سلام زبان آموزان عزیز

امروز قصد دارم داستانی رو در اختیارتون قرار بدم که مطمئناً بسیاری از شما در دوره کودکی کارتونش رو دیدین. اسم این داستان زنان کوچک نوشته لویس ئی الکات  نویسنده و شاعر آمریکایی است. امیدوارم از خوندنش لذت ببرین.

 

آنچه که در این صفحه مشاهده خواهید کرد:

• آشنایی مختصر با نویسنده داستان
• مشخصات کلی کتاب
• فهرست کتاب با قابلیت پیمایش
• متن داستان به همراه فایل صوتی

 

در باره نویسنده

Louisa May Alcott لویس ئی الکات {نویسنده و شاعر آمریکایی} متولد ۲۹ نوامبر ۱۸۳۲ از جرمن تاون در ایالت پنسیلوانیا آمریکا است. از آثار وی میتوان به little women (زنان کوچک)، little men (مردان کوچک) و Jo’s Boys (پسران جُ) اشاره کرد.

 

مشخصات کتاب

• نام داستان: little women
• نویسنده: Louisa May Alcott
• سطح داستان: ۳
• انتشارات: Beijing Foreign Language Audio-Visual Publishing House

 

Little Women

 

Contents

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Please Login or Register to see the link.Chapter 1 | Four Sisters

 

 

“Christmas isn’t the same without gifts,” complained Jo. “Being poor is terrible,” agreed Meg as she looked at her old dress.

“It’s not fair that some girls are rich and have everything they want while others have nothing,” said little Amy.

“But we’ve got our mother and father and each other,” said Beth, who always tried to see the bright side of things.

The four girls cheered up at this thought as they sat around the fire.

 

“But we don’t have Father,” said Jo sadly. “And we won’t for a long time.”

Each of them worried silently about their father, who was away, fighting in the American Civil War.

“Mother said it would be wrong to waste money on gifts when our men are at war,” said Meg.

 

“But all we have is a dollar each,” said Jo. “Four dollars won’t help the army. Let’s just buy what we want. We worked hard for that money.”

“I wish we had the money our father lost when we were little,” said Meg.

“If I was a boy, I’d go and fight with father,” said Jo.

Meg was a beautiful sixteen-year old with big, round eyes and soft, brown hair. As a young
woman, she was very concerned with appearing neat and ladylike at all times. Jo was fifteen, tall, and thin. She kept her hair pushed back. A true tomboy at heart, her character often fell on the opposite side of Meg’s. Beth was thirteen and very shy. She seemed to exist in her own happy world. Amy was the youngest and thought she was a princess. She had curly, blond hair and watery, blue eyes.

 

By six o’clock, Meg lit the lamp to light their house. Beth put her mother’s slippers by the fire to warm them. Jo looked at them and said, “These are too old. Mother needs a new pair.”

“Let’s use our dollars to buy gifts for Mother,” said Beth.

“That’s a good idea,” said Jo. “We’ll surprise her.”

 

Soon their mother, Mrs. March, arrived home from work.

“A letter from your father came,” Mrs. March said excitedly. The letter cheered them up, especially the message to the girls at the end:

 

Here‘s  my love and a kiss for each of you. I think of you all every day. I know you are good to your mother, and when I come back, I’ll be proud of my little women.

 

On Christmas morning, the girls came downstairs. Meg asked, “Where’s Mother?”

“I think she’s down the street,” said old Hannah. Hannah was a servant who had lived with them since Jo was born. She was more like a friend. “A poor woman came to the door, and your mother went off to help her.”

Then there was a noise at the door. The girls pushed the basket of gifts for their mother back under the chair and ran into the dining room. They sat at the table, waiting for breakfast.

“Merry Christmas, Mother!” they shouted.

“Merry Christmas, my little women!” said Mrs. March. Then she stopped smiling. “Our neighbor

 

Mrs. Hummel is very poor and has a new baby. All six of her children are in one bed, trying to stay warm. Why don’t we give them our breakfast as a Christmas present?”

 

The girls thought for a moment.

“It’s good you came back before we started eating,” said Jo. Then the girls packed their breakfast into a basket.

 

With Hannah, they went to a miserable room in an old building. There they found a sick mother with a crying baby and a group of frightened children. Hannah brought wood and made a fire. Mrs. March gave the mother some tea and food. The girls gathered the children around the fire and fed them. Afterward, the March girls felt the inner warmth of satisfaction from their good deeds.

