 Chapter 1 of Little Women This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jennifer Stearns Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 1 Playing Pilgrims Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents, grumbled Joe, lying on the rug. It's so dreadful to be poor, sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress. I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things and other girls nothing at all. Headed little Amy with an injured sniff. We've got father and mother and each other, said Beth contentedly from her corner. The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Joe said sadly, We haven't got father, and shall not have him for a long time. She didn't say, perhaps never. But each silently added it, thinking of father far away where the fighting was. Nobody spoke for a minute. Then Meg said in an altered tone, You know, the reason mother proposed not having any presents is Christmas was because it was going to be a hard winter for everyone, and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure when our men are suffering so in the army. We can't do much, but we can make her little sacrifices and ought to do it gladly, but I am afraid I don't. And Meg shook her head as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted. But I don't think the little we should spend would do any good. We've each got a dollar, and the army wouldn't be much helped by arguing that. I agree not to expect anything from mother or you, but I do want to buy Undine and Sintran for myself. I've wanted it for so long, said Joe, who was a bookworm. I plan to spend mine in new music, said Beth, with a little sigh which no one heard but the hearthbrush and kettle-holder. I shall get a nice box of Faber's drawing pencils. I really need them, said Amy decidedly. Mother didn't say anything about our money, and she won't wish us to give up everything. Let's each buy what we want and have a little fun. I'm sure we work hard enough to earn it, cried Joe, examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner. I know I do, teaching those tiresome children nearly all day when I'm longing to enjoy myself at home, began Meg, in the complaining tone again. You don't have half such a hard time as I do, said Joe. How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you're ready to fly out the window or cry? It's not age a fret, but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world. It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff I can't practice well at all, and Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that anyone could hear that time. I don't believe any of you suffer as I do, cried Amy, for you don't have to go to school with impertinent girls who plague you if you don't know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn't rich and insult you when your nose isn't nice. If you mean libel, I'd say so, and not talk about labels as if papa was a pickle bottle if I was Joe laughing. I know what I mean, and you didn't be satirical about it. It's proper to use good words. Vocabulary. Returned Amy with dignity. Don't peck at one another, children. Don't you wish we had the money papa lost when we were little, Joe? Dear me, how happy and could we be if we had no worries? said Meg, who could remember better times. You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the king children, for they are fighting and fighting all the time, in spite of their money. So I did, Beth. Well, I think we are, for though we do have to work. We make fun for ourselves, and are pretty jolly set, as Joe would say. Joe does use such slang words, observed Amy with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug. Joe immediately set up, put her hands in her pockets and began to whistle. Don't, Joe, it's so boyish. That's why I do it. I detest rude, unladylike girls. I hate affected, nimony, pinnamy chits. Purge their little nest to grieve, sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the pecking ended for that time. We're the girls, you are both to be blamed, said Meg, beginning to lecture in her elder sisterly fashion. You were old enough to leave off boyish tricks and behave better, Josephine. It didn't matter so much when you were a little girl, but now you are so tall and turn up your hair you should remember that you were a young lady. I'm not, and if turning up my hair makes me one I'll wear it in two tails till I'm twenty. cried Joe, pulling off her net and shaking down a chestnut mane. I hate to think I've got to grow up and be Miss March, and wear long gowns and look as prim as a china aster. It's bad enough to be a girl anyway when I like boys games and work in manners. I can't get over my disappointment in not being a boy and it's worse than ever now for I'm dying to go and fight with papa and I can only stay at home and knit like a pokey old woman. And Joe shook the blue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets and her ball bounded across the room. Poor Joe, it's too bad, but it can't be helped. So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish and playing brother to us girls, said Beth, stroking the rough head at her knee with a hand that all the dishwashing and dusting of the world could not make un-gentle in its touch. As for you, Amy, continue to beg. You were all together too particular and prim. Your heirs are funny now but you'll grow up and affect a little goose if you don't take care. I like your nice manners and your fine ways of speaking when you don't try to be elegant but your absurd words are as bad as Joe's slang. If Joe is a tomboy and Amy a goose, what am I please? asked Beth, ready to share the lecture. You were dear and nothing else answered Meg warmly and no one contradicted her. For the mouse was a pet of the family. As young readers like to know how people look we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters who sat knitting away in the twilight while the December snow fell quietly without and the fire crackled cheerfully within. It was a comfortable old room though the carpet was faded and furniture very plain. For a good pitcher or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it. Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen and very pretty, wearing plump and fair with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth and white hands of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Joe was very tall, thin and brown and reminded one of a colt for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs which were very much in her way. She hadn't decided mouth, a comical nose and sharp gray eyes which appeared to see everything and were by turns fierce, funny or thoughtful. Her long thick hair was her one beauty but it was usually bundled into a net to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Joe, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like it. Elizabeth, or Beth as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen with a shy manner, a timid voice and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her little mistranquility and the name suited her excellently where she seemed to live in a happy world of her own only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden with blue eyes and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender and always caring herself like a young lady, mindful of her manners. But the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out. The clock struck six and having swept up the hearth Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls. Her mother was coming and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp. Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked. And Joe forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze. They are quite worn out. Marmy was to have a new pair. I thought I'd get her some of my dollar, said Beth. No, I shall, cried Amy. I'm the oldest, began Meg, but Joe cut in with a decided I'm the man of the family now papa is away and I shall provide the slippers for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone. I'll tell you what we'll do, said Beth. Let's each get her something for Christmas and not get anything for ourselves. That's like you, dear. What will we get, exclaimed Joe? Everyone thought so brilliantly for a minute then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands. I should give her a nice pair of gloves. Army shoes best to be had, cried Joe. Some handkerchiefs all hemmed, said Beth. I'll get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it won't cost much. So I'll have some left about my pencils. I did, Amy. How will we give the things, asked Meg. Put them on the table and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don't you remember how we used to do on our birthdays, answered Joe? I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the big chair with a crown on and see you all come marching round with your presents with a kiss. I like the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I open the bundles, said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time. Let Army think we are gain things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the plague for Christmas night, said Joe, marching up and down with her hands behind her back and her nose in the air. I don't mean to act any more after this time. I'm getting too old for such things, observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about dressing up frolics. You won't stop, I know. As long as you can trail around in a white gown with your hair down and wear gold paper jewelry, you're the best actress we've got. And it'll be an end of everything if you quit the boards, said Joe. We ought to rehearse tonight. Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that. I can't help it. I never saw anyone faint. And I don't choose to make myself all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do. If I can go down easily, I'll drop. If I can't, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful. I don't care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol, returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the peace. Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, crying frantically. Arturigo, save me, save me! And away went Joe, with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling. Amy followed, but she poked her hands out stiffly before her, and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery, and her ow was more suggestive of pins being run into her than a fear and anguished. Joe gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest. It's no use. Do the best you can when the time comes, and if the audience laughs, don't blame me. Come on, Meg. Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break. Hagar the Witch chanted an awful incantation over her kettle full of simmering toads with weird effect. Arturigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic with a wild ha-ha. It's the best we've had yet, said Meg, as the dead villain set up and rubbed his elbows. I don't see how you can write an act such splendid things, Joe. You're a regular Shakespeare, exclaimed Beth, who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius and all things. Not quite, implied Joe modestly. I do think the witch's curse and operatic tragedy is rather a nice thing, but I'd like to try Macbeth if we only had a trap door for Banquo. I always wanted to do the killing part. Is that a dagger I see before me? Mudder Joe, rolling her eyes and clutching at the air as if she had seen a famous tragedy in due. No, it's a toasting fork with mother's shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth's stage struck, cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter. Glad to find you so merry, my girls, said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a, can I help you, look about her, which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in all the world. Little dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow that I didn't come home to dinner. Has anyone called Beth? How was your cold, Meg? Joe, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby. While making these maternal inquiries, Mrs. March got her wet things off, her warm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap, preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day. The girls flew about, trying to make things comfortable, each in her own way. Meg arranged the tea table, Joe brought wood and set chairs, dropping, overturning, and clattering everything she touched. Beth tried to chew and fro between parlor and kitchen, quiet and busy, while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat with her hands folded. As they gathered about the table, Mrs. March said, with a particularly happy face, I've got a treat for you after supper. A quick bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Beth clapped her hands, regardless of the biscuit she held, and Joe tossed up her napkin crying, a letter, a letter, three cheers for father. Yes, a nice long letter, he as well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared. He sent all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and a special message for you girls. Said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there. Hurry and get done! Don't stop to crook your little finger and simp her over your plate, Amy, cried Joe, choking in her tea, and dropping her bread, butterside down, on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat. Beth ate no more, but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come, till the others were ready. I think it was so splendid in father to go as a chaplain, old to be drafted, and not strong enough for a soldier, said Meg warmly. Don't I wish I could go as a drummer of Yvonne? What's its name? Or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him, exclaimed Joe with a groan. It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug, sighed Amy. When will he come home, Marmee? asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice. Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won't ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared. Now come and hear the letter. They all drew to the fire, mother in the big chair, with Beth at her feet. Meg and Amy perched in either arm of the chair, and Joe leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one, little was said of the hardships and dirt the dangers faced or the homesickness conquered. It was a cheerful, hopeful letter full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news, and only at the end did the writer's heart overflow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home. Give them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully, that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little woman. Everybody sniffed when they came to that part. Joe wasn't ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumbling of her curls as she hit her face on her mother's shoulder and sobbed out, I am a selfish girl, but I'll truly try to be better and disappointed in me by and by. We all will, cried Meg. I think too much in my looks and hate to work, but won't be any more if I can help it. I'll try and be what he loves to call me, a little woman, and not be rough and wild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else. Said Joe, thinking that keeping her temper at home was a much harder task than facing a rebel or two down south. Beth said nothing, but wiped away her tears with a blue army sock and began to knit with all her might, losing no time in doing the duty that lay nearest her, while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that father hoped to find her when the air brought round the happy coming home. Mrs. March broke the silence that followed Joe's words by saying in her cheery voice, Do you remember how you used to play pilgrim's progress when you were little things? Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my peace bags for burdens, give you hats and sticks and rolls of paper, and let you travel through the house from the cellar, which was the city of destruction, up up to the housetop, where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a celestial city. What fun it was, especially going by the lions, fighting a Pollyon, and passing through the valley with a hobgoblin's lure, said Joe. I liked the place where the bundles fell off and tumble downstairs, said Meg. I don't remember much about it, except that I was afraid of the cellar and the dark entry, and always liked the cake and milk we had up at the top. If I wasn't too old for such things, I'd rather like to play it over again, said Amy, who began the talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve. We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guy that leads us through many troubles and mistakes, to the peace, which is a true celestial city. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, and see how far on you can get before Father comes home. Really, Mother? Where are our bundles? asked Amy, who is a very literal young lady. Each of you told which a burden was just now, except Beth. I rather think she hasn't got any, said her mother. Yes, I have. Mine is dishes and dusters, and envying girls with nice pianos, and being afraid of people. Beth's bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh, but nobody did, for it would have hurt her feelings very much. Let us do it, said Meg thoughtfully. It is only another name for trying to be good, and the story may help us, for though we do want to be good, it's hard work, and we forget, and don't do our best. We were in the slough of despond tonight, and Mother came and pulled us out, as help did in the book. We ought to have our role of directions, like Christian. What shall we do about that? asked Joe, delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty. Look under your pillows Christmas morning, and you will find your guidebook, replied Mrs. March. They talked over the new plan, while Old Hannah cleared the table. Then out came the four little work baskets, and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March. It was an uninteresting sewing, but tonight no one grumbled. They adopted Joe's plan of dividing the long seams into four parts, and calling the quarters Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and in that way, got on capitally, especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them. At nine they stopped work and sang as usual, before they went to bed. No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano, but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang. Man could have always took a flute, and she and her mother led the little choir. Amy chirped like a cricket, and Joe wandered through the airs with no one's sweet will, always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune. They had always done this from the time they could lisp, quink-o-quink-o-e-to-tar, and it had become a household custom, for the mother was a born singer. The first sound in the morning was her voice, as she went about the house singing like a lark, and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound, familiar lullaby. End of Chapter 1 Recording by Jennifer Stearns, Concord, New Hampshire Chapter 2 of Little Woman This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jennifer Stearns. Little Woman by Louisa Mayalkoff Chapter 2 A Merry Christmas Joe was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago when her little sock fell down because it was so grand with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew 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 Joe felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Mag with a Merry Christmas and made her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared with the same picture inside, and a few words written by the little woman and the little woman and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently, Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also. One dove-colored, the other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them while the east grew rosy with the coming day. In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Joe, who loved her very tenderly and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given. Girls, said Mag seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond. Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it, but since father went away and all those war trouble unsettled us, we had neglected many things. You can do as you please, but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good and help me through the day. Then she opened her new book and began to read. Joe put her arm around her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also. She was very impressed by the expression so seldom seen on her restless face. How good Mag is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with the hard words and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whispered 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 still and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting. Where was Mother? asked Mag, as she and Joe ran down to thank her for their gifts half an hour later. Goodness only knows. Some poor creed are coming begging and your Ma went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for giving away vitals and drink, who had lived with the family since Mag was born and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant. She will be back soon, I think, so fry your cakes and have everything ready, said Mag, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time. Why? Where is Amy's bottle of cologne? she added, as the little flask did not appear. She took it out a minute ago and went off with it to put a ribbon on it, or some such notion, replied Joe, dancing about the room to take the first stiffness off the new army slippers. How nice my handkerchiefs look, don't they? Hannah washed and ironed them for me and I marked them all myself, said Beth, looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labour. Bless a child, she's got to put mother on them instead of M March. How funny, cried Joe, taking up one. Isn't it right? I thought it was better to do it so because Mag's initials are M M and I don't want anyone to use these but Marmy, said Beth, looking troubled. It's all right, dear, and a very pretty idea, quite sensible too, but no one can ever mistake now. It will please her very much, I know, said Mag, with a frown for Joe and a smile for Beth. There's mother, hide the basket quick, cried Joe, as the door slammed and stepsonded in the hall. Amy came in hastily and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her. Where have you been and what are you hiding behind you? asked Mag, surprised to see, by her hood and cloak, that lazy Amy had been out so early. Don't laugh at me, Joe. I didn't mean anyone should know till time came. I only meant to change a little bottle for a big one and I gave all my money to get it and I'm truly trying not to be selfish anymore. As she spoke, Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one and looked so earnest and humble in her effort to forget herself that Mag hugged her on the spot and Joe pronounced her a trump. While Beth ran to the window and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle. You see, I felt ashamed of my present after reading and talking about being good this morning so I ran around the corner and changed it the minute I was up and I'm so glad for mine is a handsomest now. Another bang of the street door sent the basket out of the sofa and the girls to the table eager for breakfast. Merry Christmas, Marmee, many of them. Thank you for our books, we read some and mean to every day they cried in chorus. Merry Christmas, little daughters. I'm glad you began it once and hope you will keep on but I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing for they have no fire. There is nothing to eat over there and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold. My girls will you give them your breakfast at a Christmas present? They were all unusually hungry having waited nearly an hour and for a minute no one spoke only a minute for Joe exclaimed impetuously I'm so glad you came before we began. May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children? said Beth eagerly. I shall take the cream and the muffins, added Amy, heroically giving up the article she most liked. Meg was already covering the buckwheats and piling the bread into one big plate. I thought you'd do it, said Mrs. March, smiling as if satisfied. You shall all go and help me and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast and make it up at dinner time. They were soon ready and procession set out. Unfortunately, it was early and they went through the back streets so a few people saw them and no one laughed at the queer party. A poor, bare, miserable room it was with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, a wailing baby, and a group of pale, hungry children cuddled under one old quilt trying to keep warm. How the big eyes stared and blue lips smiled as the girls went in. Like my gut! These good angels come to us said the poor woman crying for joy. Funny angels and hoods and mittens said Joe and said them laughing. In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there. Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire and stopped up the broken panes with old hats Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel and comforted her with promises of help while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own. The girls, meantime, spread the table, set the children round the fire and fed them like so many hungry birds, laughing, talking, and trying to understand the funny broken English. Das is gut, die Engelkinder! cried the poor things as they ate and warmed their purple hands with a comfortable blaze. The girls had never been called angel children before and thought it very agreeable, especially Joe, who had been considered a son Joe 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 comfort behind I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfast and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning. That's loving our neighbor better than ourselves and I like it, said Meg, as they set out their presents while their mother was upstairs collecting clothes for the poor Hummels. Not a very splendid show, but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums and trailing vines which stood in the middle of elegant air to the table. She's coming, strike up Beth, open the door, Amy. Three cheers for Marmy! cried Joe, prancing about while Meg went to conduct mother to the seat of honor. Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door and Meg enacted escort with great dignity. Mrs. March was both surprised and touched and smiled with her eyes full of love. The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocket, well-scented with Amy's cologne. The rose was fastened in her bosom and the nice gloves were pronounced a perfect fit. There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining in the simple, loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward the parties and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities. Being still too young to go off into the theater and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances, the girls put their wits to work and necessity being the mother of invention made whatever they needed. Covered with silver paper gorgeous robes of old cotton glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory an armor covered with the same useful diamond-shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of tin preserved pots were cut out. The big chamber was a scene of many innocent rebels. No gentleman were admitted so Jo played male parts to her heart's content and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots worn in her by a friend who knew a lady who knew an actor. These boots, an old foil and a slash doublet once used by an artist 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 a piece and it certainly deserves some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts whisking in and out of various costumes and managing the stage besides. It was an excellent drill for their memories or harmless amusement and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely or spent in less profitable society. On Christmas night a dozen girls piled into the bed which was a dress circle and sat before the blue and yellow chins curtains and a most flattering state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtains. A trifle of lamp smoke and an occasional giggle from Amy who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment. Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart and the operatic tragedy began. A gloomy wood according to one playbill was represented by a few shrubs and pots green bays on the floor and a cave in the distance. This cave was made with a clothes horse for a roof, bureaus for walls, and in it was a small furnace in full blast with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it. The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was alive for the first thrill to subside, then Hugo the villain burst in with a clanking sword at his side, a sludge tat, black beard, mysterious cloak and the boots. After pacing to and fro in much agitation he struck his forehead and burst out on a wild strain singing of his hatred to Rodrigo his love for Zara and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other. The gruff tones of Hugo's voice with an occasional shout when his feelings ever came him were very impressive and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath. Bound with the air of one accustomed to public praise he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding what home minion I need thee. Out came Meg with grey horse hair hanging about her face a red and black robe, a staff and cabalistic signs upon her cloak. Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him and one to destroy Rodrigo. Hagar in a fine dramatic melody promised both and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love filter. Hither, hither, from thy home airy sprite I bid thee come born of roses fed on dew chimes and potions canst thou brew bring me here with elven speed the fragrant filter which I need make it sweet and swift and strong spirit answer now my song. A soft strain of music sounded and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white with glittering wings golden hair and a garland of roses on its head waving a wand it sang hither I come from my airy home afar in the silver moon take the magic spell and use it well o'er its power will vanish soon and dropping a small gilded bottle at the witch's feet the spirit vanished another chant from Hagar produced another apparition not a lovely one for with a bang an ugly black amp appeared and having croaked a reply tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh having wobbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots Hugo departed and Hagar unformed the audience that as he had killed a few of her friends in times past she has cursed him and intends to thwart his plans and be revenged on him then the curtain fell and the audience were posed an eight candy bowl discussing the merits of the play a good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage craperturing had been got up no one murmured at the delay it was truly superb halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning at it and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress waiting for Rodrigo he came in gorgeous array with plumed cap, red cloak chestnut love locks, 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 it became the grand effect of the play Rodrigo produced a rope ladder with five steps to it threw up one end and invited Zara to descend timidly she crapped from her lattice put her hand on Rodrigo's shoulder and was about to leap gracefully down when alas, alas for Zara she forgot her train it caught in the window the tower tottered, leaned forward fell with a crash and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins the universal shriek arose as the recipe boots waved wildly from the wreck and a golden head emerged exclaiming I told you so, I told you so with wonderful presence of mine Don Pedro the cruel sire rushed in dragged out his daughter with a hasty sigh don't laugh act as if it was all right and ordering Rodrigo up banished him from the kingdom with wrath and scorn sadly shaken by the fall of the tower upon him Rodrigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir this dauntless example fired Zara she also defied her sire and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle a stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away looking very much frightened and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made act third was a castle hall and here Hagar appeared having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo she hears him coming and hides sees him put the potions into two cups of wine and bid the tim and little servant bear them to the captives and their cells and tell them I shall come and on the servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless Fredonando the minion carries him away and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the poison meant for Rodrigo Hugo getting thirsty after a long warble drinks it loses his wits and after a good deal of clutching and stamping falls flat and dies while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody this was a truly thrilling scene though some persons might have thought that the sudden tumbling down of a quantity of long hair rather marred the effect of the villain's death he was called before the curtain and with great propriety appeared bleeding Hagar whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together Ackforth displayed the despairing Rodrigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him just as a dagger at his heart a lovely song is sung under his window informing him that Zara is true but in danger and he can save her if he will a key is thrown in which unlocks the door and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his lady love Ackforth opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro he wishes her to go into a convent but she won't hear of it and after a touching appeal is about to faint when Rodrigo dashes in and demands her hand Don Pedro refuses because he is not rich they shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree and Rodrigo is about to bear where 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 and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage to let us quite glorify the glitter this entirely softens the stern sire he consults without a murmur all joined in a joyful chorus and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedro's blessing and attitudes of their most romantic grace tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check for the cot bed on which the dress circle was built suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience Rodrigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue and all were taken out unhurt though many were speeches with laughter the excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared with Mrs. Marcher's compliments and with the ladies walked down to supper this was a surprise even to the actors and when they saw the table they looked at one another and raptured us amazement it was like Marmy to get up a little treat for them but anything so fine as this was a surprise to the actors and we were very happy to see that the table was filled with love since the departed days of plenty there was ice cream actually two dishes of it pink and white and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and in the middle of the table four great bouquets of hot house flowers it quite took their breath away and they stared for us at the table and we went back to bed mother did it and Meg smelled her sweetest in spite of her grey beard and white eyebrows Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper with a sudden inspiration all wrong old Mr. Lawrence sent it replied Mrs. March the Lawrence boy's grandfather what in the world put such a thing into his head we don't know him and told one of his servants about your breakfast party he is an odd old gentleman but that pleased him he knew my father years ago and he sent me a polite note this afternoon saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day I could not refuse and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the bread and milk breakfast that boy put it into his head I know he did he is a capital fellow and I wish we could get acquainted he looks 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 pass said Joe as the plates went round and the ice began to melt out of sight the o's and o's a satisfaction you mean the old people who live in the big house next door don't you asked one of the girls my mother knows old Mr. Lawrence he keeps his grandsons shut up when he isn't riding or walking with his tutor and makes them study very hard we invited him to our party but he didn't come the mother says he's very nice though he never speaks to us girls our cat ran away once and he brought her back and we talked over the fence and we're getting on capitol-y all about crooked and so on when he saw Meg coming and walked off I mean to know him someday for he needs fun I'm sure he does so Joe decidedly I like his manners and he looks like a little gentleman so I have no objection to your knowing him if a proper opportunity comes he brought the flowers himself and I should have asked him in if I had been sure what was going on upstairs he looks so wistful as he went away hearing the frock and evidently having none of his own so Marcy you didn't mother laughed Joe looking at her boots but we'll have another play sometime that he can see perhaps he'll help act wouldn't that be jolly I never had such a fine bouquet before how pretty it is and Meg examined her flowers with great interest they are lovely but Beth's roses are sweeter to me said Mrs. March smelling the half-dead posy in her belt Beth nestled up to her and whispered softly I wish I could send my bunch to father I'm afraid he isn't having such a merry Christmas as we are End of Chapter 2 Read by Jennifer Stearns Concord, New Hampshire Chapter 3 of Little Woman This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jennifer Stearns Little Woman Recording by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 3 The Lawrence Boy Joe, Joe, where are you? cried Meg at the foot of the garret stairs Here answered her husky voice from above and running up Meg found her sister eating apples and crying over the air of redcliffe wrapped up in a comforter on an old three-legged sofa by the sunny window This was Joe's favorite refuge and here she loved to retire with half a dozen russets and a nice book to enjoy the quiet and the society of a pet rat who lived near, by and didn't mind her a particle as Meg appeared straddled whisked into his hole Joe shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news Such fun! Only see! a regular note of invitation for Mrs Gardner for tomorrow night cried Meg Mrs Gardner would be happy to see Miss March and Miss Josephine at a little dance on New Year's Eve Marmee is willing we should go Now what should we wear? What's the use of asking that when you know we shall wear our poplins because we haven't got anything else? answered Joe with her mouth full If I only had a silk sighed Meg Mother says I may when I'm 18 perhaps but two years is an everlasting time to wait I'm sure our pops look like silk and they are nice enough for us yours is as good as new but I forgot the burn and the tear in mine whatever shall I do The burn shows badly and I can't take any out You must sit still all you can and keep your back out of sight The front is all right I shall have a new ribbon for my hair and Marmee will lend me her little pearl pin Her colors are lovely and my gloves will do though they are as nice as I'd like Mine are spoiled with lemonade and I can't get any new ones so I shall have to go without said Joe who never traveled herself much about dress You must have gloves or I won't go cried Meg decidedly Gloves are more important than anything else You can't dance without them and if you don't I should be so mortified that I'll stay still I don't care much for company dancing It's no fun to go sailing round I like to fly about and cut capers You can't ask mother for new ones They are so expensive and you are so careless She said when you spoiled the others that she shouldn't get you any more this winter Can't you make them do I can hold them