Little Women

little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-cove

d a few words written their mother, which made their one present very precious their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage a find their l

which unconsciously influenced her sister 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 ca

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

pered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example. `I'm glad mine is blue,' said Amy; and then the rooms were very s

r come a-beggin', and your ma went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for givin' away vittles and drink, clothes

er the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time. `Why, where is Amy's bottle of cologne?' she added, as the little flask did not appear. `She took it out a m

oned them for me, and I marked them a myself,' said Beth, looking p

"Mother" on these instead of "M. Marc

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

too, for no one can ever mistake them now. It will please her very

t, quick!' cried Jo, as door slam

ed rather abashed when she saw

ehind you?' asked Meg, surprised to see, by her h

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

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

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

the basket under the sofa, and the gi

Thank you for our books; we read some, and

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

d nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spok

d you came be

e things to the poor little c

uffins,' added Amy, heroically, giv

the buckwheats, and piling

ed. `You shall all go, and help me, and when we come back we will

nately it was early, and they went through back streets,

ragged bed-clothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pal

red and blue lips smil

d angels come to us!' said i

s 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 gir

s ist

hings, as they ate, and warmed their

s born. That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn't get any of it; and when they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think they were not in all t

ike it,' said Meg, as they set out their presents, while thei

few little bundles; and the tall vase red roses, white chrysanthemums, and tra

Three cheers for Marmee!' cried Jo, prancing about,

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

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

much time that the rest of the day was devote

oductions - paste board guitars, antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter boats covered with silver paper, gorgeous robes of old cotton glittering with tin spangle from a pickle factory, and armour covered with

e 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; ant they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work the did in learning three or four diff

ering state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp-smoke, and an occasional giggles from

l steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside; the: Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at hi side, a slouched 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 to Roderigo, his love for

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

hither, f

ite, I bid

roses, f

potions can

here, with

nt philtre w

eet and swif

answer now

ppeared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, gold

ther

my ai

n the si

agic spell, A

wer will va

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

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

n head emerged, exclaiming, `I told you so! I told you so!' With wonderful presence of

er 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 du

n their cells, and tell them I shall come anon.' The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something, an 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 hair rather marred the effect of the villain death. He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety a

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

e, and Roderigo about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar, who ha mysteriously disappeared. The letter 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, and

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

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

ared first at the table and then at their moth

fairies?'

nta Claus,

led her sweetest, in spite her

and sent the supper,' cried

r. Laurence sent it

in the world put such a thing into his

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

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

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

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

r 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, some time, that h

efore! How pretty it is!' And Meg exa

re sweeter to me,' said Mrs. March, sm

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