Mrs. March was pleased when she received her gifts later. They spent a long time laughing, kissing, and talking. Then the girls practiced a play that Jo had written. They were going to act it that evening.

 

On Christmas night, some friends watched the curtain rise on “Witch’s Curse.” As the four girls were acting, the tall castle they had made of paper fell down. Everyone laughed, but they stood it up again and kept acting.

There was a surprise for everyone when the play was finished. A late night feast! There were fruit, cake, ice cream, and French chocolate. There were even fresh flowers. The girls could not believe their eyes.

“Where did these come from?” asked Meg.

“Our wealthy neighbor, old Mr. Laurence, sent them!” said Mrs. March. “He heard about you girls giving away your breakfast and was really pleased.

 

This afternoon he sent a note asking us to accept his treats.”

“The idea must have come from the boy who lives there,” said Jo. “I’m sure he wants to meet us. But he’s too shy.”

 

 

Please Login or Register to see the link.Chapter 2 | The Boy Next Door

 

 

A few days later, Meg showed Jo a piece of paper. It was an invitation to a New Year’s party at Sallie Gardiner’s house.

“Mother says we can go, but what shall we wear?”

“Our cotton dresses are the best ones we have,” said Jo. “Yours is in good condition, but there’s a burn and a hole in the back of mine.”

“Then you’ll have to keep your back turned away from people,” said Meg.

On the night of the party, Meg and Jo went to the Gardiners’ house. Meg was happy to chat with
Sallie Gardiner, but Jo wasn’t interested in their girlish talk.

She stood with her back up against the wall, watching the other kids dance. When she saw a big boy coming toward her, she quickly went through a door into a small room. But another shy person was already hiding in there. He was “the Laurence boy” from the house next door.

 

“Oh dear, I didn’t know you were here,” said Jo.

“That’s okay,” the boy said. “Hey, you live next door to us, don’t you?”

“yes,” said Jo.

“Just call me Laurie,” said the boy.

“I like parties, But I don’t know how they do things over here. I’ve lived in Europe for many years.”

“I love to hear people talk about their travels,” said Jo. She asked Laurie questions about schools, holidays, and trips in Europe.

 

“Excuse me, Jo,” Meg said to Jo while she was enjoying talking to Laurie. Meg’s shoes were too tight, and soon she was limping. “I’ve hurt my ankle. I don’t know how I’ll get home.”

Laurie heard her talking and offered to give them a ride home in his grandfather’s carriage. When they got home, they thanked Laurie and said good night to him. Jo liked Laurie.

 

The next morning, Meg said, “It was so nice to ride home in a carriage. I wish we were rich enough to do that all the time.”

“Well, we’re not, so we must do our work with a smile like Mother does,” said Jo.

Their father had lost his money helping a friend. When Jo and Meg had learned this, they wanted to earn money to help the family. Meg worked as a teacher for four small children. It was very difficult for her. Jo worked for their Aunt March. But she was an old lady who complained a lot.

 

Beth was too shy to go to school. She studied at home and helped Hannah keep the house clean. She spent lots of time playing on their old piano. Even though she couldn’t afford music lessons, she practiced to become a better musician. Amy was an excellent artist and hoped to become a painter when she grew up.

 

One day, Jo went outside to clear the snow from the garden. She looked at the Laurences’ large house next door. It seemed lifeless and lonely. Jo wondered what Laurie had been doing lately when suddenly she could see him looking out from an upstairs window.

 

He opened the window, and Jo asked, “What’s the matter? Have you been sick?”

“Yes, but I’m much better now.

Why don’t you come for a visit?”

“I will if Mother lets me,” she said.

Soon his servant came to the door and said, “Sir, there’s someone here to see you.”

There was Jo, with a small box and three kittens.

“Meg asked me to bring you some cake, and Beth thought you might like to play with her kittens.”

 

“You are all so kind,” Laurie said. “Is Beth the shy one who stays at home?”

“Yes, she’s the good girl,” answered Jo.

“And Meg is pretty, and Amy is the one with curly, blond hair, right?” said Laurie.
“How did you know?” Jo asked.

Laurie blushed with embarrassment, but answered, “Sometimes at night, when you forget to close your curtains, I can see you having fun. I can see you sitting around the fire with your mother. I don’t have a mother.”

