieknewthemabroad,andlikedtheboys.Ifancied,fromthewayheprimmeduphismouthinspeakingofher,thathedidn'tadmireKatemuch."

"I'm so glad my French print is clean, it's just the thing and so becoming!"observedMegcomplacently."Haveyouanythingdecent,Jo?"

"Scarletandgrayboatingsuit,goodenoughforme.Ishallrowandtrampabout,soIdon'twantanystarchtothinkof.You'llcome,Betty?"

"Ifyouwon'tletanyboystalktome."

"Notaboy!"

"IliketopleaseLaurie,andI'mnotafraidofMr.Brooke,heissokind.ButIdon'twant toplay,or sing,or sayanything. I'llworkhardandnot trouble anyone, andyou'lltakecareofme,Jo,soI'llgo."

"That'smygoodgirl.Youdotrytofightoffyourshyness,andIloveyouforit.Fightingfaults isn'teasy,asIknow,andacheerywordkindofgivesa lift.Thank

you,Mother,"And Jo gave the thin cheek a grateful kiss,more precious toMrs.Marchthanifithadgivenbacktherosyroundnessofheryouth.

"I had a box of chocolate drops, and the picture I wanted to copy," saidAmy,showinghermail.

"AndIgotanote fromMr.Laurence,askingme tocomeoverandplay tohimtonight,beforethelampsarelighted,andIshallgo,"addedBeth,whosefriendshipwiththeoldgentlemanprosperedfinely.

"Now let's fly round, and do double duty today, so thatwe can play tomorrowwithfreeminds,"saidJo,preparingtoreplaceherpenwithabroom.

Whenthesunpeepedintothegirls'roomearlynextmorningtopromisethemafine day, he saw a comical sight. Each hadmade such preparation for the fete asseemednecessaryandproper.Meghadanextrarowoflittlecurlpapersacrossherforehead, Jo had copiously anointed her afflicted facewith cold cream,Beth hadtakenJoannatobedwithhertoatonefortheapproachingseparation,andAmyhadcappedtheclimaxbyputtingaclothespinonhernosetouplifttheoffendingfeature.It was one of the kind artists use to hold the paper on their drawing boards,thereforequiteappropriateandeffectiveforthepurposeitwasnowbeingput.Thisfunnyspectacleappearedtoamusethesun,forheburstoutwithsuchradiancethatJowokeupandrousedhersistersbyaheartylaughatAmy'sornament.

Sunshineandlaughterweregoodomensforapleasureparty,andsoona livelybustlebeganinbothhouses.Beth,whowasreadyfirst,keptreportingwhatwentonnextdoor,andenlivenedhersisters'toiletsbyfrequenttelegramsfromthewindow.

"There goes the man with the tent! I seeMrs. Barker doing up the lunch in ahamper and a great basket. NowMr. Laurence is looking up at the sky and theweathercock.Iwishhewouldgotoo.There'sLaurie,lookinglikeasailor,niceboy!Oh,mercyme!Here's a carriage full of people, a tall lady, a little girl, and twodreadfulboys.Oneislame,poorthing,he'sgotacrutch.Lauriedidn'ttellusthat.Bequick,girls!It'sgettinglate.Why,thereisNedMoffat,Idodeclare.Meg,isn'tthatthemanwhobowedtoyouonedaywhenwewereshopping?"

"Soitis.Howqueerthatheshouldcome.Ithoughthewasatthemountains.ThereisSallie.I'mgladshegotbackintime.AmIallright,Jo?"criedMeginaflutter.

"A regular daisy. Hold up your dress and put your hat on straight, it lookssentimentaltippedthatwayandwillflyoffatthefirstpuff.Nowthen,comeon!"

"Oh,Jo,youarenotgoingtowearthatawfulhat?It'stooabsurd!Youshallnotmakeaguyofyourself,"remonstratedMeg,asJotieddownwitharedribbonthebroad-brimmed,old-fashionedleghornLauriehadsentforajoke.

"Ijustwill,though,forit'scapital,soshady,light,andbig.Itwillmakefun,andIdon'tmindbeingaguyifI'mcomfortable."WiththatJomarchedstraightawayandthe rest followed, a bright little band of sisters, all looking their best in summersuits,withhappyfacesunderthejauntyhatbrims.

Laurie ran tomeet andpresent them to his friends in themost cordialmanner.The lawn was the reception room, and for several minutes a lively scene wasenacted there.Megwasgrateful to see thatMissKate, though twenty,wasdressedwithasimplicitywhichAmericangirlswoulddowelltoimitate,andwhowasmuchflatteredbyMr.Ned'sassurancesthathecameespeciallytoseeher.JounderstoodwhyLaurie'primmeduphismouth'whenspeakingofKate,forthatyoungladyhada standoff-don't-touch-me air, which contrasted strongly with the free and easydemeanoroftheothergirls.Bethtookanobservationofthenewboysanddecidedthatthelameonewasnot'dreadful',butgentleandfeeble,andshewouldbekindtohimon thataccount.AmyfoundGraceawell-mannered,merry, littleperson,andafterstaringdumblyatoneanotherforafewminutes, theysuddenlybecameverygoodfriends.

Tents,lunch,andcroquetutensilshavingbeensentonbeforehand,thepartywassoonembarked,andthetwoboatspushedofftogether,leavingMr.Laurencewavinghishatontheshore.LaurieandJorowedoneboat,Mr.BrookeandNedtheother,whileFredVaughn,theriotoustwin,didhisbesttoupsetbothbypaddlingaboutinawherry likeadisturbedwaterbug.Jo's funnyhatdeservedavoteof thanks, for itwas of general utility. It broke the ice in the beginning by producing a laugh, itcreatedquitearefreshingbreeze,flappingtoandfroassherowed,andwouldmakeanexcellentumbrellaforthewholeparty,ifashowercameup,shesaid.MissKatedecidedthatshewas'odd',butratherclever,andsmileduponherfromafar.

Meg,intheotherboat,wasdelightfullysituated,facetofacewiththerowers,whoboth admired the prospect and feathered their oars with uncommon 'skill anddexterity'.Mr.Brookewasagrave, silentyoungman,withhandsomebrowneyesand a pleasant voice.Meg liked his quietmanners and considered him awalkingencyclopediaofusefulknowledge.Henever talked tohermuch,buthe lookedather a good deal, and she felt sure that he did not regard herwith aversion.Ned,beingincollege,ofcourseputonalltheairswhichfreshmenthinkittheirboundenduty to assume. He was not very wise, but very good-natured, and altogether anexcellentpersontocarryonapicnic.SallieGardinerwasabsorbedinkeepingher

whitepiquedress cleanandchatteringwith theubiquitousFred,whokeptBeth inconstantterrorbyhispranks.

ItwasnotfartoLongmeadow,butthetentwaspitchedandthewicketsdownbythetimetheyarrived.Apleasantgreenfield,withthreewide-spreadingoaksinthemiddleandasmoothstripofturfforcroquet.

"Welcome to Camp Laurence!" said the young host, as they landed withexclamationsofdelight.

"Brookeiscommanderinchief,Iamcommissarygeneral,theotherfellowsarestaffofficers,andyou,ladies,arecompany.Thetentisforyourespecialbenefitandthat oak is your drawing room, this is the messroom and the third is the campkitchen.Now,let'shaveagamebeforeitgetshot,andthenwe'llseeaboutdinner."

Frank, Beth, Amy, andGrace sat down towatch the game played by the othereight.Mr.BrookechoseMeg,Kate,andFred.LaurietookSallie,Jo,andNed.TheEnglishplayedwell,buttheAmericansplayedbetter,andcontestedeveryinchoftheground as strongly as if the spirit of '76 inspired them. Jo and Fred had severalskirmishesandoncenarrowlyescapedhighwords.Jowas throughthe lastwicketand hadmissed the stroke,which failure ruffled her a good deal. Fredwas closebehindherandhisturncamebeforehers.Hegaveastroke,hisballhitthewicket,and stoppedan inchon thewrong side.Noonewasverynear, and runningup toexamine,hegaveitaslynudgewithhis toe,whichput it justan inchontherightside.

"I'm through! Now, Miss Jo, I'll settle you, and get in first," cried the younggentleman,swinginghismalletforanotherblow.

"Youpushedit.Isawyou.It'smyturnnow,"saidJosharply.

"Uponmyword,Ididn'tmoveit.Itrolledabit,perhaps,butthatisallowed.So,standoffplease,andletmehaveagoatthestake."

"Wedon'tcheatinAmerica,butyoucan,ifyouchoose,"saidJoangrily.

"Yankeesareadeal themost tricky,everybodyknows.Thereyougo!"returnedFred,croquetingherballfaraway.

Joopenedherlipstosaysomethingrude,butcheckedherselfintime,coloreduptoherforeheadandstoodaminute,hammeringdownawicketwithallhermight,whileFredhitthestakeanddeclaredhimselfoutwithmuchexultation.Shewentoff

togetherball,andwasalongtimefindingitamongthebushes,butshecameback,looking cool and quiet, and waited her turn patiently. It took several strokes toregaintheplaceshehadlost,andwhenshegotthere,theothersidehadnearlywon,forKate'sballwasthelastbutoneandlaynearthestake.

"ByGeorge,it'sallupwithus!Goodbye,Kate.MissJoowesmeone,soyouarefinished,"criedFredexcitedly,astheyalldrewneartoseethefinish.

"Yankeeshavea trickofbeinggenerous to theirenemies,"saidJo,witha lookthatmade the lad redden, "especiallywhen theybeat them,"sheadded,as, leavingKate'sballuntouched,shewonthegamebyacleverstroke.

Laurie threw up his hat, then remembered that it wouldn't do to exult over thedefeatofhisguests,andstoppedinthemiddleofthecheertowhispertohisfriend,"Goodforyou,Jo!Hedidcheat,Isawhim.Wecan'ttellhimso,buthewon'tdoitagain,takemywordforit."

Meg drew her aside, under pretense of pinning up a loose braid, and saidapprovingly, "Itwas dreadfully provoking, but you kept your temper, and I'm soglad,Jo."

"Don't praiseme,Meg, for I could box his ears thisminute. I should certainlyhaveboiledoverifIhadn'tstayedamongthenettlestillIgotmyrageundercontrolenoughtoholdmytongue.It'ssimmeringnow,soIhopehe'llkeepoutofmyway,"returnedJo,bitingherlipsasshegloweredatFredfromunderherbighat.

"Timefor lunch,"saidMr.Brooke, lookingathiswatch."Commissarygeneral,willyoumakethefireandgetwater,whileMissMarch,MissSallie,andIspreadthetable?Whocanmakegoodcoffee?"

"Jo can," saidMeg, glad to recommend her sister. So Jo, feeling that her latelessonsincookeryweretodoherhonor,wenttopresideoverthecoffeepot,whilethe children collected dry sticks, and the boysmade a fire and gotwater from aspringnearby.MissKatesketchedandFranktalkedtoBeth,whowasmakinglittlematsofbraidedrushestoserveasplates.

Thecommanderinchiefandhisaidessoonspreadthetableclothwithaninvitingarrayofeatablesanddrinkables,prettilydecoratedwithgreenleaves.Joannouncedthat the coffee was ready, and everyone settled themselves to a hearty meal, foryouth is seldom dyspeptic, and exercise develops wholesome appetites. A verymerry lunch itwas, for everything seemed freshand funny, and frequentpealsoflaughterstartledavenerablehorsewhofednearby.Therewasapleasinginequality

inthetable,whichproducedmanymishapstocupsandplates,acornsdroppedinthemilk, littleblackantspartookoftherefreshmentswithoutbeinginvited,andfuzzycaterpillars swung down from the tree to see what was going on. Three white-headed children peeped over the fence, and an objectionable dog barked at themfromtheothersideoftheriverwithallhismightandmain.

"There'ssalthere,"saidLaurie,ashehandedJoasaucerofberries.

"Thankyou,Ipreferspiders,"shereplied,fishinguptwounwarylittleoneswhohadgonetoacreamydeath."Howdareyouremindmeofthathorriddinnerparty,whenyoursissoniceineveryway?"addedJo,astheybothlaughedandateoutofoneplate,thechinahavingrunshort.

"Ihadanuncommonlygoodtimethatday,andhaven'tgotoverityet.Thisisnocredittome,youknow,Idon'tdoanything.It'syouandMegandBrookewhomakeit all go, and I'm no end obliged to you. What shall we do when we can't eatanymore?" askedLaurie, feeling that his trump card had been playedwhen lunchwasover.

"Havegames till it'scooler. IbroughtAuthors,andIdaresayMissKateknowssomethingnewandnice.Goandaskher.She'scompany,andyououghttostaywithhermore."

"Aren't you company too? I thought she'd suit Brooke, but he keeps talking toMeg,andKatejuststaresatthemthroughthatridiculousglassofhers.I'mgoing,soyouneedn'ttrytopreachpropriety,foryoucan'tdoit,Jo."

MissKatedidknowseveralnewgames,andasthegirlswouldnot,andtheboyscouldnot,eatanymore,theyalladjournedtothedrawingroomtoplayRig-marole.

"Onepersonbeginsastory,anynonsenseyoulike,andtellsaslongashepleases,onlytakingcaretostopshortatsomeexcitingpoint,whenthenexttakesitupanddoes the same. It's very funny when well done, and makes a perfect jumble oftragicalcomicalstuff to laughover.Pleasestart it,Mr.Brooke,"saidKate,withacommandingair,whichsurprisedMeg,whotreatedthetutorwithasmuchrespectasanyothergentleman.

Lying on the grass at the feet of the two young ladies,Mr. Brooke obedientlybegan the story, with the handsome brown eyes steadily fixed upon the sunshinyriver.

"Onceonatime,aknightwentoutintotheworldtoseekhisfortune,forhehadnothing but his sword and his shield.He traveled a longwhile, nearly eight-and-twentyyears,andhadahardtimeofit,tillhecametothepalaceofagoodoldking,whohadofferedarewardtoanyonewhocouldtameandtrainafinebutunbrokencolt, ofwhichhewasvery fond.Theknight agreed to try, andgot on slowlybutsurely, for thecoltwasagallant fellow,andsoon learned to lovehisnewmaster,thoughhewasfreakishandwild.Everyday,whenhegavehislessonstothispetofthe king's, the knight rode him through the city, and as he rode, he lookedeverywhere for a certain beautiful face, which he had seen many times in hisdreams,butneverfound.Oneday,ashewentprancingdownaquietstreet,hesawatthewindowofaruinouscastlethelovelyface.Hewasdelighted,inquiredwholivedinthisoldcastle,andwastoldthatseveralcaptiveprincesseswerekept therebyaspell, and spun all day to lay up money to buy their liberty. The knight wishedintenselythathecouldfreethem,buthewaspoorandcouldonlygobyeachday,watching for the sweet face and longing to see it out in the sunshine. At last heresolvedtogetintothecastleandaskhowhecouldhelpthem.Hewentandknocked.Thegreatdoorflewopen,andhebeheld..."

"A ravishingly lovely lady, who exclaimed, with a cry of rapture, 'At last! Atlast!'"continuedKate,whohadreadFrenchnovels,andadmiredthestyle."'Tisshe!'criedCountGustave, and fell at her feet in an ecstasy of joy. 'Oh, rise!' she said,extendingahandofmarblefairness.'Never!TillyoutellmehowImayrescueyou,'sworetheknight,stillkneeling.'Alas,mycruelfatecondemnsmetoremainheretillmytyrantisdestroyed.''Whereisthevillain?''Inthemauvesalon.Go,braveheart,and save me from despair.' 'I obey, and return victorious or dead!' With thesethrillingwordsherushedaway,andflingingopenthedoorofthemauvesalon,wasabouttoenter,whenhereceived..."

"A stunning blow from the bigGreek lexicon,which an old fellow in a blackgown fired at him," said Ned. "Instantly, SirWhat's-his-name recovered himself,pitchedthetyrantoutofthewindow,andturnedtojointhelady,victorious,butwitha bump on his brow, found the door locked, tore up the curtains, made a ropeladder, got halfway down when the ladder broke, and he went headfirst into themoat,sixtyfeetbelow.Couldswimlikeaduck,paddledroundthecastletillhecametoalittledoorguardedbytwostoutfellows,knockedtheirheadstogethertilltheycrackedlikeacoupleofnuts,then,byatriflingexertionofhisprodigiousstrength,

hesmashedinthedoor,wentupapairofstonestepscoveredwithdustafootthick,toads asbig asyour fist, and spiders thatwould frightenyou intohysterics,MissMarch.At the top of these steps he cameplumpupon a sight that took his breathawayandchilledhisblood..."

"Atallfigure,allinwhitewithaveiloveritsfaceandalampinitswastedhand,"wentonMeg."Itbeckoned,glidingnoiselesslybeforehimdownacorridorasdarkand cold as any tomb. Shadowy effigies in armor stood on either side, a deadsilencereigned,thelampburnedblue,andtheghostlyfigureeverandanonturneditsface towardhim,showingtheglitterofawfuleyes throughitswhiteveil.Theyreachedacurtaineddoor,behindwhichsoundedlovelymusic.Hesprangforwardtoenter,butthespecterpluckedhimback,andwavedthreateninglybeforehima..."

"Snuffbox," said Jo, in a sepulchral tone, which convulsed the audience."'Thankee,'said theknightpolitely,ashe tookapinchandsneezedseventimessoviolently that his head fell off. 'Ha! Ha!' laughed the ghost, and having peepedthrough the keyhole at the princesses spinning away for dear life, the evil spiritpickeduphervictimandputhiminalargetinbox,wheretherewereelevenotherknightspackedtogetherwithout theirheads, likesardines,whoall roseandbeganto..."

"Danceahornpipe,"cutinFred,asJopausedforbreath,"and,astheydanced,therubbishy old castle turned to aman-of-war in full sail. 'Upwith the jib, reef thetops'l halliards, helm hard alee, and man the guns!' roared the captain, as aPortuguesepiratehoveinsight,withaflagblackasinkflyingfromherforemast.'Go in andwin,my hearties!' says the captain, and a tremendous fight began.OfcoursetheBritishbeat—theyalwaysdo."

"No,theydon't!"criedJo,aside.

"Having taken the pirate captain prisoner, sailed slap over the schooner,whosedeckswerepiledhighwithdeadandwhose lee scuppers ranblood, for theorderhadbeen'Cutlasses,anddiehard!''Bosun'smate,takeabightoftheflying-jibsheet,and start this villain if he doesn't confess his sins double quick,' said the Britishcaptain.ThePortugueseheldhistonguelikeabrick,andwalkedtheplank,whilethejollytarscheeredlikemad.Buttheslydogdived,cameupundertheman-of-war,scuttledher,anddownshewent,withallsailset,'Tothebottomofthesea,sea,sea'where..."

"Oh, gracious!What shall I say?" criedSallie, asFred endedhis rigmarole, inwhichhehadjumbledtogetherpell-mellnauticalphrasesandfactsoutofoneofhis

favoritebooks."Well,theywenttothebottom,andanicemermaidwelcomedthem,butwasmuch grieved on finding the box of headless knights, and kindly pickledtheminbrine,hopingtodiscoverthemysteryaboutthem,forbeingawoman,shewascurious.By-and-byadivercamedown,and themermaidsaid, 'I'llgiveyouaboxofpearlsifyoucantakeitup,'forshewantedtorestorethepoorthingstolife,andcouldn'traisetheheavyloadherself.Sothediverhoisteditup,andwasmuchdisappointedonopeningittofindnopearls.Heleftitinagreatlonelyfield,whereitwasfoundbya..."

"Little goose girl, who kept a hundred fat geese in the field," saidAmy,whenSallie's invention gave out. "The little girlwas sorry for them, and asked an oldwoman what she should do to help them. 'Your geese will tell you, they knoweverything.'said theoldwoman.Sosheaskedwhatsheshouldusefornewheads,since the old oneswere lost, and all the geese opened their hundredmouths andscreamed..."

"'Cabbages!'"continuedLauriepromptly."'Justthething,'saidthegirl,andrantogettwelvefineonesfromhergarden.Sheputthemon,theknightsrevivedatonce,thanked her, and went on their way rejoicing, never knowing the difference, forthereweresomanyotherheadslikethemintheworldthatnoonethoughtanythingof it. The knight in whom I'm interested went back to find the pretty face, andlearnedthattheprincesseshadspunthemselvesfreeandallgoneandmarried,butone.Hewasinagreatstateofmindatthat,andmountingthecolt,whostoodbyhimthroughthickandthin,rushedtothecastletoseewhichwasleft.Peepingoverthehedge,hesawthequeenofhisaffectionspickingflowersinhergarden. 'Willyougiveme a rose?' said he. 'Youmust come and get it. I can't come to you, it isn'tproper,'saidshe,assweetashoney.Hetriedtoclimboverthehedge,butitseemedtogrowhigherandhigher.Thenhe tried topush through,but itgrewthickerandthicker,andhewasindespair.Sohepatientlybroketwigaftertwigtillhehadmadealittleholethroughwhichhepeeped,sayingimploringly,'Letmein!Letmein!'Buttheprettyprincessdidnotseemtounderstand,forshepickedherrosesquietly,andlefthimtofighthiswayin.Whetherhedidornot,Frankwilltellyou."

"I can't. I'm not playing, I never do," said Frank, dismayed at the sentimentalpredicamentoutofwhichhewastorescuetheabsurdcouple.BethhaddisappearedbehindJo,andGracewasasleep.

"Sothepoorknightistobeleftstickinginthehedge,ishe?"askedMr.Brooke,stillwatchingtheriver,andplayingwiththewildroseinhisbuttonhole.

"I guess the princess gavehima posy, andopened the gate after awhile," said

Laurie,smilingtohimself,ashethrewacornsathistutor.

"Whatapieceofnonsensewehavemade!Withpracticewemightdosomethingquiteclever.DoyouknowTruth?"

"Ihopeso,"saidMegsoberly.

"Thegame,Imean?"

"Whatisit?"saidFred.

"Why,youpileupyourhands, choose anumber, anddrawout in turn, and thepersonwhodrawsatthenumberhastoanswertrulyanyquestionputbytherest.It'sgreatfun."

"Let'stryit,"saidJo,wholikednewexperiments.

Miss Kate and Mr. Brooke, Meg, and Ned declined, but Fred, Sallie, Jo, andLauriepiledanddrew,andthelotfelltoLaurie.

"Whoareyourheroes?"askedJo.

"GrandfatherandNapoleon."

"Whichladyheredoyouthinkprettiest?"saidSallie.

"Margaret."

"Whichdoyoulikebest?"fromFred.

"Jo,ofcourse."

"Whatsillyquestionsyouask!"AndJogaveadisdainfulshrugastherestlaughedatLaurie'smatter-of-facttone.

"Tryagain.Truthisn'tabadgame,"saidFred.

"It'saverygoodoneforyou,"retortedJoinalowvoice.Herturncamenext.

"Whatisyourgreatestfault?"askedFred,bywayof testinginher thevirtuehelackedhimself.

"Aquicktemper."

"Whatdoyoumostwishfor?"saidLaurie.

"Apairofbootlacings,"returnedJo,guessinganddefeatinghispurpose.

"Notatrueanswer.Youmustsaywhatyoureallydowantmost."

"Genius.Don'tyouwishyoucouldgiveittome,Laurie?"Andsheslylysmiledinhisdisappointedface.

"Whatvirtuesdoyoumostadmireinaman?"askedSallie.

"Courageandhonesty."

"Nowmyturn,"saidFred,ashishandcamelast.

"Let'sgiveittohim,"whisperedLaurietoJo,whonoddedandaskedatonce...

"Didn'tyoucheatatcroquet?"

"Well,yes,alittlebit."

"Good!Didn'tyoutakeyourstoryoutofTheSeaLion?"saidLaurie.

"Rather."

"Don'tyouthinktheEnglishnationperfectineveryrespect?"askedSallie.

"IshouldbeashamedofmyselfifIdidn't."

"He'satrueJohnBull.Now,MissSallie,youshallhaveachancewithoutwaitingto draw. I'll harrrow up your feelings first by asking if you don't think you aresomething of a flirt," saidLaurie, as Jo nodded to Fred as a sign that peacewasdeclared.

"You impertinent boy! Of course I'm not," exclaimed Sallie, with an air thatprovedthecontrary.

"Whatdoyouhatemost?"askedFred.

"Spidersandricepudding."

"Whatdoyoulikebest?"askedJo.

"DancingandFrenchgloves."

"Well,IthinkTruthisaverysillyplay.Let'shaveasensiblegameofAuthorstorefreshourminds,"proposedJo.

Ned,Frank,andthelittlegirlsjoinedinthis,andwhileitwenton,thethreeelderssatapart, talking.MissKate tookouther sketchagain, andMargaretwatchedher,whileMr.Brookelayonthegrasswithabook,whichhedidnotread.

"How beautifully you do it! I wish I could draw," said Meg, with mingledadmirationandregretinhervoice.

"Whydon'tyoulearn?Ishouldthinkyouhadtasteandtalentforit,"repliedMissKategraciously.

"Ihaven'ttime."

"Yourmammaprefersotheraccomplishments,Ifancy.Sodidmine,butIprovedto her that I had talent by taking a few lessons privately, and then she was quitewillingIshouldgoon.Can'tyoudothesamewithyourgoverness?"

"Ihavenone."

"I forgot young ladies in America go to school more than with us. Very fineschoolstheyare,too,Papasays.Yougotoaprivateone,Isuppose?"

"Idon'tgoatall.Iamagovernessmyself."

"Oh, indeed!" saidMissKate, but shemight aswell have said, "Dearme, howdreadful!"forhertoneimpliedit,andsomethinginherfacemadeMegcolor,andwishshehadnotbeensofrank.

Mr. Brooke looked up and said quickly, "Young ladies in America loveindependence as much as their ancestors did, and are admired and respected forsupportingthemselves."

"Oh,yes,ofcourseit'sveryniceandproperinthemtodoso.Wehavemanymostrespectable andworthy youngwomenwhodo the same and are employed by thenobility, because, being the daughters of gentlemen, they are both well bred andaccomplished, you know," said Miss Kate in a patronizing tone that hurt Meg'spride,andmadeherworkseemnotonlymoredistasteful,butdegrading.

"Did the German song suit, Miss March?" inquired Mr. Brooke, breaking anawkwardpause.

"Oh, yes! Itwas very sweet, and I'mmuchobliged towhoever translated it forme."AndMeg'sdowncastfacebrightenedasshespoke.

"Don'tyoureadGerman?"askedMissKatewithalookofsurprise.

"Notverywell.My father,who taughtme, is away, and Idon'tgetonvery fastalone,forI'venoonetocorrectmypronunciation."

"Tryalittlenow.HereisSchiller'sMaryStuartandatutorwholovestoteach."AndMr.Brookelaidhisbookonherlapwithaninvitingsmile.

"It'ssohardI'mafraidtotry,"saidMeg,grateful,butbashfulinthepresenceoftheaccomplishedyoungladybesideher.

"I'llreadabit toencourageyou."AndMissKatereadoneofthemostbeautifulpassagesinaperfectlycorrectbutperfectlyexpressionlessmanner.

Mr. Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg, who saidinnocently,"Ithoughtitwaspoetry."

"Someofitis.Trythispassage."

TherewasaqueersmileaboutMr.Brooke'smouthasheopenedatpoorMary'slament.

Megobedientlyfollowingthelonggrass-bladewhichhernewtutorusedtopointwith, readslowlyand timidly,unconsciouslymakingpoetryof thehardwordsbythesoft intonationofhermusicalvoice.Downthepagewent thegreenguide,andpresently,forgettingherlistenerinthebeautyofthesadscene,Megreadasifalone,givingalittletouchoftragedytothewordsoftheunhappyqueen.Ifshehadseenthebrowneyesthen,shewouldhavestoppedshort,butsheneverlookedup,andthelessonwasnotspoiledforher.

"Very well indeed!" saidMr. Brooke, as she paused, quite ignoring her manymistakes,andlookingasifhedidindeedlovetoteach.

MissKateputupherglass,and,havingtakenasurveyofthelittletableaubeforeher,shuthersketchbook,sayingwithcondescension,"You'veaniceaccentandintime will be a clever reader. I advise you to learn, for German is a valuable

accomplishment to teachers. Imust look after Grace, she is romping."AndMissKate strolled away, adding to herselfwith a shrug, "I didn't come to chaperone agoverness,thoughsheisyoungandpretty.WhatoddpeopletheseYankeesare.I'mafraidLauriewillbequitespoiledamongthem."

"IforgotthatEnglishpeopleratherturnuptheirnosesatgovernessesanddon'ttreatthemaswedo,"saidMeg,lookingaftertheretreatingfigurewithanannoyedexpression.

"Tutorsalsohaveratherahardtimeofitthere,asIknowtomysorrow.There'snoplacelikeAmericaforusworkers,MissMargaret."AndMr.BrookelookedsocontentedandcheerfulthatMegwasashamedtolamentherhardlot.

"I'mgladIliveinitthen.Idon'tlikemywork,butIgetagooddealofsatisfactionoutofitafterall,soIwon'tcomplain.IonlywishedIlikedteachingasyoudo."

"IthinkyouwouldifyouhadLaurieforapupil.Ishallbeverysorrytolosehimnextyear,"saidMr.Brooke,busilypunchingholesintheturf.

"Goingtocollege,Isuppose?"Meg'slipsaskedthequestion,buthereyesadded,"Andwhatbecomesofyou?"

"Yes,it'shightimehewent,forheisready,andassoonasheisoff,Ishallturnsoldier.Iamneeded."

"Iamgladofthat!"exclaimedMeg."Ishouldthinkeveryyoungmanwouldwanttogo, though it ishard for themothers and sisterswho stayathome," sheaddedsorrowfully.

"I have neither, and very few friends to care whether I live or die," said Mr.Brookeratherbitterlyasheabsentlyputthedeadroseintheholehehadmadeandcovereditup,likealittlegrave.

"Laurieandhisgrandfatherwouldcareagreatdeal, andweshouldallbeverysorrytohaveanyharmhappentoyou,"saidMegheartily.

"Thankyou,thatsoundspleasant,"beganMr.Brooke,lookingcheerfulagain,butbeforehecouldfinishhisspeech,Ned,mountedontheoldhorse,camelumberingup todisplayhis equestrian skill before theyoung ladies, and therewasnomorequietthatday.

"Don'tyoulovetoride?"askedGraceofAmy,astheystoodrestingafterarace

roundthefieldwiththeothers,ledbyNed.

"Idoteuponit.Mysister,Meg,usedtoridewhenPapawasrich,butwedon'tkeepanyhorsesnow,exceptEllenTree,"addedAmy,laughing.

"TellmeaboutEllenTree.Isitadonkey?"askedGracecuriously.

"Why,yousee,Jo iscrazyabouthorsesandsoamI,butwe'veonlygotanoldsidesaddle and no horse. Out in our garden is an apple tree that has a nice lowbranch,soJoputthesaddleonit,fixedsomereinsonthepartthatturnsup,andwebounceawayonEllenTreewheneverwelike."

"Howfunny!"laughedGrace."Ihaveaponyathome,andridenearlyeverydayintheparkwithFredandKate.It'sverynice,formyfriendsgotoo,andtheRowisfullofladiesandgentlemen."

"Dear, how charming! I hope I shall go abroad some day, but I'd rather go toRome than theRow," saidAmy,whohadnot the remotest ideawhat theRowwasandwouldn'thaveaskedfortheworld.

Frank,sittingjustbehindthelittlegirls,heardwhattheyweresaying,andpushedhis crutch away fromhimwith an impatient gesture ashewatched the active ladsgoing through all sorts of comical gymnastics. Beth, who was collecting thescatteredAuthorcards,lookedupandsaid,inhershyyetfriendlyway,"I'mafraidyouaretired.CanIdoanythingforyou?"

"Talk to me, please. It's dull, sitting by myself," answered Frank, who hadevidentlybeenusedtobeingmademuchofathome.

If he asked her to deliver a Latin oration, it would not have seemed a moreimpossible task to bashful Beth, but there was no place to run to, no Jo to hidebehindnow,andthepoorboylookedsowistfullyatherthatshebravelyresolvedtotry.

"What do you like to talk about?" she asked, fumbling over the cards anddroppinghalfasshetriedtotiethemup.

"Well,Iliketohearaboutcricketandboatingandhunting,"saidFrank,whohadnotyetlearnedtosuithisamusementstohisstrength.

Myheart!WhatshallIdo?Idon'tknowanythingabout them,thoughtBeth,andforgettingtheboy'smisfortuneinherflurry,shesaid,hopingtomakehimtalk,"I

neversawanyhunting,butIsupposeyouknowallaboutit."

"Ididonce,butIcanneverhuntagain,forIgothurtleapingaconfoundedfive-barredgate,sotherearenomorehorsesandhoundsforme,"saidFrankwithasighthatmadeBethhateherselfforherinnocentblunder.

"Your deer aremuch prettier than our ugly buffaloes," she said, turning to theprairiesforhelpandfeelinggladthatshehadreadoneoftheboys'booksinwhichJodelighted.

Buffaloes proved soothing and satisfactory, and in her eagerness to amuseanother,Bethforgotherself,andwasquiteunconsciousofhersisters'surpriseanddelight at theunusual spectacle ofBeth talking away to oneof thedreadful boys,againstwhomshehadbeggedprotection.

"Blessherheart!Shepitieshim,sosheisgoodtohim,"saidJo,beamingatherfromthecroquetground.

"Ialwayssaidshewasa littlesaint,"addedMeg,as if therecouldbenofurtherdoubtofit.

"Ihaven'theardFrank laughsomuchforeverso long,"saidGrace toAmy,astheysatdiscussingdollsandmakingteasetsoutoftheacorncups.

"MysisterBeth is avery fastidiousgirl,when she likes tobe," saidAmy,wellpleasedatBeth'ssuccess.Shemeant'facinating',butasGracedidn'tknowtheexactmeaningofeitherword,fastidioussoundedwellandmadeagoodimpression.

Animpromptucircus,foxandgeese,andanamicablegameofcroquetfinishedthe afternoon. At sunset the tent was struck, hampers packed, wickets pulled up,boatsloaded,andthewholepartyfloateddowntheriver,singingatthetopsoftheirvoices.Ned,gettingsentimental,warbledaserenadewiththepensiverefrain...

Alone,alone,ah!Woe,alone,

andatthelines...

Weeachareyoung,weeachhaveaheart,Oh,whyshouldwestandthuscoldlyapart?

helookedatMegwithsuchalackadiasicalexpressionthatshelaughedoutrightandspoiledhissong.

"Howcanyoubesocrueltome?"hewhispered,undercoverofalivelychorus."You've kept close to that starched-up Englishwoman all day, and now you snubme."

"Ididn'tmeanto,butyoulookedsofunnyIreallycouldn'thelpit,"repliedMeg,passingoverthefirstpartofhisreproach,foritwasquitetruethatshehadshunnedhim,rememberingtheMoffatpartyandthetalkafterit.

Ned was offended and turned to Sallie for consolation, saying to her ratherpettishly,"Thereisn'tabitofflirtinthatgirl,isthere?"

"Notaparticle,butshe'sadear,"returnedSallie,defendingherfriendevenwhileconfessinghershortcomings.

"She'snotastrickendeeranyway,"saidNed,tryingtobewitty,andsucceedingaswellasveryyounggentlemenusuallydo.

On the lawnwhere it had gathered, the little party separatedwith cordial goodnights andgood-byes, for theVaughnswere going toCanada.As the four sisterswent home through the garden,MissKate looked after them, saying, without thepatronizing tone inhervoice, "Inspiteof theirdemonstrativemanners,Americangirlsareverynicewhenoneknowsthem."

"Iquiteagreewithyou,"saidMr.Brooke.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

CASTLESINTHEAIR

LaurielayluxuriouslyswingingtoandfroinhishammockonewarmSeptemberafternoon,wonderingwhat his neighborswere about, but too lazy togo and findout. He was in one of his moods, for the day had been both unprofitable andunsatisfactory, and he was wishing he could live it over again. The hot weathermadehimindolent,andhehadshirkedhisstudies,triedMr.Brooke'spatiencetotheutmost, displeasedhisgrandfatherbypracticinghalf the afternoon, frightened themaidservants half out of theirwits bymischievously hinting that one of his dogswas going mad, and, after high words with the stableman about some fanciedneglect of his horse, he had flung himself into his hammock to fume over the

stupidityoftheworldingeneral,tillthepeaceofthelovelydayquietedhiminspiteofhimself.Staringupintothegreengloomofthehorse-chestnuttreesabovehim,hedreameddreamsofallsorts,andwasjustimagininghimselftossingontheoceanin a voyage round theworld,when the sound of voices brought him ashore in aflash.Peepingthroughthemeshesofthehammock,hesawtheMarchescomingout,asifboundonsomeexpedition.

"What in the world are those girls about now?" thought Laurie, opening hissleepy eyes to take a good look, for there was something rather peculiar in theappearanceofhisneighbors.Eachworealarge,flappinghat,abrownlinenpouchslungoverone shoulder, andcarrieda long staff.Meghadacushion, Joabook,Bethabasket,andAmyaportfolio.Allwalkedquietlythroughthegarden,outatthelittlebackgate,andbegantoclimbthehillthatlaybetweenthehouseandriver.

"Well, that's cool," saidLaurie to himself, "to have a picnic andnever askme!Theycan'tbegoingintheboat,fortheyhaven'tgotthekey.Perhapstheyforgotit.I'lltakeittothem,andseewhat'sgoingon."

Thoughpossessedofhalfadozenhats, it tookhimsometimetofindone, thentherewasahuntforthekey,whichwasatlastdiscoveredinhispocket,sothatthegirlswerequiteoutofsightwhenheleapedthefenceandranafterthem.Takingtheshortestwaytotheboathouse,hewaitedforthemtoappear,butnoonecame,andhewentupthehilltotakeanobservation.Agroveofpinescoveredonepartofit,andfromtheheartofthisgreenspotcameaclearersoundthanthesoftsighofthepinesorthedrowsychirpofthecrickets.

"Here's a landscape!" thought Laurie, peeping through the bushes, and lookingwide-awakeandgood-naturedalready.

Itwasaratherprettylittlepicture,forthesisterssattogetherintheshadynook,withsunandshadowflickeringoverthem,thearomaticwindliftingtheirhairandcoolingtheirhotcheeks,andallthelittlewoodpeoplegoingonwiththeiraffairsasifthesewerenostrangersbutoldfriends.Megsatuponhercushion,sewingdaintilywith herwhite hands, and looking as fresh and sweet as a rose in her pink dressamongthegreen.Bethwassortingtheconesthatlaythickunderthehemlocknearby,forshemadeprettythingswiththem.Amywassketchingagroupofferns,andJo was knitting as she read aloud. A shadow passed over the boy's face as hewatched them, feeling that he ought to go away because uninvited; yet lingeringbecausehomeseemedverylonelyandthisquietpartyinthewoodsmostattractivetohis restless spirit.Hestoodso still thata squirrel,busywith itsharvesting, randown a pine close beside him, saw him suddenly and skipped back, scolding so

shrillythatBethlookedup,espiedthewistfulfacebehindthebirches,andbeckonedwithareassuringsmile.

"MayIcomein,please?OrshallIbeabother?"heasked,advancingslowly.

Meg lifted her eyebrows, but Jo scowled at her defiantly and said at once, "Ofcourseyoumay.Weshouldhaveaskedyoubefore,onlywethoughtyouwouldn'tcareforsuchagirl'sgameasthis."

"Ialwayslikeyourgames,butifMegdoesn'twantme,I'llgoaway."

"I've no objection, if you do something. It's against the rules to be idle here,"repliedMeggravelybutgraciously.

"Muchobliged. I'll doanything ifyou'll letme stopabit, for it's asdull as theDesertofSaharadownthere.ShallIsew,read,cone,draw,ordoallatonce?Bringon your bears. I'm ready." And Laurie sat down with a submissive expressiondelightfultobehold.

"FinishthisstorywhileIsetmyheel,"saidJo,handinghimthebook.

"Yes'm."wasthemeekanswer,ashebegan,doinghisbesttoprovehisgratitudeforthefavorofadmissionintothe'BusyBeeSociety'.

Thestorywasnotalongone,andwhenitwasfinished,heventuredtoaskafewquestionsasarewardofmerit.

"Please,ma'am,couldIinquireifthishighlyinstructiveandcharminginstitutionisanewone?"

"Wouldyoutellhim?"askedMegofhersisters.

"He'lllaugh,"saidAmywarningly.

"Whocares?"saidJo.

"Iguesshe'lllikeit,"addedBeth.

"OfcourseIshall!IgiveyoumywordIwon'tlaugh.Tellaway,Jo,anddon'tbeafraid."

"The idea of being afraid of you! Well, you see we used to play Pilgrim's

Progress,andwehavebeengoingonwithitinearnest,allwinterandsummer."

"Yes,Iknow,"saidLaurie,noddingwisely.

"Whotoldyou?"demandedJo.

"Spirits."

"No,Idid.Iwantedtoamusehimonenightwhenyouwereallaway,andhewasratherdismal.Hedidlikeit,sodon'tscold,Jo,"saidBethmeekly.

"Youcan'tkeepasecret.Nevermind,itsavestroublenow."

"Goon,please,"saidLaurie,asJobecameabsorbedinherwork,lookingatrifledispleased.

"Oh,didn't she tellyouabout thisnewplanofours?Well,wehave triednot towasteourholiday,buteachhashadataskandworkedatitwithawill.Thevacationisnearlyover,thestintsarealldone,andweareeversogladthatwedidn'tdawdle."

"Yes,Ishouldthinkso,"andLauriethoughtregretfullyofhisownidledays.

"Motherlikestohaveusout-of-doorsasmuchaspossible,sowebringourworkhereandhavenicetimes.Forthefunofitwebringourthingsinthesebags,weartheoldhats,usepolestoclimbthehill,andplaypilgrims,asweusedtodoyearsago.WecallthishilltheDelectableMountain,forwecanlookfarawayandseethecountrywherewehopetolivesometime."

Jopointed,andLauriesatuptoexamine,forthroughanopeninginthewoodonecouldlookcross thewide,blueriver, themeadowsontheotherside,farover theoutskirtsofthegreatcity, tothegreenhillsthatrosetomeetthesky.Thesunwaslow,andtheheavensglowedwiththesplendorofanautumnsunset.Goldandpurpleclouds layon thehilltops, and risinghigh into the ruddy lightwere silverywhitepeaksthatshoneliketheairyspiresofsomeCelestialCity.

"Howbeautifulthatis!"saidLauriesoftly,forhewasquicktoseeandfeelbeautyofanykind.

"It's often so, and we like to watch it, for it is never the same, but alwayssplendid,"repliedAmy,wishingshecouldpaintit.

"Jotalksaboutthecountrywherewehopetolivesometime—therealcountry,she

means, with pigs and chickens and haymaking. It would be nice, but I wish thebeautifulcountryuptherewasreal,andwecouldevergotoit,"saidBethmusingly.

"There isa loveliercountryeventhanthat,whereweshallgo,by-and-by,whenwearegoodenough,"answeredMegwithhersweetestvoice.

"It seems so long to wait, so hard to do. I want to fly away at once, as thoseswallowsfly,andgoinatthatsplendidgate."

"You'llgetthere,Beth,soonerorlater,nofearofthat,"saidJo."I'mtheonethatwillhavetofightandwork,andclimbandwait,andmaybenevergetinafterall."

"You'llhavemeforcompany, if that'sanycomfort. Ishallhave todoadealoftravelingbeforeIcomeinsightofyourCelestialCity.IfIarrivelate,you'llsayagoodwordforme,won'tyou,Beth?"

Somethingintheboy'sfacetroubledhislittlefriend,butshesaidcheerfully,withherquieteyesonthechangingclouds,"Ifpeoplereallywanttogo,andreallytryalltheirlives,Ithinktheywillgetin,forIdon'tbelievethereareanylocksonthatdooror any guards at the gate. I always imagine it is as it is in the picture,where theshiningonesstretchouttheirhandstowelcomepoorChristianashecomesupfromtheriver."

"Wouldn'titbefunifallthecastlesintheairwhichwemakecouldcometrue,andwecouldliveinthem?"saidJo,afteralittlepause.

"I'vemadesuchquantitiesitwouldbehardtochoosewhichI'dhave,"saidLaurie,lyingflatandthrowingconesatthesquirrelwhohadbetrayedhim.

"You'dhavetotakeyourfavoriteone.Whatisit?"askedMeg.

"IfItellmine,willyoutellyours?"

"Yes,ifthegirlswilltoo."

"Wewill.Now,Laurie."

"AfterI'dseenasmuchoftheworldasIwantto,I'dliketosettleinGermanyandhave justasmuchmusicas Ichoose. I'm tobea famousmusicianmyself,andallcreation is to rush to hear me. And I'm never to be bothered about money orbusiness, but just enjoymyself and live forwhat I like.That'smy favorite castle.What'syours,Meg?"

Margaretseemedtofinditalittlehardtotellhers,andwavedabrakebeforeherface,asiftodisperseimaginarygnats,whileshesaidslowly,"Ishouldlikealovelyhouse, full of all sorts of luxurious things—nice food, pretty clothes, handsomefurniture,pleasantpeople,andheapsofmoney.Iamtobemistressofit,andmanageitasIlike,withplentyofservants,soIneverneedworkabit.HowIshouldenjoyit!ForIwouldn'tbeidle,butdogood,andmakeeveryonelovemedearly."

"Wouldn'tyouhaveamasterforyourcastleintheair?"askedLaurieslyly.

"I said 'pleasant people', youknow," andMegcarefully tiedupher shoe as shespoke,sothatnoonesawherface.

"Whydon'tyousayyou'dhaveasplendid,wise,goodhusbandandsomeangeliclittle children?You know your castlewouldn't be perfect without," said blunt Jo,whohadnotenderfanciesyet,andratherscornedromance,exceptinbooks.

"You'dhavenothingbuthorses, inkstands,andnovels inyours,"answeredMegpetulantly.

"Wouldn'tIthough?I'dhaveastablefullofArabiansteeds,roomspiledhighwithbooks,andI'dwriteoutofamagicinkstand,sothatmyworksshouldbeasfamousas Laurie's music. I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle,somethingheroicorwonderfulthatwon'tbeforgottenafterI'mdead.Idon'tknowwhat,but I'mon thewatch for it,andmean toastonishyouall someday. I thinkIshallwritebooks,andgetrichandfamous,thatwouldsuitme,sothatismyfavoritedream."

"Mine is tostayathomesafewithFatherandMother,andhelp takecareof thefamily,"saidBethcontentedly.

"Don'tyouwishforanythingelse?"askedLaurie.

"SinceIhadmylittlepiano,Iamperfectlysatisfied.Ionlywishwemayallkeepwellandbetogether,nothingelse."

"Ihaveeversomanywishes,but thepetoneis tobeanartist,andgotoRome,anddofinepictures,andbethebestartist inthewholeworld,"wasAmy'smodestdesire.

"We'reanambitiousset,aren'twe?Everyoneofus,butBeth,wantstoberichandfamous,andgorgeousineveryrespect.Idowonderifanyofuswillevergetourwishes,"saidLaurie,chewinggrasslikeameditativecalf.

"I'vegotthekeytomycastleintheair,butwhetherIcanunlockthedoorremainstobeseen,"observedJomysteriously.

"I'vegot thekey tomine,but I'mnotallowed to try it.Hangcollege!"mutteredLauriewithanimpatientsigh.

"Here'smine!"andAmywavedherpencil.

"Ihaven'tgotany,"saidMegforlornly.

"Yes,youhave,"saidLaurieatonce.

"Where?"

"Inyourface."

"Nonsense,that'sofnouse."

"Wait and see if it doesn'tbringyou somethingworthhaving," replied theboy,laughingatthethoughtofacharminglittlesecretwhichhefanciedheknew.

Megcoloredbehindthebrake,butaskednoquestionsandlookedacrosstheriverwith the sameexpectant expressionwhichMr.Brookehadwornwhenhe told thestoryoftheknight.

"Ifweareallalivetenyearshence,let'smeet,andseehowmanyofushavegotourwishes,orhowmuchnearerwearethenthannow,"saidJo,alwaysreadywithaplan.

"Blessme!HowoldIshallbe,twenty-seven!"exclaimedMeg,whofeltgrownupalready,havingjustreachedseventeen.

"You and I will be twenty-six, Teddy, Beth twenty-four, and Amy twenty-two.Whatavenerableparty!"saidJo.

"Ihope I shallhavedonesomething tobeproudofby that time,but I'msuchalazydog,I'mafraidIshalldawdle,Jo."

"Youneed amotive,Mother says, andwhenyouget it, she is sureyou'llworksplendidly."

"Isshe?ByJupiter,Iwill, ifIonlygetthechance!"criedLaurie,sittingupwith

suddenenergy. "Iought tobe satisfied topleaseGrandfather, and Ido try,but it'sworking against the grain, you see, and comes hard.Hewantsme to be an Indiamerchant,ashewas,andI'dratherbeshot.Ihateteaandsilkandspices,andeverysortofrubbishhisoldshipsbring,andIdon'tcarehowsoontheygotothebottomwhenIownthem.Goingtocollegeoughttosatisfyhim,forifIgivehimfouryearsheoughttoletmeofffromthebusiness.Buthe'sset,andI'vegottodojustashedid,unlessIbreakawayandpleasemyself,asmyfatherdid.Iftherewasanyonelefttostaywiththeoldgentleman,I'ddoittomorrow."

Lauriespokeexcitedly,andlookedreadytocarryhisthreatintoexecutionontheslightestprovocation,forhewasgrowingupveryfastand,inspiteofhisindolentways,hadayoungman'shatredofsubjection,ayoungman'srestlesslongingtotrytheworldforhimself.

"Iadviseyoutosailawayinoneofyourships,andnevercomehomeagaintillyouhavetriedyourownway,"saidJo,whoseimaginationwasfiredbythethoughtof such a daring exploit, and whose sympathy was excited by what she called'Teddy'sWrongs'.

"That'snotright,Jo.Youmustn'ttalkinthatway,andLauriemustn'ttakeyourbadadvice.Youshoulddojustwhatyourgrandfatherwishes,mydearboy,"saidMeginhermostmaternaltone."Doyourbestatcollege,andwhenheseesthatyoutrytopleasehim,I'msurehewon'tbehardonyouorunjusttoyou.Asyousay,thereisnooneelsetostaywithandlovehim,andyou'dneverforgiveyourselfifyoulefthimwithouthispermission.Don'tbedismalorfret,butdoyourdutyandyou'llgetyourreward,asgoodMr.Brookehas,bybeingrespectedandloved."

"Whatdoyouknowabouthim?"askedLaurie,gratefulforthegoodadvice,butobjecting to the lecture, and glad to turn the conversation from himself after hisunusualoutbreak.

"Onlywhatyourgrandpatoldusabouthim,howhetookgoodcareofhisownmothertillshedied,andwouldn'tgoabroadastutortosomenicepersonbecausehewouldn't leave her.And howhe provides now for an oldwomanwho nursed hismother,andnever tellsanyone,but is justasgenerousandpatientandgoodashecanbe."

"Soheis,dearoldfellow!"saidLaurieheartily,asMegpaused,lookingflushedandearnestwithherstory."It'slikeGrandpatofindoutallabouthimwithoutlettinghimknow,andtotellallhisgoodnesstoothers,sothattheymightlikehim.Brookecouldn'tunderstandwhyyourmotherwassokindtohim,askinghimoverwithme

andtreatinghiminherbeautifulfriendlyway.Hethoughtshewasjustperfect,andtalkedaboutitfordaysanddays,andwentonaboutyouallinflamingstyle.IfeverIdogetmywish,youseewhatI'lldoforBrooke."

"Begintodosomethingnowbynotplaguinghislifeout,"saidMegsharply.

"HowdoyouknowIdo,Miss?"

"Icanalwaystellbyhisfacewhenhegoesaway.Ifyouhavebeengood,helookssatisfiedandwalksbriskly.Ifyouhaveplaguedhim,he'ssoberandwalksslowly,asifhewantedtogobackanddohisworkbetter."

"Well,Ilikethat?SoyoukeepanaccountofmygoodandbadmarksinBrooke'sface,doyou?Iseehimbowandsmileashepassesyourwindow,butIdidn'tknowyou'dgotupatelegraph."

"Wehaven't.Don'tbeangry,andoh,don'ttellhimIsaidanything!ItwasonlytoshowthatIcaredhowyougeton,andwhatissaidhereissaidinconfidence,youknow," criedMeg, much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from hercarelessspeech.

"I don't tell tales," repliedLaurie,with his 'high andmighty' air, as Jo called acertain expressionwhichhe occasionallywore. "Only ifBrooke is going to be athermometer,Imustmindandhavefairweatherforhimtoreport."

"Pleasedon'tbeoffended.Ididn'tmeantopreachortell talesorbesilly.IonlythoughtJowasencouragingyou ina feelingwhichyou'dbesorry forby-and-by.Youaresokindtous,wefeelasifyouwereourbrotherandsayjustwhatwethink.Forgive me, I meant it kindly." And Meg offered her hand with a gesture bothaffectionateandtimid.

Ashamedofhismomentarypique,Lauriesqueezedthekindlittlehand,andsaidfrankly,"I'mtheonetobeforgiven.I'mcrossandhavebeenoutofsortsallday.Ilike to have you tellmemy faults and be sisterly, so don'tmind if I am grumpysometimes.Ithankyouallthesame."

Bent on showing that he was not offended, he made himself as agreeable aspossible,woundcottonforMeg,recitedpoetrytopleaseJo,shookdownconesforBeth,andhelpedAmywithherferns,provinghimselfafitpersontobelongtothe'BusyBeeSociety'.Inthemidstofananimateddiscussiononthedomestichabitsofturtles(oneofthoseamiablecreatureshavingstrolledupfromtheriver),thefaintsoundofabellwarnedthemthatHannahhadput thetea 'todraw',andtheywould

justhavetimetogethometosupper.

"MayIcomeagain?"askedLaurie.

"Yes,ifyouaregood,andloveyourbook,astheboysintheprimeraretoldtodo,"saidMeg,smiling.

"I'lltry."

"Thenyoumaycome,and I'll teachyou toknit as theScotchmendo.There's ademandforsocksjustnow,"addedJo,wavingherslikeabigblueworstedbannerastheypartedatthegate.

Thatnight,whenBethplayedtoMr.Laurenceinthetwilight,Laurie,standinginthe shadowof the curtain, listened to the littleDavid,whose simplemusic alwaysquietedhismoodyspirit,andwatchedtheoldman,whosatwithhisgrayheadonhishand, thinking tender thoughts of the dead child he had loved so much.Remembering theconversationof theafternoon, theboy said tohimself,with theresolvetomakethesacrificecheerfully,"I'llletmycastlego,andstaywiththedearoldgentlemanwhileheneedsme,forIamallhehas."

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

SECRETS

Jowasverybusyinthegarret,fortheOctoberdaysbegantogrowchilly,andtheafternoons were short. For two or three hours the sun lay warmly in the highwindow,showingJoseatedontheoldsofa,writingbusily,withherpapersspreadout upon a trunk before her, while Scrabble, the pet rat, promenaded the beamsoverhead,accompaniedbyhisoldest son,a fineyoungfellow,whowasevidentlyveryproudofhiswhiskers.Quiteabsorbedinherwork,Joscribbledawaytillthelastpagewasfilled,whenshesignedhernamewithaflourishandthrewdownherpen,exclaiming...

"There,I'vedonemybest!Ifthiswon'tsuitIshallhavetowaittillIcandobetter."

Lyingbackonthesofa,shereadthemanuscriptcarefullythrough,makingdasheshere and there, and putting in many exclamation points, which looked like little

balloons.Thenshetieditupwithasmartredribbon,andsataminutelookingatitwith a sober,wistful expression,whichplainly showedhowearnestherworkhadbeen.Jo'sdeskupherewasanoldtinkitchenwhichhungagainstthewall.Initshekept her papers, and a few books, safely shut away from Scrabble, who, beinglikewiseofaliteraryturn,wasfondofmakingacirculatinglibraryofsuchbooksaswere left inhiswayby eating the leaves.From this tin receptacle Joproducedanothermanuscript,andputtingbothinherpocket,creptquietlydownstairs,leavingherfriendstonibbleonherpensandtasteherink.

She put on her hat and jacket as noiselessly as possible, and going to the backentrywindow, got out upon the roof of a low porch, swung herself down to thegrassy bank, and took a roundabout way to the road. Once there, she composedherself,hailedapassingomnibus,androlledawaytotown,lookingverymerryandmysterious.

If anyone had been watching her, he would have thought her movementsdecidedlypeculiar,foronalighting,shewentoffatagreatpacetillshereachedacertainnumberinacertainbusystreet.Havingfoundtheplacewithsomedifficulty,shewentintothedoorway,lookedupthedirtystairs,andafterstandingstockstillaminute,suddenlydivedintothestreetandwalkedawayasrapidlyasshecame.Thismaneuversherepeatedseveraltimes,tothegreatamusementofablack-eyedyounggentlemanlounginginthewindowofabuildingopposite.Onreturningforthethirdtime,Jogaveherselfashake,pulledherhatoverhereyes,andwalkedupthestairs,lookingasifsheweregoingtohaveallherteethout.

Therewasadentist'ssign,amongothers,whichadorned theentrance,andafterstaringamomentatthepairofartificialjawswhichslowlyopenedandshuttodrawattentiontoafinesetofteeth,theyounggentlemanputonhiscoat,tookhishat,andwent down to post himself in the opposite doorway, saying with a smile and ashiver,"It'slikehertocomealone,butifshehasabadtimeshe'llneedsomeonetohelpherhome."

IntenminutesJocamerunningdownstairswithaveryredfaceandthegeneralappearanceofapersonwhohadjustpassedthroughatryingordealofsomesort.When she saw the young gentleman she looked anything but pleased, and passedhimwithanod.Buthefollowed,askingwithanairofsympathy,"Didyouhaveabadtime?"

"Notvery."

"Yougotthroughquickly."

"Yes,thankgoodness!"

"Whydidyougoalone?"

"Didn'twantanyonetoknow."

"You'retheoddestfellowIeversaw.Howmanydidyouhaveout?"

Jolookedatherfriendasifshedidnotunderstandhim,thenbegantolaughasifmightilyamusedatsomething.

"TherearetwowhichIwanttohavecomeout,butImustwaitaweek."

"What are you laughing at? You are up to some mischief, Jo," said Laurie,lookingmystified.

"Soareyou.Whatwereyoudoing,sir,upinthatbilliardsaloon?"

"Beggingyourpardon,ma'am,itwasn'tabilliardsaloon,butagymnasium,andIwastakingalessoninfencing."

"I'mgladofthat."

"Why?"

"Youcanteachme,andthenwhenweplayHamlet,youcanbeLaertes,andwe'llmakeafinethingofthefencingscene."

Laurieburstoutwithaheartyboy'slaugh,whichmadeseveralpassers-bysmileinspiteofthemselves.

"I'll teachyouwhetherweplayHamletornot. It'sgrandfunandwillstraightenyouupcapitally.ButIdon'tbelievethatwasyouronlyreasonforsaying'I'mglad'inthatdecidedway,wasitnow?"

"No,Iwasgladthatyouwerenotinthesaloon,becauseIhopeyounevergotosuchplaces.Doyou?"

"Notoften."

"Iwishyouwouldn't."

"It'snoharm,Jo. Ihavebilliardsathome,but it'snofununlessyouhavegood

players,so,asI'mfondofit,IcomesometimesandhaveagamewithNedMoffatorsomeoftheotherfellows."

"Oh,dear,I'msosorry,foryou'llgettolikingitbetterandbetter,andwillwastetime and money, and grow like those dreadful boys. I did hope you'd stayrespectableandbeasatisfactiontoyourfriends,"saidJo,shakingherhead.

"Can'tafellowtakealittleinnocentamusementnowandthenwithoutlosinghisrespectability?"askedLaurie,lookingnettled.

"Thatdependsuponhowandwherehe takes it. Idon't likeNedandhisset,andwish you'd keep out of it.Motherwon't let us have him at our house, though hewants to come.And if you grow like him shewon't bewilling to have us frolictogetheraswedonow."

"Won'tshe?"askedLaurieanxiously.

"No,shecan'tbearfashionableyoungmen,andshe'dshutusallupinbandboxesratherthanhaveusassociatewiththem."

"Well,sheneedn'tgetoutherbandboxesyet.I'mnotafashionablepartyanddon'tmeantobe,butIdolikeharmlesslarksnowandthen,don'tyou?"

"Yes,nobodymindsthem,solarkaway,butdon'tgetwild,willyou?Ortherewillbeanendofallourgoodtimes."

"I'llbeadoubledistilledsaint."

"I can't bear saints. Just be a simple, honest, respectable boy, and we'll neverdesertyou.Idon'tknowwhatIshoulddoifyouactedlikeMr.King'sson.Hehadplentyofmoney,butdidn'tknowhowtospend it,andgot tipsyandgambled,andranaway,andforgedhisfather'sname,Ibelieve,andwasaltogetherhorrid."

"YouthinkI'mlikelytodothesame?Muchobliged."

"No,Idon't—oh,dear,no!—butIhearpeopletalkingaboutmoneybeingsuchatemptation,andIsometimeswishyouwerepoor.Ishouldn'tworrythen."

"Doyouworryaboutme,Jo?"

"A little, when you look moody and discontented, as you sometimes do, foryou'vegotsuchastrongwill,ifyouoncegetstartedwrong,I'mafraiditwouldbe

hardtostopyou."

Lauriewalkedinsilenceafewminutes,andJowatchedhim,wishingshehadheldhertongue,forhiseyeslookedangry,thoughhislipssmiledasifatherwarnings.

"Areyougoingtodeliverlecturesallthewayhome?"heaskedpresently.

"Ofcoursenot.Why?"

"Becauseifyouare,I'lltakeabus.Ifyou'renot,I'dliketowalkwithyouandtellyousomethingveryinteresting."

"Iwon'tpreachanymore,andI'dliketohearthenewsimmensely."

"Verywell,then,comeon.It'sasecret,andifItellyou,youmusttellmeyours."

"Ihaven'tgotany,"beganJo,butstoppedsuddenly,rememberingthatshehad.

"Youknowyouhave—youcan'thideanything, soupand 'fess,or Iwon't tell,"criedLaurie.

"Isyoursecretaniceone?"

"Oh,isn'tit!Allaboutpeopleyouknow,andsuchfun!Yououghttohearit,andI'vebeenachingtotellitthislongtime.Come,youbegin."

"You'llnotsayanythingaboutitathome,willyou?"

"Notaword."

"Andyouwon'tteasemeinprivate?"

"Inevertease."

"Yes,youdo.Yougeteverythingyouwantoutofpeople.Idon'tknowhowyoudoit,butyouareabornwheedler."

"Thankyou.Fireaway."

"Well,I'velefttwostorieswithanewspaperman,andhe'stogivehisanswernextweek,"whisperedJo,inherconfidant'sear.

"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, fourcats,fivehens,andhalfadozenIrishchildren,fortheywereoutofthecitynow.

"Hush!Itwon'tcometoanything,Idaresay,butIcouldn'tresttillIhadtried,andIsaidnothingaboutitbecauseIdidn'twantanyoneelsetobedisappointed."

"Itwon't fail.Why,Jo,yourstoriesareworksofShakespearecomparedtohalftherubbishthatispublishedeveryday.Won'titbefuntoseetheminprint,andshan'twefeelproudofourauthoress?"

Jo'seyessparkled,foritisalwayspleasanttobebelievedin,andafriend'spraiseisalwayssweeterthanadozennewspaperpuffs.

"Where'syoursecret?Playfair,Teddy,orI'llneverbelieveyouagain,"shesaid,tryingtoextinguishthebrillianthopesthatblazedupatawordofencouragement.

"Imayget into a scrape for telling, but I didn't promisenot to, so Iwill, for IneverfeeleasyinmymindtillI'vetoldyouanyplummybitofnewsIget.IknowwhereMeg'sgloveis."

"Isthatall?"saidJo,lookingdisappointed,asLaurienoddedandtwinkledwithafacefullofmysteriousintelligence.

"It'squiteenoughforthepresent,asyou'llagreewhenItellyouwhereitis."

"Tell,then."

Laurie bent, andwhispered threewords in Jo's ear, which produced a comicalchange. She stood and stared at him for a minute, looking both surprised anddispleased,thenwalkedon,sayingsharply,"Howdoyouknow?"

"Sawit."

"Where?"

"Pocket."

"Allthistime?"

"Yes,isn'tthatromantic?"

"No,it'shorrid."

"Don'tyoulikeit?"

"OfcourseIdon't.It'sridiculous, itwon'tbeallowed.Mypatience!WhatwouldMegsay?"

"Youarenottotellanyone.Mindthat."

"Ididn'tpromise."

"Thatwasunderstood,andItrustedyou."

"Well,Iwon'tforthepresent,anyway,butI'mdisgusted,andwishyouhadn'ttoldme."

"Ithoughtyou'dbepleased."

"AttheideaofanybodycomingtotakeMegaway?No,thankyou."

"You'llfeelbetteraboutitwhensomebodycomestotakeyouaway."

"I'dliketoseeanyonetryit,"criedJofiercely.

"SoshouldI!"andLauriechuckledattheidea.

"Idon'tthinksecretsagreewithme,Ifeelrumpledupinmymindsinceyoutoldmethat,"saidJoratherungratefully.

"Racedownthishillwithme,andyou'llbeallright,"suggestedLaurie.

Noonewasinsight,thesmoothroadslopedinvitinglybeforeher,andfindingthetemptation irresistible, Jodartedaway,soon leavinghatandcombbehindherandscatteringhairpinsassheran.Lauriereachedthegoalfirstandwasquitesatisfiedwiththesuccessofhis treatment,forhisAtlantacamepantingupwithflyinghair,brighteyes,ruddycheeks,andnosignsofdissatisfactioninherface.

"IwishIwasahorse,thenIcouldrunformilesinthissplendidair,andnotlosemybreath. Itwascapital,butseewhataguy it'smademe.Go,pickupmythings,likeacherub,asyouare,"saidJo,droppingdownunderamaple tree,whichwascarpetingthebankwithcrimsonleaves.

Laurie leisurely departed to recover the lost property, and Jo bundled up herbraids,hopingnoonewouldpassbytillshewastidyagain.Butsomeonedidpass,

andwhoshoulditbebutMeg,lookingparticularlyladylikeinherstateandfestivalsuit,forshehadbeenmakingcalls.

"What in the world are you doing here?" she asked, regarding her disheveledsisterwithwell-bredsurprise.

"Gettingleaves,"meeklyansweredJo,sortingtherosyhandfulshehadjustsweptup.

"Andhairpins,"addedLaurie,throwinghalfadozenintoJo'slap."Theygrowonthisroad,Meg,sodocombsandbrownstrawhats."

"Youhavebeenrunning,Jo.Howcouldyou?Whenwillyoustopsuchrompingways?"saidMegreprovingly,asshesettledhercuffsandsmoothedherhair,withwhichthewindhadtakenliberties.

"NevertillI'mstiffandoldandhavetouseacrutch.Don'ttrytomakemegrowupbeforemytime,Meg.It'shardenoughtohaveyouchangeallofasudden.LetmebealittlegirlaslongasIcan."

Asshespoke,Jobentovertheleavestohidethetremblingofherlips,forlatelyshehadfeltthatMargaretwasfastgettingtobeawoman,andLaurie'ssecretmadeherdreadtheseparationwhichmustsurelycomesometimeandnowseemedverynear. He saw the trouble in her face and drewMeg's attention from it by askingquickly,"Wherehaveyoubeencalling,allsofine?"

"At the Gardiners', and Sallie has been telling me all about Belle Moffat'swedding.Itwasverysplendid,andtheyhavegonetospendthewinterinParis.Justthinkhowdelightfulthatmustbe!"

"Doyouenvyher,Meg?"saidLaurie.

"I'mafraidIdo."

"I'mgladofit!"mutteredJo,tyingonherhatwithajerk.

"Why?"askedMeg,lookingsurprised.

"Because if you caremuch about riches, youwill never go andmarry a poorman,"saidJo, frowningatLaurie,whowasmutelywarningher tomindwhatshesaid.

"I shall never 'go and marry' anyone," observed Meg, walking on with greatdignity while the others followed, laughing, whispering, skipping stones, and'behavinglikechildren',asMegsaidtoherself,thoughshemighthavebeentemptedtojointhemifshehadnothadherbestdresson.

Foraweekortwo,Jobehavedsoqueerlythathersisterswerequitebewildered.Sherushedtothedoorwhenthepostmanrang,wasrudetoMr.Brookewhenevertheymet,wouldsitlookingatMegwithawoe-begoneface,occasionallyjumpingup to shake and then kiss her in a verymysteriousmanner. Laurie and shewerealwaysmakingsignstooneanother,andtalkingabout'SpreadEagles'tillthegirlsdeclaredtheyhadbothlosttheirwits.OnthesecondSaturdayafterJogotoutofthewindow,Meg, as she sat sewing at her window, was scandalized by the sight ofLaurie chasing Jo all over the garden and finally capturing her inAmy's bower.What went on there, Meg could not see, but shrieks of laughter were heard,followedbythemurmurofvoicesandagreatflappingofnewspapers.

"Whatshallwedowiththatgirl?Sheneverwillbehavelikeayounglady,"sighedMeg,asshewatchedtheracewithadisapprovingface.

"Ihopeshewon't.Sheissofunnyanddearassheis,"saidBeth,whohadneverbetrayedthatshewasalittlehurtatJo'shavingsecretswithanyonebuther.

"It'svery trying,butwenevercanmakehercommyla fo," addedAmy,whosatmakingsomenewfrillsforherself,withhercurlstiedupinaverybecomingway,twoagreeablethingsthatmadeherfeelunusuallyelegantandladylike.

InafewminutesJobouncedin,laidherselfonthesofa,andaffectedtoread.

"Haveyouanythinginterestingthere?"askedMeg,withcondescension.

"Nothing but a story, won't amount to much, I guess," returned Jo, carefullykeepingthenameofthepaperoutofsight.

"You'dbetterreaditaloud.Thatwillamuseusandkeepyououtofmischief,"saidAmyinhermostgrown-uptone.

"What'sthename?"askedBeth,wonderingwhyJokeptherfacebehindthesheet.

"TheRivalPainters."

"Thatsoundswell.Readit,"saidMeg.

With a loud "Hem!" and a long breath, Jo began to read very fast. The girlslistenedwithinterest,forthetalewasromantic,andsomewhatpathetic,asmostofthe characters died in the end. "I like that about the splendid picture,"wasAmy'sapprovingremark,asJopaused.

"Iprefertheloveringpart.ViolaandAngeloaretwoofourfavoritenames,isn'tthatqueer?"saidMeg,wipinghereyes,fortheloveringpartwastragical.

"Whowroteit?"askedBeth,whohadcaughtaglimpseofJo'sface.

The reader suddenly sat up, cast away the paper, displaying a flushedcountenance,andwithafunnymixtureofsolemnityandexcitementrepliedinaloudvoice,"Yoursister."

"You?"criedMeg,droppingherwork.

"It'sverygood,"saidAmycritically.

"Iknewit!Iknewit!Oh,myJo,Iamsoproud!"andBethrantohughersisterandexultoverthissplendidsuccess.

Dearme,howdelightedtheyallwere,tobesure!HowMegwouldn'tbelieveittillshe saw the words. "Miss Josephine March," actually printed in the paper. Howgraciously Amy criticized the artistic parts of the story, and offered hints for asequel,which unfortunately couldn't be carried out, as the hero andheroineweredead.HowBethgotexcited,andskippedandsangwithjoy.HowHannahcameintoexclaim,"Sakesalive,wellInever!"ingreatastonishmentat'thatJo'sdoin's'.HowproudMrs.Marchwaswhensheknewit.HowJolaughed,withtearsinhereyes,asshedeclaredshemightaswellbeapeacockanddonewithit,andhowthe'SpreadEagle'mightbesaidtoflaphiswingstriumphantlyovertheHouseofMarch,asthepaperpassedfromhandtohand.

"Tell us about it." "Whendid it come?" "Howmuchdidyouget for it?" "WhatwillFathersay?""Won'tLaurie laugh?"cried the family,all inonebreathas theyclustered about Jo, for these foolish, affectionate peoplemade a jubilee of everylittlehouseholdjoy.

"Stop jabbering, girls, and I'll tell you everything," said Jo,wondering ifMissBurney felt any grander over her Evelina than she did over her 'Rival Painters'.Having toldhowshedisposedofher tales,Joadded,"AndwhenIwent togetmyanswer,themansaidhelikedthemboth,butdidn'tpaybeginners,onlyletthemprintin his paper, and noticed the stories. It was good practice, he said, andwhen the

beginnersimproved,anyonewouldpay.SoIlethimhavethetwostories,andtodaythiswassenttome,andLauriecaughtmewithitandinsistedonseeingit,soIlethim.Andhesaiditwasgood,andIshallwritemore,andhe'sgoingtogetthenextpaidfor,andIamsohappy,forintimeImaybeabletosupportmyselfandhelpthegirls."

Jo'sbreathgaveouthere,andwrappingherhead in thepaper,shebedewedherlittle storywith a few natural tears, for to be independent and earn the praise ofthoseshelovedwerethedearestwishesofherheart,andthisseemedtobethefirststeptowardthathappyend.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

ATELEGRAM

"November is themost disagreeablemonth in the whole year," saidMargaret,standingatthewindowonedullafternoon,lookingoutatthefrostbittengarden.

"That'sthereasonIwasborninit,"observedJopensively,quiteunconsciousoftheblotonhernose.

"If something very pleasant should happennow,we should think it a delightfulmonth,"saidBeth,whotookahopefulviewofeverything,evenNovember.

"Idaresay,butnothingpleasanteverdoeshappeninthisfamily,"saidMeg,whowasoutofsorts."Wegogrubbingalongdayafterday,withoutabitofchange,andverylittlefun.Wemightaswellbeinatreadmill."

"Mypatience,howblueweare!"criedJo."Idon'tmuchwonder,poordear,foryouseeothergirlshavingsplendidtimes,whileyougrind,grind,yearinandyearout.Oh,don'tIwishIcouldmanagethingsforyouasIdoformyheroines!You'reprettyenoughandgoodenoughalready,soI'dhavesomerichrelationleaveyouafortuneunexpectedly.Thenyou'ddashout as anheiress, scorn everyonewhohasslightedyou,goabroad,andcomehomemyLadySomethinginablazeofsplendorandelegance."

"Peopledon'thave fortunes left them in that stylenowadays,menhave toworkandwomenmarryformoney.It'sadreadfullyunjustworld,"saidMegbitterly.

"JoandIaregoingtomakefortunesforyouall.Justwaittenyears,andseeifwedon't,"saidAmy,whosatinacornermakingmudpies,asHannahcalledherlittleclaymodelsofbirds,fruit,andfaces.

"Can'twait,andI'mafraidIhaven'tmuchfaithininkanddirt,thoughI'mgratefulforyourgoodintentions."

Meg sighed, and turned to the frostbitten garden again. Jo groaned and leanedboth elbows on the table in a despondent attitude, but Amy spatted awayenergetically,andBeth,whosatat theotherwindow,said, smiling, "Twopleasantthings are going to happen right away. Marmee is coming down the street, andLaurieistrampingthroughthegardenasifhehadsomethingnicetotell."

Intheybothcame,Mrs.Marchwithherusualquestion,"AnyletterfromFather,girls?" andLaurie to say in his persuasiveway, "Won't some of you come for adrive?I'vebeenworkingawayatmathematicstillmyheadisinamuddle,andI'mgoingtofreshenmywitsbyabriskturn.It'sadullday,buttheairisn'tbad,andI'mgoingtotakeBrookehome,soitwillbegayinside,ifitisn'tout.Come,Jo,youandBethwillgo,won'tyou?"

"Ofcoursewewill."

"Muchobliged,butI'mbusy."AndMegwhiskedoutherworkbasket,forshehadagreedwithhermotherthatitwasbest,forheratleast,nottodrivetoooftenwiththeyounggentleman.

"Wethreewillbereadyinaminute,"criedAmy,runningawaytowashherhands.

"Can I do anything for you,MadamMother?" askedLaurie, leaning overMrs.March'schairwiththeaffectionatelookandtonehealwaysgaveher.

"No,thankyou,exceptcallattheoffice,ifyou'llbesokind,dear.It'sourdayforaletter,andthepostmanhasn'tbeen.Fatherisasregularasthesun,butthere'ssomedelayontheway,perhaps."

Asharpringinterruptedher,andaminuteafterHannahcameinwithaletter.

"It'soneofthemhorridtelegraphthings,mum,"shesaid,handlingitasifshewasafraiditwouldexplodeanddosomedamage.

At theword 'telegraph',Mrs.March snatched it, read the two lines it contained,anddroppedbackintoherchairaswhiteasifthelittlepaperhadsentabullettoher

heart. Laurie dashed downstairs forwater,whileMeg andHannah supported her,andJoreadaloud,inafrightenedvoice...

Mrs.March:Yourhusbandisveryill.Comeatonce.S.HALEBlankHospital,Washington.

How still the room was as they listened breathlessly, how strangely the daydarkenedoutside,andhowsuddenlythewholeworldseemedtochange,asthegirlsgatheredabouttheirmother,feelingasifallthehappinessandsupportoftheirliveswasabouttobetakenfromthem.

Mrs.Marchwasherselfagaindirectly,readthemessageover,andstretchedoutherarmstoherdaughters,saying,inatonetheyneverforgot,"Ishallgoatonce,butitmaybetoolate.Oh,children,children,helpmetobearit!"

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 hopefulwhispers that died away in tears. PoorHannahwas the first to recover, andwithunconsciouswisdom she set all the rest a good example, forwith her,workwaspanaceaformostafflictions.

"TheLordkeepthedearman!Iwon'twastenotimea-cryin',butgityourthingsreadyrightaway,mum,"shesaidheartily,asshewipedherfaceonherapron,gavehermistress awarm shakeof thehandwith her ownhardone, andwent away toworklikethreewomeninone.

"She'sright,there'snotimefortearsnow.Becalm,girls,andletmethink."

Theytriedtobecalm,poorthings,astheirmothersatup,lookingpalebutsteady,andputawayhergrieftothinkandplanforthem.

"Where'sLaurie?"sheaskedpresently,whenshehadcollectedher thoughtsanddecidedonthefirstdutiestobedone.

"Here,ma'am.Oh, letmedosomething!"cried theboy,hurryingfromthenextroomwhitherhehadwithdrawn,feelingthat theirfirstsorrowwastoosacredforevenhisfriendlyeyestosee.

"Send a telegram saying I will come at once. The next train goes early in themorning.I'lltakethat."

"What else? The horses are ready. I can go anywhere, do anything," he said,lookingreadytoflytotheendsoftheearth.

"LeaveanoteatAuntMarch's.Jo,givemethatpenandpaper."

Tearingoff theblanksideofoneofhernewlycopiedpages, Jodrew the tablebefore her mother, well knowing that money for the long, sad journey must beborrowed,andfeelingasifshecoulddoanythingtoaddalittletothesumforherfather.

"Now go, dear, but don't kill yourself driving at a desperate pace. There is noneedofthat."

Mrs.March'swarningwasevidently thrownaway, for fiveminutes laterLaurietorebythewindowonhisownfleethorse,ridingasifforhislife.

"Jo,runtotherooms,andtellMrs.KingthatIcan'tcome.Onthewaygetthesethings. I'll put them down, they'll be needed and Imust go prepared for nursing.Hospitalstoresarenotalwaysgood.Beth,goandaskMr.Laurenceforacoupleofbottlesofoldwine. I'mnot tooproud tobeg forFather.Heshallhave thebestofeverything.Amy,tellHannahtogetdowntheblacktrunk,andMeg,comeandhelpmefindmythings,forI'mhalfbewildered."

Writing,thinking,anddirectingallatoncemightwellbewilderthepoorlady,andMeg begged her to sit quietly in her room for a little while, and let themwork.Everyonescatteredlikeleavesbeforeagustofwind,andthequiet,happyhouseholdwasbrokenupassuddenlyasifthepaperhadbeenanevilspell.

Mr.LaurencecamehurryingbackwithBeth,bringingeverycomfortthekindoldgentlemancouldthinkoffortheinvalid,andfriendliestpromisesofprotectionforthegirlsduringthemother'sabsence,whichcomfortedherverymuch.Therewasnothinghedidn'toffer, fromhisowndressinggown tohimselfasescort.But thelastwasimpossible.Mrs.Marchwouldnothearoftheoldgentleman'sundertakingthe long journey,yet an expressionof reliefwasvisiblewhenhe spokeof it, foranxietyillfitsonefortraveling.Hesawthelook,knithisheavyeyebrows,rubbedhishands,andmarchedabruptlyaway,sayinghe'dbebackdirectly.Noonehadtimetothinkofhimagaintill,asMegranthroughtheentry,withapairofrubbersinonehandandacupofteaintheother,shecamesuddenlyuponMr.Brooke.

"I'mverysorrytohearofthis,MissMarch,"hesaid,inthekind,quiettonewhichsoundedverypleasantlytoherperturbedspirit."Icametooffermyselfasescorttoyourmother.Mr.LaurencehascommissionsformeinWashington,anditwillgivemerealsatisfactiontobeofservicetoherthere."

Downdroppedtherubbers,andtheteawasverynearfollowing,asMegputoutherhand,withafacesofullofgratitudethatMr.Brookewouldhavefeltrepaidforamuch greater sacrifice than the trifling one of time and comfortwhich hewasabouttotake.

"Howkindyouallare!Motherwillaccept,I'msure,anditwillbesucharelieftoknowthatshehassomeonetotakecareofher.Thankyouvery,verymuch!"

Megspokeearnestly,andforgotherselfentirelytillsomethinginthebrowneyeslookingdownathermadeherrememberthecoolingtea,andleadthewayintothe

parlor,sayingshewouldcallhermother.

Everything was arranged by the time Laurie returned with a note from AuntMarch,enclosingthedesiredsum,andafewlinesrepeatingwhatshehadoftensaidbefore,thatshehadalwaystoldthemitwasabsurdforMarchtogointothearmy,alwayspredictedthatnogoodwouldcomeofit,andshehopedtheywouldtakeheradvicethenexttime.Mrs.Marchputthenoteinthefire,themoneyinherpurse,andwentonwithherpreparations,withherlipsfoldedtightlyinawaywhichJowouldhaveunderstoodifshehadbeenthere.

Theshortafternoonworeaway.Allothererrandsweredone,andMegandhermother busy at some necessary needlework, while Beth and Amy got tea, andHannahfinishedherironingwithwhatshecalleda'slapandabang',butstillJodidnotcome.Theybegan togetanxious,andLauriewentoff to findher, fornooneknewwhatfreakJomighttakeintoherhead.Hemissedher,however,andshecamewalkinginwithaveryqueerexpressionofcountenance,fortherewasamixtureoffunandfear,satisfactionandregretinit,whichpuzzledthefamilyasmuchasdidtherollofbillsshelaidbeforehermother,sayingwithalittlechokeinhervoice,"That's my contribution toward making Father comfortable and bringing himhome!"

"Mydear,wheredidyougetit?Twenty-fivedollars!Jo,Ihopeyouhaven'tdoneanythingrash?"

"No, it'smine honestly. I didn't beg, borrow, or steal it. I earned it, and I don'tthinkyou'llblameme,forIonlysoldwhatwasmyown."

As she spoke, Jo took off her bonnet, and a general outcry arose, for all herabundanthairwascutshort.

"Yourhair!Yourbeautifulhair!""Oh,Jo,howcouldyou?Youronebeauty.""Mydeargirl,therewasnoneedofthis.""Shedoesn'tlooklikemyJoanymore,butIloveherdearlyforit!"

Aseveryoneexclaimed,andBethhuggedthecroppedheadtenderly,Joassumedanindifferentair,whichdidnotdeceiveanyoneaparticle,andsaid,rumplingupthebrown bush and trying to look as if she liked it, "It doesn't affect the fate of thenation,sodon'twail,Beth.Itwillbegoodformyvanity,Iwasgettingtooproudofmy wig. It will do my brains good to have that mop taken off. My head feelsdeliciouslylightandcool,andthebarbersaidIcouldsoonhaveacurlycrop,whichwillbeboyish,becoming,andeasytokeepinorder.I'msatisfied,sopleasetakethe

moneyandlet'shavesupper."

"Tellmeallaboutit,Jo.Iamnotquitesatisfied,butIcan'tblameyou,forIknowhowwillinglyyousacrificedyourvanity,asyoucallit,toyourlove.But,mydear,itwasnotnecessary,andI'mafraidyouwillregretitoneofthesedays,"saidMrs.March.

"No, Iwon't!" returnedJostoutly, feelingmuch relieved thatherprankwasnotentirelycondemned.

"Whatmadeyoudoit?"askedAmy,whowouldassoonhavethoughtofcuttingoffherheadasherprettyhair.

"Well,IwaswildtodosomethingforFather,"repliedJo,astheygatheredaboutthe table, forhealthyyoungpeoplecaneateven in themidstof trouble. "Ihate toborrowasmuchasMotherdoes,andIknewAuntMarchwouldcroak,shealwaysdoes,ifyouaskforaninepence.Meggaveallherquarterlysalarytowardtherent,andIonlygotsomeclotheswithmine,soIfeltwicked,andwasboundtohavesomemoney,ifIsoldthenoseoffmyfacetogetit."

"Youneedn'tfeelwicked,mychild!Youhadnowinterthingsandgotthesimplestwithyourownhardearnings,"saidMrs.MarchwithalookthatwarmedJo'sheart.

"I hadn't the least idea of selling my hair at first, but as I went along I keptthinkingwhat I could do, and feeling as if I'd like to dive into some of the richstores and help myself. In a barber's window I saw tails of hair with the pricesmarked,andoneblacktail,notsothickasmine,wasfortydollars.Itcametomeallof a sudden that I had one thing tomakemoney out of, andwithout stopping tothink,Iwalkedin,askediftheyboughthair,andwhattheywouldgiveformine."

"Idon'tseehowyoudaredtodoit,"saidBethinatoneofawe.

"Oh,hewasalittlemanwholookedasifhemerelylivedtooilhishair.Heratherstaredatfirst,asifhewasn'tusedtohavinggirlsbounceintohisshopandaskhimtobuytheirhair.Hesaidhedidn'tcareaboutmine,itwasn'tthefashionablecolor,andheneverpaidmuchfor it inthefirstplace.Theworkput intoitmadeitdear,and so on. Itwas getting late, and Iwas afraid if itwasn't done right away that Ishouldn'thaveitdoneatall,andyouknowwhenIstarttodoathing,Ihatetogiveitup.SoIbeggedhimtotakeit,andtoldhimwhyIwasinsuchahurry.Itwassilly,Idaresay,butitchangedhismind,forIgotratherexcited,andtoldthestoryinmytopsy-turvyway,andhiswifeheard,andsaidsokindly,'Takeit,Thomas,andobligetheyounglady.I'ddoasmuchforourJimmyanydayifIhadaspireofhairworth

selling."

"WhowasJimmy?"askedAmy,wholikedtohavethingsexplainedastheywentalong.

"Herson,shesaid,whowasinthearmy.Howfriendlysuchthingsmakestrangersfeel,don'tthey?Shetalkedawayallthetimethemanclipped,anddivertedmymindnicely."

"Didn'tyoufeeldreadfullywhenthefirstcutcame?"askedMeg,withashiver.

"Itookalastlookatmyhairwhilethemangothisthings,andthatwastheendofit.Ineversnivelovertrifleslikethat.Iwillconfess,though,IfeltqueerwhenIsawthedearoldhairlaidoutonthetable,andfeltonlytheshortroughendsofmyhead.It almost seemed as if I'd an arm or leg off. Thewoman sawme look at it, andpickedoutalonglockformetokeep.I'llgiveittoyou,Marmee,justtorememberpastgloriesby,foracropissocomfortableIdon'tthinkIshalleverhaveamaneagain."

Mrs.Marchfoldedthewavychestnutlock,andlaiditawaywithashortgrayoneinherdesk.Sheonlysaid,"Thankyou,deary,"butsomethinginherfacemadethegirls change the subject, and talk as cheerfully as they could aboutMr. Brooke'skindness,theprospectofafinedaytomorrow,andthehappytimestheywouldhavewhenFathercamehometobenursed.

No one wanted to go to bed when at ten o'clock Mrs. March put by the lastfinishedjob,andsaid,"Comegirls."Bethwenttothepianoandplayedthefather'sfavorite hymn. All began bravely, but broke down one by one till Beth was leftalone,singingwithallherheart,fortohermusicwasalwaysasweetconsoler.

"Gotobedanddon'ttalk,forwemustbeupearlyandshallneedallthesleepwecanget.Goodnight,mydarlings,"saidMrs.March,asthehymnended,fornoonecaredtotryanother.

Theykissedherquietly,andwenttobedassilentlyasifthedearinvalidlayinthenextroom.BethandAmysoonfellasleepinspiteofthegreattrouble,butMeglayawake,thinkingthemostseriousthoughtsshehadeverknowninhershortlife.Jolaymotionless,andhersisterfanciedthatshewasasleep,tillastifledsobmadeherexclaim,asshetouchedawetcheek...

"Jo,dear,whatisit?Areyoucryingaboutfather?"

"No,notnow."

"Whatthen?"

"My...Myhair!"burstoutpoor Jo, tryingvainly to smotherher emotion in thepillow.

It did not seem at all comical to Meg, who kissed and caressed the afflictedheroineinthetenderestmanner.

"I'mnotsorry,"protestedJo,withachoke."I'ddoitagaintomorrow,ifIcould.It'sonlythevainpartofmethatgoesandcriesinthissillyway.Don'ttellanyone,it'sallovernow.Ithoughtyouwereasleep,soIjustmadealittleprivatemoanformyonebeauty.Howcameyoutobeawake?"

"Ican'tsleep,I'msoanxious,"saidMeg.

"Thinkaboutsomethingpleasant,andyou'llsoondropoff."

"Itriedit,butfeltwiderawakethanever."

"Whatdidyouthinkof?"

"Handsome faces—eyes particularly," answeredMeg, smiling to herself in thedark.

"Whatcolordoyoulikebest?"

"Brown,thatis,sometimes.Bluearelovely."

Jo laughed,andMegsharplyorderedhernot to talk, thenamiablypromised tomakeherhaircurl,andfellasleeptodreamoflivinginhercastleintheair.

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figureglidedquietlyfrombedtobed,smoothingacoverlethere,settlingapillowthere,andpausing to look longand tenderlyateachunconscious face, tokisseachwithlipsthatmutelyblessed,andtopraytheferventprayerswhichonlymothersutter.Asshe lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night, themoon broke suddenlyfrom behind the clouds and shone upon her like a bright, benignant face, whichseemed towhisper in thesilence, "Becomforted,dear soul!There isalways lightbehindtheclouds."

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

LETTERS

In the cold gray dawn the sisters lit their lamp and read their chapter with anearnestnessneverfeltbefore.Fornowtheshadowofareal troublehadcome, thelittlebookswerefullofhelpandcomfort,andastheydressed, theyagreedtosaygoodbye cheerfully and hopefully, and send theirmother on her anxious journeyunsaddened by tears or complaints from them. Everything seemed very strangewhen theywent down, so dim and still outside, so full of light and bustlewithin.Breakfast at that early hour seemed odd, and evenHannah's familiar face lookedunnaturalas she flewaboutherkitchenwithhernightcapon.Thebig trunkstoodreadyinthehall,Mother'scloakandbonnetlayonthesofa,andMotherherselfsattrying toeat,but lookingsopaleandwornwithsleeplessnessandanxiety that thegirlsfounditveryhardtokeeptheirresolution.Meg'seyeskeptfillinginspiteofherself,Jowasobligedtohideherfaceinthekitchenrollermorethanonce,andthelittlegirlsworeagrave,troubledexpression,asifsorrowwasanewexperiencetothem.

Nobodytalkedmuch,butasthetimedrewverynearandtheysatwaitingforthecarriage,Mrs.Marchsaidtothegirls,whowereallbusiedabouther,onefoldinghershawl,anothersmoothingout thestringsofherbonnet,a thirdputtingonherovershoes,andafourthfasteninguphertravellingbag...

"Children,IleaveyoutoHannah'scareandMr.Laurence'sprotection.Hannahisfaithfulnessitself,andourgoodneighborwillguardyouasifyouwerehisown.Ihave no fears for you, yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly.Don't grieve and fretwhen I amgone, or think that you can be idle and comfortyourselvesbybeingidleandtryingtoforget.Goonwithyourworkasusual,forworkisablessedsolace.Hopeandkeepbusy,andwhateverhappens,rememberthatyounevercanbefatherless."

"Yes,Mother."

"Meg, dear, be prudent, watch over your sisters, consult Hannah, and in anyperplexity, go to Mr. Laurence. Be patient, Jo, don't get despondent or do rashthings,write tomeoften,andbemybravegirl, ready tohelpandcheerall.Beth,comfortyourselfwithyourmusic,andbefaithfultothelittlehomeduties,andyou,

Amy,helpallyoucan,beobedient,andkeephappysafeathome."

"Wewill,Mother!Wewill!"

Therattleofanapproachingcarriagemadethemallstartandlisten.Thatwasthehardminute,butthegirlsstooditwell.Noonecried,nooneranawayorutteredalamentation, though their heartswere very heavy as they sent lovingmessages toFather, remembering,as theyspoke that itmightbe too late todeliver them.Theykissedtheirmotherquietly,clungabouthertenderly,andtriedtowavetheirhandscheerfullywhenshedroveaway.

Laurieandhisgrandfathercameovertoseeheroff,andMr.Brookelookedsostrong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him 'Mr.Greatheart' on thespot.

"Good-by,mydarlings!Godblessandkeepusall!"whisperedMrs.March,asshekissedonedearlittlefaceaftertheother,andhurriedintothecarriage.

Assherolledaway,thesuncameout,andlookingback,shesawitshiningonthegroupat thegate likeagoodomen.Theysawitalso,andsmiledandwavedtheirhands, and the last thing she beheld as she turned the cornerwas the four brightfaces, and behind them like a bodyguard, oldMr. Laurence, faithfulHannah, anddevotedLaurie.

"Howkind everyone is tous!" she said, turning to find freshproofof it in therespectfulsympathyoftheyoungman'sface.

"Idon'tseehowtheycanhelpit,"returnedMr.Brooke,laughingsoinfectiouslythatMrs.March could not help smiling.And so the journey beganwith the goodomensofsunshine,smiles,andcheerfulwords.