crumpled up in my hand so no one will know how stained they are That's all I could do No, I'll tell you how we could manage Each wear one good one and carry a bad one Don't you see Your hands are bigger than mine and you will stretch my glove dreadfully began Meg whose gloves were a tender point with her Then I'll go without I don't care what people say cried Joe taking up her book You may have it you may only don't stain it and do behave nicely and hide you or stare or say Christopher Columbus will you Don't worry about me Abbey is prim as I can and not get into any scrapes if I can help it Now go and answer your note and let me finish this splendid story So Meg went away to accept with thanks look over her dress and sing blithely as she did of her one real lace fro while Joe finished her story her four apples and a game of romps with Scrabble on New Year's Eve the parlor was deserted for the two younger girls played dressing maids and the two elder were absorbed in the all-important business of getting ready for the party simple as the toilets were there was a great deal of running up and down laughing and talking and at one time a strong smell of burned hair pervaded the house Meg wanted a few curls about her face and Joe undertook to pinch the paper locks with a pair of hot tongs Hot they to smoke like that asked Beth from her perch on the bed It's a dampness drying replied Joe What a queer smell It's like burned feathers observed Amy smoothing her own pretty curls with a superior air There now I'll take off the papers but no cloud of little wringlets said Joe putting down the tongs She did take off the papers but no cloud of wringlets appeared for the hair came with the papers and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little squished bundles on the bureau before her victim Oh, oh, oh, what have you done? I'm spoiled I can't go My hair, oh my hair boiled Meg looking with despair to frizzle on her forehead Just my luck you shouldn't have asked me to do it I always spoil everything I'm so sorry for the tongs were too hot and so I've made a mess regarding the little black pancakes with tears of regret It isn't spoiled, just frizzle it and tie a ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit and it will look like the last fashion I've seen many girls do it so so do I it was so smooth and pretty but it will soon grow out again said Beth coming to kiss and comfort the shorn sheep After various lesser mishaps Meg was finished at last and by the united exertion of the entire family Joe's hair was got up at her dress on They looked very weird but it looked like the last fashion I've seen many girls do it so much I've seen many girls do it so much so I've made a dress on They looked very well in their simple suits Meg's in silvery drab with a blue velvet snood lace frills and the pearl pin Joe in maroon with a stiff gentlemanly linen collar and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament Each put on one nice light glove and carried one soiled one and I'll pronounce the effect quite easy in fine Meg's heel Meg's high heel slippers were very tight and hurt her though she would not own it and Joe's 19 hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head which was not exactly comfortable but dear me let us be elegant or die Have a good time dearies said Mrs. March as the sisters went dangerly down the walk Don't eat much supper and come away at 11 when I send a for you as the gate clashed behind them a voice cried from a window Girls girls have you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs? Yes yes spandy nice and Meg has cologne on hers cried Joe adding with a laugh as they went on I do believe Marmy would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake It is one of her aristocratic tastes and quite proper this lady is always known by neat boots gloves and handkerchief replied Meg who had a good many little aristocratic tastes of her own Now don't forget to keep the bad breath out of sight Joe Is my sash right? and does my hair look very bad? asked Meg as she turned from the glass and Mrs. Gardner's dressing room after a prolonged prank I know I shall forget if you see me doing anything wrong Will you? returned Joe giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush No, winking isn't ladylike. I'll lift my eyebrows if anything is wrong and nod if you are all right Now hold your shoulders straight and take short steps and don't shake hands if you were introduced to anyone it isn't the thing How do you learn all the proper ways? I never can Isn't that music gay? I have a friend feeling a trifle timid for they seldom want to parties and informal as this little gathering was it was an event to them Mrs. Gardner a stately old lady greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters Meg knew Sally and was at her ease very soon but Joe, who didn't care much for girls or girlish gossip stood about with her back carefully against the wall and felt as much out of place as a cult in a flower garden half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room and she longed to go and join them skating was one of the joys of her life she telegraphed her wish to Meg but the eyebrows wound up so alarmingly that she dared not stir no one came to talk to her and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone she could not roam about and use herself for the burned breath would show so she stared at people rather forlornly to the dancing began Meg was asked once and the tight slippers chucked about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly Joe saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner and fearing he meant to engage her she slipped into a curtain recess and tended to peep and enjoy herself in peace unfortunately another bashful person had chosen the same refuge for her as the curtain fell behind her she found herself face to face with the Lawrence boy dear me, I didn't know anyone was here stammered Joe preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in but the boy laughed and said pleasantly though he looked a little startled don't mind me stay if you like shouldn't I disturb you not a bit I only came here because I don't know many people and felt rather strange at first you know so did I don't go away please unless you'd rather the boy sat down again and looked at his pumps told Joe said trying to be polite and easy I think I've had the pleasure of seeing you before you lived nearest don't you next door and he looked up and laughed at right for Joe's perimeter was rather funny and he remembered how they had chatted about cricket when he had brought the cat home that put Joe at her ease and she laughed too as she said in her heartiest way we did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present grandpa sent it but you put it into his head didn't you now how was your cat Miss March asked the boy trying to look sober while his black eye is shown with fun nicely thank you Mr. Lawrence but I am not Miss March I'm only Joe return the young lady I'm not Mr. Lawrence I'm only Lori Lori Lawrence what an odd name my first name is Theodore but I don't like it for the fellows call me Dora so I made them say Lori instead I hate my name too so sentimental instead of Josephine how did you make the boys stop calling you Dora I thrashed them I can't thrash Aunt March so I suppose she'll have to bear it and Joe resigned herself with a sigh don't you like to dance Miss Joe ask Lori looking as if he thought the same the name suited her I like it well enough there's plenty of room and everyone is lively try to set something try to on people's toes or do something dreadful so I keep out of mischief and let Meg sail about don't you dance sometimes you see I've been abroad a good many years and haven't been into company yet to know how you do things here abroad cried Joe oh tell me about it I love dearly to hear people describe their travels and the Russians soon said I'm going and he told her how he had been at school in Vive but the boys never wore hats and had a fleet of boats on the lake and for holiday fun went on walking trips about Switzerland with their teachers don't I wish I'd been there cried Joe did you go to Paris we spent last winter there can you talk French we were not allowed to speak anything else but we do say some I can read it but can't pronounce how nicely you do it let me see you said we mademoiselle it's my sister Margaret and you knew it was do you think she's pretty yes she makes me think of the German girls she looks so fresh and quiet and dances like a lady Joe quite glowed with pleasure at this boyish praise of her sister and stored it up to repeat to Meg both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like old acquaintances Lori's bashfulness soon wore off for Joe's gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease and Joe was her merry self again because her dress was forgotten and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her she liked the Lawrence boy better than ever and took several good looks at him so that she might describe him to the girls they had no brothers very few male cousins and boys were almost unknown creatures to them curly black hair brown skin big black eyes hands of nose fine teeth small hands and feet wonder how old he is it was on the tip of Joe's tongue to ask but she checked herself in time and with unusual tact tried to find out in a roundabout way I suppose you're going to college soon? I see you pegging away at your books no, I mean studying hard and Joe blushed at the dreadful pegging which had escaped her Lori smiled but didn't seem shocked and answered with a shrug not for a year or two I won't go before 17 anyway aren't you but 15? asked Joe, looking at the tall lad whom she had imagined 17 already 16, next month how I wish I was going to college you don't look as if you liked it I hate it nothing but grinding or scarlocking and I don't like the way the fellows do either in this country what do you like? to live in Italy and to enjoy myself in my own way Joe wanted very much to ask what his own way was but his black brows looked rather frightening as he knit them so she changed the subject by saying, as her foot kept time that's a splendid