“You should come and visit us,” said Jo.

The two talked and discovered that they both loved books.

“Come and see our library if you’re not afraid of my grandfather.”

“I’m not afraid of anybody,” said Jo.

 

In the library, Jo was amazed by the Laurences’ collection of books. Suddenly, the bell rang. The servant came and told Laurie that the doctor was there to see him. He left Jo for a moment. She stood, looking at a portrait of Grandfather Laurence, and spoke loudly, “I’m not afraid of him because he’s got kind eyes, even though his mouth is hard and holds.”

“Thank you,” said a deep voice behind her.

Jo turned quickly to find old Mr. Laurence. Her face turned bright red.

“You’re not afraid of me, are you?”

“Not really, sir,”

“Well, what have you been doing with my grandson?” he asked.

 

“Just cheering him up. He seems lonely,” she answered.

They all had tea together. Old Mr. Laurence noticed how happy Laurie seemed.

“She’s right,” he thought. “He does need cheering up.

 

Laurie and the March girls quickly became great friends. Laurie’s tutor, Mr. Brooke, complained that his student was always running away to play.

“Let him enjoy himself,” said Mr. Laurence. “He’ll catch up with his studies later.”

Together they enjoyed many happy evenings. They would write and act plays and have little parties. Only Beth was too shy to go to the Laurences’ big house.

 

Mr. Laurence heard this, and he went to speak with Mrs. March. He said that if any of the girls ever wanted to play his fine piano, they would be welcome to come over.

When Beth heard them talking about the piano, she couldn’t resist. With her little hand, she touched Mr. Laurence’s and said in a shaking voice, “I … I want to come very much.”

 

Beth began to go over to the Laurences’ every day. Mr. Laurence and his servants enjoyed listening to her play very much.

She was so thankful that she sewed Mr. Laurence a new pair of slippers and left them in his study. The next day, when Beth came home from a walk, her mother told her there was a surprise for her. In the front room stood a lovely little piano. On top of it was a letter for her:

 

Dear Miss March,

I have had many pairs of slippers. But these are the best I’ve ever had. I want to thank you by sending you something that once belonged to my little granddaughter who died. With many thanks, I am your good friend.

James Laurence

Shy, little Beth went to thank Mr. Laurence immediately. For the first time in her life, she acted boldly. She entered his study and said, “I want to say thank you, sir,” then she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

 

              Please Login or Register to see the link.Chapter 3 | Amy’s Accident &  Meg’s Parties

 

 

One afternoon, Meg and Jo were getting ready to go out.

“Where are you going?” asked Amy. “I want to come along.”

“You weren’t invited,” said Meg. “You can’t come.”

“You’re going somewhere with Laurie,” said Amy. “That’s right,” said Jo. “Now stop bothering us.” “You’re going to the theater,” cried Amy. “I want to go, too!”

“We could take her with us,” said Meg.

“No,” said Jo. “Laurie invited just two of us.”

 

“But Meg says I can go!” cried Amy.

“You just stay in the house!” said Jo angrily.

“You’ll be sorry for this, Jo March!” Amy shouted as the older girls left the house.

Jo and Meg enjoyed themselves at the theater with Laurie. But Jo couldn’t stop wondering what Amy would do to make her sorry.

 

The next afternoon, Jo found out when she looked for her notebook of stories.

“Has anyone seen my notebook?” she asked.

Meg and Beth said, “No,” but Amy was silent. “Amy, where is it?” Jo asked.

“You’re never going to see it again because I burned it!”

 

Jo’s face turned pale. “I worked so hard writing those stories.”

“I said you’d be sorry, and now you are,” shouted Amy.

Jo grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

“You are a wicked, wicked little girl!” Joe cried. “I’ll never forgive you!”

When Mrs. March came home and heard the story, she said to Amy, “How could you do that? Those were stories Jo hoped to get printed in the newspaper.” Amy realized what a terrible thing she had done and started to cry. Later, she begged Jo to forgive her. But Jo answered, “I’ll never forgive you!”

 

The next day, Jo went out to skate with Laurie. Meg told Amy to follow Jo and do something nice while she was in a good mood. So Amy went to the river and started skating, too. Jo turned away when she saw her.

“The ice in the middle isn’t safe!” called Laurie. “Stay near the edge.”