"Ifeelasiftherehadbeenanearthquake,"saidJo,astheirneighborswenthometobreakfast,leavingthemtorestandrefreshthemselves.

"Itseemsasifhalfthehousewasgone,"addedMegforlornly.

Bethopenedherlipstosaysomething,butcouldonlypointtothepileofnicelymended hose which lay onMother's table, showing that even in her last hurriedmoments she had thought and worked for them. It was a little thing, but it wentstraighttotheirhearts,andinspiteoftheirbraveresolutions,theyallbrokedownandcriedbitterly.

Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, and when the showershowedsignsofclearingup,shecametotherescue,armedwithacoffeepot.

"Now,mydearyoungladies,rememberwhatyourmasaid,anddon'tfret.Comeandhaveacupofcoffeeallround,andthenlet'sfalltoworkandbeacredittothefamily."

Coffeewasatreat,andHannahshowedgreattactinmakingitthatmorning.Noone could resist her persuasive nods, or the fragrant invitation issuing from thenoseofthecoffeepot.Theydrewuptothetable,exchangedtheirhandkerchiefsfornapkins,andintenminuteswereallrightagain.

"'Hopeandkeepbusy', that'sthemottoforus,solet'sseewhowillrememberitbest. Ishallgo toAuntMarch,asusual.Oh,won'tshe lecture though!"saidJo,asshesippedwithreturningspirit.

"IshallgotomyKings,thoughI'dmuchratherstayathomeandattendtothingshere,"saidMeg,wishingshehadn'tmadehereyessored.

"Noneedofthat.BethandIcankeephouseperfectlywell,"putinAmy,withanimportantair.

"Hannahwill telluswhat todo,andwe'llhaveeverythingnicewhenyoucomehome,"addedBeth,gettingouthermopanddishtubwithoutdelay.

"Ithinkanxietyisveryinteresting,"observedAmy,eatingsugarpensively.

Thegirlscouldn'thelplaughing,andfeltbetterforit,thoughMegshookherheadattheyoungladywhocouldfindconsolationinasugarbowl.

The sight of the turnoversmade Jo sober again; andwhen the twowent out totheir daily tasks, they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they wereaccustomed to see theirmother's face. Itwas gone, butBeth had remembered thelittlehouseholdceremony,andthereshewas,noddingawayatthemlikearosyfacedmandarin.

"That'ssolikemyBeth!"saidJo,wavingherhat,withagratefulface."Goodbye,Meggy,IhopetheKingswon'tstraintoday.Don'tfretaboutFather,dear,"sheadded,astheyparted.

"AndIhopeAuntMarchwon'tcroak.Yourhair isbecoming,and it looksveryboyishandnice,"returnedMeg,tryingnottosmileatthecurlyhead,whichlooked

comicallysmallonhertallsister'sshoulders.

"That's my only comfort." And, touching her hat a la Laurie, away went Jo,feelinglikeashornsheeponawintryday.

Newsfromtheir fathercomforted thegirlsverymuch, for thoughdangerouslyill,thepresenceofthebestandtenderestofnurseshadalreadydonehimgood.Mr.Brooke sent a bulletin every day, and as the head of the family,Meg insisted onreading the dispatches, which grew more cheerful as the week passed. At first,everyonewas eager towrite, and plump envelopeswere carefully poked into theletter box by one or other of the sisters, who felt rather important with theirWashingtoncorrespondence.Asoneofthesepacketscontainedcharacteristicnotesfromtheparty,wewillrobanimaginarymail,andreadthem.

MydearestMother:

It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us, for the news was so good wecouldn'thelplaughingandcryingoverit.HowverykindMr.Brookeis,andhowfortunatethatMr.Laurence'sbusinessdetainshimnearyousolong,sinceheissousefultoyouandFather.Thegirlsareallasgoodasgold.Johelpsmewith thesewing,andinsistsondoingallsortsofhardjobs. Ishould be afraid shemight overdo, if I didn't know her 'moral fit' wouldn't last long. Beth is asregularabouther tasksasaclock,andneverforgetswhatyoutoldher.ShegrievesaboutFather,andlookssoberexceptwhensheisatherlittlepiano.Amymindsmenicely,andItakegreatcareofher.Shedoesherownhair,andIamteachinghertomakebuttonholesandmendherstockings.Shetriesveryhard,andIknowyouwillbepleasedwithherimprovementwhenyoucome.Mr.Laurencewatchesoveruslikeamotherlyoldhen,asJosays,andLaurieisverykindandneighborly.HeandJokeepusmerry, forwegetprettyblue sometimes, and feel likeorphans,withyou so far away.Hannah isaperfectsaint.Shedoesnotscoldatall,andalwayscallsmeMissMargaret,which isquiteproper,youknow,andtreatsmewithrespect.Weareallwellandbusy,butwelong,dayandnight,tohaveyouback.GivemydearestlovetoFather,andbelieveme,everyourown...

MEG

Thisnote,prettilywrittenonscentedpaper,wasagreatcontrasttothenext,whichwas scribbledon abig sheet of thin foreignpaper, ornamentedwithblots and allmannerofflourishesandcurly-tailedletters.

MypreciousMarmee:

ThreecheersfordearFather!Brookewasatrumptotelegraphrightoff,andletusknowtheminutehewasbetter.Irushedupgarretwhenthelettercame,andtriedtothankgodforbeingsogoodtous,butIcouldonlycry,andsay,"I'mglad!I'mglad!"Didn'tthatdoaswellasaregularprayer?For I felt a great many in my heart.We have such funny times, and now I can enjoy them, foreveryone is sodesperatelygood, it's like living in a nest of turtledoves.You'd laugh to seeMeghead the table and try to be motherish. She gets prettier every day, and I'm in love with hersometimes.The children are regular archangels, and I—well, I'm Jo, andnever shall be anythingelse.Oh,ImusttellyouthatIcamenearhavingaquarrelwithLaurie.Ifreedmymindaboutasillylittle thing, and hewas offended. Iwas right, but didn't speak as I ought, and hemarched home,sayinghewouldn'tcomeagaintillIbeggedpardon.IdeclaredIwouldn'tandgotmad.Itlastedallday.Ifeltbadandwantedyouverymuch.LaurieandIarebothsoproud,it'shardtobegpardon.

ButIthoughthe'dcometoit,forIwasintheright.Hedidn'tcome,andjustatnightIrememberedwhatyousaidwhenAmyfellintotheriver.Ireadmylittlebook,feltbetter,resolvednottoletthesunsetonmyanger,andranover to tellLaurieIwassorry. Imethimat thegate,comingfor thesamething.Webothlaughed,beggedeachother'spardon,andfeltallgoodandcomfortableagain.

Imade a 'pome' yesterday,when I was helpingHannahwash, and as Father likesmy silly littlethings,Iputitintoamusehim.Givehimmylovingesthugthateverwas,andkissyourselfadozentimesforyour...

TOPSY-TURVYJO

ASONGFROMTHESUDS

Queenofmytub,Imerrilysing,Whilethewhitefoamriseshigh,Andsturdilywashandrinseandwring,Andfastentheclothestodry.Thenoutinthefreefreshairtheyswing,Underthesunnysky.

IwishwecouldwashfromourheartsandsoulsThestainsoftheweekaway,AndletwaterandairbytheirmagicmakeOurselvesaspureasthey.Thenontheearththerewouldbeindeed,Agloriouswashingday!

Alongthepathofausefullife,Willheart's-easeeverbloom.ThebusymindhasnotimetothinkOfsorroworcareorgloom.Andanxiousthoughtsmaybesweptaway,Aswebravelywieldabroom.

Iamgladatasktomeisgiven,Tolaboratdaybyday,Foritbringsmehealthandstrengthandhope,AndIcheerfullylearntosay,"Head,youmaythink,Heart,youmayfeel,But,Hand,youshallworkalway!"

DearMother,

There isonly roomforme to sendmy love,andsomepressedpansies from the root IhavebeenkeepingsafeinthehouseforFathertosee.Ireadeverymorning,trytobegoodallday,andsingmyself to sleep with Father's tune. I can't sing 'LAND OF THE LEAL' now, it makes me cry.Everyone isverykind,andweareashappyaswecanbewithoutyou.Amywants therestof thepage, so Imust stop. I didn't forget to cover theholders, and Iwind the clock and air the roomseveryday.

KissdearFatheronthecheekhecallsmine.Oh,docomesoontoyourloving...

LITTLEBETH

MaChereMamma,

We are all well I do my lessons always and never corroberate the girls—Meg says I meancontradicksoIputinbothwordsandyoucantaketheproperest.MegisagreatcomforttomeandletsmehavejellyeverynightatteaitssogoodformeJosaysbecauseitkeepsmesweettempered.Laurie isnotasrespeckfulasheought tobenowIamalmost inmyteens,hecallsmeChickandhurtsmy feelingsby talkingFrench tomevery fastwhen I sayMerciorBon jour asHattieKingdoes.Thesleevesofmybluedresswereallwornout,andMegputinnewones,butthefullfrontcamewrongand theyaremoreblue than thedress. I felt badbutdidnot fret Ibearmy troubleswell but I dowishHannahwouldputmore starch inmyaprons andhavebuckwheats everyday.Can't she?Didn't Imake that interrigation point nice?Meg saysmypunchtuation and spelling aredisgracefulandIammortyfiedbutdearmeIhavesomanythingstodo,Ican'tstop.Adieu,IsendheapsoflovetoPapa.Youraffectionatedaughter...

AMYCURTISMARCH

DearMisMarch,

Ijesdropalinetosaywegitonfustrate.Thegirlsiscleverandflyroundrightsmart.MissMegisgoing to make a proper good housekeeper. She hes the liking for it, and gits the hang of thingssurprisinquick.Jodoosbeatallforgoinahead,butshedon'tstoptocal'k'latefust,andyouneverknowwhereshe'sliketobringup.ShedoneoutatubofclothesonMonday,butshestarched'emaforetheywaswrenched,andbluedapinkcalicodresstillIthoughtIshouldadiedalaughin.Bethisthebestoflittlecreeters,andasightofhelptome,beinsoforehandedanddependable.Shetriestolearneverything,andreallygoestomarketbeyondheryears,likewisekeepsaccounts,withmyhelp,quitewonderful.Wehavegotonveryeconomicalsofur.Idon'tletthegirlshevcoffeeonlyonce a week, accordin to your wish, and keep em on plain wholesome vittles. Amy does wellwithoutfrettin,wearinherbestclothesandeatinsweetstuff.Mr.Laurieisasfullofdidoesasusual,andturnsthehouseupsidedownfrequent,butheheartensthegirls,soIletemhevfullswing.Theoldgentlemansendsheapsofthings,andisratherwearin,butmeanswal,anditaintmyplacetosaynothin.Mybreadisriz,sonomoreatthistime.IsendmydutytoMr.March,andhopehe'sseenthelastofhisPewmonia.

Yoursrespectful,HannahMullet

HeadNurseofWardNo.2,

All serene on theRappahannock, troops in fine condition, commisary departmentwell conducted,the Home Guard under Colonel Teddy always on duty, Commander in Chief General Laurencereviewsthearmydaily,QuartermasterMulletkeepsorderincamp,andMajorLiondoespicketdutyat night.A saluteof twenty-fourgunswas firedon receipt of goodnews fromWashington, and adress parade took place at headquarters. Commander in chief sends best wishes, in which he isheartilyjoinedby...

COLONELTEDDY

DearMadam:

Thelittlegirlsareallwell.Bethandmyboyreportdaily.Hannahisamodelservant,andguardsprettyMeglikeadragon.Gladthefineweatherholds.PraymakeBrookeuseful,anddrawonmeforfundsifexpensesexceedyourestimate.Don'tletyourhusbandwantanything.ThankGodheismending.

Yoursincerefriendandservant,JAMESLAURENCE

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

LITTLEFAITHFUL

For a week the amount of virtue in the old house would have supplied theneighborhood.Itwasreallyamazing,foreveryoneseemedinaheavenlyframeofmind,andself-denialwasallthefashion.Relievedoftheirfirstanxietyabouttheirfather, thegirls insensibly relaxed theirpraiseworthyefforts a little, andbegan tofall back into oldways. They did not forget theirmotto, but hoping and keepingbusy seemed to grow easier, and after such tremendous exertions, they felt thatEndeavordeservedaholiday,andgaveitagoodmany.

Jocaught abadcold throughneglect to cover the shornheadenough, andwasorderedtostayathometillshewasbetter,forAuntMarchdidn'tliketohearpeoplereadwithcolds in theirheads.Jo likedthis,andafteranenergeticrummagefromgarret tocellar,subsidedon thesofa tonursehercoldwitharsenicumandbooks.Amyfoundthathouseworkandartdidnotgowelltogether,andreturnedtohermudpies.Megwentdailytoherpupils,andsewed,orthoughtshedid,athome,butmuchtime was spent in writing long letters to her mother, or reading theWashingtondispatches over and over.Beth kept on,with only slight relapses into idleness orgrieving.

All the littledutieswerefaithfullydoneeachday,andmanyofhersisters'also,for theywere forgetful, and the house seemed like a clockwhose pendulumwasgone a-visiting.Whenher heart got heavywith longings forMother or fears forFather, shewentaway intoacertaincloset,hidher face in the foldsofadearoldgown, and made her little moan and prayed her little prayer quietly by herself.Nobodyknewwhatcheeredherupafterasoberfit,buteveryonefelthowsweetandhelpfulBethwas,andfellintoawayofgoingtoherforcomfortoradviceintheirsmallaffairs.

Allwereunconscious that this experiencewas a test of character, andwhen thefirstexcitementwasover,feltthattheyhaddonewellanddeservedpraise.Sotheydid,buttheirmistakewasinceasingtodowell,andtheylearnedthislessonthroughmuchanxietyandregret.

"Meg, Iwish you'd go and see theHummels.You knowMother told us not toforgetthem."saidBeth,tendaysafterMrs.March'sdeparture.

"I'm too tired to go this afternoon," repliedMeg, rocking comfortably as shesewed.

"Can'tyou,Jo?"askedBeth.

"Toostormyformewithmycold."

"Ithoughtitwasalmostwell."

"It'swellenoughformetogooutwithLaurie,butnotwellenoughtogototheHummels',"saidJo,laughing,butlookingalittleashamedofherinconsistency.

"Whydon'tyougoyourself?"askedMeg.

"Ihavebeeneveryday,but thebaby issick,andIdon'tknowwhat todo for it.Mrs.Hummelgoesaway towork,andLottchen takescareof it.But itgets sickerandsicker,andIthinkyouorHannahoughttogo."

Bethspokeearnestly,andMegpromisedshewouldgotomorrow.

"AskHannahforsomenicelittlemess,andtakeitround,Beth,theairwilldoyougood,"saidJo,addingapologetically,"I'dgobutIwanttofinishmywriting."

"MyheadachesandI'mtired,soI thoughtmaybesomeofyouwouldgo,"saidBeth.

"Amywillbeinpresently,andshewillrundownforus,"suggestedMeg.

SoBethlaydownonthesofa,theothersreturnedtotheirwork,andtheHummelswereforgotten.Anhourpassed.Amydidnotcome,Megwenttoherroomtotryonanewdress,Jowasabsorbedinherstory,andHannahwassoundasleepbeforethekitchenfire,whenBethquietlyputonherhood,filledherbasketwithoddsandendsfor the poor children, and went out into the chilly air with a heavy head and agrievedlookinherpatienteyes.Itwaslatewhenshecameback,andnoonesawhercreepupstairsandshutherselfintohermother'sroom.Halfanhourafter,Jowentto'Mother'scloset' forsomething,and there found littleBethsittingon themedicinechest,lookingverygrave,withredeyesandacamphorbottleinherhand.

"ChristopherColumbus!What'sthematter?"criedJo,asBethputoutherhandas

iftowarnheroff,andaskedquickly...

"You'vehadthescarletfever,haven'tyou?"

"Yearsago,whenMegdid.Why?"

"ThenI'lltellyou.Oh,Jo,thebaby'sdead!"

"Whatbaby?"

"Mrs.Hummel's.Itdiedinmylapbeforeshegothome,"criedBethwithasob.

"Mypoordear,howdreadfulforyou!Ioughttohavegone,"saidJo,takinghersisterinherarmsasshesatdowninhermother'sbigchair,witharemorsefulface.

"Itwasn'tdreadful,Jo,onlysosad!Isawinaminuteitwassicker,butLottchensaidhermotherhadgoneforadoctor,soItookBabyandletLottyrest.Itseemedasleep,butallofasuddenifgavealittlecryandtrembled,andthenlayverystill.Itriedtowarmitsfeet,andLottygaveitsomemilk,butitdidn'tstir,andIknewitwasdead."

"Don'tcry,dear!Whatdidyoudo?"

"IjustsatandhelditsoftlytillMrs.Hummelcamewiththedoctor.Hesaiditwasdead, and looked at Heinrich and Minna, who have sore throats. 'Scarlet fever,ma'am.Oughttohavecalledmebefore,'hesaidcrossly.Mrs.Hummeltoldhimshewaspoor,andhadtriedtocurebabyherself,butnowitwastoolate,andshecouldonlyaskhimtohelptheothersandtrusttocharityforhispay.Hesmiledthen,andwaskinder,but itwasverysad,andIcriedwith themtillhe turnedroundallofasudden, and toldme to go home and take belladonna right away, or I'd have thefever."

"No,youwon't!"criedJo,huggingherclose,withafrightenedlook."Oh,Beth,ifyoushouldbesickInevercouldforgivemyself!Whatshallwedo?"

"Don'tbefrightened,IguessIshan'thaveitbadly.IlookedinMother'sbook,andsawthatitbeginswithheadache,sorethroat,andqueerfeelingslikemine,soIdidtakesomebelladonna,andIfeelbetter,"saidBeth,layinghercoldhandsonherhotforeheadandtryingtolookwell.

"IfMotherwasonlyathome!"exclaimedJo, seizing thebook, and feeling thatWashingtonwasanimmensewayoff.Shereadapage,lookedatBeth,feltherhead,

peepedintoherthroat,andthensaidgravely,"You'vebeenoverthebabyeverydayformorethanaweek,andamongtheotherswhoaregoingtohaveit,soI'mafraidyouaregoingtohaveit,Beth.I'llcallHannah,sheknowsallaboutsickness."

"Don't letAmycome.Sheneverhadit,andIshouldhate togive it toher.Can'tyouandMeghaveitoveragain?"askedBeth,anxiously.

"Iguessnot.Don'tcareifIdo.Servemeright,selfishpig,toletyougo,andstaywritingrubbishmyself!"mutteredJo,asshewenttoconsultHannah.

Thegoodsoulwaswideawakeinaminute,andtookthe leadatonce,assuringthattherewasnoneedtoworry;everyonehadscarletfever,andifrightlytreated,nobodydied,allofwhichJobelieved,andfeltmuchrelievedastheywentuptocallMeg.

"Now I'll tell you what we'll do," said Hannah, when she had examined andquestionedBeth,"wewillhaveDr.Bangs, just to takea lookatyou,dear,andseethatwestartright.Thenwe'llsendAmyofftoAuntMarch'sforaspell,tokeepheroutofharm'sway,andoneofyougirlscanstayathomeandamuseBethforadayortwo."

"I shall stay, of course, I'm oldest," began Meg, looking anxious and self-reproachful.

"I shall,because it'smyfault she is sick. I toldMother I'ddo theerrands,and Ihaven't,"saidJodecidedly.

"Whichwillyouhave,Beth?Thereain'tnoneedofbutone,"aidHannah.

"Jo,please."AndBeth leanedherheadagainsther sisterwithacontented look,whicheffectuallysettledthatpoint.

"I'll go and tellAmy," saidMeg, feeling a littlehurt, yet rather relievedon thewhole,forshedidnotlikenursing,andJodid.

Amy rebelled outright, and passionately declared that she had rather have thefeverthangotoAuntMarch.Megreasoned,pleaded,andcommanded,all invain.Amyprotested that shewould not go, andMeg left her in despair to askHannahwhatshouldbedone.Beforeshecameback,Lauriewalked into theparlor tofindAmysobbing,withherheadinthesofacushions.Shetoldherstory,expectingtobeconsoled,butLaurieonlyputhishandsinhispocketsandwalkedabouttheroom,whistlingsoftly,asheknithisbrowsindeepthought.Presentlyhesatdownbeside

her,andsaid,inhismostwheedlesometone,"Nowbeasensiblelittlewoman,anddo as they say.No, don't cry, but hearwhat a jolly plan I've got.Yougo toAuntMarch's, and I'll come and take you out every day, driving orwalking, andwe'llhavecapitaltimes.Won'tthatbebetterthanmopinghere?"

"Idon'twishtobesentoffasifIwasintheway,"beganAmy,inaninjuredvoice.

"Blessyourheart,child,it'stokeepyouwell.Youdon'twanttobesick,doyou?"

"No,I'msureIdon't,butIdaresayIshallbe,forI'vebeenwithBethallthetime."

"That'stheveryreasonyououghttogoawayatonce,sothatyoumayescapeit.Changeofairandcarewillkeepyouwell,Idaresay,orifitdoesnotentirely,youwill have the fever more lightly. I advise you to be off as soon as you can, forscarletfeverisnojoke,miss."

"But it's dull at Aunt March's, and she is so cross," said Amy, looking ratherfrightened.

"Itwon'tbedullwithmepoppingineverydaytotellyouhowBethis,andtakeyououtgallivanting.Theoldladylikesme,andI'llbeassweetaspossibletoher,soshewon'tpeckatus,whateverwedo."

"WillyoutakemeoutinthetrottingwagonwithPuck?"

"Onmyhonorasagentleman."

"Andcomeeverysingleday?"

"SeeifIdon't!"

"AndbringmebacktheminuteBethiswell?"

"Theidenticalminute."

"Andgotothetheater,truly?"

"Adozentheaters,ifwemay."

"Well—IguessIwill,"saidAmyslowly.

"Goodgirl!CallMeg,andtellheryou'llgivein,"saidLaurie,withanapprovingpat,whichannoyedAmymorethanthe'givingin'.

MegandJocamerunningdowntobeholdthemiraclewhichhadbeenwrought,andAmy,feelingverypreciousandself-sacrificing,promisedtogo, if thedoctorsaidBethwasgoingtobeill.

"Howis the littledear?"askedLaurie, forBethwashisespecialpet,andhefeltmoreanxiousaboutherthanhelikedtoshow.

"She is lyingdownonMother'sbed,and feelsbetter.Thebaby'sdeath troubledher,butIdaresayshehasonlygotcold.Hannahsaysshethinksso,butshelooksworried,andthatmakesmefidgety,"answeredMeg.

"Whata tryingworld it is!" saidJo, rumplingupherhair ina fretfulway."Nosoonerdowegetoutofonetroublethandowncomesanother.Theredoesn'tseemtobeanythingtoholdontowhenMother'sgone,soI'mallatsea."

"Well,don'tmakeaporcupineofyourself,itisn'tbecoming.Settleyourwig,Jo,andtellmeifIshalltelegraphtoyourmother,ordoanything?"askedLaurie,whoneverhadbeenreconciledtothelossofhisfriend'sonebeauty.

"Thatiswhattroublesme,"saidMeg."IthinkweoughttotellherifBethisreallyill,butHannahsayswemustn't,forMothercan'tleaveFather,anditwillonlymakethem anxious. Beth won't be sick long, and Hannah knows just what to do, andMothersaidwewere tomindher, so I supposewemust,but itdoesn't seemquiterighttome."

"Hum,well,Ican'tsay.SupposeyouaskGrandfatherafterthedoctorhasbeen."

"Wewill.Jo,goandgetDr.Bangsatonce,"commandedMeg."Wecan'tdecideanythingtillhehasbeen."

"Staywhereyouare,Jo.I'merrandboytothisestablishment,"saidLaurie,takinguphiscap.

"I'mafraidyouarebusy,"beganMeg.

"No,I'vedonemylessonsfortheday."

"Doyoustudyinvacationtime?"askedJo.

"I follow the good examplemy neighbors setme,"was Laurie's answer, as heswunghimselfoutoftheroom.

"Ihavegreathopes formyboy,"observedJo,watchinghimflyover the fencewithanapprovingsmile.

"Hedoesverywell,foraboy,"wasMeg'ssomewhatungraciousanswer,forthesubjectdidnotinteresther.

Dr.Bangscame,saidBethhadsymptomsofthefever,buthethoughtshewouldhave it lightly, thoughhe lookedsoberover theHummelstory.Amywasorderedoffatonce,andprovidedwithsomethingtowardoffdanger,shedepartedingreatstate,withJoandLaurieasescort.

AuntMarchreceivedthemwithherusualhospitality.

"Whatdoyouwantnow?"sheasked,lookingsharplyoverherspectacles,whiletheparrot,sittingonthebackofherchair,calledout...

"Goaway.Noboysallowedhere."

Laurieretiredtothewindow,andJotoldherstory.

"Nomore than I expected, if you are allowed to go poking about amongpoorfolks.Amycanstayandmakeherselfusefulifsheisn'tsick,whichI'venodoubtshewillbe,lookslikeitnow.Don'tcry,child,itworriesmetohearpeoplesniff."

Amywason thepointofcrying,butLaurie slylypulled theparrot's tail,whichcausedPollytoutteranastonishedcroakandcallout,"Blessmyboots!"insuchafunnyway,thatshelaughedinstead.

"Whatdoyouhearfromyourmother?"askedtheoldladygruffly.

"Fatherismuchbetter,"repliedJo,tryingtokeepsober.

"Oh,ishe?Well,thatwon'tlastlong,Ifancy.Marchneverhadanystamina,"wasthecheerfulreply.

"Ha,ha!Neversaydie,takeapinchofsnuff,goodbye,goodbye!"squalledPolly,dancingonherperch,andclawingattheoldlady'scapasLaurietweakedhimintherear.

"Holdyourtongue,youdisrespectfuloldbird!And,Jo,you'dbettergoatonce.Itisn'tpropertobegaddingaboutsolatewitharattlepatedboylike..."

"Hold your tongue, you disrespectful old bird!" cried Polly, tumbling off thechairwithabounce,andrunningtopeckthe'rattlepated'boy,whowasshakingwithlaughteratthelastspeech.

"Idon't think Icanbear it,but I'll try," thoughtAmy,asshewas leftalonewithAuntMarch.

"Getalong,youfright!"screamedPolly,andat thatrudespeechAmycouldnotrestrainasniff.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

DARKDAYS

Beth did have the fever, andwasmuch sicker than anyone butHannah and thedoctor suspected.Thegirlsknewnothingabout illness,andMr.Laurencewasnotallowedtoseeher,soHannahhadeverythingherownway,andbusyDr.Bangsdidhis best, but left a good deal to the excellent nurse.Meg stayed at home, lest sheshouldinfecttheKings,andkepthouse,feelingveryanxiousandalittleguiltywhenshewrote letters in which nomentionwasmade of Beth's illness. She could notthink it right todeceivehermother,butshehadbeenbiddentomindHannah,andHannahwouldn'thearof'Mrs.Marchbein'told,andworriedjustforsechatrifle.'

Jo devoted herself to Beth day and night, not a hard task, for Beth was verypatient,andboreherpainuncomplaininglyaslongasshecouldcontrolherself.Buttherecameatimewhenduringthefeverfitsshebegantotalkinahoarse,brokenvoice,toplayonthecoverletasifonherbelovedlittlepiano,andtrytosingwithathroat so swollen that therewas nomusic left, a timewhen she did not know thefamiliar faces around her, but addressed them by wrong names, and calledimploringlyforhermother.ThenJogrewfrightened,Megbeggedtobeallowedtowrite the truth, and evenHannah said she 'would think of it, though therewas nodangeryet'.AletterfromWashingtonaddedtotheirtrouble,forMr.Marchhadhadarelapse,andcouldnotthinkofcominghomeforalongwhile.

Howdark thedays seemednow,howsadand lonely thehouse, andhowheavyweretheheartsofthesistersastheyworkedandwaited,whiletheshadowofdeathhovered over the once happy home.Then itwas thatMargaret, sitting alonewithtears dropping often on her work, felt how rich she had been in things more

preciousthananyluxuriesmoneycouldbuy—inlove,protection,peace,andhealth,therealblessingsoflife.ThenitwasthatJo,livinginthedarkenedroom,withthatsufferinglittlesisteralwaysbeforehereyesandthatpatheticvoicesoundinginherears,learnedtoseethebeautyandthesweetnessofBeth'snature,tofeelhowdeepand tenderaplaceshe filled inallhearts,and toacknowledge theworthofBeth'sunselfishambitiontoliveforothers,andmakehomehappybythatexerciseofthosesimple virtueswhich allmay possess, andwhich all should love and valuemorethantalent,wealth,orbeauty.AndAmy,inherexile,longedeagerlytobeathome,thatshemightworkforBeth,feelingnowthatnoservicewouldbehardorirksome,and remembering, with regretful grief, how many neglected tasks those willinghands had done for her. Laurie haunted the house like a restless ghost, and Mr.Laurencelockedthegrandpiano,becausehecouldnotbeartoberemindedoftheyoungneighborwhousedtomakethetwilightpleasantforhim.EveryonemissedBeth. The milkman, baker, grocer, and butcher inquired how she did, poorMrs.HummelcametobegpardonforherthoughtlessnessandtogetashroudforMinna,theneighborssentallsortsofcomfortsandgoodwishes,andeventhosewhoknewherbestweresurprisedtofindhowmanyfriendsshylittleBethhadmade.

Meanwhile she lay on her bed with old Joanna at her side, for even in herwanderings she did not forget her forlorn protege. She longed for her cats, butwouldnothavethembrought, lest theyshouldgetsick,andinherquiethoursshewasfullofanxietyaboutJo.Shesent lovingmessagestoAmy,badethemtellhermotherthatshewouldwritesoon,andoftenbeggedforpencilandpapertotrytosayaword,thatFathermightnotthinkshehadneglectedhim.Butsooneventheseintervals of consciousness ended, and she layhour after hour, tossing to and fro,withincoherentwordsonherlips,orsankintoaheavysleepwhichbroughthernorefreshment. Dr. Bangs came twice a day, Hannah sat up at night, Meg kept atelegraminherdeskallreadytosendoffatanyminute,andJoneverstirredfromBeth'sside.

ThefirstofDecemberwasawintryday indeed to them, forabitterwindblew,snowfellfast,andtheyearseemedgettingreadyforitsdeath.WhenDr.Bangscamethatmorning,helookedlongatBeth,heldthehothandinbothhisownforaminute,andlaiditgentlydown,saying,inalowvoicetoHannah,"IfMrs.Marchcanleaveherhusbandshe'dbetterbesentfor."

Hannahnoddedwithoutspeaking,forher lips twitchednervously,Megdroppeddownintoachairasthestrengthseemedtogooutofherlimbsatthesoundofthosewords,andJo,standingwithapalefaceforaminute,rantotheparlor,snatchedupthetelegram,andthrowingonherthings,rushedoutintothestorm.Shewassoonback,andwhilenoiselesslytakingoffhercloak,Lauriecameinwithaletter,saying

thatMr.Marchwasmendingagain. Jo read it thankfully,but theheavyweightdidnotseemliftedoffherheart,andherfacewassofullofmisery thatLaurieaskedquickly,"Whatisit?IsBethworse?"

"I've sent for Mother," said Jo, tugging at her rubber boots with a tragicexpression.

"Goodforyou,Jo!Didyoudoitonyourownresponsibility?"askedLaurie,ashe seated her in the hall chair and took off the rebellious boots, seeing how herhandsshook.

"No.Thedoctortoldusto."

"Oh,Jo,it'snotsobadasthat?"criedLaurie,withastartledface.

"Yes, it is.Shedoesn'tknowus, shedoesn't even talkabout the flocksofgreendoves,asshecalls thevine leavesonthewall.Shedoesn't looklikemyBeth,andthere'snobodytohelpusbearit.Motherandfatherbothgone,andGodseemssofarawayIcan'tfindHim."

AsthetearsstreamedfastdownpoorJo'scheeks,shestretchedoutherhandinahelplesssortofway,asifgropinginthedark,andLaurietookitinhis,whisperingaswellashecouldwithalumpinhisthroat,"I'mhere.Holdontome,Jo,dear!"

She could not speak, but she did 'hold on', and thewarmgrasp of the friendlyhumanhandcomfortedhersoreheart,andseemedtoleadhernearertotheDivinearmwhichalonecouldupholdherinhertrouble.

Laurie longed to say something tender and comfortable, but no fitting wordscametohim,sohestoodsilent,gentlystrokingherbentheadashermotherusedtodo. It was the best thing he could have done, far more soothing than the mosteloquentwords, for Jo felt the unspoken sympathy, and in the silence learned thesweetsolacewhichaffectionadministerstosorrow.Soonshedriedthetearswhichhadrelievedher,andlookedupwithagratefulface.

"Thankyou,Teddy,I'mbetternow.Idon'tfeelsoforlorn,andwilltrytobearitifitcomes."

"Keephopingforthebest,thatwillhelpyou,Jo.Soonyourmotherwillbehere,andtheneverythingwillbeallright."

"I'msogladFather isbetter.Nowshewon't feel sobadabout leavinghim.Oh,

me!Itdoesseemasifallthetroublescameinaheap,andIgottheheaviestpartonmyshoulders,"sighedJo,spreadingherwethandkerchiefoverherkneestodry.

"Doesn'tMegpullfair?"askedLaurie,lookingindignant.

"Oh,yes,shetriesto,butshecan'tloveBethyasIdo,andshewon'tmissherasIshall.Bethismyconscience,andIcan'tgiveherup.Ican't!Ican't!"

DownwentJo'sfaceintothewethandkerchief,andshecrieddespairingly,forshehadkeptupbravelytillnowandnevershedatear.Lauriedrewhishandacrosshiseyes, but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat andsteadiedhis lips. Itmightbeunmanly, buthe couldn't help it, and I amgladof it.Presently,asJo'ssobsquieted,hesaidhopefully,"Idon'tthinkshewilldie.She'ssogood,andwealllovehersomuch,Idon'tbelieveGodwilltakeherawayyet."

"Thegoodanddearpeoplealwaysdodie,"groanedJo,butshestoppedcrying,forherfriend'swordscheeredherupinspiteofherowndoubtsandfears.

"Poorgirl,you'rewornout.Itisn'tlikeyoutobeforlorn.Stopabit.I'llheartenyouupinajiffy."

Lauriewentofftwostairsatatime,andJolaidherweariedheaddownonBeth'slittlebrownhood,whichnoonehad thoughtofmoving from the tablewheresheleft it. Itmust have possessed somemagic, for the submissive spirit of its gentleownerseemedtoenterintoJo,andwhenLauriecamerunningdownwithaglassofwine,shetookitwithasmile,andsaidbravely,"Idrink—HealthtomyBeth!Youareagooddoctor,Teddy,andsuchacomfortablefriend.HowcanIeverpayyou?"sheadded,asthewinerefreshedherbody,asthekindwordshaddonehertroubledmind.

"I'llsendmybill,by-and-by,andtonightI'llgiveyousomethingthatwillwarmthe cocklesof yourheart better thanquarts ofwine," saidLaurie, beamingat herwithafaceofsuppressedsatisfactionatsomething.

"Whatisit?"criedJo,forgettingherwoesforaminuteinherwonder.

"I telegraphed to your mother yesterday, and Brooke answered she'd come atonce,andshe'llbeheretonight,andeverythingwillbeallright.Aren'tyougladIdidit?"

Lauriespokeveryfast,andturnedredandexcitedallinaminute,forhehadkepthisplotasecret,forfearofdisappointingthegirlsorharmingBeth.Jogrewquite

white,flewoutofherchair,andthemomenthestoppedspeakingsheelectrifiedhimbythrowingherarmsroundhisneck,andcryingout,withajoyfulcry,"Oh,Laurie!Oh,Mother! I amsoglad!"Shedidnotweepagain,but laughedhysterically, andtrembledandclungtoherfriendasifshewasalittlebewilderedbythesuddennews.

Laurie,thoughdecidedlyamazed,behavedwithgreatpresenceofmind.Hepattedher back soothingly, and finding that she was recovering, followed it up by abashfulkissor two,whichbrought Jo roundatonce.Holdingon to thebanisters,she put him gently away, saying breathlessly, "Oh, don't! I didn'tmean to, it wasdreadfulofme,butyouweresuchadeartogoanddoit inspiteofHannahthatIcouldn't help flying at you.Tellme all about it, and don't givemewine again, itmakesmeactso."

"Idon'tmind,"laughedLaurie,ashesettledhistie."Why,youseeIgotfidgety,andsodidGrandpa.WethoughtHannahwasoverdoingtheauthoritybusiness,andyour mother ought to know. She'd never forgive us if Beth... Well, if anythinghappened,youknow.SoIgotgrandpatosayitwashightimewedidsomething,andoff Ipelted to theofficeyesterday, for thedoctor lookedsober,andHannahmosttookmyheadoffwhenIproposedatelegram.Inevercanbeartobe'lordedover',so that settledmymind, and Idid it.Yourmotherwill come, Iknow,and the latetrain is in at twoA.M. I shall go for her, and you've only got to bottle up yourrapture,andkeepBethquiettillthatblessedladygetshere."

"Laurie,you'reanangel!HowshallIeverthankyou?"

"Flyatmeagain.Iratherlikedit,"saidLaurie, lookingmischievous,athinghehadnotdoneforafortnight.

"No,thankyou.I'lldoitbyproxy,whenyourgrandpacomes.Don'ttease,butgohomeandrest,foryou'llbeuphalfthenight.Blessyou,Teddy,blessyou!"

Jo had backed into a corner, and as she finished her speech, she vanishedprecipitately into the kitchen, where she sat down upon a dresser and told theassembledcats that shewas "happy,oh, sohappy!"whileLauriedeparted, feelingthathehadmadearatherneatthingofit.

"That's the interferingest chap I ever see, but I forgive him and do hopeMrs.March iscomingrightaway,"saidHannah,withanairof relief,whenJo told thegoodnews.

Meg had a quiet rapture, and then brooded over the letter, while Jo set thesickroominorder,andHannah"knockedupacoupleofpies incaseofcompany

unexpected".Abreathoffreshairseemedtoblowthroughthehouse,andsomethingbetter than sunshine brightened the quiet rooms. Everything appeared to feel thehopeful change. Beth's bird began to chirp again, and a half-blown rose wasdiscovered onAmy's bush in thewindow.The fires seemed to burnwith unusualcheeriness,andeverytimethegirlsmet, theirpalefacesbrokeintosmilesastheyhuggedoneanother,whisperingencouragingly, "Mother'scoming,dear!Mother'scoming!" Every one rejoiced but Beth. She lay in that heavy stupor, alikeunconsciousofhopeandjoy,doubtanddanger.Itwasapiteoussight,theoncerosyface so changed and vacant, the once busy hands so weak and wasted, the oncesmiling lips quite dumb, and the once pretty, well-kept hair scattered rough andtangled on the pillow. All day she lay so, only rousing now and then to mutter,"Water!"withlipssoparchedtheycouldhardlyshapetheword.AlldayJoandMeghoveredoverher,watching,waiting,hoping,andtrustinginGodandMother,andallday the snow fell, thebitterwind raged, and thehoursdragged slowlyby.Butnightcameatlast,andeverytimetheclockstruck,thesisters,stillsittingoneithersideofthebed,lookedateachotherwithbrighteningeyes,foreachhourbroughthelpnearer.Thedoctorhadbeen in to say that somechange, forbetterorworse,wouldprobablytakeplaceaboutmidnight,atwhichtimehewouldreturn.

Hannah,quitewornout,laydownonthesofaatthebed'sfootandfellfastasleep,Mr.Laurencemarchedtoandfrointheparlor,feelingthathewouldratherfacearebelbattery thanMrs.March'scountenanceassheentered.Laurie layon therug,pretendingtorest,butstaringintothefirewiththethoughtfullookwhichmadehisblackeyesbeautifullysoftandclear.

The girls never forgot that night, for no sleep came to them as they kept theirwatch,with that dreadful senseof powerlessnesswhich comes tous inhours likethose.

"IfGodsparesBeth,Ineverwillcomplainagain,"whisperedMegearnestly.

"IfgodsparesBeth,I'lltrytoloveandserveHimallmylife,"answeredJo,withequalfervor.

"IwishIhadnoheart,itachesso,"sighedMeg,afterapause.

"Iflifeisoftenashardasthis,Idon'tseehowweevershallgetthroughit,"addedhersisterdespondently.

Here the clock struck twelve, andboth forgot themselves inwatchingBeth, fortheyfanciedachangepassedoverherwanface.Thehousewasstillasdeath,and

nothingbutthewailingofthewindbrokethedeephush.WearyHannahslepton,andnoonebutthesisterssawthepaleshadowwhichseemedtofalluponthelittlebed.An hour went by, and nothing happened except Laurie's quiet departure for thestation.Anotherhour,stillnoonecame,andanxiousfearsofdelayinthestorm,oraccidentsbytheway,or,worstofall,agreatgriefatWashington,hauntedthegirls.

Itwaspasttwo,whenJo,whostoodatthewindowthinkinghowdrearytheworldlooked in its winding sheet of snow, heard a movement by the bed, and turningquickly,sawMegkneelingbeforetheirmother'seasychairwithherfacehidden.AdreadfulfearpassedcoldlyoverJo,asshethought,"Bethisdead,andMegisafraidtotellme."

Shewas back at her post in an instant, and to her excited eyes a great changeseemedtohavetakenplace.Thefeverflushandthelookofpainweregone,andthebeloved little face looked so pale and peaceful in its utter repose that Jo felt nodesiretoweeportolament.Leaninglowoverthisdearestofhersisters,shekissedthedampforeheadwithherheartonherlips,andsoftlywhispered,"Good-by,myBeth.Good-by!"

As if awaked by the stir, Hannah started out of her sleep, hurried to the bed,lookedatBeth,feltherhands,listenedatherlips,andthen,throwingherapronoverherhead, satdown to rock to and fro, exclaiming,underherbreath, "The fever'sturned,she'ssleepin'nat'ral,herskin'sdamp,andshebreatheseasy.Praisebegiven!Oh,mygoodnessme!"

Beforethegirlscouldbelievethehappytruth,thedoctorcametoconfirmit.Hewas a homelyman, but they thought his face quite heavenlywhen he smiled andsaid, with a fatherly look at them, "Yes,my dears, I think the little girl will pullthrough this time. Keep the house quiet, let her sleep, andwhen she wakes, giveher..."

What they were to give, neither heard, for both crept into the dark hall, and,sittingonthestairs,heldeachotherclose,rejoicingwithheartstoofullforwords.WhentheywentbacktobekissedandcuddledbyfaithfulHannah,theyfoundBethlying,assheused todo,withhercheekpillowedonherhand, thedreadfulpallorgone,andbreathingquietly,asifjustfallenasleep.

"IfMotherwouldonlycomenow!"saidJo,asthewinternightbegantowane.

"See,"saidMeg,comingupwithawhite,half-openedrose,"IthoughtthiswouldhardlybereadytolayinBeth'shandtomorrowifshe—wentawayfromus.But it

hasblossomedinthenight,andnowImeantoputitinmyvasehere,sothatwhenthedarlingwakes,thefirstthingsheseeswillbethelittlerose,andMother'sface."

Neverhadthesunrisensobeautifully,andneverhadtheworldseemedsolovelyasitdidtotheheavyeyesofMegandJo,astheylookedoutintheearlymorning,whentheirlong,sadvigilwasdone.

"Itlookslikeafairyworld,"saidMeg,smilingtoherself,asshestoodbehindthecurtain,watchingthedazzlingsight.

"Hark!"criedJo,startingtoherfeet.

Yes, therewasasoundofbellsat thedoorbelow,acryfromHannah,and thenLaurie'svoicesayinginajoyfulwhisper,"Girls,she'scome!She'scome!"

CHAPTERNINETEEN

AMY'SWILL

Whilethesethingswerehappeningathome,AmywashavinghardtimesatAuntMarch's. She felt her exile deeply, and for the first time in her life, realized howmuchshewasbelovedandpettedathome.AuntMarchneverpettedanyone;shedidnotapproveofit,butshemeanttobekind,forthewell-behavedlittlegirlpleasedherverymuch,andAuntMarchhadasoftplaceinheroldheartforhernephew'schildren, though shedidn't think it proper to confess it.She reallydidherbest tomake Amy happy, but, dear me, what mistakes shemade. Some old people keepyoungatheart in spiteofwrinklesandgrayhairs, can sympathizewithchildren'slittle cares and joys, make them feel at home, and can hide wise lessons underpleasantplays,givingandreceivingfriendshipinthesweetestway.ButAuntMarchhadnot this gift, and sheworriedAmyverymuchwithher rules andorders, herprimways,and long,prosy talks.Finding thechildmoredocileandamiable thanhersister, theold ladyfelt itherduty to tryandcounteract,as faraspossible, thebad effects of home freedom and indulgence. So she tookAmy by the hand, andtaughtherassheherselfhadbeen taughtsixtyyearsago,aprocesswhichcarrieddismaytoAmy'ssoul,andmadeherfeellikeaflyinthewebofaverystrictspider.

Shehadtowashthecupseverymorning,andpolishuptheold-fashionedspoons,thefatsilverteapot,andtheglassestilltheyshone.Thenshemustdusttheroom,and

what a trying job that was. Not a speck escaped Aunt March's eye, and all thefurniture had claw legs andmuch carving, which was never dusted to suit. ThenPollyhadtobefed,thelapdogcombed,andadozentripsupstairsanddowntogetthings or deliver orders, for the old ladywas very lame and seldom left her bigchair.Afterthesetiresomelabors,shemustdoherlessons,whichwasadailytrialofeveryvirtueshepossessed.Thenshewasallowedonehourforexerciseorplay,anddidn'tsheenjoyit?

Lauriecameeveryday,andwheedledAuntMarchtillAmywasallowedtogooutwithhim,whentheywalkedandrodeandhadcapitaltimes.Afterdinner,shehadtoreadaloud,andsitstillwhiletheoldladyslept,whichsheusuallydidforanhour,asshedroppedoffoverthefirstpage.Thenpatchworkortowelsappeared,andAmysewedwithoutwardmeeknessandinwardrebelliontilldusk,whenshewasallowedto amuseherself as she liked till teatime.The eveningswere theworstof all, forAuntMarchfell totellinglongstoriesaboutheryouth,whichweresounutterablydullthatAmywasalwaysreadytogotobed,intendingtocryoverherhardfate,butusuallygoingtosleepbeforeshehadsqueezedoutmorethanatearortwo.

IfithadnotbeenforLaurie,andoldEsther,themaid,shefeltthatshenevercouldhave got through that dreadful time. The parrot alone was enough to drive herdistracted, for he soon felt that she did not admire him, and revengedhimself bybeingasmischievousaspossible.Hepulledherhairwhenevershecamenearhim,upsethisbreadandmilktoplagueherwhenshehadnewlycleanedhiscage,madeMopbarkbypeckingathimwhileMadamdozed,calledhernamesbeforecompany,and behaved in all respects like an reprehensible old bird. Then she could notendurethedog,afat,crossbeastwhosnarledandyelpedatherwhenshemadehistoilet, and who lay on his back with all his legs in the air and a most idioticexpression of countenance when he wanted something to eat, which was about adozen times a day. The cookwas bad-tempered, the old coachmanwas deaf, andEsthertheonlyonewhoevertookanynoticeoftheyounglady.

Esther was a Frenchwoman, who had lived with 'Madame', as she called hermistress, formanyyears,andwhorather tyrannizedover theold lady,whocouldnotgetalongwithouther.HerrealnamewasEstelle,butAuntMarchorderedhertochange it, and she obeyed, on condition that she was never asked to change herreligion.She took a fancy toMademoiselle, and amusedher verymuchwithoddstories of her life in France,whenAmy satwith herwhile she got upMadame'slaces.Shealsoallowedhertoroamaboutthegreathouse,andexaminethecuriousandprettythingsstoredawayinthebigwardrobesandtheancientchests,forAuntMarch hoarded like amagpie. Amy's chief delight was an Indian cabinet, full ofqueerdrawers,littlepigeonholes,andsecretplaces,inwhichwerekeptallsortsof

ornaments, some precious, some merely curious, all more or less antique. ToexamineandarrangethesethingsgaveAmygreatsatisfaction,especiallythejewelcases,inwhichonvelvetcushionsreposedtheornamentswhichhadadornedabellefortyyearsago.Therewas thegarnetsetwhichAuntMarchworewhenshecameout,thepearlsherfathergaveheronherweddingday,herlover'sdiamonds,thejetmourning rings and pins, the queer lockets, with portraits of dead friends andweepingwillowsmadeofhairinside,thebabybraceletsheronelittledaughterhadworn,UncleMarch'sbigwatch,withtheredsealsomanychildishhandshadplayedwith,andinaboxallbyitselflayAuntMarch'sweddingring,toosmallnowforherfatfinger,butputcarefullyawaylikethemostpreciousjewelofthemall.

"Which would Mademoiselle choose if she had her will?" asked Esther, whoalwayssatneartowatchoverandlockupthevaluables.

"Ilikethediamondsbest,butthereisnonecklaceamongthem,andI'mfondofnecklaces, they are so becoming. I should choose this if I might," replied Amy,lookingwithgreatadmirationatastringofgoldandebonybeadsfromwhichhungaheavycrossofthesame.

"I,too,covetthat,butnotasanecklace.Ah,no!Tomeitisarosary,andassuchIshoulduseitlikeagoodcatholic,"saidEsther,eyeingthehandsomethingwistfully.

"Isitmeanttouseasyouusethestringofgood-smellingwoodenbeadshangingoveryourglass?"askedAmy.

"Truly,yes, topraywith.Itwouldbepleasingtothesaintsifoneusedsofinearosaryasthis,insteadofwearingitasavainbijou."

"You seem to take a great deal of comfort in your prayers,Esther, and alwayscomedownlookingquietandsatisfied.IwishIcould."

"IfMademoisellewasaCatholic,shewouldfindtruecomfort,butasthatisnottobe,itwouldbewellifyouwentaparteachdaytomeditateandpray,asdidthegoodmistress whom I served beforeMadame. She had a little chapel, and in it foundsolacementformuchtrouble."

"Woulditberightformetodosotoo?"askedAmy,whoinherlonelinessfelttheneedofhelpofsomesort,andfoundthatshewasapttoforgetherlittlebook,nowthatBethwasnottheretoremindherofit.

"Itwouldbeexcellentandcharming,andIshallgladlyarrangethelittledressingroomforyouifyoulikeit.SaynothingtoMadame,butwhenshesleepsgoyouand

sit alone a while to think good thoughts, and pray the dear God preserve yoursister."

Estherwastrulypious,andquitesincereinheradvice,forshehadanaffectionateheart,andfeltmuchforthesistersintheiranxiety.Amylikedtheidea,andgaveherleavetoarrangethelightclosetnextherroom,hopingitwoulddohergood.

"IwishIknewwherealltheseprettythingswouldgowhenAuntMarchdies,"shesaid,assheslowlyreplacedtheshiningrosaryandshutthejewelcasesonebyone.

"Toyouandyoursisters.Iknowit,Madameconfidesinme.Iwitnessedherwill,anditistobeso,"whisperedEsthersmiling.

"How nice! But I wish she'd let us have them now. Procrastination is notagreeable,"observedAmy,takingalastlookatthediamonds.

"Itistoosoonyetfortheyoungladiestowearthesethings.Thefirstonewhoisaffiancedwillhavethepearls,Madamehassaidit,andIhaveafancythatthelittleturquoiseringwillbegiventoyouwhenyougo,forMadameapprovesyourgoodbehaviorandcharmingmanners."

"Doyouthinkso?Oh,I'llbealamb,ifIcanonlyhavethatlovelyring!It'seversomuchprettierthanKittyBryant's.IdolikeAuntMarchafterall."AndAmytriedontheblueringwithadelightedfaceandafirmresolvetoearnit.

From that day she was a model of obedience, and the old lady complacentlyadmired 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 shut-uprooms.Shethoughtitwasofnogreatvalue,but,beingappropriate,sheborrowedit,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, andAmy'sbeauty-loving eyeswerenever tiredof lookingup at the sweet faceof theDivineMother,whilehertenderthoughtsofherownwerebusyatherheart.Onthetableshelaidherlittletestamentandhymnbook,keptavasealwaysfullofthebestflowers Laurie brought her, and came every day to 'sit alone' thinking goodthoughts, andpraying thedearGod topreserveher sister.Estherhadgivenher arosary of black beadswith a silver cross, butAmyhung it up and did not use it,feelingdoubtfulastoitsfitnessforProtestantprayers.

The little girlwas very sincere in all this, for being left alone outside the safehome nest, she felt the need of some kind hand to hold by so sorely that sheinstinctively turned to the strong and tender Friend, whose fatherly love most

closely surroundsHis little children. Shemissed hermother's help to understandandruleherself,buthavingbeentaughtwheretolook,shedidherbesttofindthewayandwalk in it confidingly.But,Amywas a youngpilgrim, and just nowherburden seemed very heavy. She tried to forget herself, to keep cheerful, and besatisfiedwithdoingright,thoughnoonesaworpraisedherforit.Inherfirsteffortatbeingvery,verygood,shedecidedtomakeherwill,asAuntMarchhaddone,sothat if she did fall ill and die, her possessions might be justly and generouslydivided.Itcostherapangeventothinkofgivingupthelittletreasureswhichinhereyeswereaspreciousastheoldlady'sjewels.

Duringoneofherplayhoursshewroteouttheimportantdocumentaswellasshecould,with somehelp fromEsther as to certain legal terms, andwhen the good-naturedFrenchwomanhadsignedhername,AmyfeltrelievedandlaiditbytoshowLaurie, whom she wanted as a second witness. As it was a rainy day, she wentupstairstoamuseherselfinoneofthelargechambers,andtookPollywithherforcompany. In this room therewas awardrobe full of old-fashioned costumeswithwhichEstherallowedhertoplay,anditwasherfavoriteamusementtoarrayherselfin the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, makingstatelycurtsies,andsweepinghertrainaboutwitharustlewhichdelightedherears.So busywas she on this day that she did not hear Laurie's ring nor see his facepeepinginatherasshegravelypromenadedtoandfro,flirtingherfanandtossingherhead,onwhich sheworeagreatpink turban, contrastingoddlywithherbluebrocadedressandyellowquiltedpetticoat.Shewasobliged towalkcarefully, forshe had on high-heeled shoes, and, as Laurie told Jo afterward, itwas a comicalsight to see hermince along in her gay suit,with Polly sidling and bridling justbehindher,imitatingheraswellashecould,andoccasionallystoppingtolaughorexclaim, "Ain'twe fine?Get along,you fright!Holdyour tongue!Kissme,dear!Ha!Ha!"

Havingwithdifficultyrestrainedanexplosionofmerriment,lestitshouldoffendhermajesty,Laurietappedandwasgraciouslyreceived.

"SitdownandrestwhileIputthesethingsaway,thenIwanttoconsultyouaboutaveryseriousmatter,"saidAmy,whenshehadshownhersplendoranddrivenPollyintoacorner."Thatbird is the trialofmylife,"shecontinued, removing thepinkmountainfromherhead,whileLaurieseatedhimselfastrideachair.

"Yesterday,whenAuntwasasleepandIwastryingtobeasstillasamouse,Pollybegantosquallandflapaboutinhiscage,soIwenttolethimout,andfoundabigspider there. Ipoked itout, and it ranunder thebookcase.Pollymarched straightafterit,stoopeddownandpeepedunderthebookcase,saying,inhisfunnyway,witha cock of his eye, 'Comeout and take awalk,mydear.' I couldn't help laughing,whichmadePollswear,andAuntwokeupandscoldedusboth."

"Didthespideraccepttheoldfellow'sinvitation?"askedLaurie,yawning.

"Yes,out itcame,andawayranPolly,frightenedtodeath,andscrambleduponAunt'schair,callingout,'Catchher!Catchher!Catchher!'asIchasedthespider."

"That'salie!Oh,lor!"criedtheparrot,peckingatLaurie'stoes.

"I'dwringyourneckifyouweremine,youoldtorment,"criedLaurie,shakinghisfistat thebird,whoputhisheadononesideandgravelycroaked,"Allyluyer!blessyourbuttons,dear!"

"NowI'mready,"saidAmy,shuttingthewardrobeandtakingapieceofpaperoutofherpocket."Iwantyoutoreadthat,please,andtellmeifit islegalandright.Ifelt I ought todo it, for life isuncertain and Idon'twant any ill feelingovermytomb."

Laurie bit his lips, and turning a little from the pensive speaker, read thefollowingdocument,withpraiseworthygravity,consideringthespelling:

MYLASTWILLANDTESTIMENT

I,AmyCurtisMarch,beinginmysanemind,gogiveandbequeetheallmyearthlyproperty—viz.towit:—namely

Tomyfather,mybestpictures,sketches,maps,andworksofart,includingframes.Alsomy$100,todowhathelikeswith.

To my mother, all my clothes, except the blue apron with pockets—also my likeness, and mymedal,withmuchlove.

TomydearsisterMargaret,Igivemyturkquoisering(ifIgetit),alsomygreenboxwiththedovesonit,alsomypieceofreallaceforherneck,andmysketchofherasamemorialofher'littlegirl'.

ToJo I leavemybreastpin, theonemendedwithsealingwax,alsomybronze inkstand—she lostthecover—andmymostpreciousplasterrabbit,becauseIamsorryIburnedupherstory.

ToBeth(ifshelivesafterme)Igivemydollsandthelittlebureau,myfan,mylinencollarsandmynewslippersifshecanwearthembeingthinwhenshegetswell.AndIherewithalsoleavehermyregretthatIevermadefunofoldJoanna.

Tomy friend and neighbor Theodore Laurence I bequeethemy papermashay portfolio,my claymodelofahorse thoughhedid say ithadn't anyneck.Also in return forhisgreatkindness in thehourofafflictionanyoneofmyartisticworkshelikes,NoterDameisthebest.

ToourvenerablebenefactorMr.LaurenceIleavemypurpleboxwithalookingglassinthecoverwhichwillbeniceforhispensandremindhimofthedepartedgirlwhothankshimforhisfavorstoherfamily,especiallyBeth.

IwishmyfavoriteplaymateKittyBryanttohavethebluesilkapronandmygold-beadringwithakiss.

ToHannahIgivethebandboxshewantedandallthepatchworkIleavehopingshe'willrememberme,whenityousee'.

AndnowhavingdisposedofmymostvaluablepropertyIhopeallwillbesatisfiedandnotblamethedead.Iforgiveeveryone,andtrustwemayallmeetwhenthetrumpshallsound.Amen.

TothiswillandtestimentIsetmyhandandsealonthis20thdayofNov.AnniDomino1861.

AmyCurtisMarch

Witnesses:

EstelleValnor,TheodoreLaurence.

Thelastnamewaswritteninpencil,andAmyexplainedthathewastorewriteitininkandsealitupforherproperly.

"Whatput it intoyourhead?Did anyone tell you aboutBeth's giving awayherthings?" askedLaurie soberly, asAmy laid a bit of red tape,with sealingwax, ataper,andastandishbeforehim.

Sheexplainedandthenaskedanxiously,"WhataboutBeth?"

"I'msorryIspoke,butasIdid,I'lltellyou.ShefeltsoillonedaythatshetoldJoshewantedtogiveherpianotoMeg,hercats toyou,andthepoorolddoll toJo,whowouldloveitforhersake.Shewassorryshehadsolittletogive,andleftlocksofhairtotherestofus,andherbestlovetoGrandpa.Sheneverthoughtofawill."

Lauriewassigningandsealingashespoke,anddidnotlookuptillagreatteardropped on the paper. Amy's face was full of trouble, but she only said, "Don'tpeopleputsortofpostscriptstotheirwills,sometimes?"

"Yes,'codicils',theycallthem."

"Put one inmine then, that Iwish allmy curls cut off, and given round tomyfriends.Iforgotit,butIwantitdonethoughitwillspoilmylooks."

Laurieaddedit,smilingatAmy'slastandgreatestsacrifice.Thenheamusedherforanhour,andwasmuchinterestedinallhertrials.Butwhenhecametogo,Amyheld him back to whisper with trembling lips, "Is there really any danger aboutBeth?"

"I'mafraidthereis,butwemusthopeforthebest,sodon'tcry,dear."AndLaurieputhisarmaboutherwithabrotherlygesturewhichwasverycomforting.

Whenhehadgone,shewenttoherlittlechapel,andsittinginthetwilight,prayedforBeth,withstreamingtearsandanachingheart,feelingthatamillionturquoiseringswouldnotconsoleherforthelossofhergentlelittlesister.

CHAPTERTWENTY

CONFIDENTIAL

I don't think I have any words in which to tell the meeting of the mother anddaughters.Suchhoursarebeautifultolive,butveryhardtodescribe,soIwillleaveittotheimaginationofmyreaders,merelysayingthatthehousewasfullofgenuinehappiness,andthatMeg'stenderhopewasrealized,forwhenBethwokefromthatlong,healingsleep,thefirstobjectsonwhichhereyesfellwerethelittleroseandMother'sface.Tooweaktowonderatanything,sheonlysmiledandnestledcloseinthelovingarmsabouther,feelingthatthehungrylongingwassatisfiedatlast.Thenshesleptagain,and thegirlswaitedupon theirmother, forshewouldnotunclaspthethinhandwhichclungtoherseveninsleep.

Hannah had 'dished up' an astonishing breakfast for the traveler, finding itimpossibletoventherexcitementinanyotherway,andMegandJofedtheirmotherlikedutifulyoungstorks,while they listened toherwhisperedaccountofFather'sstate, Mr. Brooke's promise to stay and nurse him, the delays which the stormoccasionedonthehomewardjourney,andtheunspeakablecomfortLaurie'shopefulfacehadgivenherwhenshearrived,wornoutwithfatigue,anxiety,andcold.

Whatastrangeyetpleasantdaythatwas.Sobrilliantandgaywithout,foralltheworldseemedabroadtowelcomethefirstsnow.Soquietandreposefulwithin,foreveryone slept, spent with watching, and a Sabbath stillness reigned through thehouse,whilenoddingHannahmountedguardat thedoor.Withablissful senseofburdensliftedoff,MegandJoclosedtheirwearyeyes,andlayatrest,likestorm-beaten boats safe at anchor in a quiet harbor.Mrs.Marchwould not leaveBeth'sside,butrestedinthebigchair,wakingoftentolookat,touch,andbroodoverherchild,likeamiseroversomerecoveredtreasure.

LauriemeanwhilepostedofftocomfortAmy,andtoldhisstorysowellthatAuntMarchactually'sniffed'herself,andneveroncesaid"Itoldyouso".Amycameoutsostrongon thisoccasion that I think thegood thoughts in the littlechapel reallybegantobearfruit.Shedriedhertearsquickly,restrainedherimpatiencetoseehermother, and never even thought of the turquoise ring,when the old lady heartilyagreedinLaurie'sopinion,thatshebehaved'likeacapitallittlewoman'.EvenPollyseemed impressed, forhecalledheragoodgirl,blessedherbuttons,andbeggedherto"comeandtakeawalk,dear",inhismostaffabletone.Shewouldverygladlyhavegoneout toenjoy thebrightwintryweather,butdiscovering thatLauriewasdroppingwithsleepinspiteofmanfuleffortstoconcealthefact,shepersuadedhimtorestonthesofa,whileshewroteanotetohermother.Shewasalongtimeaboutit,andwhenshereturned,hewasstretchedoutwithbotharmsunderhishead,soundasleep,whileAuntMarchhadpulleddownthecurtainsandsatdoingnothinginan

unusualfitofbenignity.

Afterawhile,theybegantothinkhewasnotgoingtowakeuptillnight,andI'mnotsure thathewould,hadhenotbeeneffectually rousedbyAmy'scryof joyatsight of hermother. There probably were a goodmany happy little girls in andaboutthecitythatday,butitismyprivateopinionthatAmywasthehappiestofall,when she sat in her mother's lap and told her trials, receiving consolation andcompensationintheshapeofapprovingsmilesandfondcaresses.Theywerealonetogether in the chapel, to which hermother did not object when its purposewasexplainedtoher.

"Onthecontrary,Ilikeitverymuch,dear,"lookingfromthedustyrosarytothewell-wornlittlebook,andthelovelypicturewithitsgarlandofevergreen."Itisanexcellentplantohavesomeplacewherewecangotobequiet,whenthingsvexorgrieveus.Thereareagoodmanyhardtimesinthislifeofours,butwecanalwaysbearthemifweaskhelpintherightway.Ithinkmylittlegirlislearningthis."

"Yes,Mother,andwhenIgohomeImeantohaveacornerinthebigclosettoputmybooksandthecopyofthatpicturewhichI'vetriedtomake.Thewoman'sfaceisnotgood,it'stoobeautifulformetodraw,butthebabyisdonebetter,andIloveitverymuch. I like to thinkHewas a little child once, for then I don't seem so faraway,andthathelpsme."

AsAmypointedtothesmilingChristchildonhisMother'sknee,Mrs.Marchsawsomething on the lifted hand that made her smile. She said nothing, but Amyunderstood the look, and after a minute's pause, she added gravely, "I wanted tospeaktoyouaboutthis,butIforgotit.Auntgavemetheringtoday.Shecalledmetoherandkissedme,andputitonmyfinger,andsaidIwasacredittoher,andshe'dliketokeepmealways.Shegavethatfunnyguardtokeeptheturquoiseon,asit'stoobig.I'dliketowearthemMother,canI?"

"They are very pretty, but I think you're rather too young for such ornaments,Amy,"saidMrs.March,lookingattheplumplittlehand,withthebandofsky-bluestones on the forefinger, and the quaint guard formed of two tiny golden handsclaspedtogether.

"I'lltrynottobevain,"saidAmy."Idon'tthinkIlikeitonlybecauseit'ssopretty,but I want towear it as the girl in the storywore her bracelet, to remindme ofsomething."

"DoyoumeanAuntMarch?"askedhermother,laughing.

"No,toremindmenottobeselfish."Amylookedsoearnestandsincereaboutitthathermotherstoppedlaughing,andlistenedrespectfullytothelittleplan.

"I'vethoughtagreatdeallatelyaboutmy'bundleofnaughties',andbeingselfishisthelargestoneinit,soI'mgoingtotryhardtocureit,ifIcan.Bethisn'tselfish,andthat's thereasoneveryonelovesherandfeelssobadat thethoughtsof losingher.Peoplewouldn'tfeelsobadaboutmeifIwassick,andIdon'tdeservetohavethem,butI'dliketobelovedandmissedbyagreatmanyfriends,soI'mgoingtotryandbe likeBethall Ican. I'mapt toforgetmyresolutions,but if Ihadsomethingalwaysaboutmetoremindme,IguessIshoulddobetter.Maywetrythisway?"

"Yes,butIhavemorefaithinthecornerofthebigcloset.Wearyourring,dear,anddoyourbest.Ithinkyouwillprosper,forthesincerewishtobegoodishalfthebattle.NowImustgobacktoBeth.Keepupyourheart,littledaughter,andwewillsoonhaveyouhomeagain."

That eveningwhileMegwaswriting to her father to report the traveler's safearrival, Jo slippedupstairs intoBeth's room, and findinghermother inherusualplace,stoodaminutetwistingherfingersinherhair,withaworriedgestureandanundecidedlook.

"What is it,deary?"askedMrs.March,holdingoutherhand,witha facewhichinvitedconfidence.

"Iwanttotellyousomething,Mother."

"AboutMeg?"

"How quickly you guessed! Yes, it's about her, and though it's a little thing, itfidgetsme."

"Bethisasleep.Speaklow,andtellmeallaboutit.ThatMoffathasn'tbeenhere,Ihope?"askedMrs.Marchrathersharply.

"No.Ishouldhaveshutthedoorinhisfaceifhehad,"saidJo,settlingherselfonthe floorathermother's feet. "Last summerMeg left apairofglovesoverat theLaurences'andonlyonewasreturned.Weforgotaboutit,tillTeddytoldmethatMr.BrookeownedthathelikedMegbutdidn'tdaresayso,shewassoyoungandhesopoor.Now,isn'titadreadfulstateofthings?"

"DoyouthinkMegcaresforhim?"askedMrs.March,withananxiouslook.

"Mercyme!Idon'tknowanythingaboutloveandsuchnonsense!"criedJo,withafunnymixtureofinterestandcontempt."Innovels,thegirlsshowitbystartingandblushing,faintingaway,growingthin,andactinglikefools.NowMegdoesnotdoanything of the sort. She eats and drinks and sleeps like a sensible creature, shelooks straight inmy facewhen I talk about thatman, andonly blushes a little bitwhenTeddyjokesaboutlovers.Iforbidhimtodoit,buthedoesn'tmindmeasheought."

"ThenyoufancythatMegisnotinterestedinJohn?"

"Who?"criedJo,staring.

"Mr. Brooke. I call him 'John' now. We fell into the way of doing so at thehospital,andhelikesit."

"Oh,dear! Iknowyou'll takehispart.He'sbeengood toFather, andyouwon'tsendhimaway,butletMegmarryhim,ifshewantsto.Meanthing!TogopettingPapaandhelpingyou,justtowheedleyouintolikinghim."AndJopulledherhairagainwithawrathfultweak.

"Mydear,don'tgetangryaboutit,andIwilltellyouhowithappened.Johnwentwith me at Mr. Laurence's request, and was so devoted to poor Father that wecouldn'thelpgettingfondofhim.HewasperfectlyopenandhonorableaboutMeg,forhetoldushelovedher,butwouldearnacomfortablehomebeforeheaskedhertomarryhim.Heonlywantedourleavetoloveherandworkforher,andtherighttomakeherlovehimifhecould.Heisatrulyexcellentyoungman,andwecouldnot refuse to listen to him, but I will not consent to Meg's engaging herself soyoung."

"Ofcoursenot. Itwouldbe idiotic! Iknewtherewasmischiefbrewing. I felt it,andnowit'sworsethanIimagined.IjustwishIcouldmarryMegmyself,andkeephersafeinthefamily."

This odd arrangement made Mrs. March smile, but she said gravely, "Jo, Iconfide inyouanddon'twishyou to sayanything toMegyet.When Johncomesback,andIseethemtogether,Icanjudgebetterofherfeelingstowardhim."

"She'llseethosehandsomeeyesthatshetalksabout,andthenitwillbeallupwithher.She's got such a soft heart, itwillmelt likebutter in the sun if anyone lookssentimentllyather.Shereadtheshortreportshesentmorethanshedidyourletters,andpinchedmewhenIspokeofit,andlikesbrowneyes,anddoesn'tthinkJohnanuglyname,andshe'llgoandfall inlove,andthere'sanendofpeaceandfun,and

cozytimestogether.Iseeitall!They'llgoloveringaroundthehouse,andweshallhave to dodge.Megwill be absorbed and no good tome anymore.Brookewillscratchupafortunesomehow,carryheroff,andmakeahole in thefamily,andIshallbreakmyheart, andeverythingwillbeabominablyuncomfortable.Oh,dearme!Whyweren'tweallboys,thentherewouldn'tbeanybother."

JoleanedherchinonherkneesinadisconsolateattitudeandshookherfistatthereprehensibleJohn.Mrs.Marchsighed,andJolookedupwithanairofrelief.

"Youdon't likeit,Mother?I'mgladofit.Let'ssendhimabouthisbusiness,andnottellMegawordofit,butallbehappytogetheraswealwayshavebeen."

"Ididwrongtosigh,Jo.Itisnaturalandrightyoushouldallgotohomesofyourownintime,butIdowanttokeepmygirlsaslongasIcan,andIamsorrythatthishappenedsosoon,forMegisonlyseventeenanditwillbesomeyearsbeforeJohncanmake a home for her. Your father and I have agreed that she shall not bindherselfinanyway,norbemarried,beforetwenty.IfsheandJohnloveoneanother,theycanwait,andtestthelovebydoingso.Sheisconscientious,andIhavenofearofher treatinghimunkindly.Mypretty, tenderheartedgirl! Ihope thingswillgohappilywithher."

"Hadn'tyouratherhavehermarryarichman?"askedJo,ashermother'svoicefalteredalittleoverthelastwords.

"Money is agoodanduseful thing, Jo, and Ihopemygirlswill never feel theneedofittoobitterly,norbetemptedbytoomuch.IshouldliketoknowthatJohnwas firmly established in some good business, which gave him an income largeenoughtokeepfreefromdebtandmakeMegcomfortable.I'mnotambitiousforasplendidfortune,afashionableposition,oragreatnameformygirls.Ifrankandmoneycomewithloveandvirtue,also,Ishouldacceptthemgratefully,andenjoyyourgoodfortune,butIknow,byexperience,howmuchgenuinehappinesscanbehadinaplainlittlehouse,wherethedailybreadisearned,andsomeprivationsgivesweetness to thefewpleasures. Iamcontent toseeMegbeginhumbly,for if Iamnotmistaken,shewillbe rich in thepossessionofagoodman'sheart,and that isbetterthanafortune."

"I understand,Mother, and quite agree, but I'm disappointed aboutMeg, for I'dplannedtohavehermarryTeddyby-and-byandsitinthelapofluxuryallherdays.Wouldn'titbenice?"askedJo,lookingupwithabrighterface.

"Heisyoungerthanshe,youknow,"beganMrs.March,butJobrokein...

"Only a little, he's old for his age, and tall, and can be quite grown-up in hismannersifhelikes.Thenhe'srichandgenerousandgood,andlovesusall,andIsayit'sapitymyplanisspoiled."

"I'mafraidLaurieishardlygrown-upenoughforMeg,andaltogethertoomuchofaweathercock justnow foranyone todependon.Don'tmakeplans, Jo,but lettimeandtheirownheartsmateyourfriends.Wecan'tmeddlesafelyinsuchmatters,andhadbetternotget 'romanticrubbish'asyoucall it, intoourheads,lestitspoilourfriendship."

"Well,Iwon't,butIhatetoseethingsgoingallcrisscrossandgettingsnarledup,whenapullhereandasniptherewouldstraightenitout.Iwishwearingflatironsonourheadswouldkeepusfromgrowingup.Butbudswillberoses,andkittenscats,more'sthepity!"

"What'sthataboutflatironsandcats?"askedMeg,asshecreptintotheroomwiththefinishedletterinherhand.

"Only one of my stupid speeches. I'm going to bed. Come, Peggy," said Jo,unfoldingherselflikeananimatedpuzzle.

"Quiteright,andbeautifullywritten.PleaseaddthatIsendmylovetoJohn,"saidMrs.March,assheglancedovertheletterandgaveitback.

"Do you call him 'John'?" askedMeg, smiling,with her innocent eyes lookingdownintohermother's.

"Yes, hehasbeen like a son tous, andwe arevery fondof him," repliedMrs.March,returningthelookwithakeenone.

"I'mgladofthat,heissolonely.Goodnight,Mother,dear.Itissoinexpressiblycomfortabletohaveyouhere,"wasMeg'sanswer.

Thekisshermothergaveherwasaverytenderone,andasshewentaway,Mrs.Marchsaid,withamixtureofsatisfactionandregret,"ShedoesnotloveJohnyet,butwillsoonlearnto."

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

LAURIEMAKESMISCHIEF,ANDJOMAKESPEACE

Jo's facewas a studynext day, for the secret ratherweigheduponher, and shefound it hard not to lookmysterious and important.Meg observed it, but did nottroubleherselftomakeinquiries,forshehadlearnedthatthebestwaytomanageJowasbythelawofcontraries,soshefeltsureofbeingtoldeverythingifshedidnotask.Shewasrathersurprised, therefore,whenthesilenceremainedunbroken,andJo assumed a patronizing air, which decidedly aggravated Meg, who in turnassumedanairofdignifiedreserveanddevotedherselftohermother.ThisleftJotoherowndevices,forMrs.Marchhadtakenherplaceasnurse,andbadeherrest,exercise, and amuse herself after her long confinement.Amy being gone, Lauriewasheronlyrefuge,andmuchassheenjoyedhissociety,sheratherdreadedhimjustthen,forhewasanincorrigibletease,andshefearedhewouldcoaxthesecretfromher.

Shewasquite right, for themischief-loving ladno sooner suspectedamysterythanhesethimselftofinditout,andledJoatryinglifeofit.Hewheedled,bribed,ridiculed, threatened,andscolded;affected indifference, thathemightsurprise thetruth from her; declared he knew, then that he didn't care; and at last, by dint ofperseverance, he satisfied himself that it concernedMeg andMr.Brooke.Feelingindignantthathewasnottakenintohistutor'sconfidence,hesethiswitstoworktodevisesomeproperretaliationfortheslight.

Meg meanwhile had apparently forgotten the matter and was absorbed inpreparations forher father's return,but allof a suddenachange seemed tocomeover her, and, for a day or two, she was quite unlike herself. She started whenspokento,blushedwhenlookedat,wasveryquiet,andsatoverhersewing,withatimid, troubled lookonher face.Tohermother's inquiries she answered that shewasquitewell,andJo'sshesilencedbybeggingtobeletalone.

"Shefeelsitintheair—love,Imean—andshe'sgoingveryfast.She'sgotmostofthesymptoms—istwitteryandcross,doesn'teat,liesawake,andmopesincorners.Icaughthersingingthatsonghegaveher,andonceshesaid 'John',asyoudo,andthenturnedasredasapoppy.Whatevershallwedo?"saidJo,lookingreadyforanymeasures,howeverviolent.

"Nothing butwait. Let her alone, be kind and patient, andFather's comingwillsettleeverything,"repliedhermother.

"Here'sanotetoyou,Meg,allsealedup.Howodd!Teddyneversealsmine,"saidJonextday,asshedistributedthecontentsofthelittlepostoffice.

Mrs.MarchandJoweredeepintheirownaffairs,whenasoundfromMegmadethemlookuptoseeherstaringathernotewithafrightenedface.

"Mychild,whatisit?"criedhermother,runningtoher,whileJotriedtotakethepaperwhichhaddonethemischief.

"It'sallamistake,hedidn'tsendit.Oh,Jo,howcouldyoudoit?"andMeghidherfaceinherhands,cryingasifherheartwerequitebroken.

"Me!I'vedonenothing!What'sshetalkingabout?"criedJo,bewildered.

Meg's mild eyes kindled with anger as she pulled a crumpled note from herpocket and threw it at Jo, saying reproachfully, "You wrote it, and that bad boyhelpedyou.Howcouldyoubesorude,somean,andcrueltousboth?"

Jo hardly heard her, for she and hermotherwere reading the note,whichwaswritteninapeculiarhand.

"MyDearestMargaret,

"I canno longer restrainmypassion, andmustknowmy fatebefore I return. I darenot tell yourparentsyet,butI thinktheywouldconsentif theyknewthatweadoredoneanother.Mr.Laurencewillhelpmetosomegoodplace,andthen,mysweetgirl,youwillmakemehappy.Iimploreyoutosaynothingtoyourfamilyyet,buttosendonewordofhopethroughLaurieto,

"YourdevotedJohn."

"Oh,thelittlevillain!That'sthewayhemeanttopaymeforkeepingmywordtoMother.I'llgivehimaheartyscoldingandbringhimovertobegpardon,"criedJo,burningtoexecuteimmediatejustice.Buthermotherheldherback,saying,withalooksheseldomwore...

"Stop,Jo,youmustclearyourselffirst.YouhaveplayedsomanypranksthatIamafraidyouhavehadahandinthis."

"Onmyword,Mother, I haven't! I never saw that note before, and don't knowanythingaboutit,astrueasIlive!"saidJo,soearnestlythattheybelievedher."IfIhadtakenpartinitI'dhavedoneitbetterthanthis,andhavewrittenasensiblenote.Ishould thinkyou'dhaveknownMr.Brookewouldn'twrite such stuff as that," sheadded,scornfullytossingdownthepaper.

"It'slikehiswriting,"falteredMeg,comparingitwiththenoteinherhand.

"Oh,Meg,youdidn'tanswerit?"criedMrs.Marchquickly.

"Yes,Idid!"andMeghidherfaceagain,overcomewithshame.

"Here'sascrape!Doletmebringthatwickedboyovertoexplainandbelectured.Ican'tresttillIgetholdofhim."AndJomadeforthedooragain.

"Hush!Letme handle this, for it isworse than I thought.Margaret, tellme thewholestory,"commandedMrs.March,sittingdownbyMeg,yetkeepingholdofJo,lestsheshouldflyoff.

"I received the first letter fromLaurie,whodidn't look as if he knewanythingabout it,"beganMeg,without lookingup."Iwasworriedat firstandmeant to tellyou,thenIrememberedhowyoulikedMr.Brooke,soIthoughtyouwouldn'tmindifIkeptmylittlesecretforafewdays.I'msosillythatIlikedtothinknooneknew,andwhileIwasdecidingwhat tosay,I felt like thegirls inbooks,whohavesuchthings todo.Forgiveme,Mother, I'mpaidformysillinessnow.Inevercan lookhiminthefaceagain."

"Whatdidyousaytohim?"askedMrs.March.

"IonlysaidIwastooyoungtodoanythingaboutityet,thatIdidn'twishtohavesecretsfromyou,andhemustspeaktofather.Iwasverygratefulforhiskindness,andwouldbehisfriend,butnothingmore,foralongwhile."

Mrs.Marchsmiled,asifwellpleased,andJoclappedherhands,exclaiming,witha laugh,"Youarealmostequal toCarolinePercy,whowasapatternofprudence!Tellon,Meg.Whatdidhesaytothat?"

"Hewritesinadifferentwayentirely,tellingmethatheneversentanyloveletterat all, and is very sorry thatmy roguish sister, Jo, should take libertieswith ournames.It'sverykindandrespectful,butthinkhowdreadfulforme!"

Meg leaned against hermother, looking the image of despair, and Jo trampedabout the room,callingLaurienames.Allof a sudden she stopped, caughtup thetwonotes,andafterlookingatthemclosely,saiddecidedly,"Idon'tbelieveBrookeeversaweitheroftheseletters.Teddywroteboth,andkeepsyourstocrowovermewithbecauseIwouldn'ttellhimmysecret."

"Don'thaveanysecrets,Jo.TellittoMotherandkeepoutoftrouble,asIshouldhavedone,"saidMegwarningly.

"Blessyou,child!Mothertoldme."

"Thatwilldo, Jo. I'll comfortMegwhileyougoandgetLaurie. I shall sift themattertothebottom,andputastoptosuchpranksatonce."

AwayranJo,andMrs.MarchgentlytoldMegMr.Brooke'srealfeelings."Now,dear,whatareyourown?Doyoulovehimenoughtowaittillhecanmakeahomeforyou,orwillyoukeepyourselfquitefreeforthepresent?"

"I'vebeensoscaredandworried,Idon'twanttohaveanythingtodowithloversfor a longwhile,perhapsnever," answeredMegpetulantly. "If Johndoesn'tknowanything about this nonsense, don't tell him, and make Jo and Laurie hold theirtongues.Iwon'tbedeceivedandplaguedandmadeafoolof.It'sashame!"

Seeing Meg's usually gentle temper was roused and her pride hurt by thismischievousjoke,Mrs.Marchsoothedherbypromisesofentiresilenceandgreatdiscretion for the future.The instantLaurie's stepwasheard in thehall,Meg fledintothestudy,andMrs.Marchreceivedtheculpritalone.Johadnottoldhimwhyhewaswanted,fearinghewouldn'tcome,butheknewtheminutehesawMrs.March'sface,andstoodtwirlinghishatwithaguiltyairwhichconvictedhimatonce.Jowasdismissed,butchosetomarchupanddownthehalllikeasentinel,havingsomefearthattheprisonermightbolt.Thesoundofvoicesintheparlorroseandfellforhalfanhour,butwhathappenedduringthatinterviewthegirlsneverknew.

When they were called in, Laurie was standing by their mother with such apenitentfacethatJoforgavehimonthespot,butdidnotthinkitwisetobetraythefact.Megreceivedhishumbleapology,andwasmuchcomfortedbytheassurancethatBrookeknewnothingofthejoke.

"I'llnevertellhimtomydyingday,wildhorsesshan'tdragitoutofme,soyou'llforgive me,Meg, and I'll do anything to show how out-and-out sorry I am," headded,lookingverymuchashamedofhimself.

"I'lltry,butitwasaveryungentlemanlythingtodo,Ididn'tthinkyoucouldbesosly and malicious, Laurie," replied Meg, trying to hide her maidenly confusionunderagravelyreproachfulair.

"Itwasaltogetherabominable,andIdon'tdeserve tobespoken to foramonth,butyouwill, though,won'tyou?"AndLaurie foldedhishands togetherwithsuchand imploring gesture, as he spoke in his irresistibly persuasive tone, that itwasimpossibletofrownuponhiminspiteofhisscandalousbehavior.

Megpardonedhim,andMrs.March'sgravefacerelaxed,inspiteofhereffortstokeepsober,whensheheardhimdeclarethathewouldatoneforhissinsbyallsortsofpenances,andabasehimselflikeawormbeforetheinjureddamsel.

Jostoodaloof,meanwhile,tryingtohardenherheartagainsthim,andsucceedingonly inprimmingupher face into an expressionof entiredisapprobation.Laurielookedatheronceortwice,butassheshowednosignofrelenting,hefeltinjured,andturnedhisbackonhertilltheothersweredonewithhim,whenhemadeheralowbowandwalkedoffwithoutaword.

Assoonashehadgone,shewishedshehadbeenmoreforgiving,andwhenMegandhermotherwentupstairs,shefeltlonelyandlongedforTeddy.Afterresistingfor some time, sheyielded to the impulse,andarmedwithabook to return,wentovertothebighouse.

"IsMr.Laurencein?"askedJo,ofahousemaid,whowascomingdownstairs.

"Yes,Miss,butIdon'tbelievehe'sseeablejustyet."

"Whynot?Isheill?"

"La,noMiss,buthe'shadascenewithMr.Laurie,whoisinoneofhistantrumsaboutsomething,whichvexestheoldgentleman,soIdursn'tgonighhim."

"WhereisLaurie?"

"Shut up in his room, and hewon't answer, though I've been a-tapping. I don'tknowwhat'stobecomeofthedinner,forit'sready,andthere'snoonetoeatit."

"I'llgoandseewhatthematteris.I'mnotafraidofeitherofthem."

UpwentJo,andknockedsmartlyonthedoorofLaurie'slittlestudy.

"Stopthat,orI'llopenthedoorandmakeyou!"calledouttheyounggentlemaninathreateningtone.

Jo immediatelyknockedagain.Thedoor flewopen,and inshebouncedbeforeLauriecouldrecoverfromhissurprise.Seeingthathereallywasoutoftemper,Jo,whoknewhowtomanagehim,assumedacontriteexpression,andgoingartisticallydownuponherknees,saidmeekly,"Pleaseforgivemeforbeingsocross.Icametomakeitup,andcan'tgoawaytillIhave."

"It's all right. Get up, and don't be a goose, Jo," was the cavalier reply to herpetition.

"Thankyou,Iwill.CouldIaskwhat'sthematter?Youdon'tlookexactlyeasyinyourmind."

"I'vebeenshaken,andIwon'tbearit!"growledLaurieindignantly.

"Whodidit?"demandedJo.

"Grandfather.IfithadbeenanyoneelseI'dhave..."Andtheinjuredyouthfinishedhissentencebyanenergeticgestureoftherightarm.

"That'snothing.Ioftenshakeyou,andyoudon'tmind,"saidJosoothingly.

"Pooh!You'reagirl,andit'sfun,butI'llallownomantoshakeme!"

"I don't think anyone would care to try it, if you looked as much like athundercloudasyoudonow.Whywereyoutreatedso?"

"JustbecauseIwouldn'tsaywhatyourmotherwantedmefor.I'dpromisednottotell,andofcourseIwasn'tgoingtobreakmyword."

"Couldn'tyousatisfyyourgrandpainanyotherway?"

"No,hewouldhavethetruth, thewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruth.I'dhavetoldmypartofthescrape,ifIcouldwithoutbringingMegin.AsIcouldn't,Iheldmytongue,andborethescoldingtilltheoldgentlemancollaredme.ThenIbolted,forfearIshouldforgetmyself."

"Itwasn'tnice,buthe'ssorry,Iknow,sogodownandmakeup.I'llhelpyou."

"HangedifIdo!I'mnotgoingtobelecturedandpummelledbyeveryone,justforabitofafrolic.IwassorryaboutMeg,andbeggedpardonlikeaman,butIwon'tdoitagain,whenIwasn'tinthewrong."

"Hedidn'tknowthat."

"Heought to trustme,andnotactas if Iwasababy. It'snouse, Jo,he'sgot tolearn that I'mable to takecareofmyself, anddon'tneedanyone'sapronstring toholdonby."

"Whatpepperpotsyouare!"sighedJo."Howdoyoumeantosettlethisaffair?"

"Well,heoughttobegpardon,andbelievemewhenIsayIcan'ttellhimwhatthefuss'sabout."

"Blessyou!Hewon'tdothat."

"Iwon'tgodowntillhedoes."

"Now,Teddy,be sensible.Let it pass, and I'll explainwhat I can.Youcan't stayhere,sowhat'stheuseofbeingmelodramatic?"

"I don't intend to stay here long, anyway. I'll slip off and take a journeysomewhere,andwhenGrandpamissesmehe'llcomeroundfastenough."

"Idaresay,butyououghtnottogoandworryhim."

"Don'tpreach.I'llgotoWashingtonandseeBrooke.It'sgaythere,andI'llenjoymyselfafterthetroubles."

"Whatfunyou'dhave!IwishIcouldrunofftoo,"saidJo,forgettingherpartofmentorinlivelyvisionsofmartiallifeatthecapital.

"Comeon, then!Whynot?Yougoandsurpriseyour father, and I'll stirupoldBrooke.Itwouldbeagloriousjoke.Let'sdoit,Jo.We'llleavealettersayingweareallright,andtrotoffatonce.I'vegotmoneyenough.Itwilldoyougood,andnoharm,asyougotoyourfather."

ForamomentJo lookedas ifshewouldagree,forwildas theplanwas, it justsuitedher.Shewastiredofcareandconfinement,longedforchange,andthoughtsof her father blended temptingly with the novel charms of camps and hospitals,liberty and fun.Her eyes kindled as they turnedwistfully toward thewindow, buttheyfellontheoldhouseopposite,andsheshookherheadwithsorrowfuldecision.

"If I was a boy, we'd run away together, and have a capital time, but as I'm amiserable girl, Imust be proper and stop at home. Don't temptme, Teddy, it's acrazyplan."

"That's the fun of it," began Laurie,who had got awillful fit on him andwaspossessedtobreakoutofboundsinsomeway.

"Hold your tongue!" cried Jo, covering her ears. "'Prunes and prisms' are my

doom,andImayaswellmakeupmymindtoit.Icameheretomoralize,nottohearthingsthatmakemeskiptothinkof."

"I knowMeg would wet-blanket such a proposal, but I thought you had morespirit,"beganLaurieinsinuatingly.

"Badboy,bequiet!Sitdownandthinkofyourownsins,don'tgomakingmeaddtomine.IfIgetyourgrandpatoapologizefortheshaking,willyougiveuprunningaway?"askedJoseriously.

"Yes,butyouwon'tdoit,"answeredLaurie,whowishedtomakeup,butfeltthathisoutrageddignitymustbeappeasedfirst.

"If I canmanage theyoungone, I can theoldone,"muttered Jo, as shewalkedaway, leavingLaurie bent over a railroadmapwith his headproppedupon bothhands.

"Come in!" and Mr. Laurence's gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever, as Jotappedathisdoor.

"It'sonlyme,Sir,cometoreturnabook,"shesaidblandly,assheentered.

"Wantanymore?"askedtheoldgentleman, lookinggrimandvexed,but tryingnottoshowit.

"Yes,please.IlikeoldSamsowell,IthinkI'lltrythesecondvolume,"returnedJo,hopingtopropitiatehimbyacceptingaseconddoseofBoswell'sJohnson,ashehadrecommendedthatlivelywork.

Theshaggyeyebrowsunbentalittleasherolledthestepstowardtheshelfwherethe 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 tointroduce the dangerous object of her visit.Mr. Laurence seemed to suspect thatsomethingwasbrewing inhermind, forafter takingseveralbrisk turnsabout theroom, he faced round on her, speaking so abruptly that Rasselas tumbled facedownwardonthefloor.

"What has that boy been about?Don't try to shield him. I knowhe has been inmischiefbythewayheactedwhenhecamehome.Ican'tgetawordfromhim,andwhenIthreatenedtoshakethetruthoutofhimheboltedupstairsandlockedhimselfintohisroom."

"He did wrong, but we forgave him, and all promised not to say a word toanyone,"beganJoreluctantly.

"That won't do. He shall not shelter himself behind a promise from yousoftheartedgirls.Ifhe'sdoneanythingamiss,heshallconfess,begpardon,andbepunished.Outwithit,Jo.Iwon'tbekeptinthedark."

Mr.LaurencelookedsoalarmingandspokesosharplythatJowouldhavegladlyrunaway, if shecould,butshewasperchedalofton thesteps,andhestoodat thefoot,alioninthepath,soshehadtostayandbraveitout.

"Indeed,Sir,Icannottell.Motherforbadeit.Lauriehasconfessed,askedpardon,andbeenpunishedquiteenough.Wedon'tkeepsilencetoshieldhim,butsomeoneelse,and itwillmakemore trouble ifyou interfere.Pleasedon't. Itwaspartlymyfault,butit'sallrightnow.Solet'sforgetit,andtalkabouttheRamblerorsomethingpleasant."

"HangtheRambler!Comedownandgivemeyourwordthatthisharum-scarumboyofminehasn'tdoneanythingungratefulorimpertinent.Ifhehas,afterallyourkindnesstohim,I'llthrashhimwithmyownhands."

The threat sounded awful, but did not alarm Jo, for she knew the irascible oldgentlemanwouldneverliftafingeragainsthisgrandson,whateverhemightsaytothecontrary.Sheobedientlydescended,andmadeaslightoftheprankasshecouldwithoutbetrayingMegorforgettingthetruth.

"Hum...ha...well, if theboyheldhis tonguebecausehepromised,andnotfromobstinacy, I'll forgive him.He's a stubborn fellow and hard tomanage," saidMr.Laurence, rubbing up his hair till it looked as if he had been out in a gale, andsmoothingthefrownfromhisbrowwithanairofrelief.

"SoamI,butakindwordwillgovernmewhenalltheking'shorsesandalltheking'smencouldn't,"saidJo,tryingtosayakindwordforherfriend,whoseemedtogetoutofonescrapeonlytofallintoanother.

"YouthinkI'mnotkindtohim,hey?"wasthesharpanswer.

"Oh,dearno,Sir.Youarerathertookindsometimes,andthenjustatriflehastywhenhetriesyourpatience.Don'tyouthinkyouare?"

