Little Women

RY CH

rew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, wi

which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved he

se books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it, but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You c

arm round her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, wit

hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whisper

while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in

he and Jo ran down to thank her fo

. There never was such a woman for givin' away vittles and drink, clothes and firin'," replied Hannah, who h

er the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at th

ibbon on it, or some such notion," replied Jo, dancing about t

ed them for me, and I marked them all myself," said Beth, looking p

'Mother' on them instead of 'M. March

because Meg's initials are M.M., and I don't want anyo

oo, for no one can ever mistake now. It will please her very mu

quick!" cried Jo, as a door slam

d rather abashed when she saw

ind you?" asked Meg, surprised to see, by her hoo

ame. I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one, and I gave

humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot, and Jo pronounced her

t being good this morning, so I ran round the corner and changed it t

the basket under the sofa, and the gi

ank you for our books. We read some, and m

here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire. There is nothing to

r, and for a minute no one spoke, only a minute, for Jo exc

things to the poor little c

ffings," added Amy, heroically giv

e buckwheats, and piling th

d. "You shall all go and help me, and when we come back we will

ely it was early, and they went through back streets, so f

ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pale

and the blue lips smil

angels come to us!" said the

and mittens," said Jo,

r own cloak. Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel, and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own. The g

very agreeable, especially Jo, who had been considered a 'Sancho' ever since she was born. That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn't get any of it. And when they went away, leaving comf

e it," said Meg, as they set out their presents while their

w little bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and tr

Three cheers for Marmee!" cried Jo, prancing about w

ed with her eyes full as she examined her presents and read the little notes which accompanied them. The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief

mple, loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at th

ances, the girls put their wits to work, and necessity being the mother of invention, made whatever they needed. Very clever were some of their productions, pasteboard guitars, antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter boats covered with silver paper,

for some picture, were Jo's chief treasures and appeared on all occasions. The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece, and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three

ing state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp smoke, and an occasional giggle from A

steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside, then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouching hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and the boots. After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred for Roderigo, his love for

gns upon her cloak. Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him, and one to destroy Roderigo. Hagar, in

ther, from

te, I bid

roses, f

potions can

ere, with

t philter w

et and swif

nswer now

eared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, golden

er I

y airy

the silv

e magic

se it

er will va

d a reply, tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh. Having warbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots, Hugo departed, and Hagar informed the audience that as he had killed a fe

er dress, waiting for Roderigo. He came in gorgeous array, with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut lovelocks, a guitar, and the boots, of course. Kneeling at the foot of the tower, he sang a serenade in melting tones. Zara replied and, after a musical dialogue, consented to fly. Then came the grand effect of the play. Roderigo produced a rope ladder, w

ead emerged, exclaiming, "I told you so! I told you so!" With wonderful presence of min

r upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir. This dauntless example fired Zara. She also defied her sire, and he ordered them both to the deepest dun

heir cells, and tell them I shall come anon." The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something, and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless. Ferdinando, the 'minion', carries them away, and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the

long red hair rather marred the effect of the villain's death. He was called before the curtain, and with great propriet

dagger is at his heart, a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true but in danger, and he can save her if he will.

, and Rodrigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar, who has mysteriously disappeared. The latter informs the party that she bequeaths untold wealth to the young pair and an awful doom to Don Pedro, if he doesn't make them happy. The bag is opened, a

nguished the enthusiastic audience. Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with

p a little treat for them, but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty. There was ice cream, actually two dishes

red first at the table and then at their moth

iries?" a

laus," s

d her sweetest, in spite of he

nd sent the supper," cried J

Laurence sent it,"

n the world put such a thing into his h

d he sent me a polite note this afternoon, saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending the

ooks as if he'd like to know us but he's bashful, and Meg is so prim she won't let me speak to him when we pas

's very proud and doesn't like to mix with his neighbors. He keeps his grandson shut up, when he isn't riding or walking with his tutor, and

getting on capitally, all about cricket, and so on, when he saw Meg coming, and walked o

opportunity comes. He brought the flowers himself, and I should have asked him in, if I had been sure what was

her boots. "But we'll have another play sometime that he

ore! How pretty it is!" And Meg exam

e sweeter to me," said Mrs. March, sm

wish I could send my bunch to Father. I'm afraid