Jo heard the warning, but Amy didn’t. She skated to the middle of the river.

Suddenly, the ice cracked. Amy fell through the ice with a loud cry. Then Laurie quickly skated past Jo. She tried to call to Laurie, but her voice was gone. “Bring a large piece of wood!” Laurie shouted. Jo got the wood and pushed it across the ice while Laurie held Amy’s head above the water. They pulled her out and quickly took the frightened girl home.

 

Mother wrapped Amy in blankets. She soon fell asleep. Then Jo asked her mother, “Are you sure she’ll be okay?”

“Yes, it’s a good thing you got her home so quickly.”

 

“Thanks to Laurie. Oh, it’s my fault! I lose my temper so easily. Why can’t I be more like you?”

“I get angry every day,” said Mrs. March. “But I’ve learned to hide it. I don’t allow all of those angry words to leave my lips. You’ll learn to do the same one day.”

Jo began to cry. This made Amy open her eyes and smile. Her smile hit Jo straight in the heart. They hugged one another. Everything was forgiven and forgotten.

 

In April, Meg accepted Annie Moffat’s invitation to stay at her large house. There, the more time Meg spent admiring Annie’s pretty things, the more she wished she could be rich.

Then came the evening of a party. While the girls were getting ready, a box of flowers arrived.

“These are for Miss March,” said the servant. “There’s a letter, too,”

“How exciting!” said the girls. “Who are they from?”

“The letter is from my mother, and the flowers are from Laurie,” Meg answered.

“Really?” Annie said with a strange look.

 

At the party, Meg was asked to sing, and everyone said she had a beautiful voice. But then, while she was standing on the other side of a large table of flowers, she heard Annie Moffat and her older sister Belle gossiping about her.

 

“It would be good for one of these poor March girls to marry young Laurence. He’s very rich,” said Annie.

“I think Mrs. March is probably planning something like that,” said Belle.

Meg felt terrible about what she had heard. She cried silently to herself.

The next day, Belle offered to lend Meg a dress for Thursday. Meg tried to refuse it, but she couldn’t. On that day, Belle painted Meg’s lips and helped her into a beautiful, sky blue dress. Meg was shocked when she saw herself in the mirror because the neckline of the dress was cut so low.

 

Meg felt uncomfortable in such fine clothes at first. But she soon found that people who usually didn’t speak to her were suddenly very interested. Many young men were asking to be introduced to her.

 

Meg spotted Laurie across the room. He was staring at her unhappily. When she walked up to Laurie, she saw Belle and Annie watching and smiling at her.

“I’m so happy you came,” Meg said in her most mature voice.

“Jo asked me to come and tell her how you looked.”

“What are you going to say?” Meg asked.

 

“That you look so different that I didn’t recognize you.

“The girls wanted to dress me up. Don’t you like it?”

“No, I don’t,” he replied coolly.

This made Meg angry, “Then I won’t stay with you!”

Later at dinner, Meg drank a lot of wine with some boys. Laurie warned her, “You’re going to be sick tomorrow if you drink too much.”

But Meg kept drinking and dancing and laughing. On the following day, Meg was very sick.

When she returned home on Saturday, she told her mother and Jo about the fancy dress she had worn and all the wine she had drunk. She told the story as if it was funny, but her face looked worried by the end.

 

“Is there something you’re not telling us?” asked Mother.

Meg’s cheeks became red.

“I hate those people for the terrible things they said about us and Laurie!” she said. Then she told them about the gossip she had overheard.

 

“That’s garbage!” cried Jo. “Laurie will laugh when I tell him about the plans.”

“No, you must never repeat that wicked gossip,” Mother said to Jo.

“Do you have plans?” Meg asked Mother.

“All mothers have plans, my dear. But mine are different from what the Moffats think. I want my daughters to be loved, and I want them to be respected by the community. I’d rather you be poor if it means you have a peaceful life. Your father and I will always be proud of you, whether you get married or stay single.”

“We will make you proud of us,” said Meg and Jo together.

 

 

Please Login or Register to see the link.Chapter 4 | The Hardest Days

 

 

One afternoon in October, Jo took the bus into town. From the bus stop, she walked up to a building on a busy street. She was so nervous that she ran in and out of the building several times. On the fourth time, she finally walked up the stairs. Ten minutes later, she came out. Laurie, who happened to see her from the beginning, was waiting for her.