Jowasdeterminedtohaveitoutnow,andtriedtolookquiteplacid,thoughshequaked 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 exclaimedfrankly, "You're right, girl, I am! I love the boy, but he tries my patience pastbearing,andIknowhowitwillend,ifwegoonso."

"I'lltellyou,he'llrunaway."Jowassorryforthatspeechtheminuteitwasmade.Shemeant towarn him that Lauriewould not bearmuch restraint, and hoped hewouldbemoreforebearingwiththelad.

Mr. Laurence's ruddy face changed suddenly, and he sat down,with a troubledglanceatthepictureofahandsomeman,whichhungoverhistable.ItwasLaurie'sfather,whohadrunawayinhisyouth,andmarriedagainsttheimperiousoldman'swill.Jofanciedherememberedandregrettedthepast,andshewishedshehadheldhertongue.

"Hewon'tdoitunlessheisverymuchworried,andonlythreatensitsometimes,whenhegetstiredofstudying.IoftenthinkIshouldliketo,especiallysincemyhairwascut,soifyouevermissus,youmayadvertisefortwoboysandlookamongtheshipsboundforIndia."

Shelaughedasshespoke,andMr.Laurencelookedrelieved,evidentlytakingthewholeasajoke.

"You hussy, how dare you talk in thatway?Where's your respect forme, andyourproperbringingup?Blesstheboysandgirls!Whattormentstheyare,yetwecan't do without them," he said, pinching her cheeks good-humoredly. "Go andbringthatboydowntohisdinner,tellhimit'sallright,andadvisehimnottoputontragedyairswithhisgrandfather.Iwon'tbearit."

"Hewon'tcome,Sir.Hefeelsbadlybecauseyoudidn'tbelievehimwhenhesaidhecouldn'ttell.Ithinktheshakinghurthisfeelingsverymuch."

Jo tried to lookpatheticbutmusthavefailed, forMr.Laurencebegan to laugh,andsheknewthedaywaswon.

"I'msorryforthat,andoughttothankhimfornotshakingme,Isuppose.Whatthedickensdoesthefellowexpect?"andtheoldgentlemanlookedatrifleashamedofhisowntestiness.

"IfIwereyou,I'dwritehimanapology,Sir.Hesayshewon'tcomedowntillhehas one, and talks about Washington, and goes on in an absurd way. A formalapologywillmakehimseehowfoolishhe is,andbringhimdownquiteamiable.Tryit.Helikesfun,andthiswayisbetterthantalking.I'llcarryitup,andteachhim

hisduty."

Mr. Laurence gave her a sharp look, and put on his spectacles, saying slowly,"You'reaslypuss,butIdon'tmindbeingmanagedbyyouandBeth.Here,givemeabitofpaper,andletushavedonewiththisnonsense."

Thenotewaswritteninthetermswhichonegentlemanwouldusetoanotherafterofferingsomedeepinsult.JodroppedakissonthetopofMr.Laurence'sbaldhead,and ran up to slip the apology under Laurie's door, advising him through thekeyhole 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 goingquietlyaway,whentheyounggentlemansliddownthebanisters,andwaitedforherat the bottom, saying,with hismost virtuous expression of countenance, "What agoodfellowyouare,Jo!Didyougetblownup?"headded,laughing.

"No,hewasprettymild,onthewhole."

"Ah!Igotitallround.Evenyoucastmeoffoverthere,andIfeltjustreadytogotothedeuce,"hebeganapologetically.

"Don'ttalkthatway,turnoveranewleafandbeginagain,Teddy,myson."

"I keep turning over new leaves, and spoiling them, as I used to spoil mycopybooks, and Imake somany beginnings there neverwill be an end," he saiddolefully.

"Goandeatyourdinner,you'll feelbetterafter it.Menalwayscroakwhentheyarehungry,"andJowhiskedoutatthefrontdoorafterthat.

"That's a 'label' on my 'sect'," answered Laurie, quoting Amy, as he went topartakeofhumblepiedutifullywithhisgrandfather,whowasquitesaintlyintemperandoverwhelminglyrespectfulinmanneralltherestoftheday.

Everyone thought the matter ended and the little cloud blown over, but themischiefwasdone,forthoughothersforgotit,Megremembered.Sheneveralludedtoacertainperson,butshethoughtofhimagooddeal,dreameddreamsmorethanever, and once Jo, rummaging her sister's desk for stamps, found a bit of paperscribbledoverwiththewords, 'Mrs.JohnBrooke',whereatshegroanedtragicallyandcastitintothefire,feelingthatLaurie'sprankhadhastenedtheevildayforher.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

PLEASANTMEADOWS

Likesunshineafterastormwerethepeacefulweekswhichfollowed.Theinvalidsimprovedrapidly,andMr.Marchbegantotalkofreturningearlyinthenewyear.Bethwassoonabletolieonthestudysofaallday,amusingherselfwiththewell-belovedcatsatfirst,andintimewithdoll'ssewing,whichhadfallensadlybehind-hand.Her once active limbswere so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a dailyairingaboutthehouseinherstrongarms.Megcheerfullyblackenedandburnedherwhitehandscookingdelicatemessesfor'thedear',whileAmy,aloyalslaveofthering, celebratedher returnbygiving awayasmanyofher treasures as she couldprevailonhersisterstoaccept.

AsChristmasapproached, theusualmysteriesbegan tohaunt thehouse, and Jofrequently convulsed the familybyproposingutterly impossibleormagnificentlyabsurdceremonies,inhonorofthisunusuallymerryChristmas.Lauriewasequallyimpracticable,andwouldhavehadbonfires,skyrockets,andtriumphalarches,ifhehadhadhisownway.Aftermanyskirmishesandsnubbings,theambitiouspairwereconsidered effectually quenched and went about with forlorn faces, which wereratherbeliedbyexplosionsoflaughterwhenthetwogottogether.

SeveraldaysofunusuallymildweatherfitlyusheredinasplendidChristmasDay.Hannah 'felt in her bones' that it was going to be an unusually fine day, and sheproved herself a true prophetess, for everybody and everything seemed bound toproduce agrand success.Tobeginwith,Mr.Marchwrote that he should soonbewiththem,thenBethfeltuncommonlywellthatmorning,and,beingdressedinhermother's gift, a soft crimson merino wrapper, was borne in high triumph to thewindowtobeholdtheofferingofJoandLaurie.TheUnquenchableshaddonetheirbesttobeworthyofthename,forlikeelvestheyhadworkedbynightandconjuredupacomicalsurprise.Outinthegardenstoodastatelysnowmaiden,crownedwithholly,bearingabasketoffruitandflowersinonehand,agreatrollofmusicintheother,aperfectrainbowofanAfghanroundherchillyshoulders,andaChristmascarolissuingfromherlipsonapinkpaperstreamer.

THEJUNGFRAUTOBETH

Godblessyou,dearQueenBess!Maynothingyoudismay,ButhealthandpeaceandhappinessBeyours,thisChristmasday.

Here'sfruittofeedourbusybee,Andflowersforhernose.

Here'smusicforherpianee,Anafghanforhertoes,

AportraitofJoanna,see,ByRaphaelNo.2,WholabouredwithgreatindustryTomakeitfairandtrue.

Acceptaribbonred,Ibeg,ForMadamPurrer'stail,AndicecreammadebylovelyPeg,AMontBlancinapail.

TheirdearestlovemymakerslaidWithinmybreastofsnow.Acceptit,andtheAlpinemaid,FromLaurieandfromJo.

HowBethlaughedwhenshesawit,howLaurieranupanddowntobringinthegifts,andwhatridiculousspeechesJomadeasshepresentedthem.

"I'mso fullofhappiness, that ifFatherwasonlyhere, Icouldn'tholdonedropmore,"saidBeth,quitesighingwithcontentmentasJocarriedherofftothestudytorestaftertheexcitement,andtorefreshherselfwithsomeofthedeliciousgrapesthe'Jungfrau'hadsenther.

"So am I," added Jo, slapping the pocket wherein reposed the long-desiredUndineandSintram.

"I'msureIam,"echoedAmy,poringovertheengravedcopyoftheMadonnaandChild,whichhermotherhadgivenherinaprettyframe.

"OfcourseIam!"criedMeg,smoothingthesilveryfoldsofherfirstsilkdress,forMr. Laurence had insisted on giving it. "How can I be otherwise?" saidMrs.Marchgratefully,ashereyeswentfromherhusband'slettertoBeth'ssmilingface,and her hand caressed the brooch made of gray and golden, chestnut and darkbrownhair,whichthegirlshadjustfastenedonherbreast.

Now and then, in this workaday world, things do happen in the delightfulstorybook fashion,andwhatacomfort it is.Halfanhouraftereveryonehadsaidtheywere so happy they could only hold one dropmore, the drop came. Laurieopenedtheparlordoorandpoppedhisheadinveryquietly.Hemight justaswellhaveturnedasomersaultandutteredanIndianwarwhoop,forhisfacewassofullof suppressed excitement and his voice so treacherously joyful that everyonejumped up, though he only said, in a queer, breathless voice, "Here's anotherChristmaspresentfortheMarchfamily."

Before thewordswerewell out of hismouth, hewaswhisked away somehow,andinhisplaceappearedatallman,muffleduptotheeyes,leaningonthearmofanother tallman,who tried to say something and couldn't.Of course therewas ageneralstampede,andforseveralminuteseverybodyseemedtolosetheirwits,forthestrangestthingsweredone,andnoonesaidaword.

Mr. March became invisible in the embrace of four pairs of loving arms. Jodisgracedherselfbynearlyfaintingaway,andhadtobedoctoredbyLaurieinthechina closet. Mr. Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake, as he somewhatincoherently explained. AndAmy, the dignified, tumbled over a stool, and neverstopping togetup,huggedandcriedoverher father'sboots in themost touchingmanner.Mrs.Marchwas the first to recoverherself, andheldupher handwith awarning,"Hush!RememberBeth."

Butitwastoolate.Thestudydoorflewopen,thelittleredwrapperappearedonthe threshold, joyputstrength into thefeeble limbs,andBethranstraight intoherfather's arms. Never mind what happened just after that, for the full heartsoverflowed,washingawaythebitternessofthepastandleavingonlythesweetnessofthepresent.

It was not at all romantic, but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again, forHannahwasdiscoveredbehindthedoor,sobbingoverthefatturkey,whichshehadforgottentoputdownwhensherushedupfromthekitchen.Asthelaughsubsided,Mrs.MarchbegantothankMr.Brookeforhisfaithfulcareofherhusband,atwhichMr.BrookesuddenlyrememberedthatMr.Marchneededrest,andseizingLaurie,heprecipitately retired.Then the two invalidswereordered to repose,which theydid,bybothsittinginonebigchairandtalkinghard.

Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them, and how, when the fineweather came, he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it, howdevotedBrookehadbeen,andhowhewasaltogetheramostestimableanduprightyoungman.WhyMr.Marchpausedaminutejustthere,andafteraglanceatMeg,whowasviolentlypoking the fire, lookedathiswifewithan inquiring liftof theeyebrows,Ileaveyoutoimagine.AlsowhyMrs.Marchgentlynoddedherheadandasked, rather abruptly, if he wouldn't like to have something to eat. Jo saw andunderstood the look, and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea,muttering to herself as she slammed the door, "I hate estimable youngmenwithbrowneyes!"

ThereneverwassuchaChristmasdinnerastheyhadthatday.Thefatturkeywasa sight to behold,whenHannah sent himup, stuffed, browned, and decorated. So

was theplumpudding,whichmelted inone'smouth, likewise the jellies, inwhichAmy reveled like a fly in a honeypot. Everything turned out well, which was amercy,Hannah said, "Formymindwas that flustered,Mum, that it's amerrycle Ididn't roast thepudding,andstuff the turkeywith raisins, letalonebilin'of it inacloth."

Mr.Laurence and his grandson dinedwith them, alsoMr.Brooke, atwhom Joglowereddarkly,toLaurie'sinfiniteamusement.Twoeasychairsstoodsidebysideat the head of the table, in which sat Beth and her father, feasting modestly onchickenandalittlefruit.Theydrankhealths,toldstories,sangsongs,'reminisced',as the old folks say, and had a thoroughly good time. A sleigh ride had beenplanned,butthegirlswouldnotleavetheirfather,sotheguestsdepartedearly,andastwilightgathered,thehappyfamilysattogetherroundthefire.

"Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected tohave.Doyouremember?"askedJo,breakingashortpausewhichhadfollowedalongconversationaboutmanythings.

"Rather a pleasant year on the whole!" said Meg, smiling at the fire, andcongratulatingherselfonhavingtreatedMr.Brookewithdignity.

"I think it'sbeenaprettyhardone,"observedAmy,watching the light shineonherringwiththoughtfuleyes.

"I'mgladit'sover,becausewe'vegotyouback,"whisperedBeth,whosatonherfather'sknee.

"Rather a rough road for you to travel,my little pilgrims, especially the latterpartofit.Butyouhavegotonbravely,andIthinktheburdensareinafairwaytotumbleoffverysoon,"saidMr.March,lookingwithfatherlysatisfactionatthefouryoungfacesgatheredroundhim.

"Howdoyouknow?DidMothertellyou?"askedJo.

"Not much. Straws show which way the wind blows, and I've made severaldiscoveriestoday."

"Oh,telluswhattheyare!"criedMeg,whosatbesidehim.

"Here is one." And taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair, hepointedtotheroughenedforefinger,aburnontheback,andtwoorthreelittlehardspotson thepalm."I remembera timewhen thishandwaswhiteandsmooth,and

yourfirstcarewastokeepitso.Itwasveryprettythen,buttomeitismuchprettiernow,forinthisseemingblemishesIreadalittlehistory.Aburntofferinghasbeenmadetovanity,thishardenedpalmhasearnedsomethingbetterthanblisters,andI'msurethesewingdonebytheseprickedfingerswilllastalongtime,somuchgoodwill went into the stitches.Meg,my dear, I value thewomanly skill which keepshomehappymore thanwhitehandsor fashionableaccomplishments. I'mproud toshakethisgood,industriouslittlehand,andhopeIshallnotsoonbeaskedtogiveitaway."

IfMeg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor, she received it in theheartypressureofherfather'shandandtheapprovingsmilehegaveher.

"WhataboutJo?Pleasesaysomethingnice,forshehastriedsohardandbeensovery,verygoodtome,"saidBethinherfather'sear.

Helaughedandlookedacrossatthetallgirlwhosatopposite,withanunusuallymildexpressioninherface.

"Inspiteofthecurlycrop,Idon'tseethe'sonJo'whomIleftayearago,"saidMr.March."Iseeayoungladywhopinshercollarstraight,lacesherbootsneatly,andneitherwhistles,talksslang,norliesontherugassheusedtodo.Herfaceisratherthinandpalejustnow,withwatchingandanxiety,butIliketolookatit,forithasgrowngentler,andhervoice is lower.Shedoesn'tbounce,butmovesquietly,andtakescareof acertain littleperson inamotherlywaywhichdelightsme. I rathermissmywildgirl,butifIgetastrong,helpful,tenderheartedwomaninherplace,Ishallfeelquitesatisfied.Idon'tknowwhethertheshearingsoberedourblacksheep,butIdoknowthatinallWashingtonIcouldn'tfindanythingbeautifulenoughtobeboughtwiththefive-and-twentydollarsmygoodgirlsentme."

Jo'skeeneyeswereratherdimforaminute,andher thinfacegrewrosyin thefirelightasshereceivedherfather'spraise,feelingthatshediddeserveaportionofit.

"Now,Beth,"saidAmy,longingforherturn,butreadytowait.

"There's so little of her, I'm afraid to say much, for fear she will slip awayaltogether,thoughsheisnotsoshyassheusedtobe,"begantheirfathercheerfully.Butrecollectinghownearlyhehadlosther,heheldherclose,sayingtenderly,withhercheekagainsthisown,"I'vegotyousafe,myBeth,andI'llkeepyouso,pleaseGod."

Afteraminute'ssilence,helookeddownatAmy,whosatonthecricketathisfeet,

andsaid,withacaressoftheshininghair...

"IobservedthatAmytookdrumsticksatdinner,ranerrandsforhermotheralltheafternoon,gaveMegherplace tonight,andhaswaitedoneveryonewithpatienceandgoodhumor.Ialsoobservethatshedoesnotfretmuchnor lookintheglass,andhasnotevenmentionedaveryprettyringwhichshewears,soIconcludethatshehaslearnedtothinkofotherpeoplemoreandofherselfless,andhasdecidedtotryandmoldhercharacterascarefullyasshemoldsherlittleclayfigures.Iamgladofthis,forthoughIshouldbeveryproudofagracefulstatuemadebyher,Ishallbeinfinitely prouder of a lovable daughterwith a talent formaking life beautiful toherselfandothers."

"Whatareyouthinkingof,Beth?"askedJo,whenAmyhadthankedherfatherandtoldaboutherring.

"I read in Pilgrim's Progress today how, after many troubles, Christian andHopefulcametoapleasantgreenmeadowwhereliliesbloomedallyearround,andtheretheyrestedhappily,aswedonow,beforetheywentontotheirjourney'send,"answered Beth, adding, as she slipped out of her father's arms and went to theinstrument,"It'ssingingtimenow,andIwanttobeinmyoldplace.I'lltrytosingthesongoftheshepherdboywhichthePilgrimsheard.ImadethemusicforFather,becausehelikestheverses."

So,sittingat thedear littlepiano,Bethsoftly touched thekeys,and in thesweetvoice they had never thought to hear again, sang to her own accompaniment thequainthymn,whichwasasingularlyfittingsongforher.

Hethatisdownneedfearnofall,Hethatislownopride.HethatishumbleevershallHaveGodtobehisguide.

IamcontentwithwhatIhave,Littlebeit,ormuch.And,Lord!ContentmentstillIcrave,BecauseThousavestsuch.

Fulnesstothemaburdenis,Thatgoonpilgrimage.Herelittle,andhereafterbliss,Isbestfromagetoage!

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

AUNTMARCHSETTLESTHEQUESTION

Likebees swarmingafter theirqueen,motheranddaughtershoveredaboutMr.Marchthenextday,neglectingeverythingtolookat,waitupon,andlistentothenewinvalid,whowasinafairwaytobekilledbykindness.AshesatproppedupinabigchairbyBeth'ssofa,withtheotherthreecloseby,andHannahpoppinginherheadnow and then 'to peek at the dearman', nothing seemed needed to complete theirhappiness. But something was needed, and the elder ones felt it, though noneconfessed the fact. Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxiousexpression,astheireyesfollowedMeg.Johadsuddenfitsofsobriety,andwasseentoshakeherfistatMr.Brooke'sumbrella,whichhadbeenleftinthehall.Megwasabsent-minded,shy,andsilent,startedwhenthebellrang,andcoloredwhenJohn'sname was mentioned. Amy said, "Everyone seemed waiting for something, andcouldn't settle down, which was queer, since Father was safe at home," and Bethinnocentlywonderedwhytheirneighborsdidn'trunoverasusual.

Lauriewentbyintheafternoon,andseeingMegatthewindow,seemedsuddenlypossessedwithamelodramaticfit, forhefelldownononekneein thesnow,beathis breast, tore his hair, and clasped his hands imploringly, as if begging someboon.AndwhenMegtoldhimtobehavehimselfandgoaway,hewrungimaginarytearsoutofhishandkerchief,andstaggeredroundthecornerasifinutterdespair.

"Whatdoesthegoosemean?"saidMeg,laughingandtryingtolookunconscious.

"He's showing you how your John will go on by-and-by. Touching, isn't it?"answeredJoscornfully.

"Don't saymy John, it isn't proper or true," butMeg's voice lingered over thewordsasiftheysoundedpleasanttoher."Pleasedon'tplagueme,Jo,I'vetoldyouIdon'tcaremuchabouthim,andthereisn't tobeanythingsaid,butwearealltobefriendly,andgoonasbefore."

"Wecan't,forsomethinghasbeensaid,andLaurie'smischiefhasspoiledyouforme.Iseeit,andsodoesMother.Youarenotlikeyouroldselfabit,andseemeversofarawayfromme.Idon'tmeantoplagueyouandwillbearitlikeaman,butIdowishitwasallsettled. Ihate towait,so ifyoumeanever todo it,makehasteandhaveitoverquickly,"saidJopettishly.

"I can't say anything till he speaks, andhewon't, becauseFather said Iwas too

young," began Meg, bending over her work with a queer little smile, whichsuggestedthatshedidnotquiteagreewithherfatheronthatpoint.

"Ifhedidspeak,youwouldn'tknowwhat tosay,butwouldcryorblush,or lethimhavehisownway,insteadofgivingagood,decidedno."

"I'mnot so silly andweak as you think. I know justwhat I should say, for I'veplanneditall,soIneedn'tbetakenunawares.There'snoknowingwhatmayhappen,andIwishedtobeprepared."

Jo couldn't help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciouslyassumedandwhichwasasbecomingastheprettycolorvaryinginhercheeks.

"Wouldyoumindtellingmewhatyou'dsay?"askedJomorerespectfully.

"Not at all.You are sixteen now, quite old enough to bemy confidant, andmyexperience will be useful to you by-and-by, perhaps, in your own affairs of thissort."

"Don'tmeantohaveany.It'sfuntowatchotherpeoplephilander,butIshouldfeellikeafooldoingitmyself,"saidJo,lookingalarmedatthethought.

"Ithinknot,ifyoulikedanyoneverymuch,andhelikedyou."Megspokeasiftoherself, and glanced out at the lane where she had often seen lovers walkingtogetherinthesummertwilight.

"I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man," said Jo, rudelyshorteninghersister'slittlereverie.

"Oh, I shouldmerely say, quite calmly anddecidedly, 'Thankyou,Mr.Brooke,you are very kind, but I agreewith Father that I am too young to enter into anyengagementatpresent,sopleasesaynomore,butletusbefriendsaswewere.'"

"Hum,that'sstiffandcoolenough!Idon'tbelieveyou'lleversayit,andIknowhewon'tbesatisfied ifyoudo.Ifhegoesonlike therejectedlovers inbooks,you'llgivein,ratherthanhurthisfeelings."

"No,Iwon't.IshalltellhimI'vemadeupmymind,andshallwalkoutoftheroomwithdignity."

Megroseasshespoke,andwasjustgoingtorehearsethedignifiedexit,whenastep in the hallmade her fly into her seat and begin to sew as fast as if her life

dependedonfinishingthatparticularseaminagiventime.Josmotheredalaughatthesuddenchange,andwhensomeonegaveamodest tap,opened thedoorwithagrimaspectwhichwasanythingbuthospitable.

"Goodafternoon.Icametogetmyumbrella,thatis,toseehowyourfatherfindshimselftoday,"saidMr.Brooke,gettingatrifleconfusedashiseyeswentfromonetelltalefacetotheother.

"It'sverywell,he'sintherack.I'llgethim,andtellityouarehere."Andhavingjumbledherfatherandtheumbrellawelltogetherinherreply,JoslippedoutoftheroomtogiveMegachancetomakeherspeechandairherdignity.Buttheinstantshevanished,Megbegantosidletowardthedoor,murmuring...

"Motherwillliketoseeyou.Praysitdown,I'llcallher."

"Don'tgo.Areyouafraidofme,Margaret?"andMr.BrookelookedsohurtthatMegthoughtshemusthavedonesomethingveryrude.Sheblusheduptothelittlecurls on her forehead, for he had never called herMargaret before, and shewassurprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it.Anxious toappearfriendlyandatherease,sheputoutherhandwithaconfidinggesture,andsaidgratefully...

"HowcanIbeafraidwhenyouhavebeensokindtoFather?IonlywishIcouldthankyouforit."

"ShallItellyouhow?"askedMr.Brooke,holdingthesmallhandfastinbothhisown,andlookingdownatMegwithsomuchloveinthebrowneyesthatherheartbegantoflutter,andshebothlongedtorunawayandtostopandlisten.

"Ohno,pleasedon't, I'd rathernot," she said, trying towithdrawherhand, andlookingfrightenedinspiteofherdenial.

"Iwon'ttroubleyou.Ionlywanttoknowifyoucareformealittle,Meg.Iloveyousomuch,dear,"addedMr.Brooketenderly.

Thiswas themoment for the calm, proper speech, butMegdidn'tmake it. Sheforgoteverywordofit,hungherhead,andanswered,"Idon'tknow,"sosoftlythatJohnhadtostoopdowntocatchthefoolishlittlereply.

Heseemedtothinkitwasworththetrouble,forhesmiledtohimselfasifquitesatisfied,pressed theplumphandgratefully, and said inhismostpersuasive tone,"Willyoutryandfindout?Iwanttoknowsomuch,forIcan'tgotoworkwithany

heartuntilIlearnwhetherIamtohavemyrewardintheendornot."

"I'm too young," falteredMeg,wonderingwhy shewas so fluttered, yet ratherenjoyingit.

"I'llwait, and in themeantime,youcouldbe learning to likeme.Would itbeaveryhardlesson,dear?"

"NotifIchosetolearnit,but..."

"Please choose to learn,Meg. I love to teach, and this is easier thanGerman,"brokeinJohn,gettingpossessionoftheotherhand,sothatshehadnowayofhidingherfaceashebenttolookintoit.

His tonewasproperlybeseeching,butstealingashy lookathim,Megsawthathiseyesweremerryaswellas tender,and thathewore thesatisfiedsmileofonewhohadnodoubtofhissuccess.Thisnettledher.AnnieMoffat'sfoolishlessonsincoquetrycameintohermind,andtheloveofpower,whichsleepsinthebosomsofthebestoflittlewomen,wokeupallofasuddenandtookpossessionofher.Shefeltexcited and strange, and not knowing what else to do, followed a capriciousimpulse, and, withdrawing her hands, said petulantly, "I don't choose. Please goawayandletmebe!"

PoorMr.Brookelookedasifhislovelycastleintheairwastumblingabouthisears, forhehadnever seenMeg in such amoodbefore, and it ratherbewilderedhim.

"Doyoureallymeanthat?"heaskedanxiously,followingherasshewalkedaway.

"Yes,Ido.Idon'twanttobeworriedaboutsuchthings.FathersaysIneedn't,it'stoosoonandI'drathernot."

"Mayn'tIhopeyou'llchangeyourmindby-and-by?I'llwaitandsaynothingtillyouhavehadmoretime.Don'tplaywithme,Meg.Ididn'tthinkthatofyou."

"Don't think ofme at all. I'd rather youwouldn't," saidMeg, taking a naughtysatisfactionintryingherlover'spatienceandherownpower.

Hewas grave and pale now, and looked decidedlymore like the novel heroeswhomsheadmired,butheneitherslappedhisforeheadnortrampedabouttheroomastheydid.Hejuststoodlookingathersowistfully,sotenderly,thatshefoundherheart relenting inspiteofherself.WhatwouldhavehappenednextIcannotsay, ifAuntMarchhadnotcomehobblinginatthisinterestingminute.

Theoldladycouldn'tresistherlongingtoseehernephew,forshehadmetLaurieasshetookherairing,andhearingofMr.March'sarrival,drovestraightouttoseehim.Thefamilywereallbusyinthebackpartofthehouse,andshehadmadeherwayquietlyin,hopingtosurprisethem.ShedidsurprisetwoofthemsomuchthatMegstartedasifshehadseenaghost,andMr.Brookevanishedintothestudy.

"Bless me, what's all this?" cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as sheglancedfromthepaleyounggentlemantothescarletyounglady.

"It'sFather'sfriend.I'msosurprisedtoseeyou!"stammeredMeg,feelingthatshewasinforalecturenow.

"That'sevident,"returnedAuntMarch,sittingdown."Butwhat isFather'sfriendsayingtomakeyoulooklikeapeony?There'smischiefgoingon,andIinsistuponknowingwhatitis,"withanotherrap.

"Wewereonlytalking.Mr.Brookecameforhisumbrella,"beganMeg,wishingthatMr.Brookeandtheumbrellaweresafelyoutofthehouse.

"Brooke? That boy's tutor? Ah! I understand now. I know all about it. JoblunderedintoawrongmessageinoneofyourFather'sletters,andImadehertellme. You haven't gone and accepted him, child?" cried Aunt March, lookingscandalized.

"Hush!He'llhear.Shan'tIcallMother?"saidMeg,muchtroubled.

"Notyet.I'vesomethingtosaytoyou,andImustfreemymindatonce.Tellme,doyoumeantomarrythisCook?Ifyoudo,notonepennyofmymoneyevergoestoyou.Rememberthat,andbeasensiblegirl,"saidtheoldladyimpressively.

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit ofoppositioninthegentlestpeople,andenjoyeddoingit.Thebestofushaveaspice

ofperversity inus,especiallywhenweareyoungand in love. IfAuntMarchhadbeggedMegtoacceptJohnBrooke,shewouldprobablyhavedeclaredshecouldn'tthinkof it, but as shewaspreemptorily orderednot to likehim, she immediatelymadeuphermindthatshewould.Inclinationaswellasperversitymadethedecisioneasy,andbeingalreadymuchexcited,Megopposedtheoldladywithunusualspirit.

"I shall marry whom I please, AuntMarch, and you can leave yourmoney toanyoneyoulike,"shesaid,noddingherheadwitharesoluteair.

"Highty-tighty!Isthatthewayyoutakemyadvice,Miss?You'llbesorryforitby-and-by,whenyou'vetriedloveinacottageandfounditafailure."

"Itcan'tbeaworseonethansomepeoplefindinbighouses,"retortedMeg.

AuntMarchputonherglassesandtookalookatthegirl,forshedidnotknowherinthisnewmood.Meghardlyknewherself,shefeltsobraveandindependent,sogladtodefendJohnandassertherrighttolovehim,ifsheliked.AuntMarchsawthat she had begun wrong, and after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying asmildlyasshecould,"Now,Meg,mydear,bereasonableandtakemyadvice.Imeanit kindly, anddon'twant you to spoil yourwhole life bymaking amistake at thebeginning.Yououghttomarrywellandhelpyourfamily.It'syourdutytomakearichmatchanditoughttobeimpresseduponyou."

"FatherandMotherdon'tthinkso.TheylikeJohnthoughheispoor."

"Yourparents,mydear,havenomoreworldlywisdomthanapairofbabies."

"I'mgladofit,"criedMegstoutly.

AuntMarchtooknonotice,butwentonwithherlecture."ThisRookispoorandhasn'tgotanyrichrelations,hashe?"

"No,buthehasmanywarmfriends."

"You can't live on friends, try it and see how cool they'll grow. He hasn't anybusiness,hashe?"

"Notyet.Mr.Laurenceisgoingtohelphim."

"That won't last long. James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow and not to bedependedon.Soyouintend tomarryamanwithoutmoney,position,orbusiness,and go onworking harder than you do now,when youmight be comfortable all

yourdaysbymindingmeanddoingbetter?Ithoughtyouhadmoresense,Meg."

"Icouldn'tdobetterifIwaitedhalfmylife!Johnisgoodandwise,he'sgotheapsof talent, he's willing to work and sure to get on, he's so energetic and brave.Everyonelikesandrespectshim,andI'mproudtothinkhecaresforme,thoughI'mso poor and young and silly," said Meg, looking prettier than ever in herearnestness.

"He knows you have got rich relations, child. That's the secret of his liking, Isuspect."

"AuntMarch,howdareyousaysuchathing?Johnisabovesuchmeanness,andIwon't listen to you a minute if you talk so," cried Meg indignantly, forgettingeverythingbut the injusticeof theold lady's suspicions."MyJohnwouldn'tmarryformoney,anymorethanIwould.Wearewillingtoworkandwemeantowait.I'mnotafraidofbeingpoor,forI'vebeenhappysofar,andIknowIshallbewithhimbecausehelovesme,andI..."

Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn't made up hermind,thatshehadtold'herJohn'togoaway,andthathemightbeoverhearingherinconsistentremarks.

AuntMarchwasveryangry,forshehadsetherheartonhavingherprettyniecemakea finematch,andsomething in thegirl'shappyyoung facemade the lonelyoldwomanfeelbothsadandsour.

"Well, Iwashmyhandsof thewholeaffair!Youareawillfulchild,andyou'velostmorethanyouknowbythispieceoffolly.No,Iwon'tstop.I'mdisappointedinyou,andhaven'tspiritstoseeyourfathernow.Don'texpectanythingfrommewhenyouaremarried.YourMr.Brooke's friendsmust takecareofyou. I'mdonewithyouforever."

Andslamming thedoor inMeg's face,AuntMarchdroveoff inhighdudgeon.Sheseemedto takeall thegirl'scouragewithher, forwhenleftalone,Megstoodfor amoment, undecidedwhether to laughor cry.Before she couldmakeuphermind, shewas taken possession of byMr.Brooke,who said all in one breath, "Icouldn't help hearing, Meg. Thank you for defending me, and Aunt March forprovingthatyoudocareformealittlebit."

"Ididn'tknowhowmuchtillsheabusedyou,"beganMeg.

"AndIneedn'tgoaway,butmaystayandbehappy,mayI,dear?"

Herewasanotherfinechancetomakethecrushingspeechandthestatelyexit,butMegnever thought of doing either, and disgraced herself forever in Jo's eyes bymeeklywhispering,"Yes,John,"andhidingherfaceonMr.Brooke'swaistcoat.

FifteenminutesafterAuntMarch'sdeparture,Jocamesoftlydownstairs,pausedaninstantattheparlordoor,andhearingnosoundwithin,noddedandsmiledwithasatisfiedexpression,sayingtoherself,"Shehasseenhimawayasweplanned,andthataffairissettled.I'llgoandhearthefun,andhaveagoodlaughoverit."

ButpoorJonevergotherlaugh,forshewastransfixeduponthethresholdbyaspectaclewhichheldher there,staringwithhermouthnearlyaswideopenashereyes.Goingintoexultoverafallenenemyandtopraiseastrong-mindedsisterforthe banishment of an objectionable lover, it certainly was a shock to behold theaforesaidenemyserenelysittingonthesofa,withthestrongmindedsisterenthroneduponhiskneeandwearinganexpressionofthemostabjectsubmission.Jogaveasort of gasp, as if a cold shower bath had suddenly fallen upon her, for such anunexpectedturningofthetablesactuallytookherbreathaway.Attheoddsoundthelovers turned and sawher.Meg jumpedup, looking both proud and shy, but 'thatman',asJocalledhim,actuallylaughedandsaidcoolly,ashekissedtheastonishednewcomer,"SisterJo,congratulateus!"

Thatwas adding insult to injury, itwas altogether toomuch, andmaking somewilddemonstrationwithherhands, Jovanishedwithoutaword.Rushingupstairs,shestartledtheinvalidsbyexclaimingtragicallyassheburstintotheroom,"Oh,dosomebodygodownquick!JohnBrookeisactingdreadfully,andMeglikesit!"

Mr.andMrs.Marchlefttheroomwithspeed,andcastingherselfuponthebed,Jocriedandscolded tempestuouslyasshe told theawfulnewstoBethandAmy.Thelittlegirls,however,considereditamostagreeableandinterestingevent,andJogotlittlecomfort fromthem,soshewentup toherrefuge in thegarret,andconfidedhertroublestotherats.

Nobodyeverknewwhatwentonintheparlorthatafternoon,butagreatdealoftalkingwasdone,andquietMr.Brookeastonishedhisfriendsbytheeloquenceandspiritwithwhichhepleadedhissuit,toldhisplans,andpersuadedthemtoarrangeeverythingjustashewantedit.

TheteabellrangbeforehehadfinisheddescribingtheparadisewhichhemeanttoearnforMeg,andheproudlytookherintosupper,bothlookingsohappythatJohadn't theheart tobe jealousordismal.Amywasverymuch impressedbyJohn'sdevotion andMeg's dignity,Beth beamed at them from a distance,whileMr. and

Mrs. March surveyed the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it wasperfectlyevidentAuntMarchwas right incalling themas 'unworldlyasapairofbabies'. No one ate much, but everyone looked very happy, and the old roomseemedtobrightenupamazinglywhenthefirstromanceofthefamilybeganthere.

"You can't say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you,Meg?" said Amy,trying todecidehow shewouldgroup the lovers in a sketch shewasplanning tomake.

"No, I'msure I can't.Howmuchhashappenedsince I said that! It seemsayearago," answeredMeg,whowas in a blissful dream lifted far above such commonthingsasbreadandbutter.

"Thejoyscomecloseuponthesorrowsthistime,andIratherthinkthechangeshavebegun,"saidMrs.March."Inmostfamiliestherecomes,nowandthen,ayearfullofevents.Thishasbeensuchaone,butitendswell,afterall."

"Hopethenextwillendbetter,"mutteredJo,whofounditveryhardtoseeMegabsorbedinastrangerbeforeherface,forJolovedafewpersonsverydearlyanddreadedtohavetheiraffectionlostorlessenedinanyway.

"Ihopethethirdyearfromthiswillendbetter.Imeanitshall,ifIlivetoworkoutmyplans,"saidMr.Brooke,smilingatMeg,asifeverythinghadbecomepossibletohimnow.

"Doesn't it seem very long to wait?" asked Amy, who was in a hurry for thewedding.

"I'vegotsomuchto learnbeforeIshallbeready, itseemsashort timetome,"answeredMeg,withasweetgravityinherfaceneverseentherebefore.

"Youhaveonlytowait,Iamtodothework,"saidJohnbeginninghislaborsbypickingupMeg'snapkin,withanexpressionwhichcausedJotoshakeherhead,andthen say to herself with an air of relief as the front door banged, "Here comesLaurie.Nowweshallhavesomesensibleconversation."

ButJowasmistaken,forLauriecameprancingin,overflowingwithgoodspirits,bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for 'Mrs. John Brooke', and evidentlylaboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by hisexcellentmanagement.

"I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does, for when he

makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it's done though the sky falls," saidLaurie,whenhehadpresentedhisofferingandhiscongratulations.

"Muchobligedforthatrecommendation.Itakeitasagoodomenforthefutureandinviteyoutomyweddingonthespot,"answeredMr.Brooke,whofeltatpeacewithallmankind,evenhismischievouspupil.

"I'llcome if I'mat theendsof theearth, for thesightofJo's facealoneon thatoccasionwouldbeworthalongjourney.Youdon'tlookfestive,ma'am,what'sthematter?" asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlor,whither all hadadjournedtogreetMr.Laurence.

"Idon'tapproveofthematch,butI'vemadeupmymindtobearit,andshallnotsayawordagainstit,"saidJosolemnly."Youcan'tknowhowharditisformetogiveupMeg,"shecontinuedwithalittlequiverinhervoice.

"Youdon'tgiveherup.Youonlygohalves,"saidLaurieconsolingly.

"Itcanneverbethesameagain.I'velostmydearestfriend,"sighedJo.

"You'vegotme,anyhow.I'mnotgoodformuch,Iknow,butI'llstandbyyou,Jo,allthedaysofmylife.UponmywordIwill!"andLauriemeantwhathesaid.

"Iknowyouwill,andI'meversomuchobliged.Youarealwaysagreatcomforttome,Teddy,"returnedJo,gratefullyshakinghands.

"Well,now,don'tbedismal, there'sagoodfellow. It'sall rightyousee.Meg ishappy,Brookewill fly round and get settled immediately,Grandpawill attend tohim,anditwillbeveryjollytoseeMeginherownlittlehouse.We'llhavecapitaltimesaftersheisgone,forIshallbethroughcollegebeforelong,andthenwe'llgoabroadonsomenicetriporother.Wouldn'tthatconsoleyou?"

"Iratherthinkitwould,butthere'snoknowingwhatmayhappeninthreeyears,"saidJothoughtfully.

"That'strue.Don'tyouwishyoucouldtakealookforwardandseewhereweshallallbethen?Ido,"returnedLaurie.

"Ithinknot,forImightseesomethingsad,andeveryonelookssohappynow,Idon'tbelieve theycouldbemuchimproved."AndJo'seyeswentslowlyroundtheroom,brighteningastheylooked,fortheprospectwasapleasantone.

FatherandMothersat together,quietlyrelivingthefirstchapterof theromancewhichforthembegansometwentyyearsago.Amywasdrawingthelovers,whosatapartinabeautifulworldoftheirown,thelightofwhichtouchedtheirfaceswithagracethelittleartistcouldnotcopy.Bethlayonhersofa,talkingcheerilywithheroldfriend,whoheldherlittlehandasifhefelt thatitpossessedthepowertoleadhimalongthepeacefulwayshewalked.Joloungedinherfavoritelowseat,withthegrave quiet look which best became her, and Laurie, leaning on the back of herchair,hischinonalevelwithhercurlyhead,smiledwithhisfriendliestaspect,andnoddedatherinthelongglasswhichreflectedthemboth.

So the curtain falls uponMeg, Jo,Beth, andAmy.Whether it ever rises again,dependsupon the receptiongiven the first actof thedomesticdramacalledLittleWomen.

LITTLEWOMENPART2InorderthatwemaystartafreshandgotoMeg'swedding...

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

GOSSIP

InorderthatwemaystartafreshandgotoMeg'sweddingwithfreeminds,itwillbewelltobeginwithalittlegossipabouttheMarches.Andhereletmepremisethatifanyoftheeldersthinkthereistoomuch'lovering'inthestory,asIfeartheymay(I'mnotafraidtheyoungfolkswillmakethatobjection),IcanonlysaywithMrs.March,"WhatcanyouexpectwhenIhavefourgaygirlsinthehouse,andadashingyoungneighborovertheway?"

Thethreeyearsthathavepassedhavebroughtbutfewchangestothequietfamily.Thewarisover,andMr.Marchsafelyathome,busywithhisbooksandthesmallparishwhichfoundinhimaministerbynatureasbygrace,aquiet,studiousman,rich in thewisdomthat isbetter than learning, thecharitywhichcallsallmankind'brother',thepietythatblossomsintocharacter,makingitaugustandlovely.

These attributes, in spite of poverty and the strict integritywhich shut him outfrom the more worldly successes, attracted to him many admirable persons, asnaturally as sweet herbs drawbees, and as naturally he gave them the honey intowhichfiftyyearsofhardexperiencehaddistillednobitterdrop.Earnestyoungmenfound the gray-headed scholar as young at heart as they; thoughtful or troubledwomen instinctively brought their doubts to him, sure of finding the gentlestsympathy,thewisestcounsel.Sinnerstoldtheirsinstothepure-heartedoldmanandwere both rebuked and saved.Giftedmen found a companion in him.Ambitiousmen caught glimpses of nobler ambitions than their own, and even worldlingsconfessedthathisbeliefswerebeautifulandtrue,although'theywouldn'tpay'.

Tooutsidersthefiveenergeticwomenseemedtorulethehouse,andsotheydidinmanythings,butthequietscholar,sittingamonghisbooks,wasstilltheheadofthe family, thehouseholdconscience, anchor, andcomforter, for tohim thebusy,

anxiouswomenalwaysturnedintroubloustimes,findinghim,inthetruestsenseofthosesacredwords,husbandandfather.

The girls gave their hearts into their mother's keeping, their souls into theirfather's,andtobothparents,wholivedandlaboredsofaithfullyforthem,theygavealovethatgrewwiththeirgrowthandboundthemtenderlytogetherbythesweetesttiewhichblesseslifeandoutlivesdeath.

Mrs.March isasbriskandcheery, thoughrathergrayer, thanwhenwesawherlast,andjustnowsoabsorbedinMeg'saffairsthatthehospitalsandhomesstillfullofwounded'boys'andsoldiers'widows,decidedlymissthemotherlymissionary'svisits.

JohnBrookedidhisdutymanfullyforayear,gotwounded,wassenthome,andnot allowed to return.He receivedno stars or bars, but he deserved them, for hecheerfully riskedallhehad,and lifeand loveareverypreciouswhenbothare infullbloom.Perfectlyresignedtohisdischarge,hedevotedhimselftogettingwell,preparing for business, and earning a home for Meg. With the good sense andsturdy independence that characterized him, he refused Mr. Laurence's moregenerous offers, and accepted the place of bookkeeper, feeling better satisfied tobegin with an honestly earned salary than by running any risks with borrowedmoney.

Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting, growing womanly incharacter, wise in housewifely arts, and prettier than ever, for love is a greatbeautifier.Shehadhergirlishambitionsandhopes,andfeltsomedisappointmentatthehumblewayinwhichthenewlifemustbegin.NedMoffathadjustmarriedSallieGardiner, andMeg couldn't help contrasting their fine house and carriage,manygifts, and splendid outfit with her own, and secretly wishing she could have thesame.ButsomehowenvyanddiscontentsoonvanishedwhenshethoughtofallthepatientloveandlaborJohnhadputintothelittlehomeawaitingher,andwhentheysattogetherinthetwilight,talkingovertheirsmallplans,thefuturealwaysgrewsobeautiful and bright that she forgot Sallie's splendor and felt herself the richest,happiestgirlinChristendom.

JoneverwentbacktoAuntMarch,fortheoldladytooksuchafancytoAmythatshe bribed her with the offer of drawing lessons from one of the best teachersgoing, and for the sake of this advantage, Amy would have served a far hardermistress. So she gave her mornings to duty, her afternoons to pleasure, andprosperedfinely.JomeantimedevotedherselftoliteratureandBeth,whoremaineddelicatelongafterthefeverwasathingofthepast.Notaninvalidexactly,butnever

againtherosy,healthycreatureshehadbeen,yetalwayshopeful,happy,andserene,and busy with the quiet duties she loved, everyone's friend, and an angel in thehouse,longbeforethosewholovedhermosthadlearnedtoknowit.

AslongasTheSpreadEaglepaidheradollaracolumnforher'rubbish',asshecalledit,Jofeltherselfawomanofmeans,andspunherlittleromancesdiligently.But great plans fermented in her busy brain and ambitiousmind, and the old tinkitcheninthegarretheldaslowlyincreasingpileofblottedmanuscript,whichwasonedaytoplacethenameofMarchupontherolloffame.

Laurie, having dutifully gone to college to please his grandfather, was nowgetting through it in the easiest possible manner to please himself. A universalfavorite,thankstomoney,manners,muchtalent,andthekindestheartthatevergotitsownerintoscrapesbytryingtogetotherpeopleoutofthem,hestoodingreatdanger of being spoiled, and probably would have been, like many anotherpromisingboy,ifhehadnotpossessedatalismanagainstevilinthememoryofthekindoldmanwhowasboundup inhis success, themotherly friendwhowatchedoverhimasifhewereherson,andlast,butnotleastbyanymeans,theknowledgethatfourinnocentgirlsloved,admired,andbelievedinhimwithalltheirhearts.

Being only 'a glorious human boy', of course he frolicked and flirted, grewdandified, aquatic, sentimental, or gymnastic, as college fashions ordained, hazedandwashazed, talkedslang,andmore thanoncecameperilouslynearsuspensionand expulsion. But as high spirits and the love of fun were the causes of thesepranks, he always managed to save himself by frank confession, honorableatonement,ortheirresistiblepowerofpersuasionwhichhepossessedinperfection.Infact,heratherpridedhimselfonhisnarrowescapes,andlikedtothrillthegirlswith graphic accounts of his triumphs overwrathful tutors, dignified professors,andvanquishedenemies.The'menofmyclass',wereheroesintheeyesofthegirls,whoneverweariedoftheexploitsof'ourfellows',andwerefrequentlyallowedtobask in the smiles of these great creatures,whenLaurie brought themhomewithhim.

Amyespeciallyenjoyedthishighhonor,andbecamequiteabelleamongthem,forherladyshipearlyfeltandlearnedtousethegiftoffascinationwithwhichshewasendowed.MegwastoomuchabsorbedinherprivateandparticularJohntocareforanyotherlordsofcreation,andBethtooshytodomorethanpeepatthemandwonderhowAmydaredtoorderthemaboutso,butJofeltquiteinherownelement,and found it very difficult to refrain from imitating the gentlemanly attitudes,phrases,andfeats,whichseemedmorenaturaltoherthanthedecorumsprescribedfor young ladies. They all liked Jo immensely, but never fell in love with her,

thoughveryfewescapedwithoutpayingthetributeofasentimentalsighortwoatAmy'sshrine.Andspeakingofsentimentbringsusverynaturallytothe'Dovecote'.

ThatwasthenameofthelittlebrownhouseMr.BrookehadpreparedforMeg'sfirsthome.Lauriehadchristened it, saying itwashighlyappropriate to thegentleloverswho 'wentontogether likeapairof turtledoves,withfirstabillandthenacoo'. Itwas a tinyhouse,with a littlegardenbehindanda lawnabout asbig as apockethandkerchiefinthefront.HereMegmeanttohaveafountain,shrubbery,andaprofusionoflovelyflowers,thoughjustatpresentthefountainwasrepresentedbyaweather-beatenurn,very likeadilapidatedslopbowl, theshrubberyconsistedofseveral young larches, undecided whether to live or die, and the profusion offlowerswasmerelyhintedbyregimentsofstickstoshowwhereseedswereplanted.Butinside,itwasaltogethercharming,andthehappybridesawnofaultfromgarrettocellar.Tobesure,thehallwassonarrowitwasfortunatethattheyhadnopiano,foronenevercouldhavebeengotinwhole,thediningroomwassosmallthatsixpeoplewereatightfit,andthekitchenstairsseemedbuiltfortheexpresspurposeofprecipitatingbothservantsandchinapell-mellintothecoalbin.Butoncegetusedtothese slight blemishes and nothing could bemore complete, for good sense andgoodtastehadpresidedoverthefurnishing,andtheresultwashighlysatisfactory.There were no marble-topped tables, long mirrors, or lace curtains in the littleparlor, but simple furniture, plenty of books, a fine picture or two, a stand offlowersinthebaywindow,and,scatteredallabout,theprettygiftswhichcamefromfriendlyhandsandwerethefairerforthelovingmessagestheybrought.

Idon'tthinktheParianPsycheLauriegavelostanyofitsbeautybecauseJohnputupthebracketitstoodupon,thatanyupholsterercouldhavedrapedtheplainmuslincurtainsmoregracefullythanAmy'sartistichand,orthatanystore-roomwaseverbetterprovidedwithgoodwishes,merrywords,andhappyhopesthanthatinwhichJo and her mother put away Meg's few boxes, barrels, and bundles, and I ammorallycertain that the spandynewkitchennevercouldhave lookedsocozyandneatifHannahhadnotarrangedeverypotandpanadozentimesover,andlaidthefireallreadyforlightingtheminute'Mis.Brookecamehome'.Ialsodoubtifanyyoungmatroneverbegan lifewithsorichasupplyofdusters,holders,andpiecebags,forBethmadeenoughtolasttillthesilverweddingcameround,andinventedthreedifferentkindsofdishclothsfortheexpressserviceofthebridalchina.

Peoplewhohireallthesethingsdoneforthemneverknowwhattheylose,forthehomeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, andMeg found somanyproofsofthisthateverythinginhersmallnest,fromthekitchenrollertothesilvervaseonherparlortable,waseloquentofhomeloveandtenderforethought.

Whathappytimestheyhadplanningtogether,whatsolemnshoppingexcursions,what funnymistakes theymade, and what shouts of laughter arose over Laurie'sridiculous bargains. In his love of jokes, this young gentleman, though nearlythroughcollege,wasamuchofaboyasever.Hislastwhimhadbeentobringwithhim on his weekly visits some new, useful, and ingenious article for the younghousekeeper.Nowabagofremarkableclothespins,next,awonderfulnutmeggraterwhichfelltopiecesatthefirsttrial,aknifecleanerthatspoiledalltheknives,orasweeperthatpickedthenapneatlyoffthecarpetandleftthedirt,labor-savingsoapthattooktheskinoffone'shands,infalliblecementswhichstuckfirmlytonothingbutthefingersofthedeludedbuyer,andeverykindoftinware,fromatoysavingsbankforoddpennies, toawonderfulboilerwhichwouldwasharticles in itsownsteamwitheveryprospectofexplodingintheprocess.

In vainMeg begged him to stop. John laughed at him, and Jo called him 'Mr.Toodles'. He was possessed with a mania for patronizing Yankee ingenuity, andseeinghisfriendsfitlyfurnishedforth.Soeachweekbeheldsomefreshabsurdity.

Everythingwasdoneatlast,eventoAmy'sarrangingdifferentcoloredsoapstomatchthedifferentcoloredrooms,andBeth'ssettingthetableforthefirstmeal.

"Areyousatisfied?Doesitseemlikehome,anddoyoufeelasifyoushouldbehappy here?" asked Mrs. March, as she and her daughter went through the newkingdomarminarm,forjustthentheyseemedtoclingtogethermoretenderlythanever.

"Yes,Mother,perfectlysatisfied, thankstoyouall,andsohappythatIcan't talkaboutit,"withalookthatwasfarbetterthanwords.

"Ifsheonlyhadaservantortwoitwouldbeallright,"saidAmy,comingoutoftheparlor,whereshehadbeentryingtodecidewhetherthebronzeMercurylookedbestonthewhatnotorthemantlepiece.

"MotherandIhavetalkedthatover,andIhavemadeupmymindtotryherwayfirst.TherewillbesolittletodothatwithLottytorunmyerrandsandhelpmehereand there, I shall only have enough work to keep me from getting lazy orhomesick,"answeredMegtranquilly.

"SallieMoffathasfour,"beganAmy.

"IfMeg had four, the housewouldn't hold them, andmaster andmissiswouldhave to camp in thegarden,"broke in Jo,who, enveloped in abigbluepinafore,wasgivingthelastpolishtothedoorhandles.

"Sallie isn't a poor man's wife, and many maids are in keeping with her fineestablishment.Megand Johnbeginhumbly,but Ihavea feeling that therewill bequiteasmuchhappinessinthelittlehouseasinthebigone.It'sagreatmistakeforyounggirlslikeMegtoleavethemselvesnothingtodobutdress,giveorders,andgossip.WhenIwasfirstmarried,Iusedtolongformynewclothestowearoutorgettorn,sothatImighthavethepleasureofmendingthem,forIgotheartilysickofdoingfancyworkandtendingmypockethandkerchief."

"Whydidn'tyougointothekitchenandmakemesses,asSalliesaysshedoestoamuseherself, thoughtheyneverturnoutwellandtheservants laughather,"saidMeg.

"I did after awhile, not to 'mess' but to learn ofHannah how things should bedone,thatmyservantsneednotlaughatme.Itwasplaythen,buttherecameatimewhen Iwas trulygrateful that Inotonlypossessed thewillbut thepower tocookwholesomefoodformylittlegirls,andhelpmyselfwhenIcouldnolongeraffordtohirehelp.Youbeginat theotherend,Meg,dear,but the lessonsyou learnnowwill beofuse toyouby-and-bywhen John is a richerman, for themistressof ahouse,howeversplendid,shouldknowhowworkoughttobedone,ifshewishestobewellandhonestlyserved."

"Yes, Mother, I'm sure of that," said Meg, listening respectfully to the littlelecture, for the best of women will hold forth upon the all absorbing subject ofhousekeeping."DoyouknowIlikethisroommostofallinmybabyhouse,"addedMeg,aminuteafter,astheywentupstairsandshelookedintoherwell-storedlinencloset.

Bethwasthere,layingthesnowypilessmoothlyontheshelvesandexultingoverthegoodlyarray.AllthreelaughedasMegspoke,forthatlinenclosetwasajoke.Yousee,havingsaidthatifMegmarried'thatBrooke'sheshouldn'thaveacentofhermoney,AuntMarchwasratherinaquandarywhentimehadappeasedherwrathandmadeherrepenthervow.Sheneverbrokeherword,andwasmuchexercisedinhermindhowtogetroundit,andat lastdevisedaplanwherebyshecouldsatisfyherself. Mrs. Carrol, Florence's mamma, was ordered to buy, have made, andmarkedageneroussupplyofhouseandtablelinen,andsenditasherpresent,allofwhichwasfaithfullydone,butthesecretleakedout,andwasgreatlyenjoyedbythefamily,forAuntMarchtriedtolookutterlyunconscious,andinsistedthatshecouldgivenothingbuttheold-fashionedpearlslongpromisedtothefirstbride.

"That'sahousewifelytastewhichIamgladtosee.Ihadayoungfriendwhosetup

housekeeping with six sheets, but she had finger bowls for company and thatsatisfiedher,"saidMrs.March,pattingthedamasktablecloths,withatrulyfeminineappreciationoftheirfineness.

"Ihaven'tasinglefingerbowl,but this isasetout thatwill lastmeallmydays,Hannahsays."AndMeglookedquitecontented,aswellshemight.

Atall,broad-shoulderedyoungfellow,withacroppedhead,afeltbasinofahat,andaflyawaycoat,cametrampingdowntheroadatagreatpace,walkedoverthelow fencewithout stopping toopen thegate, straightup toMrs.March,withbothhandsoutandahearty...

"HereIam,Mother!Yes,it'sallright."

The last words were in answer to the look the elder lady gave him, a kindlyquestioning lookwhich thehandsomeeyesmetso frankly that the littleceremonyclosed,asusual,withamotherlykiss.

"ForMrs.JohnBrooke,withthemaker'scongratulationsandcompliments.Blessyou,Beth!Whatarefreshingspectacleyouare,Jo.Amy,youaregettingaltogethertoohandsomeforasinglelady."

AsLaurie spoke, hedelivered a brownpaper parcel toMeg, pulledBeth's hairribbon,staredatJo'sbigpinafore,andfellintoanattitudeofmockrapturebeforeAmy,thenshookhandsallround,andeveryonebegantotalk.

"WhereisJohn?"askedMeganxiously.

"Stoppedtogetthelicensefortomorrow,ma'am."

"Whichsidewonthelastmatch,Teddy?"inquiredJo,whopersistedinfeelinganinterestinmanlysportsdespitehernineteenyears.

"Ours,ofcourse.Wishyou'dbeentheretosee."

"HowisthelovelyMissRandal?"askedAmywithasignificantsmile.

"Morecruelthanever.Don'tyouseehowI'mpiningaway?"andLauriegavehisbroadchestasoundingslapandheavedamelodramaticsigh.

"What'sthelastjoke?Undothebundleandsee,Meg,"saidBeth,eyingtheknobbyparcelwithcuriosity.

"It's a useful thing to have in the house in case of fire or thieves," observedLaurie,asawatchman'srattleappeared,amidthelaughterofthegirls.

"AnytimewhenJohnisawayandyougetfrightened,Mrs.Meg, justswingthatoutof the frontwindow,and itwill rouse theneighborhood ina jiffy.Nice thing,isn'tit?"andLauriegavethemasampleofitspowersthatmadethemcoveruptheirears.

"There'sgratitudeforyou!Andspeakingofgratituderemindsmetomentionthatyoumay thank Hannah for saving your wedding cake from destruction. I saw itgoingintoyourhouseasIcameby,andifshehadn'tdefendeditmanfullyI'dhavehadapickatit,foritlookedlikearemarkablyplummyone."

"Iwonderifyouwillevergrowup,Laurie,"saidMeginamatronlytone.

"I'mdoingmybest,ma'am, but can't getmuchhigher, I'm afraid, as six feet isabout allmen can do in these degenerate days," responded the young gentleman,whoseheadwasaboutlevelwiththelittlechandelier.

"Isupposeitwouldbeprofanationtoeatanythinginthisspick-and-spanbower,soasI'mtremendouslyhungry,Iproposeanadjournment,"headdedpresently.

"Motherand Iaregoing towait for John.Therearesome last things tosettle,"saidMeg,bustlingaway.

"BethandIaregoingovertoKittyBryant'stogetmoreflowersfortomorrow,"added Amy, tying a picturesque hat over her picturesque curls, and enjoying theeffectasmuchasanybody.

"Come,Jo,don'tdesertafellow.I'minsuchastateofexhaustionIcan'tgethomewithouthelp.Don'ttakeoffyourapron,whateveryoudo,it'speculiarlybecoming,"said Laurie, as Jo bestowed his especial aversion in her capacious pocket andofferedherarmtosupporthisfeeblesteps.

"Now,Teddy,Iwanttotalkseriouslytoyouabouttomorrow,"beganJo,astheystrolled away together. "You must promise to behave well, and not cut up anypranks,andspoilourplans."

"Notaprank."

"Anddon'tsayfunnythingswhenweoughttobesober."

"Ineverdo.Youaretheoneforthat."

"AndIimploreyounottolookatmeduringtheceremony.Ishallcertainlylaughifyoudo."

"Youwon't seeme, you'll be crying so hard that the thick fog round youwillobscuretheprospect."

"Inevercryunlessforsomegreataffliction."

"Suchasfellowsgoingtocollege,hey?"cutinLaurie,withsuggestivelaugh.

"Don'tbeapeacock.Ionlymoanedatrifletokeepthegirlscompany."

"Exactly.Isay,Jo,howisGrandpathisweek?Prettyamiable?"

"Very.Why,haveyougotintoascrapeandwanttoknowhowhe'lltakeit?"askedJorathersharply.

"Now,Jo,doyouthinkI'dlookyourmotherinthefaceandsay 'Allright', if itwasn't?"andLauriestoppedshort,withaninjuredair.

"No,Idon't."

"Thendon'tgoandbesuspicious.Ionlywantsomemoney,"saidLaurie,walkingonagain,appeasedbyherheartytone.

"Youspendagreatdeal,Teddy."

"Blessyou,Idon'tspendit,itspendsitselfsomehow,andisgonebeforeIknowit."

"Youaresogenerousandkind-heartedthatyouletpeopleborrow,andcan'tsay'No' to anyone.We heard aboutHenshaw and all you did for him. If you alwaysspentmoneyinthatway,noonewouldblameyou,"saidJowarmly.

"Oh,hemadeamountainoutof amolehill.Youwouldn't haveme let that finefellowworkhimselftodeathjustforwantofalittlehelp,whenheisworthadozenofuslazychaps,wouldyou?"

"Of course not, but I don't see the use of your having seventeen waistcoats,endlessneckties,andanewhateverytimeyoucomehome.Ithoughtyou'dgotover

thedandyperiod,buteverynowandthenitbreaksoutinanewspot.Justnowit'sthefashiontobehideous,tomakeyourheadlooklikeascrubbingbrush,wearastraitjacket,orangegloves,andclumpingsquare-toedboots.Ifitwascheapugliness,I'dsaynothing,butitcostsasmuchastheother,andIdon'tgetanysatisfactionoutofit."

Lauriethrewbackhishead,andlaughedsoheartilyatthisattack,thatthefelthatfell off, and Jo walked on it, which insult only afforded him an opportunity forexpatiating on the advantages of a rough-and-ready costume, as he folded up themaltreatedhat,andstuffeditintohispocket.

"Don'tlectureanymore,there'sagoodsoul!Ihaveenoughallthroughtheweek,andliketoenjoymyselfwhenIcomehome.I'llgetmyselfupregardlessofexpensetomorrowandbeasatisfactiontomyfriends."

"I'llleaveyouinpeaceifyou'llonlyletyourhairgrow.I'mnotaristocratic,butIdo object to being seen with a person who looks like a young prize fighter,"observedJoseverely.

"Thisunassumingstylepromotesstudy,that'swhyweadoptit,"returnedLaurie,who certainly could not be accused of vanity, having voluntarily sacrificed ahandsomecurlycroptothedemandforquarter-inch-longstubble.

"Bytheway,Jo,IthinkthatlittleParkerisreallygettingdesperateaboutAmy.Hetalksofherconstantly,writespoetry,andmoonsaboutinamostsuspiciousmanner.He'd better nip his little passion in the bud, hadn't he?" added Laurie, in aconfidential,elderbrotherlytone,afteraminute'ssilence.

"Ofcoursehehad.Wedon'twantanymoremarryinginthisfamilyforyearstocome.Mercy on us, what are the children thinking of?" and Jo looked as muchscandalizedasifAmyandlittleParkerwerenotyetintheirteens.

"It'safastage,andIdon'tknowwhatwearecomingto,ma'am.Youareamereinfant,butyou'llgonext,Jo,andwe'llbeleft lamenting,"saidLaurie,shakinghisheadoverthedegeneracyofthetimes.

"Don'tbealarmed.I'mnotoneof theagreeablesort.Nobodywillwantme,andit'samercy,forthereshouldalwaysbeoneoldmaidinafamily."

"Youwon'tgiveanyoneachance,"saidLaurie,withasidelongglanceandalittlemorecolorthanbeforeinhissunburnedface."Youwon'tshowthesoftsideofyourcharacter,andifafellowgetsapeepatitbyaccidentandcan'thelpshowingthathe

likesit,youtreathimasMrs.Gummidgedidhersweetheart,throwcoldwateroverhim,andgetsothornynoonedarestouchorlookatyou."

"I don't like that sort of thing. I'm toobusy to beworriedwithnonsense, and Ithinkit'sdreadfultobreakupfamiliesso.Nowdon'tsayanymoreaboutit.Meg'swedding has turned all our heads, and we talk of nothing but lovers and suchabsurdities.Idon'twishtogetcross,solet'schangethesubject;"andJolookedquitereadytoflingcoldwaterontheslightestprovocation.

Whateverhis feelingsmighthavebeen,Laurie foundavent for them ina longlowwhistleand thefearfulpredictionas theypartedat thegate,"Markmywords,Jo,you'llgonext."

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

THEFIRSTWEDDING

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 littleneighbors, as theywere.Quite flushedwith excitementwere their ruddy faces, asthey swung in thewind,whispering to one anotherwhat they had seen, for somepeepedinatthediningroomwindowswherethefeastwasspread,someclimbeduptonodandsmileatthesistersastheydressedthebride,otherswavedawelcometothosewho came andwent on various errands in garden, porch, and hall, and all,from the rosiest full-blown flower to the palest babybud, offered their tribute ofbeautyandfragrancetothegentlemistresswhohadlovedandtendedthemsolong.

Meglookedverylikearoseherself,forallthatwasbestandsweetestinheartandsoulseemedtobloomintoherfacethatday,makingitfairandtender,withacharmmorebeautifulthanbeauty.Neithersilk,lace,nororangeflowerswouldshehave."Idon'twantafashionablewedding,butonlythoseaboutmewhomIlove,andtothemIwishtolookandbemyfamiliarself."

So she made her wedding gown herself, sewing into it the tender hopes andinnocentromancesofagirlishheart.Hersistersbraidedupherprettyhair,andtheonlyornamentssheworeweretheliliesofthevalley,which'herJohn'likedbestofalltheflowersthatgrew.

"Youdo look just likeourowndearMeg,only sovery sweetand lovely that Ishouldhugyouif itwouldn'tcrumpleyourdress,"criedAmy,surveyingherwithdelightwhenallwasdone.

"Then Iamsatisfied.Butpleasehugandkissme,everyone,anddon'tmindmydress.Iwantagreatmanycrumplesofthissortputintoittoday,"andMegopenedherarmstohersisters,whoclungaboutherwithAprilfacesforaminute,feelingthatthenewlovehadnotchangedtheold.

"NowI'mgoingtotieJohn'scravatforhim,andthentostayafewminuteswithFatherquietlyinthestudy,"andMegrandowntoperformtheselittleceremonies,and then to follow her mother wherever she went, conscious that in spite of thesmilesonthemotherlyface,therewasasecretsorrowhidinthemotherlyheartattheflightofthefirstbirdfromthenest.

Astheyoungergirlsstandtogether,givingthelasttouchestotheirsimpletoilet,itmaybeagoodtimeto tellofafewchangeswhichthreeyearshavewrought intheirappearance,forallarelookingtheirbestjustnow.

Jo'sanglesaremuchsoftened,shehas learned tocarryherselfwithease, ifnotgrace.Thecurlycrophaslengthenedintoathickcoil,morebecomingtothesmallheadatopofthetallfigure.Thereisafreshcolorinherbrowncheeks,asoftshineinhereyes,andonlygentlewordsfallfromhersharptonguetoday.

Bethhasgrownslender,pale,andmorequietthanever.Thebeautiful,kindeyesare larger, and in them lies an expression that saddensone, although it is not saditself. It is the shadow of pain which touches the young face with such patheticpatience,butBeth seldomcomplains andalways speakshopefullyof 'beingbettersoon'.

Amyiswithtruthconsidered'theflowerofthefamily',foratsixteenshehastheair and bearing of a full-grown woman, not beautiful, but possessed of thatindescribablecharmcalledgrace.Onesawitinthelinesofherfigure,themakeandmotionofherhands,theflowofherdress,thedroopofherhair,unconsciousyetharmonious,andasattractivetomanyasbeautyitself.Amy'snosestillafflictedher,for itneverwouldgrowGrecian,sodidhermouth,beingtoowide,andhavingadecided chin. These offending features gave character to herwhole face, but shenevercouldseeit,andconsoledherselfwithherwonderfullyfaircomplexion,keenblueeyes,andcurlsmoregoldenandabundantthanever.

All threeworesuitsof thinsilvergray(theirbestgownsfor thesummer),with

blushrosesinhairandbosom,andallthreelookedjustwhattheywere,fresh-faced,happy-heartedgirls,pausingamomentintheirbusylivestoreadwithwistfuleyesthesweetestchapterintheromanceofwomanhood.

Thereweretobenoceremoniousperformances,everythingwastobeasnaturalandhomelikeaspossible,sowhenAuntMarcharrived,shewasscandalizedtoseethe bride come running to welcome and lead her in, to find the bridegroomfasteningupagarlandthathadfallendown,andtocatchaglimpseofthepaternalministermarchingupstairswithagravecountenanceandawinebottleundereacharm.

"Uponmyword, here's a state of things!" cried the old lady, taking the seat ofhonor prepared for her, and settling the folds of her lavendermoirewith a greatrustle."Yououghtn'ttobeseentillthelastminute,child."

"I'mnotashow,Aunty,andnooneiscomingtostareatme,tocriticizemydress,orcountthecostofmyluncheon.I'mtoohappytocarewhatanyonesaysorthinks,and I'm going to havemy little wedding just as I like it. John, dear, here's yourhammer." And away went Meg to help 'that man' in his highly improperemployment.

Mr.Brookedidn't even say, "Thankyou,"but ashe stooped for theunromantictool,hekissedhis littlebridebehindthefoldingdoor,withalookthatmadeAuntMarchwhiskoutherpockethandkerchiefwithasuddendewinhersharpoldeyes.

A crash, a cry, and a laugh from Laurie, accompanied by the indecorousexclamation, "Jupiter Ammon! Jo's upset the cake again!" caused a momentaryflurry,whichwashardlyoverwhenaflockofcousinsarrived,and'thepartycamein',asBethusedtosaywhenachild.

"Don'tletthatyounggiantcomenearme,heworriesmeworsethanmosquitoes,"whisperedtheoldladytoAmy,astheroomsfilledandLaurie'sblackheadtoweredabovetherest.

"Hehas promised to be verygood today, andhe canbe perfectly elegant if helikes,"returnedAmy,andglidingawaytowarnHerculestobewareofthedragon,which warning caused him to haunt the old lady with a devotion that nearlydistractedher.

Therewasnobridalprocession,butasuddensilencefellupontheroomasMr.March and the young couple took their places under the green arch.Mother andsistersgathered close, as if loath togiveMegup.The fatherlyvoicebrokemore

thanonce,whichonlyseemedtomaketheservicemorebeautifulandsolemn.Thebridegroom'shandtrembledvisibly,andnooneheardhisreplies.ButMeglookedstraightupinherhusband'seyes,andsaid,"Iwill!"withsuchtendertrustinherownfaceandvoicethathermother'sheartrejoicedandAuntMarchsniffedaudibly.

Jo did not cry, though she was very near it once, and was only saved from ademonstration by the consciousness that Lauriewas staring fixedly at her,with acomicalmixtureofmerrimentandemotioninhiswickedblackeyes.Bethkeptherfacehiddenonhermother'sshoulder,butAmystoodlikeagracefulstatue,withamostbecomingrayofsunshinetouchingherwhiteforeheadandtheflowerinherhair.

Itwasn't at all the thing, I'mafraid,but theminute shewas fairlymarried,Megcried,"ThefirstkissforMarmee!"andturning,gaveitwithherheartonher lips.Duringthenextfifteenminutesshelookedmorelikearosethanever,foreveryoneavailedthemselvesoftheirprivilegestothefullestextent,fromMr.LaurencetooldHannah,who,adornedwithaheaddressfearfullyandwonderfullymade,felluponherinthehall,cryingwithasobandachuckle,"Blessyou,deary,ahundredtimes!Thecakeain'thurtamite,andeverythinglookslovely."

Everybodyclearedupafter that,andsaidsomethingbrilliant,or tried to,whichdidjustaswell,forlaughterisreadywhenheartsarelight.Therewasnodisplayofgifts,fortheywerealreadyinthelittlehouse,norwasthereanelaboratebreakfast,butaplentifullunchofcakeandfruit,dressedwithflowers.Mr.LaurenceandAuntMarchshruggedandsmiledatoneanotherwhenwater,lemonade,andcoffeewerefoundtobetoonlysortsofnectarwhichthethreeHebescarriedround.Noonesaidanything,tillLaurie,whoinsistedonservingthebride,appearedbeforeher,withaloadedsalverinhishandandapuzzledexpressiononhisface.

"Has Jo smashed all the bottles by accident?" he whispered, "or am I merelylaboringunderadelusionthatIsawsomelyingaboutloosethismorning?"

"No, your grandfather kindlyofferedus his best, andAuntMarch actually sentsome,butFatherputawaya littleforBeth,anddispatchedtherest to theSoldier'sHome.Youknowhethinksthatwineshouldbeusedonlyinillness,andMothersaysthat neither she nor her daughterswill ever offer it to any youngman under herroof."

Meg spoke seriously and expected to see Laurie frown or laugh, but he didneither,forafteraquicklookather,hesaid,inhisimpetuousway,"Ilikethat!ForI'veseenenoughharmdonetowishotherwomenwouldthinkasyoudo."

"Youarenotmadewisebyexperience,Ihope?"andtherewasananxiousaccentinMeg'svoice.

"No.Igiveyoumywordforit.Don'tthinktoowellofme,either,thisisnotoneofmytemptations.Beingbroughtupwherewineisascommonaswaterandalmostasharmless, Idon'tcarefor it,butwhenaprettygirloffers it,onedoesn't like torefuse,yousee."

"Butyouwill,forthesakeofothers,ifnotforyourown.Come,Laurie,promise,andgivemeonemorereasontocallthisthehappiestdayofmylife."

Ademandsosuddenandsoseriousmadetheyoungmanhesitateamoment,forridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial. Meg knew that if he gave thepromisehewouldkeepitatallcosts,andfeelingherpower,useditasawomanmayforherfriend'sgood.Shedidnotspeak,butshelookedupathimwithafacemadeveryeloquentbyhappiness,andasmilewhichsaid,"Noonecanrefusemeanythingtoday."

Laurie certainly could not, andwith an answering smile, he gaveher his hand,sayingheartily,"Ipromise,Mrs.Brooke!"

"Ithankyou,very,verymuch."

"AndIdrink'longlifetoyourresolution',Teddy,"criedJo,baptizinghimwithasplashoflemonade,asshewavedherglassandbeamedapprovinglyuponhim.

So the toast was drunk, the pledge made and loyally kept in spite of manytemptations, for with instinctive wisdom, the girls seized a happy moment to dotheirfriendaservice,forwhichhethankedthemallhislife.

After lunch, people strolled about, by twos and threes, through the house andgarden, enjoying the sunshine without and within.Meg and John happened to bestanding together in themiddleof thegrassplot,whenLauriewas seizedwithaninspirationwhichputthefinishingtouchtothisunfashionablewedding.

"All themarriedpeople takehandsanddanceround thenew-madehusbandandwife, as the Germans do, while we bachelors and spinsters prance in couplesoutside!"criedLaurie,promenadingdownthepathwithAmy,withsuchinfectiousspiritandskillthateveryoneelsefollowedtheirexamplewithoutamurmur.Mr.andMrs.March,AuntandUncleCarrolbegan it,others rapidly joined in,evenSallieMoffat,afteramoment'shesitation,threwhertrainoverherarmandwhiskedNedintothering.ButthecrowningjokewasMr.LaurenceandAuntMarch,forwhenthe

statelyoldgentlemanchasseedsolemnlyuptotheoldlady,shejusttuckedhercaneunderherarm,andhoppedbrisklyawaytojoinhandswiththerestanddanceaboutthe bridal pair, while the young folks pervaded the garden like butterflies on amidsummerday.

Wantofbreathbroughttheimpromptuball toaclose,andthenpeoplebegantogo.

"Iwishyouwell,mydear,Iheartilywishyouwell,butIthinkyou'llbesorryforit,"saidAuntMarchtoMeg,addingtothebridegroom,asheledhertothecarriage,"You'vegotatreasure,youngman,seethatyoudeserveit."

"ThatistheprettiestweddingI'vebeentoforanage,Ned,andIdon'tseewhy,fortherewasn't a bit of style about it," observedMrs.Moffat toher husband, as theydroveaway.

"Laurie,mylad,ifyoueverwanttoindulgeinthissortofthing,getoneofthoselittlegirlstohelpyou,andIshallbeperfectlysatisfied,"saidMr.Laurence,settlinghimselfinhiseasychairtorestaftertheexcitementofthemorning.

"I'll domybest to gratify you,Sir,"wasLaurie's unusually dutiful reply, as hecarefullyunpinnedtheposyJohadputinhisbuttonhole.

The littlehousewasnot faraway,and theonlybridal journeyMeghadwas thequietwalkwithJohnfromtheoldhometothenew.Whenshecamedown,lookinglikeaprettyQuakeress inherdove-colored suit andstrawbonnet tiedwithwhite,theyallgatheredabouthertosay'good-by',astenderlyasifshehadbeengoingtomakethegrandtour.

"Don'tfeelthatIamseparatedfromyou,Marmeedear,orthatIloveyouanythelessforlovingJohnsomuch,"shesaid,clingingtohermother,withfulleyesforamoment."Ishallcomeeveryday,Father,andexpecttokeepmyoldplaceinallyourhearts,thoughIammarried.Bethisgoingtobewithmeagreatdeal,andtheothergirlswilldropinnowandthentolaughatmyhousekeepingstruggles.Thankyouallformyhappyweddingday.Good-by,good-by!"

Theystoodwatchingher,withfacesfullofloveandhopeandtenderprideasshewalkedaway,leaningonherhusband'sarm,withherhandsfullofflowersandtheJunesunshinebrighteningherhappyface—andsoMeg'smarriedlifebegan.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

ARTISTICATTEMPTS

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius,especially ambitious young men and women. Amy was learning this distinctionthroughmuch tribulation, formistaking enthusiasm for inspiration, she attemptedeverybranchofartwithyouthfulaudacity.Fora long time therewasa lull in the'mud-pie' business, and she devoted herself to the finest pen-and-ink drawing, inwhich she showed such taste and skill that her graceful handiwork proved bothpleasantandprofitable.Butover-strainedeyescausedpenand ink tobe laidasidefor a bold attempt at poker-sketching.While this attack lasted, the family lived inconstantfearofaconflagration,fortheodorofburningwoodpervadedthehouseat all hours, smoke issued from attic and shed with alarming frequency, red-hotpokers lay about promiscuously, andHannah neverwent to bedwithout a pail ofwaterandthedinnerbellatherdoorincaseoffire.Raphael'sfacewasfoundboldlyexecutedontheundersideofthemouldingboard,andBacchusontheheadofabeerbarrel.A chanting cherub adorned the cover of the sugar bucket, and attempts toportrayRomeoandJulietsuppliedkindlingforsometime.

From fire to oil was a natural transition for burned fingers, and Amy fell topainting with undiminished ardor. An artist friend fitted her out with his castoffpalettes,brushes,andcolors,andshedaubedaway,producingpastoralandmarineviewssuchaswereneverseenonlandorsea.Hermonstrositiesinthewayofcattlewould have taken prizes at an agricultural fair, and the perilous pitching of hervesselswouldhaveproducedseasicknessinthemostnauticalobserver,iftheutterdisregard to all known rules of shipbuilding and rigging had not convulsed himwithlaughterat thefirstglance.Swarthyboysanddark-eyedMadonnas,staringatyoufromonecornerofthestudio,suggestedMurillo;oilybrownshadowsoffaceswith a lurid streak in the wrong place, meant Rembrandt; buxom ladies anddropiscalinfants,Rubens;andTurnerappearedintempestsofbluethunder,orangelightning, brown rain, and purple clouds, with a tomato-colored splash in themiddle,whichmightbe thesunorabouy,a sailor's shirtoraking's robe,as thespectatorpleased.

Charcoalportraitscamenext,andtheentirefamilyhunginarow,lookingaswildandcrockyasifjustevokedfromacoalbin.Softenedintocrayonsketches,theydidbetter, for the likenessesweregood,andAmy'shair, Jo'snose,Meg'smouth, andLaurie's eyes were pronounced 'wonderfully fine'. A return to clay and plasterfollowed,andghostlycastsofheracquaintanceshauntedcornersof thehouse,or

tumbledoffclosetshelvesontopeople'sheads.Childrenwereenticedinasmodels,till their incoherent accounts of her mysterious doings caused Miss Amy to beregarded in the light of a young ogress. Her efforts in this line, however, werebrought to an abrupt close by an untoward accident, which quenched her ardor.Othermodelsfailingherforatime,sheundertooktocastherownprettyfoot,andthe family were one day alarmed by an unearthly bumping and screaming andrunning to the rescue, found the young enthusiast hoppingwildly about the shedwithherfootheldfastinapanfullofplaster,whichhadhardenedwithunexpectedrapidity.With much difficulty and some danger she was dug out, for Jo was soovercomewithlaughterwhilesheexcavatedthatherknifewenttoofar,cutthepoorfoot,andleftalastingmemorialofoneartisticattempt,atleast.

After this Amy subsided, till a mania for sketching from nature set her tohaunting river, field, andwood, for picturesque studies, and sighing for ruins tocopy. She caught endless colds sitting on damp grass to book 'a delicious bit',composed of a stone, a stump, onemushroom, and a brokenmullein stalk, or 'aheavenly mass of clouds', that looked like a choice display of featherbeds whendone.Shesacrificedhercomplexionfloatingontheriverinthemidsummersuntostudylightandshade,andgotawrinkleoverhernosetryingafter'pointsofsight',orwhateverthesquint-and-stringperformanceiscalled.

If 'genius iseternalpatience',asMichelangeloaffirms,Amyhadsomeclaimtothe divine attribute, for she persevered in spite of all obstacles, failures, anddiscouragements,firmlybelievingthat intimesheshoulddosomethingworthytobecalled'highart'.

She was learning, doing, and enjoying other things, meanwhile, for she hadresolved tobeanattractiveandaccomplishedwoman,even ifsheneverbecameagreat artist. Here she succeeded better, for she was one of those happily createdbeings who please without effort, make friends everywhere, and take life sogracefully andeasily that less fortunate souls are tempted tobelieve that sucharebornunder a lucky star.Everybody likedher, for amonghergoodgiftswas tact.Shehadaninstinctivesenseofwhatwaspleasingandproper,alwayssaidtherightthing to the rightperson,did justwhat suited the timeandplace,andwassoself-possessedthathersistersusedtosay,"IfAmywenttocourtwithoutanyrehearsalbeforehand,she'dknowexactlywhattodo."

Oneofherweaknesseswasadesiretomovein 'ourbestsociety',withoutbeingquitesurewhatthebestreallywas.Money,position,fashionableaccomplishments,and elegant manners were most desirable things in her eyes, and she liked toassociatewiththosewhopossessedthem,oftenmistakingthefalseforthetrue,and

admiring what was not admirable. Never forgetting that by birth she was agentlewoman, she cultivated her aristocratic tastes and feelings, so that when theopportunity came shemight be ready to take the place fromwhich poverty nowexcludedher.

"Mylady,"asherfriendscalledher,sincerelydesiredtobeagenuinelady,andwassoatheart,buthadyettolearnthatmoneycannotbuyrefinementofnature,thatrankdoesnotalwaysconfernobility,andthattruebreedingmakesitselffeltinspiteofexternaldrawbacks.

"Iwanttoaskafavorofyou,Mamma,"Amysaid,cominginwithanimportantaironeday.

"Well,littlegirl,whatisit?"repliedhermother,inwhoseeyesthestatelyyoungladystillremained'thebaby'.

"Our drawing class breaks up nextweek, and before the girls separate for thesummer,Iwanttoaskthemouthereforaday.Theyarewildtoseetheriver,sketchthebrokenbridge,andcopysomeofthethingstheyadmireinmybook.Theyhavebeenverykind tome inmanyways,and Iamgrateful, for theyareall richand IknowIampoor,yettheynevermadeanydifference."

"Whyshouldthey?"andMrs.Marchputthequestionwithwhatthegirlscalledher'MariaTheresaair'.

"Youknowaswell as I that itdoesmakeadifferencewithnearlyeveryone, sodon'truffleuplikeadear,motherlyhen,whenyourchickensgetpeckedbysmarterbirds.The ugly duckling turned out a swan, you know." andAmy smiledwithoutbitterness,forshepossessedahappytemperandhopefulspirit.

Mrs.Marchlaughed,andsmootheddownhermaternalprideassheasked,"Well,myswan,whatisyourplan?"

"Ishouldliketoaskthegirlsouttolunchnextweek,totakethemforadrivetotheplacestheywanttosee,arowontheriver,perhaps,andmakealittleartisticfeteforthem."

"That looks feasible.Whatdoyouwant for lunch?Cake, sandwiches, fruit, andcoffeewillbeallthatisnecessary,Isuppose?"

"Oh,dear,no!Wemusthavecoldtongueandchicken,Frenchchocolateandicecream,besides.Thegirlsareusedtosuchthings,andIwantmylunchtobeproper

andelegant,thoughIdoworkformyliving."

"Howmanyyoungladiesarethere?"askedhermother,beginningtolooksober.

"Twelveorfourteenintheclass,butIdaresaytheywon'tallcome."

"Blessme,child,youwillhavetocharteranomnibustocarrythemabout."

"Why,Mother,howcanyouthinkofsuchathing?Notmorethansixoreightwillprobablycome,so I shallhireabeachwagonandborrowMr.Laurence'scherry-bounce."(Hannah'spronunciationofchar-a-banc.)

"Allofthiswillbeexpensive,Amy."

"Notvery.I'vecalculatedthecost,andI'llpayforitmyself."

"Don'tyouthink,dear,thatasthesegirlsareusedtosuchthings,andthebestwecandowillbenothingnew,thatsomesimplerplanwouldbepleasantertothem,asachangeifnothingmore,andmuchbetterforusthanbuyingorborrowingwhatwedon'tneed,andattemptingastylenotinkeepingwithourcircumstances?"

"IfIcan'thaveitasIlike,Idon'tcaretohaveitatall.IknowthatIcancarryitoutperfectlywell,ifyouandthegirlswillhelpalittle,andIdon'tseewhyIcan'tifI'mwilling to pay for it," said Amy, with the decision which opposition was apt tochangeintoobstinacy.

Mrs. March knew that experience was an excellent teacher, and when it waspossiblesheleftherchildrentolearnalonethelessonswhichshewouldgladlyhavemadeeasier,iftheyhadnotobjectedtotakingadviceasmuchastheydidsaltsandsenna.

"Very well, Amy, if your heart is set upon it, and you see your way throughwithout too great an outlay ofmoney, time, and temper, I'll say nomore. Talk itoverwiththegirls,andwhicheverwayyoudecide,I'lldomybesttohelpyou."

"Thanks,Mother,youare always sokind." andawaywentAmy to layherplanbeforehersisters.

Meg agreed at once, and promised her aid, gladly offering anything shepossessed, fromher littlehouse itself toherverybest saltspoons.But Jo frowneduponthewholeprojectandwouldhavenothingtodowithitatfirst.

"Whyintheworldshouldyouspendyourmoney,worryyourfamily,andturnthehouse upside down for a parcel of girls who don't care a sixpence for you? Ithought you had too much pride and sense to truckle to any mortal woman justbecause shewearsFrenchbootsand rides ina coupe," said Jo,who,beingcalledfromthetragicclimaxofhernovel,wasnotinthebestmoodforsocialenterprises.

"Idon't truckle, and Ihatebeingpatronizedasmuchasyoudo!" returnedAmyindignantly,forthetwostilljangledwhensuchquestionsarose."Thegirlsdocareforme, and I for them, and there's a great deal of kindness and sense and talentamongthem,inspiteofwhatyoucallfashionablenonsense.Youdon'tcaretomakepeoplelikeyou,togointogoodsociety,andcultivateyourmannersandtastes.Ido,andImean tomake themostofeverychance thatcomes.Youcango throughtheworldwithyourelbowsoutandyournoseintheair,andcallitindependence,ifyoulike.That'snotmyway."

WhenAmyhadwhettedhertongueandfreedhermindsheusuallygotthebestofit, for she seldomfailed tohavecommonsenseonher side,while Jocarriedherlove of liberty and hate of conventionalities to such an unlimited extent that shenaturally found herself worsted in an argument. Amy's definition of Jo's idea ofindependencewassuchagoodhit thatbothburstout laughing,and thediscussiontookamoreamiableturn.Muchagainstherwill,Joatlengthconsentedtosacrificea day to Mrs. Grundy, and help her sister through what she regarded as 'anonsensicalbusiness'.

Theinvitationsweresent,nearlyallaccepted,andthefollowingMondaywassetapartfor thegrandevent.Hannahwasoutofhumorbecauseherweek'sworkwasderanged,andprophesiedthat"efthewashin'andironin'warn'tdonereg'lar,nothin'wouldgowellanywheres".Thishitchinthemainspringofthedomesticmachineryhadabadeffectuponthewholeconcern,butAmy'smottowas 'Nildesperandum',and havingmade up her mind what to do, she proceeded to do it in spite of allobstacles. To beginwith,Hannah's cooking didn't turn outwell. The chickenwastough,thetonguetoosalty,andthechocolatewouldn'tfrothproperly.ThenthecakeandicecostmorethanAmyexpected,sodidthewagon,andvariousotherexpenses,whichseemedtriflingattheoutset,countedupratheralarminglyafterward.Bethgota cold and took toherbed.Meghad anunusualnumberof callers tokeepher athome,andJowasinsuchadividedstateofmindthatherbreakages,accidents,andmistakeswereuncommonlynumerous,serious,andtrying.

If it was not fair on Monday, the young ladies were to come on Tuesday, anarrangement which aggravated Jo and Hannah to the last degree. On Mondaymorningtheweatherwasinthatundecidedstatewhichismoreexasperatingthana

steady pour. It drizzled a little, shone a little, blew a little, and didn'tmake up itsmind till itwas too late for anyone else tomake up theirs.Amywas up at dawn,hustlingpeopleoutoftheirbedsandthroughtheirbreakfasts,thatthehousemightbegotinorder.Theparlorstruckheraslookinguncommonlyshabby,butwithoutstoppingtosighforwhatshehadnot,sheskillfullymadethebestofwhatshehad,arranging chairs over theworn places in the carpet, covering stains on thewallswithhomemade statuary,whichgaveanartistic air to the room,asdid the lovelyvasesofflowersJoscatteredabout.

Thelunchlookedcharming,andasshesurveyedit,shesincerelyhopeditwouldtaste well, and that the borrowed glass, china, and silver would get safely homeagain. The carriages were promised, Meg and Mother were all ready to do thehonors,Bethwasable tohelpHannahbehind the scenes, Johadengaged tobeaslively and amiable as an absent mind, and aching head, and a very decideddisapprovalofeverybodyandeverythingwouldallow,andasshewearilydressed,Amy cheered herself with anticipations of the happymoment when, lunch safelyover, she shoulddriveawaywithher friends foranafternoonofartisticdelights,forthe'cherrybounce'andthebrokenbridgewereherstrongpoints.

Then came the hours of suspense, during which she vibrated from parlor toporch,whilepublicopinionvariedliketheweathercock.Asmartshoweratelevenhad evidently quenched the enthusiasmof the young ladieswhowere to arrive attwelve, for nobody came, and at two the exhausted family sat down in a blaze ofsunshinetoconsumetheperishableportionsofthefeast,thatnothingmightbelost.

"Nodoubtabouttheweathertoday,theywillcertainlycome,sowemustflyroundandbe ready for them," saidAmy, as the sunwoke her nextmorning. She spokebriskly,but inher secret soul shewishedshehadsaidnothingaboutTuesday, forherinterestlikehercakewasgettingalittlestale.

"I can't get any lobsters, so youwill have to dowithout salad today," saidMr.March,cominginhalfanhourlater,withanexpressionofplaciddespair.

"Usethechickenthen,thetoughnesswon'tmatterinasalad,"advisedhiswife.

"Hannah left it on the kitchen table aminute, and the kittens got at it. I'm verysorry,Amy,"addedBeth,whowasstillapatronessofcats.

"ThenImusthavealobster,fortonguealonewon'tdo,"saidAmydecidedly.

"Shall I rush into townanddemandone?" asked Jo,with themagnanimityof amartyr.

"You'dcomebringingithomeunderyourarmwithoutanypaper,justtotryme.I'llgomyself,"answeredAmy,whosetemperwasbeginningtofail.

Shroudedinathickveilandarmedwithagenteeltravelingbasket,shedeparted,feelingthatacooldrivewouldsootheherruffledspiritandfitherforthelaborsoftheday.Aftersomedelay,theobjectofherdesirewasprocured,likewiseabottleofdressing to prevent further loss of time at home, and off she drove again, wellpleasedwithherownforethought.

As the omnibus contained only one other passenger, a sleepy old lady, Amypocketedherveilandbeguiledthetediumofthewaybytryingtofindoutwhereallhermoneyhadgoneto.Sobusywasshewithhercardfullofrefractoryfiguresthatshe did not observe a newcomer,who enteredwithout stopping the vehicle, till amasculine voice said, "Goodmorning,MissMarch," and, looking up, she beheldoneofLaurie'smostelegantcollegefriends.Ferventlyhopingthathewouldgetoutbeforeshedid,Amyutterlyignoredthebasketatherfeet,andcongratulatingherselfthatshehadonhernewtravelingdress,returnedtheyoungman'sgreetingwithherusualsuavityandspirit.

Theygotonexcellently,forAmy'schiefcarewassoonsetatrestbylearningthatthe gentleman would leave first, and she was chatting away in a peculiarly loftystrain,whentheoldladygotout.Instumblingtothedoor,sheupsetthebasket,and—ohhorror!—thelobster, inall itsvulgarsizeandbrilliancy,wasrevealedtothehighborneyesofaTudor!

"By Jove, she's forgotten her dinner!" cried the unconscious youth, poking thescarletmonster into its placewith his cane, and preparing to hand out the basketaftertheoldlady.

"Pleasedon't—it's—it'smine,"murmuredAmy,withafacenearlyasredasherfish.

"Oh,really,Ibegpardon.It'sanuncommonlyfineone,isn'tit?"saidTudor,withgreatpresenceofmind,andanairofsoberinterestthatdidcredittohisbreeding.