polka why don't you go and try it if you will come too he answered with a gallant little bow I can't for I told Meg I wouldn't because there Joe stopped undecided whether to tell or to laugh because what? you won't tell? never well, I have a bad trick of standing before the fire and so I burnt my frocks and I scorched this one and though it's nicely mended it shows and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it you may laugh if you want to it is funny I know but Lloyd didn't laugh so he looked down a minute and the expression of his face puzzled Joe when he said very gently never mind that I'll tell you how we can manage there's a long hall out there and we can dance grandly and no one will see us please come Joe thanked him and gladly went wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice pearl colored ones her partner wore the hall was empty and she danced well I taught her the German stuff which delighted Joe being full of swing and spring when the music stopped they sat down on the stairs to get their breath and Lloyd was in the midst of an account of a students festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister she beckoned and Joe reluctantly followed her into a side room where she found her on a sofa holding her foot and looking pale I sprayed my ankle that stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench it aches so I could hardly stand and I don't know how I'm ever going to get home she said rocking too would throw in pain I knew you'd hurt your feet with those silly shoes I'm sorry but I don't see what you can do except get a carriage or stay here all night answered Joe softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke I can't have a carriage without it costing ever so much I dare say I can't get one at all for most people come in their own and it's a long way to the stable and no one to send I'll go no indeed it's past nine and dark is Egypt I can't stop here for the house is full Sally has some girls staying with her I'll rest till Hannah comes and then do the best I can I'll ask Lloyd he will go said Joe looking relieved as the idea occurred to her Mercy no don't ask or tell anyone get me my rubbers and put these slippers with our things I can't dance anymore but as soon as supper is over watch for Hannah and tell me the minute she comes they're going out to separate now I'll stay with you I'd rather no dear run along and bring me some coffee I'm so tired I can't stir so Meg reclined with the rubbers well hidden and Joe went plundering away to the dining room which she found after going into a China closet and opening the door of a room where old Mr. Gardner was taking a little private refreshment making a dart at the table she secured the coffee which she immediately spilled there by making the front of her dress as bad as back oh dear what a blunder bus I am exclaimed Joe finishing Meg's glove by scrubbing her gown with it can I help you with the voice and there was Lori with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other I was trying to get something from Meg who was very tired and someone shook me and here I am in a nice state answered Joe clean through the dismally from the state's skirt to the cocky colored glove too bad I was looking for someone to give this to may I take it to your sister well thank you I'll show you where she is I don't offer to take it myself I'll only get into another scrape if I did Joe led the way and as if used to waiting on ladies Lori drew up a little table brought a second installment of coffee and ice for Joe and was so obligingly that even particular Meg pronounced him a nice boy they had a merry time over the bonbons and motos and were in the midst of a quiet game of buzz with two or three other young people who had stayed in when Hannah appeared Meg forgot her foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Joe with an exclamation of pain hush, don't say anything she whispered, adding aloud it's nothing I turned my foot a little, that's all and limped upstairs to put her things on Hannah scolded Meg cried and Joe was at her wit's end till she decided to take things into her own hands slipping out she ran down and finding a servant asked if he could get her a carriage it happened to be a hired waiter who knew nothing about the neighborhood and Joe was looking around for help when Lori, who had heard what she said came up and offered his grandfather's carriage which had just come for him, he said it's so early you can't mean to go yet began Joe looking relieved but hesitating to accept the offer I always go early, I do truly please let me take you home it's all on my way, you know and it rains, they say that settled it, and telling him of Meg's mishap Joe gratefully accepted and rushed up to bring down the rest of the party Hannah hated rain as much as a cat does so she made no trouble and they rolled away in the luxurious closed carriage feeling very festive and elegant Lori went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up and the girls topped over with her party and freedom I had a capital time did you? asked Joe, mumbling up her hair and making herself comfortable yes, till it hurt myself Sally's friend, Annie Moffat took a fancy to me and asked me to come and spend a week with her when Sally does she was going in the spring when the offer comes and it would be perfectly splendid if mother only lets me go answered Meg cheering up at the thought I saw you dancing with a red headed man I ran away from was he nice? oh, very his hair is auburn, not red and he was very polite and I had a delicious redour with him he looked like a grasshopper in a fit when he did the new step Lori and I couldn't help laughing did you hear us? no, but it was very rude what were you about all the time hidden away there and by the time she had finished they were at home with many thanks they said good night hoping to disturb no one with the instant their door creaked two little neckcaps bobbed up and two sleepy but eager voice cried out tell about the party, tell about the party with what Meg called a great want of manners Joe had saved some bonbons for the little girls and they assumed after hearing the most thrilling events of the evening I declare it really seems like being a fine young lady to come home from the party in a carriage and sit in my dressing gown with a maid to wait on me said Meg as Joe bound up her foot with Arnica and brushed her hair I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do in spite of our burnt hair old gowns, one glove apiece and tight slippers that spray on her ankles when we were silly enough to wear them and I think Joe was quite right End of Chapter 3 Read by Jennifer Stearns in Concord, New Hampshire Chapter 4 of Little Women This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jennifer Stearns Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 4 Burdens Oh dear, how hard it does seem to take up our packs and go on sighed Meg the morning after the party for now the holidays were over the week of marrymaking did not fit her for going on easily with the task she never liked I wish it was Christmas or New Year's all the time wouldn't it be fun? answered Joe, yawning dismal we shouldn't enjoy ourselves half so much as we do now but it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets and go to parties and drive home and read and rest and not work it's like other people you know and I always envy girls who do such things I'm so fond of luxury said Meg, trying to decide which of the two shabby gowns was the least shabby well, we can't have it let us crumble, but shoulder a bundles and trench along as cheerfully as Marmy does I'm sure Aunt March is a regular old man of the sea to me but I suppose when I've learned to carry her without complaining she will tumble off or get so light that I shan't find her the idea tickled Joe's fancy and put her on good spirits but Meg didn't brighten for her burden, consisting of four spoiled children, seemed heavier than ever she had not heart enough even to make herself pretty as usual by putting on a blue neck ribbon and dressing her hair in the most becoming way why is the use of looking nice when no one sees me but those cross midgets and no one cares whether I'm pretty or not she muttered shutting her drawer with a jerk I should have to toil and moil all my days with only little bits of fun now and then and get old and ugly and sour because I'm poor I can't enjoy my life as other girls do it's a shame so Meg went down wearing an injured look and wasn't at all agreeable at breakfast time everyone seemed rather out of sorts and inclined to croak Beth had a headache and lay on the sofa trying to comfort herself with a cat and three kittens Amy was fretting because her lessons were not learned and she couldn't find her rubbers Joe would whistle and make a great racket getting ready Mrs. March was very busy trying to finish a letter which must go at once and Hannah had the grumps for being up late didn't suit her there never was such a cross family cried Joe losing her temper when she had upset an ink stand broken both bootlaces and sat down upon her hat you're the crossest person in it returned Amy with a thumb that was all wrong with the tears that had fallen on her slate Beth if you don't keep those horde cats down the cellar I'll have them drowned exclaimed Meg angrily as she tried to get rid of the kitten which had scrambled up her back and stuck like a burr just out of reach Joe laughed Meg scolded Beth implored and Amy wailed because she couldn't remember how much 9 times 12 was girls girls do be quiet one minute stop by the early mail and you drive me distracted with your worry cried Mrs. March crossing out the third spoiled sentence in her letter there was a momentary low broken by Hannah who stalked in laid two hot turnovers on the table and stalked out again these turnovers were an institution and the girls called them muffs for they had no others and found the hot pies very comforting to their hands on cold morning and to make them no matter how busy or grumpy she might be for the walk was long and bleak the poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before too cuddle your cats and get over your headache