Little Women

ren should have the measles just now,' said Meg, one April day, as she st

le fortnight of fun will be regularly splendid,' replied Jo, lo

' added Beth, tidily sorting neck and hair ribbo

these nice things,' said Amy, with her mouth full of pin

I'm sure it's the least I can do, when you have been so kind, lending me things, and helping me get ready

een present at the opening of a certain cedar chest, in which Mrs. March kept

ely blue sash. I wanted the violet silk; but there isn't time

ly too dilapidated to be of much use. `There is a lovely old-fashioned pearl set in the treasure-box; but Mother said real flowers were the prettiest ornament for a young girl, and Laurie promised to send me all I want,' replied Me

d you always look like an angel in white,' said Amy, broodin

hion, and my bonnet doesn't look like Sallie's; I didn't like to say anything, but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella. I told Mother black, with a white handle, but she forgot and bought a green one, with a

e it,' a

m not going to give up to it. My silk stockings and two pairs of new gloves are my comfort. You are a dear, to lend me yours, Jo. I feel s

; would you put some on mine?' she asked, as Beth brough

ch the plain gowns, without any trimming on the

ugh to have real lace on my clothes, and

fectly happy if you could only go to Annie

trays are ready, and everything in but my party-dress, which I shall leave for Mother to pack,' said Meg, cheering up, as she glanced fr

ing that Margaret would come back more discontented than she went. But she had begged so hard, and Sallie had promised to take good care of her, and a litt

heir gilding could not quite conceal the ordinary material of which they were made. It certainly was agreeable to fare sumptuously, drive in a fine carriage, wear her best frock every day, and do nothing but enjoy herself. It suited her exactly; and soon she began to imitate the manners and conversation of those about her; to put on little airs and graces, use French phrases,

vening; for Annie had many friends and knew how to entertain them. Her older sisters were very fine young ladies, and one was engaged, which was extremely interesting and romantic, Meg thought. Mr. Moffat was a fat, jolly old

hen at one another, and her cheeks began to burn, for, with all her gentleness, she was very proud. No one said a word about it, but Sallie offered to dress her hair, and Annie to tie her sash, and Belle, the engaged sister, praised her white arms; but in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty, and her heart fel

sends her some, but these are altogether r

man said. And here's a note,' pu

had a lover,' cried the girls, fluttering abou

rs from Laurie,' said Meg, simply, yet mu

ocket, as a sort of talisman against envy, vanity, and false pride; for the few

nt to show themselves to Mrs. Moffat, she saw a happy, bright-eyed face in the mirror, as she laid her ferns against her rippling hair, and fastened the roses in the dress that didn't strike her as so very shabby now. She enjoyed herself very much that evening; everyone was very kind, and she had three compliments. Annie made her sing, and someone said she had a remarkably fine voice; Major Lincoln asked who the

een, I should say,'

irls, wouldn't it? Sallie says they are very in

l play her cards well, early as it is. The girl ev

ame quite prettily. Poor thing! she'd be so nice if she was only got up in style. Do you th

owdy tarlatan is all she has got. She may tear it tonight,

rence, as a compliment to her, and

and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice. As that was impossible, she did her best to seem gay, and, being rather excited, she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making. She was very glad when it was all over, and she was quiet in her bed, where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached, and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears. Those foolish, yet well-meant words had opened a new world to Meg, and much disturbed the peace of the o

it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work. Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once; they treated her with more respect, she thought, took quite a tender interest in

end, Mr. Laurence, for Thursday. We should like to

evous fancy to tease the gir

ind, but I'm afra

cherie?' ask

's to

an? What is his age, I beg

nswered Meg, counting stitches t

e we meant the young man,' ex

d Meg laughed also at the queer look which the siste

your age,

am seventeen in August,' ret

d you flowers, isn't it?' said

f them. My mother and old Mr. Laurence are friends, you know, so it is quite nat

't out yet,' said Miss Cl

innocence all round,' retur

; can I do anything for you, young ladies?' asked Mrs. M

allie. `I've got my new pink silk f

use it occurred to her that she did want

l you wear?'

seen; it got sadly torn last night,' said Meg, trying

another?' said Sallie, who wa

n effort to say that, but Sallie did not s

finish her speech, for Belle shook her

no need of sending home, Daisy, even if you had a dozen, for I've got a sweet blue si

old dress, if you don't; it does well en

ill you are done, and then we'll burst upon them like Cinderella and her godmother going to the ball,' said Belle, in her persuasive tone. Meg couldn't refuse the offer so ki

a fine lady. They crimped and curled her hair, they polished her neck and arms with some fragrant pow