What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised.

I’m waiting for you. I have a secret to tell you. But first tell me yours,” he said.

 

“Okay, but don’t tell anybody. I’ve given two of my stories to the newspaper. I’ll find out next week if they’ll be printed.”

“Jo March, the famous writer!” Laurie said excitedly.

Jo was happy. “What’s your secret?”

“Do you remember the glove that Meg lost at the picnic last summer? Well, I know who has it,” smiled Laurie.

 

Laurie whispered a name in Jo’s ear. She looked displeased.

“I saw it in his pocket. But remember that you mustn’t tell anyone.”

“I didn’t promise not to tell,” said Jo.

“Aren’t you pleased?” asked Laurie.

“The idea of someone taking Meg away doesn’t please me,” Jo said seriously.

Two Saturdays later, Meg saw Laurie chasing Jo all over the garden. Then the two of them fell on the grass. They were laughing, and Jo was waving around a newspaper.

 

Jo brought the newspaper into the house and began to read it.

“Is there anything interesting in the paper?” asked Meg.

“Just a story,” said Jo.

“Read it aloud,” said Amy. “It might be funny.”

Jo read it very quickly. It was a story about two lovers named Viola and Angelo. Most of the characters died in the end, but the girls enjoyed it. Meg even cried during the sad parts.

 

“Who wrote it?” asked Beth.

Jo’s eyes were bright and shining.

“I did,” she said.

Meg was surprised, “You?”

“It’s wonderful,” said Amy.

“I knew it was yours,” cried Beth. She hugged Jo and said, “Oh, I’m so proud.”

Mrs. March was also very proud when they told her about the story. That evening, there was no happier or prouder family than the Marches.

 

It was a dull November afternoon, and Mrs. March and the girls were sitting with Laurie. Suddenly, Hannah hurried into the room with a telegram. Mrs. March read it and dropped it to the floor. Her hands were shaking, and her face was white. Jo picked it up and read it to the others in a frightened voice.

Mrs. March,

your husband is very sick.

Come to Blank hospital at once.

Dr. Pale
The girls cried together while Hannah prepared Mrs. March’s things for the long trip.

“How can I help?” asked Laurie.

“Please send a telegram to tell the doctor that I’m coming as soon as possible,” said Mrs. March. “The next train leaves early in the morning. Jo, give me a pen and paper. I must write Aunt March a note asking to borrow some money for the journey.”

Mr. Brooke came to their house as they were busy helping their mother prepare.

 

“I’m sorry to the bad news,” Mr. Brooke said gently.

“Mr. Laurence thinks it would be a good idea if I travel with Mrs. March.”

“How kind!” Meg “I’d be happy to know there is someone to take care of Mother.

Thank you so much,” she said, holding his hand and looking into his warm, brown eyes.

 

Jo went out to buy something and return late in the afternoon. Then she gave her mother some money.

“That’s to help make Father well and to bring him home.”

“Twenty-five dollars!” said Mrs. March. “How did you get this?”

Jo took off her hat.

 

“Where is your beautiful hair?” cried Amy.

All of Jo’s thick hair was cut off. She had sold her hair to a wig-maker.

All of the women began to cry at Jo’s sacrifice. “Don’t cry,” said Jo. “I really wanted to help. And it will grow back soon. In the meantime, it’ll be easier to keep tidy.”

But that night the other girls heard Jo crying a little bit.

“The selfish part of me is making me cry for my hair,” said Jo. “I’ll be all right in the morning.”

 

While Mother and Mr. Brooke were away, Meg and Jo went back to their jobs. Beth and Amy helped Hannah keep the house clean. Everyone tried very hard to work, be good, and be helpful.

When news of their father first came, it said that he was dangerously ill but slowly starting to get better.

Ten days after Mother left, Beth came home late one night. She had been visiting Mrs. Hummel’s sick baby at their house. She went straight into Mother’s room and closed the door.

 

Half an hour later, Jo came in. Beth looked very sick.

“What’s wrong with you?” asked Jo.

Beth put her hand out to keep her away.

“You’ve had scarlet fever before, haven’t you?” she said.

“Yes, years ago Meg and I both got it,” Jo answered. “But why do you ask that?”

 

“Oh, Jo,” cried Beth, “Mrs. Hummel was out, and her baby died in my arms.”