bethy goodbye Marmee we were a set of rascals this morning but we'll come home regular angels now then Meg and Joe tramped away feeling that the pilgrims were not setting out as they ought to do turning the corner for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile and wave her hand to them somehow it seemed as if they couldn't have got through the day without that for whatever their mood might be the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine if Marmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us it would serve us right for more ungrateful wretches than we are or were never seen Craig Joe and Marseille satisfaction in the snowy walk in bitter wind don't use such dreadful expressions replied Meg from the depths of the veil in which she would headshotted herself like a nun sick of the world I like good strong words that mean something replied Joe catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether call yourself any names you like but I'm neither a rascal nor wretch and I don't choose to be called so you're a bladed being and decidedly crossed today because you can't sit in a lap of luxury all the time poor dear just wait till I make my fortune and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers and posies and red-headed boys to dance with how ridiculous you are Joe but Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself lucky for you I am for if I put on crushed airs and try to be dismal as you do we should be in this nice state thank goodness I can always find something funny to keep me up don't croak anymore but come home jolly, there's a deer Joe gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as he parted for the day each going a different way each hugging her little warm turn over and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather hard work and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure loving youth when Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support at least believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy industry and independence their parents consented and both fell to work with a hearty goodwill which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last Margaret found a place as nursery and felt rich with a small salary as she said she was found of luxury and her chief trouble was poverty she found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful life full of ease and pleasure and want of any kind unknown she tried not to be envious or discontented but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends or comfortments in a happy life at the kings she daily saw all she wanted for the children's oldest sisters were dressed out and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses and bouquets heard lively gossips about theaters concerts, slaying parties and merry makings of all kinds and some money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her poor Meg seldom complained but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was and the blessings which alone could make life happy Joe happened to suit Aunt March who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her that childless old lady had offered to adopt one of the girls when the troubles came and was much offended because her offer was declined other friends told the marches that they had lost all chance of being remembered and the rich old ladies will but the unworldly marches only said we can't give up our girls for a dozen fortunes rich or poor we will keep together and be happy in one another the old lady wouldn't speak to them for a time but happening to meet Joe at her friends something in her comical face and blunt manners struck the old ladies fancy and she proposed to take her for a companion this did not suit Joe at all but she accepted the place since nothing better appeared and to everyone's surprise got unremarkably well with her erasable relative there was an occasional tempest and once Joe marched home declaring she couldn't bear it longer but Aunt March always cleared up quickly and sent for her to come back again with such urgency that she could not refuse for in her heart and rather like the peppery old lady I suspect that the real attraction was a large library of fine books which was left to dust and spiders since Uncle March died Joe remembered the kind old gentleman who used to let her build railroads and bridges with his big dictionaries tell her stories about queer pictures and his Latin books and buy her car or the gingerbread whenever he met her in the street the dim dusty room staring down the tall bookcases the cozy chairs the globes and best of all the wilderness of books in which she could wonder where she liked made the library a region of bliss to her the moment Aunt March took her nap or was busy with company Joe hurried to this quiet place and curling herself up in the easy chair devoured poetry, romance, history travels and pictures like a regular bookworm but like all happiness does not last long for as sure as she had just reached the heart of the story the sweetest verse of a song with the most perilous adventure of her traveler a shrill voice called Josie Fiend Josie Fiend and she had to leave her parodies to wind yarn, wash the poodle or read Belcham's essays by the hour together Joe's ambition was to do something very splendid what it was but left it for time to tell her and meanwhile found her greatest affliction in the fact that she couldn't read, run and ride as much as she liked a quick temper sharp tongue and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes and her life was a series of up and downs which were both comic and pathetic but the training she received at Aunt March's was just what she needed and the thought she was doing something to support herself made her happy in spite of the perpetual Josie Fiend Beth was too bashful to go to school it had been tried but she suffered so much that it was given up and she did her lessons at home with her father even when he went away and her mother was called to devote her skill and energy to soldiers' aid societies Beth went faithfully on by herself and did the best she could she was a housewifey little creature and helped Hannah keep home neat and comfortable for the workers never thinking of any reward but to be loved long quiet days she spent not lonely nor idle for her little world was peopled with imaginary friends and she was by nature a busy bee there were six dolls to be taken up and dressed every morning for Beth was a child still and loved her pets as well as ever not one whole or handsome one among them all were outcast so Beth took them in for when her sisters upgrew these idols they passed to her because Amy would have nothing old or ugly Beth cherished them all the more tenderly for that very reason and set up a hospital for infirm dolls no pins were ever stuck into their cotton vitals no harsh words or blows were ever given them no neglect ever saddened the heart for the most repulsive but all were fed and clothed nursed and caressed with an infection which never failed one forlorn fragment of dolanity had belonged to Joe and having led a tempestuous life was left to wreck in the rag bag from which dreary poor house it was rescued by Beth had taken to her refuge having no top to its head she tied on a neat little cap and as both arms and legs were gone she hid these deficiencies by folding it in a blanket and devoting her breast buds to this chronic infallid if anyone had known the care lavished on that dolly I think it would have touched their hearts even while they laughed she brought it bits of bouquets she read to it took it out to breathe fresh air hidden under her coat she sang it lullabies and never wanted to bear without kissing its dirty face and whispering tenderly I hope you'll have a good night my poor dear as well as the others and not being an angel but a very human little girl she often wept a little weep as Joe said because she couldn't take music lessons and have a fine piano she loved music so dearly tried so hard to learn and practiced away so patiently at the jingling old instrument that it did seem as if someone not to hit Aunt March ought to help her and she said she sang like a little lark about her work never was too tired from marming the girls and day after day said hopefully to herself I know I'll get my music sometime if I'm good there are many baths in the world shy and quiet sitting in corners till needed and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth in the spring and the sweet sunshiney present vanishes leaving silence and shadow behind if anybody had asked Amy what the greatest trial of her life was she would have answered at once in my nose when she was a baby Joe would accidentally dropped her into the coal-hod and Amy insisted that the fall had ruined her nose forever it was not big nor red like poor Petraeus but it was only rather flat and all the pinching in the world could not give it aristocratic point no one winded it but herself and it was doing its best to grow but Amy felt deeply the want of her Grecian nose and drew whole sheets of handsome ones to console herself little Raphael, as her sisters called her had a decided talent for drawing and was never so happy as when copying flowers designing fairies or illustrating stories or queer specimens of art her teachers complained that instead of doing her sums she covered her slate with animals the blank pages of her atlas were used to copy maps on and caricatures of the most ludicrous description came fluttering out of all her books at unlucky moments she got through her lessons as well as she could and managed to escape rubbermans by being a model of deportment she was a great favorite with her mates being good tempered and possessing the happy art of pleasing without effort her little heirs and graces were much admired so were her accomplishments for besides her drawing she could play 12 tunes crochet and read French without mispronouncing more than two thirds of the words she had a plaintiff way of saying when Papa was rich we did so and so which was very touching and her long words were considered perfectly elegant by the girls Amy was in a fair way to be spoiled for everyone petted her and