Amy recovered herself in a breath, set her basket boldly on the seat, and said,laughing,"Don'tyouwishyouweretohavesomeofthesaladhe'sgoingtomake,andtoseethecharmingyoungladieswhoaretoeatit?"

Now that was tact, for two of the ruling foibles of the masculine mind weretouched.Thelobsterwasinstantlysurroundedbyahaloofpleasingreminiscences,

andcuriosityabout'thecharmingyoungladies'divertedhismindfromthecomicalmishap.

"Isupposehe'lllaughandjokeoveritwithLaurie,butIshan'tseethem,that'sacomfort,"thoughtAmy,asTudorbowedanddeparted.

Shedidnotmentionthismeetingathome(thoughshediscoveredthat,thankstothe upset, her new dress was much damaged by the rivulets of dressing thatmeandered down the skirt), but went through with the preparations which nowseemed more irksome than before, and at twelve o'clock all was ready again.Feeling that theneighborswere interested inhermovements,shewished toeffacethe memory of yesterday's failure by a grand success today, so she ordered the'cherrybounce',anddroveawayinstatetomeetandescorthergueststothebanquet.

"There's the rumble, they're coming! I'll go onto the porch and meet them. Itlooks hospitable, and I want the poor child to have a good time after all hertrouble,"saidMrs.March,suitingtheactiontotheword.Butafteroneglance,sheretired,withanindescribableexpression,forlookingquitelostinthebigcarriage,satAmyandoneyounglady.

"Run, Beth, and help Hannah clear half the things off the table. It will be tooabsurdtoputaluncheonfortwelvebeforeasinglegirl,"criedJo,hurryingawaytothelowerregions,tooexcitedtostopevenforalaugh.

IncameAmy,quitecalmanddelightfullycordialtotheoneguestwhohadkepther promise. The rest of the family, being of a dramatic turn, played their partsequallywell,andMissEliottfoundthemamosthilariousset,foritwasimpossibletocontrolentirelythemerrimentwhichpossessedthem.Theremodeledlunchbeinggailypartakenof,thestudioandgardenvisited,andartdiscussedwithenthusiasm,Amyordered a buggy (alas for the elegant cherry-bounce), and drove her friendquietlyabouttheneighborhoodtillsunset,when'thepartywentout'.

As she came walking in, looking very tired but as composed as ever, sheobserved that every vestige of the unfortunate fete had disappeared, except asuspiciouspuckeraboutthecornersofJo'smouth.

"You've had a loverly afternoon for your drive, dear," said her mother, asrespectfullyasifthewholetwelvehadcome.

"Miss Eliott is a very sweet girl, and seemed to enjoy herself, I thought,"observedBeth,withunusualwarmth.

"Could you spareme some of your cake? I really need some, I have somuchcompany,andIcan'tmakesuchdeliciousstuffasyours,"askedMegsoberly.

"Takeitall.I'mtheonlyoneherewholikessweetthings,anditwillmoldbeforeIcandisposeofit,"answeredAmy,thinkingwithasighofthegenerousstoreshehadlaidinforsuchanendasthis.

"It'sapityLaurieisn'theretohelpus,"beganJo,astheysatdowntoicecreamandsaladforthesecondtimeintwodays.

Awarning look from hermother checked any further remarks, and thewholefamilyateinheroicsilence,tillMr.Marchmildlyobserved,"saladwasoneofthefavoritedishesoftheancients,andEvelyn..."Hereageneralexplosionoflaughtercutshortthe'historyofsalads',tothegreatsurpriseofthelearnedgentleman.

"Bundle everything into a basket and send it to the Hummels. Germans likemesses. I'msickof thesightof this,and there'sno reasonyoushouldalldieofasurfeitbecauseI'vebeenafool,"criedAmy,wipinghereyes.

"IthoughtIshouldhavediedwhenIsawyoutwogirlsrattlingaboutinthewhat-you-call-it,liketwolittlekernelsinaverybignutshell,andMotherwaitinginstatetoreceivethethrong,"sighedJo,quitespentwithlaughter.

"I'm very sorry youwere disappointed, dear, butwe all did our best to satisfyyou,"saidMrs.March,inatonefullofmotherlyregret.

"I am satisfied. I've donewhat I undertook, and it's notmy fault that it failed. Icomfortmyselfwiththat,"saidAmywithalittlequiverinhervoice."Ithankyouallverymuchforhelpingme,andI'llthankyoustillmoreifyouwon'talludetoitforamonth,atleast."

No one did for severalmonths, but the word 'fete' always produced a generalsmile,andLaurie'sbirthdaygift toAmywasa tinycoral lobster in theshapeofacharmforherwatchguard.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

LITERARYLESSONS

FortunesuddenlysmileduponJo,anddroppedagoodluckpennyinherpath.Notagoldenpenny,exactly,but Idoubt ifhalfamillionwouldhavegivenmore real

happinessthendidthelittlesumthatcametoherinthiswise.

Every fewweeks shewould shutherself up inher room,put onher scribblingsuit,and 'fall intoavortex',assheexpressedit,writingawayathernovelwithallherheartandsoul,fortillthatwasfinishedshecouldfindnopeace.Her'scribblingsuit'consistedofablackwoolenpinaforeonwhichshecouldwipeherpenatwill,and a cap of the samematerial, adornedwith a cheerful red bow, intowhich shebundledherhairwhenthedeckswereclearedforaction.Thiscapwasabeacontothe inquiring eyes of her family, who during these periods kept their distance,merelypoppingintheirheadssemi-occasionallytoask,withinterest,"Doesgeniusburn, Jo?" They did not always venture even to ask this question, but took anobservation of the cap, and judged accordingly. If this expressive article of dresswasdrawn lowupon the forehead, itwas a sign that hardworkwasgoingon, inexcitingmomentsitwaspushedrakishlyaskew,andwhendespairseizedtheauthoritwaspluckedwhollyoff,andcastuponthefloor.Atsuchtimestheintrudersilentlywithdrew,andnotuntiltheredbowwasseengailyerectuponthegiftedbrow,didanyonedareaddressJo.

Shedidnotthinkherselfageniusbyanymeans,butwhenthewritingfitcameon,shegaveherselfuptoitwithentireabandon,andledablissfullife,unconsciousofwant,care,orbadweather,whileshesatsafeandhappyinanimaginaryworld,fulloffriendsalmostasrealanddeartoherasanyintheflesh.Sleepforsookhereyes,mealsstooduntasted,dayandnightwerealltooshorttoenjoythehappinesswhichblessedheronlyatsuchtimes,andmadethesehoursworthliving,eveniftheyboreno other fruit. The divine afflatus usually lasted a week or two, and then sheemergedfromher'vortex',hungry,sleepy,cross,ordespondent.

ShewasjustrecoveringfromoneoftheseattackswhenshewasprevailedupontoescortMissCrockertoalecture,andinreturnforhervirtuewasrewardedwithanew idea. It was a People's Course, the lecture on the Pyramids, and Jo ratherwondered at the choice of such a subject for such an audience, but took it forgrantedthatsomegreatsocialevilwouldberemediedorsomegreatwantsuppliedbyunfoldingthegloriesofthePharaohstoanaudiencewhosethoughtswerebusywiththepriceofcoalandflour,andwhoseliveswerespentintryingtosolveharderriddlesthanthatoftheSphinx.

Theywereearly,andwhileMissCrockersettheheelofherstocking,Joamusedherselfbyexamining thefacesof thepeoplewhooccupied theseatwith them.Onherleftweretwomatrons,withmassiveforeheadsandbonnetstomatch,discussingWomen'sRightsandmaking tatting.Beyondsatapairofhumble lovers,artlesslyholdingeachotherbythehand,asomberspinstereatingpeppermintsoutofapaper

bag,andanoldgentlemantakinghispreparatorynapbehindayellowbandanna.Onherright,heronlyneighborwasastudiouslookingladabsorbedinanewspaper.

It was a pictorial sheet, and Jo examined the work of art nearest her, idlywonderingwhatfortuitousconcatenationofcircumstancesneededthemelodramaticillustrationofanIndianinfullwarcostume,tumblingoveraprecipicewithawolfathisthroat,whiletwoinfuriatedyounggentlemen,withunnaturallysmallfeetandbig eyes, were stabbing each other close by, and a disheveled femalewas flyingawayinthebackgroundwithhermouthwideopen.Pausingtoturnapage,theladsawherlookingand,withboyishgoodnatureofferedhalfhispaper,sayingbluntly,"wanttoreadit?That'safirst-ratestory."

Joaccepteditwithasmile,forshehadneveroutgrownherlikingforlads,andsoonfoundherselfinvolvedintheusuallabyrinthoflove,mystery,andmurder,forthe story belonged to that class of light literature in which the passions have aholiday,andwhentheauthor's inventionfails,agrandcatastropheclears thestageof one half the dramatis personae, leaving the other half to exult over theirdownfall.

"Prime, isn't it?"asked theboy,ashereyewentdown the lastparagraphofherportion.

"IthinkyouandIcoulddoaswellasthatifwetried,"returnedJo,amusedathisadmirationofthetrash.

"IshouldthinkIwasaprettyluckychapifIcould.Shemakesagoodlivingoutofsuch stories, they say." and he pointed to the nameofMrs. S.L.A.N.G.Northbury,underthetitleofthetale.

"Doyouknowher?"askedJo,withsuddeninterest.

"No,butIreadallherpieces,andIknowafellowwhoworksintheofficewherethispaperisprinted."

"Do you say shemakes a good living out of stories like this?" and Jo lookedmorerespectfullyattheagitatedgroupandthicklysprinkledexclamationpointsthatadornedthepage.

"Guessshedoes!Sheknowsjustwhatfolks like,andgetspaidwell forwritingit."

Here the lecturebegan,but Joheardvery littleof it, forwhileProfessorSands

was prosing away about Belzoni, Cheops, scarabei, and hieroglyphics, she wascovertly takingdown theaddressof thepaper,andboldly resolving to try for thehundred-dollarprizeofferedinitscolumnsforasensationalstory.Bythetimethelectureendedandtheaudienceawoke,shehadbuiltupasplendidfortuneforherself(not the first founded on paper), and was already deep in the concoction of herstory,beingunabletodecidewhethertheduelshouldcomebeforetheelopementorafterthemurder.

She said nothing of her plan at home, but fell to work next day, much to thedisquiet of her mother, who always looked a little anxious when 'genius took toburning'. Jo had never tried this style before, contenting herself with very mildromancesforTheSpreadEagle.Herexperienceandmiscellaneousreadingwereofservice 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 herlimitedacquaintancewiththoseuncomfortableemotionsenabledhertomakeit,andhaving located it in Lisbon, she wound up with an earthquake, as a striking andappropriatedenouement.Themanuscriptwasprivatelydispatched,accompaniedbyanote,modestlysayingthat if thetaledidn'tget theprize,whichthewriterhardlydared expect, shewould be very glad to receive any sum itmight be consideredworth.

Sixweeksisalongtimetowait,andastilllongertimeforagirltokeepasecret,but Jo did both, and was just beginning to give up all hope of ever seeing hermanuscriptagain,whenaletterarrivedwhichalmosttookherbreathaway,foronopeningit,acheckforahundreddollarsfellintoherlap.Foraminuteshestaredatitasifithadbeenasnake,thenshereadherletterandbegantocry.Iftheamiablegentlemanwhowrotethatkindlynotecouldhaveknownwhatintensehappinesshewasgiving a fellowcreature, I thinkhewoulddevotehis leisurehours, if hehasany,tothatamusement,forJovaluedthelettermorethanthemoney,becauseitwasencouraging,andafteryearsofeffortitwassopleasanttofindthatshehadlearnedtodosomething,thoughitwasonlytowriteasensationstory.

A prouder young woman was seldom seen than she, when, having composedherself, she electrified the family by appearingbefore themwith the letter in onehand,thecheckintheother,announcingthatshehadwontheprize.Ofcoursetherewasagreatjubilee,andwhenthestorycameeveryonereadandpraisedit, thoughafter her father had told her that the language was good, the romance fresh andhearty,andthetragedyquitethrilling,heshookhishead,andsaidinhisunworldlyway...

"Youcandobetterthanthis,Jo.Aimatthehighest,andnevermindthemoney."

"I thinkthemoneyis thebestpartof it.Whatwillyoudowithsuchafortune?"askedAmy,regardingthemagicslipofpaperwithareverentialeye.

"SendBethandMothertotheseasideforamonthortwo,"answeredJopromptly.

To the seaside they went, after much discussion, and though Beth didn't comehomeasplumpandrosyascouldbedesired,shewasmuchbetter,whileMrs.Marchdeclaredshefelt tenyearsyounger.SoJowassatisfiedwith the investmentofherprizemoney,andfell toworkwithacheeryspirit,bentonearningmoreof thosedelightfulchecks.Shedidearnseveralthatyear,andbegantofeelherselfapowerinthehouse,forbythemagicofapen,her'rubbish'turnedintocomfortsforthemall.TheDuke'sDaughterpaid thebutcher'sbill,APhantomHandputdownanewcarpet,andtheCurseoftheCoventrysprovedtheblessingoftheMarchesinthewayofgroceriesandgowns.

Wealthiscertainlyamostdesirablething,butpovertyhasitssunnyside,andoneofthesweetusesofadversityisthegenuinesatisfactionwhichcomesfromheartywork of head or hand, and to the inspiration of necessity, we owe half thewise,beautiful,andusefulblessingsof theworld.Joenjoyeda tasteof thissatisfaction,and ceased to envy richer girls, taking great comfort in the knowledge that shecouldsupplyherownwants,andneedasknooneforapenny.

Littlenoticewastakenofherstories,buttheyfoundamarket,andencouragedbythis fact, sheresolved tomakeaboldstrokefor fameandfortune.Havingcopiedhernovelforthefourthtime,readittoallherconfidentialfriends,andsubmitteditwithfearandtremblingtothreepublishers,sheatlastdisposedofit,onconditionthat shewouldcut itdownone third,andomitall thepartswhichsheparticularlyadmired.

"NowImusteitherbundleitbackintomytinkitchentomold,payforprintingitmyself, or chop it up to suit purchasers andgetwhat I can for it. Fame is a verygoodthingtohaveinthehouse,butcashismoreconvenient,soIwishtotakethesenseofthemeetingonthisimportantsubject,"saidJo,callingafamilycouncil.

"Don'tspoilyourbook,mygirl, for there ismore in it thanyouknow,and theidea is well worked out. Let it wait and ripen," was her father's advice, and hepracticedwhathepreached,havingwaitedpatientlythirtyyearsforfruitofhisowntoripen,andbeinginnohastetogatheritevennowwhenitwassweetandmellow.

"ItseemstomethatJowillprofitmorebytakingthetrialthanbywaiting,"saidMrs. March. "Criticism is the best test of such work, for it will show her both

unsuspectedmeritsandfaults,andhelphertodobetternexttime.Wearetoopartial,but the praise andblameof outsiderswill proveuseful, even if she gets but littlemoney."

"Yes,"saidJo,knittingherbrows,"that'sjustit.I'vebeenfussingoverthethingsolong,Ireallydon'tknowwhetherit'sgood,bad,orindifferent.Itwillbeagreathelptohavecool,impartialpersonstakealookatit,andtellmewhattheythinkofit."

"Iwouldn'tleaveawordoutofit.You'llspoilitifyoudo,fortheinterestofthestory ismore in theminds than in the actions of the people, and it will be all amuddleifyoudon'texplainasyougoon,"saidMeg,whofirmlybelievedthatthisbookwasthemostremarkablenoveleverwritten.

"ButMr.Allensays,'Leaveouttheexplanations,makeitbriefanddramatic,andletthecharacterstellthestory',"interruptedJo,turningtothepublisher'snote.

"Doashetellsyou.Heknowswhatwillsell,andwedon't.Makeagood,popularbook,andgetasmuchmoneyasyoucan.By-and-by,whenyou'vegotaname,youcan afford to digress, and have philosophical and metaphysical people in yournovels,"saidAmy,whotookastrictlypracticalviewofthesubject.

"Well," saidJo, laughing,"ifmypeopleare 'philosophicalandmetaphysical', itisn'tmyfault, forIknownothingaboutsuchthings,exceptwhatIhearfathersay,sometimes.IfI'vegotsomeofhiswiseideasjumbledupwithmyromance,somuchthebetterforme.Now,Beth,whatdoyousay?"

"Ishouldsoliketoseeitprintedsoon,"wasallBethsaid,andsmiledinsayingit.But therewasanunconsciousemphasisonthelastword,andawistful lookintheeyesthatneverlosttheirchildlikecandor,whichchilledJo'sheartforaminutewithaforbodingfear,anddecidedhertomakeherlittleventure'soon'.

So,withSpartan firmness, theyoungauthoress laidher first-bornonher table,andchoppeditupasruthlesslyasanyogre.Inthehopeofpleasingeveryone,shetook everyone's advice, and like the old man and his donkey in the fable suitednobody.

Herfather likedthemetaphysicalstreakwhichhadunconsciouslygot intoit,sothatwasallowedtoremainthoughshehadherdoubtsaboutit.Hermotherthoughtthattherewasatrifletoomuchdescription.Out,thereforeitcame,andwithitmanynecessarylinksinthestory.Megadmiredthetragedy,soJopileduptheagonytosuit her, while Amy objected to the fun, and, with the best intentions in life, Joquenchedthespritlysceneswhichrelievedthesombercharacterofthestory.Then,

tocomplicatetheruin,shecutitdownonethird,andconfidinglysentthepoorlittleromance,likeapickedrobin,outintothebig,busyworldtotryitsfate.

Well, itwasprinted,andshegot threehundreddollarsfor it, likewiseplentyofpraiseandblame,bothsomuchgreaterthansheexpectedthatshewasthrownintoastateofbewildermentfromwhichittookhersometimetorecover.

"You said, Mother, that criticism would help me. But how can it, when it's socontradictorythatIdon'tknowwhetherI'vewrittenapromisingbookorbrokenallthetencommandments?"criedpoorJo,turningoveraheapofnotices,theperusalofwhichfilledherwithprideandjoyoneminute,wrathanddismaythenext."Thisman says, 'An exquisite book, full of truth, beauty, and earnestness.' 'All is sweet,pure,andhealthy.'"continuedtheperplexedauthoress."Thenext,'Thetheoryofthebook is bad, full ofmorbid fancies, spiritualistic ideas, and unnatural characters.'Now,asIhadno theoryofanykind,don'tbelieve inSpiritualism,andcopiedmycharactersfromlife,Idon'tseehowthiscriticcanberight.Anothersays,'It'soneofthebestAmericannovelswhichhasappeared foryears.' (Iknowbetter than that),and the next asserts that 'Though it is original, and written with great force andfeeling,itisadangerousbook.''Tisn't!Somemakefunofit,someoverpraise,andnearly all insist that I had adeep theory to expound,when I onlywrote it for thepleasureandthemoney.IwishI'dprintedthewholeornotatall,forIdohatetobesomisjudged."

Herfamilyandfriendsadministeredcomfortandcommendationliberally.Yetitwas a hard time for sensitive, high-spirited Jo, who meant so well and hadapparentlydonesoill.Butitdidhergood,forthosewhoseopinionhadrealvaluegave her the criticism which is an author's best education, and when the firstsorenesswasover,shecouldlaughatherpoorlittlebook,yetbelieveinitstill,andfeelherselfthewiserandstrongerforthebuffetingshehadreceived.

"Notbeingagenius,likeKeats,itwon'tkillme,"shesaidstoutly,"andI'vegotthejokeonmyside,afterall,forthepartsthatweretakenstraightoutofreallifearedenouncedasimpossibleandabsurd,andthescenesthatImadeupoutofmyownsilly head are pronounced 'charmingly natural, tender, and true'. So I'll comfortmyselfwiththat,andwhenI'mready,I'llupagainandtakeanother."

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

DOMESTICEXPERIENCES

Like most other young matrons, Meg began her married life with thedetermination to be a model housekeeper. John should find home a paradise, heshould always see a smiling face, should fare sumptuously every day, and neverknowthelossofabutton.Shebroughtsomuchlove,energy,andcheerfulnesstotheworkthatshecouldnotbutsucceed,inspiteofsomeobstacles.Herparadisewasnotatranquilone,forthelittlewomanfussed,wasover-anxioustoplease,andbustledaboutlikeatrueMartha,cumberedwithmanycares.Shewastootired,sometimes,eventosmile,Johngrewdyspepticafteracourseofdaintydishesandungratefullydemandedplainfare.Asforbuttons,shesoonlearnedtowonderwheretheywent,toshakeherheadoverthecarelessnessofmen,andtothreatentomakehimsewthemonhimself,andseeifhisworkwouldstandimpatientandclumsyfingersanybetterthanhers.

Theywereveryhappy,evenaftertheydiscoveredthattheycouldn'tliveonlovealone.JohndidnotfindMeg'sbeautydiminished,thoughshebeamedathimfrombehindthefamiliarcoffeepot.NordidMegmissanyoftheromancefromthedailyparting,whenherhusbandfolloweduphiskisswiththetenderinquiry,"ShallIsendsomevealormuttonfordinner,darling?"Thelittlehouseceasedtobeaglorifiedbower,butitbecameahome,andtheyoungcouplesoonfeltthatitwasachangeforthebetter.Atfirsttheyplayedkeep-house,andfrolickedoveritlikechildren.ThenJohn took steadily tobusiness, feeling the caresof theheadof a familyuponhisshoulders,andMeg laidbyhercambricwrappers,putonabigapron,and fell towork,asbeforesaid,withmoreenergythandiscretion.

WhilethecookingmanialastedshewentthroughMrs.Cornelius'sReceiptBookas if itwereamathematicalexercise,workingout theproblemswithpatienceandcare.Sometimesherfamilywereinvitedintohelpeatupatoobounteousfeastofsuccesses, or Lottywould be privately dispatchedwith a batch of failures,whichwere to be concealed from all eyes in the convenient stomachs of the littleHummels. An evening with John over the account books usually produced atemporary lull in the culinary enthusiasm, and a frugal fit would ensue, duringwhichthepoormanwasputthroughacourseofbreadpudding,hash,andwarmed-over coffee,which triedhis soul, althoughhebore itwithpraiseworthy fortitude.Before the golden mean was found, however, Meg added to her domesticpossessionswhatyoungcouplesseldomgetonlongwithout,afamilyjar.

Fired a with housewifely wish to see her storeroom stocked with homemadepreserves, she undertook to put up her own currant jelly. John was requested toorderhomeadozenorsooflittlepotsandanextraquantityofsugar,fortheirown

currantswereripeandweretobeattendedtoatonce.AsJohnfirmlybelievedthat'mywife'wasequal toanything,and tookanaturalpride inherskill,he resolvedthatsheshouldbegratified,andtheironlycropoffruitlaidbyinamostpleasingformforwinteruse.Homecamefourdozendelightful littlepots,halfabarrelofsugar,andasmallboytopickthecurrantsforher.Withherprettyhairtuckedintoalittlecap,armsbaredtotheelbow,andacheckedapronwhichhadacoquettishlookinspiteof thebib, theyounghousewife fell towork, feelingnodoubtsabouthersuccess, for hadn't she seen Hannah do it hundreds of times? The array of potsrather amazed her at first, but John was so fond of jelly, and the nice little jarswouldlooksowellonthetopshelf,thatMegresolvedtofillthemall,andspentalongdaypicking,boiling,straining,andfussingoverherjelly.Shedidherbest,sheaskedadviceofMrs.Cornelius,sherackedherbraintorememberwhatHannahdidthatsheleftundone,shereboiled,resugared,andrestrained,butthatdreadfulstuffwouldn't'jell'.

Shelongedtorunhome,bibandall,andaskMothertolendherahand,butJohnandshehadagreedthattheywouldneverannoyanyonewiththeirprivateworries,experiments, or quarrels. They had laughed over that last word as if the idea itsuggested was a most preposterous one, but they had held to their resolve, andwhenevertheycouldgetonwithouthelptheydidso,andnooneinterfered,forMrs.Marchhadadvisedtheplan.SoMegwrestledalonewiththerefractorysweetmeatsall that hot summerday, and at fiveo'clock sat down inher topsy-turveykitchen,wrungherbedaubedhands,lifteduphervoiceandwept.

Now, in the first flush of the new life, she had often said, "My husband shallalways feel free to bring a friend home whenever he likes. I shall always beprepared.Thereshallbenoflurry,noscolding,nodiscomfort,butaneathouse,acheerful wife, and a good dinner. John, dear, never stop to ask my leave, invitewhomyouplease,andbesureofawelcomefromme."

Howcharmingthatwas,tobesure!Johnquiteglowedwithpridetohearhersayit,andfeltwhatablessedthingitwastohaveasuperiorwife.But,althoughtheyhadhadcompanyfromtimetotime,itneverhappenedtobeunexpected,andMeghadneverhadanopportunitytodistinguishherselftillnow.Italwayshappenssointhisvaleoftears,thereisaninevitabilityaboutsuchthingswhichwecanonlywonderat,deplore,andbearaswebestcan.

If John had not forgotten all about the jelly, it really would have beenunpardonableinhimtochoosethatday,ofallthedaysintheyear,tobringafriendhome to dinner unexpectedly. Congratulating himself that a handsome repast hadbeenordered thatmorning, feeling sure that itwouldbe ready to theminute, and

indulging inpleasant anticipationsof the charming effect itwouldproduce,whenhisprettywifecamerunningouttomeethim,heescortedhisfriendtohismansion,withtheirrepressiblesatisfactionofayounghostandhusband.

It is a world of disappointments, as John discovered when he reached theDovecote.Thefrontdoorusuallystoodhospitablyopen.Nowitwasnotonlyshut,but locked, andyesterday'smud still adorned the steps.Theparlorwindowswereclosedandcurtained,nopictureof theprettywife sewingon thepiazza, inwhite,with a distracting little bow in her hair, or a bright-eyed hostess, smiling a shywelcomeasshegreetedherguest.Nothingofthesort,fornotasoulappearedbutasanginary-lookingboyasleepunderthecurrentbushes.

"I'mafraidsomethinghashappened.Stepintothegarden,Scott,whileIlookupMrs.Brooke,"saidJohn,alarmedatthesilenceandsolitude.

Round the house he hurried, led by a pungent smell of burned sugar, andMr.Scott strolled after him,with a queer look on his face.He paused discreetly at adistance when Brooke disappeared, but he could both see and hear, and being abachelor,enjoyedtheprospectmightily.

In the kitchen reigned confusion and despair. One edition of jellywas trickledfrompot topot, another layupon the floor, anda thirdwasburninggailyon thestove.Lotty,withTeutonicphlegm,wascalmlyeatingbreadandcurrantwine, forthe jellywas still in a hopelessly liquid state,whileMrs.Brooke,with her apronoverherhead,satsobbingdismally.

"Mydearestgirl,whatisthematter?"criedJohn,rushingin,withawfulvisionsofscaldedhands,suddennewsofaffliction,andsecretconsternationatthethoughtoftheguestinthegarden.

"Oh,John,Iamsotiredandhotandcrossandworried!I'vebeenatittillI'mallwornout.Docomeandhelpmeor I shalldie!"and theexhaustedhousewifecastherselfuponhisbreast,givinghimasweetwelcomeineverysenseoftheword,forherpinaforehadbeenbaptizedatthesametimeasthefloor.

"What worries you dear? Has anything dreadful happened?" asked the anxiousJohn,tenderlykissingthecrownofthelittlecap,whichwasallaskew.

"Yes,"sobbedMegdespairingly.

"Tellmequick, then.Don't cry. I canbearanythingbetter than that.Outwith it,love."

"The...Thejellywon'tjellandIdon'tknowwhattodo!"

JohnBrookelaughedthenasheneverdaredtolaughafterward,andthederisiveScottsmiledinvoluntarilyasheheardtheheartypeal,whichputthefinishingstroketopoorMeg'swoe.

"Isthatall?Flingitoutofthewindow,anddon'tbotheranymoreaboutit.I'llbuyyouquartsifyouwantit,butforheaven'ssakedon'thavehysterics,forI'vebroughtJackScotthometodinner,and..."

Johngot no further, forMegcast himoff, and claspedher handswith a tragicgesture as she fell into a chair, exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation,reproach,anddismay...

"Amantodinner,andeverythinginamess!JohnBrooke,howcouldyoudosuchathing?"

"Hush, he's in the garden! I forgot the confounded jelly, but it can't be helpednow,"saidJohn,surveyingtheprospectwithananxiouseye.

"Youought tohavesentword,or toldme thismorning,andyouought tohaverememberedhowbusyIwas,"continuedMegpetulantly, foreven turtledoveswillpeckwhenruffled.

"Ididn'tknowitthismorning,andtherewasnotimetosendword,forImethimonthewayout.Ineverthoughtofaskingleave,whenyouhavealwaystoldmetodoasIliked.Inevertrieditbefore,andhangmeifIeverdoagain!"addedJohn,withanaggrievedair.

"I should hope not!Take him away at once. I can't see him, and there isn't anydinner."

"Well, I like that!Where's thebeefandvegetables I senthome,and thepuddingyoupromised?"criedJohn,rushingtothelarder.

"Ihadn'ttimetocookanything.ImeanttodineatMother's.I'msorry,butIwassobusy,"andMeg'stearsbeganagain.

Johnwas amildman, but hewas human, and after a longday'swork to comehometired,hungry,andhopeful,tofindachaotichouse,anemptytable,andacrosswifewasnotexactlyconducivetoreposeofmindormanner.Herestrainedhimselfhowever,andthelittlesquallwouldhaveblownover,butforoneunluckyword.

"It'sascrape,Iacknowledge,butifyouwill lendahand,we'llpull throughandhave a good time yet.Don't cry, dear, but just exert yourself a bit, and fix us upsomethingtoeat.We'rebothashungryashunters,soweshan'tmindwhatitis.Giveusthecoldmeat,andbreadandcheese.Wewon'taskforjelly."

Hemeant it to be a good-natured joke, but that oneword sealed his fate.Megthoughtitwastoocrueltohintabouthersadfailure,andthelastatomofpatiencevanishedashespoke.

"Youmust get yourself out of the scrape as you can. I'm too used up to 'exert'myself foranyone. It's likeaman toproposeaboneandvulgarbreadandcheeseforcompany. Iwon'thaveanythingof the sort inmyhouse.Take thatScottup toMother's,andtellhimI'maway,sick,dead,anything.Iwon'tseehim,andyoutwocan laugh atme andmy jelly asmuch as you like.Youwon't have anything elsehere." and having delivered her defiance all on one breath, Meg cast away herpinaforeandprecipitatelyleftthefieldtobemoanherselfinherownroom.

What those twocreaturesdid inherabsence,sheneverknew,butMr.Scottwasnot taken 'up toMother's', andwhenMegdescended, after theyhad strolled awaytogether, she found traces of a promiscuous lunch which filled her with horror.Lottyreportedthattheyhadeaten"amuch,andgreatlylaughed,andthemasterbidherthrowawayallthesweetstuff,andhidethepots."

Meg longed to go and tell Mother, but a sense of shame at her own short-comings, of loyalty to John, "who might be cruel, but nobody should know it,"restrainedher,andafterasummarycleaningup,shedressedherselfprettily,andsatdowntowaitforJohntocomeandbeforgiven.

Unfortunately,Johndidn'tcome,notseeingthematterinthatlight.Hehadcarriedit off as a good joke with Scott, excused his little wife as well as he could, andplayed the host so hospitably that his friend enjoyed the impromptu dinner, andpromisedtocomeagain,butJohnwasangry,thoughhedidnotshowit,hefeltthatMeghaddesertedhiminhishourofneed."Itwasn'tfairtotellamantobringfolkshomeanytime,withperfectfreedom,andwhenhetookyouatyourword,toflameup and blame him, and leave him in the lurch, to be laughed at or pitied.No, byGeorge,itwasn't!AndMegmustknowit."

He had fumed inwardly during the feast, but when the flurry was over and hestrolled home after seeing Scott off, amildermood came over him. "Poor littlething!Itwasharduponherwhenshetriedsoheartilytopleaseme.Shewaswrong,ofcourse,butthenshewasyoung.Imustbepatientandteachher."Hehopedshehad

not gone home—he hated gossip and interference. For a minute he was ruffledagainat themere thoughtof it, and then the fear thatMegwouldcryherself sicksoftenedhisheart,andsenthimonataquickerpace,resolvingtobecalmandkind,butfirm,quitefirm,andshowherwhereshehadfailedinherdutytoherspouse.

Meglikewiseresolvedtobe'calmandkind,butfirm',andshowhimhisduty.Shelongedtoruntomeethim,andbegpardon,andbekissedandcomforted,asshewassureofbeing,but,ofcourse, shedidnothingof the sort, andwhenshe sawJohncoming, began to hum quite naturally, as she rocked and sewed, like a lady ofleisureinherbestparlor.

John was a little disappointed not to find a tender Niobe, but feeling that hisdignitydemandedthefirstapology,hemadenone,onlycameleisurelyinandlaidhimselfuponthesofawiththesingularlyrelevantremark,"Wearegoingtohaveanewmoon,mydear."

"I've no objection,"wasMeg's equally soothing remark.A few other topics ofgeneralinterestwereintroducedbyMr.Brookeandwet-blanketedbyMrs.Brooke,and conversation languished. John went to one window, unfolded his paper, andwrapped himself in it, figuratively speaking.Megwent to the other window, andsewed as if new rosettes for slipperswere among the necessaries of life.Neitherspoke.Bothlookedquite'calmandfirm',andbothfeltdesperatelyuncomfortable.

"Oh, dear," thought Meg, "married life is very trying, and does need infinitepatience as well as love, as Mother says." The word 'Mother' suggested othermaternalcounselsgivenlongago,andreceivedwithunbelievingprotests.

"Johnisagoodman,buthehashisfaults,andyoumustlearntoseeandbearwiththem,rememberingyourown.Heisverydecided,butneverwillbeobstinate,ifyoureasonkindly,notopposeimpatiently.Heisveryaccurate,andparticularaboutthetruth—agoodtrait,thoughyoucallhim'fussy'.Neverdeceivehimbylookorword,Meg,andhewillgiveyoutheconfidenceyoudeserve,thesupportyouneed.Hehasatemper,notlikeours—oneflashandthenallover—butthewhite,stillangerthatisseldomstirred,butoncekindledishardtoquench.Becareful,beverycareful,nottowakehisangeragainstyourself,forpeaceandhappinessdependonkeepinghisrespect.Watchyourself,bethefirsttoaskpardonifyoubotherr,andguardagainstthe little piques, misunderstandings, and hasty words that often pave the way forbittersorrowandregret."

ThesewordscamebacktoMeg,asshesatsewinginthesunset,especiallythelast.Thiswasthefirstseriousdisagreement,herownhastyspeechessoundedbothsilly

andunkind,assherecalledthem,herownangerlookedchildishnow,andthoughtsofpoorJohncominghometosuchascenequitemeltedherheart.Sheglancedathimwithtearsinhereyes,buthedidnotseethem.Sheputdownherworkandgotup,thinking,"Iwillbethefirsttosay,'Forgiveme'",buthedidnotseemtohearher.Shewentveryslowlyacrosstheroom,forpridewashardtoswallow,andstoodbyhim,buthedidnotturnhishead.Foraminuteshefeltasifshereallycouldn'tdoit,thencamethethought,"This is thebeginning.I'lldomypart,andhavenothingtoreproachmyself with," and stooping down, she softly kissed her husband on theforehead. Of course that settled it. The penitent kiss was better than a world ofwords,andJohnhadheronhiskneeinaminute,sayingtenderly...

"Itwastoobadtolaughatthepoorlittlejellypots.Forgiveme,dear.Ineverwillagain!"

Buthedid,ohblessyou,yes,hundredsoftimes,andsodidMeg,bothdeclaringthatitwasthesweetestjellytheyevermade,forfamilypeacewaspreservedinthatlittlefamilyjar.

Afterthis,MeghadMr.Scotttodinnerbyspecialinvitation,andservedhimupapleasantfeastwithoutacookedwifeforthefirstcourse,onwhichoccasionshewassogayandgracious,andmadeeverythinggooffsocharmingly,thatMr.ScotttoldJohnhewasaluckyfellow,andshookhisheadoverthehardshipsofbachelorhoodallthewayhome.

Intheautumn,newtrialsandexperiencescametoMeg.SallieMoffatrenewedherfriendship, was always running out for a dish of gossip at the little house, orinviting 'that poor dear' to come in and spend the day at the big house. It waspleasant, for in dull weatherMeg often felt lonely. All were busy at home, Johnabsenttillnight,andnothingtodobutsew,orread,orpotterabout.SoitnaturallyfelloutthatMeggotintothewayofgaddingandgossipingwithherfriend.SeeingSallie'spretty thingsmadeher longforsuch,andpityherselfbecauseshehadnotgot them.Salliewasverykind, andoftenofferedher the coveted trifles, butMegdeclinedthem,knowingthatJohnwouldn'tlikeit,andthenthisfoolishlittlewomanwentanddidwhatJohndislikedevenworse.

Sheknewherhusband'sincome,andshelovedtofeelthathetrustedher,notonlywithhishappiness,butwhatsomemenseemtovaluemore—hismoney.Sheknewwhereitwas,wasfreetotakewhatsheliked,andallheaskedwasthatsheshouldkeepaccountofeverypenny,paybillsonceamonth,andrememberthatshewasapoorman'swife.Tillnowshehaddonewell,beenprudentandexact,keptherlittleaccountbooksneatly,andshowedthemtohimmonthlywithoutfear.Butthatautumn

theserpentgot intoMeg'sparadise,andtemptedher likemanyamodernEve,notwith apples, butwith dress.Meg didn't like to be pitied andmade to feel poor. Itirritated her, but she was ashamed to confess it, and now and then she tried toconsoleherselfbybuyingsomethingpretty, so thatSallieneedn't thinkshehad toeconomize. She always felt wicked after it, for the pretty things were seldomnecessaries,butthentheycostsolittle,itwasn'tworthworryingabout,sothetriflesincreased unconsciously, and in the shopping excursions she was no longer apassivelooker-on.

But the trifles cost more than one would imagine, and when she cast up heraccountsattheendofthemonththesumtotalratherscaredher.Johnwasbusythatmonthandleftthebillstoher,thenextmonthhewasabsent,butthethirdhehadagrand quarterly settling up, andMeg never forgot it. A few days before she haddoneadreadfulthing,anditweigheduponherconscience.Salliehadbeenbuyingsilks, andMeg longed for a new one, just a handsome light one for parties, herblacksilkwassocommon,andthinthingsforeveningwearwereonlyproperforgirls.AuntMarchusuallygavethesistersapresentoftwenty-fivedollarsapieceatNewYear's.Thatwasonlyamonthtowait,andherewasalovelyvioletsilkgoingatabargain,andshehadthemoney, ifsheonlydaredto take it.Johnalwayssaidwhatwashiswashers,butwouldhethinkitrighttospendnotonlytheprospectivefive-and-twenty, but another five-and-twenty out of the household fund?Thatwasthequestion.Salliehadurgedhertodoit,hadofferedtolendthemoney,andwiththebestintentionsinlifehadtemptedMegbeyondherstrength.Inanevilmomenttheshopmanheldup the lovely, shimmering folds,andsaid, "Abargain, Iassure,you,ma'am."Sheanswered,"I'lltakeit,"anditwascutoffandpaidfor,andSalliehadexulted,andshehadlaughedasifitwereathingofnoconsequence,anddrivenaway,feelingasifshehadstolensomething,andthepolicewereafterher.

Whenshegothome,shetriedtoassuagethepangsofremorsebyspreadingforththe lovelysilk,but it looked lesssilverynow,didn'tbecomeher,afterall,and thewords 'fifty dollars' seemed stamped like a pattern down each breadth. She put itaway,butithauntedher,notdelightfullyasanewdressshould,butdreadfullyliketheghostofafollythatwasnoteasilylaid.WhenJohngotouthisbooksthatnight,Meg'sheart sank, and for the first time inhermarried life, shewasafraidofherhusband.Thekind,browneyeslookedasiftheycouldbestern,andthoughhewasunusuallymerry,shefanciedhehadfoundherout,butdidn'tmeantoletherknowit.Thehousebillswereallpaid,thebooksallinorder.Johnhadpraisedher,andwasundoingtheoldpocketbookwhichtheycalledthe'bank',whenMeg,knowingthatitwasquiteempty,stoppedhishand,sayingnervously...

"Youhaven'tseenmyprivateexpensebookyet."

Johnneverasked tosee it,but shealways insistedonhisdoingso,andused toenjoyhismasculineamazementat thequeer thingswomenwanted,andmadehimguesswhatpipingwas,demandfiercelythemeaningofahug-me-tight,orwonderhowalittlethingcomposedofthreerosebuds,abitofvelvet,andapairofstrings,couldpossiblybeabonnet,andcostsixdollars.Thatnighthelookedasifhewouldlike the fun of quizzing her figures and pretending to be horrified at herextravagance,asheoftendid,beingparticularlyproudofhisprudentwife.

Thelittlebookwasbroughtslowlyoutandlaiddownbeforehim.Meggotbehindhis chair underpretenseof smoothing thewrinklesout of his tired forehead, andstandingthere,shesaid,withherpanicincreasingwitheveryword...

"John,dear, I'mashamed to showyoumybook, for I've reallybeendreadfullyextravagant lately. I go about so much I must have things, you know, and Sallieadvisedmygettingit,soIdid,andmyNewYear'smoneywillpartlypayforit,butIwassorryafterIhaddoneit,forIknewyou'dthinkitwronginme."

Johnlaughed,anddrewherroundbesidehim,sayinggoodhumoredly,"Don'tgoandhide.Iwon'tbeatyouifyouhavegotapairofkillingboots.I'mratherproudofmywife'sfeet,anddon'tmindifshedoespayeightorninedollarsforherboots,iftheyaregoodones."

Thathadbeenoneofherlast'trifles',andJohn'seyehadfallenonitashespoke."Oh,whatwillhesaywhenhecomestothatawfulfiftydollars!"thoughtMeg,withashiver.

"It'sworsethanboots,it'sasilkdress,"shesaid,withthecalmnessofdesperation,forshewantedtheworstover.

"Well,dear,whatisthe'dem'dtotal',asMr.Mantalinisays?"

That didn't sound like John, and she knew he was looking up at her with thestraightforwardlookthatshehadalwaysbeenreadytomeetandanswerwithoneasfrank till now.She turned thepageandherheadat the same time,pointing to thesumwhichwouldhavebeenbadenoughwithoutthefifty,butwhichwasappallingtoherwiththatadded.Foraminutetheroomwasverystill,thenJohnsaidslowly—butshecouldfeelitcosthimanefforttoexpressnodispleasure—...

"Well, I don't know that fifty is much for a dress, with all the furbelows andnotionsyouhavetohavetofinishitoffthesedays."

"It isn'tmadeortrimmed,"sighedMeg,faintly,forasuddenrecollectionofthe

coststilltobeincurredquiteoverwhelmedher.

"Twenty-fiveyardsofsilkseemsagooddealtocoveronesmallwoman,butI'venodoubtmywifewilllookasfineasNedMoffat'swhenshegetsiton,"saidJohndryly.

"Iknowyouareangry,John,butIcan'thelpit.Idon'tmeantowasteyourmoney,andIdidn'tthinkthoselittlethingswouldcountupso.Ican'tresistthemwhenIseeSalliebuyingallshewants,andpityingmebecauseIdon't.Itrytobecontented,butitishard,andI'mtiredofbeingpoor."

Thelastwordswerespokensolowshethoughthedidnothearthem,buthedid,andtheywoundedhimdeeply,forhehaddeniedhimselfmanypleasuresforMeg'ssake. She could have bitten her tongue out the minute she had said it, for Johnpushed thebooksawayandgotup, sayingwitha littlequiver inhisvoice, "Iwasafraidofthis.Idomybest,Meg."Ifhehadscoldedher,orevenshakenher,itwouldnothavebrokenherheartlikethosefewwords.Sherantohimandheldhimclose,crying,with repentant tears, "Oh, John,mydear, kind, hard-workingboy. I didn'tmean it! Itwas sowicked, so untrue andungrateful, howcould I say it!Oh, howcouldIsayit!"

Hewasverykind, forgaveherreadily,anddidnotutteronereproach,butMegknew that she had done and said a thing which would not be forgotten soon,althoughhemightneveralludetoitagain.Shehadpromisedtolovehimforbetteror worse, and then she, his wife, had reproached him with his poverty, afterspendinghisearningsrecklessly.Itwasdreadful,andtheworstofitwasJohnwenton so quietly afterward, just as if nothing had happened, except that he stayed intownlater,andworkedatnightwhenshehadgonetocryherselftosleep.AweekofremorsenearlymadeMegsick,andthediscoverythatJohnhadcountermandedtheorderforhisnewgreatcoatreducedhertoastateofdespairwhichwaspathetictobehold.Hehadsimplysaid,inanswertohersurprisedinquiriesastothechange,"Ican'taffordit,mydear."

Megsaidnomore,butafewminutesafterhefoundherinthehallwithherfaceburiedintheoldgreatcoat,cryingasifherheartwouldbreak.

Theyhada longtalk thatnight,andMeglearnedto loveherhusbandbetterforhispoverty,becauseitseemedtohavemadeamanofhim,givenhimthestrengthandcourage to fighthisownway,and taughthima tenderpatiencewithwhich tobearandcomfortthenaturallongingsandfailuresofthoseheloved.

Nextdaysheputherprideinherpocket,wenttoSallie,toldthetruth,andaskedhertobuythesilkasafavor.Thegood-naturedMrs.Moffatwillinglydidso,andhad thedelicacynot tomakeherapresentof it immediatelyafterward.ThenMegorderedhome thegreatcoat, andwhen Johnarrived, sheput it on, and askedhimhowhe likedhernewsilkgown.Onecan imaginewhat answerhemade,howhereceived his present, andwhat a blissful state of things ensued. John came homeearly,Meggaddednomore,andthatgreatcoatwasputoninthemorningbyaveryhappy husband, and taken off at night by a most devoted little wife. So the yearrolledround,andatmidsummertherecametoMeganewexperience, thedeepestandtenderestofawoman'slife.

Laurie came sneaking into the kitchen of the Dovecote one Saturday, with anexcited face, andwas receivedwith theclashof cymbals, forHannahclappedherhandswithasaucepaninoneandthecoverintheother.

"How'sthelittlemamma?Whereiseverybody?Whydidn'tyoutellmebeforeIcamehome?"beganLaurieinaloudwhisper.

"Happyasaqueen,thedear!Everysoulof'emisupstairsaworshipin'.Wedidn'twantnohurrycanes round.Nowyougo into theparlor,and I'll send 'emdown toyou,"withwhichsomewhatinvolvedreplyHannahvanished,chucklingecstatically.

PresentlyJoappeared,proudlybearinga flannelbundle laid forthupona largepillow.Jo'sfacewasverysober,buthereyestwinkled,andtherewasanoddsoundinhervoiceofrepressedemotionofsomesort.

"Shutyoureyesandholdoutyourarms,"shesaidinvitingly.

Lauriebackedprecipitately intoacorner,andputhishandsbehindhimwithanimploringgesture."No,thankyou.I'drathernot.Ishalldropitorsmashit,assureasfate."

"Thenyoushan'tseeyournevvy,"saidJodecidedly,turningasiftogo.

"Iwill,Iwill!Onlyyoumustberesponsiblefordamages."andobeyingorders,Laurie heroically shut his eyeswhile somethingwas put into his arms.A peal oflaughterfromJo,Amy,Mrs.March,Hannah,andJohncausedhimtoopenthemthenextminute,tofindhimselfinvestedwithtwobabiesinsteadofone.

No wonder they laughed, for the expression of his face was droll enough toconvulseaQuaker,ashestoodandstaredwildlyfromtheunconsciousinnocentstothe hilarious spectators with such dismay that Jo sat down on the floor and

screamed.

"Twins,byJupiter!"wasallhesaidforaminute,thenturningtothewomenwithan appealing look that was comically piteous, he added, "Take 'em quick,somebody!I'mgoingtolaugh,andIshalldrop'em."

Jo rescued his babies, andmarched up and down,with one on each arm, as ifalready initiated into the mysteries of babytending, while Laurie laughed till thetearsrandownhischeeks.

"It'sthebestjokeoftheseason,isn'tit?Iwouldn'thavetoldyou,forIsetmyheartonsurprisingyou,andIflattermyselfI'vedoneit,"saidJo,whenshegotherbreath.

"Ineverwasmorestaggeredinmylife.Isn'titfun?Aretheyboys?Whatareyougoingtonamethem?Let'shaveanotherlook.Holdmeup,Jo,foruponmylifeit'sonetoomanyforme,"returnedLaurie,regardingtheinfantswiththeairofabig,benevolentNewfoundlandlookingatapairofinfantilekittens.

"Boyandgirl.Aren'ttheybeauties?"saidtheproudpapa,beaminguponthelittleredsquirmersasiftheywereunfledgedangels.

"Most remarkablechildren I ever saw.Which iswhich?"andLauriebent likeawell-sweeptoexaminetheprodigies.

"Amyputablueribbonontheboyandapinkonthegirl,Frenchfashion,soyoucanalwaystell.Besides,onehasblueeyesandonebrown.Kissthem,UncleTeddy,"saidwickedJo.

"I'm afraid they mightn't like it," began Laurie, with unusual timidity in suchmatters.

"Ofcoursetheywill,theyareusedtoitnow.Doitthisminute,sir!"commandedJo,fearinghemightproposeaproxy.

Lauriescreweduphis faceandobeyedwithagingerlypeckateach littlecheekthatproducedanotherlaugh,andmadethebabiessqueal.

"There,Iknewtheydidn'tlikeit!That'stheboy,seehimkick,hehitsoutwithhisfistslikeagoodone.Nowthen,youngBrooke,pitchintoamanofyourownsize,willyou?"criedLaurie,delightedwithapokeinthefacefromatinyfist,flappingaimlesslyabout.

"He's to be named John Laurence, and the girl Margaret, after mother andgrandmother.WeshallcallherDaisey,soasnot tohavetwoMegs,andIsupposethemanniewill be Jack, unlesswe find a better name," saidAmy,with aunt-likeinterest.

"NamehimDemijohn,andcallhimDemiforshort,"saidLaurie.

"DaisyandDemi,justthething!IknewTeddywoulddoit,"criedJoclappingherhands.

Teddycertainlyhaddoneitthattime,forthebabieswere'Daisy'and'Demi'totheendofthechapter.

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

CALLS

"Come,Jo,it'stime."

"Forwhat?"

"You don't mean to say you have forgotten that you promised to make half adozencallswithmetoday?"

"I'vedoneagoodmanyrashandfoolishthingsinmylife,butIdon'tthinkIeverwasmadenoughtosayI'dmakesixcallsinoneday,whenasingleoneupsetsmeforaweek."

"Yes,youdid,itwasabargainbetweenus.IwastofinishthecrayonofBethforyou,andyouweretogoproperlywithme,andreturnourneighbors'visits."

"Ifitwasfair,thatwasinthebond,andIstandtotheletterofmybond,Shylock.Thereisapileofcloudsintheeast,it'snotfair,andIdon'tgo."

"Now,that'sshirking.It'salovelyday,noprospectofrain,andyouprideyourselfonkeepingpromises,sobehonorable,comeanddoyourduty,andthenbeatpeaceforanothersixmonths."

AtthatminuteJowasparticularlyabsorbedindressmaking,forshewasmantua-

makergeneral to the family,and tookespecialcredit toherselfbecauseshecoulduseaneedleaswellasapen.Itwasveryprovokingtobearrestedintheactofafirsttrying-on,andorderedouttomakecallsinherbestarrayonawarmJulyday.Shehatedcallsof the formalsort, andnevermadeany tillAmycompelledherwithabargain,bribe,orpromise.Inthepresentinstancetherewasnoescape,andhavingclashedherscissorsrebelliously,whileprotestingthatshesmelledthunder,shegavein,putawayherwork,andtakingupherhatandgloveswithanairofresignation,toldAmythevictimwasready.

"JoMarch,youareperverseenoughtoprovokeasaint!Youdon'tintendtomakecallsinthatstate,Ihope,"criedAmy,surveyingherwithamazement.

"Whynot?I'mneatandcoolandcomfortable,quiteproperforadustywalkonawarmday.Ifpeoplecaremoreformyclothesthantheydoforme,Idon'twishtoseethem.Youcandressforboth,andbeaselegantasyouplease.Itpaysforyoutobefine.Itdoesn'tforme,andfurbelowsonlyworryme."

"Oh,dear!"sighedAmy,"nowshe'sinacontraryfit,andwilldrivemedistractedbeforeIcangetherproperlyready.I'msureit'snopleasuretometogotoday,butit's a debt we owe society, and there's no one to pay it but you and me. I'll doanythingforyou,Jo,ifyou'llonlydressyourselfnicely,andcomeandhelpmedothecivil.Youcantalksowell,looksoaristocraticinyourbestthings,andbehavesobeautifully, ifyou try, that I'mproudofyou. I'mafraid togoalone,docomeandtakecareofme."

"You'reanartfullittlepusstoflatterandwheedleyourcrossoldsisterinthatway.The idea of my being aristocratic and well-bred, and your being afraid to goanywherealone!Idon'tknowwhichisthemostabsurd.Well,I'llgoifImust,anddomybest.Youshallbecommanderoftheexpedition,andI'llobeyblindly,will thatsatisfyyou?"saidJo,withasuddenchangefromperversitytolamblikesubmission.

"You'reaperfectcherub!Nowputonallyourbestthings,andI'lltellyouhowtobehaveateachplace,sothatyouwillmakeagoodimpression.Iwantpeopletolikeyou,andtheywouldifyou'donlytrytobealittlemoreagreeable.Doyourhairtheprettyway,andput thepink rose inyourbonnet. It'sbecoming,andyou look toosoberinyourplainsuit.Takeyourlightglovesandtheembroideredhandkerchief.We'll stop at Meg's, and borrow her white sunshade, and then you can have mydove-coloredone."

While Amy dressed, she issued her orders, and Jo obeyed them, not withoutenteringherprotest,however,forshesighedassherustledintoherneworgandie,

frowneddarklyatherselfasshe tiedherbonnetstrings inan irreproachablebow,wrestled viciously with pins as she put on her collar, wrinkled up her featuresgenerallyassheshookoutthehandkerchief,whoseembroiderywasasirritatingtohernoseasthepresentmissionwastoherfeelings,andwhenshehadsqueezedherhandsintotightgloveswiththreebuttonsandatassel,asthelasttouchofelegance,sheturnedtoAmywithanimbecileexpressionofcountenance,sayingmeekly...

"I'mperfectlymiserable,butifyouconsidermepresentable,Idiehappy."

"You'rehighlysatisfactory.Turnslowlyround,andletmegetacarefulview."Jorevolved,andAmygaveatouchhereandthere,thenfellback,withherheadononeside, observing graciously, "Yes, you'll do.Your head is all I could ask, for thatwhitebonnetwiththeroseisquiteravishing.Holdbackyourshoulders,andcarryyourhandseasily,nomatterifyourglovesdopinch.There'sonethingyoucandowell,Jo,thatis,wearashawl.Ican't,butit'sverynicetoseeyou,andI'msogladAuntMarch gave you that lovely one. It's simple, but handsome, and those foldsoverthearmarereallyartistic.Isthepointofmymantleinthemiddle,andhaveIloopedmydressevenly?Iliketoshowmyboots,formyfeetarepretty,thoughmynoseisn't."

"Youareathingofbeautyandajoyforever,"saidJo,lookingthroughherhandwith the air of a connoisseur at theblue feather against thegoldenhair. "Am I todragmybestdressthroughthedust,orloopitup,please,ma'am?"

"Holditupwhenyouwalk,butdropitinthehouse.Thesweepingstylesuitsyoubest,andyoumustlearntotrailyourskirtsgracefully.Youhaven'thalfbuttonedonecuff,doitatonce.You'llneverlookfinishedifyouarenotcarefulaboutthelittledetails,fortheymakeupthepleasingwhole."

Josighed,andproceededtoburstthebuttonsoffherglove,indoinguphercuff,butat lastbothwere ready,andsailedaway, lookingas 'prettyaspicters',Hannahsaid,asshehungoutoftheupperwindowtowatchthem.

"Now, Jodear, theChesters consider themselvesveryelegantpeople, so Iwantyoutoputonyourbestdeportment.Don'tmakeanyofyourabruptremarks,ordoanythingodd,willyou?Justbecalm,cool,andquiet, that's safeand ladylike,andyou can easily do it for fifteenminutes," said Amy, as they approached the firstplace,havingborrowedthewhiteparasolandbeeninspectedbyMeg,withababyoneacharm.

"Letmesee.'Calm,cool,andquiet',yes,IthinkIcanpromisethat.I'veplayedthe

partofaprimyoungladyonthestage,andI'll try itoff.Mypowersaregreat,asyoushallsee,sobeeasyinyourmind,mychild."

Amy looked relieved,butnaughty Jo tookheratherword, forduring the firstcallshesatwitheverylimbgracefullycomposed,everyfoldcorrectlydraped,calmas a summer sea, cool as a snowbank, and as silent as the sphinx. In vain Mrs.Chesteralludedtoher'charmingnovel',andtheMissesChesterintroducedparties,picnics,theopera,andthefashions.Eachandallwereansweredbyasmile,abow,and ademure "Yes"or "No"with the chill on. InvainAmy telegraphed theword'talk',triedtodrawherout,andadministeredcovertpokeswithherfoot.Josatasifblandly unconscious of it all, with deportment like Maud's face, 'icily regular,splendidlynull'.

"What a haughty, uninteresting creature that oldest Miss March is!" was theunfortunately audible remark of one of the ladies, as the door closed upon theirguests.Jolaughednoiselesslyallthroughthehall,butAmylookeddisgustedatthefailureofherinstructions,andverynaturallylaidtheblameuponJo.

"Howcouldyoumistakemeso?Imerelymeantyoutobeproperlydignifiedandcomposed,andyoumadeyourselfaperfectstockandstone.Try tobesociableattheLambs'.Gossipasothergirlsdo,andbe interested indressandflirtationsandwhatevernonsensecomesup.Theymove in thebest society,arevaluablepersonsforustoknow,andIwouldn'tfailtomakeagoodimpressionthereforanything."

"I'llbeagreeable.I'llgossipandgiggle,andhavehorrorsandrapturesoveranytrifle you like. I rather enjoy this, and now I'll imitatewhat is called 'a charminggirl'.Icandoit,forIhaveMayChesterasamodel,andI'llimproveuponher.SeeiftheLambsdon'tsay,'Whatalively,nicecreaturethatJoMarchis!"

Amy felt anxious, aswell shemight, forwhen Jo turned freakish therewasnoknowingwhere shewould stop.Amy's facewas a studywhen she saw her sisterskim into the next drawing room, kiss all the young ladies with effusion, beamgraciously upon the young gentlemen, and join in the chat with a spirit whichamazedthebeholder.AmywastakenpossessionofbyMrs.Lamb,withwhomshewas a favorite, and forced to hear a long account of Lucretia's last attack, whilethreedelightfulyounggentlemenhoverednear,waitingforapausewhentheymightrush in and rescue her. So situated, shewas powerless to check Jo, who seemedpossessedbyaspiritofmischief,andtalkedawayasvolublyasthelady.Aknotofheadsgatheredabouther,andAmystrainedherearstohearwhatwasgoingon,forbrokensentencesfilledherwithcuriosity,andfrequentpealsoflaughtermadeherwildtosharethefun.Onemayimaginehersufferingonoverhearingfragmentsof

thissortofconversation.

"Sheridessplendidly.Whotaughther?"

"Noone.Sheusedtopracticemounting,holdingthereins,andsittingstraightonanoldsaddleinatree.Nowsheridesanything,forshedoesn'tknowwhatfearis,andthestablemanletsherhavehorsescheapbecauseshetrainsthemtocarryladiessowell.Shehassuchapassionforit,Ioftentellherifeverythingelsefails,shecanbeahorsebreaker,andgetherlivingso."

At this awful speechAmy contained herself with difficulty, for the impressionwas being given that she was rather a fast young lady, which was her especialaversion.Butwhatcouldshedo?For theold ladywas in themiddleofherstory,andlongbeforeitwasdone,Jowasoffagain,makingmoredrollrevelationsandcommittingstillmorefearfulblunders.

"Yes,Amywasindespairthatday,forallthegoodbeastsweregone,andofthreeleft,onewaslame,oneblind,andtheothersobalkythatyouhadtoputdirtinhismouthbeforehewouldstart.Niceanimalforapleasureparty,wasn'tit?"

"Whichdidshechoose?"askedoneofthelaughinggentlemen,whoenjoyedthesubject.

"Noneofthem.Sheheardofayounghorseatthefarmhouseovertheriver,andthoughaladyhadneverriddenhim,sheresolvedtotry,becausehewashandsomeandspirited.Herstruggleswerereallypathetic.Therewasnoonetobringthehorseto the saddle, so she took the saddle to the horse.My dear creature, she actuallyroweditovertheriver,putitonherhead,andmarcheduptothebarntotheutteramazementoftheoldman!"

"Didsheridethehorse?"

"Ofcourseshedid,andhadacapitaltime.Iexpectedtoseeherbroughthomeinfragments,butshemanagedhimperfectly,andwasthelifeoftheparty."

"Well,Icallthatplucky!"andyoungMr.LambturnedanapprovingglanceuponAmy,wonderingwhathismothercouldbesayingtomakethegirllooksoredanduncomfortable.

Shewasstillredderandmoreuncomfortableamomentafter,whenasuddenturnintheconversationintroducedthesubjectofdress.OneoftheyoungladiesaskedJowhere shegot thepretty drabhat shewore to thepicnic and stupid Jo, insteadof

mentioning theplacewhere itwasbought twoyearsago,mustneedsanswerwithunnecessaryfrankness,"Oh,Amypaintedit.Youcan'tbuythosesoftshades,sowepaintoursanycolorwelike.It'sagreatcomforttohaveanartisticsister."

"Isn'tthatanoriginalidea?"criedMissLamb,whofoundJogreatfun.

"That'snothingcomparedtosomeofherbrilliantperformances.There'snothingthechildcan'tdo.Why,shewantedapairofbluebootsforSallie'sparty,soshejustpaintedhersoiledwhiteonestheloveliestshadeofskyblueyoueversaw,andtheylooked exactly like satin," added Jo, with an air of pride in her sister'saccomplishmentsthatexasperatedAmytillshefeltthatitwouldbearelieftothrowhercardcaseather.

"Wereadastoryofyourstheotherday,andenjoyeditverymuch,"observedtheelderMiss Lamb, wishing to compliment the literary lady, who did not look thecharacterjustthen,itmustbeconfessed.

Anymention of her 'works' always had a bad effect upon Jo,who either grewrigidand lookedoffended,orchanged thesubjectwithabrusqueremark,asnow."Sorryyoucouldfindnothingbettertoread.Iwritethatrubbishbecauseitsells,andordinarypeoplelikeit.AreyougoingtoNewYorkthiswinter?"

AsMiss Lamb had 'enjoyed' the story, this speech was not exactly grateful orcomplimentary.TheminuteitwasmadeJosawhermistake,butfearingtomakethematter worse, suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first movetoward departure, and did so with an abruptness that left three people with half-finishedsentencesintheirmouths.

"Amy,wemustgo.Good-by,dear,docomeandseeus.Wearepiningforavisit.Idon'tdaretoaskyou,Mr.Lamb,butifyoushouldcome,Idon'tthinkIshallhavethehearttosendyouaway."

Josaidthiswithsuchadroll imitationofMayChester'sgushingstylethatAmygotoutoftheroomasrapidlyaspossible,feelingastrongdesiretolaughandcryatthesametime.

"Didn'tIdowell?"askedJo,withasatisfiedairastheywalkedaway.

"Nothing could have beenworse,"wasAmy's crushing reply. "What possessedyoutotellthosestoriesaboutmysaddle,andthehatsandboots,andalltherestofit?"

"Why, it's funny, and amuses people. They know we are poor, so it's no usepretendingthatwehavegrooms,buythreeorfourhatsaseason,andhavethingsaseasyandfineastheydo."

"Youneedn'tgoandtellthemallourlittleshifts,andexposeourpovertyinthatperfectlyunnecessaryway.Youhaven'tabitofproperpride,andneverwill learnwhentoholdyourtongueandwhentospeak,"saidAmydespairingly.

Poor Jo looked abashed, and silently chafed the end of her nosewith the stiffhandkerchief,asifperformingapenanceforhermisdemeanors.

"HowshallIbehavehere?"sheasked,astheyapproachedthethirdmansion.

"Justasyouplease.Iwashmyhandsofyou,"wasAmy'sshortanswer.

"ThenI'llenjoymyself.Theboysareathome,andwe'llhaveacomfortabletime.Goodness knows I need a little change, for elegance has a bad effect upon myconstitution,"returnedJogruffly,beingdisturbedbyherfailuretosuit.

Anenthusiasticwelcomefromthreebigboysandseveralprettychildrenspeedilysoothed her ruffled feelings, and leaving Amy to entertain the hostess and Mr.Tudor,whohappenedtobecallinglikewise,Jodevotedherselftotheyoungfolksandfoundthechangerefreshing.Shelistenedtocollegestorieswithdeepinterest,caressedpointersandpoodleswithoutamurmur,agreedheartilythat"TomBrownwasabrick,"regardlessoftheimproperformofpraise,andwhenoneladproposedavisit to his turtle tank, shewentwith an alacritywhich causedMamma to smileuponher,asthatmotherlyladysettledthecapwhichwasleftinaruinousconditionby filial hugs, bearlike but affectionate, and dearer to her than themost faultlesscoiffurefromthehandsofaninspiredFrenchwoman.

Leaving her sister to her own devices,Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to herheart'scontent.Mr.Tudor'sunclehadmarriedanEnglishladywhowasthirdcousintoalivinglord,andAmyregardedthewholefamilywithgreatrespect,forinspiteofherAmericanbirth andbreeding, shepossessed that reverence for titleswhichhauntsthebestofus—thatunacknowledgedloyaltytotheearlyfaithinkingswhichset themost democratic nationunder the sun in ferment at the comingof a royalyellow-hairedladdie,someyearsago,andwhichstillhassomethingtodowiththelovetheyoungcountrybearstheold, likethatofabigsonforanimperiouslittlemother,whoheldhimwhileshecould,andlethimgowithafarewellscoldingwhenhe rebelled. But even the satisfaction of talking with a distant connection of theBritishnobilitydidnotrenderAmyforgetfuloftime,andwhenthepropernumber

ofminuteshadpassed,shereluctantlytoreherselffromthisaristocraticsociety,andlooked about for Jo, fervently hoping that her incorrigible sister would not befoundinanypositionwhichshouldbringdisgraceuponthenameofMarch.

Itmighthavebeenworse,butAmyconsidereditbad.ForJosatonthegrass,withanencampmentofboysabouther,andadirty-footeddogreposingontheskirtofher state and festival dress, as she relatedoneofLaurie's pranks toher admiringaudience. One small child was poking turtles with Amy's cherished parasol, asecondwaseatinggingerbreadoverJo'sbestbonnet,andathirdplayingballwithhergloves,butallwereenjoying themselves,andwhenJocollectedherdamagedproperty to go, her escort accompanied her, begging her to come again, "It wassuchfuntohearaboutLaurie'slarks."

"Capitalboys,aren'tthey?Ifeelquiteyoungandbriskagainafterthat."saidJo,strollingalongwithherhandsbehindher,partly fromhabit,partly toconceal thebespatteredparasol.

"WhydoyoualwaysavoidMr.Tudor?"askedAmy,wiselyrefrainingfromanycommentuponJo'sdilapidatedappearance.

"Don'tlikehim,heputsonairs,snubshissisters,worrieshisfather,anddoesn'tspeakrespectfullyofhismother.Lauriesaysheisfast,andIdon'tconsiderhimadesirableacquaintance,soIlethimalone."

"Youmighttreathimcivilly,atleast.Yougavehimacoolnod,andjustnowyoubowedandsmiledinthepolitestwaytoTommyChamberlain,whosefatherkeepsagrocery store. If you had just reversed the nod and the bow, it would have beenright,"saidAmyreprovingly.

"No,itwouldn't,"returnedJo,"Ineitherlike,respect,noradmireTudor,thoughhisgrandfather'suncle'snephew'sniecewasathirdcousintoalord.Tommyispoorandbashfulandgoodandveryclever.Ithinkwellofhim,andliketoshowthatIdo,forheisagentlemaninspiteofthebrownpaperparcels."

"It'snousetryingtoarguewithyou,"beganAmy.

"Nottheleast,mydear,"interruptedJo,"soletuslookamiable,anddropacardhere,astheKingsareevidentlyout,forwhichI'mdeeplygrateful."

The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on, and Jo utteredanother thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house, and being told that the youngladieswereengaged.

"Nowletusgohome,andnevermindAuntMarchtoday.Wecanrundownthereanytime,andit'sreallyapitytotrailthroughthedustinourbestbibsandtuckers,whenwearetiredandcross."

"Speak for yourself, if you please. Aunt March likes to have us pay her thecomplimentofcominginstyle,andmakingaformalcall.It'salittlethingtodo,butit gives her pleasure, and I don't believe itwill hurt your things half somuch aslettingdirtydogsandclumpingboys spoil them.Stoopdown,and letme take thecrumbsoffofyourbonnet."

"Whatagoodgirlyouare,Amy!"saidJo,witharepentantglancefromherowndamagedcostumetothatofhersister,whichwasfreshandspotlessstill."Iwishitwas as easy forme to do little things to please people as it is for you. I thinkofthem,butittakestoomuchtimetodothem,soIwaitforachancetoconferagreatfavor,andletthesmallonesslip,buttheytellbestintheend,Ifancy."

Amy smiled and was mollified at once, saying with a maternal air, "Womenshouldlearntobeagreeable,particularlypoorones,fortheyhavenootherwayofrepayingthekindnessestheyreceive.Ifyou'drememberthat,andpracticeit,you'dbebetterlikedthanIam,becausethereismoreofyou."

"I'macrotchetyoldthing,andalwaysshallbe,butI'mwillingtoownthatyouareright,onlyit'seasierformetoriskmylifeforapersonthantobepleasanttohimwhenIdon'tfeellikeit.It'sagreatmisfortunetohavesuchstronglikesanddislikes,isn'tit?"

"It'sagreaternottobeabletohidethem.Idon'tmindsayingthatIdon'tapproveofTudoranymorethanyoudo,butI'mnotcalledupontotellhimso.Neitherareyou,andthereisnouseinmakingyourselfdisagreeablebecauseheis."

"But I thinkgirlsought to showwhen theydisapproveofyoungmen, andhowcantheydoitexceptbytheirmanners?Preachingdoesnotdoanygood,asIknowtomy sorrow, since I'vehadTeddie tomanage.But there aremany littleways inwhichIcaninfluencehimwithoutaword,andIsayweoughttodoittoothersifwecan."

"Teddyisaremarkableboy,andcan'tbe takenasasampleofotherboys,"saidAmy,inatoneofsolemnconviction,whichwouldhaveconvulsedthe'remarkableboy' if he had heard it. "Ifwewere belles, orwomen ofwealth and position,wemight do something, perhaps, but for us to frown at one set of young gentlemenbecause we don't approve of them, and smile upon another set because we do,wouldn't have a particle of effect, and we should only be considered odd andpuritanical."

"Sowearetocountenancethingsandpeoplewhichwedetest,merelybecausewearenotbellesandmillionaires,arewe?That'sanicesortofmorality."

"Ican'targueaboutit,Ionlyknowthatit'sthewayoftheworld,andpeoplewhosetthemselvesagainstitonlygetlaughedatfortheirpains.Idon'tlikereformers,andIhopeyounevertrytobeone."

"Idolikethem,andIshallbeoneifIcan,forinspiteofthelaughingtheworldwouldnevergetonwithout them.Wecan'tagreeaboutthat,foryoubelongtotheoldset,andItothenew.Youwillgetonthebest,butIshallhavetheliveliesttimeofit.Ishouldratherenjoythebrickbatsandhooting,Ithink."

"Well,composeyourselfnow,anddon'tworryAuntwithyournewideas."

"I'lltrynotto,butI'malwayspossessedtoburstoutwithsomeparticularlybluntspeechorrevolutionarysentimentbeforeher.It'smydoom,andIcan'thelpit."

TheyfoundAuntCarrolwiththeoldlady,bothabsorbedinsomeveryinterestingsubject, but they dropped it as the girls came in, with a conscious look whichbetrayedthattheyhadbeentalkingabouttheirnieces.Jowasnotinagoodhumor,andtheperversefitreturned,butAmy,whohadvirtuouslydoneherduty,kepthertemperandpleasedeverybody,wasinamostangelicframeofmind.Thisamiablespiritwasfeltatonce,andbothaunts 'mydeared'heraffectionately, lookingwhattheyafterwardsaidemphatically,"Thatchildimproveseveryday."

"Areyougoingtohelpaboutthefair,dear?"askedMrs.Carrol,asAmysatdownbesideherwiththeconfidingairelderlypeoplelikesowellintheyoung.

"Yes,Aunt.Mrs.Chesteraskedme if Iwould,andIoffered to tenda table,as Ihavenothingbutmytimetogive."

"I'mnot,"putinJodecidedly."Ihatetobepatronized,andtheChestersthinkit'sagreat favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair. I wonder youconsented,Amy,theyonlywantyoutowork."

"Iamwillingtowork.It'sforthefreedmenaswellastheChesters,andIthinkitverykindofthemtoletmesharethelaborandthefun.Patronagedoesnottroublemewhenitiswellmeant."

"Quiterightandproper.Ilikeyourgratefulspirit,mydear.It'sapleasuretohelppeoplewhoappreciateourefforts.Somedonot,andthatistrying,"observedAuntMarch, looking over her spectacles at Jo, who sat apart, rocking herself, with asomewhatmoroseexpression.

IfJohadonlyknownwhatagreathappinesswaswaveringinthebalanceforoneof them, shewouldhave turneddove-like in aminute,butunfortunately,wedon'thave windows in our breasts, and cannot see what goes on in the minds of ourfriends.Betterforusthatwecannotasageneralthing,butnowandthenitwouldbesuchacomfort,suchasavingoftimeandtemper.Byhernextspeech,Jodeprivedherself of several years of pleasure, and received a timely lesson in the art ofholdinghertongue.

"I don't like favors, they oppress andmakeme feel like a slave. I'd rather doeverythingformyself,andbeperfectlyindependent."

"Ahem!"coughedAuntCarrolsoftly,withalookatAuntMarch.

"Itoldyouso,"saidAuntMarch,withadecidednodtoAuntCarrol.

Mercifullyunconsciousofwhatshehaddone,Josatwithhernoseintheair,andarevolutionaryaspectwhichwasanythingbutinviting.

"DoyouspeakFrench,dear?"askedMrs.Carrol,layingahandonAmy's.

"Prettywell,thankstoAuntMarch,wholetsEsthertalktomeasoftenasIlike,"repliedAmy,withagratefullook,whichcausedtheoldladytosmileaffably.

"Howareyouaboutlanguages?"askedMrs.CarrolofJo.

"Don'tknowaword.I'mverystupidaboutstudyinganything,can'tbearFrench,

it'ssuchaslippery,sillysortoflanguage,"wasthebrusquereply.

Another lookpassedbetweentheladies,andAuntMarchsaid toAmy,"Youarequite strong andwell now, dear, I believe? Eyes don't trouble you anymore, dothey?"

"Not at all, thank you,ma'am. I'm verywell, andmean to do great things nextwinter,sothatImaybereadyforRome,wheneverthatjoyfultimearrives."

"Good girl! You deserve to go, and I'm sure you will some day," said AuntMarch,withanapprovingpatonthehead,asAmypickedupherballforher.

Crosspatch,drawthelatch,Sitbythefireandspin,

squalledPolly,bendingdownfromhisperchonthebackofherchairtopeepintoJo's face,with sucha comical airof impertinent inquiry that itwas impossible tohelplaughing.

"Mostobservingbird,"saidtheoldlady.

"Comeandtakeawalk,mydear?"criedPolly,hoppingtowardthechinacloset,withalooksuggestiveofalumpofsugar.

"Thankyou,Iwill.ComeAmy."andJobroughtthevisittoanend,feelingmorestronglythaneverthatcallsdidhaveabadeffectuponherconstitution.Sheshookhands in a gentlemanly manner, but Amy kissed both the aunts, and the girlsdeparted, leaving behind them the impression of shadow and sunshine, whichimpressioncausedAuntMarchtosay,astheyvanished...

"You'd better do it, Mary. I'll supply the money." and Aunt Carrol to replydecidedly,"Icertainlywill,ifherfatherandmotherconsent."

CHAPTERTHIRTY

CONSEQUENCES

Mrs.Chester's fairwassoveryelegantandselect that itwasconsideredagreathonor by the young ladies of the neighborhood to be invited to take a table, and

everyonewasmuchinterestedinthematter.Amywasasked,butJowasnot,whichwasfortunateforallparties,asherelbowsweredecidedlyakimboatthisperiodofherlife,andittookagoodmanyhardknockstoteachherhowtogetoneasily.The'haughty, uninteresting creature'was let severely alone, butAmy's talent and tastewere duly complimented by the offer of the art table, and she exerted herself toprepareandsecureappropriateandvaluablecontributionstoit.

Everything went on smoothly till the day before the fair opened, then thereoccurredoneof the littleskirmisheswhich it isalmost impossible toavoid,whensome five-and-twenty women, old and young, with all their private piques andprejudices,trytoworktogether.

MayChesterwasratherjealousofAmybecausethelatterwasagreaterfavoritethanherself,andjustatthistimeseveraltriflingcircumstancesoccurredtoincreasethefeeling.Amy'sdaintypen-and-inkworkentirelyeclipsedMay'spaintedvases—thatwasonethorn.ThentheallconqueringTudorhaddancedfourtimeswithAmyata latepartyandonlyoncewithMay—thatwas thornnumber two.But thechiefgrievancethatrankledinhersoul,andgaveanexcuseforherunfriendlyconduct,wasarumorwhichsomeobliginggossiphadwhisperedtoher,thattheMarchgirlshadmadefunofherattheLambs'.AlltheblameofthisshouldhavefallenuponJo,for her naughty imitation had been too lifelike to escape detection, and thefrolicsomeLambshadpermittedthejoketoescape.Nohintofthishadreachedtheculprits, however, and Amy's dismay can be imagined, when, the very eveningbeforethefair,asshewasputtingthelasttouchestoherprettytable,Mrs.Chester,who,ofcourse,resentedthesupposedridiculeofherdaughter,said,inablandtone,butwithacoldlook...

"Ifind,dear,thatthereissomefeelingamongtheyoungladiesaboutmygivingthis table toanyonebutmygirls.As this is themostprominent,andsomesay themostattractivetableofall,andtheyarethechiefgetters-upofthefair,itisthoughtbestforthemtotakethisplace.I'msorry,butIknowyouaretoosincerelyinterestedin the cause tomind a little personal disappointment, and you shall have anothertableifyoulike."

Mrs.Chesterfanciedbeforehandthatitwouldbeeasytodeliverthislittlespeech,butwhenthetimecame,shefounditratherdifficulttoutteritnaturally,withAmy'sunsuspiciouseyeslookingstraightatherfullofsurpriseandtrouble.

Amyfeltthattherewassomethingbehindthis,butcouldnotguesswhat,andsaidquietly, feelinghurt, and showing that shedid, "Perhapsyouhad rather I tooknotableatall?"

"Now, my dear, don't have any ill feeling, I beg. It's merely a matter ofexpediency, you see, my girls will naturally take the lead, and this table isconsidered their proper place. I think it very appropriate to you, and feel verygrateful for your efforts to make it so pretty, but we must give up our privatewishes,ofcourse,andIwillseethatyouhaveagoodplaceelsewhere.Wouldn'tyoulike the flower table? The little girls undertook it, but they are discouraged.Youcouldmake a charming thing of it, and the flower table is always attractive youknow."

"Especiallytogentlemen,"addedMay,withalookwhichenlightenedAmyastoone cause of her sudden fall from favor. She colored angrily, but took no othernoticeofthatgirlishsarcasm,andansweredwithunexpectedamiability...

"It shall be asyouplease,Mrs.Chester. I'll giveupmyplacehere at once, andattendtotheflowers,ifyoulike."

"You can put your own things on your own table, if you prefer," beganMay,feeling a little conscience-stricken, as she looked at the pretty racks, the paintedshells, and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefullyarranged.Shemeantitkindly,butAmymistookhermeaning,andsaidquickly...

"Oh,certainly,iftheyareinyourway,"andsweepinghercontributionsintoherapron,pell-mell,shewalkedoff,feelingthatherselfandherworksofarthadbeeninsultedpastforgiveness.

"Nowshe'smad.Oh,dear,IwishIhadn'taskedyoutospeak,Mama,"saidMay,lookingdisconsolatelyattheemptyspacesonhertable.

"Girls'quarrelsaresoonover,"returnedhermother,feelingatrifleashamedofherownpartinthisone,aswellshemight.

ThelittlegirlshailedAmyandhertreasureswithdelight,whichcordialreceptionsomewhatsoothedherperturbedspirit,andshefelltowork,determinedtosucceedflorally,ifshecouldnotartistically.Buteverythingseemedagainsther.Itwaslate,andshewastired.Everyonewastoobusywiththeirownaffairstohelpher,andthelittle girlswere only hindrances, for the dears fussed and chattered like somanymagpies,making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve themostperfectorder.Theevergreenarchwouldn't stay firmafter shegot it up,butwiggledandthreatenedtotumbledownonherheadwhenthehangingbasketswerefilled.Herbesttilegotasplashofwater,whichleftasepiatearontheCupid'scheek.Shebruisedherhandswithhammering,andgotcoldworkinginadraft,whichlast

affliction filled herwith apprehensions for themorrow.Anygirl readerwhohassufferedlikeafflictionswillsympathizewithpoorAmyandwishherwellthroughhertask.

Therewasgreat indignation at homewhen she toldher story that evening.Hermother said it was a shame, but told her she had done right. Beth declared shewouldn't go to the fair at all, and Jo demandedwhy she didn't take all her prettythingsandleavethosemeanpeopletogetonwithouther.

"Because they are mean is no reason why I should be. I hate such things, andthough I think I've a right tobehurt, I don't intend to show it.Theywill feel thatmorethanangryspeechesorhuffyactions,won'tthey,Marmee?"

"That'stherightspirit,mydear.Akissforablowisalwaysbest,thoughit'snotvery easy to give it sometimes," said her mother, with the air of one who hadlearnedthedifferencebetweenpreachingandpracticing.

Inspiteofvariousverynaturaltemptationstoresentandretaliate,Amyadheredtoher resolutionall thenextday,bentonconqueringherenemybykindness.Shebegan well, thanks to a silent reminder that came to her unexpectedly, but mostopportunely.Asshearrangedher table thatmorning,while the littlegirlswere intheanteroomfilling thebaskets, she tookupherpetproduction, a littlebook, theantiquecoverofwhichherfatherhadfoundamonghistreasures,andinwhichonleaves of vellum she had beautifully illuminated different texts.As she turned thepagesrichindaintydeviceswithverypardonablepride,hereyefellupononeversethatmadeherstopand think.Framed inabrilliantscrollworkofscarlet,blueandgold,with little spirits of goodwill helpingone anotherup anddownamong thethornsandflowers,werethewords,"Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself."

"Iought,butIdon't,"thoughtAmy,ashereyewentfromthebrightpagetoMay'sdiscontentedfacebehindthebigvases, thatcouldnothidethevacanciesherprettyworkhadoncefilled.Amystoodaminute,turningtheleavesinherhand,readingon each some sweet rebuke for all heartburnings and uncharitableness of spirit.Manywiseandtruesermonsarepreacheduseverydaybyunconsciousministersinstreet,school,office,orhome.Evenafairtablemaybecomeapulpit,ifitcanofferthe good and helpful words which are never out of season. Amy's consciencepreachedheralittlesermonfromthattext,thenandthere,andshedidwhatmanyofusdonotalwaysdo,tookthesermontoheart,andstraightwayputitinpractice.

AgroupofgirlswerestandingaboutMay'stable,admiringtheprettythings,andtalkingoverthechangeofsaleswomen.Theydroppedtheirvoices,butAmyknew

theywerespeakingofher,hearingonesideofthestoryandjudgingaccordingly.Itwas not pleasant, but a better spirit had come over her, and presently a chanceofferedforprovingit.SheheardMaysaysorrowfully...

"It'stoobad,forthereisnotimetomakeotherthings,andIdon'twanttofillupwithoddsandends.Thetablewasjustcompletethen.Nowit'sspoiled."

"Idaresayshe'dputthembackifyouaskedher,"suggestedsomeone.

"How could I after all the fuss?" beganMay, but she did not finish, forAmy'svoicecameacrossthehall,sayingpleasantly...

"Youmayhavethem,andwelcome,withoutasking,ifyouwantthem.IwasjustthinkingI'doffertoputthemback,fortheybelongtoyourtableratherthanmine.Heretheyare,pleasetakethem,andforgivemeifIwashastyincarryingthemawaylastnight."

Asshespoke,Amyreturnedhercontribution,withanodandasmile,andhurriedawayagain,feelingthatitwaseasiertodoafriendlythingthanitwastostayandbethankedforit.

"Now,Icallthatlovelyofher,don'tyou?"criedonegirl.

May'sanswerwasinaudible,butanotheryounglady,whosetemperwasevidentlyalittlesouredbymakinglemonade,added,withadisagreeablelaugh,"Verylovely,forsheknewshewouldn'tsellthematherowntable."

Now, that was hard. When we make little sacrifices we like to have themappreciated,at least,andforaminuteAmywassorryshehaddoneit, feelingthatvirtuewasnotalwaysitsownreward.Butitis,asshepresentlydiscovered,forherspirits began to rise, and her table to blossom under her skillful hands, the girlswere very kind, and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphereamazingly.

ItwasaverylongdayandahardoneforAmy,asshesatbehindhertable,oftenquite alone, for the little girls deserted very soon. Few cared to buy flowers insummer,andherbouquetsbegantodrooplongbeforenight.

Thearttablewasthemostattractiveintheroom.Therewasacrowdaboutitalldaylong,andthetenderswereconstantlyflyingtoandfrowithimportantfacesandrattling money boxes. Amy often looked wistfully across, longing to be there,whereshefeltathomeandhappy,insteadofinacornerwithnothingtodo.Itmight

seemnohardship tosomeofus,but toapretty,blitheyounggirl, itwasnotonlytedious, but very trying, and the thought of Laurie and his friendsmade it a realmartyrdom.

Shedidnot gohome till night, and then she looked sopale andquiet that theyknewthedayhadbeenahardone,thoughshemadenocomplaint,anddidnoteventellwhatshehaddone.Hermothergaveheranextracordialcupoftea.Bethhelpedherdress,andmadeacharminglittlewreathforherhair,whileJoastonishedherfamily by getting herself upwith unusual care, and hinting darkly that the tableswereabouttobeturned.

"Don'tdoanythingrude,prayJo;Iwon'thaveanyfussmade,soletitallpassandbehave yourself," begged Amy, as she departed early, hoping to find areinforcementofflowerstorefreshherpoorlittletable.

"ImerelyintendtomakemyselfentrancinglyagreeabletoeveryoneIknow,andto keep them in your corner as long as possible. Teddy and his boyswill lend ahand,andwe'llhaveagood timeyet." returnedJo, leaningover thegate towatchforLaurie.Presently the familiar trampwasheard in thedusk,andshe ranout tomeethim.

"Isthatmyboy?"

"Assureasthisismygirl!"andLaurietuckedherhandunderhisarmwiththeairofamanwhoseeverywishwasgratified.

"Oh,Teddy,suchdoings!"andJotoldAmy'swrongswithsisterlyzeal.

"Aflockofourfellowsaregoingtodriveoverby-and-by,andI'llbehangedifIdon't make them buy every flower she's got, and camp down before her tableafterward,"saidLaurie,espousinghercausewithwarmth.

"Theflowersarenotatallnice,Amysays,andthefreshonesmaynotarriveintime. I don'twish to be unjust or suspicious, but I shouldn'twonder if they nevercame at all.When people do onemean thing they are very likely to do another,"observedJoinadisgustedtone.

"Didn'tHayesgiveyouthebestoutofourgardens?Itoldhimto."

"Ididn'tknowthat,heforgot,Isuppose,and,asyourgrandpawaspoorly,Ididn'tliketoworryhimbyasking,thoughIdidwantsome."

"Now, Jo,howcouldyou think therewasanyneedof asking?Theyare just asmuchyoursasmine.Don'twealwaysgohalvesineverything?"beganLaurie,inthetonethatalwaysmadeJoturnthorny.

"Gracious,Ihopenot!Halfofsomeofyourthingswouldn'tsuitmeatall.Butwemustn'tstandphilanderinghere.I'vegottohelpAmy,soyougoandmakeyourselfsplendid,andifyou'llbesoverykindastoletHayestakeafewniceflowersuptotheHall,I'llblessyouforever."

"Couldn'tyoudo itnow?"askedLaurie,sosuggestively thatJoshut thegate inhisfacewithinhospitablehaste,andcalledthroughthebars,"Goaway,Teddy,I'mbusy."

Thankstotheconspirators,thetableswereturnedthatnight,forHayessentupawilderness of flowers, with a loverly basket arranged in his best manner for acenterpiece.ThentheMarchfamilyturnedoutenmasse,andJoexertedherself tosome purpose, for people not only came, but stayed, laughing at her nonsense,admiringAmy's taste, and apparently enjoying themselves verymuch.Laurie andhis friends gallantly threw themselves into the breach, bought up the bouquets,encampedbeforethetable,andmadethatcornertheliveliestspotintheroom.Amywasinherelementnow,andoutofgratitude,ifnothingmore,wasasspritelyandgraciousaspossible,comingto theconclusion,about that time, thatvirtuewas itsownreward,afterall.

Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety, and when Amy was happilysurroundedbyherguardofhonor,JocirculatedabouttheHall,pickingupvariousbitsofgossip,whichenlightenedheruponthesubjectoftheChesterchangeofbase.She reproached herself for her share of the ill feeling and resolved to exonerateAmyassoonaspossible.ShealsodiscoveredwhatAmyhaddoneaboutthethingsinthemorning,andconsideredheramodelofmagnanimity.Asshepassedthearttable,sheglancedover itforhersister's things,butsawnosignof them."Tuckedawayoutofsight,Idaresay,"thoughtJo,whocouldforgiveherownwrongs,buthotlyresentedanyinsultofferedherfamily.

"Goodevening,MissJo.HowdoesAmygeton?"askedMaywithaconciliatoryair,forshewantedtoshowthatshealsocouldbegenerous.

"Shehassoldeverythingshehadthatwasworthselling,andnowsheisenjoyingherself.Theflowertableisalwaysattractive,youknow,'especiallytogentlemen'."Jocouldn'tresistgivingthatlittleslap,butMaytookitsomeeklysheregretteditaminuteafter,andfelltopraisingthegreatvases,whichstillremainedunsold.

"IsAmy's illumination anywhere about? I took a fancy to buy that for Father,"saidJo,veryanxioustolearnthefateofhersister'swork.

"EverythingofAmy'ssoldlongago.Itookcarethattherightpeoplesawthem,andtheymadeanicelittlesumofmoneyforus,"returnedMay,whohadovercomesundrysmalltemptations,aswellasAmyhad,thatday.

Much gratified, Jo rushed back to tell the good news, and Amy looked bothtouchedandsurprisedbythereportofMay'swordandmanner.

"Now, gentlemen, I want you to go and do your duty by the other tables asgenerously as you have bymine, especially the art table," she said, ordering out'Teddy'sown',asthegirlscalledthecollegefriends.

"'Charge,Chester,charge!'isthemottoforthattable,butdoyourdutylikemen,and you'll get your money's worth of art in every sense of the word," said theirrepressibleJo,asthedevotedphalanxpreparedtotakethefield.

"Tohearistoobey,butMarchisfairerfarthanMay,"saidlittleParker,makingafranticefforttobebothwittyandtender,andgettingpromptlyquenchedbyLaurie,whosaid...

"Verywell,myson,forasmallboy!"andwalkedhimoff,withapaternalpatonthehead.

"Buythevases,"whisperedAmytoLaurie,asafinalheapingofcoalsoffireonherenemy'shead.

ToMay'sgreatdelight,Mr.Laurencenotonlyboughtthevases,butpervadedthehallwithoneundereacharm.Theothergentlemenspeculatedwithequalrashnessinallsortsoffrailtrifles,andwanderedhelplesslyaboutafterward,burdenedwithwaxflowers, painted fans, filigree portfolios, and other useful and appropriatepurchases.

Aunt Carrol was there, heard the story, looked pleased, and said something toMrs.Marchinacorner,whichmadethelatterladybeamwithsatisfaction,andwatchAmywith a face full ofmingledpride and anxiety, though shedid not betray thecauseofherpleasuretillseveraldayslater.

Thefairwaspronouncedasuccess,andwhenMaybadeAmygoodnight,shedidnotgushasusual,butgaveheranaffectionatekiss,andalookwhichsaid'forgiveandforget'.ThatsatisfiedAmy,andwhenshegothomeshefoundthevasesparaded

ontheparlorchimneypiecewithagreatbouquetineach."TherewardofmeritforamagnanimousMarch,"asLaurieannouncedwithaflourish.

"You'veadealmoreprincipleandgenerosityandnoblenessofcharacter than Ievergaveyoucredit for,Amy.You'vebehavedsweetly,andI respectyouwithallmyheart,"saidJowarmly,astheybrushedtheirhairtogetherlatethatnight.

"Yes,we all do, and love her for being so ready to forgive. Itmust have beendreadfullyhard,afterworkingsolongandsettingyourheartonsellingyourownprettythings.Idon'tbelieveIcouldhavedoneitaskindlyasyoudid,"addedBethfromherpillow.

"Why,girls,youneedn'tpraisemeso.IonlydidasI'dbedoneby.Youlaughatme when I say I want to be a lady, but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind andmanners,andItrytodoitasfarasIknowhow.Ican'texplainexactly,butIwanttobeabovethelittlemeannessesandfolliesandfaultsthatspoilsomanywomen.I'mfarfromitnow,butIdomybest,andhopeintimetobewhatMotheris."

Amyspokeearnestly,andJosaid,withacordialhug,"Iunderstandnowwhatyoumean,andI'llneverlaughatyouagain.Youaregettingonfasterthanyouthink,andI'lltakelessonsofyouintruepoliteness,foryou'velearnedthesecret,Ibelieve.Tryaway,deary,you'llgetyour rewardsomeday,andnoonewillbemoredelightedthanIshall."

AweeklaterAmydidgetherreward,andpoorJofoundithardtobedelighted.Aletter came from Aunt Carrol, and Mrs. March's face was illuminated to such adegreewhen she read it that Jo andBeth,whowerewith her, demandedwhat thegladtidingswere.

"AuntCarrolisgoingabroadnextmonth,andwants..."

"Me to go with her!" burst in Jo, flying out of her chair in an uncontrollablerapture.

"No,dear,notyou.It'sAmy."

"Oh,Mother!She'stooyoung,it'smyturnfirst.I'vewanteditsolong.Itwoulddomesomuchgood,andbesoaltogethersplendid.Imustgo!"

"I'mafraid it's impossible, Jo.AuntsaysAmy,decidedly,and it isnot forus todictatewhensheofferssuchafavor."

"It'salwaysso.AmyhasallthefunandIhaveallthework.Itisn'tfair,oh,itisn'tfair!"criedJopassionately.

"I'mafraidit'spartlyyourownfault,dear.WhenAuntspoketometheotherday,sheregrettedyourbluntmannersandtooindependentspirit,andhereshewrites,asif quoting something you had said—'I planned at first to ask Jo, but as 'favorsburdenher',andshe'hatesFrench',IthinkIwon'tventuretoinviteher.Amyismoredocile,willmakeagoodcompanionforFlo,andreceivegratefullyanyhelpthetripmaygiveher."

"Oh, my tongue, my abominable tongue! Why can't I learn to keep it quiet?"groanedJo,rememberingwordswhichhadbeenherundoing.Whenshehadheardtheexplanationofthequotedphrases,Mrs.Marchsaidsorrowfully...

"Iwishyoucouldhavegone,butthereisnohopeofitthistime,sotrytobearitcheerfully,anddon'tsaddenAmy'spleasurebyreproachesorregrets."

"I'll try," said Jo,winkinghardas shekneltdown topickup thebasket shehadjoyfullyupset."I'lltakealeafoutofherbook,andtrynotonlytoseemglad,buttobeso,andnotgrudgeheroneminuteofhappiness.Butitwon'tbeeasy,foritisadreadful disappointment," and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she heldwithseveralverybittertears.

"Jo, dear, I'm very selfish, but I couldn't spare you, and I'm glad you are notgoingquiteyet,"whisperedBeth,embracingher,basketandall,withsuchaclingingtouchand lovingface thatJofeltcomforted inspiteof thesharpregret thatmadeherwanttoboxherownears,andhumblybegAuntCarroltoburdenherwiththisfavor,andseehowgratefullyshewouldbearit.

BythetimeAmycamein,Jowasabletotakeherpartinthefamilyjubilation,notquiteasheartilyasusual,perhaps,butwithoutrepiningsatAmy'sgoodfortune.Theyoungladyherselfreceivedthenewsastidingsofgreatjoy,wentaboutinasolemnsort 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 invisionsofartthanherself.

"It isn'tamerepleasure trip tome,girls,"shesaid impressively,asshescrapedherbestpalette."Itwilldecidemycareer,forifIhaveanygenius,IshallfinditoutinRome,andwilldosomethingtoproveit."

"Supposeyouhaven't?" said Jo, sewing away,with red eyes, at the newcollarswhichweretobehandedovertoAmy.

"ThenIshallcomehomeandteachdrawingformyliving,"repliedtheaspirantforfame,withphilosophiccomposure.Butshemadeawryfaceattheprospect,andscratchedawayatherpaletteasifbentonvigorousmeasuresbeforeshegaveupherhopes.

"No,youwon't.Youhatehardwork,andyou'llmarrysomerichman,andcomehometositinthelapofluxuryallyourdays,"saidJo.

"Yourpredictionssometimescometopass,but Idon'tbelieve thatonewill. I'msureIwishitwould,forifIcan'tbeanartistmyself,Ishouldliketobeabletohelpthosewhoare,"saidAmy,smiling,asifthepartofLadyBountifulwouldsuitherbetterthanthatofapoordrawingteacher.

"Hum!" said Jo,with a sigh. "If youwish it you'll have it, for yourwishes arealwaysgranted—minenever."

"Wouldyouliketogo?"askedAmy,thoughtfullypattinghernosewithherknife.

"Rather!"

"Well,inayearortwoI'llsendforyou,andwe'lldigintheForumforrelics,andcarryoutalltheplanswe'vemadesomanytimes."

"Thank you. I'll remind you of your promisewhen that joyful day comes, if iteverdoes,"returnedJo,acceptingthevaguebutmagnificentofferasgratefullyasshecould.

Therewasnotmuchtimeforpreparation,andthehousewasinafermenttillAmywasoff.Joboreupverywelltillthelastflutterofblueribbonvanished,whensheretired to her refuge, the garret, and cried till she couldn't cry any more. Amylikewiseboreupstoutlytillthesteamersailed.Thenjustasthegangwaywasaboutto bewithdrawn, it suddenly came over her that awhole oceanwas soon to rollbetweenherandthosewholovedherbest,andsheclungtoLaurie,thelastlingerer,sayingwithasob...

"Oh,takecareofthemforme,andifanythingshouldhappen..."

"I will, dear, I will, and if anything happens, I'll come and comfort you,"whisperedLaurie,littledreamingthathewouldbecalledupontokeephisword.

SoAmysailedawaytofindtheOldWorld,whichisalwaysnewandbeautifulto

young eyes, while her father and friend watched her from the shore, ferventlyhopingthatnonebutgentlefortuneswouldbefallthehappy-heartedgirl,whowavedherhandtothemtilltheycouldseenothingbutthesummersunshinedazzlingonthesea.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

OURFOREIGNCORRESPONDENT

London

Dearest People, Here I really sit at a front window of the Bath Hotel, Piccadilly. It's not afashionable place, butUncle stoppedhere years ago, andwon't go anywhere else.However,wedon'tmean to stay long, so it's nogreatmatter.Oh, I can't begin to tell youhow I enjoy it all! Inever can, so I'll only give you bits out of my notebook, for I've done nothing but sketch andscribblesinceIstarted.

IsentalinefromHalifax,whenIfeltprettymiserable,butafterthatIgotondelightfully,seldomill,ondeckallday,withplentyofpleasantpeople toamuseme.Everyonewasverykind tome,especiallytheofficers.Don'tlaugh,Jo,gentlemenreallyareverynecessaryaboardship,toholdonto,ortowaituponone,andastheyhavenothingtodo,it'samercytomakethemuseful,otherwisetheywouldsmokethemselvestodeath,I'mafraid.

AuntandFlowerepoorlyalltheway,andlikedtobeletalone,sowhenIhaddonewhatIcouldfor them, I went and enjoyed myself. Such walks on deck, such sunsets, such splendid air andwaves!Itwasalmostasexcitingasridingafasthorse,whenwewentrushingonsograndly.IwishBethcouldhavecome,itwouldhavedonehersomuchgood.AsforJo,shewouldhavegoneupandsatonthemaintopjib,orwhateverthehighthingiscalled,madefriendswiththeengineers,andtootedonthecaptain'sspeakingtrumpet,she'dhavebeeninsuchastateofrapture.

Itwasallheavenly,but Iwasglad to see the Irishcoast, and found itvery lovely, sogreenandsunny,withbrowncabinshereandthere,ruinsonsomeofthehills,andgentlemen'scountryseatsinthevalleys,withdeerfeedingintheparks.Itwasearlyinthemorning,butIdidn'tregretgettinguptosee it, for thebaywas fullof littleboats, theshoresopicturesque,anda rosyskyoverhead. Inevershallforgetit.

AtQueenstownoneofmynewacquaintancesleftus,Mr.Lennox,andwhenIsaidsomethingabouttheLakesofKillarney,hesighed,andsung,withalookatme...

"Oh,haveyoue'erheardofKateKearney?ShelivesonthebanksofKillarney;Fromtheglanceofhereye,Shundangerandfly,Forfatal'stheglanceofKateKearney."

Wasn'tthatnonsensical?

WeonlystoppedatLiverpoolafewhours.It'sadirty,noisyplace,andIwasgladtoleaveit.Unclerushedoutandboughtapairofdogskingloves,someugly, thickshoes,andanumbrella,andgotshavedàlamuttonchop,thefirstthing.ThenheflatteredhimselfthathelookedlikeatrueBriton,

butthefirst timehehadthemudcleanedoffhisshoes, thelittlebootblackknewthatanAmericanstood in them, and said,with agrin, "Thereyerhar, sir. I'vegiven 'em the latestYankee shine." ItamusedUncleimmensely.Oh,ImusttellyouwhatthatabsurdLennoxdid!HegothisfriendWard,whocameonwithus,toorderabouquetforme,andthefirstthingIsawinmyroomwasalovelyone,with"RobertLennox'scompliments,"onthecard.Wasn'tthatfun,girls?Iliketraveling.

Inevershallget toLondonifIdon'thurry.Thetripwaslikeridingthroughalongpicturegallery,fulloflovelylandscapes.Thefarmhousesweremydelight,withthatchedroofs,ivyuptotheeaves,latticedwindows, and stoutwomenwith rosy children at the doors.The very cattle lookedmoretranquilthanours,astheystoodknee-deepinclover,andthehenshadacontentedcluck,asiftheynevergotnervouslikeYankeebiddies.SuchperfectcolorIneversaw, thegrasssogreen,skysoblue, grain so yellow,woods so dark, I was in a rapture all theway. Sowas Flo, andwe keptbouncingfromoneside to theother, trying toseeeverythingwhilewewerewhiskingalongat therate of sixtymiles an hour.Auntwas tired andwent to sleep, butUncle readhis guidebook, andwouldn'tbeastonishedatanything.Thisisthewaywewenton.Amy,flyingup—"Oh,thatmustbeKenilworth, thatgrayplaceamongthe trees!"Flo,darting tomywindow—"Howsweet!Wemustgotheresometime,won'twePapa?"Uncle,calmlyadmiringhisboots—"No,mydear,notunlessyouwantbeer,that'sabrewery."

Apause—thenFlocriedout,"Blessme, there'sagallowsandamangoingup.""Where,where?"shrieksAmy,staringoutattwotallpostswithacrossbeamandsomedanglingchains."Acolliery,"remarksUncle,witha twinkleof theeye. "Here's a lovely flockof lambsall lyingdown," saysAmy. "See, Papa, aren't they pretty?" added Flo sentimentally. "Geese, young ladies," returnsUncle, in a tone that keeps us quiet till Flo settles down to enjoy the Flirtations of CaptainCavendish,andIhavethesceneryalltomyself.

OfcourseitrainedwhenwegottoLondon,andtherewasnothingtobeseenbutfogandumbrellas.We rested, unpacked, and shopped a little between the showers. Aunt Mary got me some newthings,forIcameoffinsuchahurryIwasn'thalfready.Awhitehatandbluefeather,amuslindresstomatch, and the loveliestmantle you ever saw. Shopping inRegent Street is perfectly splendid.Thingsseemsocheap,niceribbonsonlysixpenceayard.Ilaidinastock,butshallgetmyglovesinParis.Doesn'tthatsoundsortofelegantandrich?

FloandI,forthefunofit,orderedahansomcab,whileAuntandUnclewereout,andwentforadrive,thoughwelearnedafterwardthatitwasn'tthethingforyoungladiestorideinthemalone.Itwassodroll!Forwhenwewereshutinbythewoodenapron,themandrovesofastthatFlowasfrightened,andtoldmetostophim,buthewasupoutsidebehindsomewhere,andIcouldn'tgetathim.Hedidn'thearmecall,norseemeflapmyparasolinfront,andtherewewere,quitehelpless,rattlingaway,andwhirlingaroundcornersatabreakneckpace.Atlast,inmydespair,Isawalittledoorintheroof,andonpokingitopen,aredeyeappeared,andabeeryvoicesaid...

"Now,then,mum?"

IgavemyorderassoberlyasIcould,andslammingdownthedoor,withan"Aye,aye,mum,"themanmadehishorsewalk,asifgoingtoafuneral.Ipokedagainandsaid,"Alittlefaster,"thenoffhewent,helter-skelterasbefore,andweresignedourselvestoourfate.

Todaywasfair,andwewenttoHydePark,closeby,forwearemorearistocraticthanwelook.TheDukeofDevonshirelivesnear.Ioftenseehisfootmenloungingatthebackgate,andtheDukeofWellington'shouseisnotfaroff.SuchsightsasIsaw,mydear!ItwasasgoodasPunch,fortherewere fat dowagers rolling about in their red andyellowcoaches,with gorgeous Jeameses in silkstockings and velvet coats, up behind, and powdered coachmen in front. Smart maids, with therosiestchildrenIeversaw,handsomegirls, lookinghalfasleep,dandies inqueerEnglishhatsandlavenderkids lounging about, and tall soldiers, in short red jackets andmuffin caps stuckononeside,lookingsofunnyIlongedtosketchthem.

RottenRowmeans 'Route deRoi', or the king'sway, but now it'smore like a riding school than

anything else. The horses are splendid, and the men, especially the grooms, ride well, but thewomen are stiff, and bounce,which isn't according to our rules. I longed to show them a tearingAmericangallop,fortheytrottedsolemnlyupanddown,intheirscanthabitsandhighhats,lookinglikethewomeninatoyNoah'sArk.Everyonerides—oldmen,stoutladies,littlechildren—andtheyoungfolksdoadealofflirtinghere,Isawapairexchangerosebuds,forit'sthethingtowearoneinthebutton-hole,andIthoughtitratheranicelittleidea.

IntheP.M.toWestminsterAbbey,butdon'texpectmetodescribeit, that'simpossible,soI'llonlysayitwassublime!ThiseveningwearegoingtoseeFechter,whichwillbeanappropriateendtothehappiestdayofmylife.

It's very late, but I can't let my letter go in the morning without telling you what happened lastevening.Who do you think came in, aswewere at tea?Laurie's English friends, Fred and FrankVaughn!Iwassosurprised,forIshouldn'thaveknownthembutforthecards.Botharetallfellowswithwhiskers,FredhandsomeintheEnglishstyle,andFrankmuchbetter,forheonlylimpsslightly,andusesnocrutches.TheyhadheardfromLauriewhereweweretobe,andcametoaskustotheirhouse,butUnclewon'tgo,soweshall return thecall,andsee themaswecan.Theywent to thetheaterwithus,andwedidhavesuchagoodtime,forFrankdevotedhimselftoFlo,andFredandItalkedoverpast,present,andfuturefunasifwehadknowneachotherallourdays.TellBethFrankaskedforher,andwassorrytohearofherillhealth.FredlaughedwhenIspokeofJo,andsenthis'respectfulcomplimentstothebighat'.NeitherofthemhadforgottenCampLaurence,orthefunwehadthere.Whatagesagoitseems,doesn'tit?

Auntis tappingonthewallforthethirdtime,soImuststop.Ireallyfeel likeadissipatedLondonfine lady,writinghereso late,withmyroomfullofpretty things,andmyheada jumbleofparks,theaters,newgowns,andgallantcreatureswhosay"Ah!"andtwirltheirblondmustacheswiththetrueEnglishlordliness.Ilongtoseeyouall,andinspiteofmynonsenseam,asever,yourloving...

AMY

PARIS

Deargirls,

InmylastItoldyouaboutourLondonvisit,howkindtheVaughnswere,andwhatpleasantpartiesthey made for us. I enjoyed the trips to Hampton Court and the Kensington Museum more thananythingelse,foratHamptonIsawRaphael'scartoons,andattheMuseum,roomsfullofpicturesbyTurner,Lawrence,Reynolds,Hogarth,andtheothergreatcreatures.ThedayinRichmondParkwascharming,forwehadaregularEnglishpicnic,andIhadmoresplendidoaksandgroupsofdeerthan I could copy, also heard a nightingale, and saw larks go up.We 'did' London to our heart'scontent,thankstoFredandFrank,andweresorrytogoaway,forthoughEnglishpeopleareslowtotakeyouin,whentheyoncemakeuptheirmindstodoittheycannotbeoutdoneinhospitality,Ithink.TheVaughnshope tomeetus inRomenextwinter, and I shallbedreadfullydisappointed iftheydon't,forGraceandIaregreatfriends,andtheboysverynicefellows,especiallyFred.

Well,wewerehardlysettledhere,whenheturnedupagain,sayinghehadcomeforaholiday,andwasgoingtoSwitzerland.Auntlookedsoberatfirst,buthewassocoolaboutitshecouldn'tsayaword.Andnowwegetonnicely,andareverygladhecame,forhespeaksFrenchlikeanative,andIdon'tknowwhatweshoulddowithouthim.Uncledoesn'tknowtenwords,andinsistsontalkingEnglishveryloud,asifitwouldmakepeopleunderstandhim.Aunt'spronunciationisold-fashioned,andFloandI,thoughweflatteredourselvesthatweknewagooddeal,findwedon't,andareverygratefultohaveFreddothe'parleyvooing',asUnclecallsit.

Such delightful times as we are having! Sight-seeing from morning till night, stopping for nicelunchesinthegaycafes,andmeetingwithall sortsofdrolladventures.Rainydays I spend in theLouvre,revellinginpictures.Jowouldturnuphernaughtynoseatsomeofthefinest,becauseshe

hasnosoulforart,butIhave,andI'mcultivatingeyeandtasteasfastasIcan.Shewouldliketherelics of great people better, for I've seen her Napoleon's cocked hat and gray coat, his baby'scradle and his old toothbrush, also Marie Antoinette's little shoe, the ring of Saint Denis,Charlemagne'ssword,andmanyotherinterestingthings.I'lltalkforhoursaboutthemwhenIcome,buthaven'ttimetowrite.

The Palais Royale is a heavenly place, so full of bijouterie and lovely things that I'm nearlydistracted because I can't buy them.Fredwanted to getme some, but of course I didn't allow it.ThentheBoisandChampsElyseesaretresmagnifique.I'veseentheimperialfamilyseveraltimes,the emperor an ugly, hard-looking man, the empress pale and pretty, but dressed in bad taste, Ithought—purple dress, green hat, and yellow gloves. Little Nap is a handsome boy, who sitschattingtohistutor,andkisseshishandtothepeopleashepassesinhisfour-horsebarouche,withpostilionsinredsatinjacketsandamountedguardbeforeandbehind.

WeoftenwalkintheTuileriesGardens,fortheyarelovely,thoughtheantiqueLuxembourgGardenssuit me better. Pere la Chaise is very curious, for many of the tombs are like small rooms, andlookingin,oneseesatable,withimagesorpicturesofthedead,andchairsforthemournerstositinwhentheycometolament.ThatissoFrenchy.

Our rooms are on theRue deRivoli, and sitting on the balcony,we look up and down the long,brilliant street. It is so pleasant that we spend our evenings talking therewhen too tiredwith ourday'swork togoout.Fred isveryentertaining,and isaltogether themostagreeableyoungman Iever knew—except Laurie,whosemanners aremore charming. Iwish Fredwas dark, for I don'tfancylightmen,however,theVaughnsareveryrichandcomeofanexcellentfamily,soIwon'tfindfaultwiththeiryellowhair,asmyownisyellower.

NextweekweareofftoGermanyandSwitzerland,andasweshalltravelfast,Ishallonlybeabletogiveyouhastyletters.Ikeepmydiary,andtryto 'remembercorrectlyanddescribeclearlyallthat I seeandadmire',asFatheradvised. It isgoodpractice forme,andwithmysketchbookwillgiveyouabetterideaofmytourthanthesescribbles.

Adieu,Iembraceyoutenderly."VotreAmie."

HEIDELBERG

MydearMamma,

HavingaquiethourbeforeweleaveforBerne,I'lltrytotellyouwhathashappened,forsomeofitisveryimportant,asyouwillsee.

Thesailup theRhinewasperfect,andI justsatandenjoyed itwithallmymight.GetFather'soldguidebooksandreadaboutit.Ihaven'twordsbeautifulenoughtodescribeit.AtCoblentzwehadalovely time, forsomestudents fromBonn,withwhomFredgotacquaintedon theboat,gaveusaserenade. It was a moonlight night, and about one o'clock Flo and I were waked by the mostdeliciousmusicunderourwindows.Weflewup,andhidbehindthecurtains,butslypeepsshowedusFredandthestudentssingingawaydownbelow.ItwasthemostromanticthingIeversaw—theriver,thebridgeofboats,thegreatfortressopposite,moonlighteverywhere,andmusicfittomeltaheartofstone.

When theywere donewe threwdown some flowers, and saw them scramble for them, kiss theirhands to the invisible ladies, and go laughing away, to smoke and drink beer, I suppose. Nextmorning Fred showed me one of the crumpled flowers in his vest pocket, and looked verysentimental.Ilaughedathim,andsaidIdidn'tthrowit,butFlo,whichseemedtodisgusthim,forhetosseditoutofthewindow,andturnedsensibleagain.I'mafraidI'mgoingtohavetroublewiththatboy,itbeginstolooklikeit.

The baths at Nassau were very gay, so was Baden-Baden, where Fred lost somemoney, and Iscoldedhim.Heneedssomeone to lookafterhimwhenFrank isnotwithhim.Katesaidonceshehoped he'd marry soon, and I quite agree with her that it would be well for him. Frankfurt wasdelightful. I sawGoethe's house, Schiller's statue, andDannecker's famous 'Ariadne.' Itwas verylovely, but I should have enjoyed itmore if I had known the story better. I didn't like to ask, aseveryoneknewitorpretendedtheydid.IwishJowouldtellmeallabout it. Iought tohavereadmore,forIfindIdon'tknowanything,anditmortifiesme.

Nowcomestheseriouspart,forithappenedhere,andFredhasjustgone.Hehasbeensokindandjollythatweallgotquitefondofhim.Ineverthoughtofanythingbutatravelingfriendshiptilltheserenade night. Since then I've begun to feel that themoonlight walks, balcony talks, and dailyadventureswere somethingmore to him than fun. I haven't flirted,Mother, truly, but rememberedwhatyou said tome, andhavedonemyverybest. I can't help it if people likeme. I don't try tomakethem,anditworriesmeifIdon'tcareforthem,thoughJosaysIhaven'tgotanyheart.NowIknowMotherwill shake her head, and the girls say, "Oh, themercenary littlewretch!", but I'vemadeupmymind,andifFredasksme,Ishallaccepthim,thoughI'mnotmadlyinlove.Ilikehim,andwegetoncomfortablytogether.Heishandsome,young,cleverenough,andveryrich—eversomuchricher than theLaurences. Idon't thinkhis familywouldobject,andIshouldbeveryhappy,for theyareallkind,well-bred,generouspeople,and they likeme.Fred,as theeldest twin,willhavetheestate,Isuppose,andsuchasplendidoneitis!Acityhouseinafashionablestreet,notsoshowyasourbighouses,buttwiceascomfortableandfullofsolidluxury,suchasEnglishpeoplebelieve in. I like it, for it's genuine. I've seen the plate, the family jewels, the old servants, andpictures of the country place, with its park, great house, lovely grounds, and fine horses. Oh, itwouldbeallIshouldask!AndI'dratherhaveitthananytitlesuchasgirlssnapupsoreadily,andfind nothing behind. I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and don't mean to bear it a minutelongerthanIcanhelp.Oneofusmustmarrywell.Megdidn't,Jowon't,Bethcan'tyet,soIshall,andmakeeverythingokayallround.Iwouldn'tmarryamanIhatedordespised.Youmaybesureof that, and thoughFred is notmymodel hero, hedoesverywell, and in time I shouldget fondenoughof him if hewas very fond ofme, and letme do just as I liked. So I've been turning thematterover inmymind the lastweek, for itwas impossible tohelpseeing thatFred likedme.Hesaid nothing, but little things showed it. He never goes with Flo, always gets onmy side of thecarriage,table,orpromenade,lookssentimentalwhenwearealone,andfrownsatanyoneelsewhoventures to speak tome.Yesterday at dinner,when anAustrian officer stared at us and then saidsomethingtohisfriend,arakish-lookingbaron,about'einwonderschonesBlondchen',Fredlookedasfierceasalion,andcuthismeatsosavagelyitnearlyflewoffhisplate.Heisn'toneofthecool,stiffEnglishmen,butisratherpeppery,forhehasScotchbloodinhim,asonemightguessfromhisbonnieblueeyes.

Well, last eveningwewentup to the castle about sunset, at least all ofusbutFred,whowas tomeetusthereaftergoingtothePostRestanteforletters.Wehadacharmingtimepokingabouttheruins, thevaultswhere themonster tun is,and thebeautifulgardensmadeby theelector longagoforhisEnglishwife.Ilikedthegreatterracebest,fortheviewwasdivine,sowhiletherestwenttoseetheroomsinside,Isattheretryingtosketchthegraystonelion'sheadonthewall,withscarletwoodbine sprays hanging round it. I felt as if I'd got into a romance, sitting there, watching theNeckarrollingthroughthevalley,listeningtothemusicoftheAustrianbandbelow,andwaitingformylover,likearealstorybookgirl.IhadafeelingthatsomethingwasgoingtohappenandIwasreadyforit.Ididn'tfeelblushyorquakey,butquitecoolandonlyalittleexcited.

By-and-by IheardFred'svoice, and thenhecamehurrying through thegreat arch to findme.HelookedsotroubledthatIforgotallaboutmyself,andaskedwhatthematterwas.Hesaidhe'djustgotaletterbegginghimtocomehome,forFrankwasveryill.Sohewasgoingatonceonthenighttrainandonlyhadtimetosaygood-by.Iwasverysorryforhim,anddisappointedformyself,butonlyforaminutebecausehesaid,asheshookhands,andsaiditinawaythatIcouldnotmistake,"Ishallsooncomeback,youwon'tforgetme,Amy?"

Ididn'tpromise,butIlookedathim,andheseemedsatisfied,andtherewasnotimeforanythingbut

messages and good-byes, for hewas off in an hour, andwe allmiss him verymuch. I know hewantedtospeak,butIthink,fromsomethingheoncehinted,thathehadpromisedhisfathernottodoanything of the sort yet a while, for he is a rash boy, and the old gentleman dreads a foreigndaughter-in-law.Weshall soonmeet inRome,and then, if Idon't changemymind, I'll say "Yes,thankyou,"whenhesays"Willyou,please?"

Ofcourse this isallveryprivate,but Iwishedyou toknowwhatwasgoingon.Don'tbeanxiousaboutme, remember I am your 'prudentAmy', and be sure Iwill do nothing rashly. Sendme asmuchadviceasyoulike.I'lluseit ifIcan.IwishIcouldseeyouforagoodtalk,Marmee.Loveandtrustme.

EveryourAMY

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

TENDERTROUBLES

"Jo,I'manxiousaboutBeth."

"Why,Mother,shehasseemedunusuallywellsincethebabiescame."

"It's not her health that troubles me now, it's her spirits. I'm sure there issomethingonhermind,andIwantyoutodiscoverwhatitis."

"Whatmakesyouthinkso,Mother?"

"Shesitsaloneagooddeal,anddoesn'ttalktoherfatherasmuchassheused.Ifound her crying over the babies the other day. When she sings, the songs arealwayssadones,andnowandthenIseealookinherfacethatIdon'tunderstand.Thisisn'tlikeBeth,anditworriesme."

"Haveyouaskedheraboutit?"

"I have tried once or twice, but she either evaded my questions or looked sodistressedthatIstopped.Ineverforcemychildren'sconfidence,andIseldomhavetowaitforlong."

Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke, but the face opposite seemed quiteunconsciousofanysecretdisquietudebutBeth's,andaftersewingthoughtfullyforaminute,Josaid,"Ithinksheisgrowingup,andsobeginstodreamdreams,andhavehopes and fears and fidgets,without knowingwhyor being able to explain them.Why, Mother, Beth's eighteen, but we don't realize it, and treat her like a child,

forgettingshe'sawoman."

"Sosheis.Dearheart,howfastyoudogrowup,"returnedhermotherwithasighandasmile.

"Can't be helped,Marmee, so youmust resignyourself to all sorts ofworries,andletyourbirdshopoutofthenest,onebyone.Ipromisenevertohopveryfar,ifthatisanycomforttoyou."

"It'sagreatcomfort,Jo.Ialwaysfeelstrongwhenyouareathome,nowMegisgone. Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon, but when the tugcomes,youarealwaysready."

"Why,youknowIdon'tmindhardjobsmuch,andtheremustalwaysbeonescrubinafamily.AmyissplendidinfineworksandI'mnot,butIfeelinmyelementwhenall the carpets are to be taken up, or half the family fall sick at once. Amy isdistinguishingherselfabroad,butifanythingisamissathome,I'myourman."

"IleaveBethtoyourhands,then,forshewillopenhertenderlittlehearttoherJosoonerthantoanyoneelse.Beverykind,anddon'tletherthinkanyonewatchesortalks about her. If she onlywould get quite strong and cheerful again, I shouldn'thaveawishintheworld."

"Happywoman!I'vegotheaps."

"Mydear,whatarethey?"

"I'llsettleBethy'stroubles,andthenI'lltellyoumine.Theyarenotverywearing,sothey'llkeep."andJostitchedaway,withawisenodwhichsethermother'sheartatrestaboutherforthepresentatleast.

Whileapparentlyabsorbed inherownaffairs, JowatchedBeth,andaftermanyconflictingconjectures,finallysettledupononewhichseemedtoexplainthechangein her. A slight incident gave Jo the clue to the mystery, she thought, and livelyfancy, loving heart did the rest. She was affecting to write busily one Saturdayafternoon,whensheandBethwerealonetogether.Yetasshescribbled,shekepthereyeonher sister,who seemedunusuallyquiet.Sitting at thewindow,Beth'sworkoften dropped into her lap, and she leaned her head upon her hand, in a dejectedattitude,whilehereyesrestedonthedull,autumnallandscape.Suddenlysomeonepassed below, whistling like an operatic blackbird, and a voice called out, "Allserene!Comingintonight."

Beth started, leaned forward, smiled and nodded,watched the passer-by till hisquicktrampdiedaway, thensaidsoftlyas if toherself,"Howstrongandwellandhappythatdearboylooks."

"Hum!" said Jo, still intent upon her sister's face, for the bright color faded asquickly as it came, the smile vanished, and presently a tear lay shining on thewindowledge.Bethwhiskeditoff,andinherhalf-avertedfacereadatendersorrowthatmadeherowneyesfill.Fearingtobetrayherself,sheslippedaway,murmuringsomethingaboutneedingmorepaper.

"Mercyonme,BethlovesLaurie!"shesaid,sittingdowninherownroom,palewith the shock of the discovery which she believed she had just made. "I neverdreamedofsuchathing.WhatwillMothersay?Iwonderifher..."thereJostoppedand turned scarlet with a sudden thought. "If he shouldn't love back again, howdreadfulitwouldbe.Hemust.I'llmakehim!"andsheshookherheadthreateninglyat thepictureof themischievous-lookingboy laughing at her from thewall. "Ohdear,wearegrowingupwithavengeance.Here'sMegmarriedandamamma,AmyflourishingawayatParis,andBethinlove.I'mtheonlyonethathassenseenoughtokeepoutofmischief." Jo thought intently foraminutewithhereyes fixedon thepicture,thenshesmoothedoutherwrinkledforeheadandsaid,withadecidednodatthe face opposite, "No thank you, sir, you're very charming, but you've nomorestability thanaweathercock.Soyouneedn'twrite touchingnotesandsmile in thatinsinuatingway,foritwon'tdoabitofgood,andIwon'thaveit."

Thenshesighed,andfellintoareveriefromwhichshedidnotwaketilltheearlytwilight sent her down to take new observations, which only confirmed hersuspicion.ThoughLaurie flirtedwithAmyand jokedwithJo,hismanner toBethhadalwaysbeenpeculiarlykindandgentle,butsowaseverybody's.Therefore,noonethoughtofimaginingthathecaredmoreforherthanfortheothers.Indeed,ageneral impression had prevailed in the family of late that 'our boy' was gettingfonder thaneverof Jo,who,however,wouldn'thearawordupon the subjectandscoldedviolentlyifanyonedaredtosuggestit.Iftheyhadknownthevarioustenderpassages which had been nipped in the bud, they would have had the immensesatisfaction of saying, "I told you so." But Jo hated 'philandering', and wouldn'tallow it, always having a joke or a smile ready at the least sign of impendingdanger.

WhenLauriefirstwenttocollege,hefell inloveaboutonceamonth,butthesesmall flameswere as brief as ardent, did no damage, andmuch amused Jo,whotookgreatinterestinthealternationsofhope,despair,andresignation,whichwereconfided to her in their weekly conferences. But there came a time when Laurie

ceasedtoworshipatmanyshrines,hinteddarklyatoneall-absorbingpassion,andindulgedoccasionallyinByronicfitsofgloom.Thenheavoidedthetendersubjectaltogether,wrotephilosophicalnotestoJo,turnedstudious,andgaveoutthathewasgoingto'dig',intendingtograduateinablazeofglory.Thissuitedtheyoungladybetterthantwilightconfidences,tenderpressuresofthehand,andeloquentglancesof the eye, for with Jo, brain developed earlier than heart, and she preferredimaginaryheroestorealones,becausewhentiredofthem,theformercouldbeshutupinthetinkitchentillcalledfor,andthelatterwerelessmanageable.

Thingswere in this statewhen the grand discoverywasmade, and JowatchedLauriethatnightasshehadneverdonebefore.Ifshehadnotgotthenewideaintoherhead,shewouldhaveseennothingunusualinthefactthatBethwasveryquiet,andLaurieverykindtoher.Buthavinggiventhereintoherlivelyfancy,itgallopedawaywithheratagreatpace,andcommonsense,beingratherweakenedbyalongcourseofromancewriting,didnotcometotherescue.AsusualBethlayonthesofaandLauriesatinalowchaircloseby,amusingherwithallsortsofgossip,forshedependedonherweekly 'spin', andheneverdisappointedher.But thateveningJofancied that Beth's eyes rested on the lively, dark face beside her with peculiarpleasure,and that she listenedwith intense interest toanaccountofsomeexcitingcricketmatch,thoughthephrases, 'caughtoffatice', 'stumpedoffhisground',and'theleghitforthree',wereasintelligibletoherasSanskrit.Shealsofancied,havingsetherheartuponseeingit,thatshesawacertainincreaseofgentlenessinLaurie'smanner,thathedroppedhisvoicenowandthen,laughedlessthanusual,wasalittleabsent-minded, and settled the afghan over Beth's feet with an assiduity that wasreallyalmosttender.

"Whoknows?Strangerthingshavehappened,"thoughtJo,asshefussedabouttheroom."Shewillmakequiteanangelofhim,andhewillmakelifedelightfullyeasyandpleasantforthedear,iftheyonlyloveeachother.Idon'tseehowhecanhelpit,andIdobelievehewouldiftherestofuswereoutoftheway."

As everyonewas out of thewaybut herself, Jo began to feel that she ought todispose of herself with all speed. But where should she go? And burning to layherselfupontheshrineofsisterlydevotion,shesatdowntosettlethatpoint.

Now,theoldsofawasaregularpatriarchofasofa—long,broad,well-cushioned,andlow,atrifleshabby,aswellitmightbe,forthegirlshadsleptandsprawledonitasbabies, fishedover theback, rodeon thearms,andhadmenageriesunder itaschildren,andrestedtiredheads,dreameddreams,andlistenedtotendertalkonitasyoungwomen. They all loved it, for itwas a family refuge, and one corner hadalwaysbeenJo'sfavoriteloungingplace.Amongthemanypillowsthatadornedthe

venerable couch was one, hard, round, covered with prickly horsehair, andfurnishedwithaknobbybuttonateachend.Thisrepulsivepillowwasherespecialproperty,beingusedasaweaponofdefense,abarricade,orasternpreventiveoftoomuchslumber.

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 wasallowed,andnowfrequentlydebarredbyitfromtheseathemostcovetednexttoJointhesofacorner.If'thesausage'astheycalledit,stoodonend,itwasasignthathemightapproachandrepose,butifitlayflatacrossthesofa,woetoman,woman,orchildwhodareddisturbit!ThateveningJoforgottobarricadehercorner,andhadnotbeeninherseatfiveminutes,beforeamassiveformappearedbesideher,andwithbotharmsspreadoverthesofaback,bothlonglegsstretchedoutbeforehim,Laurieexclaimed,withasighofsatisfaction...

"Now,thisisfillingattheprice."

"Noslang,"snappedJo,slammingdownthepillow.Butitwastoolate,therewasno room for it, and coasting onto the floor, it disappeared in amostmysteriousmanner.

"Come, Jo,don'tbe thorny.After studyinghimself toa skeletonall theweek,afellowdeservespettingandoughttogetit."

"Bethwillpetyou.I'mbusy."

"No, she's not to be bothered with me, but you like that sort of thing, unlessyou'vesuddenlylostyourtasteforit.Haveyou?Doyouhateyourboy,andwanttofirepillowsathim?"

Anythingmorewheedlesomethanthattouchingappealwasseldomheard,butJoquenched'herboy'byturningonhimwithasternquery,"HowmanybouquetshaveyousentMissRandalthisweek?"

"Notone,uponmyword.She'sengaged.Nowthen."

"I'm glad of it, that's one of your foolish extravagances, sending flowers andthingstogirlsforwhomyoudon'tcaretwopins,"continuedJoreprovingly.

"SensiblegirlsforwhomIdocarewholepapersofpinswon'tletmesendthem'flowersandthings',sowhatcanIdo?Myfeelingsneeda'vent'."

"Mother doesn't approve of flirting even in fun, and you do flirt desperately,Teddy."

"I'dgiveanythingifIcouldanswer, 'Sodoyou'.AsIcan't,I'llmerelysaythatIdon'tseeanyharminthatpleasantlittlegame,ifallpartiesunderstandthatit'sonlyplay."

"Well,itdoeslookpleasant,butIcan'tlearnhowit'sdone.I'vetried,becauseonefeelsawkwardincompanynottodoaseverybodyelseisdoing,butIdon'tseemtogeton",saidJo,forgettingtoplaymentor.

"TakelessonsofAmy,shehasaregulartalentforit."

"Yes,shedoesitveryprettily,andneverseemstogotoofar.Isupposeit'snaturaltosomepeopletopleasewithouttrying,andotherstoalwayssayanddothewrongthinginthewrongplace."

"I'mgladyou can't flirt. It's really refreshing to see a sensible, straightforwardgirl,whocanbejollyandkindwithoutmakingafoolofherself.Betweenourselves,Jo, someof thegirls Iknowreallydogoonat sucha rate I'mashamedof them.Theydon'tmeananyharm,I'msure,butiftheyknewhowwefellowstalkedaboutthemafterward,they'dmendtheirways,Ifancy."

"They do the same, and as their tongues are the sharpest, you fellows get theworst of it, for you are as silly as they, every bit. If you behaved properly, theywould, but knowing you like their nonsense, they keep it up, and then you blamethem."

"Muchyouknowaboutit,ma'am,"saidLaurieinasuperiortone."Wedon'tlikerompsandflirts,thoughwemayactasifwedidsometimes.Thepretty,modestgirlsarenever talkedabout,exceptrespectfully,amonggentleman.Blessyour innocentsoul!Ifyoucouldbeinmyplaceforamonthyou'dseethingsthatwouldastonishyouatrifle.Uponmyword,whenIseeoneofthoseharum-scarumgirls,IalwayswanttosaywithourfriendCockRobin...

"Outuponyou,fieuponyou,Bold-facedjig!"

It was impossible to help laughing at the funny conflict between Laurie'schivalrousreluctancetospeakillofwomankind,andhisverynaturaldislikeoftheunfemininefollyofwhichfashionablesocietyshowedhimmanysamples.Joknewthat'youngLaurence'wasregardedasamosteligiblepartibyworldlymamas,was

muchsmileduponbytheirdaughters,andflatteredenoughbyladiesofallagestomakeacoxcombofhim,soshewatchedhimratherjealously,fearinghewouldbespoiled,andrejoicedmorethansheconfessedtofindthathestillbelievedinmodestgirls.Returningsuddenlytoheradmonitorytone,shesaid,droppinghervoice,"Ifyoumusthavea'vent',Teddy,goanddevoteyourselftooneofthe'pretty,modestgirls'whomyoudorespect,andnotwasteyourtimewiththesillyones."

"Youreallyadvise it?"andLaurie lookedatherwithanoddmixtureofanxietyandmerrimentinhisface.

"Yes,Ido,butyou'dbetterwaittillyouarethroughcollege,onthewhole,andbefitting yourself for the place meantime. You're not half good enough for—well,whoeverthemodestgirlmaybe."andJolookedalittlequeerlikewise,foranamehadalmostescapedher.

"That I'm not!" acquiescedLaurie,with an expression of humility quite new tohim,ashedroppedhiseyesandabsentlywoundJo'saprontasselroundhisfinger.

"Mercyonus,thiswillneverdo,"thoughtJo,addingaloud,"Goandsingtome.I'mdyingforsomemusic,andalwayslikeyours."

"I'dratherstayhere,thankyou."

"Well,youcan't,thereisn'troom.Goandmakeyourselfuseful,sinceyouaretoobig to be ornamental. I thought you hated to be tied to awoman's apron string?"retortedJo,quotingcertainrebelliouswordsofhisown.

"Ah,thatdependsonwhowearstheapron!"andLauriegaveanaudacioustweakatthetassel.

"Areyougoing?"demandedJo,divingforthepillow.

He fled at once, and the minute it was well, "Up with the bonnets of bonnieDundee,"sheslippedawaytoreturnnomoretill theyounggentlemandepartedinhighdudgeon.

Jo lay long awake that night, and was just dropping off when the sound of astifled sobmade her fly to Beth's bedside, with the anxious inquiry, "What is it,dear?"

"Ithoughtyouwereasleep,"sobbedBeth.

"Isittheoldpain,myprecious?"

"No,it'sanewone,butIcanbearit,"andBethtriedtocheckhertears.

"Tellmeallaboutit,andletmecureitasIoftendidtheother."

"You can't, there is no cure."ThereBeth's voicegaveway, and clinging to hersister,shecriedsodespairinglythatJowasfrightened.

"Whereisit?ShallIcallMother?"

"No, no, don't call her, don't tell her. I shall bebetter soon.Lie downhere and'poor'myhead.I'llbequietandgotosleep,indeedIwill."

Joobeyed,butasherhandwentsoftlytoandfroacrossBeth'shotforeheadandweteyelids,herheartwasveryfullandshelongedtospeak.Butyoungasshewas,Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, butmust opennaturally, so thoughshebelievedsheknew thecauseofBeth'snewpain, sheonlysaid,inhertenderesttone,"Doesanythingtroubleyou,deary?"

"Yes,Jo,"afteralongpause.

"Wouldn'titcomfortyoutotellmewhatitis?"

"Notnow,notyet."

"Then Iwon't ask, but remember,Bethy, thatMother and Jo are alwaysglad tohearandhelpyou,iftheycan."

"Iknowit.I'lltellyouby-and-by."

"Isthepainbetternow?"

"Oh,yes,muchbetter,youaresocomfortable,Jo."

"Gotosleep,dear.I'llstaywithyou."

Socheektocheektheyfellasleep,andonthemorrowBethseemedquiteherselfagain, for at eighteen neither heads nor hearts ache long, and a lovingword canmedicinemostills.

ButJohadmadeuphermind,andafterponderingoveraprojectforsomedays,sheconfidedittohermother.

"You asked me the other day what my wishes were. I'll tell you one of them,Marmee,"shebegan,astheysatalongtogether."Iwanttogoawaysomewherethiswinterforachange."

"Why,Jo?"andhermotherlookedupquickly,asifthewordssuggestedadoublemeaning.

With her eyes on herwork Jo answered soberly, "Iwant somethingnew. I feelrestlessandanxioustobeseeing,doing,andlearningmorethanIam.Ibroodtoomuchovermyown small affairs, andneed stirringup, so as I canbe spared thiswinter,I'dliketohopalittlewayandtrymywings."

"Wherewillyouhop?"

"ToNewYork.Ihadabrightideayesterday,andthisisit.YouknowMrs.Kirkewrotetoyouforsomerespectableyoungpersontoteachherchildrenandsew.It'sratherhardtofindjustthething,butIthinkIshouldsuitifItried."

"Mydear,goouttoserviceinthatgreatboardinghouse!"andMrs.Marchlookedsurprised,butnotdispleased.

"It'snotexactlygoingouttoservice,forMrs.Kirkeisyourfriend—thekindestsoulthateverlived—andwouldmakethingspleasantforme,Iknow.Herfamilyisseparatefromtherest,andnooneknowsmethere.Don'tcareiftheydo.It'shonestwork,andI'mnotashamedofit."

"NorI.Butyourwriting?"

"Allthebetterforthechange.Ishallseeandhearnewthings,getnewideas,andevenifIhaven'tmuchtimethere,Ishallbringhomequantitiesofmaterialformyrubbish."

"Ihavenodoubtofit,butaretheseyouronlyreasonsforthissuddenfancy?"

"No,Mother."

"MayIknowtheothers?"

Jo looked up and Jo looked down, then said slowly, with sudden color in hercheeks."Itmaybevainandwrongtosayit,but—I'mafraid—Laurieisgettingtoofondofme."

"Thenyoudon'tcareforhiminthewayitisevidenthebeginstocareforyou?"andMrs.Marchlookedanxiousassheputthequestion.

"Mercy,no! I love thedearboy, as I alwayshave, andam immenselyproudofhim,butasforanythingmore,it'soutofthequestion."

"I'mgladofthat,Jo."

"Why,please?"

"Because,dear, Idon't thinkyousuited tooneanother.As friendsyouareveryhappy,andyourfrequentquarrelssoonblowover,butIfearyouwouldbothrebelifyouweremated for life.Youare toomuchalikeand too fondof freedom,not tomentionhottempersandstrongwills,togetonhappilytogether,inarelationwhichneedsinfinitepatienceandforbearance,aswellaslove."

"That'sjustthefeelingIhad,thoughIcouldn'texpressit.I'mgladyouthinkheisonlybeginningtocareforme.Itwouldtroublemesadlytomakehimunhappy,forIcouldn'tfallinlovewiththedearoldfellowmerelyoutofgratitude,couldI?"

"Youaresureofhisfeelingforyou?"

The color deepened in Jo's cheeks as she answered, with the look of mingledpleasure,pride,andpainwhichyounggirlswearwhenspeakingoffirstlovers,"I'mafraiditisso,Mother.Hehasn'tsaidanything,buthelooksagreatdeal.IthinkIhad

bettergoawaybeforeitcomestoanything."

"Iagreewithyou,andifitcanbemanagedyoushallgo."

Jo looked relieved, and after a pause, said, smiling, "HowMrs.Moffat wouldwonder at your want ofmanagement, if she knew, and how shewill rejoice thatAnniemaystillhope."

"Ah,Jo,mothersmaydifferintheirmanagement,butthehopeisthesameinall—the desire to see their children happy. Meg is so, and I am content with hersuccess.YouIleavetoenjoyyourlibertytillyoutireofit,foronlythenwillyoufindthatthereissomethingsweeter.Amyismychiefcarenow,buthergoodsensewillhelpher.ForBeth,Iindulgenohopesexceptthatshemaybewell.Bytheway,sheseemsbrighterthislastdayortwo.Haveyouspokentoher?'

"Yes,sheownedshehadatrouble,andpromisedtotellmeby-and-by.Isaidnomore,forIthinkIknowit,"andJotoldherlittlestory.

Mrs.Marchshookherhead,anddidnottakesoromanticaviewofthecase,butlookedgrave,andrepeatedheropinionthatforLaurie'ssakeJoshouldgoawayforatime.

"Letussaynothingaboutittohimtilltheplanissettled,thenI'llrunawaybeforehecancollecthiswitsandbetragic.BethmustthinkI'mgoingtopleasemyself,asIam, for Ican't talkaboutLaurie toher.Butshecanpetandcomforthimafter I'mgone, and so cure him of this romantic notion. He's been through somany littletrialsofthesort,he'susedtoit,andwillsoongetoverhislovelornity."

Jospokehopefully,butcouldnotridherselfoftheforebodingfearthatthis'littletrial' would be harder than the others, and that Laurie would not get over his'lovelornity'aseasilyasheretofore.

Theplanwas talked over in a family council and agreedupon, forMrs.Kirkegladly accepted Jo, and promised tomake a pleasant home for her. The teachingwouldrenderherindependent,andsuchleisureasshegotmightbemadeprofitablebywriting,whilethenewscenesandsocietywouldbebothusefulandagreeable.Joliked the prospect andwas eager to be gone, for the homenestwasgrowing toonarrowforherrestlessnatureandadventurousspirit.Whenallwassettled,withfearand trembling she toldLaurie, but to her surprise he took it very quietly.He hadbeen graver than usual of late, but very pleasant, and when jokingly accused ofturningoveranewleaf,heansweredsoberly,"SoIam,andImeanthisoneshallstayturned."

Jowasverymuchrelievedthatoneofhisvirtuousfitsshouldcomeonjustthen,andmadeherpreparationswitha lightenedheart, forBethseemedmorecheerful,andhopedshewasdoingthebestforall.

"OnethingIleaveinyourespecialcare,"shesaid,thenightbeforesheleft.

"Youmeanyourpapers?"askedBeth.

"No,myboy.Beverygoodtohim,won'tyou?"

"OfcourseIwill,butIcan'tfillyourplace,andhe'llmissyousadly."

"Itwon'thurthim,soremember,Ileavehiminyourcharge,toplague,pet,andkeepinorder."

"I'lldomybest,foryoursake,"promisedBeth,wonderingwhyJolookedathersoqueerly.

WhenLauriesaidgood-by,hewhisperedsignificantly,"Itwon'tdoabitofgood,Jo.Myeyeisonyou,somindwhatyoudo,orI'llcomeandbringyouhome."

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

JO'SJOURNAL

NewYork,November

DearMarmeeandBeth,

I'mgoingtowriteyouaregularvolume,forI'vegotheapstotell,thoughI'mnotafineyoungladytravelingonthecontinent.WhenIlostsightofFather'sdearoldface,Ifeltatrifleblue,andmighthave shed a briny drop or two, if an Irish ladywith four small children, all cryingmore or less,hadn'tdivertedmymind,forIamusedmyselfbydroppinggingerbreadnutsovertheseateverytimetheyopenedtheirmouthstoroar.

Soonthesuncameout,andtakingitasagoodomen,Icleareduplikewiseandenjoyedmyjourneywithallmyheart.

Mrs.KirkewelcomedmesokindlyIfeltathomeatonce,eveninthatbighousefullofstrangers.Shegavemea funny littleskyparlor—allshehad,but there isastove in it,andanice table inasunnywindow,soIcansithereandwritewheneverIlike.Afineviewandachurchtoweroppositeatoneforthemanystairs,andItookafancytomydenonthespot.Thenursery,whereIamtoteachand sew, is a pleasant room next Mrs. Kirke's private parlor, and the two little girls are pretty

children,ratherspoiled,Ifancy,buttheytooktomeaftertellingthemTheSevenBadPigs,andI'venodoubtIshallmakeamodelgoverness.

Iamtohavemymealswiththechildren,ifIpreferittothegreattable,andforthepresentIdo,forIambashful,thoughnoonewillbelieveit.

"Now,mydear,makeyourselfathome,"saidMrs.K.inhermotherlyway,"I'monthedrivefrommorningtonight,asyoumaysupposewithsuchafamily,butagreatanxietywillbeoffmymindifIknowthechildrenaresafewithyou.Myroomsarealwaysopentoyou,andyourownshallbeascomfortableasIcanmakeit.Therearesomepleasantpeopleinthehouseifyoufeelsociable,andyoureveningsarealways free.Come tome if anythinggoeswrong,andbeashappyasyoucan.There's the tea bell, I must run and change my cap." And off she bustled, leaving me to settlemyselfinmynewnest.

AsIwentdownstairssoonafter,IsawsomethingIliked.Theflightsareverylonginthistallhouse,and as I stoodwaiting at the head of the third one for a little servant girl to lumber up, I saw agentlemancomealongbehindher,taketheheavyhodofcoaloutofherhand,carryitallthewayup,putitdownatadoornearby,andwalkaway,saying,withakindnodandaforeignaccent,"Itgoesbetterso.Thelittlebackistooyoungtohafsuchheaviness."

Wasn't it good of him? I like such things, for as Father says, trifles show character. When ImentionedittoMrs.K.,thatevening,shelaughed,andsaid,"ThatmusthavebeenProfessorBhaer,he'salwaysdoingthingsofthatsort."

Mrs.K.toldmehewasfromBerlin,verylearnedandgood,butpoorasachurchmouse,andgiveslessons to supporthimselfand two littleorphannephewswhomhe iseducatinghere, according tothewishesofhis sister,whomarriedanAmerican.Notavery romantic story,but it interestedme,andIwasgladtohearthatMrs.K.lendshimherparlorforsomeofhisscholars.Thereisaglassdoorbetweenitandthenursery,andImeantopeepathim,andthenI'lltellyouhowhelooks.He'salmostforty,soit'snoharm,Marmee.

Afterteaandago-to-bedrompwiththelittlegirls,Iattackedthebigworkbasket,andhadaquietevening chatting with my new friend. I shall keep a journal-letter, and send it once a week, sogoodnight,andmoretomorrow.

TuesdayEve

Hadalivelytimeinmyseminarythismorning,forthechildrenactedlikeSancho,andatonetimeIreallythoughtIshouldshakethemallround.Somegoodangelinspiredmetotrygymnastics,andIkeptituptilltheyweregladtositdownandkeepstill.Afterluncheon,thegirltookthemoutforawalk,andIwenttomyneedleworklikelittleMabel'withawillingmind'.Iwasthankingmystarsthat I'd learned to make nice buttonholes, when the parlor door opened and shut, and someonebegantohum,KennstDuDasLand,likeabigbumblebee.Itwasdreadfullyimproper,Iknow,butIcouldn't resist the temptation, and liftingoneendof thecurtainbefore theglassdoor, Ipeeped in.ProfessorBhaerwasthere,andwhilehearrangedhisbooks,Itookagoodlookathim.AregularGerman—rather stout,with brown hair tumbled all over his head, a bushy beard, good nose, thekindest eyes I ever saw, and a splendid big voice that does one's ears good, after our sharp orslipshod American gabble. His clothes were rusty, his hands were large, and he hadn't a reallyhandsomefeature inhis face,excepthisbeautiful teeth,yet I likedhim,forhehadafinehead,hislinenwasverynice,andhelookedlikeagentleman,thoughtwobuttonswereoffhiscoatandtherewasapatchononeshoe.Helookedsoberinspiteofhishumming,tillhewenttothewindowtoturnthehyacinthbulbstowardthesun,andstrokethecat,whoreceivedhimlikeanoldfriend.Thenhesmiled,andwhenatapcameatthedoor,calledoutinaloud,brisktone,"Herein!"

Iwasjustgoingtorun,whenIcaughtsightofamorselofachildcarryingabigbook,andstopped,toseewhatwasgoingon.

"MewantsmeBhaer,"saidthemite,slammingdownherbookandrunningtomeethim.

"ThoushalthafthyBhaer.Come,then,andtakeagoothugfromhim,myTina,"saidtheProfessor,catchingherupwitha laugh,andholdinghersohighoverhishead thatshehadtostoopher littlefacetokisshim.

"Nowmemustuddymylessin,"wentonthefunnylittlething.Soheputherupatthetable,openedthe great dictionary she had brought, and gave her a paper and pencil, and she scribbled away,turningaleafnowandthen,andpassingherlittlefatfingerdownthepage,asiffindingaword,sosoberlythatInearlybetrayedmyselfbyalaugh,whileMr.Bhaerstoodstrokingherprettyhairwitha fatherly look that made me think she must be his own, though she looked more French thanGerman.

Another knock and the appearance of two young ladies sent me back to my work, and there Ivirtuouslyremainedthroughallthenoiseandgabblingthatwentonnextdoor.Oneofthegirlskeptlaughing affectedly, and saying, "NowProfessor," in a coquettish tone, and the other pronouncedherGermanwithanaccentthatmusthavemadeithardforhimtokeepsober.

Bothseemedtotryhispatiencesorely,formorethanonceIheardhimsayemphatically,"No,no,itisnotso,youhafnotattendtowhatIsay,"andoncetherewasaloudrap,asifhestruckthetablewithhisbook,followedbythedespairingexclamation,"Prut!Itallgoesbadthisday."

Poorman,Ipitiedhim,andwhenthegirlsweregone,tookjustonemorepeeptoseeifhesurvivedit.Heseemedtohavethrownhimselfbackinhischair,tiredout,andsattherewithhiseyesshuttilltheclockstrucktwo,whenhejumpedup,puthisbooksinhispocket,asifreadyforanotherlesson,and taking littleTinawhohad fallenasleepon thesofa inhisarms,hecarriedherquietlyaway. Ifancyhehasahardlifeofit.Mrs.KirkeaskedmeifIwouldn'tgodowntothefiveo'clockdinner,and feeling a little bit homesick, I thought Iwould, just to seewhat sort of people are under thesameroofwithme.SoImademyselfrespectableandtriedtoslipinbehindMrs.Kirke,butassheisshortandI'mtall,myeffortsatconcealmentwereratherafailure.Shegavemeaseatbyher,andaftermyfacecooledoff,Ipluckedupcourageandlookedaboutme.Thelongtablewasfull,andeveryoneintentongettingtheirdinner,thegentlemenespecially,whoseemedtobeeatingontime,for they bolted in every sense of theword, vanishing as soon as theywere done. Therewas theusual assortment of young men absorbed in themselves, young couples absorbed in each other,marriedladiesintheirbabies,andoldgentlemeninpolitics.Idon'tthinkIshallcaretohavemuchtodowithanyofthem,exceptonesweetfacedmaidenlady,wholooksasifshehadsomethinginher.

CastawayattheverybottomofthetablewastheProfessor,shoutinganswerstothequestionsofavery inquisitive, deaf oldgentlemanonone side, and talkingphilosophywith aFrenchmanon theother.IfAmyhadbeenhere,she'dhaveturnedherbackonhimforeverbecause,sadtorelate,hehad a great appetite, and shoveled in his dinner in a manner which would have horrified 'herladyship'.Ididn'tmind,forIlike'toseefolkseatwitharelish',asHannahsays,andthepoormanmusthaveneededadealoffoodafterteachingidiotsallday.

AsIwentupstairsafterdinner,twooftheyoungmenweresettlingtheirhatsbeforethehallmirror,andIheardonesaylowtotheother,"Who'sthenewparty?"

"Governess,orsomethingofthatsort."

"Whatthedeuceissheatourtablefor?"

"Friendoftheoldlady's."

"Handsomehead,butnostyle."

"Notabitofit.Giveusalightandcomeon."

Ifeltangryatfirst,andthenIdidn'tcare,foragovernessisasgoodasaclerk,andI'vegotsense,if I haven't style,which ismore than some people have, judging from the remarks of the elegantbeingswhoclatteredaway,smokinglikebadchimneys.Ihateordinarypeople!

Thursday

Yesterdaywas a quiet day spent in teaching, sewing, andwriting inmy little room,which is verycozy,with a light and fire. I pickedup a fewbitsofnewsandwas introduced to theProfessor. ItseemsthatTinais thechildof theFrenchwomanwhodoesthefineironinginthelaundryhere.ThelittlethinghaslostherhearttoMr.Bhaer,andfollowshimaboutthehouselikeadogwheneverheis at home, which delights him, as he is very fond of children, though a 'bacheldore'. Kitty andMinnie Kirke likewise regard him with affection, and tell all sorts of stories about the plays heinvents,thepresentshebrings,andthesplendidtaleshetells.Theyoungermenquizhim,itseems,call himOld Fritz, Lager Beer, UrsaMajor, andmake all manner of jokes on his name. But heenjoysitlikeaboy,Mrs.Kirkesays,andtakesitsogood-naturedlythattheyalllikehiminspiteofhisforeignways.

ThemaidenladyisaMissNorton,rich,cultivated,andkind.Shespoketomeatdinnertoday(forIwenttotableagain,it'ssuchfuntowatchpeople),andaskedmetocomeandseeheratherroom.She has fine books and pictures, knows interesting persons, and seems friendly, so I shall makemyselfagreeable,forIdowanttogetintogoodsociety,onlyitisn'tthesamesortthatAmylikes.

IwasinourparlorlasteveningwhenMr.BhaercameinwithsomenewspapersforMrs.Kirke.Shewasn't there,butMinnie,whoisa littleoldwoman, introducedmeveryprettily."This isMamma'sfriend,MissMarch."

"Yes,andshe'sjollyandwelikeherlots,"addedKitty,whoisan'enfantterrible'.

Webothbowed,andthenwelaughed,fortheprimintroductionandthebluntadditionwereratheracomicalcontrast.

"Ah, yes, I hear these naughty ones go to vex you,MeesMarsch. If so again, call atme and Icome,"hesaid,withathreateningfrownthatdelightedthelittlewretches.

IpromisedIwould,andhedeparted,butitseemsasifIwasdoomedtoseeagooddealofhim,fortoday as I passedhisdooronmywayout, by accident I knocked against itwithmyumbrella. Itflewopen,andtherehestoodinhisdressinggown,withabigbluesockononehandandadarningneedle in the other.He didn't seem at all ashamed of it, forwhen I explained and hurried on, hewavedhishand,sockandall,sayinginhisloud,cheerfulway...

"Youhafafinedaytomakeyourwalk.Bonvoyage,Mademoiselle."

Ilaughedallthewaydownstairs,butitwasalittlepathetic,alsotothinkofthepoormanhavingtomendhisownclothes.TheGermangentlemenembroider,Iknow,butdarninghoseisanotherthingandnotsopretty.

Saturday

Nothinghashappenedtowriteabout,exceptacallonMissNorton,whohasaroomfullofprettythings,andwhowasverycharming,forsheshowedmeallhertreasures,andaskedmeifIwouldsometimesgowithhertolecturesandconcerts,asherescort,ifIenjoyedthem.Sheputitasafavor,butI'msureMrs.Kirkehastoldheraboutus,andshedoesitoutofkindnesstome.I'masproudasLucifer,butsuchfavorsfromsuchpeopledon'tburdenme,andIacceptedgratefully.

WhenIgotbacktothenurserytherewassuchanuproarintheparlorthatIlookedin,andtherewasMr.Bhaerdownonhishandsandknees,withTinaonhisback,Kittyleadinghimwithajumprope,andMinnie feeding two small boyswith seedcakes, as they roared and ramped in cages built ofchairs.

"Weareplayingnargerie,"explainedKitty.

"Disismineeffalunt!"addedTina,holdingonbytheProfessor'shair.

"Mamma always allows us to dowhatwe like Saturday afternoon,when Franz and Emil come,doesn'tshe,Mr.Bhaer?"saidMinnie.

The'effalunt'satup,lookingasmuchinearnestasanyofthem,andsaidsoberlytome,"Igifyoumywortitisso,ifwemaketoolargeanoiseyoushallsayHush!tous,andwegomoresoftly."

I promised to do so, but left the door open and enjoyed the fun asmuch as they did, for amoregloriousfrolicIneverwitnessed.Theyplayedtagandsoldiers,dancedandsang,andwhenitbegantogrowdarktheyallpiledontothesofaabouttheProfessor,whilehetoldcharmingfairystoriesofthestorksonthechimneytops,andthelittle'koblods',whoridethesnowflakesastheyfall.IwishAmericanswereassimpleandnaturalasGermans,don'tyou?

I'm so fondofwriting, I shouldgo spinningon forever ifmotives of economydidn't stopme, forthoughI'veusedthinpaperandwrittenfine,Itrembletothinkofthestampsthislongletterwillneed.PrayforwardAmy'sassoonasyoucansparethem.Mysmallnewswillsoundveryflatafterhersplendors,butyouwilllikethem,Iknow.IsTeddystudyingsohardthathecan'tfindtimetowritetohisfriends?Takegoodcareofhimforme,Beth,andtellmeallaboutthebabies,andgiveheapsoflovetoeveryone.FromyourfaithfulJo.

P.S. On reading overmy letter, it strikesme as rather Bhaery, but I am always interested in oddpeople,andIreallyhadnothingelsetowriteabout.Blessyou!

DECEMBER

MyPreciousBetsey,

Asthisistobeascribble-scrabbleletter,Idirectittoyou,foritmayamuseyou,andgiveyousomeideaofmygoingson,forthoughquiet,theyareratheramusing,forwhich,oh,bejoyful!AfterwhatAmywouldcallHerculaneumefforts,inthewayofmentalandmoralagriculture,myyoungideasbegintoshootandmylittletwigstobendasIcouldwish.TheyarenotsointerestingtomeasTinaand theboys,but Idomydutyby them,and theyare fondofme.FranzandEmil are jolly littlelads, quite aftermyownheart, for themixture ofGerman andAmerican spirit in themproduces aconstantstateofeffervescence.Saturdayafternoonsareriotoustimes,whetherspentinthehouseorout,foronpleasantdaystheyallgotowalk,likeaseminary,withtheProfessorandmyselftokeeporder,andthensuchfun!

Weareverygoodfriendsnow,and I'vebegun to take lessons. I reallycouldn'thelp it,and itallcameaboutinsuchadrollwaythatImusttellyou.Tobeginatthebeginning,Mrs.KirkecalledtomeonedayasIpassedMr.Bhaer'sroomwhereshewasrummaging.

"Didyoueverseesuchaden,mydear?Justcomeandhelpmeputthesebookstorights,forI'veturnedeverythingupsidedown,tryingtodiscoverwhathehasdonewiththesixnewhandkerchiefsIgavehimnotlongago."

Iwentin,andwhileweworkedIlookedaboutme,foritwas'aden'tobesure.Booksandpaperseverywhere,abrokenmeerschaum,andanoldfluteoverthemantlepieceasifdonewith,araggedbirdwithoutanytailchirpedononewindowseat,andaboxofwhitemiceadornedtheother.Half-finishedboatsandbitsofstringlayamongthemanuscripts.Dirtylittlebootsstooddryingbeforethefire,andtracesofthedearlybelovedboys,forwhomhemakesaslaveofhimself,weretobeseenallovertheroom.Afteragrandrummagethreeofthemissingarticleswerefound,oneoverthebirdcage,onecoveredwithink,andathirdburnedbrown,havingbeenusedasaholder.

"Such aman!" laughed good-naturedMrs.K., as she put the relics in the rag bay. "I suppose theothersaretornuptorigships,bandagecutfingers,ormakekitetails.It'sdreadful,butIcan'tscoldhim.He'ssoabsent-mindedandgoodnatured,heletsthoseboysrideoverhimroughshod.Iagreed

todohiswashingandmending,butheforgetstogiveouthisthingsandIforgettolookthemover,sohecomestoasadpasssometimes."

"Letmemend them," said I. "I don'tmind it, and he needn't know. I'd like to, he's so kind tomeaboutbringingmylettersandlendingbooks."

SoIhavegothisthingsinorder,andknitheelsintotwopairsofthesocks,fortheywereboggledoutofshapewithhisqueerdarns.Nothingwassaid,andIhopedhewouldn'tfinditout,butonedaylastweekhecaughtmeatit.HearingthelessonshegivestoothershasinterestedandamusedmesomuchthatItookafancytolearn,forTinarunsinandout,leavingthedooropen,andIcanhear.Ihadbeensittingnearthisdoor,finishingoffthelastsock,andtryingtounderstandwhathesaidtoanewscholar,whoisasstupidasIam.Thegirlhadgone,andIthoughthehadalso,itwassostill,andIwasbusilygabblingoveraverb,androckingtoandfroinamostabsurdway,whenalittlecrowmademelookup,andtherewasMr.Bhaerlookingandlaughingquietly,whilehemadesignstoTinanottobetrayhim.

"So!"hesaid,asIstoppedandstaredlikeagoose,"youpeepatme,Ipeepatyou,andthisisnotbad,butsee,IamnotpleasantingwhenIsay,hafyouawishforGerman?"

"Yes,butyouaretoobusy.Iamtoostupidtolearn,"Iblunderedout,asredasapeony.

"Prut!Wewillmakethetime,andwefailnottofindthesense.AtefeningIshallgifalittlelessonwithmuchgladness,forlookyou,MeesMarsch,Ihafthisdebttopay."Andhepointedtomywork'Yes,' theysaytooneanother,thesesokindladies, 'heisastupidoldfellow,hewillseenotwhatwedo,hewillneverobservethathissockheelsgonotinholesanymore,hewillthinkhisbuttonsgrowoutnewwhentheyfall,andbelievethatstringsmaketheirselves.'"Ah!ButIhafaneye,andIseemuch.Ihafaheart,andIfeelthanksforthis.Come,alittlelessonthenandnow,or—nomoregoodfairyworksformeandmine."

Of course I couldn't say anything after that, and as it really is a splendid opportunity, Imade thebargain, and we began. I took four lessons, and then I stuck fast in a grammatical bog. TheProfessorwasverypatientwithme,but itmust havebeen torment tohim, andnowand thenhe'dlookatmewithsuchanexpressionofmilddespairthatitwasatoss-upwithmewhethertolaughorcry. I triedbothways,andwhenitcametoasnifforuttermortificationandwoe,he just threwthegrammarontothefloorandmarchedoutoftheroom.Ifeltmyselfdisgracedanddesertedforever,butdidn'tblamehimaparticle,andwasscramblingmypaperstogether,meaningtorushupstairsandshakemyselfhard,wheninhecame,asbriskandbeamingasifI'dcoveredmyselfinglory.

"Nowweshalltryanewway.YouandIwillreadthesepleasantlittlemarchen together,anddignomoreinthatdrybook,thatgoesinthecornerformakingustrouble."

He spoke so kindly, and openedHansAnderson's fairy tales so invitingly beforeme, that I wasmoreashamedthanever,andwentatmylessoninaneck-or-nothingstylethatseemedtoamusehimimmensely.I forgotmybashfulness,andpeggedaway(nootherwordwillexpress it)withallmymight,tumblingoverlongwords,pronouncingaccordingtoinspirationoftheminute,anddoingmyverybest.WhenIfinishedreadingmyfirstpage,andstoppedforbreath,heclappedhishandsandcriedoutinhisheartyway,"Dasistgut!Nowwegowell!Myturn.IdohiminGerman,gifmeyourear."Andawayhewent,rumblingoutthewordswithhisstrongvoiceandarelishwhichwasgoodto see as well as hear. Fortunately the story wasTheConstant Tin Soldier, which is droll, youknow,soIcouldlaugh,andIdid,thoughIdidn'tunderstandhalfheread,forIcouldn'thelpit,hewassoearnest,Isoexcited,andthewholethingsocomical.

Afterthatwegotonbetter,andnowIreadmylessonsprettywell,forthiswayofstudyingsuitsme,andIcanseethatthegrammargetstuckedintothetalesandpoetryasonegivespillsinjelly.Ilikeitverymuch,andhedoesn'tseemtiredofityet,whichisverygoodofhim,isn'tit?ImeantogivehimsomethingonChristmas,forIdarenotoffermoney.Tellmesomethingnice,Marmee.

I'mgladLaurieseemssohappyandbusy,thathehasgivenupsmokingandletshishairgrow.You

seeBethmanageshimbetterthanIdid.I'mnotjealous,dear,doyourbest,onlydon'tmakeasaintof him. I'm afraid I couldn't like himwithout a spice of human naughtiness. Read him bits of myletters.Ihaven'ttimetowritemuch,andthatwilldojustaswell.ThankHeavenBethcontinuessocomfortable.

JANUARY

AHappyNewYeartoyouall,mydearestfamily,whichofcourseincludesMr.L.andayoungmanbythenameofTeddy.Ican'ttellyouhowmuchIenjoyedyourChristmasbundle,forIdidn'tgetittill night and had given up hoping.Your letter came in themorning, but you said nothing about aparcel, meaning it for a surprise, so I was disappointed, for I'd had a 'kind of feeling' that youwouldn'tforgetme.IfeltalittlelowinmymindasIsatupinmyroomaftertea,andwhenthebig,muddy,battered-lookingbundlewasbroughttome,Ijusthuggeditandpranced.ItwassohomeyandrefreshingthatIsatdownonthefloorandreadandlookedandateandlaughedandcried, inmyusualabsurdway.ThethingswerejustwhatIwanted,andallthebetterforbeingmadeinsteadofbought.Beth'snew'inkbib'wascapital,andHannah'sboxofhardgingerbreadwillbeatreasure.I'llbesureandweartheniceflannelsyousent,Marmee,andreadcarefullythebooksFatherhasmarked.Thankyouall,heapsandheaps!

Speakingofbooksremindsme that I'mgettingrich in that line, foronNewYear'sDayMr.BhaergavemeafineShakespeare.Itisonehevaluesmuch,andI'veoftenadmiredit,setupintheplaceofhonorwith hisGermanBible, Plato,Homer, andMilton, so youmay imaginehow I feltwhenhebrought it down,without its cover, and showedmemy own name in it, "frommy friendFriedrichBhaer".

"Yousayoftenyouwisha library.HereIgifyouone,forbetweentheselids(hemeantcovers) ismanybooks in one.Readhimwell, and hewill help youmuch, for the studyof character in thisbookwillhelpyoutoreaditintheworldandpaintitwithyourpen."

I thankedhimaswell as I could, and talknowabout 'my library', as if Ihadahundredbooks. IneverknewhowmuchtherewasinShakespearebefore,butthenIneverhadaBhaertoexplainittome.Nowdon'tlaughathishorridname.Itisn'tpronouncedeitherBearorBeer,aspeoplewillsayit,butsomethingbetweenthetwo,asonlyGermanscangiveit.I'mgladyoubothlikewhatItellyouabouthim,andhopeyouwillknowhimsomeday.Motherwouldadmirehiswarmheart,Fatherhiswisehead.Iadmireboth,andfeelrichinmynew'friendFriedrichBhaer'.

Nothavingmuchmoney,orknowingwhathe'dlike,Igotseveral littlethings,andput themaboutthe room, where he would find them unexpectedly. They were useful, pretty, or funny, a newstandishonhistable,alittlevaseforhisflower,healwayshasone,orabitofgreeninaglass,tokeep him fresh, he says, and a holder for his blower, so that he needn't burn upwhatAmy calls'mouchoirs'.ImadeitlikethoseBethinvented,abigbutterflywithafatbody,andblackandyellowwings,worstedfeelers,andbeadeyes.Ittookhisfancyimmensely,andheputitonhismantlepieceasanarticleofvirtue,soitwasratherafailureafterall.Poorasheis,hedidn'tforgetaservantorachildinthehouse,andnotasoulhere,fromtheFrenchlaundrywomantoMissNortonforgothim.Iwassogladofthat.

Theygotupamasquerade,andhadagaytimeNewYear'sEve.Ididn'tmeantogodown,havingnodress.Butatthelastminute,Mrs.Kirkerememberedsomeoldbrocades,andMissNortonlentmelaceandfeathers.SoIdressedupasMrs.Malaprop,andsailedinwithamaskon.Nooneknewme,forIdisguisedmyvoice,andnoonedreamedofthesilent,haughtyMissMarch(fortheythinkIamverystiffandcool,mostofthem,andsoIamtowhippersnappers)coulddanceanddress,andburstoutintoa'nicederangementofepitaphs,likeanallegoryonthebanksoftheNile'.Ienjoyeditverymuch,andwhenweunmaskeditwasfuntoseethemstareatme.IheardoneoftheyoungmentellanotherthatheknewI'dbeenanactress,infact,hethoughtherememberedseeingmeatoneoftheminor theaters.Megwill relish that joke.Mr.BhaerwasNickBottom,andTinawasTitania, aperfectlittlefairyinhisarms.Toseethemdancewas'quitealandscape',touseaTeddyism.

IhadaveryhappyNewYear,afterall,andwhenI thought itover inmyroom, I feltas if Iwasgettingonalittle inspiteofmymanyfailures,forI'mcheerfulall thetimenow,workwithawill,andtakemoreinterestinotherpeoplethanIusedto,whichissatisfactory.Blessyouall!Everyourloving...Jo

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

FRIEND

Thoughveryhappy in the social atmosphere about her, andvery busywith thedailywork thatearnedherbreadandmade it sweeter for theeffort, Jostill foundtime for literary labors. The purpose which now took possession of her was anatural one to a poor and ambitious girl, but themeans she took to gain her endwere not the best. She saw that money conferred power, money and power,therefore,sheresolvedtohave,nottobeusedforherselfalone,butforthosewhomshe lovedmore than life. The dream of filling homewith comforts, givingBetheverything shewanted, from strawberries inwinter to an organ in her bedroom,going abroad herself, and always having more than enough, so that she mightindulgeintheluxuryofcharity,hadbeenforyearsJo'smostcherishedcastleintheair.

The prize-story experience had seemed to open awaywhichmight, after longtravelingandmuchuphillwork,leadtothisdelightfulchateauenEspagne.Butthenoveldisasterquenchedhercourageforatime,forpublicopinionisagiantwhichhas frightened stouter-hearted Jacks on bigger beanstalks than hers. Like thatimmortalhero,shereposedawhileafterthefirstattempt,whichresultedinatumbleandtheleastlovelyofthegiant'streasures,ifIrememberrightly.Butthe'upagainandtakeanother'spiritwasasstronginJoasinJack,soshescrambledupontheshady side this time and gotmore booty, but nearly left behind herwhatwas farmorepreciousthanthemoneybags.

She took to writing sensation stories, for in those dark ages, even all-perfectAmerica read rubbish.She toldnoone,butconcocteda 'thrilling tale',andboldlycarried it herself toMr.Dashwood, editor of theWeeklyVolcano. She had neverread Sartor Resartus, but she had a womanly instinct that clothes possess aninfluencemore powerful overmany than theworth of character or themagic ofmanners.Soshedressedherselfinherbest,andtryingtopersuadeherselfthatshewasneitherexcitednornervous,bravelyclimbedtwopairsofdarkanddirtystairsto findherself inadisorderly room,acloudofcigarsmoke,and thepresenceof

threegentlemen,sittingwiththeirheelsratherhigherthantheirhats,whicharticlesof dress none of them took the trouble to remove on her appearance. Somewhatdaunted by this reception, Jo hesitated on the threshold, murmuring in muchembarrassment...

"Excuseme, Iwas looking for theWeeklyVolcano office. Iwished to seeMr.Dashwood."

Down went the highest pair of heels, up rose the smokiest gentleman, andcarefully cherishing his cigar between his fingers, he advancedwith a nod and acountenanceexpressiveofnothingbutsleep.Feelingthatshemustget throughthemattersomehow,Joproducedhermanuscriptand,blushingredderandredderwitheach sentence, blunderedout fragments of the little speech carefully prepared fortheoccasion.

"A friendofminedesiredme tooffer—astory—just as anexperiment—wouldlikeyouropinion—begladtowritemoreifthissuits."

While sheblushedandblundered,Mr.Dashwoodhad taken themanuscript, andwasturningover the leaveswithapairofratherdirtyfingers,andcastingcriticalglancesupanddowntheneatpages.

"Notafirstattempt,Itakeit?"observingthatthepageswerenumbered,coveredonlyononeside,andnottiedupwitharibbon—suresignofanovice.

"No, sir. She has had some experience, and got a prize for a tale in theBlarneystoneBanner."

"Oh, did she?" andMr.Dashwoodgave Jo a quick look,which seemed to takenote of everything she had on, from the bow in her bonnet to the buttons on herboots."Well,youcanleaveit,ifyoulike.We'vemoreofthissortofthingonhandthanweknowwhattodowithatpresent,butI'llrunmyeyeoverit,andgiveyouananswernextweek."

Now,Jodidnotliketoleaveit,forMr.Dashwooddidn'tsuitheratall,but,underthecircumstances,therewasnothingforhertodobutbowandwalkaway,lookingparticularlytallanddignified,asshewasapttodowhennettledorabashed.Justthenshe was both, for it was perfectly evident from the knowing glances exchangedamong the gentlemen that her little fiction of 'my friend'was considered a goodjoke,andalaugh,producedbysomeinaudibleremarkoftheeditor,asheclosedthedoor,completedherdiscomfiture.Half resolvingnever to return, shewenthome,andworkedoffher irritationbystitchingpinaforesvigorously,and inanhouror

twowascoolenoughtolaughoverthesceneandlongfornextweek.

When she went again, Mr. Dashwood was alone, whereat she rejoiced. Mr.Dashwood was much wider awake than before, which was agreeable, and Mr.Dashwoodwasnottoodeeplyabsorbedinacigartorememberhismanners,sothesecondinterviewwasmuchmorecomfortablethanthefirst.

"We'll takethis(editorsneversayI), ifyoudon'tobject toafewalterations.It'stoolong,butomittingthepassagesI'vemarkedwillmakeitjusttherightlength,"hesaid,inabusinessliketone.

JohardlyknewherownMS.again,socrumpledandunderscoredwereitspagesandparagraphs,butfeelingasa tenderparentmightonbeingaskedtocutoffherbaby's legs in order that itmight fit into a new cradle, she looked at themarkedpassages andwas surprised to find that all themoral reflections—which she hadcarefullyputinasballastformuchromance—hadbeenstrickenout.

"But,Sir,Ithoughteverystoryshouldhavesomesortofamoral,soItookcaretohaveafewofmysinnersrepent."

Mr.Dashwoods'seditorialgravityrelaxedintoasmile,forJohadforgottenher'friend',andspokenasonlyanauthorcould.

"People want to be amused, not preached at, you know. Morals don't sellnowadays."Whichwasnotquiteacorrectstatement,bytheway.

"Youthinkitwoulddowiththesealterations,then?"

"Yes,it'sanewplot,andprettywellworkedup—languagegood,andsoon,"wasMr.Dashwood'saffablereply.

"Whatdoyou—thatis,whatcompensation—"beganJo,notexactlyknowinghowtoexpressherself.

"Oh,yes,well,wegivefromtwenty-fivetothirtyforthingsofthissort.Paywhenitcomesout,"returnedMr.Dashwood,asifthatpointhadescapedhim.Suchtriflesdoescapetheeditorialmind,itissaid.

"Verywell,youcanhaveit,"saidJo,handingbackthestorywithasatisfiedair,forafterthedollar-a-columnwork,eventwenty-fiveseemedgoodpay.

"ShallItellmyfriendyouwilltakeanotherifshehasonebetterthanthis?"asked

Jo,unconsciousofherlittleslipofthetongue,andemboldenedbyhersuccess.

"Well,we'lllookatit.Can'tpromisetotakeit.Tellhertomakeitshortandspicy,and nevermind themoral.What namewould your friend like to put on it?" in acarelesstone.

"Noneatall,ifyouplease,shedoesn'twishhernametoappearandhasnonomdeplume,"saidJo,blushinginspiteofherself.

"Justasshelikes,ofcourse.Thetalewillbeoutnextweek.Willyoucallforthemoney,orshallIsendit?"askedMr.Dashwood,whofeltanaturaldesiretoknowwhohisnewcontributormightbe.

"I'llcall.Goodmorning,Sir."

Asshedeparted,Mr.Dashwoodputuphisfeet,withthegracefulremark,"Poorandproud,asusual,butshe'lldo."

FollowingMr.Dashwood'sdirections,andmakingMrs.Northburyhermodel,Jorashly tookaplunge into the frothyseaof sensational literature,but thanks to thelifepreserverthrownherbyafriend,shecameupagainnotmuchtheworseforherducking.

Likemostyoungscribblers,shewentabroadforhercharactersandscenery,andbanditti,counts,gypsies,nuns,andduchessesappeareduponherstage,andplayedtheirpartswithasmuchaccuracyandspiritascouldbeexpected.Herreaderswerenotparticularaboutsuch triflesasgrammar,punctuation,andprobability,andMr.Dashwood graciously permitted her to fill his columns at the lowest prices, notthinkingitnecessarytotellherthattherealcauseofhishospitalitywasthefactthatoneofhishacks,onbeingofferedhigherwages,hadbaselylefthiminthelurch.

Shesoonbecameinterestedinherwork,forheremaciatedpursegrewstout,andthe little hoard shewasmaking to takeBeth to themountains next summer grewslowlybutsurelyastheweekspassed.Onethingdisturbedhersatisfaction,andthatwas that she did not tell them at home. She had a feeling that Father andMotherwould not approve, and preferred to have her own way first, and beg pardonafterward.Itwaseasytokeephersecret,fornonameappearedwithherstories.Mr.Dashwoodhadofcoursefounditoutverysoon,butpromisedtobedumb,andforawonderkepthisword.

Shethoughtitwoulddohernoharm,forshesincerelymeanttowritenothingofwhichshewouldbeashamed,andquietedallpricksofconsciencebyanticipations

of thehappyminutewhensheshouldshowherearningsand laughoverherwell-keptsecret.

But Mr. Dashwood rejected any but thrilling tales, and as thrills could not beproduced 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 beransackedforthepurpose.Josoonfoundthatherinnocentexperiencehadgivenherbut fewglimpsesof the tragicworldwhichunderlies society, so regarding it inabusiness light, she set about supplyingher deficiencieswith characteristic energy.Eagertofindmaterialforstories,andbentonmakingthemoriginalinplot,ifnotmasterlyinexecution,shesearchednewspapersforaccidents,incidents,andcrimes.Sheexcitedthesuspicionsofpubliclibrariansbyaskingforworksonpoisons.Shestudiedfacesinthestreet,andcharacters,good,bad,andindifferent,allabouther.Shedelvedinthedustofancienttimesforfactsorfictionssooldthattheywereasgoodasnew,andintroducedherselftofolly,sin,andmisery,aswellasherlimitedopportunitiesallowed.Shethoughtshewasprosperingfinely,butunconsciouslyshewas beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman'scharacter.Shewaslivinginbadsociety,andimaginarythoughitwas,itsinfluenceaffected her, for shewas feeding heart and fancy on dangerous and unsubstantialfood, andwas fast brushing the innocent bloom from her nature by a prematureacquaintancewiththedarkersideoflife,whichcomessoonenoughtoallofus.

She was beginning to feel rather than see this, for much describing of otherpeople'spassionsandfeelingssethertostudyingandspeculatingaboutherown,amorbid amusement in which healthy young minds do not voluntarily indulge.Wrongdoingalwaysbringsitsownpunishment,andwhenJomostneededhers,shegotit.

Idon'tknowwhetherthestudyofShakespearehelpedhertoreadcharacter,orthenatural instinct of a woman for what was honest, brave, and strong, but whileendowing her imaginary heroes with every perfection under the sun, Jo wasdiscoveringalivehero,whointerestedherinspiteofmanyhumanimperfections.Mr.Bhaer,inoneoftheirconversations,hadadvisedhertostudysimple,true,andlovelycharacters,wherevershefoundthem,asgoodtrainingforawriter.Jotookhimathisword,forshecoollyturnedroundandstudiedhim—aproceedingwhichwould havemuch surprised him, had he known it, for theworthy Professorwasveryhumbleinhisownconceit.

WhyeverybodylikedhimwaswhatpuzzledJo,atfirst.Hewasneitherrichnorgreat,youngnorhandsome, innorespectwhat iscalledfascinating, imposing,orbrilliant,andyethewasasattractiveasagenialfire,andpeopleseemedtogather

abouthimasnaturallyasaboutawarmhearth.Hewaspoor,yetalwaysappearedtobe giving something away; a stranger, yet everyone was his friend; no longeryoung, but as happy-hearted as a boy; plain and peculiar, yet his face lookedbeautiful to many, and his oddities were freely forgiven for his sake. Jo oftenwatched him, trying to discover the charm, and at last decided that it wasbenevolencewhichworked themiracle. If hehad any sorrow, 'it satwith its headunder itswing', andhe turnedonlyhis sunny side to theworld.Therewere linesuponhisforehead,butTimeseemedtohavetouchedhimgently,rememberinghowkindhewastoothers.Thepleasantcurvesabouthismouthwerethememorialsofmanyfriendlywordsandcheerylaughs,hiseyeswerenevercoldorhard,andhisbighandhadawarm,stronggraspthatwasmoreexpressivethanwords.

Hisveryclothesseemed topartakeof thehospitablenatureof thewearer.Theylookedas if theywereat ease, and liked tomakehimcomfortable.Hiscapaciouswaistcoatwassuggestiveofalargeheartunderneath.Hisrustycoathadasocialair,andthebaggypocketsplainlyprovedthatlittlehandsoftenwentinemptyandcameoutfull.Hisverybootswerebenevolent,andhiscollarsneverstiffandraspylikeotherpeople's.

"That's it!" said Jo to herself,when she at lengthdiscovered that genuinegoodwill toward one's fellow men could beautify and dignify even a stout Germanteacher,whoshoveledinhisdinner,darnedhisownsocks,andwasburdenedwiththenameofBhaer.

Jo valued goodness highly, but she also possessed amost feminine respect forintellect,andalittlediscoverywhichshemadeabouttheProfessoraddedmuchtoher regard forhim.Henever spokeofhimself, andnooneeverknew that inhisnative city he had been a man much honored and esteemed for learning andintegrity, till a countrymancame to seehim.Henever spokeofhimself, and in aconversationwithMissNortondivulged thepleasingfact.FromherJo learned it,andlikeditallthebetterbecauseMr.Bhaerhadnevertoldit.ShefeltproudtoknowthathewasanhonoredProfessorinBerlin,thoughonlyapoorlanguage-masterinAmerica, and his homely, hard-working lifewasmuch beautified by the spice ofromancewhich this discoverygave it.Another and abetter gift than intellectwasshown her in a most unexpected manner. Miss Norton had the entree into mostsociety, which Jo would have had no chance of seeing but for her. The solitarywomanfeltan interest in theambitiousgirl,andkindlyconferredmanyfavorsofthissortbothonJoandtheProfessor.Shetookthemwithheronenighttoaselectsymposium,heldinhonorofseveralcelebrities.

Jo went prepared to bow down and adore the mighty ones whom she had

worshipedwithyouthfulenthusiasmafaroff.Butherreverenceforgeniusreceivedasevereshockthatnight,andittookhersometimetorecoverfromthediscoverythatthegreatcreatureswereonlymenandwomenafterall.Imagineherdismay,onstealingaglanceoftimidadmirationatthepoetwhoselinessuggestedanetherealbeing fed on 'spirit, fire, and dew', to behold him devouring his supper with anardorwhichflushedhisintellectualcountenance.Turningasfromafallenidol,shemade other discoverieswhich rapidly dispelled her romantic illusions. The greatnovelist vibrated between two decanters with the regularity of a pendulum; thefamous divine flirted openly with one of theMadame de Staels of the age, wholooked daggers at another Corinne, who was amiably satirizing her, afteroutmaneuveringherineffortstoabsorbtheprofoundphilosopher,whoimbibedteaJohnsonianlyandappeared to slumber, the loquacityof the lady rendering speechimpossible.Thescientificcelebrities,forgettingtheirmollusksandglacialperiods,gossipedaboutart,whiledevotingthemselvestooystersandiceswithcharacteristicenergy; the young musician, who was charming the city like a second Orpheus,talkedhorses; and the specimenof theBritishnobilitypresenthappened tobe themostordinarymanoftheparty.

Beforetheeveningwashalfover,Jofeltsocompletelydisillusioned,thatshesatdowninacornertorecoverherself.Mr.Bhaersoonjoinedher,lookingratheroutof his element, and presently several of the philosophers, each mounted on hishobby, came ambling up to hold an intellectual tournament in the recess. Theconversationsweremiles beyond Jo's comprehension, but she enjoyed it, thoughKant and Hegel were unknown gods, the Subjective and Objective unintelligibleterms, and the only thing 'evolved from her inner consciousness' was a badheadacheafteritwasallover.Itdawneduponhergraduallythattheworldwasbeingpickedtopieces,andputtogetheronnewand,accordingtothetalkers,oninfinitelybetter principles than before, that religion was in a fair way to be reasoned intonothingness,andintellectwastobetheonlyGod.Joknewnothingaboutphilosophyormetaphysicsofanysort,butacuriousexcitement,halfpleasurable,halfpainful,cameoverherasshelistenedwithasenseofbeingturnedadriftintotimeandspace,likeayoungballoonoutonaholiday.

ShelookedroundtoseehowtheProfessorlikedit,andfoundhimlookingatherwith thegrimmestexpressionshehadeverseenhimwear.Heshookhisheadandbeckoned her to come away, but she was fascinated just then by the freedom ofSpeculativePhilosophy,andkeptherseat,tryingtofindoutwhatthewisegentlemenintendedtorelyuponaftertheyhadannihilatedalltheoldbeliefs.

Now,Mr. Bhaer was a diffident man and slow to offer his own opinions, notbecausetheywereunsettled,buttoosincereandearnesttobelightlyspoken.Ashe

glanced from Jo to several other young people, attracted by the brilliancy of thephilosophicpyrotechnics,heknithisbrowsandlongedtospeak,fearingthatsomeinflammableyoungsoulwouldbeledastraybytherockets,tofindwhenthedisplaywasoverthattheyhadonlyanemptystickorascorchedhand.

Hebore itas longashecould,butwhenhewasappealed to foranopinion,heblazedupwithhonest indignationanddefended religionwithall theeloquenceoftruth—an eloquence which made his broken English musical and his plain facebeautiful. He had a hard fight, for thewisemen arguedwell, but he didn't knowwhenhewasbeatenandstoodtohiscolorslikeaman.Somehow,ashetalked,theworldgotrightagaintoJo.Theoldbeliefs,thathadlastedsolong,seemedbetterthanthenew.Godwasnotablindforce,andimmortalitywasnotaprettyfable,butablessedfact.Shefeltasifshehadsolidgroundunderherfeetagain,andwhenMr.Bhaerpaused,outtalkedbutnotonewhitconvinced,Jowantedtoclapherhandsandthankhim.

She did neither, but she remembered the scene, and gave the Professor herheartiest respect, for she knew it cost him an effort to speak out then and there,becausehisconsciencewouldnotlethimbesilent.Shebegantoseethatcharacterisabetterpossessionthanmoney,rank,intellect,orbeauty,andtofeelthatifgreatnessiswhatawisemanhasdefined it tobe, 'truth, reverence,andgoodwill', thenherfriendFriedrichBhaerwasnotonlygood,butgreat.

Thisbeliefstrengtheneddaily.Shevaluedhisesteem,shecovetedhisrespect,shewanted to beworthy of his friendship, and just when thewishwas sincerest, shecameneartolosingeverything.Itallgrewoutofacockedhat,foroneeveningtheProfessorcameintogiveJoherlessonwithapapersoldiercaponhishead,whichTinahadputthereandhehadforgottentotakeoff.

"It'sevidenthedoesn'tlookinhisglassbeforecomingdown,"thoughtJo,withasmile, as he said "Goot efening," and sat soberly down, quite unconscious of theludicrouscontrastbetweenhis subjectandhisheadgear, forhewasgoing to readhertheDeathofWallenstein.