her small vanities and selfishnesses were growing nicely one thing however rather quenched the vanities she had to wear her cousins clothes now Florence's mama hadn't a particle of taste and Amy suffered deeply having to wear a red instead of a blue bonnet unbecoming gowns that did not fit everything was good well made and little worn but Amy's artistic eyes were much afflicted especially this winter when her school dress was a dull purple with yellow dots and no trimming my only comfort she said to Meg with tears in her eyes is it mother doesn't take tux in my dresses whenever I'm naughty as Maria Park's mother does my dear it's really dreadful so bad her frock is up to her knees and she can't come to school when I think of this degradation my frigorcer I can bear even my flat nose and purple gown with yellow skyrockets on it Meg was Amy's competent and monitor by some strands of attraction of opposites Jo was gentle Beth to Jo alone did the shy child tell her thoughts and over her big harem scarim sister Beth unconsciously exercised more influence than anyone in the family the two older girls were a great deal to one another but each took one of the younger sisters into her keeping and watched over her in her own way playing mother as they called it and put their sisters in the places of discarded dolls with the maternal instinct of little women has anyone got anything to tell it's been such a jismal day I'm really dying for some amusement said Meg as he sat sewing together that evening I had a queer time with Aunt today and as I got the best of it I'll tell you about it began Jo who dearly loved to tell stories I was reading the everlasting Belcham and joining away as I always do for Aunt soon drops off and then I take out some nice book and read like fury until she wakes up I actually made myself sleepy and before she began to nod I gave such a gape she asked me what I meant by opening my mouth wide enough to take the whole book in at once I wish I could and be done with it said I tried not to be saucy then she gave me a long lecture on my sins and told me to sit and think them over while she just lost herself for a moment she never finds herself very soon so the minute her cat begins to bob like a top heavy dollia I whipped the vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket and read away with one eye on him I just got to where they all tumbled into the water when I forgot and laughed out loud Aunt woke up and being more good-natured after her nap told me to read a bit and show her for this work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belcham I did my very best and she liked it though she only said I don't understand what it's all about go back and begin it child back I went I made the primrose as interesting as ever I could once I was wicked enough to stop in a thrilling place and say meekly I'm afraid it tires you ma'am shan't I stop now she caught up her knitting which dropped out of her hands gave me a sharp look through her specs and said in her short way finish the chapter and don't be impertinent miss did you own she liked it asked Meg oh bless you no and when I ran back after my gloves this afternoon there she was so hard at the vicar that she didn't hear me laugh as I danced a jig in the hall because of the good time coming what a pleasant life she might have if only she chose I don't envy her much and spend it for money for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones I think I had a Joe that reminds me said Meg that I've got something to tell it isn't funny like Joe's story a good deal as I came home at the kings today I found everybody in a flurry and one of the children said that her oldest brother had done something dreadful and Papa had sent him away I heard Mrs. King crying and Mr. King talking very loud and Grace and Ellen turned away their faces when they passed me so I shouldn't see how red and swollen their eyes were I didn't ask any questions of course but I felt so sorry for them and was rather glad I hadn't any wild brothers and things and disgraced the family I think being disgraced in school is a great deal trying her than anything bad boys can do said Amy, shaking her head as if her experience of life had been a deep one Susie Perkins came to school today with a lovely red carnelian ring I wanted it dreadfully and wished I was her with all my might well she drew a picture of Mr. Davis with a monstrous nose and a hump and the words young ladies with my eyes upon you coming out of his mouth and a balloon thing we were laughing over it when all of a sudden his eye was on us and he ordered Susie to bring up her slate she was paralyzed with fright and she went and oh what do you think he did he took her by the ear the ear just fancy how horrid and led her to the recitation platform and made her stand there half an hour holding the slate so everyone could see didn't the girls laugh at the picture asked Joe who relished the scrape laugh not one they sat still as mice and Susie cried courts I know she did I didn't envy her then for I felt that millions of carnelian rings wouldn't have made me happy after that I never should have got over such an agonizing modification and Amy went on with her work and the proud consciousness of virtue and the successful utterance of two long words and a breath I saw something I liked this morning and I meant to tell it at dinner but I forgot said Beth putting Joe's topsy-turvy basket in order as she talked when I went to get some oysters for Hannah Mr. Lawrence was in the fish shop but he didn't see me for I kept behind the fishbowl and he was busy with Mr. Cutter the fishman a poor woman came in with a pail in a mop and I asked Mr. Cutter if he would let her do some scrubbing and she hadn't any dinner for her children and had been disappointed of a day's work Mr. Cutter was in a hurry and said no, rather crossly so she was going away looking hungry and sorry when Mr. Lawrence hooked up a big fish with a crooked end of his cane and held it out to her she was so glad and surprised she took it right into her arms and thanked him over and over he told her to go along and cook it and she hurried off so happy wasn't it good of him it was so funny hugging the big, slippery fish and I hope we missed Mr. Lawrence's bed and heaven would be easy when they had laughed at Beth's story they asked their mother for one and after a moment's thought she said so proudly as I sat cutting out blue flannel jackets today at the rooms I felt very anxious about Father and thought how lonely and helpless we should be if anything happened to him it was not a wise thing to do I had been worrying till an old man came in with an order for some clothes he sat down near me and I began to talk to him for he looked poor and tired and anxious have you any sons in the army I asked for the note he brought was not to me yes ma'am I had four but two were killed one as a prisoner and I'm going to the other who was very sick in a Washington hospital he answered quietly you've done a great deal for your country sir he said, feeling respect now instead of pity not a might more than I ought ma'am I'd go myself if I was in use as I ain't I give my voice and give them free he spoke so cheerfully looked so sincere and seemed so glad to give his all that I was ashamed of myself I had given one man and thought it was too much well he gave four without grudging them I had all my girls to comfort me at home one was waiting miles away to say goodbye to him perhaps I felt so rich so happy thinking of my blessings that I made him a nice bundle gave him some money and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me telling of the story mother one with a moral to it like this I like to think about them afterwards if they are real and not too preachy said joe after a minute's silence missus much smiled they began at once and told stories to this little audience for many years had knew how to please them once upon a time there were four girls who had enough to eat and drink and wear a good many comforts and pleasures kind friends and parents who loved them dearly and yet they were not contented here the listeners stole sly looks at one another and began to sew diligently these girls were anxious to be good and made many excellent resolutions but they did not keep them very well and were constantly saying if only we had this or only we could do that quite forgetting how much they already had and how many things they actually could do so they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy and she said when you feel discontented think of your blessings and be grateful here joe looked up quickly as if a vote to speak but changed her mind seeing that the story was not done yet being sensible girls and I had advice and soon was surprised to see how well off they were one discover that money couldn't keep shame and sorrow out of rich people's houses another that though she was poor she was a great dear happier with her youth health and good spirits than a certain fretful feeble old lady who couldn't enjoy her comforts a third that disagreeable as it was to help get dinner it was harder still to go begging for it and the fourth that even carnillion rings were not so valuable as good behavior so they agreed to stop complaining to enjoy the blessings already possessed and try to deserve them less they should be taken away entirely instead of increased and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman's advice now Marmie that is very cunning of you to turn our own stories against us and give us a sermon instead of a romance cried Meg I like that kind of sermon it's a sort father used to tell us said Beth thoughtfully putting the needle straight on Joe's cushion I don't complain near as much as the others do and I shall be more careful than ever now for I've had warning from Susie's downfall said Amy morally we needed that lesson and we won't forget it if we do so you just saved us as old Chloe did in Uncle Tom tink of your mercies children tink of your mercies had a Joe who could not for the life of her help getting a morsel of fun out of a little sermon though she took it to heart as much as any of them end of chapter 4 read by Jennifer Stearns in Concord, New Hampshire