Shesaidnothingatfirst,forshelikedtohearhimlaughouthisbig,heartylaughwhen anything funny happened, so she left him to discover it for himself, andpresently forgot all about it, for to hear a German read Schiller is rather anabsorbingoccupation.After the reading came the lesson,whichwas a lively one,forJowasinagaymoodthatnight,andthecockedhatkepthereyesdancingwithmerriment.TheProfessordidn'tknowwhat tomakeofher, andstoppedat last toaskwithanairofmildsurprisethatwasirresistible...

"MeesMarsch,forwhatdoyoulaughinyourmaster'sface?Hafyounorespectforme,thatyougoonsobad?"

"HowcanIberespectful,Sir,whenyouforgettotakeyourhatoff?"saidJo.

Lifting his hand to his head, the absent-minded Professor gravely felt andremovedthelittlecockedhat,lookedatitaminute,andthenthrewbackhisheadandlaughedlikeamerrybassviol.

"Ah!Iseehimnow,itisthatimpTinawhomakesmeafoolwithmycap.Well,itisnothing,butseeyou,ifthislessongoesnotwell,youtooshallwearhim."

ButthelessondidnotgoatallforafewminutesbecauseMr.Bhaercaughtsightofapictureonthehat,andunfoldingit,saidwithgreatdisgust,"Iwishthesepapersdidnotcome in thehouse.Theyarenot forchildren to see,noryoungpeople toread.Itisnotwell,andIhafnopatiencewiththosewhomakethisharm."

Joglancedat the sheet and sawapleasing illustrationcomposedof a lunatic, acorpse,avillain,andaviper.Shedidnotlikeit,buttheimpulsethatmadeherturnitoverwasnotoneofdispleasurebutfear,becauseforaminuteshefanciedthepaperwastheVolcano.Itwasnot,however,andherpanicsubsidedassherememberedthatevenifithadbeenandoneofherowntalesinit,therewouldhavebeennonametobetrayher.Shehadbetrayedherself,however,byalookandablush,forthoughanabsentman,theProfessorsawagooddealmorethanpeoplefancied.HeknewthatJowrote,andhadmetherdownamongthenewspaperofficesmorethanonce,butassheneverspokeofit,heaskednoquestionsinspiteofastrongdesiretoseeherwork.Nowitoccurredtohimthatshewasdoingwhatshewasashamedtoown,andittroubledhim.Hedidnotsaytohimself,"Itisnoneofmybusiness.I'venorighttosayanything,"asmanypeoplewouldhavedone.Heonlyrememberedthatshewasyoungandpoor,agirl farawayfrommother's loveandfather'scare,andhewasmovedtohelpherwithanimpulseasquickandnaturalasthatwhichwouldprompthimtoputouthishandtosaveababyfromapuddle.All thisflashedthroughhismindinaminute,butnotatraceofitappearedinhisface,andbythetimethepaperwas turned,andJo'sneedle threaded,hewasready tosayquitenaturally,butverygravely...

"Yes,youarerighttoputitfromyou.Idonotthinkthatgoodyounggirlsshouldseesuchthings.Theyaremadepleasanttosome,butIwouldmorerathergivemyboysgunpowdertoplaywiththanthisbadtrash."

"Allmaynotbebad,onlysilly,youknow,andifthereisademandforit,Idon't

seeanyharminsupplyingit.Manyveryrespectablepeoplemakeanhonestlivingoutofwhatarecalledsensationstories,"saidJo,scratchinggatherssoenergeticallythatarowoflittleslitsfollowedherpin.

"Thereisademandforwhisky,butIthinkyouandIdonotcaretosellit.Iftherespectablepeopleknewwhatharmtheydid,theywouldnotfeelthatthelivingwashonest.Theyhafnorighttoputpoisoninthesugarplum,andletthesmalloneseatit. No, they should think a little, and sweepmud in the street before they do thisthing."

Mr.Bhaerspokewarmly,andwalkedtothefire,crumplingthepaperinhishands.Josatstill,lookingasifthefirehadcometoher,forhercheeksburnedlongafterthecockedhathadturnedtosmokeandgoneharmlesslyupthechimney.

"Ishouldlikemuchtosendalltherestafterhim,"mutteredtheProfessor,comingbackwitharelievedair.

Jo thoughtwhat a blaze her pile of papers upstairswouldmake, and her hard-earnedmoneylayratherheavilyonherconscienceatthatminute.Thenshethoughtconsolingly toherself, "Minearenot like that, theyareonlysilly,neverbad, so Iwon'tbeworried,"andtakingupherbook,shesaid,withastudiousface,"Shallwegoon,Sir?I'llbeverygoodandpropernow."

"Ishallhopeso,"wasallhesaid,buthemeantmorethansheimagined,andthegrave,kind lookhegavehermadeher feelas if thewordsWeeklyVolcanowereprintedinlargetypeonherforehead.

As soon as shewent toher room, shegot out her papers, and carefully rereadeveryoneofherstories.Beingalittleshortsighted,Mr.Bhaersometimesusedeyeglasses,andJohadtriedthemonce,smilingtoseehowtheymagnifiedthefineprintofherbook.NowsheseemedtohaveontheProfessor'smentalormoralspectaclesalso,forthefaultsofthesepoorstoriesglaredatherdreadfullyandfilledherwithdismay.

"They are trash, and will soon be worse trash if I go on, for each is moresensationalthanthelast.I'vegoneblindlyon,hurtingmyselfandotherpeople,forthesakeofmoney.Iknowit'sso,forIcan'treadthisstuffinsoberearnestwithoutbeinghorriblyashamedofit,andwhatshouldIdoiftheywereseenathomeorMr.Bhaergotholdofthem?"

Joturnedhotatthebareidea,andstuffedthewholebundleintoherstove,nearlysettingthechimneyafirewiththeblaze.

"Yes,that'sthebestplaceforsuchinflammablenonsense.I'dbetterburnthehousedown,Isuppose,thanletotherpeopleblowthemselvesupwithmygunpowder,"shethoughtasshewatchedtheDemonoftheJurawhiskaway,alittleblackcinderwithfieryeyes.

Butwhennothingremainedofallherthreemonth'sworkexceptaheapofashesandthemoneyinherlap,Jolookedsober,asshesatonthefloor,wonderingwhatsheoughttodoaboutherwages.

"IthinkIhaven'tdonemuchharmyet,andmaykeepthistopayformytime,"shesaid, after a long meditation, adding impatiently, "I almost wish I hadn't anyconscience, it's so inconvenient. If I didn't care about doing right, and didn't feeluncomfortable when doingwrong, I should get on capitally. I can't helpwishingsometimes,thatMotherandFatherhadn'tbeensoparticularaboutsuchthings."

Ah, Jo, instead of wishing that, thank God that 'Father and Mother wereparticular', and pity fromyour heart thosewho have no such guardians to hedgethemroundwithprincipleswhichmayseemlikeprisonwallstoimpatientyouth,butwhichwillprovesurefoundationstobuildcharacteruponinwomanhood.

Jowrotenomoresensationalstories,decidingthatthemoneydidnotpayforhershareofthesensation,butgoingtotheotherextreme,asisthewaywithpeopleofherstamp,shetookacourseofMrs.Sherwood,MissEdgeworth,andHannahMore,andthenproducedatalewhichmighthavebeenmoreproperlycalledanessayorasermon,sointenselymoralwasit.Shehadherdoubtsaboutitfromthebeginning,forher lively fancyandgirlish romance felt as ill at ease in thenewstyle as shewould have done masquerading in the stiff and cumbrous costume of the lastcentury.Shesentthisdidacticgemtoseveralmarkets,butitfoundnopurchaser,andshewasinclinedtoagreewithMr.Dashwoodthatmoralsdidn'tsell.

Thenshetriedachild'sstory,whichshecouldeasilyhavedisposedofifshehadnot been mercenary enough to demand filthy lucre for it. The only person whoofferedenough tomake itworthherwhile to try juvenile literaturewasaworthygentlemanwho felt it hismission toconvert all theworld tohisparticularbelief.Butmuchasshe liked towriteforchildren,Jocouldnotconsent todepictallhernaughtyboysasbeingeatenbybearsortossedbymadbullsbecausetheydidnotgotoaparticularSabbathschool,norallthegoodinfantswhodidgoasrewardedbyevery kind of bliss, from gilded gingerbread to escorts of angels when theydepartedthislifewithpsalmsorsermonsontheirlispingtongues.Sonothingcameofthesetrials,andJocorkedupherinkstand,andsaidinafitofverywholesome

humility...

"Idon'tknowanything.I'llwaituntilIdobeforeItryagain,andmeantime,'sweepmudinthestreet'ifIcan'tdobetter,that'shonest,atleast."Whichdecisionprovedthathersecondtumbledownthebeanstalkhaddonehersomegood.

Whiletheseinternalrevolutionsweregoingon,herexternallifehadbeenasbusyanduneventfulasusual,andifshesometimeslookedseriousoralittlesadnooneobserved it but Professor Bhaer. He did it so quietly that Jo never knew he waswatchingtoseeifshewouldacceptandprofitbyhisreproof,butshestoodthetest,andhewas satisfied, for thoughnowordspassedbetween them,heknew that shehadgivenupwriting.Notonlydidheguessitbythefactthatthesecondfingerofherrighthandwasnolongerinky,butshespenthereveningsdownstairsnow,wasmetnomoreamongnewspaperoffices,andstudiedwithadoggedpatience,whichassuredhimthatshewasbentonoccupyinghermindwithsomethinguseful,ifnotpleasant.

Hehelpedherinmanyways,provinghimselfatruefriend,andJowashappy,forwhileherpenlayidle,shewaslearningotherlessonsbesidesGerman,andlayingafoundationforthesensationstoryofherownlife.

Itwasapleasantwinterandalongone,forshedidnotleaveMrs.KirketillJune.Everyoneseemedsorrywhen the timecame.Thechildrenwere inconsolable,andMr.Bhaer'shairstuckstraightupalloverhishead,forhealwaysrumpleditwildlywhendisturbedinmind.

"Goinghome?Ah,youarehappythatyouhafahometogoin,"hesaid,whenshetoldhim,andsatsilentlypullinghisbeardinthecorner,whilesheheldalittleleveeonthatlastevening.

Shewasgoingearly,soshebadethemallgoodbyeovernight,andwhenhisturncame,shesaidwarmly,"Now,Sir,youwon'tforgettocomeandseeus,ifyouevertravel ourway,will you? I'll never forgive you if you do, for Iwant them all toknowmyfriend."

"Doyou?ShallIcome?"heasked,lookingdownatherwithaneagerexpressionwhichshedidnotsee.

"Yes,comenextmonth.Lauriegraduatesthen,andyou'denjoycommencementassomethingnew."

"Thatisyourbestfriend,ofwhomyouspeak?"hesaidinanalteredtone.

"Yes,myboyTeddy.I'mveryproudofhimandshouldlikeyoutoseehim."

Jo looked up then, quite unconscious of anything but her own pleasure in theprospectofshowingthemtooneanother.SomethinginMr.Bhaer'sfacesuddenlyrecalled the fact that shemight find Lauriemore than a 'best friend', and simplybecause she particularly wished not to look as if anything was the matter, sheinvoluntarilybegantoblush,andthemoreshetriednotto,thereddershegrew.IfithadnotbeenforTinaonherknee.Shedidn'tknowwhatwouldhavebecomeofher.Fortunately the childwasmoved to hug her, so shemanaged to hide her face aninstant,hopingtheProfessordidnotseeit.Buthedid,andhisownchangedagainfromthatmomentaryanxietytoitsusualexpression,ashesaidcordially...

"IfearIshallnotmakethetimeforthat,butIwishthefriendmuchsuccess,andyou all happiness. Gott bless you!" And with that, he shook hands warmly,shoulderedTina,andwentaway.

Butaftertheboyswereabed,hesatlongbeforehisfirewiththetiredlookonhisface and the 'heimweh', orhomesickness, lyingheavyathisheart.Once,whenherememberedJoasshesatwiththelittlechildinherlapandthatnewsoftnessinherface,heleanedhisheadonhishandsaminute,andthenroamedabouttheroom,asifinsearchofsomethingthathecouldnotfind.

"Itisnotforme,Imustnothopeitnow,"hesaidtohimself,withasighthatwasalmostagroan.Then,as if reproachinghimself for the longing thathecouldnotrepress,hewent andkissed the two tousledheadsupon thepillow, tookdownhisseldom-usedmeerschaum,andopenedhisPlato.

He did his best and did it manfully, but I don't think he found that a pair oframpantboys,apipe,oreventhedivinePlato,wereverysatisfactorysubstitutesforwifeandchildathome.

Earlyasitwas,hewasatthestationnextmorningtoseeJooff,andthankstohim,shebeganhersolitaryjourneywiththepleasantmemoryofafamiliarfacesmilingits farewell, a bunch of violets to keep her company, and best of all, the happythought,"Well,thewinter'sgone,andI'vewrittennobooks,earnednofortune,butI'vemadeafriendworthhavingandI'lltrytokeephimallmylife."

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE

HEARTACHE

Whateverhismotivemighthavebeen,Lauriestudiedtosomepurposethatyear,forhegraduatedwithhonor,andgavetheLatinorationwiththegraceofaPhillipsand the eloquenceof aDemosthenes, sohis friends said.Theywere all there, hisgrandfather—oh,soproud—Mr.andMrs.March,JohnandMeg,JoandBeth,andall exulted over himwith the sincere admirationwhich boysmake light of at thetime,butfailtowinfromtheworldbyanyafter-triumphs.

"I'vegottostayforthisconfoundedsupper,butIshallbehomeearlytomorrow.You'llcomeandmeetmeasusual,girls?"Lauriesaid,asheputthesistersintothecarriageafterthejoysofthedaywereover.Hesaid'girls',buthemeantJo,forshewas theonlyonewhokeptup theoldcustom.Shehadnot theheart to refusehersplendid,successfulboyanything,andansweredwarmly...

"I'll come, Teddy, rain or shine, and march before you, playing 'Hail theconqueringherocomes'onajew's-harp."

Lauriethankedherwithalookthatmadeherthinkinasuddenpanic,"Oh,dearyme!Iknowhe'llsaysomething,andthenwhatshallIdo?"

Eveningmeditation andmorningwork somewhat allayedher fears, andhavingdecided that shewouldn't be vain enough to think peoplewere going to proposewhenshehadgiventhemeveryreasontoknowwhatheranswerwouldbe,shesetforthattheappointedtime,hopingTeddywouldn'tdoanythingtomakeherhurthispoor feelings. A call at Meg's, and a refreshing sniff and sip at the Daisy andDemijohn,stillfurtherfortifiedherforthetete-a-tete,butwhenshesawastalwartfigureloominginthedistance,shehadastrongdesiretoturnaboutandrunaway.

"Where's the jew's-harp, Jo?" cried Laurie, as soon as hewaswithin speakingdistance.

"Iforgotit."AndJotookheartagain,forthatsalutationcouldnotbecalledlover-like.

Shealwaysusedtotakehisarmontheseoccasions,nowshedidnot,andhemadenocomplaint,whichwasabadsign,buttalkedonrapidlyaboutallsortsoffarawaysubjects,tilltheyturnedfromtheroadintothelittlepaththatledhomewardthroughthe grove.Thenhewalkedmore slowly, suddenly lost his fine flowof language,andnowandthenadreadfulpauseoccurred.Torescuetheconversationfromoneofthewellsofsilenceintowhichitkeptfalling,Josaidhastily,"Nowyoumusthave

agoodlongholiday!"

"Iintendto."

Something in his resolute tone made Jo look up quickly to find him lookingdownatherwithanexpressionthatassuredherthedreadedmomenthadcome,andmadeherputoutherhandwithanimploring,"No,Teddy.Pleasedon't!"

"Iwill, andyoumust hearme. It's nouse, Jo,we'vegot to have it out, and thesooner the better for both of us," he answered, getting flushed and excited all atonce.

"Saywhatyoulikethen.I'lllisten,"saidJo,withadesperatesortofpatience.

Lauriewasayounglover,buthewasinearnest,andmeantto'haveitout',ifhediedintheattempt,soheplungedintothesubjectwithcharacteristicimpetuousity,sayinginavoicethatwouldgetchokynowandthen, inspiteofmanfulefforts tokeepitsteady...

"I've loved you ever since I've known you, Jo, couldn't help it, you've been sogoodtome.I'vetriedtoshowit,butyouwouldn'tletme.NowI'mgoingtomakeyouhear,andgivemeananswer,forIcan'tgoonsoanylonger."

"Iwanted to save you this. I thought you'd understand..." began Jo, finding it agreatdealharderthansheexpected.

"Iknowyoudid,butthegirlsaresoqueeryouneverknowwhattheymean.Theysaynowhentheymeanyes,anddriveamanoutofhiswitsjustforthefunofit,"returnedLaurie,entrenchinghimselfbehindanundeniablefact.

"Idon't.Ineverwantedtomakeyoucareformeso,andIwentawaytokeepyoufromitifIcould."

"Ithoughtso.Itwaslikeyou,butitwasnouse.Ionlylovedyouallthemore,andIworkedhardtopleaseyou,andIgaveupbilliardsandeverythingyoudidn'tlike,andwaitedandnevercomplained, for Ihopedyou'd loveme, though I'mnothalfgoodenough..."Heretherewasachokethatcouldn'tbecontrolled,sohedecapitatedbuttercupswhileheclearedhis'confoundedthroat'.

"You,youare,you'reagreatdeal toogoodforme,andI'msograteful toyou,andsoproudandfondofyou,Idon'tknowwhyIcan'tloveyouasyouwantmeto.I've tried, but I can't change the feeling, and itwould be a lie to say I dowhen I

don't."

"Really,truly,Jo?"

Hestoppedshort,andcaughtbothherhandsasheputhisquestionwithalookthatshedidnotsoonforget.

"Really,truly,dear."

They were in the grove now, close by the stile, and when the last words fellreluctantlyfromJo'slips,Lauriedroppedherhandsandturnedasif togoon,butforonceinhislifethefencewastoomuchforhim.Sohejustlaidhisheaddownonthemossypost,andstoodsostillthatJowasfrightened.

"Oh,Teddy,I'msorry,sodesperatelysorry,Icouldkillmyselfifitwoulddoanygood!Iwishyouwouldn't takeitsohard,Ican'thelpit.Youknowit's impossibleforpeopletomakethemselvesloveotherpeopleiftheydon't,"criedJoinelegantlybutremorsefully,asshesoftlypattedhisshoulder,rememberingthetimewhenhehadcomfortedhersolongago.

"Theydosometimes,"saidamuffledvoicefromthepost."Idon'tbelieveit'stherightsortoflove,andI'drathernottryit,"wasthedecidedanswer.

There was a long pause, while a blackbird sung blithely on the willow by theriver,andthetallgrassrustledinthewind.PresentlyJosaidverysoberly,asshesatdownonthestepofthestile,"Laurie,Iwanttotellyousomething."

Hestartedasifhehadbeenshot,threwuphishead,andcriedoutinafiercetone,"Don'ttellmethat,Jo,Ican'tbearitnow!"

"Tellwhat?"sheasked,wonderingathisviolence.

"Thatyoulovethatoldman."

"Whatoldman?"demandedJo,thinkinghemustmeanhisgrandfather.

"ThatdevilishProfessoryouwerealwayswritingabout.Ifyousayyoulovehim,IknowIshalldosomethingdesperate;"andhelookedasifhewouldkeephisword,asheclenchedhishandswithawrathfulsparkinhiseyes.

Jo wanted to laugh, but restrained herself and said warmly, for she too, wasgettingexcitedwithallthis,"Don'tswear,Teddy!Heisn'told,noranythingbad,but

goodandkind,andthebestfriendI'vegot,nexttoyou.Pray,don'tflyintoapassion.Iwanttobekind,butIknowIshallgetangryifyouabusemyProfessor.Ihaven'ttheleastideaoflovinghimoranybodyelse."

"Butyouwillafterawhile,andthenwhatwillbecomeofme?"

"You'lllovesomeoneelsetoo,likeasensibleboy,andforgetallthistrouble."

"I can't love anyone else, and I'll never forget you, Jo, Never! Never!" with astamptoemphasizehispassionatewords.

"What shall I do with him?" sighed Jo, finding that emotions were moreunmanagable than she expected. "You haven't heardwhat Iwanted to tell you. Sitdownandlisten,forindeedIwanttodorightandmakeyouhappy,"shesaid,hopingtosoothehimwithalittlereason,whichprovedthatsheknewnothingaboutlove.

Seeingarayofhopeinthatlastspeech,Lauriethrewhimselfdownonthegrassatherfeet,leanedhisarmonthelowerstepofthestile,andlookedupatherwithanexpectant face.Now that arrangementwas not conducive to calm speech or clearthoughtonJo'spart,forhowcouldshesayhardthingstoherboywhilehewatchedherwitheyes fullof loveand longing,and lashesstillwetwith thebitterdroportwoherhardnessofhearthadwrungfromhim?Shegently turnedhisheadaway,saying,asshestrokedthewavyhairwhichhadbeenallowedtogrowforhersake—howtouchingthatwas,tobesure!"IagreewithMotherthatyouandIarenotsuitedtoeachother,becauseourquicktempersandstrongwillswouldprobablymakeusverymiserable,ifweweresofoolishasto..."Jopausedalittleoverthelastword,butLaurieuttereditwitharapturousexpression.

"Marry—noweshouldn't!Ifyoulovedme,Jo,Ishouldbeaperfectsaint,foryoucouldmakemeanythingyoulike."

"No,Ican't.I'vetriedandfailed,andIwon'triskourhappinessbysuchaseriousexperiment.We don't agree andwe never shall, sowe'll be good friends all ourlives,butwewon'tgoanddoanythingrash."

"Yes,wewillifwegetthechance,"mutteredLaurierebelliously.

"Nowdobereasonable,andtakeasensibleviewofthecase,"imploredJo,almostatherwit'send.

"Iwon'tbereasonable.Idon'twanttotakewhatyoucall'asensibleview'.Itwon'thelpme,anditonlymakesitharder.Idon'tbelieveyou'vegotanyheart."

"IwishIhadn't."

TherewasalittlequiverinJo'svoice,andthinkingitagoodomen,Laurieturnedround, bringing all his persuasivepowers tobear as he said, in thewheedlesometonethathadneverbeensodangerouslywheedlesomebefore,"Don'tdisappointus,dear!Everyoneexpectsit.Grandpahassethisheartuponit,yourpeoplelikeit,andIcan'tgetonwithoutyou.Sayyouwill,andlet'sbehappy.Do,do!"

NotuntilmonthsafterwarddidJounderstandhowshehadthestrengthofmindtoholdfasttotheresolutionshehadmadewhenshedecidedthatshedidnotloveherboy,andnevercould.Itwasveryhardtodo,butshedidit,knowingthatdelaywasbothuselessandcruel.

"Ican'tsay'yes'truly,soIwon'tsayitatall.You'llseethatI'mright,by-and-by,andthankmeforit..."shebegansolemnly.

"I'll be hanged if I do!" and Laurie bounced up off the grass, burning withindignationattheveryidea.

"Yes, youwill!" persisted Jo. "You'll get over this after awhile, and find somelovelyaccomplishedgirl,whowill adoreyou,andmakea finemistress foryourfine house. I shouldn't. I'm homely and awkward and odd and old, and you'd beashamedofme,andweshouldquarrel—wecan'thelpitevennow,yousee—andIshouldn't like elegant society andyouwould, andyou'dhatemy scribbling, and Icouldn'tgetonwithoutit,andweshouldbeunhappy,andwishwehadn'tdoneit,andeverythingwouldbehorrid!"

"Anythingmore?"askedLaurie,findingithardtolistenpatientlytothispropheticburst.

"Nothingmore,exceptthatIdon'tbelieveIshallevermarry.I'mhappyasIam,andlovemylibertytoowelltobeinahurrytogiveitupforanymortalman."

"Iknowbetter!"brokeinLaurie."Youthinksonow,butthere'llcomeatimewhenyouwillcareforsomebody,andyou'lllovehimtremendously,andliveanddieforhim.Iknowyouwill,it'syourway,andIshallhavetostandbyandseeit,"andthedespairinglovercasthishatuponthegroundwithagesturethatwouldhaveseemedcomical,ifhisfacehadnotbeensotragic.

"Yes,Iwillliveanddieforhim,ifheevercomesandmakesmelovehiminspiteofmyself,andyoumustdo thebestyoucan!"criedJo, losingpatiencewithpoorTeddy. "I've donemybest, but youwon't be reasonable, and it's selfish of you tokeepteasingforwhatIcan'tgive.Ishallalwaysbefondofyou,veryfondindeed,asafriend,butI'llnevermarryyou,andthesooneryoubelieveitthebetterforbothof

us—sonow!"

Thatspeechwas likegunpowder.Laurie lookedatheraminuteas ifhedidnotquiteknowwhattodowithhimself,thenturnedsharplyaway,sayinginadesperatesortoftone,"You'llbesorrysomeday,Jo."

"Oh,whereareyougoing?"shecried,forhisfacefrightenedher.

"Tothedevil!"wastheconsolinganswer.

ForaminuteJo'sheartstoodstill,asheswunghimselfdownthebanktowardtheriver,butittakesmuchfolly,sinormiserytosendayoungmantoaviolentdeath,andLauriewasnotoneoftheweaksortwhoareconqueredbyasinglefailure.Hehadnothoughtofamelodramaticplunge,butsomeblindinstinct ledhimtoflinghatandcoatintohisboat,androwawaywithallhismight,makingbettertimeupthe river than he had done in any race. Jo drew a long breath and unclasped herhandsasshewatchedthepoorfellowtryingtooutstripthetroublewhichhecarriedinhisheart.

"Thatwilldohimgood,andhe'llcomehomeinsucha tender,penitentstateofmind, that I shan't dare to see him," she said, adding, as she went slowly home,feelingasifshehadmurderedsomeinnocentthing,andburieditundertheleaves."NowImustgoandprepareMr.Laurencetobeverykindtomypoorboy.Iwishhe'dloveBeth,perhapshemayintime,butIbegintothinkIwasmistakenabouther.Ohdear!Howcangirlsliketohaveloversandrefusethem?Ithinkit'sdreadful."

Being sure that no one could do it sowell as herself, shewent straight toMr.Laurence, told the hard story bravely through, and then broke down, crying sodismally over her own insensibility that the kind old gentleman, though sorelydisappointed,didnotuttera reproach.Hefounditdifficult tounderstandhowanygirlcouldhelplovingLaurie,andhopedshewouldchangehermind,buthekneweven better than Jo that love cannot be forced, so he shook his head sadly andresolvedtocarryhisboyoutofharm'sway,forYoungImpetuosity'spartingwordstoJodisturbedhimmorethanhewouldconfess.

WhenLauriecamehome,deadtiredbutquitecomposed,hisgrandfathermethimasifheknewnothing,andkeptupthedelusionverysuccessfullyforanhourortwo.Butwhentheysattogetherinthetwilight,thetimetheyusedtoenjoysomuch,itwashardworkfortheoldmantorambleonasusual,andharderstillfortheyoungonetolistentopraisesof thelastyear'ssuccess,whichtohimnowseemedlikelove'slaborlost.Heboreitaslongashecould,thenwenttohispianoandbegantoplay.

The windows were open, and Jo, walking in the garden with Beth, for onceunderstoodmusicbetter thanher sister, forheplayed the 'SonataPathetique', andplayeditasheneverdidbefore.

"That's very fine, I dare say, but it's sad enough to make one cry. Give ussomething gayer, lad," said Mr. Laurence, whose kind old heart was full ofsympathy,whichhelongedtoshowbutknewnothow.

Laurie dashed into a livelier strain, played stormily for several minutes, andwouldhavegotthroughbravely,ifinamomentarylullMrs.March'svoicehadnotbeenheardcalling,"Jo,dear,comein.Iwantyou."

JustwhatLaurielongedtosay,withadifferentmeaning!Ashelistened,helosthisplace, themusic endedwith abrokenchord, and themusician sat silent in thedark.

"Ican'tstandthis,"mutteredtheoldgentleman.Uphegot,gropedhiswaytothepiano, laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders, and said, as gently as awoman,"Iknow,myboy,Iknow."

Noanswerforaninstant,thenLaurieaskedsharply,"Whotoldyou?"

"Joherself."

"Then there's an end of it!" And he shook off his grandfather's hands with animpatientmotion, for thoughgrateful for thesympathy,hisman'spridecouldnotbearaman'spity.

"Notquite.Iwanttosayonething,andthenthereshallbeanendofit,"returnedMr.Laurencewithunusualmildness."Youwon'tcaretostayathomenow,perhaps?"

"Idon'tintendtorunawayfromagirl.Jocan'tpreventmyseeingher,andIshallstayanddoitaslongasIlike,"interruptedLaurieinadefianttone.

"NotifyouarethegentlemanIthinkyou.I'mdisappointed,butthegirlcan'thelpit, and theonly thing left foryou todo is togoaway fora time.Wherewillyougo?"

"Anywhere.Idon'tcarewhatbecomesofme,"andLauriegotupwitharecklesslaughthatgratedonhisgrandfather'sear.

"Take it like a man, and don't do anything rash, for God's sake. Why not go

abroad,asyouplanned,andforgetit?"

"Ican't."

"Butyou'vebeenwild togo,and Ipromisedyoushouldwhenyougot throughcollege."

"Ah,butIdidn'tmeantogoalone!"andLauriewalkedfastthroughtheroomwithanexpressionwhichitwaswellhisgrandfatherdidnotsee.

"I don't ask you to go alone. There's someone ready and glad to gowith you,anywhereintheworld."

"Who,Sir?"stoppingtolisten.

"Myself."

Lauriecamebackasquicklyashewent,andputouthishand,sayinghuskily,"I'maselfishbrute,but—youknow—Grandfather—"

"Lordhelpme,yes,Idoknow,forI'vebeenthroughitallbefore,onceinmyownyoungdays,andthenwithyourfather.Now,mydearboy,justsitquietlydownandhearmy plan. It's all settled, and can be carried out at once," saidMr. Laurence,keepingholdoftheyoungman,asiffearfulthathewouldbreakawayashisfatherhaddonebeforehim.

"Well,sir,whatis it?"andLauriesatdown,withoutasignofinterest infaceorvoice.

"ThereisbusinessinLondonthatneedslookingafter.Imeantyoushouldattendtoit,butIcandoitbettermyself,andthingsherewillgetonverywellwithBrooketomanagethem.Mypartnersdoalmosteverything,I'mmerelyholdingonuntilyoutakemyplace,andcanbeoffatanytime."

"Butyouhatetraveling,Sir.Ican'taskitofyouatyourage,"beganLaurie,whowasgratefulforthesacrifice,butmuchpreferredtogoalone,ifhewentatall.

Theoldgentlemanknewthatperfectlywell,andparticularlydesiredtopreventit,forthemoodinwhichhefoundhisgrandsonassuredhimthatitwouldnotbewiseto leavehim tohisowndevices.So, stiflinganatural regret at the thoughtof thehomecomfortshewouldleavebehindhim,hesaidstoutly,"Blessyoursoul,I'mnotsuperannuatedyet.Iquiteenjoytheidea.Itwilldomegood,andmyoldboneswon't

suffer,fortravelingnowadaysisalmostaseasyassittinginachair."

ArestlessmovementfromLauriesuggestedthathischairwasnoteasy,orthathedidnotliketheplan,andmadetheoldmanaddhastily,"Idon'tmeantobeamarplotoraburden.IgobecauseIthinkyou'dfeelhappierthanifIwasleftbehind.Idon'tintendtogadaboutwithyou,butleaveyoufreetogowhereyoulike,whileIamusemyself inmyownway. I've friends inLondon andParis, and should like to visitthem.Meantime you can go to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, where you will, andenjoypictures,music,scenery,andadventurestoyourheart'scontent."

Now, Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world ahowling wilderness, but at the sound of certain words which the old gentlemanartfully introduced intohis closing sentence, thebrokenheartgaveanunexpectedleap, and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howlingwilderness. Hesighed, and then said, in a spiritless tone, "Just as you like, Sir. It doesn'tmatterwhereIgoorwhatIdo."

"Itdoestome,rememberthat,mylad.Igiveyouentireliberty,butItrustyoutomakeanhonestuseofit.Promisemethat,Laurie."

"Anythingyoulike,Sir."

"Good,"thoughttheoldgentleman."Youdon'tcarenow,butthere'llcomeatimewhenthatpromisewillkeepyououtofmischief,orI'mmuchmistaken."

Being an energetic individual,Mr.Laurence struckwhile the ironwas hot, andbeforetheblightedbeingrecoveredspiritenoughtorebel,theywereoff.Duringthetimenecessaryforpreparation,Laurieborehimselfasyounggentlemanusuallydoin such cases. He was moody, irritable, and pensive by turns, lost his appetite,neglectedhisdressanddevotedmuchtimetoplayingtempestuouslyonhispiano,avoidedJo,butconsoledhimselfbystaringatherfromhiswindow,witha tragicfacethathauntedherdreamsbynightandoppressedherwithaheavysenseofguiltbyday.Unlikesomesufferers,heneverspokeofhisunrequitedpassion,andwouldallownoone,notevenMrs.March, toattemptconsolationoroffer sympathy.Onsomeaccounts, thiswasa relief tohis friends,but theweeksbeforehisdeparturewere very uncomfortable, and everyone rejoiced that the 'poor, dear fellow wasgoing away to forget his trouble, and come home happy'. Of course, he smileddarklyattheirdelusion,butpasseditbywiththesadsuperiorityofonewhoknewthathisfidelitylikehislovewasunalterable.

When thepartingcameheaffectedhigh spirits, to conceal certain inconvenient

emotionswhich seemed inclined to assert themselves.This gaiety did not imposeuponanybody,buttheytriedtolookasifitdidforhissake,andhegotonverywelltillMrs.Marchkissedhim,withawhisperfullofmotherlysolicitude.Thenfeelingthathewasgoingveryfast,hehastilyembracedthemallround,notforgettingtheafflictedHannah,andrandownstairsasifforhislife.Jofollowedaminuteaftertowaveherhand tohim ifhe looked round.Hedid look round, cameback,puthisarmsaboutherasshestoodonthestepabovehim,andlookedupatherwithafacethatmadehisshortappealeloquentandpathetic.

"Oh,Jo,can'tyou?"

"Teddy,dear,IwishIcould!"

Thatwasall,exceptalittlepause.ThenLauriestraightenedhimselfup,said,"It'sall right, nevermind," andwent awaywithout anotherword.Ah, but itwasn't allright,andJodidmind,forwhilethecurlyheadlayonherarmaminuteafterherhardanswer,shefeltasifshehadstabbedherdearestfriend,andwhenheleftherwithoutalookbehindhim,sheknewthattheboyLaurieneverwouldcomeagain.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

BETH'SSECRET

WhenJocamehomethatspring,shehadbeenstruckwiththechangeinBeth.Noonespokeofitorseemedawareofit,forithadcometoograduallytostartlethosewhosawherdaily,buttoeyessharpenedbyabsence,itwasveryplainandaheavyweightfellonJo'sheartasshesawhersister'sface.Itwasnopalerandbut littlerthinnerthanintheautumn,yettherewasastrange,transparentlookaboutit,asifthemortalwasbeingslowlyrefinedaway,and the immortalshining through thefrailfleshwithanindescribablypatheticbeauty.Josawandfeltit,butsaidnothingatthetime,andsoonthefirstimpressionlostmuchofitspower,forBethseemedhappy,nooneappearedtodoubtthatshewasbetter,andpresentlyinothercaresJoforatimeforgotherfear.

ButwhenLauriewasgone,andpeaceprevailedagain,thevagueanxietyreturnedandhauntedher.Shehadconfessedhersinsandbeenforgiven,butwhensheshowedhersavingsandproposedamountaintrip,Bethhadthankedherheartily,butbeggednottogosofarawayfromhome.Anotherlittlevisittotheseashorewouldsuither

better,andasGrandmacouldnotbeprevailedupontoleavethebabies,JotookBethdowntothequietplace,whereshecouldlivemuchintheopenair,andletthefreshseabreezesblowalittlecolorintoherpalecheeks.

Itwasnotafashionableplace,butevenamongthepleasantpeoplethere,thegirlsmade few friends, preferring to live for one another. Beth was too shy to enjoysociety,andJotoowrappedupinhertocareforanyoneelse.Sotheywereallinalltoeachother,andcameandwent,quiteunconsciousof the interest theyexcitedinthoseaboutthem,whowatchedwithsympatheticeyesthestrongsisterandthefeebleone,alwaystogether,as if theyfelt instinctivelythata longseparationwasnotfaraway.

They did feel it, yet neither spoke of it, for often between ourselves and thosenearestanddearesttousthereexistsareservewhichitisveryhardtoovercome.JofeltasifaveilhadfallenbetweenherheartandBeth's,butwhensheputoutherhandtoliftitup,thereseemedsomethingsacredinthesilence,andshewaitedforBethtospeak. Shewondered, andwas thankful also, that her parents did not seem to seewhatshesaw,andduringthequietweekswhentheshadowsgrewsoplaintoher,shesaidnothingofittothoseathome,believingthatitwouldtellitselfwhenBethcamebacknobetter.Shewonderedstillmore ifhersister reallyguessed thehard truth,andwhatthoughtswerepassingthroughhermindduringthelonghourswhenshelayon thewarmrockswithherhead in Jo's lap,while thewindsblewhealthfullyoverherandtheseamademusicatherfeet.

One day Beth told her. Jo thought shewas asleep, she lay so still, and puttingdownherbook,satlookingatherwithwistfuleyes,tryingtoseesignsofhopeinthefaintcoloronBeth'scheeks.Butshecouldnotfindenoughtosatisfyher,forthecheekswereverythin,andthehandsseemedtoofeebletoholdeventherosylittleshellstheyhadbeencollecting.ItcametoherthenmorebitterlythaneverthatBethwasslowlydriftingawayfromher,andherarmsinstinctivelytightenedtheirholdupon the dearest treasure she possessed. For aminute her eyeswere too dim forseeing,andwhentheycleared,Bethwaslookingupathersotenderlythattherewashardlyanyneedforhertosay,"Jo,dear,I'mgladyouknowit.I'vetriedtotellyou,butIcouldn't."

Therewasnoanswerexcepthersister'scheekagainstherown,noteventears,forwhenmostdeeplymoved,Jodidnotcry.Shewastheweakerthen,andBethtriedtocomfort and sustain her, with her arms about her and the soothing words shewhisperedinherear.

"I'veknownitforagoodwhile,dear,andnowI'musedtoit,itisn'thardtothink

of or to bear. Try to see it so and don't be troubled about me, because it's best,indeeditis."

"Isthiswhatmadeyousounhappyintheautumn,Beth?Youdidnotfeelitthen,andkeepittoyourselfsolong,didyou?"askedJo,refusingtoseeorsaythatitwasbest,butgladtoknowthatLauriehadnopartinBeth'strouble.

"Yes,Igaveuphopingthen,butIdidn'tliketoownit.Itriedtothinkitwasasickfancy,andwouldnotletittroubleanyone.ButwhenIsawyouallsowellandstrongandfullofhappyplans,itwashardtofeelthatIcouldneverbelikeyou,andthenIwasmiserable,Jo."

"Oh,Beth,andyoudidn'ttellme,didn'tletmecomfortandhelpyou?Howcouldyoushutmeout,bearitallalone?"

Jo'svoicewasfulloftenderreproach,andherheartachedtothinkofthesolitarystrugglethatmusthavegoneonwhileBethlearnedtosaygoodbyetohealth,love,andlife,andtakeuphercrosssocheerfully.

"Perhapsitwaswrong,butItriedtodoright.Iwasn'tsure,noonesaidanything,and I hoped I wasmistaken. It would have been selfish to frighten you all whenMarmeewassoanxiousaboutMeg,andAmyaway,andyousohappywithLaurie—atleastIthoughtsothen."

"AndIthoughtyoulovedhim,Beth,andIwentawaybecauseIcouldn't,"criedJo,gladtosayallthetruth.

BethlookedsoamazedattheideathatJosmiledinspiteofherpain,andaddedsoftly,"Thenyoudidn't,dearie?Iwasafraiditwasso,andimaginedyourpoorlittleheartfulloflovelornityallthatwhile."

"Why,Jo,howcouldI,whenhewassofondofyou?"askedBeth,asinnocentlyasachild."Idolovehimdearly.Heissogoodtome,howcanIhelpIt?Buthecouldneverbeanythingtomebutmybrother.Ihopehetrulywillbe,sometime."

"Not throughme," said Jodecidedly. "Amy is left forhim,and theywould suitexcellently,butIhavenoheartforsuchthings,now.Idon'tcarewhatbecomesofanybodybutyou,Beth.Youmustgetwell."

"Iwantto,oh,somuch!Itry,buteverydayIlosealittle,andfeelmoresurethatIshallnevergainitback.It'slikethetide,Jo,whenitturns,itgoesslowly,butitcan'tbestopped."

"Itshallbestopped,yourtidemustnotturnsosoon,nineteenistooyoung,Beth.Ican't let you go. I'll work and pray and fight against it. I'll keep you in spite ofeverything.Theremustbeways,itcan'tbetoolate.Godwon'tbesocruelastotakeyou from me," cried poor Jo rebelliously, for her spirit was far less piouslysubmissivethanBeth's.

Simple, sincerepeople seldomspeakmuchof theirpiety. It shows itself in actsrather than inwords, andhasmore influence thanhomilies or protestations.Bethcould not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience togive up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked noquestions,butlefteverythingtoGodandnature,FatherandMotherofusall,feelingsurethatthey,andtheyonly,couldteachandstrengthenheartandspiritforthislifeand the life to come.Shedid not rebuke Jowith saintly speeches, only lovedherbetterforherpassionateaffection,andclungmorecloselytothedearhumanlove,fromwhichourFathernevermeansustobeweaned,butthroughwhichHedrawsusclosertoHimself.Shecouldnotsay,"I'mgladtogo,"forlifewasverysweetforher.Shecouldonlysobout, "I try tobewilling,"whilesheheld fast toJo,as thefirstbitterwaveofthisgreatsorrowbrokeoverthemtogether.

ByandbyBethsaid,with recoveredserenity,"You'll tell themthiswhenwegohome?"

"Ithinktheywillseeitwithoutwords,"sighedJo,fornowitseemedtoherthatBethchangedeveryday.

"Perhapsnot. I'veheard that thepeoplewho lovebestareoftenblindest tosuchthings.Iftheydon'tseeit,youwilltellthemforme.Idon'twantanysecrets,andit'skindertopreparethem.MeghasJohnandthebabiestocomforther,butyoumuststandbyFatherandMother,won'tyouJo?"

"IfIcan.But,Beth,Idon'tgiveupyet.I'mgoingtobelievethatitisasickfancy,andnotletyouthinkit'strue."saidJo,tryingtospeakcheerfully.

Bethlayaminutethinking,andthensaidinherquietway,"Idon'tknowhowtoexpressmyself,andshouldn'ttrytoanyonebutyou,becauseIcan'tspeakoutexcepttomyJo.IonlymeantosaythatIhaveafeelingthatitneverwasintendedIshouldlivelong.I'mnotliketherestofyou.InevermadeanyplansaboutwhatI'ddowhenI grew up. I never thought of being married, as you all did. I couldn't seem toimaginemyself anything but stupid little Beth, trotting about at home, of no useanywherebutthere.Ineverwantedtogoaway,andthehardpartnowistheleavingyou all. I'm not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in

heaven."

Jocouldnotspeak,andforseveralminutestherewasnosoundbutthesighofthewind and the lapping of the tide. A white-winged gull flew by, with the flash ofsunshineonitssilverybreast.Bethwatchedittillitvanished,andhereyeswerefullof sadness. A little gray-coated sand bird came tripping over the beach 'peeping'softlytoitself,asifenjoyingthesunandsea.ItcamequiteclosetoBeth,andlookedatherwithafriendlyeyeandsatuponawarmstone,dressingitswetfeathers,quiteathome.Bethsmiledandfeltcomforted,forthetinythingseemedtoofferitssmallfriendshipandremindherthatapleasantworldwasstilltobeenjoyed.

"Dearlittlebird!See,Jo,howtameitis.Ilikepeepsbetterthanthegulls.Theyarenotsowildandhandsome,buttheyseemhappy,confidinglittlethings.Iusedtocallthem my birds last summer, and Mother said they reminded her of me—busy,quaker-coloredcreatures,alwaysneartheshore,andalwayschirpingthatcontentedlittlesongoftheirs.Youarethegull,Jo,strongandwild,fondofthestormandthewind,flyingfarouttosea,andhappyallalone.Megistheturtledove,andAmyislike the lark she writes about, trying to get up among the clouds, but alwaysdroppingdownintoitsnestagain.Dearlittlegirl!She'ssoambitious,butherheartisgoodandtender,andnomatterhowhighsheflies,sheneverwillforgethome.IhopeIshallseeheragain,butsheseemssofaraway."

"She is coming in the spring, and Imean thatyou shallbeall ready to seeandenjoyher.I'mgoingtohaveyouwellandrosybythattime,"beganJo,feelingthatofallthechangesinBeth,thetalkingchangewasthegreatest,foritseemedtocostnoeffortnow,andshethoughtaloudinawayquiteunlikebashfulBeth.

"Jo,dear,don'thopeanymore.Itwon'tdoanygood.I'msureofthat.Wewon'tbemiserable, but enjoy being togetherwhilewewait.We'll have happy times, for Idon'tsuffermuch,andIthinkthetidewillgoouteasily,ifyouhelpme."

Jo leaneddown tokiss the tranquil face, andwith that silentkiss, shededicatedherselfsoulandbodytoBeth.

Shewasright.Therewasnoneedofanywordswhentheygothome,forFatherandMothersawplainlynowwhat theyhadprayed tobesavedfromseeing.Tiredwith her short journey,Bethwent at once to bed, saying howglad shewas to behome,andwhenJowentdown,shefoundthatshewouldbesparedthehardtaskoftellingBeth's secret.Her father stood leaninghisheadon themantelpieceanddidnotturnasshecamein,buthermotherstretchedoutherarmsasifforhelp,andJowenttocomfortherwithoutaword.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

NEWIMPRESSIONS

Atthreeo'clockintheafternoon,allthefashionableworldatNicemaybeseenonthe Promenade desAnglais—a charming place, for thewidewalk, borderedwithpalms,flowers,andtropicalshrubs,isboundedononesidebythesea,ontheotherby thegranddrive, linedwithhotelsandvillas,whilebeyond lieorangeorchardsandthehills.Manynationsarerepresented,manylanguagesspoken,manycostumesworn,andonasunnydaythespectacleisasgayandbrilliantasacarnival.HaughtyEnglish, livelyFrench,soberGermans,handsomeSpaniards,uglyRussians,meekJews, free-and-easy Americans, all drive, sit, or saunter here, chatting over thenews, and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived—Ristori or Dickens,VictorEmmanuelortheQueenoftheSandwichIslands.Theequipagesareasvariedasthecompanyandattractasmuchattention,especiallythelowbasketbarouchesinwhichladiesdrivethemselves,withapairofdashingponies,gaynetstokeeptheirvoluminous flounces fromoverflowing thediminutivevehicles,and littlegroomsontheperchbehind.

Along this walk, on Christmas Day, a tall youngman walked slowly, with hishands behind him, and a somewhat absent expression of countenance. He lookedlikean Italian,wasdressed likeanEnglishman,andhad the independentairofanAmerican—a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to lookapprovinglyafterhim,andsundrydandies inblackvelvetsuits,withrose-coloredneckties, buff gloves, and orange flowers in their buttonholes, to shrug theirshoulders, and then envy him his inches. There were plenty of pretty faces toadmire,buttheyoungmantooklittlenoticeofthem,excepttoglancenowandthenatsomeblondegirlinblue.Presentlyhestrolledoutofthepromenadeandstoodamomentatthecrossing,asifundecidedwhethertogoandlistentothebandintheJardinPublique,ortowanderalongthebeachtowardCastleHill.Thequicktrotofponies' feetmade him look up, as one of the little carriages, containing a singleyounglady,camerapidlydownthestreet.Theladywasyoung,blonde,anddressedinblue.Hestaredaminute,thenhiswholefacewokeup,and,wavinghishatlikeaboy,hehurriedforwardtomeether.

"Oh,Laurie,isitreallyyou?Ithoughtyou'dnevercome!"criedAmy,droppingthe reins and holding out both hands, to the great scandalization of a French

mamma, who hastened her daughter's steps, lest she should be demoralized bybeholdingthefreemannersofthese'madEnglish'.

"Iwasdetainedbytheway,butIpromisedtospendChristmaswithyou,andhereIam."

"Howisyourgrandfather?Whendidyoucome?Whereareyoustaying?"

"Verywell—lastnight—attheChauvain.Icalledatyourhotel,butyouwereout."

"Ihavesomuchtosay,Idon'tknowwheretobegin!Getinandwecantalkatourease.Iwasgoingforadriveandlongingforcompany.Flo'ssavingupfortonight."

"Whathappensthen,aball?"

"AChristmaspartyatourhotel.TherearemanyAmericansthere,andtheygiveitinhonoroftheday.You'llgowithus,ofcourse?Auntwillbecharmed."

"Thank you.Where now?" asked Laurie, leaning back and folding his arms, aproceedingwhich suitedAmy,who preferred to drive, for her parasol whip andbluereinsoverthewhiteponies'backsaffordedherinfinitesatisfaction.

"I'mgoingtothebankersfirstforletters,andthentoCastleHill.Theviewissolovely,andIliketofeedthepeacocks.Haveyoueverbeenthere?"

"Often,yearsago,butIdon'tmindhavingalookatit."

"Nowtellmeallaboutyourself.ThelastIheardofyou,yourgrandfatherwrotethatheexpectedyoufromBerlin."

"Yes,IspentamonththereandthenjoinedhiminParis,wherehehassettledforthewinter.Hehas friends thereandfindsplenty toamusehim,so Igoandcome,andwegetoncapitally."

"That's a sociable arrangement," said Amy, missing something in Laurie'smanner,thoughshecouldn'ttellwhat.

"Why, you see, he hates to travel, and I hate to keep still, so we each suitourselves, and there is no trouble. I am often with him, and he enjoys myadventures,whileIliketofeelthatsomeoneisgladtoseemewhenIgetbackfrommywanderings.Dirty old hole, isn't it?" he added,with a lookof disgust as theydrovealongtheboulevardtothePlaceNapoleonintheoldcity.

"Thedirtispicturesque,soIdon'tmind.Theriverandthehillsaredelicious,andtheseglimpsesofthenarrowcrossstreetsaremydelight.Nowweshallhavetowaitforthatprocessiontopass.It'sgoingtotheChurchofSt.John."

While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies,white-veilednunsbearinglightedtapers,andsomebrotherhoodinbluechantingastheywalked,Amywatchedhim,andfeltanewsortofshynessstealoverher,forhewas changed, and she could not find themerry-faced boy she left in themoody-lookingman beside her.Hewas handsomer than ever and greatly improved, shethought,butnowthattheflushofpleasureatmeetingherwasover,helookedtiredandspiritless—not sick,norexactlyunhappy,butolderandgraver thanayearortwoofprosperouslifeshouldhavemadehim.Shecouldn'tunderstanditanddidnotventure toaskquestions,sosheshookherheadand touchedupherponies,as theprocessionwoundawayacrossthearchesofthePaglionibridgeandvanishedinthechurch.

"Quepensez-vous?"shesaid,airingherFrench,whichhadimprovedinquantity,ifnotinquality,sinceshecameabroad.

"Thatmademoisellehasmadegooduseofhertime,andtheresultischarming,"repliedLaurie,bowingwithhishandonhisheartandanadmiringlook.

Sheblushedwithpleasure,butsomehowthecomplimentdidnotsatisfyherlikethebluntpraisesheused togiveherathome,whenhepromenaded roundheronfestivaloccasions,andtoldhershewas'altogetherjolly',withaheartysmileandanapproving pat on the head. She didn't like the new tone, for though not blase, itsoundedindifferentinspiteofthelook.

"Ifthat'sthewayhe'sgoingtogrowup,Iwishhe'dstayaboy,"shethought,witha curious senseofdisappointment anddiscomfort, tryingmeantime to seemquiteeasyandgay.

AtAvigdor'sshefoundtheprecioushomelettersand,givingthereinstoLaurie,read them luxuriously as they wound up the shady road between green hedges,wheretearosesbloomedasfreshlyasinJune.

"Bethisverypoorly,Mothersays.IoftenthinkIoughttogohome,buttheyallsay 'stay'. So I do, for I shall never have another chance like this," said Amy,lookingsoberoveronepage.

"I think you are right, there. You could do nothing at home, and it is a greatcomfort to them toknow thatyouarewellandhappy,andenjoyingsomuch,my

dear."

Hedrewalittlenearer,andlookedmorelikehisoldselfashesaidthat,andthefearthatsometimesweighedonAmy'sheartwaslightened,forthelook,theact,thebrotherly 'mydear', seemed toassureher that ifany troubledidcome,shewouldnotbealoneinastrangeland.PresentlyshelaughedandshowedhimasmallsketchofJoinherscribblingsuit,withthebowrampantlyerectuponhercap,andissuingfromhermouththewords,'Geniusburns!'.

Lauriesmiled,tookit,putitinhisvestpocket'tokeepitfromblowingaway',andlistenedwithinteresttothelivelyletterAmyreadhim.

"Thiswillbea regularlymerryChristmas tome,withpresents in themorning,you and letters in the afternoon, and a party at night," saidAmy, as they alightedamong the ruins of the old fort, and a flockof splendid peacocks came troopingaboutthem,tamelywaitingtobefed.WhileAmystoodlaughingonthebankabovehimasshescatteredcrumbs to thebrilliantbirds,Laurie lookedatherasshehadlooked at him,with a natural curiosity to seewhat changes time and absence hadwrought.Hefoundnothingtoperplexordisappoint,muchtoadmireandapprove,foroverlookingafewlittleaffectationsofspeechandmanner,shewasassprightlyandgracefulasever,withtheadditionofthatindescribablesomethingindressandbearingwhichwecallelegance.Alwaysmatureforherage,shehadgainedacertainaplombinbothcarriageandconversation,whichmadeherseemmoreofawomanof theworld than shewas, but her old petulance now and then showed itself, herstrongwill still held its own, and her native franknesswas unspoiled by foreignpolish.

Lauriedidnot readall thiswhilehewatchedher feed thepeacocks,buthe sawenough to satisfy and interest him, and carried away a pretty little picture of abright-faced girl standing in the sunshine, which brought out the soft hue of herdress, thefreshcolorofhercheeks, thegoldenglossofherhair,andmadeheraprominentfigureinthepleasantscene.

Astheycameupontothestoneplateauthatcrownsthehill,Amywavedherhandas ifwelcominghim toher favoritehaunt, andsaid,pointinghereand there, "DoyouremembertheCathedralandtheCorso,thefishermendraggingtheirnetsinthebay,andthelovelyroadtoVillaFranca,Schubert'sTower, justbelow,andbestofall,thatspeckfarouttoseawhichtheysayisCorsica?"

"Iremember.It'snotmuchchanged,"heansweredwithoutenthusiasm.

"WhatJowouldgiveforasightofthatfamousspeck!"saidAmy,feelingingoodspiritsandanxioustoseehimsoalso.

"Yes,"wasallhesaid,butheturnedandstrainedhiseyestoseetheislandwhichagreaterusurperthanevenNapoleonnowmadeinterestinginhissight.

"Takeagood lookat it forhersake,and thencomeand tellmewhatyouhavebeendoingwithyourselfallthiswhile,"saidAmy,seatingherself,readyforagoodtalk.

But shedidnot get it, for thoughhe joinedher and answered all her questionsfreely, she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been toGreece.Soafteridlingawayanhour, theydrovehomeagain,andhavingpaidhisrespectstoMrs.Carrol,Laurieleftthem,promisingtoreturnintheevening.

It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night. Time andabsencehaddoneitsworkonboththeyoungpeople.Shehadseenheroldfriendina new light, not as 'our boy', but as a handsome and agreeableman, and shewasconsciousofaverynaturaldesire to find favor inhis sight.Amyknewhergoodpoints, andmade themostof themwith the taste and skillwhich is a fortune to apoorandprettywoman.

TarlatanandtullewerecheapatNice,sosheenvelopedherselfinthemonsuchoccasions, and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for younggirls, got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers, a few trinkets, and allmanner of dainty devices, which were both inexpensive and effective. It must beconfessed that the artist sometimesgot possessionof thewoman, and indulged inantiquecoiffures,statuesqueattitudes,andclassicdraperies.But,dearheart,weallhaveourlittleweaknesses,andfinditeasytopardonsuchintheyoung,whosatisfyoureyeswiththeircomeliness,andkeepourheartsmerrywiththeirartlessvanities.

"I do want him to think I look well, and tell them so at home," said Amy toherself,assheputonFlo'soldwhitesilkballdress,andcovereditwithacloudoffresh illusion, out ofwhichherwhite shoulders andgoldenhead emergedwith amost artistic effect.Herhair shehad the sense to let alone, aftergatheringup thethickwavesandcurlsintoaHebe-likeknotatthebackofherhead.

"It's not the fashion, but it's becoming, and I can't afford to make a fright ofmyself,"sheused tosay,whenadvised to frizzle,puff,orbraid,as the lateststylecommanded.

Havingnoornamentsfineenoughfor this importantoccasion,Amyloopedher

fleecyskirtswithrosyclustersofazalea,andframedthewhiteshouldersindelicategreenvines.Rememberingthepaintedboots,shesurveyedherwhitesatinslipperswithgirlishsatisfaction,andchasseddowntheroom,admiringheraristocraticfeetallbyherself.

"Mynewfanjustmatchesmyflowers,myglovesfittoacharm,andthereallaceonAunt'smouchoirgivesanair tomywholedress. If IonlyhadaclassicalnoseandmouthIshouldbeperfectlyhappy,"shesaid,surveyingherselfwithacriticaleyeandacandleineachhand.

In spite of this affliction, she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glidedaway.Sheseldomran—itdidnotsuitherstyle,shethought,forbeingtall,thestatelyandJunoesquewasmoreappropriate than thesportiveorpiquante.Shewalkedupand down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie, and once arranged herselfunderthechandelier,whichhadagoodeffectuponherhair,thenshethoughtbetterofit,andwentawaytotheotherendoftheroom,asifashamedofthegirlishdesiretohavethefirstviewapropitiousone.Itsohappenedthatshecouldnothavedoneabetterthing,forLauriecameinsoquietlyshedidnothearhim,andasshestoodatthedistantwindow,withherheadhalfturnedandonehandgatheringupherdress,the slender,white figureagainst the redcurtainswasas effectiveas awell-placedstatue.

"Goodevening,Diana!"saidLaurie,withthelookofsatisfactionshelikedtoseeinhiseyeswhentheyrestedonher.

"Goodevening,Apollo!"sheanswered, smilingbackathim, forhe too lookedunusuallydebonair,andthethoughtofenteringtheballroomonthearmofsuchapersonablemancausedAmytopitythefourplainMissesDavisfromthebottomofherheart.

"Hereareyourflowers.Iarrangedthemmyself,rememberingthatyoudidn'tlikewhatHannahcallsa'sot-bookay',"saidLaurie,handingheradelicatenosegay,inaholderthatshehadlongcovetedasshedailypasseditinCardiglia'swindow.

"Howkindyouare!"sheexclaimedgratefully."IfI'dknownyouwerecomingI'dhavehadsomethingreadyforyoutoday,thoughnotasprettyasthis,I'mafraid."

"Thankyou.Itisn'twhatitshouldbe,butyouhaveimprovedit,"headded,asshesnappedthesilverbraceletonherwrist.

"Pleasedon't."

"Ithoughtyoulikedthatsortofthing."

"Notfromyou,itdoesn'tsoundnatural,andIlikeyouroldbluntnessbetter."

"I'mgladofit,"heanswered,withalookofrelief,thenbuttonedherglovesforher,andaskedifhistiewasstraight,justasheusedtodowhentheywenttopartiestogetherathome.

Thecompanyassembledinthelongsalleamanger,thatevening,wassuchasonesees nowhere but on the Continent. The hospitable Americans had invited everyacquaintancetheyhadinNice,andhavingnoprejudiceagainsttitles,securedafewtoaddlustertotheirChristmasball.

A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with amassivelady,dressedlikeHamlet'smotherinblackvelvetwithapearlbridleunderher chin. A Polish count, aged eighteen, devoted himself to the ladies, whopronounced him, 'a fascinating dear', and a German Serene Something, havingcometosupperalone,roamedvaguelyabout,seekingwhathemightdevour.BaronRothschild's private secretary, a large-nosed Jew in tight boots, affably beamedupon theworld, as if hismaster's namecrownedhimwith a goldenhalo.A stoutFrenchman,who knew the Emperor, came to indulge hismania for dancing, andLadydeJones,aBritishmatron,adornedthescenewithherlittlefamilyofeight.Ofcourse, there were many light-footed, shrill-voiced American girls, handsome,lifeless-looking English ditto, and a few plain but piquante French demoiselles,likewisetheusualsetoftravelingyounggentlemenwhodisportedthemselvesgaily,whilemammasofallnationslinedthewallsandsmileduponthembenignlywhentheydancedwiththeirdaughters.

Anyyounggirl can imagineAmy's stateofmindwhen she 'took the stage' thatnight, leaningonLaurie'sarm.Sheknewshelookedwell,shelovedtodance,shefeltthatherfootwasonhernativeheathinaballroom,andenjoyedthedelightfulsense of powerwhich comeswhen younggirls first discover the new and lovelykingdomtheyareborntorulebyvirtueofbeauty,youth,andwomanhood.ShedidpitytheDavisgirls,whowereawkward,plain,anddestituteofescort,exceptagrimpapa and three grimmer maiden aunts, and she bowed to them in her friendliestmannerasshepassed,whichwasgoodofher,asitpermittedthemtoseeherdress,and burn with curiosity to knowwho her distinguished-looking friendmight be.Withthefirstburstoftheband,Amy'scolorrose,hereyesbegantosparkle,andherfeettotapthefloorimpatiently,forshedancedwellandwantedLaurietoknowit.Therefore the shock she received canbetterbe imagined thandescribed,whenhesaidinaperfectlytranquiltone,"Doyoucaretodance?"

"Oneusuallydoesataball."

Her amazed lookandquickanswer causedLaurie to repairhis error as fast aspossible.

"Imeantthefirstdance.MayIhavethehonor?"

"IcangiveyouoneifIputofftheCount.Hedancesdivinely,buthewillexcuseme,asyouareanoldfriend,"saidAmy,hopingthatthenamewouldhaveagoodeffect,andshowLauriethatshewasnottobetrifledwith.

"Nicelittleboy,butratherashortPoletosupport...

Adaughterofthegods,Devinelytall,andmostdivinelyfair,"

wasallthesatisfactionshegot,however.

ThesetinwhichtheyfoundthemselveswascomposedofEnglish,andAmywascompelled towalk decorously through a cotillion, feeling all thewhile as if shecoulddancethetarantellawithrelish.Laurieresignedhertothe'nicelittleboy',andwent to do his duty to Flo, without securing Amy for the joys to come, whichreprehensible want of forethought was properly punished, for she immediatelyengagedherself till supper,meaning to relent ifhe thengaveanysignspenitence.Sheshowedhimherballbookwithdemuresatisfactionwhenhestrolledinsteadofrusheduptoclaimherforthenext,agloriouspolkaredowa.Buthispoliteregretsdidn'timposeuponher,andwhenshegallopedawaywiththeCount,shesawLauriesitdownbyherauntwithanactualexpressionofrelief.

Thatwasunpardonable,andAmytooknomorenoticeofhimforalongwhile,exceptawordnowandthenwhenshecametoherchaperonbetweenthedancesforanecessarypinoramoment'srest.Herangerhadagoodeffect,however,forshehiditunderasmilingface,andseemedunusuallyblitheandbrilliant.Laurie'seyesfollowedherwithpleasure,forsheneitherrompednorsauntered,butdancedwithspirit and grace, making the delightsome pastime what it should be. He verynaturally fell tostudyingher fromthisnewpointofview,andbefore theeveningwas half over, had decided that 'little Amy was going to make a very charmingwoman'.

Itwasalivelyscene,forsoonthespiritofthesocialseasontookpossessionofeveryone, andChristmasmerrimentmade all faces shine, hearts happy, and heelslight. Themusicians fiddled, tooted, and banged as if they enjoyed it, everybody

dancedwhocould,andthosewhocouldn'tadmiredtheirneighborswithuncommonwarmth.TheairwasdarkwithDavises,andmanyJonesesgamboledlikeaflockofyounggiraffes.ThegoldensecretarydartedthroughtheroomlikeameteorwithadashingFrench-womanwhocarpetedthefloorwithherpinksatintrain.ThesereneTeuton found the supper-table and was happy, eating steadily through the bill offare, and dismayed the garcons by the ravages he committed. But the Emperor'sfriendcoveredhimselfwithglory,forhedancedeverything,whetherheknewitornot, and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him. Theboyishabandonof that stoutmanwascharming tobehold, for thoughhe 'carriedweight', hedanced like an India-rubberball.He ran,he flew,hepranced,his faceglowed, his bald head shown, his coattails waved wildly, his pumps actuallytwinkledintheair,andwhenthemusicstopped,hewipedthedropsfromhisbrow,andbeameduponhisfellowmenlikeaFrenchPickwickwithoutglasses.

Amy and her Pole distinguished themselves by equal enthusiasm but moregraceful agility, and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to therhythmic rise and fall of thewhite slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as ifwinged.When littleVladimir finally relinquishedher,withassurances thathewas'desolatedtoleavesoearly',shewasreadytorest,andseehowherrecreantknighthadbornehispunishment.

Ithadbeensuccessful,foratthree-and-twenty,blightedaffectionsfindabalminfriendly society, and young nerves will thrill, young blood dance, and healthyyoung spirits rise,when subjected to the enchantment of beauty, light,music, andmotion.Lauriehadawaked-up lookashe rose togiveherhis seat, andwhenhehurriedaway tobringhersomesupper,shesaid toherself,withasatisfiedsmile,"Ah,Ithoughtthatwoulddohimgood!"

"YoulooklikeBalzac's'FemmePeinteParElle-Meme',"hesaid,ashefannedherwithonehandandheldhercoffeecupintheother.

"Myrougewon'tcomeoff."andAmyrubbedherbrilliantcheek,andshowedhimherwhiteglovewithasobersimplicitythatmadehimlaughoutright.

"What do you call this stuff?" he asked, touching a fold of her dress that hadblownoverhisknee.

"Illusion."

"Goodnameforit.It'sverypretty—newthing,isn'tit?"

"It'sasoldasthehills.Youhaveseenitondozensofgirls,andyouneverfound

outthatitwasprettytillnow—stupide!"

"Ineversawitonyoubefore,whichaccountsforthemistake,yousee."

"Noneof that, it is forbidden. I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.No,don'tlounge,itmakesmenervous."

Lauriesatboldupright,andmeeklytookheremptyplatefeelinganoddsortofpleasure inhaving 'littleAmy'orderhimabout, forshehadlosthershynessnow,and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him, as girls have a delightfulway ofdoingwhenlordsofcreationshowanysignsofsubjection.

"Wheredidyoulearnallthissortofthing?"heaskedwithaquizzicallook.

"As 'thissortofthing' isratheravagueexpression,wouldyoukindlyexplain?"returnedAmy,knowingperfectlywellwhathemeant,butwickedlyleavinghimtodescribewhatisindescribable.

"Well—the general air, the style, the self-possession, the—the—illusion—youknow",laughedLaurie,breakingdownandhelpinghimselfoutofhisquandarywiththenewword.

Amywasgratified,butofcoursedidn'tshowit,anddemurelyanswered,"Foreignlifepolishesoneinspiteofone'sself.Istudyaswellasplay,andasforthis"—withalittlegesturetowardherdress—"why,tulleischeap,posiestobehadfornothing,andIamusedtomakingthemostofmypoorlittlethings."

Amyratherregrettedthatlastsentence,fearingitwasn'tingoodtaste,butLaurieliked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the bravepatience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that coveredpovertywithflowers.Amydidnotknowwhyhelookedathersokindly,norwhyhefilledupherbookwithhisownname,anddevotedhimselftoherfortherestoftheeveninginthemostdelightfulmanner;buttheimpulsethatwroughtthisagreeablechange was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them wereunconsciouslygivingandreceiving.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT

ONTHESHELF

InFrancetheyounggirlshaveadulltimeofittilltheyaremarried,when'Vivelaliberte!'becomes theirmotto. InAmerica,aseveryoneknows,girlsearlysign thedeclarationof independence,andenjoy their freedomwithrepublicanzest,but theyoung matrons usually abdicate with the first heir to the throne and go into aseclusion 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 theweddingexcitement isover,andmostof themmightexclaim,asdidaveryprettywomantheotherday,"I'mashandsomeasever,butnoonetakesanynoticeofmebecauseI'mmarried."

Not being a belle or even a fashionable lady, Meg did not experience thisaffliction tillherbabieswereayearold, for inher littleworldprimitivecustomsprevailed,andshefoundherselfmoreadmiredandbelovedthanever.

As shewasawomanly littlewoman, thematernal instinctwasvery strong, andshewasentirelyabsorbedinherchildren, to theutterexclusionofeverythingandeverybody else.Day and night she brooded over themwith tireless devotion andanxiety, leaving John to the tender mercies of the help, for an Irish lady nowpresidedoverthekitchendepartment.Beingadomesticman,Johndecidedlymissedthewifelyattentionshehadbeenaccustomedtoreceive,butasheadoredhisbabies,he cheerfully relinquished his comfort for a time, supposing with masculineignorance that peacewould soon be restored.But threemonths passed, and therewasnoreturnofrepose.Meglookedwornandnervous,thebabiesabsorbedeveryminuteofhertime,thehousewasneglected,andKitty,thecook,whotooklife'aisy',kepthimonshortcommons.Whenhewentoutinthemorninghewasbewilderedbysmallcommissionsforthecaptivemamma,ifhecamegailyinatnight,eagertoembrace his family, he was quenched by a "Hush! They are just asleep afterworryingallday."Ifheproposedalittleamusementathome,"No,itwoulddisturbthebabies."Ifhehintedatalectureoraconcert,hewasansweredwithareproachfullook, and a decided—"Leave my children for pleasure, never!" His sleep wasbrokenbyinfantwailsandvisionsofaphantomfigurepacingnoiselesslytoandfrointhewatchesofthenight.Hismealswereinterruptedbythefrequentflightofthepresidinggenius,whodesertedhim,half-helped, ifamuffledchirpsoundedfromthenestabove.Andwhenhereadhispaperofanevening,Demi'scolicgotintotheshippinglistandDaisy'sfallaffectedthepriceofstocks,forMrs.Brookewasonlyinterestedindomesticnews.

The poormanwas very uncomfortable, for the children had bereft him of hiswife,homewasmerelyanurseryandtheperpetual 'hushing'madehimfeel likea

brutal intruder whenever he entered the sacred precincts of Babyland. He bore itverypatiently for sixmonths, andwhenno signs of amendment appeared, he didwhat other paternal exiles do—tried to get a little comfort elsewhere. Scott hadmarriedandgonetohousekeepingnotfaroff,andJohnfellintothewayofrunningoverforanhourortwoofanevening,whenhisownparlorwasempty,andhisownwife singing lullabies that seemed to have no end.Mrs. Scottwas a lively, prettygirl, with nothing to do but be agreeable, and she performed her mission mostsuccessfully.Theparlorwasalwaysbrightandattractive,thechessboardready,thepiano in tune, plenty of gay gossip, and a nice little supper set forth in temptingstyle.

Johnwouldhavepreferredhisownfiresideifithadnotbeensolonely,butasitwashegratefullytookthenextbestthingandenjoyedhisneighbor'ssociety.

Meg rather approved of the new arrangement at first, and found it a relief toknowthatJohnwashavingagoodtimeinsteadofdozingintheparlor,ortrampingabout the house andwaking the children.But by-and-by,when the teethingworrywasoverandtheidolswenttosleepatproperhours,leavingMammatimetorest,shebegan tomiss John, and findherworkbasket dull company,whenhewasnotsittingoppositeinhisolddressinggown,comfortablyscorchinghisslippersonthefender.Shewouldnotaskhimtostayathome,but felt injuredbecausehedidnotknowthatshewantedhimwithoutbeingtold,entirelyforgettingthemanyeveningshe hadwaited for her in vain. Shewas nervous andworn outwithwatching andworry, and in that unreasonable frame of mind which the best of mothersoccasionallyexperiencewhendomesticcaresoppressthem.Wantofexerciserobsthemofcheerfulness,andtoomuchdevotiontothatidolofAmericanwomen,theteapot,makesthemfeelasiftheywereallnerveandnomuscle.

"Yes,"shewouldsay,lookingintheglass,"I'mgettingoldandugly.Johndoesn'tfindmeinterestinganylonger,soheleaveshisfadedwifeandgoestoseehisprettyneighbor,whohasno incumbrances.Well, thebabies loveme, theydon'tcare if Iamthinandpaleandhaven'ttimetocrimpmyhair,theyaremycomfort,andsomedayJohnwillseewhatI'vegladlysacrificedforthem,won'the,myprecious?"

TowhichpatheticappealDaisywouldanswerwithacoo,orDemiwithacrow,andMegwould put by her lamentations for amaternal revel, which soothed hersolitude for the timebeing.But thepain increasedaspoliticsabsorbedJohn,whowasalwaysrunningovertodiscussinterestingpointswithScott,quiteunconsciousthatMegmissedhim.Notaworddidshesay,however,tillhermotherfoundherintears one day, and insisted on knowingwhat thematterwas, forMeg's droopingspiritshadnotescapedherobservation.

"Iwouldn'ttellanyoneexceptyou,Mother,butIreallydoneedadvice,forifJohngoesonmuchlongerImightaswellbewidowed,"repliedMrs.Brooke,dryinghertearsonDaisy'sbibwithaninjuredair.

"Goesonhow,mydear?"askedhermotheranxiously.

"He'sawayallday,andatnightwhenIwanttoseehim,heiscontinuallygoingover to theScotts'. It isn't fair that I shouldhave thehardestwork, andnever anyamusement.Menareveryselfish,eventhebestofthem."

"Soarewomen.Don'tblameJohntillyouseewhereyouarewrongyourself."

"Butitcan'tberightforhimtoneglectme."

"Don'tyouneglecthim?"

"Why,Mother,Ithoughtyou'dtakemypart!"

"SoIdo,asfarassympathizinggoes,butIthinkthefaultisyours,Meg."

"Idon'tseehow."

"Letmeshowyou.DidJohneverneglectyou,asyoucallit,whileyoumadeitapointtogivehimyoursocietyofanevening,hisonlyleisuretime?"

"No,butIcan'tdoitnow,withtwobabiestotend."

"Ithinkyoucould,dear,andIthinkyouought.MayIspeakquitefreely,andwillyourememberthatit'sMotherwhoblamesaswellasMotherwhosympathizes?"

"IndeedIwill!SpeaktomeasifIwerelittleMegagain.IoftenfeelasifIneededteachingmorethaneversincethesebabieslooktomeforeverything."

Meg drew her low chair beside her mother's, and with a little interruption ineitherlap,thetwowomenrockedandtalkedlovinglytogether,feelingthatthetieofmotherhoodmadethemmoreonethanever.

"Youhaveonlymade themistake thatmostyoungwivesmake—forgottenyourdutytoyourhusbandinyourloveforyourchildren.Averynaturalandforgivablemistake,Meg,butonethathadbetterberemediedbeforeyoutaketodifferentways,forchildrenshoulddrawyounearerthanever,notseparateyou,asiftheywereallyours,andJohnhadnothingtodobutsupportthem.I'veseenitforsomeweeks,but

havenotspoken,feelingsureitwouldcomerightintime."

"I'm afraid it won't. If I ask him to stay, he'll think I'm jealous, and I wouldn'tinsulthimbysuchanidea.Hedoesn'tseethatIwanthim,andIdon'tknowhowtotellhimwithoutwords."

"Makeitsopleasanthewon'twanttogoaway.Mydear,he'slongingforhislittlehome,butitisn'thomewithoutyou,andyouarealwaysinthenursery."

"Oughtn'tItobethere?"

"Not all the time, toomuch confinementmakes you nervous, and then you areunfittedforeverything.Besides,youowesomethingtoJohnaswellastothebabies.Don'tneglecthusbandforchildren,don'tshuthimoutofthenursery,butteachhimhowtohelpinit.Hisplaceisthereaswellasyours,andthechildrenneedhim.Lethimfeelthathehasaparttodo,andhewilldoitgladlyandfaithfully,anditwillbebetterforyouall."

"Youreallythinkso,Mother?"

"Iknowit,Meg,forI'vetriedit,andIseldomgiveadviceunlessI'veproveditspracticability.WhenyouandJowerelittle,Iwentonjustasyouare,feelingasifIdidn'tdomydutyunless Idevotedmyselfwholly toyou.PoorFather took tohisbooks,afterIhadrefusedalloffersofhelp,andleftmetotrymyexperimentalone.IstruggledalongaswellasIcould,butJowastoomuchforme.Inearlyspoiledherbyindulgence.Youwerepoorly,andIworriedaboutyoutillIfellsickmyself.ThenFathercametotherescue,quietlymanagedeverything,andmadehimselfsohelpfulthatIsawmymistake,andneverhavebeenabletogetonwithouthimsince.Thatisthesecretofourhomehappiness.Hedoesnotletbusinessweanhimfromthe little cares and duties that affect us all, and I try not to let domestic worriesdestroymy interest in his pursuits.Eachdo our part alone inmany things, but athomeweworktogether,always."

"Itisso,Mother,andmygreatwishistobetomyhusbandandchildrenwhatyouhavebeentoyours.Showmehow,I'lldoanythingyousay."

"Youalwaysweremydociledaughter.Well,dear,ifIwereyou,I'dletJohnhavemoretodowiththemanagementofDemi,fortheboyneedstraining,andit'snonetoo soon to begin.Then I'd dowhat I have often proposed, letHannah come andhelpyou.Sheisacapitalnurse,andyoumaytrustthepreciousbabiestoherwhileyoudomorehousework.Youneedtheexercise,Hannahwouldenjoytherest,andJohnwouldfindhiswifeagain.Gooutmore,keepcheerfulaswellasbusy,foryou

arethesunshine-makerofthefamily,andifyougetdismalthereisnofairweather.ThenI'dtrytotakeaninterestinwhateverJohnlikes—talkwithhim,lethimreadtoyou, exchange ideas, and help each other in thatway.Don't shut yourself up in abandboxbecauseyouare awoman,butunderstandwhat isgoingon, andeducateyourselftotakeyourpartintheworld'swork,foritallaffectsyouandyours."

"John is so sensible, I'mafraidhewill think I'm stupid if I askquestions aboutpoliticsandthings."

"Idon't believehewould.Lovecovers amultitudeof sins, andofwhomcouldyouaskmorefreelythanofhim?Tryit,andseeifhedoesn'tfindyoursocietyfarmoreagreeablethanMrs.Scott'ssuppers."

"Iwill.PoorJohn!I'mafraidIhaveneglectedhimsadly,butIthoughtIwasright,andheneversaidanything."

"Hetriednottobeselfish,buthehasfeltratherforlorn,Ifancy.Thisisjustthetime,Meg,when youngmarried people are apt to grow apart, and the very timewhentheyoughttobemosttogether,forthefirsttendernesssoonwearsoff,unlesscareistakentopreserveit.Andnotimeissobeautifulandprecioustoparentsasthefirstyearsofthelittlelivesgiventothemtotrain.Don'tletJohnbeastrangertothebabies,fortheywilldomoretokeephimsafeandhappyinthisworldoftrialandtemptation than anything else, and through themyouwill learn to knowand loveoneanotherasyoushould.Now,dear,good-by.ThinkoverMother'spreachment,actuponitifitseemsgood,andGodblessyouall."

Megdid think itover, found itgood,andactedupon it, though the firstattemptwasnotmadeexactlyas sheplanned tohave it.Ofcourse thechildren tyrannizedoverher,andruledthehouseassoonastheyfoundoutthatkickingandsquallingbrought themwhatever theywanted.Mammawasanabjectslave to theircaprices,butPapawasnotsoeasilysubjugated,andoccasionallyafflictedhistenderspousebyanattemptatpaternaldisciplinewithhisobstreperousson.ForDemiinheritedatrifle of his sire's firmness of character, wewon't call it obstinacy, andwhen hemadeuphis littlemindtohaveor todoanything,all theking'shorsesandall theking'smencouldnotchangethatpertinaciouslittlemind.Mammathoughtthedeartooyoungtobetaughttoconquerhisprejudices,butPapabelievedthatitneverwastoo soon to learn obedience. So Master Demi early discovered that when heundertook to 'wrastle' with 'Parpar', he always got the worst of it, yet like theEnglishman, baby respected the man who conquered him, and loved the fatherwhosegrave"No,no,"wasmoreimpressivethanallMamma'slovepats.

Afewdaysafter the talkwithhermother,Megresolved to tryasocialeveningwith John, so she ordered a nice supper, set the parlor in order, dressed herselfprettily, and put the children to bed early, that nothing should interfere with herexperiment. But unfortunately Demi's most unconquerable prejudice was againstgoingtobed,andthatnighthedecidedtogoonarampage.SopoorMegsangandrocked,toldstoriesandtriedeverysleep-prevokingwileshecoulddevise,butallinvain,thebigeyeswouldn'tshut,andlongafterDaisyhadgonetobyelow,likethechubby littlebunchofgoodnatureshewas,naughtyDemi laystaringat the light,withthemostdiscouraginglywide-awakeexpressionofcountenance.

"WillDemi lie still like a good boy,whileMamma runs down and gives poorPapahis tea?"askedMeg,as thehalldoor softlyclosed, and thewell-knownstepwenttip-toeingintothediningroom.

"Mehastea!"saidDemi,preparingtojoinintherevel.

"No,but I'll saveyou some little cakies forbreakfast, if you'll gobye-bye likeDaisy.Willyou,lovey?"

"Iss!"andDemishuthiseyestight,asiftocatchsleepandhurrythedesiredday.

Takingadvantageofthepropitiousmoment,Megslippedawayandrandowntogreetherhusbandwithasmilingfaceandthelittlebluebowinherhairwhichwashisespecialadmiration.Hesawitatonceandsaidwithpleasedsurprise,"Why,littlemother,howgaywearetonight.Doyouexpectcompany?"

"Onlyyou,dear."

"Isitabirthday,anniversary,oranything?"

"No, I'm tired of being dowdy, so I dressed up as a change.You alwaysmakeyourselfnicefortable,nomatterhowtiredyouare,sowhyshouldn'tIwhenIhavethetime?"

"Idoitoutofrespectforyou,mydear,"saidold-fashionedJohn.

"Ditto,ditto,Mr.Brooke,"laughedMeg,lookingyoungandprettyagain,asshenoddedtohimovertheteapot.

"Well,it'saltogetherdelightful,andlikeoldtimes.Thistastesright.Idrinkyourhealth,dear."andJohnsippedhisteawithanairofreposefulrapture,whichwasofvery short duration however, for as he put down his cup, the door handle rattled

mysteriously,andalittlevoicewasheard,sayingimpatiently...

"Opydoy.Me'stummin!"

"It'sthatnaughtyboy.Itoldhimtogotosleepalone,andhereheis,downstairs,gettinghisdeatha-coldpatteringoverthatcanvas,"saidMeg,answeringthecall.

"Mornin' now," announced Demi in joyful tone as he entered, with his longnightgowngracefully festoonedoverhisarmandeverycurlbobbinggaylyasheprancedaboutthetable,eyeingthe'cakies'withlovingglances.

"No,itisn'tmorningyet.Youmustgotobed,andnottroublepoorMamma.Thenyoucanhavethelittlecakewithsugaronit."

"MelovesParpar,"said theartfulone,preparingtoclimbthepaternalkneeandrevelinforbiddenjoys.ButJohnshookhishead,andsaidtoMeg...

"Ifyoutoldhimtostayupthere,andgotosleepalone,makehimdoit,orhewillneverlearntomindyou."

"Yes,ofcourse.Come,Demi,"andMegledhersonaway,feelingastrongdesiretospankthelittlemarplotwhohoppedbesideher,laboringunderthedelusionthatthebribewastobeadministeredassoonastheyreachedthenursery.

Norwashedisappointed,forthatshortsightedwomanactuallygavehimalumpofsugar,tuckedhimintohisbed,andforbadeanymorepromenadestillmorning.

"Iss!"saidDemitheperjured,blissfullysuckinghissugar,andregardinghisfirstattemptaseminentlysuccessful.

Megreturnedtoherplace,andsupperwasprogressingpleasantly,whenthelittleghostwalkedagain,andexposedthematernaldelinquenciesbyboldlydemanding,"Moresudar,Marmar."

"Now thiswon't do," said John, hardening his heart against the engaging littlesinner."Weshallneverknowanypeacetillthatchildlearnstogotobedproperly.You havemade a slave of yourself long enough. Give him one lesson, and thentherewillbeanendofit.Puthiminhisbedandleavehim,Meg."

"Hewon'tstaythere,heneverdoesunlessIsitbyhim."

"I'llmanagehim.Demi,goupstairs,andgetintoyourbed,asMammabidsyou."

"S'ant!" replied the young rebel, helping himself to the coveted 'cakie', andbeginningtoeatthesamewithcalmaudacity.

"YoumustneversaythattoPapa.Ishallcarryyouifyoudon'tgoyourself."

"Go 'way, me don't love Parpar." and Demi retired to his mother's skirts forprotection.

Buteventhatrefugeprovedunavailing,forhewasdeliveredovertotheenemy,witha"Begentlewithhim,John,"whichstruck theculpritwithdismay, forwhenMamma deserted him, then the judgment day was at hand. Bereft of his cake,defraudedofhisfrolic,andborneawaybyastronghandtothatdetestedbed,poorDemicouldnotrestrainhiswrath,butopenlydefiedPapa,andkickedandscreamedlustilyallthewayupstairs.Theminutehewasputintobedononeside,herolledoutontheother,andmadeforthedoor,onlytobeignominiouslycaughtupbythetailofhislittletogaandputbackagain,whichlivelyperformancewaskeptuptill theyoungman'sstrengthgaveout,whenhedevotedhimselftoroaringatthetopofhisvoice.ThisvocalexerciseusuallyconqueredMeg,butJohnsatasunmovedasthepostwhich ispopularlybelieved tobedeaf.Nocoaxing,no sugar,no lullaby,nostory,eventhelightwasputoutandonlytheredglowofthefireenlivenedthe'bigdark'whichDemiregardedwithcuriosityratherthanfear.Thisneworderofthingsdisgusted him, and he howled dismally for 'Marmar', as his angry passionssubsided, and recollections of his tender bondwoman returned to the captiveautocrat. The plaintive wail which succeeded the passionate roar went to Meg'sheart,andsheranuptosaybeseechingly...

"Letmestaywithhim,he'llbegoodnow,John."

"No,mydear.I'vetoldhimhemustgotosleep,asyoubidhim,andhemust,ifIstayhereallnight."

"Buthe'llcryhimselfsick,"pleadedMeg,reproachingherselffordesertingherboy.

"No,hewon't,he'ssotiredhewillsoondropoffandthenthematterissettled,forhewillunderstandthathehasgottomind.Don'tinterfere,I'llmanagehim."

"He'smychild,andIcan'thavehisspiritbrokenbyharshness."

"He'smychild,andIwon'thavehistemperspoiledbyindulgence.Godown,mydear,andleavetheboytome."

WhenJohnspokeinthatmasterfultone,Megalwaysobeyed,andneverregrettedherdocility.

"Pleaseletmekisshimonce,John?"

"Certainly.Demi,saygoodnight toMamma,and lethergoand rest, forshe isverytiredwithtakingcareofyouallday."

Megalwaysinsisteduponit thatthekisswonthevictory,forafteritwasgiven,Demisobbedmorequietly,and layquite still at thebottomof thebed,whitherhehadwriggledinhisanguishofmind.

"Poorlittleman,he'swornoutwithsleepandcrying.I'llcoverhimup,andthengoandsetMeg'sheartatrest,"thoughtJohn,creepingtothebedside,hopingtofindhisrebelliousheirasleep.

Buthewasn't,forthemomenthisfatherpeepedathim,Demi'seyesopened,hislittlechinbegantoquiver,andheputuphisarms,sayingwithapenitenthiccough,"Me'sdood,now."

SittingonthestairsoutsideMegwonderedatthelongsilencewhichfollowedtheuproar, and after imaginingall sorts of impossible accidents, she slipped into theroom to set her fears at rest. Demi lay fast asleep, not in his usual spreadeagleattitude,butinasubduedbunch,cuddledcloseinthecircleofhisfather'sarmandholdinghisfather'sfinger,asifhefeltthatjusticewastemperedwithmercy,andhadgone to sleepa sadder andwiserbaby.Soheld, Johnhadwaitedwith awomanlypatience till the little hand relaxed its hold, and while waiting had fallen asleep,moretiredbythattusslewithhissonthanwithhiswholeday'swork.

AsMeg stoodwatching the two faces on the pillow, she smiled to herself, andthenslippedawayagain,sayinginasatisfiedtone,"IneverneedfearthatJohnwillbetooharshwithmybabies.Hedoesknowhowtomanagethem,andwillbeagreathelp,forDemiisgettingtoomuchforme."

WhenJohncamedownatlast,expectingtofindapensiveorreproachfulwife,hewasagreeablysurprisedtofindMegplacidlytrimmingabonnet,andtobegreetedwiththerequesttoreadsomethingabouttheelection,ifhewasnottootired.Johnsawinaminutethatarevolutionofsomekindwasgoingon,butwiselyaskednoquestions,knowingthatMegwassuchatransparentlittleperson,shecouldn'tkeepasecret to save her life, and therefore the cluewould soon appear.He read a longdebate with the most amiable readiness and then explained it in his most lucidmanner,whileMegtriedtolookdeeplyinterested,toaskintelligentquestions,andkeepher thoughts fromwandering from the stateof thenation to the state of herbonnet. In her secret soul, however, she decided that politics were as bad asmathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each othernames,but shekept these feminine ideas toherself,andwhenJohnpaused, shookherheadandsaidwithwhatshethoughtdiplomaticambiguity,"Well,Ireallydon'tseewhatwearecomingto."

John laughed, and watched her for a minute, as she poised a pretty littlepreparation of lace and flowers on her hand, and regarded it with the genuineinterestwhichhisharanguehadfailedtowaken.

"Sheistryingtolikepoliticsformysake,soI'lltryandlikemillineryforhers,that'sonlyfair," thoughtJohn theJust,addingaloud,"That'sverypretty. Is itwhatyoucallabreakfastcap?"

"Mydearman,it'sabonnet!Myverybestgo-to-concert-and-theaterbonnet."

"Ibegyourpardon,itwassosmall,Inaturallymistookitforoneoftheflyaway

thingsyousometimeswear.Howdoyoukeepiton?"

"These bits of lace are fastened under the chin with a rosebud, so," and Megillustrated by putting on the bonnet and regarding him with an air of calmsatisfactionthatwasirresistible.

"It'saloveofabonnet,butIpreferthefaceinside,foritlooksyoungandhappyagain,"andJohnkissedthesmilingface,tothegreatdetrimentoftherosebudunderthechin.

"I'mgladyoulikeit,forIwantyoutotakemetooneofthenewconcertssomenight.Ireallyneedsomemusictoputmeintune.Willyou,please?"

"Of course Iwill,with allmyheart, or anywhere elseyou like.Youhavebeenshutupso long, itwilldoyounoendofgood,and I shall enjoy it,ofall things.Whatputitintoyourhead,littlemother?"

"Well,IhadatalkwithMarmeetheotherday,andtoldherhownervousandcrossandoutofsortsIfelt,andshesaidIneededchangeandlesscare,soHannahistohelpmewiththechildren,andI'mtoseetothingsaboutthehousemore,andnowandthenhavealittlefun,justtokeepmefromgettingtobeafidgety,broken-downoldwomanbeforemy time. It'sonlyanexperiment, John,and Iwant to try it foryour sakeasmuchas formine,because I'veneglectedyou shamefully lately, andI'mgoingtomakehomewhatitusedtobe,ifIcan.Youdon'tobject,Ihope?"

Nevermindwhat John said,orwhat averynarrowescape the littlebonnethadfromutterruin.AllthatwehaveanybusinesstoknowisthatJohndidnotappeartoobject, judging from the changeswhichgradually tookplace in thehouse and itsinmates. It was not all Paradise by any means, but everyone was better for thedivisionoflaborsystem.Thechildrenthroveunderthepaternalrule,foraccurate,steadfast John brought order and obedience intoBabydom,whileMeg recoveredher spirits and composed her nerves by plenty of wholesome exercise, a littlepleasure, and much confidential conversation with her sensible husband. Homegrewhomelike again, and Johnhadnowish to leave it, unless he tookMegwithhim.TheScotts came to theBrookes' now, and everyone found the little house acheerfulplace,fullofhappiness,content,andfamilylove.EvenSallieMoffattlikedtogothere."Itisalwayssoquietandpleasanthere,itdoesmegood,Meg,"sheusedtosay,lookingaboutherwithwistfuleyes,asiftryingtodiscoverthecharm,thatshemightuse it inhergreathouse, fullof splendid loneliness, for therewerenoriotous,sunny-facedbabiesthere,andNedlivedinaworldofhisown,wheretherewasnoplaceforher.

Thishouseholdhappinessdidnotcomeallatonce,butJohnandMeghadfoundthekeytoit,andeachyearofmarriedlifetaughtthemhowtouseit,unlockingthetreasuriesofrealhomeloveandmutualhelpfulness,whichthepoorestmaypossess,and the richest cannot buy. This is the sort of shelf on which young wives andmothersmayconsenttobelaid,safefromtherestlessfretandfeveroftheworld,findingloyalloversinthelittlesonsanddaughterswhoclingtothem,undauntedbysorrow,poverty,orage,walkingsidebyside,throughfairandstormyweather,withafaithfulfriend,whois,inthetruesenseofthegoodoldSaxonword,the'house-band',andlearning,asMeglearned,thatawoman'shappiestkingdomishome,herhighesthonortheartofrulingitnotasaqueen,butasawisewifeandmother.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

LAZYLAURENCE

LauriewenttoNiceintendingtostayaweek,andremainedamonth.Hewastiredofwanderingaboutalone,andAmy'sfamiliarpresenceseemedtogiveahomelikecharmtotheforeignscenesinwhichsheboreapart.Herathermissedthe'petting'he used to receive, and enjoyed a taste of it again, for no attentions, howeverflattering,fromstrangers,werehalfsopleasantasthesisterlyadorationofthegirlsathome.Amyneverwouldpethimliketheothers,butshewasverygladtoseehimnow,andquiteclungtohim,feelingthathewastherepresentativeofthedearfamilyforwhomshelongedmorethanshewouldconfess.Theynaturallytookcomfortineachother'ssocietyandweremuchtogether,riding,walking,dancing,ordawdling,for at Nice no one can be very industrious during the gay season. But, whileapparently amusing themselves in the most careless fashion, they were half-consciouslymakingdiscoveriesandformingopinionsabouteachother.Amyrosedaily in the estimation of her friend, but he sank in hers, and each felt the truthbeforeawordwasspoken.Amytriedtoplease,andsucceeded,forshewasgratefulforthemanypleasureshegaveher,andrepaidhimwiththelittleservicestowhichwomanlywomenknowhowtolendanindescribablecharm.Lauriemadenoeffortof any kind, but just let himself drift along as comfortably as possible, trying toforget,andfeelingthatallwomenowedhimakindwordbecauseonehadbeencoldtohim.Itcosthimnoefforttobegenerous,andhewouldhavegivenAmyallthetrinkets inNice if shewouldhave taken them,but at the same timehe felt thathecould not change the opinion shewas formingof him, and he rather dreaded thekeen blue eyes that seemed to watch himwith such half-sorrowful, half-scornfulsurprise.

"All the rest havegone toMonaco for theday. I preferred to stay at homeandwrite letters. They are done now, and I am going to Valrosa to sketch, will youcome?"saidAmy,asshejoinedLaurieonelovelydaywhenheloungedinasusual,aboutnoon.

"Well,yes,butisn'titratherwarmforsuchalongwalk?"heansweredslowly,fortheshadedsalonlookedinvitingaftertheglarewithout.

"I'm going to have the little carriage, and Baptiste can drive, so you'll havenothing todobutholdyourumbrella,andkeepyourglovesnice," returnedAmy,withasarcasticglanceattheimmaculatekids,whichwereaweakpointwithLaurie.

"ThenI'llgowithpleasure."andheputouthishandforhersketchbook.Butshetuckeditunderherarmwithasharp...

"Don'ttroubleyourself.It'snoexertiontome,butyoudon'tlookequaltoit."

Laurieliftedhiseyebrowsandfollowedataleisurelypaceassherandownstairs,butwhentheygotintothecarriagehetookthereinshimself,andleftlittleBaptistenothingtodobutfoldhisarmsandfallasleeponhisperch.

The twoneverquarreled.Amywas toowell-bred, and justnowLauriewas toolazy,soinaminutehepeepedunderherhatbrimwithaninquiringair.Sheansweredhimwithasmile,andtheywentontogetherinthemostamicablemanner.

It was a lovely drive, along winding roads rich in the picturesque scenes thatdelightbeauty-lovingeyes.Hereanancientmonastery,whencethesolemnchantingofthemonkscamedowntothem.Thereabare-leggedshepherd,inwoodenshoes,pointed hat, and rough jacket over one shoulder, sat piping on a stonewhile hisgoats skipped among the rocks or lay at his feet.Meek,mouse-colored donkeys,ladenwithpanniersof freshlycutgrasspassedby,withaprettygirl inacapalinesittingbetweenthegreenpiles,oranoldwomanspinningwithadistaffasshewent.Brown,soft-eyedchildrenranoutfromthequaintstonehovels tooffernosegays,orbunchesoforangesstillonthebough.Gnarledolivetreescoveredthehillswiththeir dusky foliage, fruit hunggolden in the orchard, and great scarlet anemonesfringedtheroadside,whilebeyondgreenslopesandcraggyheights, theMaritimeAlpsrosesharpandwhiteagainsttheblueItaliansky.

Valrosawell deserved its name, for in that climate of perpetual summer rosesblossomedeverywhere.Theyoverhungthearchway,thrustthemselvesbetweenthebars of the great gatewith a sweetwelcome to passers-by, and lined the avenue,

winding through lemon treesand featherypalmsup to thevillaon thehill.Everyshadowynook,whereseatsinvitedonetostopandrest,wasamassofbloom,everycoolgrottohaditsmarblenymphsmilingfromaveilofflowersandeveryfountainreflected crimson, white, or pale pink roses, leaning down to smile at their ownbeauty. Roses covered the walls of the house, draped the cornices, climbed thepillars, and ran riot over the balustrade of the wide terrace, whence one lookeddownonthesunnyMediterranean,andthewhite-walledcityonitsshore.

"This is a regular honeymoonparadise, isn't it?Didyou ever see such roses?"asked Amy, pausing on the terrace to enjoy the view, and a luxurious whiff ofperfumethatcamewanderingby.

"No,norfeltsuchthorns,"returnedLaurie,withhisthumbinhismouth,afteravainattempttocaptureasolitaryscarletflowerthatgrewjustbeyondhisreach.

"Trylowerdown,andpickthosethathavenothorns,"saidAmy,gatheringthreeofthetinycream-coloredonesthatstarredthewallbehindher.Sheputtheminhisbuttonholeasapeaceoffering,andhestoodaminutelookingdownatthemwithacurious expression, for in the Italian part of his nature there was a touch ofsuperstition,andhewasjusttheninthatstateofhalf-sweet,half-bittermelancholy,when imaginative young men find significance in trifles and food for romanceeverywhere.Hehad thoughtof Jo in reachingafter the thorny red rose, forvividflowersbecameher,andshehadoftenwornoneslikethatfromthegreenhouseathome.ThepalerosesAmygavehimwerethesortthattheItalianslayindeadhands,neverinbridalwreaths,andforamomenthewonderediftheomenwasforJoorfor himself, but the next instant his American common sense got the better ofsentimentality,andhelaughedaheartierlaughthanAmyhadheardsincehecame.

"It's goodadvice, you'dbetter take it and saveyour fingers," she said, thinkingherspeechamusedhim.

"Thank you, I will," he answered in jest, and a few months later he did it inearnest.

"Laurie,when are you going to your grandfather?" she asked presently, as shesettledherselfonarusticseat.

"Verysoon."

"Youhavesaidthatadozentimeswithinthelastthreeweeks."

"Idaresay,shortanswerssavetrouble."

"Heexpectsyou,andyoureallyoughttogo."

"Hospitablecreature!Iknowit."

"Thenwhydon'tyoudoit?"

"Naturaldepravity,Isuppose."

"Naturalindolence,youmean.It'sreallydreadful!"andAmylookedsevere.

"Notsobadasitseems,forIshouldonlyplaguehimifIwent,soImightaswellstayandplagueyoualittlelonger,youcanbearitbetter,infactIthinkitagreeswithyouexcellently,"andLauriecomposedhimselfforaloungeonthebroadledgeofthebalustrade.

Amyshookherheadandopenedhersketchbookwithanairof resignation,butshehadmadeuphermindtolecture'thatboy'andinaminuteshebeganagain.

"Whatareyoudoingjustnow?"

"Watchinglizards."

"No,no.Imeanwhatdoyouintendandwishtodo?"

"Smokeacigarette,ifyou'llallowme."

"Howprovokingyouare! I don't approveof cigars and Iwill only allow it onconditionthatyouletmeputyouintomysketch.Ineedafigure."

"Withallthepleasureinlife.Howwillyouhaveme,fulllengthorthree-quarters,onmyheadormyheels?Ishouldrespectfullysuggestarecumbentposture,thenputyourselfinalsoandcallit'Dolcefarniente'."

"Stayasyouare,andgotosleepifyoulike.Iintendtoworkhard,"saidAmyinhermostenergetictone.

"Whatdelightfulenthusiasm!"andheleanedagainstatallurnwithanairofentiresatisfaction.

"WhatwouldJosayifshesawyounow?"askedAmyimpatiently,hopingtostirhimupbythementionofherstillmoreenergeticsister'sname.

"Asusual,'Goaway,Teddy.I'mbusy!'"Helaughedashespoke,butthelaughwas

notnatural,andashadepassedoverhisface,fortheutteranceofthefamiliarnametouched thewoundthatwasnothealedyet.Both toneandshadowstruckAmy,forshehadseenandheardthembefore,andnowshelookedupintimetocatchanewexpression on Laurie's face—a hard bitter look, full of pain, dissatisfaction, andregret.Itwasgonebeforeshecouldstudyitandthelistlessexpressionbackagain.Shewatchedhimforamomentwithartisticpleasure,thinkinghowlikeanItalianhelooked,ashelaybaskinginthesunwithuncoveredheadandeyesfullofsoutherndreaminess,forheseemedtohaveforgottenherandfallenintoareverie.

"You look like the effigy of a young knight asleep on his tomb," she said,carefullytracingthewell-cutprofiledefinedagainstthedarkstone.

"WishIwas!"

"That'safoolishwish,unlessyouhavespoiledyour life.Youaresochanged,Isometimes think—" thereAmystopped,withahalf-timid,half-wistful look,moresignificantthanherunfinishedspeech.

Lauriesawandunderstoodtheaffectionateanxietywhichshehesitatedtoexpress,andlookingstraightintohereyes,said,justasheusedtosayittohermother,"It'sallright,ma'am."

Thatsatisfiedherandsetatrestthedoubtsthathadbeguntoworryherlately.Italsotouchedher,andsheshowedthatitdid,bythecordialtoneinwhichshesaid...

"I'mgladofthat!Ididn'tthinkyou'dbeenaverybadboy,butIfanciedyoumighthavewastedmoneyatthatwickedBaden-Baden,lostyourhearttosomecharmingFrenchwomanwithahusband,orgotintosomeofthescrapesthatyoungmenseemtoconsideranecessarypartofaforeigntour.Don'tstayoutthereinthesun,comeandlieonthegrasshereand'letusbefriendly',asJousedtosaywhenwegotinthesofacornerandtoldsecrets."

Laurieobedientlythrewhimselfdownontheturf,andbegantoamusehimselfbystickingdaisiesintotheribbonsofAmy'shat,thatlaythere.

"I'm all ready for the secrets." and he glanced upwith a decided expression ofinterestinhiseyes.

"I'venonetotell.Youmaybegin."

"Haven'tonetoblessmyselfwith.I thoughtperhapsyou'dhadsomenewsfromhome.."

"Youhaveheardallthathascomelately.Don'tyouhearoften?IfanciedJowouldsendyouvolumes."

"She's very busy. I'm roving about so, it's impossible to be regular, you know.When do you begin your great work of art, Raphaella?" he asked, changing thesubjectabruptlyafteranotherpause,inwhichhehadbeenwonderingifAmyknewhissecretandwantedtotalkaboutit.

"Never," she answered, with a despondent but decided air. "Rome took all thevanityoutofme,forafterseeingthewondersthere,Ifelt tooinsignificanttoliveandgaveupallmyfoolishhopesindespair."

"Whyshouldyou,withsomuchenergyandtalent?"

"That'sjustwhy,becausetalentisn'tgenius,andnoamountofenergycanmakeitso. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a common-place dauber, so I don'tintendtotryanymore."

"Andwhatareyougoingtodowithyourselfnow,ifImayask?"

"Polishupmyothertalents,andbeanornamenttosociety,ifIgetthechance."

Itwasacharacteristic speech,andsoundeddaring,butaudacitybecomesyoungpeople,andAmy'sambitionhadagoodfoundation.Lauriesmiled,buthelikedthespiritwithwhichshe tookupanewpurposewhena long-cherishedonedied,andspentnotimelamenting.

"Good!AndhereiswhereFredVaughncomesin,Ifancy."

Amypreservedadiscreetsilence,buttherewasaconsciouslookinherdowncastfacethatmadeLauriesitupandsaygravely,"NowI'mgoingtoplaybrother,andaskquestions.MayI?"

"Idon'tpromisetoanswer."

"Yourfacewill,ifyourtonguewon't.Youaren'twomanoftheworldenoughyettohideyourfeelings,mydear.IheardrumorsaboutFredandyoulastyear,andit'smyprivateopinionthatifhehadnotbeencalledhomesosuddenlyanddetainedsolong,somethingwouldhavecomeofit,hey?"

"That'snotformetosay,"wasAmy'sgrimreply,butherlipswouldsmile,andtherewas a traitorous sparkleof the eyewhichbetrayed that sheknewherpower

andenjoyedtheknowledge.

"Youarenotengaged,Ihope?"andLaurielookedveryelder-brotherlyandgraveallofasudden.

"No."

"Butyouwillbe, ifhecomesbackandgoesproperlydownonhisknees,won'tyou?"

"Verylikely."

"ThenyouarefondofoldFred?"

"Icouldbe,ifItried."

"Butyoudon'tintendtotrytillthepropermoment?Blessmysoul,whatunearthlyprudence!He'sagoodfellow,Amy,butnotthemanIfanciedyou'dlike."

"He is rich,agentleman,andhasdelightfulmanners,"beganAmy, trying tobequite cool and dignified, but feeling a little ashamed of herself, in spite of thesincerityofherintentions.

"Iunderstand.Queensofsocietycan'tgetonwithoutmoney,soyoumeantomakeagoodmatch,andstartinthatway?Quiterightandproper,astheworldgoes,butitsoundsoddfromthelipsofoneofyourmother'sgirls."

"True,nevertheless."

A short speech, but the quiet decision with which it was uttered contrastedcuriouslywiththeyoungspeaker.Lauriefeltthisinstinctivelyandlaidhimselfdownagain, with a sense of disappointment which he could not explain. His look andsilence, as well as a certain inward self-disapproval, ruffled Amy, andmade herresolvetodeliverherlecturewithoutdelay.

"Iwishyou'ddomethefavortorouseyourselfalittle,"shesaidsharply.

"Doitforme,there'sadeargirl."

"I could, if I tried." and she looked as if she would like doing it in the mostsummarystyle.

"Try, then. I giveyou leave," returnedLaurie,whoenjoyedhaving someone totease,afterhislongabstinencefromhisfavoritepastime.

"You'dbeangryinfiveminutes."

"I'mneverangrywithyou.Ittakestwoflintstomakeafire.Youareascoolandsoftassnow."

"Youdon't knowwhat I can do. Snowproduces a glow and a tingle, if appliedrightly.Yourindifferenceishalfaffectation,andagoodstirringupwouldproveit."

"Stiraway,itwon'thurtmeanditmayamuseyou,asthebigmansaidwhenhislittlewifebeathim.Regardmeinthelightofahusbandoracarpet,andbeattillyouaretired,ifthatsortofexerciseagreeswithyou."

Beingdecidedlynettledherself,andlongingtoseehimshakeofftheapathythatsoalteredhim,Amysharpenedbothtongueandpencil,andbegan.

"FloandIhavegotanewnameforyou.It'sLazyLaurence.Howdoyoulikeit?"

Shethoughtitwouldannoyhim,butheonlyfoldedhisarmsunderhishead,withanimperturbable,"That'snotbad.Thankyou,ladies."

"DoyouwanttoknowwhatIhonestlythinkofyou?"

"Piningtobetold."

"Well,Idespiseyou."

If shehadevensaid 'Ihateyou' inapetulantorcoquettish tone,hewouldhavelaughedandratherlikedit,butthegrave,almostsad,accentinhervoicemadehimopenhiseyes,andaskquickly...

"Why,ifyouplease?"

"Because,with every chance for beinggood, useful, andhappy, you are faulty,lazy,andmiserable."

"Stronglanguage,mademoiselle."

"Ifyoulikeit,I'llgoon."

"Praydo,it'squiteinteresting."

"Ithoughtyou'dfinditso.Selfishpeoplealwaysliketotalkaboutthemselves."

"AmI selfish?" thequestionslippedout involuntarilyand ina toneof surprise,fortheonevirtueonwhichhepridedhimselfwasgenerosity.

"Yes,veryselfish,"continuedAmy,inacalm,coolvoice,twiceaseffectivejustthen as an angry one. "I'll show you how, for I've studied you while we werefrolicking,andI'mnotatallsatisfiedwithyou.Hereyouhavebeenabroadnearlysix months, and done nothing but waste time and money and disappoint yourfriends."

"Isn'tafellowtohaveanypleasureafterafour-yeargrind?"

"Youdon'tlookasifyou'dhadmuch.Atanyrate,youarenonethebetterforit,asfaras Icansee. I saidwhenwefirstmet thatyouhad improved.NowI take itallback,forIdon'tthinkyouhalfsoniceaswhenIleftyouathome.Youhavegrownabominably lazy, you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you arecontented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved andrespectedbywiseones.Withmoney,talent,position,health,andbeauty,ahyoulikethat oldVanity! But it's the truth, so I can't help saying it,with all these splendidthingstouseandenjoy,youcanfindnothingtodobutdawdle,andinsteadofbeingthemanyououghttobe,youareonly..."thereshestopped,withalookthathadbothpainandpityinit.

"SaintLaurenceonagridiron,"addedLaurie,blandlyfinishingthesentence.Butthelecturebegantotakeeffect,fortherewasawide-awakesparkleinhiseyesnowandahalf-angry,half-injuredexpressionreplacedtheformerindifference.

"Isupposedyou'dtakeitso.Youmentellusweareangels,andsaywecanmakeyouwhatwewill,buttheinstantwehonestlytrytodoyougood,youlaughatusandwon't listen,which proves howmuchyour flattery isworth."Amy spoke bitterly,andturnedherbackontheexasperatingmartyratherfeet.

In aminute a hand came down over the page, so that she could not draw, andLaurie'svoicesaid,withadrollimitationofapenitentchild,"Iwillbegood,oh,Iwillbegood!"

ButAmydidnotlaugh,forshewasinearnest,andtappingontheoutspreadhandwithherpencil,saidsoberly,"Aren'tyouashamedofahandlikethat?It'sassoftandwhite as a woman's, and looks as if it never did anything but wear Jouvin's bestglovesandpickflowersforladies.Youarenotadandy,thankHeaven,soI'mgladtoseetherearenodiamondsorbigsealringsonit,onlythelittleoldoneJogave

yousolongago.Dearsoul,Iwishshewasheretohelpme!"

"SodoI!"

Thehandvanished as suddenly as it came, and therewas energy enough in theechoofherwishtosuitevenAmy.Sheglanceddownathimwithanewthoughtinhermind,buthewas lyingwithhishathalfoverhisface,as if forshade,andhismustachehidhismouth.Sheonlysawhischestriseandfall,withalongbreaththatmighthavebeenasigh,andthehandthatworetheringnestleddownintothegrass,asiftohidesomethingtoopreciousortootendertobespokenof.AllinaminutevarioushintsandtriflesassumedshapeandsignificanceinAmy'smind,andtoldherwhathersisterneverhadconfidedtoher.SherememberedthatLaurieneverspokevoluntarilyof Jo, she recalled the shadowonhis face just now, the change inhischaracter, and the wearing of the little old ring which was no ornament to ahandsomehand.Girls arequick to read such signsand feel their eloquence.Amyhadfanciedthatperhapsalovetroublewasatthebottomofthealteration,andnowshewassureofit.Herkeeneyesfilled,andwhenshespokeagain,itwasinavoicethatcouldbebeautifullysoftandkindwhenshechosetomakeitso.

"IknowIhavenorighttotalksotoyou,Laurie,andifyouweren'tthesweetest-temperedfellowintheworld,you'dbeveryangrywithme.Butweareallsofondand proud of you, I couldn't bear to think they should be disappointed in you athomeasIhavebeen,though,perhapstheywouldunderstandthechangebetterthanIdo."

"Ithinktheywould,"camefromunderthehat,inagrimtone,quiteastouchingasabrokenone.

"Theyoughttohavetoldme,andnotletmegoblunderingandscolding,whenIshouldhavebeenmorekindandpatientthanever.IneverdidlikethatMissRandalandnowIhateher!"saidartfulAmy,wishingtobesureofherfactsthistime.

"HangMissRandal!"andLaurieknockedthehatoffhisfacewithalookthatleftnodoubtofhissentimentstowardthatyounglady.

"Ibegpardon,Ithought..."andthereshepauseddiplomatically.

"No,youdidn't,youknewperfectlywellInevercaredforanyonebutJo,"Lauriesaidthatinhisold,impetuoustone,andturnedhisfaceawayashespoke.

"I did think so, but as they never said anything about it, and you came away, IsupposedIwasmistaken.AndJowouldn'tbekindtoyou?Why,Iwassuresheloved

youdearly."

"Shewaskind,butnotintherightway,andit'sluckyforhershedidn'tloveme,ifI'mthegood-for-nothingfellowyouthinkme.It'sherfaultthough,andyoumaytellherso."

Thehard,bitterlookcamebackagainashesaidthat,andittroubledAmy,forshedidnotknowwhatbalmtoapply.

"Iwaswrong,Ididn'tknow.I'mverysorryIwassocross,butIcan'thelpwishingyou'dbearitbetter,Teddy,dear."

"Don't,that'shernameforme!"andLaurieputuphishandwithaquickgesturetostopthewordsspokeninJo'shalf-kind,half-reproachfultone."Waittillyou'vetriedityourself,"headdedinalowvoice,ashepulledupthegrassbythehandful.

"I'dtakeitmanfully,andberespectedifIcouldn'tbeloved,"saidAmy,withthedecisionofonewhoknewnothingaboutit.

Now,Laurie flattered himself that he had borne it remarkablywell,makingnomoan,askingnosympathy,andtakinghistroubleawaytoliveitdownalone.Amy'slecture put thematter in a new light, and for the first time it did lookweak andselfishtoloseheartatthefirstfailure,andshuthimselfupinmoodyindifference.Hefeltasifsuddenlyshakenoutofapensivedreamandfounditimpossibletogotosleepagain.Presentlyhesatupandaskedslowly,"DoyouthinkJowoulddespisemeasyoudo?"

"Yes, if she saw you now. She hates lazy people.Why don't you do somethingsplendid,andmakeherloveyou?"

"Ididmybest,butitwasnouse."

"Graduatingwell,youmean?Thatwasnomorethanyououghttohavedone,foryourgrandfather'ssake.Itwouldhavebeenshamefultofailafterspendingsomuchtimeandmoney,wheneveryoneknewthatyoucoulddowell."

"Ididfail,saywhatyouwill,forJowouldn'tloveme,"beganLaurie,leaninghisheadonhishandinadespondentattitude.

"No,youdidn't,andyou'llsaysointheend,foritdidyougood,andprovedthatyoucoulddosomething ifyou tried. Ifyou'donlysetaboutanother taskofsomesort,you'dsoonbeyourhearty,happyselfagain,andforgetyourtrouble."

"That'simpossible."

"Try it and see.Youneedn't shrugyour shoulders, and think, 'Much sheknowsaboutsuchthings'.Idon'tpretendtobewise,butIamobserving,andIseeagreatdeal more than you'd imagine. I'm interested in other people's experiences andinconsistencies, and though I can't explain, I rememberanduse them formyownbenefit. Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it'swickedtothrowawaysomanygoodgiftsbecauseyoucan'thavetheoneyouwant.There,Iwon'tlectureanymore,forIknowyou'llwakeupandbeamaninspiteofthathardheartedgirl."

Neitherspokeforseveralminutes.Lauriesatturningthelittleringonhisfinger,andAmyputthelasttouchestothehastysketchshehadbeenworkingatwhileshetalked.Presentlysheputitonhisknee,merelysaying,"Howdoyoulikethat?"

Helookedandthenhesmiled,ashecouldnotwellhelpdoing,foritwascapitallydone, the long, lazy figureon thegrass,with listless face,half-shuteyes,andonehandholdingacigar,fromwhichcamethelittlewreathofsmokethatencircledthedreamer'shead.

"Howwellyoudraw!"hesaid,withagenuinesurpriseandpleasureatherskill,adding,withahalf-laugh,"Yes,that'sme."

"Asyouare.Thisisasyouwere."andAmylaidanothersketchbesidetheoneheheld.

Itwasnotnearlysowelldone,buttherewasalifeandspiritinitwhichatonedformanyfaults,anditrecalledthepastsovividlythatasuddenchangesweptovertheyoungman'sfaceashelooked.OnlyaroughsketchofLaurietamingahorse.Hatand coat were off, and every line of the active figure, resolute face, andcommanding attitude was full of energy and meaning. The handsome brute, justsubdued, stood arching his neck under the tightly drawn rein, with one footimpatientlypawingtheground,andearsprickedupasiflisteningforthevoicethathadmastered him. In the ruffledmane, the rider's breezy hair and erect attitude,there was a suggestion of suddenly arrested motion, of strength, courage, andyouthful buoyancy that contrasted sharplywith the supine grace of the 'Dolce farNiente'sketch.Lauriesaidnothingbutashiseyewentfromonetotheother,Amysawhimflushupandfoldhislipstogetherasifhereadandacceptedthelittlelessonshehadgivenhim.Thatsatisfiedher,andwithoutwaitingforhimtospeak,shesaid,inhersprightlyway...

"Don'tyourememberthedayyouplayedRareywithPuck,andwealllookedon?MegandBethwere frightened,but Joclappedandpranced,and I saton the fenceanddrewyou.Ifoundthatsketchinmyportfoliotheotherday,toucheditup,andkeptittoshowyou."

"Muchobliged.You've improved immensely since then,and Icongratulateyou.MayIventure tosuggest in 'ahoneymoonparadise' that fiveo'clock is thedinnerhouratyourhotel?"

Laurieroseashespoke,returnedthepictureswithasmileandabowandlookedat hiswatch, as if to remindher that evenmoral lectures should have an end.Hetriedtoresumehisformereasy,indifferentair,butitwasanaffectationnow,fortherousing had been more effacious than he would confess. Amy felt the shade ofcoldnessinhismanner,andsaidtoherself...

"Now,I'veoffendedhim.Well,ifitdoeshimgood,I'mglad,ifitmakeshimhateme,I'msorry,butit'strue,andIcan'ttakebackawordofit."

Theylaughedandchattedallthewayhome,andlittleBaptiste,upbehind,thoughtthatmonsieurandmadamoisellewereincharmingspirits.Butbothfelt illatease.Thefriendlyfranknesswasdisturbed,thesunshinehadashadowoverit,anddespitetheirapparentgaiety,therewasasecretdiscontentintheheartofeach.

"Shall we see you this evening,mon frere?" askedAmy, as they parted at heraunt'sdoor.

"UnfortunatelyIhaveanengagement.Aurevoir,madamoiselle,"andLauriebentas if tokissherhand, in the foreign fashion,whichbecamehimbetter thanmanymen.SomethinginhisfacemadeAmysayquicklyandwarmly...

"No,beyourselfwithme,Laurie,andpartinthegoodoldway.I'dratherhaveaheartyEnglishhandshakethanallthesentimentalsalutationsinFrance."

"Goodbye,dear,"andwith thesewords,utteredin the tonesheliked,Laurie lefther,afterahandshakealmostpainfulinitsheartiness.

Nextmorning, instead of the usual call, Amy received a notewhichmade hersmileatthebeginningandsighattheend.

My Dear Mentor, Please make my adieux to your aunt, and exult within yourself, for 'LazyLaurence'hasgonetohisgrandpa,likethebestofboys.Apleasantwintertoyou,andmaythegodsgrantyouablissfulhoneymoonatValrosa!IthinkFredwouldbebenefitedbyarouser.Tellhimso,withmycongratulations.

Yoursgratefully,Telemachus

"Good boy! I'm glad he's gone," saidAmy,with an approving smile. The nextminute her face fell as she glanced about the empty room, adding, with aninvoluntarysigh,"Yes,Iamglad,buthowIshallmisshim."

CHAPTERFORTY

THEVALLEYOFTHESHADOW

Whenthefirstbitternesswasover,thefamilyacceptedtheinevitable,andtriedtobear it cheerfully, helpingone another by the increased affectionwhich comes tobindhouseholdstenderlytogetherintimesoftrouble.Theyputawaytheirgrief,andeachdidhisorherparttowardmakingthatlastyearahappyone.

ThepleasantestroominthehousewassetapartforBeth,andinitwasgatheredeverythingthatshemostloved,flowers,pictures,herpiano,thelittleworktable,andthebelovedpussies.Father'sbestbooksfoundtheirwaythere,Mother'seasychair,Jo'sdesk,Amy'sfinestsketches,andeverydayMegbroughtherbabiesonalovingpilgrimage,tomakesunshineforAuntyBeth.Johnquietlysetapartalittlesum,thathemightenjoythepleasureofkeepingtheinvalidsuppliedwiththefruitshelovedand longed for.OldHannahneverweariedofconcoctingdaintydishes to temptacapricious appetite, dropping tears as sheworked, and from across the sea camelittlegifts andcheerful letters, seeming tobringbreathsofwarmthand fragrancefromlandsthatknownowinter.

Here,cherishedlikeahouseholdsaintinitsshrine,satBeth,tranquilandbusyasever,fornothingcouldchangethesweet,unselfishnature,andevenwhilepreparingtoleavelife,shetriedtomakeithappierforthosewhoshouldremainbehind.Thefeeblefingerswereneveridle,andoneofherpleasureswastomakelittlethingsforthe school children daily passing to and fro, to drop a pair ofmittens from herwindowforapairofpurplehands,aneedlebookforsomesmallmotherofmanydolls,penwipersforyoungpenmentoilingthroughforestsofpothooks,scrapbooksfor picture-loving eyes, and all manner of pleasant devices, till the reluctantclimbersoftheladderoflearningfoundtheirwaystrewnwithflowers,asitwere,and came to regard the gentle giver as a sort of fairy godmother,who sat abovethere,andshowereddowngiftsmiraculouslysuitedtotheirtastesandneeds.IfBeth

hadwantedanyreward,shefounditinthebrightlittlefacesalwaysturneduptoherwindow,withnodsandsmiles,andthedrolllittleletterswhichcametoher,fullofblotsandgratitude.

Thefirstfewmonthswereveryhappyones,andBethoftenusedtolookround,andsay"Howbeautifulthisis!"astheyallsattogetherinhersunnyroom,thebabieskicking and crowing on the floor, mother and sisters working near, and fatherreading,inhispleasantvoice,fromthewiseoldbookswhichseemedrichingoodand comfortablewords, as applicable now aswhenwritten centuries ago, a littlechapel, 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 resignationpossible.Simplesermons,thatwentstraighttothesoulsofthosewholistened,forthefather'sheartwasintheminister'sreligion,andthefrequentfalterinthevoicegaveadoubleeloquencetothewordshespokeorread.

Itwaswell forall that thispeaceful timewasgiven themaspreparation for thesad hours to come, for by-and-by,Beth said the needlewas 'so heavy', and put itdownforever.Talkingweariedher,facestroubledher,painclaimedherforitsown,andher tranquil spiritwas sorrowfullyperturbedby the ills thatvexedher feebleflesh. Ah me! Such heavy days, such long, long nights, such aching hearts andimploringprayers,whenthosewholovedherbestwereforcedtoseethethinhandsstretchedouttothembeseechingly,tohearthebittercry,"Helpme,helpme!"andtofeelthattherewasnohelp.Asadeclipseoftheserenesoul,asharpstruggleoftheyounglifewithdeath,butbothweremercifullybrief,andthenthenaturalrebellionover, theoldpeace returnedmorebeautiful thanever.With thewreckofher frailbody,Beth'ssoulgrewstrong,andthoughshesaidlittle,thoseaboutherfeltthatshewasready,sawthatthefirstpilgrimcalledwaslikewisethefittest,andwaitedwithheron the shore, trying to see theShiningOnes coming to receiveherwhen shecrossedtheriver.

Jonever lefther foranhoursinceBethhadsaid"I feel strongerwhenyouarehere."Shesleptonacouchintheroom,wakingoftentorenewthefire,tofeed,lift,orwaituponthepatientcreaturewhoseldomaskedforanything,and'triednottobeatrouble'.Alldayshehauntedtheroom,jealousofanyothernurse,andprouderofbeingchosenthenthanofanyhonorherlifeeverbroughther.Preciousandhelpfulhours to Jo, for now her heart received the teaching that it needed. Lessons inpatienceweresosweetlytaughtherthatshecouldnotfailtolearnthem,charityforall,thelovelyspiritthatcanforgiveandtrulyforgetunkindness,theloyaltytodutythat makes the hardest easy, and the sincere faith that fears nothing, but trustsundoubtingly.

OftenwhenshewokeJofoundBethreadinginherwell-wornlittlebook,heardhersingingsoftly,tobeguilethesleeplessnight,orsawherleanherfaceuponherhands,whileslow tearsdropped through the transparent fingers,andJowould liewatching her with thoughts too deep for tears, feeling that Beth, in her simple,unselfishway,wastryingtoweanherselffromthedearoldlife,andfitherselfforthelifetocome,bysacredwordsofcomfort,quietprayers,andthemusicshelovedsowell.

SeeingthisdidmoreforJothanthewisestsermons,thesaintliesthymns,themostferventprayersthatanyvoicecouldutter.Forwitheyesmadeclearbymanytears,and a heart softened by the tenderest sorrow, she recognized the beauty of hersister's life—uneventful, unambitious, yet full of the genuine virtueswhich 'smellsweet, and blossom in the dust', the self-forgetfulness thatmakes the humblest onearthrememberedsoonestinheaven,thetruesuccesswhichispossibletoall.

OnenightwhenBethlookedamongthebooksuponhertable,tofindsomethingtomakeherforgetthemortalwearinessthatwasalmostashardtobearaspain,asshe turned the leaves of her old favorite, Pilgrims's Progress, she found a littlepaper,scribbledoverinJo'shand.Thenamecaughthereyeandtheblurredlookofthelinesmadehersurethattearshadfallenonit.

"PoorJo!She'sfastasleep,soIwon'twakehertoaskleave.Sheshowsmeallherthings,andIdon'tthinkshe'llmindifIlookatthis",thoughtBeth,withaglanceathersister,wholayontherug,withthetongsbesideher,readytowakeuptheminutethelogfellapart.

MYBETH

SittingpatientintheshadowTilltheblessedlightshallcome,AsereneandsaintlypresenceSanctifiesourtroubledhome.EarthlyjoysandhopesandsorrowsBreaklikeripplesonthestrandOfthedeepandsolemnriverWhereherwillingfeetnowstand.

Omysister,passingfromme,Outofhumancareandstrife,Leaveme,asagift,thosevirtuesWhichhavebeautifiedyourlife.Dear,bequeathmethatgreatpatienceWhichhaspowertosustainAcheerful,uncomplainingspiritInitsprison-houseofpain.

Giveme,forIneeditsorely,

Ofthatcourage,wiseandsweet,WhichhasmadethepathofdutyGreenbeneathyourwillingfeet.Givemethatunselfishnature,ThatwithcharitydivineCanpardonwrongforlove'sdearsake—Meekheart,forgivememine!

ThusourpartingdailylosethSomethingofitsbitterpain,Andwhilelearningthishardlesson,Mygreatlossbecomesmygain.ForthetouchofgriefwillrenderMywildnaturemoreserene,Givetolifenewaspirations,Anewtrustintheunseen.

Henceforth,safeacrosstheriver,IshallseeforevermoreAbeloved,householdspiritWaitingformeontheshore.Hopeandfaith,bornofmysorrow,Guardianangelsshallbecome,AndthesistergonebeforemeBytheirhandsshallleadmehome.

Blurredandblotted, faulty and feeble as the lineswere, theybrought a lookofinexpressiblecomforttoBeth'sface,forheroneregrethadbeenthatshehaddoneso little, and this seemed to assure her that her life hadnot beenuseless, that herdeath would not bring the despair she feared. As she sat with the paper foldedbetweenherhands,thecharredlogfellasunder.Jostartedup,revivedtheblaze,andcrepttothebedside,hopingBethslept.

"Notasleep,butsohappy,dear.See,Ifoundthisandreadit.Iknewyouwouldn'tcare.HaveIbeenallthattoyou,Jo?"sheasked,withwistful,humbleearnestness.

"Oh,Beth,somuch,somuch!"andJo'sheadwentdownuponthepillowbesidehersister's.

"ThenIdon'tfeelasifI'dwastedmylife.I'mnotsogoodasyoumakeme,butIhavetriedtodoright.Andnow,whenit'stoolatetobegineventodobetter,it'ssuchacomforttoknowthatsomeonelovesmesomuch,andfeelsasifI'dhelpedthem."

"Morethananyoneintheworld,Beth.IusedtothinkIcouldn'tletyougo,butI'mlearningtofeelthatIdon'tloseyou,thatyou'llbemoretomethanever,anddeathcan'tpartus,thoughitseemsto."

"Iknowitcannot,andIdon'tfearitanylonger,forI'msureIshallbeyourBeth

still, to love and help you more than ever. You must take my place, Jo, and beeverything toFather andMotherwhen I'mgone.Theywill turn to you, don't failthem,andifit'shardtoworkalone,rememberthatIdon'tforgetyou,andthatyou'llbe happier in doing that thanwriting splendid books or seeing all theworld, forloveistheonlythingthatwecancarrywithuswhenwego,anditmakestheendsoeasy."

"I'lltry,Beth."andthenandthereJorenouncedheroldambition,pledgedherselftoanewandbetterone,acknowledgingthepovertyofotherdesires,andfeelingtheblessedsolaceofabeliefintheimmortalityoflove.

So the spring days came andwent, the sky grew clearer, the earth greener, theflowerswere up fairly early, and the birds came back in time to say goodbye toBeth,who,likeatiredbuttrustfulchild,clungtothehandsthathadledherallherlife,asFatherandMotherguidedhertenderlythroughtheValleyoftheShadow,andgaveheruptoGod.

Seldom except in books do the dying utter memorable words, see visions, ordepart with beatified countenances, and those who have spedmany parting soulsknow that to most the end comes as naturally and simply as sleep. As Beth hadhoped, the 'tidewentout easily', and in thedarkhourbeforedawn,on thebosomwhereshehaddrawnherfirstbreath,shequietlydrewherlast,withnofarewellbutonelovinglook,onelittlesigh.

Withtearsandprayersandtenderhands,Motherandsistersmadeherreadyforthe long sleep that pain would never mar again, seeing with grateful eyes thebeautifulserenitythatsoonreplacedthepatheticpatiencethathadwrungtheirheartsso long, and feelingwith reverent joy that to their darling deathwas a benignantangel,notaphantomfullofdread.

Whenmorning came, for the first time inmanymonths the fire was out, Jo'splacewasempty,andtheroomwasverystill.Butabirdsangblithelyonabuddingbough, close by, the snowdrops blossomed freshly at thewindow, and the springsunshinestreamedinlikeabenedictionovertheplacidfaceuponthepillow,afacesofullofpainlesspeacethatthosewholoveditbestsmiledthroughtheirtears,andthankedGodthatBethwaswellatlast.

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

LEARNINGTOFORGET

Amy's lecture did Laurie good, though, of course, he did not own it till longafterward.Menseldomdo,forwhenwomenaretheadvisers,thelordsofcreationdon't take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what theyintendedtodo.Thentheyactuponit,and,ifitsucceeds,theygivetheweakervesselhalfthecreditofit.Ifitfails,theygenerouslygiveherthewhole.Lauriewentbackto his grandfather, and was so dutifully devoted for several weeks that the oldgentlemandeclaredtheclimateofNicehadimprovedhimwonderfully,andhehadbettertryitagain.Therewasnothingtheyounggentlemanwouldhavelikedbetter,butelephantscouldnothavedraggedhimbackafter thescoldinghehadreceived.Prideforbid,andwheneverthelonginggrewverystrong,hefortifiedhisresolutionbyrepeatingthewordsthathadmadethedeepestimpression—"Idespiseyou.""Goanddosomethingsplendidthatwillmakeherloveyou."

Laurieturnedthematteroverinhismindsooftenthathesoonbroughthimselftoconfessthathehadbeenselfishandlazy,butthenwhenamanhasagreatsorrow,heshouldbeindulgedinallsortsofvagariestillhehasliveditdown.Hefeltthathisblightedaffectionswerequitedeadnow,andthoughheshouldneverceasetobeafaithful mourner, there was no occasion to wear his weeds ostentatiously. Jowouldn't love him, but he might make her respect and admire him by doingsomething which should prove that a girl's 'No' had not spoiled his life. He hadalwaysmeant to do something, and Amy's advice was quite unnecessary. He hadonlybeenwaitingtilltheaforesaidblightedaffectionsweredecentlyinterred.Thatbeingdone,hefeltthathewasreadyto'hidehisstrickenheart,andstilltoilon'.

AsGoethe,whenhehadajoyoragrief,putitintoasong,soLaurieresolvedtoembalmhislovesorrowinmusic,andtocomposeaRequiemwhichshouldharrowup Jo's soul and melt the heart of every hearer. Therefore the next time the oldgentleman foundhimgetting restlessandmoodyandorderedhimoff,hewent toVienna,wherehehadmusicalfriends,andfelltoworkwiththefirmdeterminationto distinguish himself. But whether the sorrow was too vast to be embodied inmusic, ormusic too ethereal to uplift amortal woe, he soon discovered that theRequiemwas beyond him just at present. It was evident that hismindwas not inworking order yet, and his ideas needed clarifying, for often in themiddle of aplaintivestrain,hewouldfindhimselfhummingadancingtunethatvividlyrecalledtheChristmasballatNice,especiallythestoutFrenchman,andputaneffectualstoptotragiccompositionforthetimebeing.

Thenhetriedanopera,fornothingseemedimpossibleinthebeginning,buthereagain unforeseen difficulties beset him.Hewanted Jo for his heroine, and called

uponhismemorytosupplyhimwithtenderrecollectionsandromanticvisionsofhislove.Butmemoryturnedtraitor,andasifpossessedbytheperversespiritofthegirl,wouldonlyrecallJo'soddities,faults,andfreaks,wouldonlyshowherinthemost unsentimental aspects—beating mats with her head tied up in a bandanna,barricadingherselfwiththesofapillow,orthrowingcoldwateroverhispassionala Gummidge—and an irresistable laugh spoiled the pensive picture he wasendeavoringtopaint.Jowouldn'tbeput into theoperaatanyprice,andhehadtogiveherupwitha"Blessthatgirl,whatatormentsheis!"andaclutchathishair,asbecameadistractedcomposer.

When he looked about him for another and a less intractable damsel toimmortalize inmelody,memory produced onewith themost obliging readiness.Thisphantomworemanyfaces,but italwayshadgoldenhair,wasenvelopedinadiaphanous cloud, and floated airily before hismind's eye in a pleasing chaosofroses, peacocks, white ponies, and blue ribbons. He did not give the complacentwraithanyname,buthetookherforhisheroineandgrewquitefondofher,aswellhemight,forhegiftedherwitheverygiftandgraceunderthesun,andescortedher,unscathed,throughtrialswhichwouldhaveannihilatedanymortalwoman.

Thanks to this inspiration, he got on swimmingly for a time, but gradually theworklostitscharm,andheforgottocompose,whilehesatmusing,peninhand,orroamed about the gay city to get some new ideas and refresh his mind, whichseemedtobeinasomewhatunsettledstatethatwinter.Hedidnotdomuch,buthethoughtagreatdealandwasconsciousofachangeofsomesortgoingoninspiteofhimself."It'sgeniussimmering,perhaps.I'llletitsimmer,andseewhatcomesofit,"hesaid,withasecretsuspicionallthewhilethatitwasn'tgenius,butsomethingfar more common.Whatever it was, it simmered to some purpose, for he grewmoreandmorediscontentedwithhisdesultorylife,begantolongforsomerealandearnestworktogoat,soulandbody,andfinallycameto thewiseconclusionthateveryonewho lovedmusicwas not a composer.Returning fromone ofMozart'sgrandoperas,splendidlyperformedattheRoyalTheatre,helookedoverhisown,playeda fewof thebestparts, sat staringat thebustsofMendelssohn,Beethoven,and Bach, who stared benignly back again. Then suddenly he tore up his musicsheets, one by one, and as the last fluttered out of his hand, he said soberly tohimself...

"Sheisright!Talentisn'tgenius,andyoucan'tmakeitso.ThatmusichastakenthevanityoutofmeasRometookitoutofher,andIwon'tbeahumbuganylonger.NowwhatshallIdo?"

Thatseemedahardquestiontoanswer,andLauriebegantowishhehadtowork

forhisdailybread.Nowifever,occurredaneligibleopportunityfor'goingtothedevil',asheonceforciblyexpressedit,forhehadplentyofmoneyandnothingtodo,andSatanisproverbiallyfondofprovidingemploymentforfullandidlehands.The poor fellow had temptations enough from without and from within, but hewithstoodthemprettywell,formuchashevaluedliberty,hevaluedgoodfaithandconfidencemore,sohispromisetohisgrandfather,andhisdesiretobeabletolookhonestlyintotheeyesofthewomenwholovedhim,andsay"All'swell,"kepthimsafeandsteady.

VerylikelysomeMrs.Grundywillobserve,"Idon'tbelieveit,boyswillbeboys,youngmenmustsowtheirwildoats,andwomenmustnotexpectmiracles."Idaresayyoudon't,Mrs.Grundy, but it's truenevertheless.Womenwork agoodmanymiracles, and I have a persuasion that theymay perform even that of raising thestandardofmanhoodby refusing to echo such sayings.Let the boysbeboys, thelonger the better, and let the young men sow their wild oats if they must. Butmothers,sisters,andfriendsmayhelptomakethecropasmallone,andkeepmanytaresfromspoilingtheharvest,bybelieving,andshowingthattheybelieve,inthepossibilityofloyaltytothevirtueswhichmakemenmanliestingoodwomen'seyes.Ifitisafemininedelusion,leaveustoenjoyitwhilewemay,forwithoutithalfthebeautyandtheromanceoflifeislost,andsorrowfulforebodingswouldembitterallourhopesofthebrave,tenderheartedlittlelads,whostilllovetheirmothersbetterthanthemselvesandarenotashamedtoownit.

Laurie thought that the task of forgetting his love for Jowould absorb all hispowersforyears,buttohisgreatsurprisehediscovereditgreweasiereveryday.Herefusedtobelieveitatfirst,gotangrywithhimself,andcouldn'tunderstandit,buttheseheartsofoursarecuriousandcontrarythings,andtimeandnatureworktheirwillinspiteofus.Laurie'sheartwouldn'tache.Thewoundpersistedinhealingwitharapiditythatastonishedhim,andinsteadoftryingtoforget,hefoundhimselftryingtoremember.Hehadnotforeseenthisturnofaffairs,andwasnotpreparedforit.Hewasdisgustedwithhimself,surprisedathisownfickleness,andfullofaqueer mixture of disappointment and relief that he could recover from such atremendousblowsosoon.Hecarefullystirredup theembersofhis lost love,buttheyrefusedtoburstintoablaze.Therewasonlyacomfortableglowthatwarmedanddidhimgoodwithoutputtinghimintoafever,andhewasreluctantlyobligedtoconfessthattheboyishpassionwasslowlysubsidingintoamoretranquilsentiment,very tender, a little sad and resentful still, but thatwas sure to pass away in time,leavingabrotherlyaffectionwhichwouldlastunbrokentotheend.

Astheword'brotherly'passedthroughhismindinoneofhisreveries,hesmiled,andglancedupatthepictureofMozartthatwasbeforehim...

"Well,hewasagreatman,andwhenhecouldn'thaveonesisterhetooktheother,andwashappy."

Lauriedidnotutterthewords,buthethoughtthem,andthenextinstantkissedthelittleoldring,sayingtohimself,"No,Iwon't!Ihaven'tforgotten,Inevercan.I'lltryagain,andifthatfails,whythen..."

Leavinghissentenceunfinished,heseizedpenandpaperandwrotetoJo,tellingher that he could not settle to anything while there was the least hope of herchanging her mind. Couldn't she, wouldn't she—and let him come home and behappy?Whilewaitingforananswerhedidnothing,buthediditenergetically,forhewasinafeverofimpatience.Itcameatlast,andsettledhismindeffectuallyononepoint,forJodecidedlycouldn'tandwouldn't.ShewaswrappedupinBeth,andneverwished tohear theword loveagain.Thenshebeggedhimtobehappywithsomebodyelse,butalwayskeepalittlecornerofhisheartforhislovingsisterJo.Inapostscriptshedesiredhimnot to tellAmythatBethwasworse,shewascominghomein thespringandtherewasnoneedofsaddeningtheremainderofherstay.Thatwouldbetimeenough,pleaseGod,butLauriemustwritetoheroften,andnotletherfeellonely,homesickoranxious.

"SoIwill,atonce.Poorlittlegirl,itwillbeasadgoinghomeforher,I'mafraid,"andLaurieopenedhisdesk,asifwritingtoAmyhadbeentheproperconclusionofthesentenceleftunfinishedsomeweeksbefore.

Buthedidnotwritetheletterthatday,forasherummagedouthisbestpaper,hecameacrosssomethingwhichchangedhispurpose.Tumblingaboutinonepartofthe desk among bills, passports, and business documents of various kinds wereseveral of Jo's letters, and in another compartment were three notes from Amy,carefully tiedupwithoneofher blue ribbons and sweetly suggestiveof the littledead rosesput away inside.With ahalf-repentant, half-amusedexpression,Lauriegathered up all Jo's letters, smoothed, folded, and put them neatly into a smalldrawerofthedesk,stoodaminuteturningtheringthoughtfullyonhisfinger,thenslowlydrew itoff, laid itwith the letters, locked thedrawer,andwentout tohearHighMassatSaintStefan's, feelingas if therehadbeena funeral,and thoughnotoverwhelmedwithaffliction,thisseemedamoreproperwaytospendtherestofthedaythaninwritingletterstocharmingyoungladies.

The letterwentvery soon,however, andwaspromptly answered, forAmywashomesick, and confessed it in the most delightfully confiding manner. Thecorrespondence flourished famously, and letters flew to and fro with unfailingregularityallthroughtheearlyspring.Lauriesoldhisbusts,madeallumettesofhis

opera, and went back to Paris, hoping somebody would arrive before long. HewanteddesperatelytogotoNice,butwouldnottillhewasasked,andAmywouldnotaskhim,forjustthenshewashavinglittleexperiencesofherown,whichmadeherratherwishtoavoidthequizzicaleyesof'ourboy'.

FredVaughnhadreturned,andputthequestiontowhichshehadoncedecidedtoanswer,"Yes,thankyou,"butnowshesaid,"No,thankyou,"kindlybutsteadily,forwhenthetimecame,hercouragefailedher,andshefoundthatsomethingmorethanmoneyandpositionwasneeded to satisfy thenew longing that filledherheart sofulloftenderhopesandfears.Thewords,"Fredisagoodfellow,butnotatalltheman I fanciedyouwouldever like," andLaurie's facewhenheuttered them,keptreturning toheraspertinaciouslyasherowndidwhenshe said in look, ifnot inwords,"Ishallmarryformoney."Ittroubledhertorememberthatnow,shewishedshecouldtakeitback,itsoundedsounwomanly.Shedidn'twantLaurietothinkheraheartless,worldlycreature.Shedidn'tcare tobeaqueenofsocietynowhalfsomuchasshedidtobealovablewoman.Shewassogladhedidn'thateherforthedreadfulthingsshesaid,buttookthemsobeautifullyandwaskinderthanever.Hislettersweresuchacomfort,forthehomeletterswereveryirregularandnothalfsosatisfactory as his when they did come. It was not only a pleasure, but a duty toanswerthem,forthepoorfellowwasforlorn,andneededpetting,sinceJopersistedin being stonyhearted. She ought to havemade an effort and tried to love him. Itcouldn'tbeveryhard,manypeoplewouldbeproudandglad tohave suchadearboycareforthem.ButJoneverwouldactlikeothergirls,sotherewasnothingtodobutbeverykindandtreathimlikeabrother.

IfallbrothersweretreatedaswellasLauriewasatthisperiod,theywouldbeamuchhappierraceofbeingsthantheyare.Amyneverlecturednow.Sheaskedhisopiniononallsubjects,shewasinterestedineverythinghedid,madecharminglittlepresents for him, and sent him two letters a week, full of lively gossip, sisterlyconfidences, and captivating sketches of the lovely scenes about her. As fewbrothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sister'spockets, readand rereaddiligently, criedoverwhen short, kissedwhen long, andtreasured carefully, we will not hint that Amy did any of these fond and foolishthings.Butshecertainlydidgrowalittlepaleandpensivethatspring,lostmuchofher relish for society, and went out sketching alone a good deal. She never hadmuchtoshowwhenshecamehome,butwasstudyingnature,Idaresay,whileshesatforhours,withherhandsfolded,ontheterraceatValrosa,orabsentlysketchedany fancy that occurred to her, a stalwart knight carved on a tomb, a youngmanasleep in thegrass,withhishatoverhis eyes,or a curlyhairedgirl ingorgeousarray, promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman, both facesbeing left a blur according to the last fashion in art, which was safe but not

altogethersatisfactory.

HerauntthoughtthatsheregrettedheranswertoFred,andfindingdenialsuselessandexplanationsimpossible,Amylefther tothinkwhatsheliked, takingcarethatLaurieshouldknowthatFredhadgonetoEgypt.Thatwasall,butheunderstoodit,andlookedrelieved,ashesaidtohimself,withavenerableair...

"Iwassureshewouldthinkbetterofit.Pooroldfellow!I'vebeenthroughitall,andIcansympathize."

Withthatheheavedagreatsigh,andthen,asifhehaddischargedhisdutytothepast,puthisfeetuponthesofaandenjoyedAmy'sletterluxuriously.

While thesechangesweregoingonabroad, troublehadcomeathome.But thelettertellingthatBethwasfailingneverreachedAmy,andwhenthenextfoundheratVevay, for the heat had driven them fromNice inMay, and they had travelledslowlytoSwitzerland,bywayofGenoaandtheItalianlakes.Sheboreitverywell,andquietlysubmittedtothefamilydecreethatsheshouldnotshortenhervisit,forsince it was too late to say goodbye to Beth, she had better stay, and let absencesoften her sorrow. But her heart was very heavy, she longed to be at home, andeverydaylookedwistfullyacrossthelake,waitingforLaurietocomeandcomforther.

Hedidcomeverysoon,forthesamemailbroughtletterstothemboth,buthewasinGermany,andittooksomedaystoreachhim.Themomenthereadit,hepackedhisknapsack,badeadieutohisfellowpedestrians,andwasofftokeephispromise,withaheartfullofjoyandsorrow,hopeandsuspense.

HeknewVevaywell,andassoonas theboat touched the littlequay,hehurriedalongtheshoretoLaTour,wheretheCarrolswerelivingenpension.Thegarconwasindespairthatthewholefamilyhadgonetotakeapromenadeonthelake,butno, the blondemademoiselle might be in the chateau garden. If monsieur wouldgive himself the pain of sitting down, a flash of time should present her. Butmonsieur could not wait even a 'flash of time', and in the middle of the speechdepartedtofindmademoisellehimself.

Apleasantoldgardenon thebordersof the lovely lake,withchestnuts rustlingoverhead, ivyclimbingeverywhere,and theblackshadowof the towerfallingfaracross the sunnywater.At one corner of thewide, lowwallwas a seat, and hereAmyoftencametoreadorwork,orconsoleherselfwiththebeautyallabouther.Shewassittingherethatday,leaningherheadonherhand,withahomesickheart

andheavyeyes,thinkingofBethandwonderingwhyLauriedidnotcome.Shedidnothearhimcrossthecourtyardbeyond,norseehimpauseinthearchwaythatledfromthesubterraneanpath into thegarden.Hestoodaminute lookingatherwithnew eyes, seeing what no one had ever seen before, the tender side of Amy'scharacter. Everything about her mutely suggested love and sorrow, the blottedletters in her lap, the black ribbon that tied up her hair, the womanly pain andpatience in her face, even the little ebony cross at her throat seemed pathetic toLaurie,forhehadgivenit toher,andsheworeitasheronlyornament.Ifhehadanydoubtsaboutthereceptionshewouldgivehim,theyweresetatresttheminuteshelookedupandsawhim,fordroppingeverything,sherantohim,exclaiminginatoneofunmistakableloveandlonging...

"Oh,Laurie,Laurie,Iknewyou'dcometome!"

Ithinkeverythingwassaidandsettledthen,forastheystoodtogetherquitesilentforamoment,with thedarkheadbentdownprotectinglyover the lightone,AmyfeltthatnoonecouldcomfortandsustainhersowellasLaurie,andLauriedecidedthatAmywastheonlywomanintheworldwhocouldfillJo'splaceandmakehimhappy.Hedidnot tellher so,but shewasnotdisappointed, forboth felt the truth,weresatisfied,andgladlylefttheresttosilence.

In aminuteAmywent back to her place, andwhile she dried her tears, Lauriegatheredupthescatteredpapers,findinginthesightofsundrywell-wornlettersandsuggestivesketchesgoodomensforthefuture.Ashesatdownbesideher,Amyfeltshyagain,andturnedrosyredattherecollectionofherimpulsivegreeting.

"Icouldn'thelpit,Ifeltsolonelyandsad,andwassoverygladtoseeyou.Itwassuchasurprisetolookupandfindyou,justasIwasbeginningtofearyouwouldn'tcome,"shesaid,tryinginvaintospeakquitenaturally.

"IcametheminuteIheard.IwishIcouldsaysomethingtocomfortyouforthelossofdearlittleBeth,butIcanonlyfeel,and..."Hecouldnotgetanyfurther,forhetooturnedbashfulallofasudden,anddidnotquiteknowwhattosay.HelongedtolayAmy'sheaddownonhisshoulder,andtellhertohaveagoodcry,buthedidnotdare,sotookherhandinstead,andgaveitasympatheticsqueezethatwasbetterthanwords.

"Youneedn't say anything, this comfortsme," she said softly. "Beth iswell andhappy,andImustn'twishherback,butIdreadthegoinghome,muchasI longtoseethemall.Wewon'ttalkaboutitnow,foritmakesmecry,andIwanttoenjoyyouwhileyoustay.Youneedn'tgorightback,needyou?"

"Notifyouwantme,dear."

"Ido,somuch.AuntandFloareverykind,butyouseemlikeoneofthefamily,anditwouldbesocomfortabletohaveyouforalittlewhile."

AmyspokeandlookedsolikeahomesickchildwhoseheartwasfullthatLaurieforgothisbashfulnessall atonce, andgaveher justwhat shewanted—thepettingshewasusedtoandthecheerfulconversationsheneeded.

"Poorlittlesoul,youlookasifyou'dgrievedyourselfhalfsick!I'mgoingtotakecareofyou,sodon'tcryanymore,butcomeandwalkaboutwithme,thewindistoochillyforyoutositstill,"hesaid,inthehalf-caressing,half-commandingwaythatAmyliked,ashetiedonherhat,drewherarmthroughhis,andbegantopaceupanddown the sunnywalkunder thenew-leavedchestnuts.He feltmoreat easeupon his legs, and Amy found it pleasant to have a strong arm to lean upon, afamiliarfacetosmileather,andakindvoicetotalkdelightfullyforheralone.

Thequaintoldgardenhadshelteredmanypairsoflovers,andseemedexpresslymadeforthem,sosunnyandsecludedwasit,withnothingbutthetowertooverlookthem, and the wide lake to carry away the echo of their words, as it rippled bybelow.Foranhourthisnewpairwalkedandtalked,orrestedonthewall,enjoyingthe sweet influences which gave such a charm to time and place, and when anunromantic dinner bell warned them away, Amy felt as if she left her burden oflonelinessandsorrowbehindherinthechateaugarden.

ThemomentMrs.Carrol saw thegirl'saltered face, shewas illuminatedwithanew idea, and exclaimed to herself, "Now I understand it all—the child has beenpiningforyoungLaurence.Blessmyheart,Ineverthoughtofsuchathing!"

Withpraiseworthydiscretion,thegoodladysaidnothing,andbetrayednosignofenlightenment, but cordially urged Laurie to stay and begged Amy to enjoy hissociety,foritwoulddohermoregoodthansomuchsolitude.Amywasamodelofdocility,andasherauntwasagooddealoccupiedwithFlo,shewaslefttoentertainherfriend,anddiditwithmorethanherusualsuccess.

AtNice,Lauriehad loungedandAmyhadscolded.AtVevay,Lauriewasneveridle,butalwayswalking,riding,boating,orstudyinginthemostenergeticmanner,whileAmyadmiredeverythinghedidandfollowedhisexampleasfarandasfastasshecould.Hesaidthechangewasowingtotheclimate,andshedidnotcontradicthim,beinggladofalikeexcuseforherownrecoveredhealthandspirits.

Theinvigoratingairdidthembothgood,andmuchexerciseworkedwholesome

changes inmindsaswell asbodies.Theyseemed toget clearerviewsof lifeanddutyup thereamong theeverlastinghills.The freshwindsblewawaydespondingdoubts,delusivefancies,andmoodymists.Thewarmspringsunshinebroughtoutall sorts of aspiring ideas, tender hopes, and happy thoughts.The lake seemed towashaway the troublesof thepast,and thegrandoldmountains to lookbenignlydownuponthemsaying,"Littlechildren,loveoneanother."

Inspiteofthenewsorrow,itwasaveryhappytime,sohappythatLauriecouldnot bear to disturb it by a word. It took him a little while to recover from hissurpriseatthecureofhisfirst,andashehadfirmlybelieved,hislastandonlylove.Heconsoledhimself for theseemingdisloyaltyby the thought thatJo's sisterwasalmostthesameasJo'sself,andtheconvictionthatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletoloveanyotherwomanbutAmysosoonandsowell.Hisfirstwooinghadbeenofthetempestuousorder,andhelookedbackuponitasifthroughalongvistaofyearswithafeelingofcompassionblendedwithregret.Hewasnotashamedofit,butputit away as one of the bitter-sweet experiences of his life, for which he could begratefulwhenthepainwasover.Hissecondwooing,heresolved,shouldbeascalmandsimpleaspossible.Therewasnoneedofhavinga scene,hardlyanyneedoftellingAmy that he loved her, she knew it withoutwords and had given him hisanswerlongago.Itallcameaboutsonaturallythatnoonecouldcomplain,andheknewthateverybodywouldbepleased,evenJo.Butwhenourfirstlittlepassionhasbeencrushed,weareapttobewaryandslowinmakingasecondtrial,soLaurieletthedayspass,enjoyingeveryhour,andleavingtochancetheutteranceofthewordthatwouldputanendtothefirstandsweetestpartofhisnewromance.

Hehadratherimaginedthatthedenoumentwouldtakeplaceinthechateaugardenby moonlight, and in the most graceful and decorous manner, but it turned outexactlythereverse,forthematterwassettledonthelakeatnoondayinafewbluntwords.Theyhadbeenfloatingaboutall themorning,fromgloomySt.GingolftosunnyMontreux,withtheAlpsofSavoyononeside,MontSt.BernardandtheDentduMidiontheother,prettyVevayinthevalley,andLausanneuponthehillbeyond,acloudlessblueskyoverhead,andthebluerlakebelow,dottedwiththepicturesqueboatsthatlooklikewhite-wingedgulls.

They had been talking of Bonnivard, as they glided past Chillon, and ofRousseau, as they looked up atClarens,where hewrote hisHeloise.Neither hadreadit,buttheyknewitwasalovestory,andeachprivatelywonderedifitwashalfasinterestingastheirown.Amyhadbeendabblingherhandinthewaterduringthelittlepausethatfellbetweenthem,andwhenshelookedup,Lauriewasleaningonhisoarswithanexpressioninhiseyesthatmadehersayhastily,merelyforthesakeofsayingsomething...

"Youmustbetired.Restalittle,andletmerow.Itwilldomegood,forsinceyoucameIhavebeenaltogetherlazyandluxurious."

"I'mnottired,butyoumaytakeanoar,ifyoulike.There'sroomenough,thoughIhavetositnearlyinthemiddle,elsetheboatwon'ttrim,"returnedLaurie,asifheratherlikedthearrangement.

Feeling thatshehadnotmendedmattersmuch,Amytook theoffered thirdofaseat,shookherhairoverherface,andacceptedanoar.Sherowedaswellasshedidmany other things, and though she used both hands, andLaurie but one, the oarskepttime,andtheboatwentsmoothlythroughthewater.

"Howwellwe pull together, don'twe?" saidAmy,who objected to silence justthen.

"SowellthatIwishwemightalwayspullinthesameboat.Willyou,Amy?"verytenderly.

"Yes,Laurie,"verylow.

Thentheybothstoppedrowing,andunconsciouslyaddedaprettylittletableauofhumanloveandhappinesstothedissolvingviewsreflectedinthelake.

CHAPTERFORTY-TWO

ALLALONE

Itwaseasytopromiseself-abnegationwhenselfwaswrappedupinanother,andheart and soulwerepurifiedby a sweet example.Butwhen thehelpful voicewassilent, thedaily lessonover, thebelovedpresencegone,andnothingremainedbutlonelinessandgrief, thenJofoundherpromiseveryhardtokeep.Howcouldshe'comfortFatherandMother'whenherownheartachedwithaceaselesslongingforhersister,howcouldshe'makethehousecheerful'whenallitslightandwarmthandbeauty seemed to have deserted it when Beth left the old home for the new, andwhere inall theworldcouldshe 'findsomeuseful,happywork todo', thatwouldtaketheplaceofthelovingservicewhichhadbeenitsownreward?Shetriedinablind,hopelesswaytodoherduty,secretlyrebellingagainstitallthewhile,forit

seemedunjustthatherfewjoysshouldbelessened,herburdensmadeheavier,andlife get harder and harder as she toiled along. Some people seemed to get allsunshine,andsomeallshadow.Itwasnot fair, forshe triedmore thanAmytobegood,butnevergotanyreward,onlydisappointment,troubleandhardwork.

PoorJo,theseweredarkdaystoher,forsomethinglikedespaircameoverherwhenshethoughtofspendingallherlifeinthatquiethouse,devotedtohumdrumcares,afewsmallpleasures,andthedutythatneverseemedtogrowanyeasier."Ican'tdoit.Iwasn'tmeantforalifelikethis,andIknowIshallbreakawayanddosomethingdesperate if somebodydoesn't comeandhelpme," she said toherself,when her first efforts failed and she fell into themoody,miserable state ofmindwhichoftencomeswhenstrongwillshavetoyieldtotheinevitable.

Butsomeonedidcomeandhelpher,thoughJodidnotrecognizehergoodangelsatoncebecause theyworefamiliarshapesandusedthesimplespellsbest fittedtopoorhumanity.Oftenshestartedupatnight,thinkingBethcalledher,andwhenthesight of the little empty bed made her cry with the bitter cry of unsubmissivesorrow, "Oh,Beth, comeback!Comeback!" she did not stretch out her yearningarmsinvain.For,asquicktohearhersobbingasshehadbeentohearhersister'sfaintest whisper, her mother came to comfort her, not with words only, but thepatient tenderness that soothes by a touch, tears that were mute reminders of agreatergrief thanJo's,andbrokenwhispers,moreeloquent thanprayers,becausehopefulresignationwenthand-in-handwithnaturalsorrow.Sacredmoments,whenhearttalkedtoheartinthesilenceofthenight,turningafflictiontoablessing,whichchastened grief and strengthened love. Feeling this, Jo's burden seemed easier tobear,dutygrewsweeter,andlifelookedmoreendurable,seenfromthesafeshelterofhermother'sarms.

Whenachingheartwasalittlecomforted,troubledmindlikewisefoundhelp,forone day she went to the study, and leaning over the good gray head lifted towelcomeherwithatranquilsmile,shesaidveryhumbly,"Father,talktomeasyoudidtoBeth.Ineeditmorethanshedid,forI'mallwrong."

"My dear, nothing can comfortme like this," he answered,with a falter in hisvoice,andbotharmsroundher,asifhetoo,neededhelp,anddidnotfeartoaskforit.

Then, sitting in Beth's little chair close beside him, Jo told her troubles, theresentfulsorrowforherloss,thefruitlesseffortsthatdiscouragedher,thewantoffaiththatmadelifelooksodark,andallthesadbewildermentwhichwecalldespair.Shegavehimentire confidence,hegaveher thehelp sheneeded, andboth found

consolationintheact.Forthetimehadcomewhentheycouldtalktogethernotonlyas father anddaughter, but asman andwoman, able andglad to serve eachotherwithmutualsympathyaswellasmutual love.Happy, thoughtful times there in theold studywhich Jo called 'the churchof onemember', and fromwhich she camewith freshcourage, recoveredcheerfulness,andamoresubmissivespirit.For theparentswho had taught one child tomeet deathwithout fear,were trying now toteachanothertoacceptlifewithoutdespondencyordistrust,andtouseitsbeautifulopportunitieswithgratitudeandpower.

Other helps had Jo—humble,wholesome duties and delights thatwould not bedenied their part in serving her, and which she slowly learned to see and value.Broomsanddishclothsnevercouldbeasdistastefulastheyoncehadbeen,forBethhadpresidedoverboth,andsomethingofherhousewifelyspirit seemed to lingeraround the littlemopand theoldbrush,never thrownaway.Assheused them,JofoundherselfhummingthesongsBethusedtohum,imitatingBeth'sorderlyways,and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy,whichwasthefirststep towardmakinghomehappy, thoughshedidn'tknowit tillHannahsaidwithanapprovingsqueezeofthehand...

"Youthoughtfulcreeter,you'redeterminedweshan'tmissthatdearlambefyoucanhelpit.Wedon'tsaymuch,butweseeit,andtheLordwillblessyoufor't,seeefHedon't."

As theysat sewing together, Jodiscoveredhowmuch improvedher sisterMegwas,howwellshecouldtalk,howmuchsheknewaboutgood,womanlyimpulses,thoughts,andfeelings,howhappyshewasinhusbandandchildren,andhowmuchtheywerealldoingforeachother.

"Marriageisanexcellentthing,afterall.IwonderifIshouldblossomouthalfaswellasyouhave,ifItriedit?,always'perwisin'Icould,"saidJo,assheconstructedakiteforDemiinthetopsy-turvynursery.

"It'sjustwhatyouneedtobringoutthetenderwomanlyhalfofyournature,Jo.You are like a chestnut burr, prickly outside, but silky-soft within, and a sweetkernal,ifonecanonlygetatit.Lovewillmakeyoushowyourheartoneday,andthentheroughburrwillfalloff."

"Frostopenschestnutburrs,ma'am,andittakesagoodshaketobringthemdown.Boysgonutting,andIdon'tcaretobebaggedbythem,"returnedJo,pastingawayatthekitewhichnowindthatblowswouldevercarryup,forDaisyhadtiedherselfonasabob.

Meglaughed,forshewasgladtoseeaglimmerofJo'soldspirit,butshefeltitherduty to enforceher opinionby every argument inherpower, and the sisterlychatswerenotwasted,especiallyastwoofMeg'smosteffectiveargumentswerethebabies,whomJo loved tenderly.Grief is thebestopenerof somehearts, andJo'swas nearly ready for the bag.A littlemore sunshine to ripen the nut, then, not aboy'simpatientshake,butaman'shandreacheduptopickitgentlyfromtheburr,andfind thekernalsoundandsweet. If shesuspected this, shewouldhaveshutuptight,andbeenmorepricklythanever,fortunatelyshewasn'tthinkingaboutherself,sowhenthetimecame,downshedropped.

Now,ifshehadbeentheheroineofamoralstorybook,sheoughtatthisperiodofher life tohavebecomequite saintly, renounced theworld,andgoneaboutdoinggood in a mortified bonnet, with tracts in her pocket. But, you see, Jo wasn't aheroine,shewasonlyastrugglinghumangirllikehundredsofothers,andshejustactedouthernature,beingsad,cross,listless,orenergetic,asthemoodsuggested.It'shighlyvirtuoustosaywe'llbegood,butwecan'tdoitallatonce,andittakesalongpull,astrongpull,andapullalltogetherbeforesomeofusevengetourfeetsetintherightway.Johadgotsofar,shewaslearningtodoherduty,andtofeelunhappy ifshedidnot,but todo itcheerfully,ah, thatwasanother thing!Shehadoftensaidshewantedtodosomethingsplendid,nomatterhowhard,andnowshehadherwish,forwhatcouldbemorebeautifulthantodevoteherlifetoFatherandMother,tryingtomakehomeashappytothemastheyhadtoher?Andifdifficultieswere necessary to increase the splendor of the effort,what could be harder for arestless, ambitious girl than to give up her own hopes, plans, and desires, andcheerfullyliveforothers?

Providence had taken her at her word. Here was the task, not what she hadexpected,butbetterbecauseselfhadnopartinit.Now,couldshedoit?Shedecidedthatshewouldtry,andinherfirstattemptshefoundthehelpsIhavesuggested.Stillanother was given her, and she took it, not as a reward, but as a comfort, asChristian took the refreshment afforded by the little arborwhere he rested, as heclimbedthehillcalledDifficulty.

"Why don't youwrite? That always used tomake you happy," said hermotheronce,whenthedespondingfitover-shadowedJo.

"I'venohearttowrite,andifIhad,nobodycaresformythings."

"Wedo.Writesomethingforus,andnevermindtherestoftheworld.Tryit,dear.I'msureitwoulddoyougood,andpleaseusverymuch."

"Don't believe I can."But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her half-finishedmanuscripts.

Anhourafterwardhermotherpeepedinandthereshewas,scratchingaway,withher black pinafore on, and an absorbed expression, which causedMrs.March tosmileandslipaway,wellpleasedwiththesuccessofhersuggestion.Joneverknewhowithappened,butsomethinggotintothatstorythatwentstraighttotheheartsofthosewhoreadit,forwhenherfamilyhadlaughedandcriedoverit,herfathersentit,muchagainstherwill,tooneofthepopularmagazines,andtoheruttersurprise,itwasnotonlypaidfor,butothersrequested.Lettersfromseveralpersons,whosepraisewashonor,followedtheappearanceofthelittlestory,newspaperscopiedit,andstrangersaswellasfriendsadmiredit.Forasmallthingitwasagreatsuccess,andJowasmoreastonishedthanwhenhernovelwascommendedandcondemnedallatonce.

"Idon'tunderstandit.Whatcantherebeinasimplelittlestorylikethattomakepeoplepraiseitso?"shesaid,quitebewildered.

"Thereistruthinit,Jo,that'sthesecret.Humorandpathosmakeitalive,andyouhavefoundyourstyleatlast.Youwrotewithnothoughtsoffameandmoney,andputyourheartintoit,mydaughter.Youhavehadthebitter,nowcomesthesweet.Doyourbest,andgrowashappyasweareinyoursuccess."

"IfthereisanythinggoodortrueinwhatIwrite,itisn'tmine.IoweitalltoyouandMother and Beth," said Jo, more touched by her father's words than by anyamountofpraisefromtheworld.

Sotaughtbyloveandsorrow,Jowroteher littlestories,andsent themawaytomake friends for themselves and her, finding it a very charitable world to suchhumble wanderers, for they were kindly welcomed, and sent home comfortabletokenstotheirmother,likedutifulchildrenwhomgoodfortuneovertakes.

When Amy and Laurie wrote of their engagement, Mrs. March feared that Jowould find it difficult to rejoice over it, but her fears were soon set at rest, forthoughJolookedgraveatfirst,shetookitveryquietly,andwasfullofhopesandplansfor'thechildren'beforeshereadthelettertwice.Itwasasortofwrittenduet,wherein each glorified the other in loverlike fashion, very pleasant to read andsatisfactorytothinkof,fornoonehadanyobjectiontomake.

"You like it,Mother?" said Jo, as they laid down the closelywritten sheets andlookedatoneanother.

"Yes,Ihopeditwouldbeso,eversinceAmywrote thatshehadrefusedFred.Ifelt sure then that something better than what you call the 'mercenary spirit' hadcomeoverher,andahinthereandthereinherlettersmademesuspectthatloveandLauriewouldwintheday."

"Howsharpyouare,Marmee,andhowsilent!Youneversaidawordtome."

"Mothershaveneedof sharpeyesanddiscreet tongueswhen theyhavegirls tomanage.Iwashalfafraidtoputtheideaintoyourhead, lestyoushouldwriteandcongratulatethembeforethethingwassettled."

"I'mnotthescatterbrainIwas.Youmaytrustme.I'msoberandsensibleenoughforanyone'sconfidantenow."

"Soyouare,mydear,andIshouldhavemadeyoumine,onlyIfancieditmightpainyoutolearnthatyourTeddylovedsomeoneelse."

"Now,Mother,didyoureallythinkIcouldbesosillyandselfish,afterI'drefusedhislove,whenitwasfreshest,ifnotbest?"

"Iknewyouweresincerethen,Jo,butlatelyIhavethoughtthatifhecameback,andaskedagain,youmightperhaps, feel likegivinganotheranswer.Forgiveme,dear,Ican'thelpseeingthatyouareverylonely,andsometimesthereisahungrylook inyour eyes thatgoes tomyheart.So I fancied thatyourboymight fill theemptyplaceifhetriednow."

"No,Mother, it isbetteras it is,andI'mgladAmyhas learnedto lovehim.Butyouarerightinonething.Iamlonely,andperhapsifTeddyhadtriedagain,Imighthave said 'Yes', not because I love him anymore, but because I caremore to belovedthanwhenhewentaway."

"I'mgladofthat,Jo,foritshowsthatyouaregettingon.Thereareplentytoloveyou,sotrytobesatisfiedwithFatherandMother,sistersandbrothers,friendsandbabies,tillthebestloverofallcomestogiveyouyourreward."

"Mothersarethebestloversintheworld,butIdon'tmindwhisperingtoMarmeethatI'dliketotryallkinds.It'sverycurious,butthemoreItrytosatisfymyselfwithallsortsofnaturalaffections,themoreIseemtowant.I'dnoideaheartscouldtakein so many. Mine is so elastic, it never seems full now, and I used to be quitecontentedwithmyfamily.Idon'tunderstandit."

"Ido,"andMrs.Marchsmiledherwisesmile,asJoturnedbacktheleavestoread

whatAmysaidofLaurie.

"ItissobeautifultobelovedasLaurielovesme.Heisn'tsentimental,doesn'tsaymuchaboutit,butIseeandfeelitinallhesaysanddoes,anditmakesmesohappyandsohumblethatIdon'tseemtobethesamegirlIwas.Ineverknewhowgoodandgenerousandtenderhewastillnow,forheletsmereadhisheart,andIfinditfullofnobleimpulsesandhopesandpurposes,andamsoproudtoknowit'smine.Hesayshefeelsasifhe'couldmakeaprosperousvoyagenowwithmeaboardasmate,andlotsofloveforballast'.Iprayhemay,andtrytobeallhebelievesme,forIlovemygallantcaptainwithallmyheartandsoulandmight,andneverwilldeserthim,whileGodletsusbetogether.Oh,Mother,Ineverknewhowmuchlikeheaventhisworldcouldbe,whentwopeopleloveandliveforoneanother!"

"Andthat'sourcool,reserved,andworldlyAmy!Truly,lovedoesworkmiracles.Howvery,veryhappytheymustbe!"andJolaidtherustlingsheetstogetherwithacareful hand, as onemight shut the covers of a lovely romance,which holds thereader fast till the end comes, and he finds himself alone in theworkadayworldagain.

By-and-byJoroamedawayupstairs,foritwasrainy,andshecouldnotwalk.Arestless spirit possessed her, and the old feeling came again, not bitter as it oncewas,butasorrowfullypatientwonderwhyonesistershouldhaveallsheasked,theothernothing.Itwasnottrue,sheknewthatandtriedtoputitaway,butthenaturalcravingforaffectionwasstrong,andAmy'shappinesswokethehungrylongingforsomeoneto'lovewithheartandsoul,andclingtowhileGodletthembetogether'.Up in the garret, where Jo's unquiet wanderings ended stood four little woodenchestsinarow,eachmarkedwithitsownersname,andeachfilledwithrelicsofthechildhoodandgirlhoodendednowforall.Joglancedintothem,andwhenshecametoherown,leanedherchinontheedge,andstaredabsentlyatthechaoticcollection,tillabundleofoldexercisebookscaughthereye.Shedrewthemout,turnedthemover,andrelived thatpleasantwinteratkindMrs.Kirke's.Shehadsmiledat first,thenshelookedthoughtful,nextsad,andwhenshecametoalittlemessagewrittenintheProfessor'shand,herlipsbegantotremble,thebooksslidoutofherlap,andshe sat lookingat the friendlywords, as they tookanewmeaning, and touchedatenderspotinherheart.

"Waitforme,myfriend.Imaybealittlelate,butIshallsurelycome."

"Oh,ifheonlywould!Sokind,sogood,sopatientwithmealways,mydearoldFritz.Ididn'tvaluehimhalfenoughwhenIhadhim,butnowhowIshouldlovetoseehim,foreveryoneseemsgoingawayfromme,andI'mallalone."

Andholdingthelittlepaperfast,asifitwereapromiseyettobefulfilled,Jolaidherheaddownonacomfortableragbag,andcried,asifinoppositiontotherainpatteringontheroof.

Was it all self-pity, loneliness, or low spirits? Or was it the waking up of asentimentwhichhadbideditstimeaspatientlyasitsinspirer?Whoshallsay?

CHAPTERFORTY-THREE

SURPRISES

Jo was alone in the twilight, lying on the old sofa, looking at the fire, andthinking.Itwasherfavoritewayofspendingthehourofdusk.Noonedisturbedher,and she used to lie there on Beth's little red pillow, planning stories, dreamingdreams,or thinking tender thoughtsof thesisterwhoneverseemedfaraway.Herface looked tired, grave, and rather sad, for tomorrowwas her birthday, and shewasthinkinghowfasttheyearswentby,howoldshewasgetting,andhowlittlesheseemed to have accomplished.Almost twenty-five, and nothing to show for it. Jowasmistaken in that.Therewasagooddeal toshow,andby-and-byshesaw,andwasgratefulforit.

"Anoldmaid,that'swhatI'mtobe.Aliteraryspinster,withapenforaspouse,afamilyof stories forchildren,and twentyyearshenceamorselof fame,perhaps,when, like poor Johnson, I'm old and can't enjoy it, solitary, and can't share it,independent, anddon't need it.Well, I needn't be a sour saint nor a selfish sinner,and,Idaresay,oldmaidsareverycomfortablewhentheygetusedtoit,but..."andthereJosighed,asiftheprospectwasnotinviting.

Itseldomis,atfirst,andthirtyseemstheendofallthingstofive-and-twenty.Butit'snotasbadasitlooks,andonecangetonquitehappilyifonehassomethinginone's self to fall back upon. At twenty-five, girls begin to talk about being oldmaids,butsecretlyresolvethattheyneverwillbe.Atthirtytheysaynothingaboutit,butquietlyacceptthefact,andifsensible,consolethemselvesbyrememberingthattheyhavetwentymoreuseful,happyyears,inwhichtheymaybelearningtogrowoldgracefully.Don'tlaughatthespinsters,deargirls,foroftenverytender,tragicromancesarehiddenawayintheheartsthatbeatsoquietlyunderthesobergowns,andmany silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the fadedfacesbeautifulinGod'ssight.Eventhesad,soursistersshouldbekindlydealtwith,

because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason. Andlooking at them with compassion, not contempt, girls in their bloom shouldremember that they too may miss the blossom time. That rosy cheeks don't lastforever,thatsilverthreadswillcomeinthebonniebrownhair,andthat,by-and-by,kindnessandrespectwillbeassweetasloveandadmirationnow.

Gentlemen, which means boys, be courteous to the old maids, no matter howpoor and plain and prim, for the only chivalryworth having is thatwhich is thereadiest to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind,regardlessof rank,age,orcolor.Just recollect thegoodauntswhohavenotonlylecturedandfussed,butnursedandpetted,toooftenwithoutthanks,thescrapestheyhave helped you out of, the tips they have given you from their small store, thestitches thepatientoldfingershaveset foryou, thesteps thewillingoldfeethavetaken,andgratefullypaythedearoldladiesthelittleattentionsthatwomenlovetoreceiveaslongastheylive.Thebright-eyedgirlsarequicktoseesuchtraits,andwilllikeyouallthebetterforthem,andifdeath,almosttheonlypowerthatcanpartmotherandson,shouldrobyouofyours,youwillbesuretofindatenderwelcomeandmaternalcherishingfromsomeAuntPriscilla,whohaskeptthewarmestcornerofherlonelyoldheartfor'thebestnevvyintheworld'.

Jomusthavefallenasleep(asIdaresaymyreaderhasduringthislittlehomily),forsuddenlyLaurie'sghostseemedtostandbeforeher,asubstantial,lifelikeghost,leaningoverherwiththeverylookheusedtowearwhenhefeltagooddealanddidn'tliketoshowit.But,likeJennyintheballad...

"Shecouldnotthinkithe,"

andlaystaringupathiminstartledsilence,tillhestoopedandkissedher.Thensheknewhim,andflewup,cryingjoyfully...

"OhmyTeddy!OhmyTeddy!"

"DearJo,youaregladtoseeme,then?"

"Glad!Myblessedboy,wordscan'texpressmygladness.Where'sAmy?"

"YourmotherhasgotherdownatMeg's.Westoppedtherebytheway,andtherewasnogettingmywifeoutoftheirclutches."

"Yourwhat?"criedJo, forLaurieuttered those twowordswithanunconsciousprideandsatisfactionwhichbetrayedhim.

"Oh,thedickens!NowI'vedoneit,"andhelookedsoguiltythatJowasdownonhimlikeaflash.

"You'vegoneandgotmarried!"

"Yes, please, but I neverwill again," and hewent down upon his knees,with apenitentclaspingofhands,andafacefullofmischief,mirth,andtriumph.

"Actuallymarried?"

"Verymuchso,thankyou."

"Mercyonus.What dreadful thingwill youdonext?" and Jo fell into her seatwithagasp.

"A characteristic, but not exactly complimentary, congratulation," returnedLaurie,stillinanabjectattitude,butbeamingwithsatisfaction.

"What can you expect, when you take one's breath away, creeping in like aburglar,and lettingcatsoutofbags like that?Getup,youridiculousboy,and tellmeallaboutit."

"Not a word, unless you let me come in my old place, and promise not tobarricade."

Jo laughedat thatasshehadnotdoneformanya longday,andpatted thesofainvitingly,asshesaidinacordialtone,"Theoldpillowisupgarret,andwedon'tneeditnow.So,comeand'fess,Teddy."

"Howgooditsoundstohearyousay'Teddy'!Nooneevercallsmethatbutyou,"andLauriesatdownwithanairofgreatcontent.

"WhatdoesAmycallyou?"

"Mylord."

"That's likeher.Well,you look it,"andJo'seyeplainlybetrayed thatshe foundherboycomelierthanever.

The pillow was gone, but there was a barricade, nevertheless, a natural one,raisedbytime,absence,andchangeofheart.Bothfeltit,andforaminutelookedatoneanotheras if that invisiblebarriercasta little shadowover them. Itwasgone

directlyhowever,forLauriesaid,withavainattemptatdignity...

"Don'tIlooklikeamarriedmanandtheheadofafamily?"

"Notabit,andyouneverwill.You'vegrownbiggerandbonnier,butyouarethesamescapegraceasever."

"Now really, Jo, you ought to treatmewithmore respect," beganLaurie,whoenjoyeditallimmensely.

"How can I, when themere idea of you,married and settled, is so irresistiblyfunnythatIcan'tkeepsober!"answeredJo,smilingalloverherface,soinfectiouslythat they had another laugh, and then settled down for a good talk, quite in thepleasantoldfashion.

"It's nouse your goingout in the cold to getAmy, for they are all cominguppresently.Icouldn'twait.Iwantedtobetheonetotellyouthegrandsurprise,andhave'firstskim'asweusedtosaywhenwesquabbledaboutthecream."

"Ofcourseyoudid,andspoiledyourstorybybeginningatthewrongend.Now,startright,andtellmehowitallhappened.I'mpiningtoknow."

"Well,IdidittopleaseAmy,"beganLaurie,withatwinklethatmadeJoexclaim...

"Fibnumberone.Amydidittopleaseyou.Goon,andtellthetruth,ifyoucan,sir."

"Nowshe'sbeginningtomarmit.Isn'titjollytohearher?"saidLaurietothefire,andthefireglowedandsparkledasifitquiteagreed."It'sallthesame,youknow,sheandIbeingone.WeplannedtocomehomewiththeCarrols,amonthormoreago,but theysuddenlychanged theirminds,anddecided topassanotherwinter inParis.ButGrandpawantedtocomehome.Hewenttopleaseme,andIcouldn't lethimgoalone,neithercouldIleaveAmy,andMrs.CarrolhadgotEnglishnotionsaboutchaperonsandsuchnonsense,andwouldn't letAmycomewithus.SoI justsettledthedifficultybysaying,'Let'sbemarried,andthenwecandoaswelike'."

"Ofcourseyoudid.Youalwayshavethingstosuityou."

"Notalways,"andsomethinginLaurie'svoicemadeJosayhastily...

"HowdidyouevergetAunttoagree?"

"Itwashardwork,butbetweenus,wetalkedherover,forwehadheapsofgoodreasonsonourside.Therewasn't timetowriteandask leave,butyouall liked it,hadconsentedtoitby-and-by,anditwasonly'takingtimebythefetlock',asmywifesays."

"Aren'tweproudofthosetwowords,anddon'tweliketosaythem?"interruptedJo, addressing the fire in her turn, and watching with delight the happy light itseemedtokindleintheeyesthathadbeensotragicallygloomywhenshesawthemlast.

"Atrifle,perhaps,she'ssuchacaptivatinglittlewomanIcan'thelpbeingproudofher.Well,thenUncleandAuntweretheretoplaypropriety.Weweresoabsorbedinoneanotherwewereofnomortaluseapart,andthatcharmingarrangementwouldmakeeverythingeasyallround,sowedidit."

"When,where,how?"askedJo,inafeveroffeminineinterestandcuriosity,forshecouldnotrealizeitaparticle.

"Six weeks ago, at the American consul's, in Paris, a very quiet wedding ofcourse,foreveninourhappinesswedidn'tforgetdearlittleBeth."

Joputherhand inhis ashe said that, andLauriegently smoothed the little redpillow,whichherememberedwell.

"Whydidn'tyou letusknowafterward?"askedJo, inaquieter tone,when theyhadsatquitestillaminute.

"Wewantedtosurpriseyou.Wethoughtwewerecomingdirectlyhome,atfirst,butthedearoldgentleman,assoonasweweremarried,foundhecouldn'tbereadyunderamonth,atleast,andsentusofftospendourhoneymoonwhereverweliked.Amyhadonce calledValrosa a regular honeymoonhome, sowewent there, andwereashappyaspeoplearebutonceintheirlives.Myfaith!Wasn'titloveamongtheroses!"

LaurieseemedtoforgetJoforaminute,andJowasgladofit,forthefactthathetoldherthesethingssofreelyandsonaturallyassuredherthathehadquiteforgivenandforgotten.Shetriedtodrawawayherhand,butasifheguessedthethoughtthatprompted thehalf-involuntary impulse,Laurieheld it fast, and said,with amanlygravityshehadneverseeninhimbefore...

"Jo,dear,Iwanttosayonething,andthenwe'llputitbyforever.AsItoldyouinmyletterwhenIwrotethatAmyhadbeensokindtome,Inevershallstoploving

you,buttheloveisaltered,andIhavelearnedtoseethatitisbetterasitis.Amyandyouchangedplacesinmyheart,that'sall.Ithinkitwasmeanttobeso,andwouldhave come about naturally, if I hadwaited, as you tried tomakeme, but I nevercouldbepatient,andsoIgotaheartache.Iwasaboythen,headstrongandviolent,andit tookahardlessontoshowmemymistake.For itwasone,Jo,asyousaid,andIfounditout,aftermakingafoolofmyself.Uponmyword,Iwassotumbledupinmymind,atonetime,thatIdidn'tknowwhichIlovedbest,youorAmy,andtried to love you both alike. But I couldn't, and when I saw her in Switzerland,everythingseemedtoclearupallatonce.Youbothgotintoyourrightplaces,andIfeltsurethat itwaswelloffwiththeoldlovebeforeitwasonwiththenew,thatIcould honestly share my heart between sister Jo and wife Amy, and love themdearly.Willyoubelieveit,andgobacktothehappyoldtimeswhenwefirstknewoneanother?"

"I'llbelieveit,withallmyheart,but,Teddy,wenevercanbeboyandgirlagain.The happy old times can't come back, andwemustn't expect it.We areman andwoman now, with sober work to do, for playtime is over, and we must give upfrolicking.I'msureyoufeelthis.Iseethechangeinyou,andyou'llfinditinme.Ishallmissmyboy,butIshalllovethemanasmuch,andadmirehimmore,becausehemeanstobewhatIhopedhewould.Wecan'tbelittleplaymatesanylonger,butwewillbebrotherandsister,toloveandhelponeanotherallourlives,won'twe,Laurie?"

Hedidnotsayaword,buttookthehandsheofferedhim,andlaidhisfacedownonitforaminute,feelingthatoutofthegraveofaboyishpassion,therehadrisenabeautiful,strongfriendshiptoblessthemboth.PresentlyJosaidcheerfully,forshedidn'twantthecominghometobeasadone,"Ican'tmakeittruethatyouchildrenarereallymarriedandgoingtosetuphousekeeping.Why,itseemsonlyyesterdaythatIwasbuttoningAmy'spinafore,andpullingyourhairwhenyouteased.Mercyme,howtimedoesfly!"

"Asoneofthechildrenisolderthanyourself,youneedn'ttalksolikeagrandma.IflattermyselfI'ma 'gentlemangrowed'asPeggottysaidofDavid,andwhenyouseeAmy,you'llfindherratheraprecociousinfant,"saidLaurie,lookingamusedathermaternalair.

"Youmaybealittleolderinyears,butI'meversomucholderinfeeling,Teddy.Womenalwaysare,andthislastyearhasbeensuchahardonethatIfeelforty."

"PoorJo!Weleftyoutobearitalone,whilewewentpleasuring.Youareolder.Here'saline,andthere'sanother.Unlessyousmile,youreyeslooksad,andwhenI

touchedthecushion,justnow,Ifoundatearonit.You'vehadagreatdealtobear,andhad tobear it all alone.Whata selfishbeast I'vebeen!"andLauriepulledhisownhair,witharemorsefullook.

ButJoonlyturnedoverthetraitorouspillow,andanswered,inatonewhichshetriedtomakemorecheerful,"No,IhadFatherandMothertohelpme,andthedearbabies to comfortme, and the thought that you andAmywere safe andhappy, tomake the troubles here easier to bear. I am lonely, sometimes, but I dare say it'sgoodforme,and..."

"Younever shallbe again,"broke inLaurie,puttinghis armabouther, as if tofenceouteveryhumanill."AmyandIcan'tgetonwithoutyou,soyoumustcomeandteach'thechildren'tokeephouse,andgohalvesineverything,justasweusedtodo,andletuspetyou,andallbeblissfullyhappyandfriendlytogether."

"IfIshouldn'tbeintheway,itwouldbeverypleasant.Ibegintofeelquiteyoungalready, for somehow all my troubles seemed to fly away when you came. Youalwayswereacomfort,Teddy,"andJoleanedherheadonhisshoulder,justasshedidyearsago,whenBethlayillandLaurietoldhertoholdontohim.

He looked down at her, wondering if she remembered the time, but Jo wassmilingtoherself,asifintruthhertroubleshadallvanishedathiscoming.

"You are the same Jo still, dropping tears about oneminute, and laughing thenext.Youlookalittlewickednow.Whatisit,Grandma?"

"IwaswonderinghowyouandAmygetontogether."

"Likeangels!"

"Yes,ofcourse,butwhichrules?"

"Idon'tmind tellingyou thatshedoesnow,at least I lether thinkso, itpleasesher,youknow.By-and-byweshall take turns,formarriage, theysay,halvesone'srightsanddoublesone'sduties."

"You'llgoonasyoubegin,andAmywillruleyouallthedaysofyourlife."

"Well,shedoesitsoimperceptiblythatIdon'tthinkIshallmindmuch.Sheisthesortofwomanwhoknowshowtorulewell. Infact, I rather like it, forshewindsoneroundherfingerassoftlyandprettilyasaskeinofsilk,andmakesyoufeelasifshewasdoingyouafavorallthewhile."

"ThateverIshouldlivetoseeyouahenpeckedhusbandandenjoyingit!"criedJo,withupliftedhands.

ItwasgoodtoseeLauriesquarehisshoulders,andsmilewithmasculinescornatthatinsinuation,ashereplied,withhis"highandmighty"air,"Amyistoowell-bredforthat,andIamnotthesortofmantosubmittoit.MywifeandIrespectourselvesandoneanothertoomuchevertotyrannizeorquarrel."

Jo liked that, and thought the new dignity very becoming, but the boy seemedchangingveryfastintotheman,andregretmingledwithherpleasure.

"Iamsureof that.Amyandyouneverdidquarrelasweusedto.Sheis thesunandIthewind,inthefable,andthesunmanagedthemanbest,youremember."

"Shecanblowhimupaswellasshineonhim,"laughedLaurie."SuchalectureasIgotatNice!Igiveyoumyworditwasadealworsethananyofyourscoldings,aregular rouser. I'll tell you all about it sometime, she never will, because aftertelling me that she despised and was ashamed of me, she lost her heart to thedespicablepartyandmarriedthegood-for-nothing."

"Whatbaseness!Well,ifsheabusesyou,cometome,andI'lldefendyou."

"I lookasifIneededit,don'tI?"saidLaurie,gettingupandstrikinganattitudewhich suddenly changed from the imposing to the rapturous, asAmy'svoicewasheardcalling,"Whereisshe?Where'smydearoldJo?"

Introopedthewholefamily,andeveryonewashuggedandkissedalloveragain,andafterseveralvainattempts, the threewanderersweresetdowntobe lookedatandexultedover.Mr.Laurence,haleandheartyasever,wasquiteasmuchimprovedastheothersbyhisforeigntour,for thecrustinessseemedtobenearlygone,andtheold-fashionedcourtlinesshadreceivedapolishwhichmadeitkindlierthanever.Itwas good to see himbeamat 'my children', as he called the youngpair. ItwasbetterstilltoseeAmypayhimthedaughterlydutyandaffectionwhichcompletelywonhisoldheart,andbestofall,towatchLaurierevolveaboutthetwo,asifnevertiredofenjoyingtheprettypicturetheymade.

The minute she put her eyes upon Amy,Meg became conscious that her owndress hadn't a Parisian air, that youngMrs.Moffatwould be entirely eclipsed byyoung Mrs. Laurence, and that 'her ladyship' was altogether a most elegant andgracefulwoman.Jothought,asshewatchedthepair,"Howwelltheylooktogether!Iwasright,andLauriehasfoundthebeautiful,accomplishedgirlwhowillbecomehis home better than clumsy old Jo, and be a pride, not a torment to him."Mrs.

Marchandherhusbandsmiledandnoddedateachotherwithhappyfaces,fortheysaw that their youngest had done well, not only in worldly things, but the betterwealthoflove,confidence,andhappiness.

ForAmy's facewas fullof the softbrightnesswhichbetokensapeacefulheart,hervoicehadanewtendernessinit,andthecool,primcarriagewaschangedtoagentledignity,bothwomanlyandwinning.Nolittleaffectationsmarredit,andthecordialsweetnessofhermannerwasmorecharmingthanthenewbeautyortheoldgrace,foritstampedheratoncewiththeunmistakablesignofthetruegentlewomanshehadhopedtobecome.

"Lovehasdonemuchforourlittlegirl,"saidhermothersoftly.

"She has had a good example before her all her life, my dear," Mr. Marchwhisperedback,withalovinglookatthewornfaceandgrayheadbesidehim.

Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyes off her 'pitty aunty', but attachedherself likea lapdog to thewonderful chatelaine fullofdelightful charms.Demipausedtoconsiderthenewrelationshipbeforehecompromisedhimselfbytherashacceptanceofabribe,which took the temptingformofa familyofwoodenbearsfromBerne.Aflankmovementproducedanunconditionalsurrender,however,forLaurieknewwheretohavehim.

"Youngman,whenIfirsthadthehonorofmakingyouracquaintanceyouhitmein the face.Now I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman," andwith that the talluncle proceeded to toss and tousle the small nephew in a way that damaged hisphilosophicaldignityasmuchasitdelightedhisboyishsoul.

"Blestifsheain'tinsilkfromheadtofoot;ain'titarelishin'sighttoseehersettin'thereasfineasafiddle,andhearfolkscallinglittleAmy'Mis.Laurence!'"mutteredoldHannah,whocouldnot resist frequent"peeks" through theslideassheset thetableinamostdecidedlypromiscuousmanner.

Mercyonus,howtheydidtalk!firstone,thentheother,thenallburstouttogether—tryingtotellthehistoryofthreeyearsinhalfanhour.Itwasfortunatethatteawasat hand, to produce a lull and provide refreshment—for they would have beenhoarseandfaintiftheyhadgoneonmuchlonger.Suchahappyprocessionasfiledawayinto the littlediningroom!Mr.MarchproudlyescortedMrs.Laurence.Mrs.Marchasproudlyleanedonthearmof'myson'.TheoldgentlemantookJo,withawhispered,"Youmustbemygirlnow,"andaglanceattheemptycornerbythefire,thatmadeJowhisperback,"I'lltrytofillherplace,sir."

Thetwinsprancedbehind,feelingthatthemillenniumwasathand,foreveryonewassobusywiththenewcomersthattheywerelefttorevelattheirownsweetwill,andyoumaybesuretheymadethemostoftheopportunity.Didn'ttheystealsipsoftea, stuff gingerbread ad libitum, get a hot biscuit apiece, and as a crowningtrespass,didn'ttheyeachwhiskacaptivatinglittletartintotheirtinypockets,theretostickandcrumbletreacherously,teachingthemthatbothhumannatureandapastryare frail? Burdened with the guilty consciousness of the sequestered tarts, andfearingthatDodo'ssharpeyeswouldpiercethethindisguiseofcambricandmerinowhichhidtheirbooty,thelittlesinnersattachedthemselvesto 'Dranpa',whohadn'this spectacles on.Amy,whowas handed about like refreshments, returned to theparlor on Father Laurence's arm. The others paired off as before, and thisarrangement left Jo companionless. She did not mind it at the minute, for shelingeredtoanswerHannah'seagerinquiry.

"WillMissAmyride inhercoop(coupe),anduseall themlovelysilverdishesthat'sstoredawayoveryander?"

"Shouldn't wonder if she drove six white horses, ate off gold plate, and worediamonds and point lace every day. Teddy thinks nothing too good for her,"returnedJowithinfinitesatisfaction.

"Nomorethereis!Willyouhavehashorfishballsforbreakfast?"askedHannah,whowiselymingledpoetryandprose.

"Idon't care," and Jo shut thedoor, feeling that foodwasanuncongenial topicjust then.She stoodaminute lookingat thepartyvanishingabove, andasDemi'sshortplaidlegstoiledupthelaststair,asuddensenseoflonelinesscameoverhersostronglythatshelookedaboutherwithdimeyes,asiftofindsomethingtoleanupon, for even Teddy had deserted her. If she had knownwhat birthday gift wascoming everyminute nearer and nearer, shewould not have said to herself, "I'llweepalittleweepwhenIgotobed.Itwon'tdotobedismalnow."Thenshedrewherhandoverhereyes,foroneofherboyishhabitswasnevertoknowwhereherhandkerchiefwas,andhadjustmanagedtocallupasmilewhentherecameaknockattheporchdoor.

She opened with hospitable haste, and started as if another ghost had come tosurprise her, for there stood a tall bearded gentleman, beaming on her from thedarknesslikeamidnightsun.

"Oh,Mr.Bhaer,Iamsogladtoseeyou!"criedJo,withaclutch,asifshefearedthenightwouldswallowhimupbeforeshecouldgethimin.

"AndItoseeMissMarsch,butno,youhafaparty,"andtheProfessorpausedasthesoundofvoicesandthetapofdancingfeetcamedowntothem.

"No,wehaven't,onlythefamily.Mysisterandfriendshavejustcomehome,andweareallveryhappy.Comein,andmakeoneofus."

Thoughaverysocialman,IthinkMr.Bhaerwouldhavegonedecorouslyaway,andcomeagainanotherday,buthowcouldhe,whenJoshutthedoorbehindhim,and bereft him of his hat? Perhaps her face had something to dowith it, for sheforgot to hide her joy at seeing him, and showed itwith a frankness that provedirresistibletothesolitaryman,whosewelcomefarexceededhisboldesthopes.

"IfIshallnotbeMonsieurdeTrop,Iwillsogladlyseethemall.Youhafbeenill,myfriend?"

Heputthequestionabruptly,for,asJohunguphiscoat,thelightfellonherface,andhesawachangeinit.

"Notill,buttiredandsorrowful.WehavehadtroublesinceIsawyoulast."

"Ah, yes, I know.Myheartwas sore for youwhen I heard that," and he shookhandsagain,withsuchasympatheticfacethatJofeltasifnocomfortcouldequalthelookofthekindeyes,thegraspofthebig,warmhand.

"Father,Mother,thisismyfriend,ProfessorBhaer,"shesaid,withafaceandtoneofsuchirrepressibleprideandpleasurethatshemightaswellhaveblownatrumpetandopenedthedoorwithaflourish.

Ifthestrangerhadanydoubtsabouthisreception,theyweresetatrestinaminutebythecordialwelcomehereceived.Everyonegreetedhimkindly,forJo'ssakeatfirst,butverysoontheylikedhimforhisown.Theycouldnothelpit,forhecarriedthetalismanthatopensallhearts,andthesesimplepeoplewarmedtohimatonce,feelingeventhemorefriendlybecausehewaspoor.Forpovertyenrichesthosewholiveaboveit,andisasurepassporttotrulyhospitablespirits.Mr.Bhaersatlookingabouthimwiththeairofatravelerwhoknocksatastrangedoor,andwhenitopens,finds himself at home. The children went to him like bees to a honeypot, andestablishing themselves on each knee, proceeded to captivate him by rifling hispockets,pullinghisbeard,and investigatinghiswatch,with juvenileaudacity.Thewomen telegraphed their approval to one another, andMr.March, feeling that hehad got a kindred spirit, opened his choicest stores for his guest's benefit, whilesilent John listened and enjoyed the talk, but said not a word, andMr. Laurencefounditimpossibletogotosleep.

IfJohadnotbeenotherwiseengaged,Laurie'sbehaviorwouldhaveamusedher,for a faint twinge, not of jealousy, but something like suspicion, caused thatgentleman to stand aloof at first, and observe the newcomer with brotherlycircumspection.But it didnot last long.Hegot interested in spiteof himself, andbeforeheknewit,wasdrawnintothecircle.ForMr.Bhaertalkedwellinthisgenialatmosphere, anddidhimself justice.He seldom spoke toLaurie, but he looked athimoften, anda shadowwouldpass acrosshis face, as if regrettinghisown lostyouth,ashewatchedtheyoungmaninhisprime.ThenhiseyeswouldturntoJosowistfullythatshewouldhavesurelyansweredthemuteinquiryifshehadseenit.ButJohadherowneyestotakecareof,andfeelingthattheycouldnotbetrusted,sheprudentlykeptthemonthelittlesockshewasknitting,likeamodelmaidenaunt.

Astealthyglancenowandthenrefreshedherlikesipsoffreshwaterafteradustywalk,forthesidelongpeepsshowedherseveralpropitiousomens.Mr.Bhaer'sfacehad lost the absent-minded expression, and looked all alive with interest in thepresentmoment,actuallyyoungandhandsome,shethought,forgettingtocomparehimwithLaurie,assheusuallydidstrangemen, to theirgreatdetriment.Thenheseemed quite inspired, though the burial customs of the ancients, to which theconversation had strayed,might not be considered an exhilarating topic. Jo quiteglowed with triumph when Teddy got quenched in an argument, and thought toherself, as she watched her father's absorbed face, "How he would enjoy havingsuchamanasmyProfessortotalkwitheveryday!"Lastly,Mr.Bhaerwasdressedinanewsuitofblack,whichmadehimlookmorelikeagentlemanthanever.Hisbushyhairhadbeencutandsmoothlybrushed,butdidn'tstayinorderlong,forinexcitingmoments,herumpleditupinthedrollwayheusedtodo,andJolikeditrampantlyerectbetterthanflat,becauseshethoughtitgavehisfineforeheadaJove-likeaspect.PoorJo,howshedidglorifythatplainman,asshesatknittingawaysoquietly,yetlettingnothingescapeher,noteventhefactthatMr.Bhaeractuallyhadgoldsleeve-buttonsinhisimmaculatewristbands.

"Dear old fellow!He couldn't havegot himself upwithmore care if he'd beengoinga-wooing,"saidJo toherself,and thenasudden thoughtbornof thewordsmadeherblushsodreadfullythatshehadtodropherball,andgodownafterittohideherface.

Themaneuverdidnotsucceedaswellassheexpected,however,forthoughjustin the act of setting fire to a funeral pyre, the Professor dropped his torch,metaphoricallyspeaking,andmadeadiveafter the littleblueball.Ofcourse theybumped their heads smartly together, saw stars, and both came up flushed andlaughing,withouttheball,toresumetheirseats,wishingtheyhadnotleftthem.

Nobody knew where the evening went to, for Hannah skillfully abstracted thebabiesatanearlyhour,noddingliketworosypoppies,andMr.Laurencewenthometorest.Theotherssatroundthefire,talkingaway,utterlyregardlessofthelapseoftime, till Meg, whose maternal mind was impressed with a firm conviction thatDaisy had tumbled out of bed, and Demi set his nightgown afire studying thestructureofmatches,madeamovetogo.

"Wemusthaveoursing,inthegoodoldway,forwearealltogetheragainoncemore,"saidJo,feelingthatagoodshoutwouldbeasafeandpleasantventforthejubilantemotionsofhersoul.

Theywerenotall there.Butnoone found thewords thoughtlessoruntrue, forBethstillseemedamongthem,apeacefulpresence,invisible,butdearerthanever,since death could not break the household league that lovemade dissoluble. Thelittle chair stood in its old place. The tidy basket, with the bit of work she leftunfinishedwhentheneedlegrew 'soheavy',wasstillon itsaccustomedshelf.Thebeloved instrument,seldomtouchednowhadnotbeenmoved,andabove itBeth'sface,sereneandsmiling,asintheearlydays,lookeddownuponthem,seemingtosay,"Behappy.Iamhere."

"Play something, Amy. Let them hear how much you have improved," saidLaurie,withpardonableprideinhispromisingpupil.

ButAmywhispered,with fulleyes,asshe twirled the fadedstool, "Not tonight,dear.Ican'tshowofftonight."

But she did show something better than brilliancy or skill, for she sangBeth'ssongswithatendermusicinhervoicewhichthebestmastercouldnothavetaught,and touched the listener's hearts with a sweeter power than any other inspirationcouldhavegivenher.Theroomwasverystill,whentheclearvoicefailedsuddenlyatthelastlineofBeth'sfavoritehymn.Itwashardtosay...

Earthhathnosorrowthatheavencannotheal;

and Amy leaned against her husband, who stood behind her, feeling that herwelcomehomewasnotquiteperfectwithoutBeth'skiss.

"Now, we must finish withMignon's song, forMr. Bhaer sings that," said Jo,before the pause grew painful. AndMr. Bhaer cleared his throat with a gratified"Hem!"ashesteppedintothecornerwhereJostood,saying...

"Youwillsingwithme?Wegoexcellentlywelltogether."

A pleasing fiction, by the way, for Jo had no more idea of music than agrasshopper. But she would have consented if he had proposed to sing a wholeopera, and warbled away, blissfully regardless of time and tune. It didn't muchmatter, for Mr. Bhaer sang like a true German, heartily and well, and Jo soonsubsidedintoasubduedhum,thatshemightlistentothemellowvoicethatseemedtosingforheralone.

Know'stthouthelandwherethecitronblooms,

used tobe theProfessor's favorite line, for 'das land'meantGermany tohim,butnowheseemedtodwell,withpeculiarwarmthandmelody,uponthewords...

There,ohthere,mightIwiththee,O,mybeloved,go

andonelistenerwassothrilledbythetenderinvitationthatshelongedtosayshedidknowtheland,andwouldjoyfullydepartthitherwheneverheliked.

The song was considered a great success, and the singer retired covered withlaurels.Buta fewminutesafterward,he forgothismannersentirely,andstaredatAmyputtingonherbonnet,forshehadbeenintroducedsimplyas 'mysister',andno one had called her by her new name since he came. He forgot himself stillfurtherwhenLauriesaid,inhismostgraciousmanner,atparting...

"My wife and I are very glad to meet you, sir. Please remember that there isalwaysawelcomewaitingforyouovertheway."

ThentheProfessorthankedhimsoheartily,andlookedsosuddenlyilluminatedwith satisfaction, that Laurie thought him themost delightfully demonstrative oldfellowheevermet.

"I too shall go, but I shall gladly come again, if you will gif me leave, dearmadame,foralittlebusinessinthecitywillkeepmeheresomedays."

He spoke toMrs.March, but he looked at Jo, and the mother's voice gave ascordialanassentasdidthedaughter'seyes,forMrs.Marchwasnotsoblindtoherchildren'sinterestasMrs.Moffatsupposed.

"Isuspectthatisawiseman,"remarkedMr.March,withplacidsatisfaction,fromthehearthrug,afterthelastguesthadgone.

"I know he is a good one," addedMrs. March, with decided approval, as shewounduptheclock.

"Ithoughtyou'dlikehim,"wasallJosaid,assheslippedawaytoherbed.

ShewonderedwhatthebusinesswasthatbroughtMr.Bhaertothecity,andfinallydecidedthathehadbeenappointedtosomegreathonor,somewhere,buthadbeentoomodesttomentionthefact.Ifshehadseenhisfacewhen,safeinhisownroom,helookedatthepictureofasevereandrigidyounglady,withagooddealofhair,who appeared to be gazing darkly into futurity, itmight have thrown some lightuponthesubject,especiallywhenheturnedoffthegas,andkissedthepictureinthedark.

CHAPTERFORTY-FOUR

MYLORDANDLADY

"Please, Madam Mother, could you lend me my wife for half an hour? Theluggagehascome,andI'vebeenmakinghayofAmy'sParisfinery, tryingtofindsome things I want," said Laurie, coming in the next day to findMrs. Laurencesittinginhermother'slap,asifbeingmade'thebaby'again.

"Certainly.Go,dear, I forgot thatyouhaveanyhomebut this,"andMrs.Marchpressed the white hand that wore the wedding ring, as if asking pardon for hermaternalcovetousness.

"Ishouldn'thavecomeoverifIcouldhavehelpedit,butIcan'tgetonwithoutmylittlewomananymorethana..."

"Weathercockcanwithoutthewind,"suggestedJo,ashepausedforasimile.JohadgrownquiteherownsaucyselfagainsinceTeddycamehome.

"Exactly, for Amy keepsme pointing duewestmost of the time, with only anoccasionalwhiffleroundtothesouth,andIhaven'thadaneasterlyspellsinceIwasmarried. Don't know anything about the north, but am altogether salubrious andbalmy,hey,mylady?"

"Lovelyweathersofar. Idon'tknowhowlong itwill last,but I'mnotafraidofstorms,forI'mlearninghowtosailmyship.Comehome,dear,andI'll findyourbootjack.Isupposethat'swhatyouarerummagingafteramongmythings.Menaresohelpless,Mother,"saidAmy,withamatronlyair,whichdelightedherhusband.

"What are you going to do with yourselves after you get settled?" asked Jo,buttoningAmy'scloakassheusedtobuttonherpinafores.

"Wehaveourplans.Wedon'tmeantosaymuchaboutthemyet,becausewearesuchverynewbrooms,butwedon'tintendtobeidle.I'mgoingintobusinesswithadevotionthatshalldelightGrandfather,andprovetohimthatI'mnotspoiled.Ineedsomethingof thesort tokeepmesteady. I'mtiredofdawdling,andmeantoworklikeaman."

"AndAmy,whatisshegoingtodo?"askedMrs.March,wellpleasedatLaurie'sdecisionandtheenergywithwhichhespoke.

"Afterdoingthecivilallround,andairingourbestbonnet,weshallastonishyoubytheeleganthospitalitiesofourmansion,thebrilliantsocietyweshalldrawaboutus,andthebeneficialinfluenceweshallexertovertheworldatlarge.That'saboutit,isn'tit,MadameRecamier?"askedLauriewithaquizzicallookatAmy.

"Timewillshow.Comeaway,Impertinence,anddon'tshockmyfamilybycallingmenamesbeforetheirfaces,"answeredAmy,resolvingthatthereshouldbeahomewithagoodwifeinitbeforeshesetupasalonasaqueenofsociety.

"How happy those children seem together!" observed Mr. March, finding itdifficulttobecomeabsorbedinhisAristotleaftertheyoungcouplehadgone.

"Yes,andIthinkitwilllast,"addedMrs.March,withtherestfulexpressionofapilotwhohasbroughtashipsafelyintoport.

"I know itwill.HappyAmy!" and Jo sighed, then smiled brightly as ProfessorBhaeropenedthegatewithanimpatientpush.

Laterintheevening,whenhismindhadbeensetatrestaboutthebootjack,Lauriesaidsuddenlytohiswife,"Mrs.Laurence."

"MyLord!"

"ThatmanintendstomarryourJo!"

"Ihopeso,don'tyou,dear?"

"Well,my love, I consider him a trump, in the fullest sense of that expressiveword,butIdowishhewasalittleyoungerandagooddealricher."

"Now, Laurie, don't be too fastidious and worldly-minded. If they love oneanother itdoesn'tmatteraparticlehowold theyarenorhowpoor.Womennevershouldmarryformoney..."Amycaughtherselfupshortasthewordsescapedher,andlookedatherhusband,whoreplied,withmaliciousgravity...

"Certainly not, thoughyoudohear charminggirls say that they intend to do itsometimes.Ifmymemoryservesme,youoncethoughtityourdutytomakearichmatch.Thataccounts,perhaps,foryourmarryingagood-for-nothinglikeme."

"Oh,mydearestboy,don't,don'tsaythat!IforgotyouwererichwhenIsaid'Yes'.I'dhavemarriedyouifyouhadn'tapenny,andIsometimeswishyouwerepoorthatImightshowhowmuch I loveyou."AndAmy,whowasverydignified inpublicandveryfondinprivate,gaveconvincingproofsofthetruthofherwords.

"Youdon'treally thinkIamsuchamercenarycreatureasI triedtobeonce,doyou? Itwouldbreakmyheart ifyoudidn'tbelieve that I'dgladlypull in thesameboatwithyou,evenifyouhadtogetyourlivingbyrowingonthelake."

"AmIanidiotandabrute?HowcouldIthinkso,whenyourefusedarichermanforme,andwon'tletmegiveyouhalfIwanttonow,whenIhavetheright?Girlsdoiteveryday,poor things,andare taught to thinkit is theironlysalvation,butyouhad better lessons, and though I trembled for you at one time, I was notdisappointed, for thedaughterwas true to themother's teaching. I toldMammasoyesterday, and she looked as glad and grateful as if I'd given her a check for amillion, to be spent in charity. You are not listening tomymoral remarks,Mrs.Laurence," and Laurie paused, for Amy's eyes had an absent look, though fixeduponhisface.

"Yes,Iam,andadmiringthemoleinyourchinatthesametime.Idon'twishtomakeyouvain,butImustconfessthatI'mprouderofmyhandsomehusbandthanofallhismoney.Don'tlaugh,butyournoseissuchacomforttome,"andAmysoftlycaressedthewell-cutfeaturewithartisticsatisfaction.

Lauriehadreceivedmanycomplimentsinhislife,butneveronethatsuitedhimbetter,asheplainlyshowed thoughhedid laughathiswife'speculiar taste,whileshesaidslowly,"MayIaskyouaquestion,dear?"

"Ofcourse,youmay."

"ShallyoucareifJodoesmarryMr.Bhaer?"

"Oh,that'sthetroubleisit?Ithoughttherewassomethinginthedimplethatdidn't

quitesuityou.Notbeingadoginthemanger,butthehappiestfellowalive,IassureyouIcandanceatJo'sweddingwithaheartaslightasmyheels.Doyoudoubtit,mydarling?"

Amylookedupathim,andwassatisfied.Herlittlejealousfearvanishedforever,andshethankedhim,withafacefullofloveandconfidence.

"IwishwecoulddosomethingforthatcapitaloldProfessor.Couldn'tweinventarichrelation,whoshallobliginglydieout there inGermany,andleavehimatidylittlefortune?"saidLaurie,whentheybegantopaceupanddownthelongdrawingroom,arminarm,astheywerefondofdoing,inmemoryofthechateaugarden.

"Jowouldfindusout,andspoilitall.Sheisveryproudofhim,justasheis,andsaidyesterdaythatshethoughtpovertywasabeautifulthing."

"Blessherdearheart!Shewon'tthinksowhenshehasaliteraryhusband,andadozen little professors and professorins to support. We won't interfere now, butwatchourchance,anddo themagood turn inspiteof themselves. IoweJo forapartofmyeducation,andshebelievesinpeople'spayingtheirhonestdebts,soI'llgetroundherinthatway."

"Howdelightfulitistobeabletohelpothers,isn'tit?Thatwasalwaysoneofmydreams,tohavethepowerofgivingfreely,andthankstoyou,thedreamhascometrue."

"Ah, we'll do quantities of good, won't we? There's one sort of poverty that Iparticularly like to help. Out-and-out beggars get taken care of, but poor gentlefolksfarebadly,becausetheywon'task,andpeopledon'tdaretooffercharity.Yetthere are a thousand ways of helping them, if one only knows how to do it sodelicately that it does not offend. Imust say, I like to serve a decayed gentlemanbetterthanablarneryingbeggar.Isupposeit'swrong,butIdo,thoughitisharder."

"Becauseittakesagentlemantodoit,"addedtheothermemberofthedomesticadmirationsociety.

"Thankyou,I'mafraidIdon'tdeservethatprettycompliment.ButIwasgoingtosay that while I was dawdling about abroad, I saw a good many talented youngfellowsmakingallsortsofsacrifices,andenduringrealhardships,thattheymightrealizetheirdreams.Splendidfellows,someofthem,workinglikeheros,poorandfriendless, but so full of courage, patience, and ambition that I was ashamed ofmyself, and longed to give them a right good lift. Those are peoplewhom it's asatisfaction tohelp, for if they'vegotgenius, it's anhonor tobeallowed to serve

them,andnotletitbelostordelayedforwantoffueltokeepthepotboiling.Iftheyhaven't,it'sapleasuretocomfortthepoorsouls,andkeepthemfromdespairwhentheyfinditout."

"Yes,indeed,andthere'sanotherclasswhocan'task,andwhosufferinsilence.Iknowsomethingofit,forIbelongedtoitbeforeyoumadeaprincessofme,asthekingdoesthebeggarmaidintheoldstory.Ambitiousgirlshaveahardtime,Laurie,andoftenhavetoseeyouth,health,andpreciousopportunitiesgoby,justforwantofalittlehelpattherightminute.Peoplehavebeenverykindtome,andwheneverIsee girls struggling along, aswe used to do, Iwant to put outmyhand and helpthem,asIwashelped."

"Andsoyoushall,likeanangelasyouare!"criedLaurie,resolving,withaglowofphilanthropiczeal, to foundandendowan institution for theexpressbenefitofyoungwomenwithartistic tendencies."Richpeoplehavenoright tositdownandenjoythemselves,orlettheirmoneyaccumulateforotherstowaste.It'snothalfsosensibletoleavelegacieswhenonediesasitistousethemoneywiselywhilealive,and enjoy making one's fellow creatures happy with it. We'll have a good timeourselves, and add an extra relish to our own pleasure by giving other people agenerous taste.Will yoube a littleDorcas, going about emptying abigbasket ofcomforts,andfillingitupwithgooddeeds?"

"With all my heart, if you will be a brave St. Martin, stopping as you ridegallantlythroughtheworldtoshareyourcloakwiththebeggar."

"It'sabargain,andweshallgetthebestofit!"

Sotheyoungpairshookhandsuponit,andthenpacedhappilyonagain,feelingthat theirpleasanthomewasmorehomelikebecause theyhoped tobrightenotherhomes,believingthattheirownfeetwouldwalkmoreuprightlyalongtheflowerypathbeforethem,iftheysmoothedroughwaysforotherfeet,andfeelingthattheirheartsweremore closelyknit togetherby a lovewhichcould tenderly rememberthoselessblestthanthey.

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

DAISYANDDEMI

Icannotfeel thatIhavedonemydutyashumblehistorianof theMarchfamily,without devoting at least one chapter to the two most precious and importantmembersof it.DaisyandDemihadnowarrivedatyearsofdiscretion, for in thisfastagebabiesofthreeorfourasserttheirrights,andgetthem,too,whichismorethanmanyoftheireldersdo.Ifthereeverwereapairoftwinsindangerofbeingutterlyspoiledbyadoration,itwastheseprattlingBrookes.Ofcoursetheywerethemost remarkable children ever born, as will be shown when I mention that theywalkedateightmonths,talkedfluentlyattwelvemonths,andattwoyearstheytooktheirplacesattable,andbehavedwithaproprietywhichcharmedallbeholders.Atthree,Daisydemandeda 'needler',andactuallymadeabagwithfourstitchesinit.She likewise set up housekeeping in the sideboard, and managed a microscopiccookingstovewithaskillthatbroughttearsofpridetoHannah'seyes,whileDemilearnedhis letterswithhisgrandfather,who inventedanewmodeof teaching thealphabetbyformingletterswithhisarmsandlegs,thusunitinggymnasticsforheadandheels.Theboyearlydevelopedamechanicalgeniuswhichdelightedhisfatheranddistractedhismother,forhetriedtoimitateeverymachinehesaw,andkeptthenursery in a chaotic condition, with his 'sewinsheen', a mysterious structure ofstring,chairs,clothespins,andspools,forwheelstogo'woundandwound'.Alsoabasket hung over the back of a chair, in which he vainly tried to hoist his tooconfidingsister,who,withfemininedevotion,allowedherlittleheadtobebumpedtill rescued,when the young inventor indignantly remarked, "Why,Marmar, dat'smylellywaiter,andme'stryingtopullherup."

Thoughutterlyunlikeincharacter,thetwinsgotonremarkablywelltogether,andseldomquarreledmore than thriceaday.Ofcourse,Demi tyrannizedoverDaisy,andgallantlydefendedherfromeveryotheraggressor,whileDaisymadeagalleyslave of herself, and adored her brother as the one perfect being in theworld.Arosy, chubby, sunshiny little soul was Daisy, who found her way to everybody'sheart, and nestled there. One of the captivating children, who seem made to bekissed and cuddled, adorned and adored like little goddesses, and produced forgeneralapprovalonallfestiveoccasions.Hersmallvirtuesweresosweetthatshewould have been quite angelic if a few small naughtinesses had not kept herdelightfully human. It was all fair weather in her world, and every morning shescrambleduptothewindowinherlittlenightgowntolookout,andsay,nomatterwhetheritrainedorshone,"Oh,pittyday,oh,pittyday!"Everyonewasafriend,andshe offered kisses to a stranger so confidingly that the most inveterate bachelorrelented,andbaby-loversbecamefaithfulworshipers.

"Me loves evvybody," she once said, opening her arms,with her spoon in onehand,andhermugintheother,asifeagertoembraceandnourishthewholeworld.

Asshegrew,hermotherbegantofeelthattheDovecotewouldbeblessedbythepresenceofaninmateassereneandlovingasthatwhichhadhelpedtomaketheoldhousehome,andtopraythatshemightbespareda loss likethatwhichhadlatelytaughtthemhowlongtheyhadentertainedanangelunawares.Hergrandfatheroftencalledher'Beth',andhergrandmotherwatchedoverherwithuntiringdevotion,asiftryingtoatoneforsomepastmistake,whichnoeyebutherowncouldsee.

Demi,likeatrueYankee,wasofaninquiringturn,wantingtoknoweverything,andoftengettingmuchdisturbedbecausehecouldnotget satisfactoryanswers tohisperpetual"Whatfor?"

Healsopossessedaphilosophicbent,tothegreatdelightofhisgrandfather,whoused to hold Socratic conversations with him, in which the precocious pupiloccasionallyposedhisteacher,totheundisguisedsatisfactionofthewomenfolk.

"Whatmakesmylegsgo,Dranpa?"askedtheyoungphilosopher,surveyingthoseactive portions of his framewith ameditative air,while resting after a go-to-bedfroliconenight.

"It's your little mind, Demi," replied the sage, stroking the yellow headrespectfully.

"Whatisalittlemine?"

"Itissomethingwhichmakesyourbodymove,asthespringmadethewheelsgoinmywatchwhenIshowedittoyou."

"Openme.Iwanttoseeitgowound."

"Ican'tdothatanymorethanyoucouldopenthewatch.Godwindsyouup,andyougotillHestopsyou."

"Does I?" and Demi's brown eyes grew big and bright as he took in the newthought."IsIwoundeduplikethewatch?"

"Yes,butIcan'tshowyouhow,foritisdonewhenwedon'tsee."

Demi felt his back, as if expecting to find it like that of the watch, and thengravelyremarked,"IdessDoddoesitwhenI'sasleep."

Acarefulexplanationfollowed,towhichhelistenedsoattentivelythathisanxiousgrandmother said, "Mydear,doyou think itwise to talkabout such things to that

baby? He's getting great bumps over his eyes, and learning to ask the mostunanswerablequestions."

"Ifheisoldenoughtoaskthequestionheisoldenoughtoreceivetrueanswers.Iam not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those alreadythere.Thesechildrenarewiserthanweare,andIhavenodoubttheboyunderstandseverywordIhavesaidtohim.Now,Demi,tellmewhereyoukeepyourmind."

If theboyhadrepliedlikeAlcibiades,"Bythegods,Socrates, Icannot tell,"hisgrandfatherwouldnothavebeensurprised,butwhen,afterstandingamomentononeleg, likeameditativeyoungstork,heanswered, ina toneofcalmconviction,"In my little belly," the old gentleman could only join in Grandma's laugh, anddismisstheclassinmetaphysics.

There might have been cause for maternal anxiety, if Demi had not givenconvincing proofs that he was a true boy, as well as a budding philosopher, foroften, after a discussion which caused Hannah to prophesy, with ominous nods,"Thatchildain'tlongforthisworld,"hewouldturnaboutandsetherfearsatrestbysomeoftheprankswithwhichdear,dirty,naughtylittlerascalsdistractanddelighttheirparent'ssouls.

Megmademanymoralrules,andtriedtokeepthem,butwhatmotherwaseverproofagainstthewinningwiles,theingeniousevasions,orthetranquilaudacityoftheminiaturemenandwomenwhosoearlyshowthemselvesaccomplishedArtfulDodgers?

"No more raisins, Demi. They'll make you sick," says Mamma to the youngperson who offers his services in the kitchen with unfailing regularity on plum-puddingday.

"Melikestobesick."

"Idon'twanttohaveyou,sorunawayandhelpDaisymakepattycakes."

Hereluctantlydeparts,buthiswrongsweighuponhisspirit,andby-and-bywhenanopportunitycomestoredressthem,heoutwitsMammabyashrewdbargain.

"Nowyouhavebeengoodchildren,andI'llplayanythingyoulike,"saysMeg,asshe leadsher assistant cooksupstairs,when thepudding is safelybouncing in thepot.

"Truly,Marmar?"asksDemi,withabrilliantideainhiswell-powderedhead.

"Yes,truly.Anythingyousay,"repliestheshortsightedparent,preparingherselftosing,"TheThreeLittleKittens"halfadozentimesover,ortotakeherfamilyto"Buyapennybun,"regardlessofwindorlimb.ButDemicornersherbythecoolreply...

"Thenwe'llgoandeatupalltheraisins."

Aunt Dodo was chief playmate and confidante of both children, and the trioturnedthelittlehousetopsy-turvy.AuntAmywasasyetonlyanametothem,AuntBeth soon faded into a pleasantly vague memory, but Aunt Dodo was a livingreality, and they made the most of her, for which compliment she was deeplygrateful.ButwhenMr.Bhaercame,Joneglectedherplayfellows,anddismayanddesolationfellupontheirlittlesouls.Daisy,whowasfondofgoingaboutpeddlingkisses,lostherbestcustomerandbecamebankrupt.Demi,withinfantilepenetration,soondiscoveredthatDodoliketoplaywith'thebear-man'betterthanshedidhim,but thoughhurt, he concealedhis anguish, forhehadn't theheart to insult a rivalwhokeptamineofchocolatedropsinhiswaistcoatpocket,andawatchthatcouldbetakenoutofitscaseandfreelyshakenbyardentadmirers.

Somepersonsmighthaveconsideredthesepleasinglibertiesasbribes,butDemididn'tseeitinthatlight,andcontinuedtopatronizethe'thebear-man'withpensiveaffability,whileDaisybestowedhersmallaffectionsuponhimatthethirdcall,andconsidered his shoulder her throne, his arm her refuge, his gifts treasuressurpassingworth.

Gentlemen are sometimes seizedwith sudden fits of admiration for the youngrelatives of ladies whom they honor with their regard, but this counterfeitphiloprogenitiveness sits uneasily upon them, and does not deceive anybody aparticle.Mr.Bhaer'sdevotionwassincere,howeverlikewiseeffective—forhonestyis thebestpolicy in loveas in law.Hewasoneof themenwhoareathomewithchildren,andlookedparticularlywellwhenlittlefacesmadeapleasantcontrastwithhismanly one. His business, whatever it was, detained him from day to day, butevening 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 thedelusion thathewas,andreveled in longdiscussionswith thekindredspirit, tillachanceremarkofhismoreobservinggrandsonsuddenlyenlightenedhim.

Mr.Bhaercameinoneeveningtopauseonthethresholdofthestudy,astonishedby the spectacle that met his eye. Prone upon the floor lay Mr. March, with hisrespectable legs in the air, and beside him, likewise prone, was Demi, trying toimitate the attitudewith his own short, scarlet-stockinged legs, both grovelers soseriouslyabsorbedthattheywereunconsciousofspectators,tillMr.Bhaerlaughedhissonorouslaugh,andJocriedout,withascandalizedface...

"Father,Father,here'stheProfessor!"

Downwenttheblacklegsandupcamethegrayhead,asthepreceptorsaid,withundisturbeddignity, "Goodevening,Mr.Bhaer.Excuseme for amoment.Wearejustfinishingourlesson.Now,Demi,maketheletterandtellitsname."

"Iknowshim!"and,afterafewconvulsiveefforts,theredlegstooktheshapeofapairofcompasses,andtheintelligentpupiltriumphantlyshouted,"It'saWe,Dranpa,it'saWe!"

"He's a born Weller," laughed Jo, as her parent gathered himself up, and hernephewtried tostandonhishead,as theonlymodeofexpressinghissatisfactionthatschoolwasover.

"What have you been at today, bubchen?" asked Mr. Bhaer, picking up thegymnast.

"MewenttoseelittleMary."

"Andwhatdidyouthere?"

"Ikissedher,"beganDemi,withartlessfrankness.

"Prut! Thou beginnest early. What did the little Mary say to that?" asked Mr.Bhaer,continuingtoconfesstheyoungsinner,whostoodupontheknee,exploringthewaistcoatpocket.

"Oh, she liked it, and she kissedme, and I liked it. Don't little boys like littlegirls?"askedDemi,withhismouthfull,andanairofblandsatisfaction.

"You precocious chick! Who put that into your head?" said Jo, enjoying theinnocentrevelationasmuchastheProfessor.

"'Tisn't inminehead, it's inminemouf," answered literalDemi,puttingouthistongue,withachocolatedroponit,thinkingshealludedtoconfectionery,notideas.

"Thoushouldstsavesomeforthelittlefriend.Sweetstothesweet,mannling,"andMr.BhaerofferedJosome,withalookthatmadeherwonderifchocolatewasnotthe nectar drunk by the gods.Demi also saw the smile,was impressed by it, andartlessyinquired...

"Dogreatboyslikegreatgirls,to,'Fessor?"

LikeyoungWashington,Mr.Bhaer 'couldn't tellalie',sohegavethesomewhatvaguereplythathebelievedtheydidsometimes,inatonethatmadeMr.Marchputdown his clothesbrush, glance at Jo's retiring face, and then sink into his chair,lookingasifthe'precociouschick'hadputanideaintohisheadthatwasbothsweetandsour.

Why Dodo, when she caught him in the china closet half an hour afterward,nearlysqueezed thebreathoutofhis littlebodywitha tenderembrace, insteadofshakinghimforbeing there,andwhyshe followedup thisnovelperformancebytheunexpectedgiftofabigsliceofbreadandjelly,remainedoneoftheproblemsoverwhichDemipuzzledhissmallwits,andwasforcedtoleaveunsolvedforever.

CHAPTERFORTY-SIX

UNDERTHEUMBRELLA

WhileLaurieandAmywere takingconjugalstrollsovervelvetcarpets,as theyset their house in order, and planned a blissful future, Mr. Bhaer and Jo wereenjoyingpromenadesofadifferentsort,alongmuddyroadsandsoddenfields.

"Ialwaysdotakeawalktowardevening,andIdon'tknowwhyIshouldgiveitup,justbecauseIhappentomeettheProfessoronhiswayout,"saidJotoherself,aftertwoor threeencounters, for though therewere twopaths toMeg'swhicheveroneshe took she was sure to meet him, either going or returning. He was alwayswalkingrapidly,andneverseemedtoseeheruntilquiteclose,whenhewouldlookas if his short-sighted eyes had failed to recognize the approaching lady till thatmoment.Then,ifshewasgoingtoMeg'shealwayshadsomethingforthebabies.Ifher facewas turnedhomeward,hehadmerely strolleddown to see the river, andwasjustreturning,unlesstheyweretiredofhisfrequentcalls.

Under thecircumstances,whatcouldJodobutgreethimcivilly,andinvitehimin?Ifshewastiredofhisvisits,sheconcealedherwearinesswithperfectskill,andtookcarethatthereshouldbecoffeeforsupper,"asFriedrich—ImeanMr.Bhaer—doesn'tliketea."

By the second week, everyone knew perfectly well what was going on, yeteveryonetriedtolookasiftheywerestone-blindtothechangesinJo'sface.Theyneveraskedwhyshesangaboutherwork,didupherhairthreetimesaday,andgotso bloomingwith her evening exercise.And no one seemed to have the slightestsuspicionthatProfessorBhaer,whiletalkingphilosophywiththefather,wasgivingthedaughterlessonsinlove.

Jocouldn'tevenloseherheartinadecorousmanner,butsternlytriedtoquenchher feelings, and failing to do so, led a somewhat agitated life.Shewasmortallyafraid of being laughed at for surrendering, after her many and vehementdeclarationsofindependence.Lauriewasherespecialdread,butthankstothenewmanager,hebehavedwithpraiseworthypropriety,nevercalledMr.Bhaer'acapitalold fellow' in public, never alluded, in the remotest manner, to Jo's improvedappearance, or expressed the least surprise at seeing the Professor's hat on theMarches' table nearly every evening.But he exulted inprivate and longed for thetimetocomewhenhecouldgiveJoapieceofplate,withabearandaraggedstaffonitasanappropriatecoatofarms.

Forafortnight,theProfessorcameandwentwithlover-likeregularity.Thenhestayed away for threewhole days, andmade no sign, a proceedingwhich causedeverybody to look sober, and Jo to become pensive, at first, and then—alas forromance—verycross.

"Disgusted,Idaresay,andgonehomeassuddenlyashecame.It'snothingtome,of course, but I should think he would have come and bid us goodbye like agentleman,"shesaidtoherself,withadespairinglookatthegate,assheputonherthingsforthecustomarywalkonedullafternoon.

"You'd better take the little umbrella, dear. It looks like rain," said hermother,observingthatshehadonhernewbonnet,butnotalludingtothefact.

"Yes,Marmee, do youwant anything in town? I've got to run in and get somepaper,"returnedJo,pullingoutthebowunderherchinbeforetheglassasanexcusefornotlookingathermother.

"Yes,Iwantsometwilledsilesia,apaperofnumbernineneedles,andtwoyardsofnarrowlavenderribbon.Haveyougotyourthickbootson,andsomethingwarmunderyourcloak?"

"Ibelieveso,"answeredJoabsently.

"IfyouhappentomeetMr.Bhaer,bringhimhometotea.Iquitelongtoseethedearman,"addedMrs.March.

Joheard that, butmadeno answer, except tokisshermother, andwalk rapidlyaway,thinkingwithaglowofgratitude,inspiteofherheartache,"Howgoodsheisto me! What do girls do who haven't any mothers to help them through theirtroubles?"

The dry-goods stores were not down among the counting-houses, banks, andwholesalewarerooms,wheregentlemenmostdocongregate,butJofoundherselfinthatpartof thecitybeforeshedidasingleerrand,loiteringalongasifwaitingfor someone, examining engineering instruments in onewindow and samples ofwoolinanother,withmostunfeminineinterest, tumblingoverbarrels,beinghalf-smothered by descending bales, and hustled unceremoniously by busy men wholooked as if theywondered 'how the deuce she got there'.A drop of rain on hercheek recalled her thoughts from baffled hopes to ruined ribbons. For the dropscontinuedtofall,andbeingawomanaswellasalover,shefeltthat,thoughitwastoo late to save her heart, she might her bonnet. Now she remembered the littleumbrella, which she had forgotten to take in her hurry to be off, but regret was

unavailing,andnothingcouldbedonebutborrowoneorsubmittoadrenching.Shelookedupattheloweringsky,downatthecrimsonbowalreadyfleckedwithblack,forwardalongthemuddystreet, thenonelong, lingeringlookbehind,atacertaingrimywarehouse,with'Hoffmann,Swartz,&Co.'overthedoor,andsaidtoherself,withasternlyreproachfulair...

"It servesme right!what business had I to put on allmy best things and comephilanderingdownhere,hopingtoseetheProfessor?Jo,I'mashamedofyou!No,you shall not go there to borrow an umbrella, or find outwhere he is, from hisfriends.You shall trudge away, and do your errands in the rain, and if you catchyourdeathandruinyourbonnet,it'snomorethanyoudeserve.Nowthen!"

With thatshe rushedacross thestreet so impetuously that shenarrowlyescapedannihilationfromapassingtruck,andprecipitatedherselfintothearmsofastatelyold gentleman, who said, "I beg pardon, ma'am," and looked mortally offended.Somewhat daunted, Jo righted herself, spread her handkerchief over the devotedribbons, and putting temptation behind her, hurried on,with increasing dampnessabout the ankles, and much clashing of umbrellas overhead. The fact that asomewhat dilapidated blue one remained stationary above the unprotected bonnetattractedherattention,andlookingup,shesawMr.Bhaerlookingdown.

"I feel toknow thestrong-minded ladywhogoessobravelyundermanyhorsenoses,andsofastthroughmuchmud.Whatdoyoudownhere,myfriend?"

"I'mshopping."

Mr. Bhaer smiled, as he glanced from the pickle factory on one side to thewholesalehideandleatherconcernontheother,butheonlysaidpolitely,"Youhafnoumbrella.MayIgoalso,andtakeforyouthebundles?"

"Yes,thankyou."

Jo'scheekswereasredasherribbon,andshewonderedwhathethoughtofher,butshedidn'tcare,forinaminuteshefoundherselfwalkingawayarminarmwithher Professor, feeling as if the sun had suddenly burst out with uncommonbrilliancy,thattheworldwasallrightagain,andthatonethoroughlyhappywomanwaspaddlingthroughthewetthatday.

"Wethoughtyouhadgone,"saidJohastily,forsheknewhewaslookingather.Herbonnetwasn'tbigenoughtohideherface,andshefearedhemightthinkthejoyitbetrayedunmaidenly.

"Did you believe that I should go with no farewell to those who haf been soheavenlykindtome?"heaskedsoreproachfullythatshefeltasifshehadinsultedhimbythesuggestion,andansweredheartily...

"No,Ididn't.Iknewyouwerebusyaboutyourownaffairs,butwerathermissedyou,FatherandMotherespecially."

"Andyou?"

"I'malwaysgladtoseeyou,sir."

Inheranxietytokeephervoicequitecalm,Jomadeitrathercool,andthefrostylittlemonosyllableattheendseemedtochilltheProfessor,forhissmilevanished,ashesaidgravely...

"Ithankyou,andcomeonemoretimebeforeIgo."

"Youaregoing,then?"

"Ihafnolongeranybusinesshere,itisdone."

"Successfully, I hope?" said Jo, for the bitterness of disappointmentwas in thatshortreplyofhis.

"Ioughttothinkso,forIhafawayopenedtomebywhichIcanmakemybreadandgifmyJunglingsmuchhelp."

"Tellme,please!Iliketoknowallaboutthe—theboys,"saidJoeagerly.

"That is sokind, Igladly tellyou.Myfriends find formeaplace inacollege,whereIteachasathome,andearnenoughtomakethewaysmoothforFranzandEmil.ForthisIshouldbegrateful,shouldInot?"

"Indeedyoushould.Howsplendiditwillbetohaveyoudoingwhatyoulike,andbeabletoseeyouoften,andtheboys!"criedJo,clingingtotheladsasanexcuseforthesatisfactionshecouldnothelpbetraying.

"Ah!Butweshallnotmeetoften,Ifear,thisplaceisattheWest."

"Sofaraway!"andJoleftherskirts totheirfate,asif itdidn'tmatternowwhatbecameofherclothesorherself.

Mr.Bhaercould read several languages,buthehadnot learned to readwomenyet. He flattered himself that he knew Jo pretty well, and was, therefore, muchamazedbythecontradictionsofvoice,face,andmanner,whichsheshowedhiminrapidsuccessionthatday,forshewasinhalfadozendifferentmoodsinthecourseofhalfanhour.Whenshemethimshelookedsurprised,thoughitwasimpossibletohelpsuspectingthatshehadcomeforthatexpresspurpose.Whenheofferedherhisarm,shetookitwithalookthatfilledhimwithdelight,butwhenheaskedifshemissed him, she gave such a chilly, formal reply that despair fell upon him. Onlearning his good fortune she almost clapped her hands.Was the joy all for theboys?Thenonhearinghisdestination,shesaid,"Sofaraway!"inatoneofdespairthatliftedhimontoapinnacleofhope,butthenextminuteshetumbledhimdownagainbyobserving,likeoneentirelyabsorbedinthematter...

"Here'stheplaceformyerrands.Willyoucomein?Itwon'ttakelong."

Joratherpridedherselfuponhershoppingcapabilities,andparticularlywishedto impress her escort with the neatness and dispatch with which she wouldaccomplishthebusiness.Butowingtothefluttershewasin,everythingwentamiss.Sheupsetthetrayofneedles,forgotthesilesiawastobe'twilled'tillitwascutoff,gavethewrongchange,andcoveredherselfwithconfusionbyaskingforlavenderribbon at the calico counter.Mr.Bhaer stoodby,watchingher blush andblunder,andashewatched,hisownbewildermentseemedtosubside,forhewasbeginningtoseethatonsomeoccasions,women,likedreams,gobycontraries.

Whentheycameout,heputtheparcelunderhisarmwithamorecheerfulaspect,andsplashedthroughthepuddlesasifheratherenjoyeditonthewhole.

"Shouldwenodoalittlewhatyoucallshoppingforthebabies,andhafafarewellfeasttonightifIgoformylastcallatyoursopleasanthome?"heasked,stoppingbeforeawindowfulloffruitandflowers.

"Whatwillwebuy?"askedJo,ignoringthelatterpartofhisspeech,andsniffingthemingledodorswithanaffectationofdelightastheywentin.

"Maytheyhaforangesandfigs?"askedMr.Bhaer,withapaternalair.

"Theyeatthemwhentheycangetthem."

"Doyoucarefornuts?"

"Likeasquirrel."

"Hamburggrapes.Yes,weshalldrinktotheFatherlandinthose?"

Jofrowneduponthatpieceofextravagance,andaskedwhyhedidn'tbuyafrailofdates,acaskofraisins,andabagofalmonds,andbedonewithit?WhereatMr.Bhaer confiscated her purse, produced his own, and finished the marketing bybuyingseveralpoundsofgrapes,apotofrosydaisies,andaprettyjarofhoney,tobe regarded in the light of a demijohn. Then distorting his pockets with knobbybundles, andgivingher the flowers to hold, heput up theoldumbrella, and theytraveledonagain.

"MissMarsch, I haf a great favor to ask of you," began the Professor, after amoistpromenadeofhalfablock.

"Yes,sir?"andJo'sheartbegantobeatsohardshewasafraidhewouldhearit.

"Iamboldtosayitinspiteoftherain,becausesoshortatimeremainstome."

"Yes,sir,"andJonearlycrushedthesmallflowerpotwiththesuddensqueezeshegaveit.

"IwishtogetalittledressformyTina,andIamtoostupidtogoalone.Willyoukindlygifmeawordoftasteandhelp?"

"Yes,sir,"andJofeltascalmandcoolallofasuddenasifshehadsteppedintoarefrigerator.

"PerhapsalsoashawlforTina'smother,sheissopoorandsick,andthehusbandissuchacare.Yes,yes,a thick,warmshawlwouldbea friendly thing to take thelittlemother."

"I'lldoitwithpleasure,Mr.Bhaer.""I'mgoingveryfast,andhe'sgettingdearereveryminute," added Jo to herself, thenwith amental shake she entered into thebusinesswithanenergythatwaspleasanttobehold.

Mr.Bhaerleftitalltoher,soshechoseaprettygownforTina,andthenorderedouttheshawls.Theclerk,beingamarriedman,condescendedtotakeaninterestinthecouple,whoappearedtobeshoppingfortheirfamily.

"Your ladymayprefer this. It's a superior article, amost desirable color, quitechasteandgenteel,"hesaid,shakingoutacomfortablegrayshawl,andthrowingitoverJo'sshoulders.

"Doesthissuityou,Mr.Bhaer?"sheasked,turningherbacktohim,andfeelingdeeplygratefulforthechanceofhidingherface.

"Excellentlywell,wewillhaf it,"answered theProfessor,smiling tohimselfashe paid for it, while Jo continued to rummage the counters like a confirmedbargain-hunter.

"Nowshallwegohome?"heasked,asifthewordswereverypleasanttohim.

"Yes,it'slate,andI'mso tired."Jo'svoicewasmorepatheticthansheknew.Fornowthesunseemedtohavegoneinassuddenlyasitcameout,andtheworldgrewmuddyandmiserableagain,andforthefirsttimeshediscoveredthatherfeetwerecold,herheadached,and thatherheartwascolder than theformer, fullerofpainthanthelatter.Mr.Bhaerwasgoingaway,heonlycaredforherasafriend,itwasallamistake,andthesooneritwasover thebetter.Withthis ideainherhead,shehailedanapproachingomnibuswithsuchahastygesturethatthedaisiesflewoutofthepotandwerebadlydamaged.

"Thisisnotouromniboos,"saidtheProfessor,wavingtheloadedvehicleaway,andstoppingtopickupthepoorlittleflowers.

"Ibegyourpardon. Ididn'tsee thenamedistinctly.Nevermind, Icanwalk. I'mused toplodding in themud," returned Jo,winkinghard,because shewouldhavediedratherthanopenlywipehereyes.

Mr.Bhaer saw the drops on her cheeks, though she turned her head away.Thesight seemed to touchhimverymuch, for suddenlystoopingdown,heasked inatonethatmeantagreatdeal,"Heart'sdearest,whydoyoucry?"

Now,ifJohadnotbeennewtothissortofthingshewouldhavesaidshewasn'tcrying,hadacoldinherhead,ortoldanyotherfemininefibpropertotheoccasion.Instead of which, that undignified creature answered, with an irrepressible sob,"Becauseyouaregoingaway."

"Ach,meinGott,thatissogood!"criedMr.Bhaer,managingtoclasphishandsinspiteoftheumbrellaandthebundles,"Jo,Ihafnothingbutmuchlovetogifyou.Icame to see ifyoucouldcare for it, and Iwaited tobe sure that Iwas somethingmorethanafriend.AmI?CanyoumakealittleplaceinyourheartforoldFritz?"headded,allinonebreath.

"Oh,yes!"saidJo,andhewasquitesatisfied,forshefoldedbothhandsoverhisarm,and lookedupathimwithanexpression thatplainlyshowedhowhappyshe

wouldbetowalkthroughlifebesidehim,eventhoughshehadnobettershelterthantheoldumbrella,ifhecarriedit.

Itwascertainlyproposingunderdifficulties,forevenifhehaddesiredtodoso,Mr.Bhaercouldnotgodownuponhisknees,onaccountofthemud.Neithercouldhe offer Jo his hand, except figuratively, for bothwere full.Much less could heindulge in tender remonstrations in the open street, thoughhewas near it. So theonly way in which he could express his rapture was to look at her, with anexpressionwhichglorifiedhisfacetosuchadegreethatthereactuallyseemedtobelittlerainbowsinthedropsthatsparkledonhisbeard.Ifhehadnot lovedJoverymuch,Idon'tthinkhecouldhavedoneitthen,forshelookedfarfromlovely,withher skirts in a deplorable state, her rubber boots splashed to the ankle, and herbonnet a ruin. Fortunately, Mr. Bhaer considered her the most beautiful womanliving,andshefoundhimmore"Jove-like"thanever,thoughhishatbrimwasquitelimpwiththelittlerillstricklingthenceuponhisshoulders(forheheldtheumbrellaalloverJo),andeveryfingerofhisglovesneededmending.

Passers-byprobably thought thema pair of harmless lunatics, for they entirelyforgottohailabus,andstrolledleisurelyalong,obliviousofdeepeningduskandfog.Littletheycaredwhatanybodythought,fortheywereenjoyingthehappyhourthatseldomcomesbutonceinanylife,themagicalmomentwhichbestowsyouthontheold,beautyontheplain,wealthonthepoor,andgiveshumanheartsaforetasteofheaven.TheProfessorlookedasifhehadconqueredakingdom,andtheworldhadnothingmore tooffer him in thewayof bliss.While Jo trudgedbesidehim,feelingas if herplacehadalwaysbeen there, andwonderinghowsheever couldhave chosen any other lot. Of course, she was the first to speak—intelligibly, Imean,fortheemotionalremarkswhichfollowedherimpetuous"Oh,yes!"werenotofacoherentorreportablecharacter.

"Friedrich,whydidn'tyou..."

"Ah,heaven,shegifsmethenamethatnoonespeakssinceMinnadied!"criedtheProfessor,pausinginapuddletoregardherwithgratefuldelight.

"Ialwayscallyousotomyself—Iforgot,butIwon'tunlessyoulikeit."

"Likeit?ItismoresweettomethanIcantell.Say'thou',also,andIshallsayyourlanguageisalmostasbeautifulasmine."

"Isn't 'thou' a little sentimental?" asked Jo, privately thinking it a lovelymonosyllable.

"Sentimental? Yes. Thank Gott, we Germans believe in sentiment, and keepourselvesyoungmit it.YourEnglish 'you' is socold, say 'thou',heart'sdearest, itmeans so much to me," pleadedMr. Bhaer, more like a romantic student than agraveprofessor.

"Well,then,whydidn'tthoutellmeallthissooner?"askedJobashfully.

"NowIshallhaftoshowtheeallmyheart,andIsogladlywill,becausethoumusttakecareofithereafter.See,then,myJo—ah,thedear,funnylittlename—Ihadawish to tell something the day I said goodbye in New York, but I thought thehandsomefriendwasbetrothedtothee,andsoIspokenot.Wouldstthouhavesaid'Yes',then,ifIhadspoken?"

"Idon'tknow.I'mafraidnot,forIdidn'thaveanyheartjustthen."

"Prut!That Idonotbelieve. Itwasasleep till the fairyprincecame through thewood,andwakeditup.Ah,well,'DieersteLiebeistdiebeste',butthatIshouldnotexpect."

"Yes,thefirstloveisthebest,butbesocontented,forIneverhadanother.Teddywasonlyaboy,andsoongotoverhislittlefancy,"saidJo,anxioustocorrect theProfessor'smistake.

"Good!ThenIshallresthappy,andbesurethatthougivestmeall.Ihafwaitedsolong,Iamgrownselfish,asthouwiltfind,Professorin."

"I like that,"criedJo,delightedwithhernewname."Nowtellmewhatbroughtyou,atlast,justwhenIwantedyou?"

"This,"andMr.Bhaertookalittlewornpaperoutofhiswaistcoatpocket.

Jounfoldedit,andlookedmuchabashed,foritwasoneofherowncontributionsto a paper that paid for poetry,which accounted for her sending it an occasionalattempt.

"Howcouldthatbringyou?"sheasked,wonderingwhathemeant.

"Ifounditbychance.Iknewitbythenamesandtheinitials,andinit therewasonelittleversethatseemedtocallme.Readandfindhim.Iwillseethatyougonotinthewet."

INTHEGARRET

Fourlittlechestsallinarow,Dimwithdust,andwornbytime,Allfashionedandfilled,longago,Bychildrennowintheirprime.Fourlittlekeyshungsidebyside,Withfadedribbons,braveandgayWhenfastenedthere,withchildishpride,Longago,onarainyday.Fourlittlenames,oneoneachlid,Carvedoutbyaboyishhand,AndunderneaththereliethhidHistoriesofthehappybandOnceplayinghere,andpausingoftTohearthesweetrefrain,Thatcameandwentontheroofaloft,Inthefallingsummerrain.

"Meg"onthefirstlid,smoothandfair.Ilookinwithlovingeyes,Forfoldedhere,withwell-knowncare,Agoodlygatheringlies,Therecordofapeacefullife—Giftstogentlechildandgirl,Abridalgown,linestoawife,Atinyshoe,ababycurl.Notoysinthisfirstchestremain,Forallarecarriedaway,Intheiroldage,tojoinagainInanothersmallMeg'splay.Ah,happymother!WellIknowYouhear,likeasweetrefrain,LullabieseversoftandlowInthefallingsummerrain.

"Jo"onthenextlid,scratchedandworn,AndwithinamotleystoreOfheadlessdolls,ofschoolbookstorn,Birdsandbeaststhatspeaknomore,SpoilsbroughthomefromthefairygroundOnlytrodbyyouthfulfeet,Dreamsofafutureneverfound,Memoriesofapaststillsweet,Half-writpoems,storieswild,Aprilletters,warmandcold,Diariesofawilfulchild,Hintsofawomanearlyold,Awomaninalonelyhome,Hearing,likeasadrefrain—"Beworthy,love,andlovewillcome,"Inthefallingsummerrain.

MyBeth!thedustisalwayssweptFromthelidthatbearsyourname,Asifbylovingeyesthatwept,

Bycarefulhandsthatoftencame.Deathcanonizedforusonesaint,Everlesshumanthandivine,Andstillwelay,withtenderplaint,Relicsinthishouseholdshrine—Thesilverbell,soseldomrung,Thelittlecapwhichlastshewore,Thefair,deadCatherinethathungByangelsborneaboveherdoor.Thesongsshesang,withoutlament,Inherprison-houseofpain,ForeveraretheysweetlyblentWiththefallingsummerrain.

Uponthelastlid'spolishedfield—LegendnowbothfairandtrueAgallantknightbearsonhisshield,"Amy"inlettersgoldandblue.Withinliesnoodsthatboundherhair,Slippersthathavedancedtheirlast,Fadedflowerslaidbywithcare,Fanswhoseairytoilsarepast,Gayvalentines,allardentflames,TriflesthathavebornetheirpartIngirlishhopesandfearsandshames,TherecordofamaidenheartNowlearningfairer,truerspells,Hearing,likeablitherefrain,ThesilversoundofbridalbellsInthefallingsummerrain.

Fourlittlechestsallinarow,Dimwithdust,andwornbytime,Fourwomen,taughtbywealandwoeToloveandlaborintheirprime.Foursisters,partedforanhour,Nonelost,oneonlygonebefore,Madebylove'simmortalpower,Nearestanddearestevermore.Oh,whenthesehiddenstoresofoursLieopentotheFather'ssight,Maytheyberichingoldenhours,Deedsthatshowfairerforthelight,Liveswhosebravemusiclongshallring,Likeaspirit-stirringstrain,SoulsthatshallgladlysoarandsingInthelongsunshineafterrain.

"It'sverybadpoetry,butIfeltitwhenIwroteit,onedaywhenIwasverylonely,andhadagoodcryona ragbag. Inever thought itwouldgowhere it could telltales,"saidJo,tearinguptheversestheProfessorhadtreasuredsolong.

"Letitgo,ithasdoneitsduty,andIwillhafafreshonewhenIreadallthebrown

book in which she keeps her little secrets," said Mr. Bhaer with a smile as hewatchedthefragmentsflyawayonthewind."Yes,"headdedearnestly,"Ireadthat,andIthinktomyself,Shehasasorrow,sheislonely,shewouldfindcomfortintruelove.Ihafaheartfull,fullforher.ShallInotgoandsay,'IfthisisnottoopoorathingtogifforwhatIshallhopetoreceive,takeitinGott'sname?'"

"Andsoyoucame to find that itwasnot toopoor,but theoneprecious thing Ineeded,"whisperedJo.

"Ihadnocouragetothinkthatatfirst,heavenlykindaswasyourwelcometome.ButsoonIbegantohope,andthenIsaid,'IwillhafherifIdieforit,'andsoIwill!"criedMr.Bhaer,withadefiantnod,asifthewallsofmistclosingroundthemwerebarrierswhichhewastosurmountorvaliantlyknockdown.

Jothoughtthatwassplendid,andresolvedtobeworthyofherknight,thoughhedidnotcomeprancingonachargeringorgeousarray.

"Whatmadeyoustayawaysolong?"sheaskedpresently,findingitsopleasanttoaskconfidentialquestionsandgetdelightfulanswersthatshecouldnotkeepsilent.

"Itwasnoteasy,butIcouldnotfindthehearttotakeyoufromthatsohappyhomeuntil I couldhafaprospectofone togifyou,aftermuch time,perhaps,andhardwork.Howcould I askyou togifupsomuch forapoorold fellow,whohasnofortunebutalittlelearning?"

"I'mgladyouarepoor.Icouldn'tbeararichhusband,"saidJodecidedly,addinginasoftertone,"Don'tfearpoverty.I'veknownitlongenoughtolosemydreadandbehappyworkingforthoseIlove,anddon'tcallyourselfold—fortyistheprimeoflife.Icouldn'thelplovingyouifyouwereseventy!"

The Professor found that so touching that he would have been glad of hishandkerchief,ifhecouldhavegotatit.Ashecouldn't,Jowipedhiseyesforhim,andsaid,laughing,asshetookawayabundleortwo...

"I may be strong-minded, but no one can say I'm out of my sphere now, forwoman'sspecialmissionissupposedtobedryingtearsandbearingburdens.I'mtocarrymyshare,Friedrich,andhelptoearnthehome.Makeupyourmindtothat,orI'llnevergo,"sheaddedresolutely,ashetriedtoreclaimhisload.

"Weshallsee.Hafyoupatiencetowaitalongtime,Jo?Imustgoawayanddomyworkalone.Imusthelpmyboysfirst,because,evenforyou,ImaynotbreakmywordtoMinna.Canyouforgifthat,andbehappywhilewehopeandwait?"

"Yes, IknowIcan, forwe loveoneanother,and thatmakesall the resteasy tobear.Ihavemyduty,also,andmywork.Icouldn'tenjoymyselfifIneglectedthemevenforyou,sothere'snoneedofhurryorimpatience.YoucandoyourpartoutWest, I candominehere, andbothbehappyhoping for thebest, and leaving thefuturetobeasGodwills."

"Ah!Thougifestmesuchhopeandcourage,andIhafnothingtogifbackbutafullheartandtheseemptyhands,"criedtheProfessor,quiteovercome.

Jonever,neverwouldlearntobeproper,forwhenhesaidthatastheystooduponthesteps,shejustputbothhandsintohis,whisperingtenderly,"Notemptynow,"andstooping down, kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella. It was dreadful, but shewouldhavedone it if the flockofdraggle-tailed sparrowson thehedgehadbeenhumanbeings,forshewasveryfargoneindeed,andquiteregardlessofeverythingbut her own happiness.Though it came in such a very simple guise, thatwas thecrowningmomentofboththeir lives,when,turningfromthenightandstormandloneliness to the household light andwarmth and peacewaiting to receive them,withaglad"Welcomehome!"Joledherloverin,andshutthedoor.

CHAPTERFORTY-SEVEN

HARVESTTIME

For a year Jo and her Professor worked and waited, hoped and loved, metoccasionally,andwrote suchvoluminous letters that the rise in thepriceofpaperwas accounted for, Laurie said. The second year began rather soberly, for theirprospects did not brighten, and Aunt March died suddenly. But when their firstsorrowwasover—for they loved theold lady in spite of her sharp tongue—theyfoundtheyhadcauseforrejoicing,forshehadleftPlumfieldtoJo,whichmadeallsortsofjoyfulthingspossible.

"It'safineoldplace,andwillbringahandsomesum,forofcourseyouintendtosellit,"saidLaurie,astheywerealltalkingthematteroversomeweekslater.

"No,Idon't,"wasJo'sdecidedanswer,asshepettedthefatpoodle,whomshehadadopted,outofrespecttohisformermistress.

"Youdon'tmeantolivethere?"

"Yes,Ido."

"But,mydeargirl,it'sanimmensehouse,andwilltakeapowerofmoneytokeepitinorder.Thegardenandorchardaloneneedtwoorthreemen,andfarmingisn'tinBhaer'sline,Itakeit."

"He'lltryhishandatitthere,ifIproposeit."

"And you expect to live on the produce of the place? Well, that soundsparadisiacal,butyou'llfinditdesperatehardwork."

"Thecropwearegoingtoraiseisaprofitableone,"andJolaughed.

"Ofwhatisthisfinecroptoconsist,ma'am?"

"Boys. Iwant toopenaschool for little lads—agood,happy,homelikeschool,withmetotakecareofthemandFritztoteachthem."

"That'satrulyJoianplanforyou!Isn'tthatjustlikeher?"criedLaurie,appealingtothefamily,wholookedasmuchsurprisedashe.

"Ilikeit,"saidMrs.Marchdecidedly.

"SodoI,"addedherhusband,whowelcomedthethoughtofachancefortryingtheSocraticmethodofeducationonmodernyouth.

"ItwillbeanimmensecareforJo,"saidMeg,strokingtheheadofheroneall-absorbingson.

"Jocandoit,andbehappyinit.It'sasplendididea.Tellusallaboutit,"criedMr.Laurence,whohadbeenlongingtolendtheloversahand,butknewthattheywouldrefusehishelp.

"Iknewyou'd standbyme, sir.Amydoes too—Isee it inher eyes, though sheprudentlywaitstoturnitoverinhermindbeforeshespeaks.Now,mydearpeople,"continuedJoearnestly,"justunderstandthatthisisn'tanewideaofmine,butalongcherished plan. Before my Fritz came, I used to think how, when I'd made myfortune,andnooneneededmeathome,I'dhireabighouse,andpickupsomepoor,forlornlittleladswhohadn'tanymothers,andtakecareofthem,andmakelifejollyforthembeforeitwastoolate.Iseesomanygoingtoruinforwantofhelpattheright minute, I love so to do anything for them, I seem to feel their wants, andsympathizewiththeirtroubles,andoh,Ishouldsoliketobeamothertothem!"

Mrs.MarchheldoutherhandtoJo,whotookit,smiling,withtearsinhereyes,andwentonintheoldenthusiasticway,whichtheyhadnotseenforalongwhile.

"I toldmy plan to Fritz once, and he said it was just what he would like, andagreedtotryitwhenwegotrich.Blesshisdearheart,he'sbeendoingitallhislife—helpingpoorboys,Imean,notgettingrich,thathe'llneverbe.Moneydoesn'tstayinhispocketlongenoughtolayupany.Butnow,thankstomygoodoldaunt,wholovedmebetterthanIeverdeserved,I'mrich,atleastIfeelso,andwecanliveatPlumfieldperfectlywell,ifwehaveaflourishingschool.It'sjusttheplaceforboys,the house is big, and the furniture strong and plain. There's plenty of room fordozens inside, and splendid grounds outside. They could help in the garden andorchard.Suchwork ishealthy, isn't it, sir?ThenFritzcould trainand teach inhisownway,andFatherwillhelphim.Icanfeedandnurseandpetandscoldthem,andMother will be my stand-by. I've always longed for lots of boys, and never hadenough, now I can fill the house full and revel in the little dears to my heart'scontent.Thinkwhatluxury—Plumfieldmyown,andawildernessofboystoenjoyitwithme."

AsJowavedherhandsandgaveasighofrapture,thefamilywentoffintoagaleofmerriment,andMr.Laurencelaughedtilltheythoughthe'dhaveanapoplecticfit.

"Idon'tseeanythingfunny,"shesaidgravely,whenshecouldbeheard."NothingcouldbemorenaturalandproperthanformyProfessortoopenaschool,andformetoprefertoresideinmyownestate."

"Sheisputtingonairsalready,"saidLaurie,whoregardedtheideainthelightofacapitaljoke."ButmayIinquirehowyouintendtosupporttheestablishment?Ifallthe pupils are little ragamuffins, I'm afraid your crop won't be profitable in aworldlysense,Mrs.Bhaer."

"Now don't be awet-blanket, Teddy.Of course I shall have rich pupils, also—perhaps begin with such altogether. Then, when I've got a start, I can take in aragamuffin or two, just for a relish. Rich people's children often need care andcomfort, aswell as poor. I've seen unfortunate little creatures left to servants, orbackward ones pushed forward,when it's real cruelty. Some are naughty throughmismanagmentorneglect,andsomelosetheirmothers.Besides,thebesthavetogetthroughthehobbledehoyage,andthat's theverytimetheyneedmostpatienceandkindness.Peoplelaughatthem,andhustlethemabout,trytokeepthemoutofsight,andexpectthemtoturnallatoncefromprettychildrenintofineyoungmen.Theydon't complain much—plucky little souls—but they feel it. I've been throughsomethingofit,andIknowallaboutit.I'veaspecialinterestinsuchyoungbears,

and like to show them that I see thewarm, honest, well-meaning boys' hearts, inspite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsy-turvy heads. I've had experience,too,forhaven'tIbroughtuponeboytobeaprideandhonortohisfamily?"

"I'lltestifythatyoutriedtodoit,"saidLauriewithagratefullook.

"And I've succeeded beyond my hopes, for here you are, a steady, sensiblebusinessman,doingheapsofgoodwithyourmoney,andlayinguptheblessingsofthepoor,insteadofdollars.Butyouarenotmerelyabusinessman,youlovegoodandbeautiful things,enjoy themyourself,and letothersgohalves,asyoualwaysdid in theold times. Iamproudofyou,Teddy, foryougetbettereveryyear,andeveryonefeelsit,thoughyouwon'tletthemsayso.Yes,andwhenIhavemyflock,I'lljustpointtoyou,andsay'There'syourmodel,mylads'."

PoorLauriedidn'tknowwheretolook,for,manthoughhewas,somethingoftheold bashfulness came over him as this burst of praise made all faces turnapprovinglyuponhim.

"Isay,Jo,that'srathertoomuch,"hebegan,justinhisoldboyishway."YouhavealldonemoreformethanIcaneverthankyoufor,exceptbydoingmybestnottodisappointyou.Youhaverathercastmeofflately,Jo,butI'vehadthebestofhelp,nevertheless.So,ifI'vegotonatall,youmaythankthesetwoforit,"andhelaidonehandgentlyonhisgrandfather'shead,andtheotheronAmy'sgoldenone,for thethreewereneverfarapart.

"Idothinkthatfamiliesarethemostbeautifulthingsinalltheworld!"burstoutJo,whowasinanunusuallyup-liftedframeofmindjustthen."WhenIhaveoneofmyown,IhopeitwillbeashappyasthethreeIknowandlovethebest.IfJohnandmyFritzwereonlyhere,itwouldbequitealittleheavenonearth,"sheaddedmorequietly.Andthatnightwhenshewenttoherroomafterablissfuleveningoffamilycounsels,hopes, andplans,herheartwas so fullofhappiness that shecouldonlycalmitbykneelingbesidetheemptybedalwaysnearherown,andthinkingtenderthoughtsofBeth.

It was a very astonishing year altogether, for things seemed to happen in anunusuallyrapidanddelightfulmanner.Almostbeforesheknewwhereshewas,JofoundherselfmarriedandsettledatPlumfield.Thenafamilyofsixorsevenboyssprunguplikemushrooms,andflourishedsurprisingly,poorboysaswellasrich,forMr. Laurence was continually finding some touching case of destitution, andbeggingtheBhaerstotakepityonthechild,andhewouldgladlypayatrifleforitssupport. In thisway, the slyoldgentlemangot roundproudJo, and furnishedher

withthestyleofboyinwhichshemostdelighted.

Ofcourse itwasuphillworkat first, and Jomadequeermistakes,but thewiseProfessorsteeredhersafely intocalmerwaters,and themost rampant ragamuffinwasconqueredintheend.HowJodidenjoyher'wildernessofboys',andhowpoor,dearAuntMarchwouldhavelamentedhadshebeentheretoseethesacredprecinctsofprim,well-orderedPlumfieldoverrunwithToms,Dicks,andHarrys!Therewasasortofpoeticjusticeaboutit,afterall,fortheoldladyhadbeentheterroroftheboysformilesaround,andnowtheexilesfeastedfreelyonforbiddenplums,kickedup the gravel with profane boots unreproved, and played cricket in the big fieldwhere the irritable 'cowwithacrumpledhorn'used to invite rashyouths tocomeandbetossed.Itbecameasortofboys'paradise,andLauriesuggestedthatitshouldbe called the 'Bhaer-garten', as a compliment to itsmaster and appropriate to itsinhabitants.

Itneverwasafashionableschool,andtheProfessordidnotlayupafortune,butitwasjustwhatJointendedittobe—'ahappy,homelikeplaceforboys,whoneededteaching,care,andkindness'.Everyroominthebighousewassoonfull.Everylittleplot in thegarden soonhad itsowner.A regularmenagerie appeared inbarnandshed, for pet animalswere allowed.And three times a day, Jo smiled at herFritzfromtheheadofalongtablelinedoneithersidewithrowsofhappyyoungfaces,whichallturnedtoherwithaffectionateeyes,confidingwords,andgratefulhearts,fulloflovefor'MotherBhaer'.Shehadboysenoughnow,anddidnottireofthem,though they were not angels, by any means, and some of them caused bothProfessorandProfessorinmuchtroubleandanxiety.Butherfaithinthegoodspotwhichexistsintheheartofthenaughtiest,sauciest,mosttantalizinglittleragamuffingaveherpatience,skill,andintimesuccess,fornomortalboycouldholdoutlongwith Father Bhaer shining on him as benevolently as the sun, andMother Bhaerforgiving him seventy times seven.Very precious to Jowas the friendship of thelads, their penitent sniffs andwhispers after wrongdoing, their droll or touchinglittle confidences, their pleasant enthusiasms, hopes, and plans, even theirmisfortunes,fortheyonlyendearedthemtoherallthemore.Therewereslowboysand bashful boys, feeble boys and riotous boys, boys that lisped and boys thatstuttered,oneortwolameones,andamerrylittlequadroon,whocouldnotbetakenin elsewhere, but who was welcome to the 'Bhaer-garten', though some peoplepredictedthathisadmissionwouldruintheschool.

Yes,Jowasaveryhappywomanthere,inspiteofhardwork,muchanxiety,andaperpetual racket.Sheenjoyed itheartilyand found theapplauseofherboysmoresatisfying than anypraiseof theworld, fornow she toldno stories except to herflockofenthusiasticbelieversandadmirers.Astheyearswenton,twolittleladsof

herowncame to increaseherhappiness—Rob,named forGrandpa, andTeddy, ahappy-go-luckybaby,whoseemedtohave inheritedhispapa'ssunshiny temperaswellashismother'slivelyspirit.Howtheyevergrewupaliveinthatwhirlpoolofboyswasamysterytotheirgrandmaandaunts,buttheyflourishedlikedandelionsinspring,andtheirroughnurseslovedandservedthemwell.

Therewere agreatmanyholidays atPlumfield, andoneof themostdelightfulwastheyearlyapple-picking.ForthentheMarches,Laurences,BrookesandBhaersturnedoutinfullforceandmadeadayofit.FiveyearsafterJo'swedding,oneofthesefruitfulfestivalsoccurred,amellowOctoberday,whentheairwasfullofanexhilaratingfreshnesswhichmadethespiritsriseandtheblooddancehealthily intheveins.Theoldorchardworeitsholidayattire.Goldenrodandastersfringedthemossywalls.Grasshoppers skippedbriskly in the seregrass, andcricketschirpedlike fairy pipers at a feast. Squirrelswere busywith their small harvesting.Birdstwitteredtheiradieuxfromthealdersinthelane,andeverytreestoodreadytosenddown its shower of red or yellow apples at the first shake. Everybodywas there.Everybody laughed and sang, climbedup and tumbleddown.Everybodydeclaredthat there never had been such a perfect day or such a jolly set to enjoy it, andeveryonegavethemselvesuptothesimplepleasuresofthehourasfreelyasiftherewerenosuchthingsascareorsorrowintheworld.

Mr.Marchstrolledplacidlyabout,quotingTusser,Cowley,andColumellatoMr.Laurence,whileenjoying...

Thegentleapple'swineyjuice.

TheProfessorchargedupanddownthegreenaisleslikeastoutTeutonicknight,withapoleforalance,leadingontheboys,whomadeahookandladdercompanyof themselves, and performedwonders in theway of ground and lofty tumbling.Lauriedevotedhimselftothelittleones,rodehissmalldaughterinabushel-basket,tookDaisyupamongthebird'snests,andkeptadventurousRobfrombreakinghisneck.Mrs.MarchandMegsatamongtheapplepileslikeapairofPomonas,sortingthe contributions that kept pouring in, while Amy with a beautiful motherlyexpressioninherfacesketchedthevariousgroups,andwatchedoveronepalelad,whosatadoringherwithhislittlecrutchbesidehim.

Jowasinherelement thatday,andrushedabout,withhergownpinnedup,andherhatanywherebutonherhead,andherbabytuckedunderherarm,readyforanylivelyadventurewhichmightturnup.LittleTeddyboreacharmedlife,fornothingeverhappenedtohim,andJoneverfeltanyanxietywhenhewaswhiskedupintoatreebyonelad,gallopedoffonthebackofanother,orsuppliedwithsourrussetsby

his indulgent papa, who labored under the Germanic delusion that babies coulddigestanything,frompickledcabbagetobuttons,nails,andtheirownsmallshoes.SheknewthatlittleTedwouldturnupagainintime,safeandrosy,dirtyandserene,andshealwaysreceivedhimbackwithaheartywelcome,forJo lovedherbabiestenderly.

At four o'clock a lull took place, and baskets remained empty,while the applepickersrestedandcomparedrentsandbruises.ThenJoandMeg,withadetachmentof the bigger boys, set forth the supper on the grass, for an out-of-door teawasalwaysthecrowningjoyoftheday.Thelandliterallyflowedwithmilkandhoneyon such occasions, for the lads were not required to sit at table, but allowed topartakeofrefreshmentastheyliked—freedombeingthesaucebestbelovedbytheboyishsoul.Theyavailedthemselvesoftherareprivilegetothefullestextent,forsometriedthepleasingexperimentofdrinkingmilkwhilestandingontheirheads,others lent a charm to leapfrog by eating pie in the pauses of the game, cookiesweresownbroadcastoverthefield,andappleturnoversroostedinthetreeslikeanewstyleofbird.Thelittlegirlshadaprivateteaparty,andTedrovedamongtheediblesathisownsweetwill.

Whennoonecouldeatanymore,theProfessorproposedthefirstregulartoast,which was always drunk at such times—"Aunt March, God bless her!" A toastheartily given by the good man, who never forgot howmuch he owed her, andquietlydrunkbytheboys,whohadbeentaughttokeephermemorygreen.

"Now,Grandma'ssixtiethbirthday!Longlifetoher,withthreetimesthree!"

Thatwasgivenwithawill,asyoumaywellbelieve,andthecheeringoncebegun,itwas hard to stop it.Everybody's healthwas proposed, fromMr.Laurence,whowasconsideredtheirspecialpatron, to theastonishedguineapig,whohadstrayedfromitspropersphereinsearchofitsyoungmaster.Demi,astheoldestgrandchild,thenpresentedthequeenofthedaywithvariousgifts,sonumerousthat theyweretransportedtothefestivesceneinawheelbarrow.Funnypresents,someofthem,butwhatwouldhavebeendefectstoothereyeswereornamentstoGrandma's—forthechildren'sgiftswerealltheirown.EverystitchDaisy'spatientlittlefingershadputinto the handkerchiefs she hemmed was better than embroidery to Mrs. March.Demi'smiracleofmechanicalskill,thoughthecoverwouldn'tshut,Rob'sfootstoolhadawiggleinitsunevenlegsthatshedeclaredwassoothing,andnopageofthecostly bookAmy's child gave herwas so fair as that onwhich appeared in tipsycapitals,thewords—"TodearGrandma,fromherlittleBeth."

During the ceremony the boys had mysteriously disappeared, and when Mrs.

March had tried to thank her children, and broken down,while Teddywiped hereyesonhispinafore,theProfessorsuddenlybegantosing.Then,fromabovehim,voiceaftervoicetookupthewords,andfromtreetotreeechoedthemusicoftheunseenchoir,astheboyssangwithalltheirheartsthelittlesongthatJohadwritten,Laurieset tomusic,and theProfessor trainedhis lads togivewith thebesteffect.Thiswassomethingaltogethernew,anditprovedagrandsuccess,forMrs.Marchcouldn'tgetoverhersurprise,andinsistedonshakinghandswitheveryoneofthefeatherless birds, from tall Franz and Emil to the little quadroon, who had thesweetestvoiceofall.

After this, the boys dispersed for a final lark, leaving Mrs. March and herdaughtersunderthefestivaltree.

"I don't think I ever ought to callmyself 'unlucky Jo' again,whenmy greatestwishhasbeensobeautifullygratified,"saidMrs.Bhaer,takingTeddy'slittlefistoutofthemilkpitcher,inwhichhewasrapturouslychurning.

"Andyetyour life isverydifferent fromtheoneyoupicturedso longago.Doyou rememberour castles in the air?" askedAmy, smilingas shewatchedLaurieandJohnplayingcricketwiththeboys.

"Dearfellows!Itdoesmyheartgoodtoseethemforgetbusinessandfrolicforaday," answered Jo, who now spoke in a maternal way of all mankind. "Yes, Iremember, but the life Iwanted then seems selfish, lonely, and cold tomenow. Ihaven'tgivenupthehopethatImaywriteagoodbookyet,butIcanwait,andI'msureitwillbeallthebetterforsuchexperiencesandillustrationsasthese,"andJopointedfromthelivelyladsinthedistancetoherfather,leaningontheProfessor'sarm, as theywalked to and fro in the sunshine, deep in one of the conversationswhichbothenjoyedsomuch,andthentohermother,sittingenthronedamongherdaughters, with their children in her lap and at her feet, as if all found help andhappinessinthefacewhichnevercouldgrowoldtothem.

"Mycastlewasthemostnearlyrealizedofall.Iaskedforsplendidthings,tobesure,butinmyheartIknewIshouldbesatisfied,ifIhadalittlehome,andJohn,andsome dear children like these. I've got them all, thank God, and am the happiestwomanintheworld,"andMeglaidherhandonhertallboy'shead,withafacefulloftenderanddevoutcontent.

"MycastleisverydifferentfromwhatIplanned,butIwouldnotalterit,though,likeJo,Idon'trelinquishallmyartistichopes,orconfinemyselftohelpingothersfulfilltheirdreamsofbeauty.I'vebeguntomodelafigureofbaby,andLauriesays

itisthebestthingI'veeverdone.Ithinkso,myself,andmeantodoitinmarble,sothat,whateverhappens,Imayatleastkeeptheimageofmylittleangel."

AsAmyspoke,agreat teardroppedon thegoldenhairof thesleepingchild inherarms,forheronewell-beloveddaughterwasafraillittlecreatureandthedreadoflosingherwastheshadowoverAmy'ssunshine.Thiscrosswasdoingmuchforboth father and mother, for one love and sorrow bound them closely together.Amy'snaturewasgrowingsweeter,deeper, andmore tender.Lauriewasgrowingmore serious, strong, and firm, and both were learning that beauty, youth, goodfortune,evenloveitself,cannotkeepcareandpain,lossandsorrow,fromthemostblessedfor...

Intoeachlifesomerainmustfall,Somedaysmustbedarkandsadanddreary.

"Sheisgrowingbetter,Iamsureofit,mydear.Don'tdespond,buthopeandkeephappy,"saidMrs.March,as tenderheartedDaisystoopedfromherkneeto layherrosycheekagainstherlittlecousin'spaleone.

"Ineveroughtto,whileIhaveyoutocheermeup,Marmee,andLaurietotakemore thanhalf of everyburden," repliedAmywarmly. "Henever letsme seehisanxiety,butissosweetandpatientwithme,sodevotedtoBeth,andsuchastayandcomforttomealwaysthatIcan'tlovehimenough.So,inspiteofmyonecross,IcansaywithMeg,'ThankGod,I'mahappywoman.'"

"There'snoneedformetosayit,foreveryonecanseethatI'mfarhappierthanIdeserve," added Jo, glancing from her good husband to her chubby children,tumblingon thegrass besideher. "Fritz is gettinggray and stout. I'mgrowing asthinasashadow,andamthirty.Wenevershallberich,andPlumfieldmayburnupanynight,for that incorrigibleTommyBangswillsmokesweet-ferncigarsunderthe bed-clothes, though he's set himself afire three times already. But in spite oftheseunromanticfacts,Ihavenothingtocomplainof,andneverwassojollyinmylife.Excusetheremark,butlivingamongboys,Ican'thelpusingtheirexpressionsnowandthen."

"Yes,Jo,Ithinkyourharvestwillbeagoodone,"beganMrs.March,frighteningawayabigblackcricketthatwasstaringTeddyoutofcountenance.

"Not half so good as yours, Mother. Here it is, and we never can thank youenoughforthepatientsowingandreapingyouhavedone,"criedJo,withtheloving

impetuositywhichsheneverwouldoutgrow.

"Ihopetherewillbemorewheatandfewertareseveryyear,"saidAmysoftly.

"Alargesheaf,butIknowthere'sroominyourheartforit,Marmeedear,"addedMeg'stendervoice.

Touchedtotheheart,Mrs.Marchcouldonlystretchoutherarms,asiftogatherchildrenandgrandchildrentoherself,andsay,withfaceandvoicefullofmotherlylove,gratitude,andhumility...

"Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greaterhappinessthanthis!"

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TableofContentsLITTLEWOMENbyLouisaMayAlcottCONTENTS

CHAPTERONEPLAYINGPILGRIMSCHAPTERTWOAMERRYCHRISTMASCHAPTERTHREETHELAURENCEBOYCHAPTERFOURBURDENSCHAPTERFIVEBEINGNEIGHBORLYCHAPTERSIXBETHFINDSTHEPALACEBEAUTIFULCHAPTERSEVENAMY'SVALLEYOFHUMILIATIONCHAPTEREIGHTJOMEETSAPOLLYONCHAPTERNINEMEGGOESTOVANITYFAIRCHAPTERTENTHEP.C.ANDP.O.CHAPTERELEVENEXPERIMENTSCHAPTERTWELVECAMPLAURENCECHAPTERTHIRTEENCASTLESINTHEAIRCHAPTERFOURTEENSECRETSCHAPTERFIFTEENATELEGRAMCHAPTERSIXTEENLETTERSCHAPTERSEVENTEEN

LITTLEFAITHFULCHAPTEREIGHTEENDARKDAYSCHAPTERNINETEENAMY'SWILLCHAPTERTWENTYCONFIDENTIALCHAPTERTWENTY-ONELAURIEMAKESMISCHIEF,ANDJOMAKESPEACECHAPTERTWENTY-TWOPLEASANTMEADOWSCHAPTERTWENTY-THREEAUNTMARCHSETTLESTHEQUESTION

LITTLEWOMENPART2CHAPTERTWENTY-FOURGOSSIPCHAPTERTWENTY-FIVETHEFIRSTWEDDINGCHAPTERTWENTY-SIXARTISTICATTEMPTSCHAPTERTWENTY-SEVENLITERARYLESSONSCHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHTDOMESTICEXPERIENCESCHAPTERTWENTY-NINECALLSCHAPTERTHIRTYCONSEQUENCESCHAPTERTHIRTY-ONEOURFOREIGNCORRESPONDENTCHAPTERTHIRTY-TWOTENDERTROUBLESCHAPTERTHIRTY-THREEJO'SJOURNALCHAPTERTHIRTY-FOURFRIENDCHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVEHEARTACHECHAPTERTHIRTY-SIXBETH'SSECRET

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVENNEWIMPRESSIONSCHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHTONTHESHELFCHAPTERTHIRTY-NINELAZYLAURENCECHAPTERFORTYTHEVALLEYOFTHESHADOWCHAPTERFORTY-ONELEARNINGTOFORGETCHAPTERFORTY-TWOALLALONECHAPTERFORTY-THREESURPRISESCHAPTERFORTY-FOURMYLORDANDLADYCHAPTERFORTY-FIVEDAISYANDDEMICHAPTERFORTY-SIXUNDERTHEUMBRELLACHAPTERFORTY-SEVENHARVESTTIME