Jo put her arms around Beth, “Oh, how terrible! What did you do?”

“I just held it until Mrs. Hummel returned with the doctor. Her children Heinrich and Minna were getting sick, too. The doctor said it was scarlet fever. He told me to come home and take medicine quickly, or I’ll catch it, too.”

 

“I’ll get Hannah,” said Jo.

“Don’t let Amy come up here,” said Beth. “She hasn’t had scarlet fever, and I don’t want to give it to her.”

Later they sent Amy to stay with Aunt March for her protection. As Beth became sicker, everyone worried about her. They decided not to tell Mrs. March about her in their letters. Beth’s sickness became so bad that she didn’t know who Jo was, and she called out for her mother.

 

The girls got a letter from Mother saying that Father had gotten worse, so she wouldn’t come home for a long time. The girls worked hard while the shadow of death was over their house. Meg began to understand that she had been rich in the truly important things, such as love, peace, and good health. Jo thought about how unselfish Beth was and that she had always lived for others. Amy was sad and lonely at Aunt March’s house and just wanted to help Beth.

On December 1st, the doctor came to see Beth. He looked at her and quietly said, “I think someone should tell Mrs. March to come home now.”

 

Jo ran out into the snow to send a telegram. When she got back, Laurie brought a letter from Mr. Brooke that said Mr. March was getting better again.
Jo did not seem to be happy at this good news and then began to cry, “Beth doesn’t recognize us anymore. I sent a telegram to Mother.”

Laurie held her hand and said, “Don’t worry. Mr. Brooke said that your mother would be back tonight and would take care of everything.”

Jo hugged Laurie.

 

For the rest of the day, the hours went slowly. The doctor said a change, for better or for worse, would come very soon. No one was able to sleep while they waited.

At two o’clock Jo stood at the window while Laurie went to the station to get Mrs. March. She turned to see Meg kneeling by Beth’s bed. She feared that Beth was dead. She ran to the bed.
There was a change. Beth’s fever was gone. The color was coming back to her cheeks. Meg and Jo hugged each other. They were too happy to speak. Then they heard the door open, and Laurie shouted, “She’s here! She’s here!”

When Beth woke up, she saw her mother’s face and smiled. Mrs. March held her little hand. Hannah made breakfast for everyone while Mother told the girls about their father’s recovery. Mr. Brooke was still with him and had promised to stay until he was better.

 

At Aunt March’s house, Amy was beginning to write a letter to her mother, but when she looked out the window, she saw her mother coming toward the house. Amy was so happy to see her.

“Everyone loves Beth because she’s unselfish,” said Amy. “If I was sick, people wouldn’t feel so bad for me. I’m going to try to be more like Beth.”
That night, Jo spoke with her mother. “I want to tell you something,” she said.

“Is it about Meg?” asked Mrs. March.

“Yes, you guessed so easily,” remarked Jo. She told all about Meg’s lost glove.

“Do you think Meg might be interested in John?” Mother asked.

“Who is John?” asked Jo.

“Mr. Brooke . . . John Brooke,” said Mother. “I began calling him John because we became good friends at the hospital.”

“Oh my!” exclaimed Jo. “He helped you take care of Father, and now you’re going to give Meg to him if he wants her.”

 

“Don’t be angry,” said Mother. “John told us that he loves Meg. He said he would save enough money to buy a comfortable house before he asks her to marry him. But Father and I decided that we don’t want her to marry until she’s at least twenty.”

 

 

Please Login or Register to see the link.Chapter 5 | Together Again!

 

 

Christmas Day that year was very different from the year before. Beth was feeling better. She looked out the window at a snowman Laurie and Jo had made for her. In the snowman’s hands were a basket of fruit, flowers, and a new piece of music. Laurie brought in the presents, and Jo sang a silly song.

“I’m so happy!” said Beth. “I wish Father was here.

Half an hour later, Laurie opened the front door and said, “Here’s another Christmas gift for the March family!”

 

Then two tall men appeared. One of the men was leaning on the other man’s arm.

Beth came running through the door and leapt into her father’s arms.

“Father!” cried Meg and Jo.

Mr. March was covered in hugs and kisses. In the confusion, Mr. Brooke and Meg accidentally kissed.

 

When all the excitement calmed down, Mrs. March thanked Mr. Brooke for helping her husband.

Later, Mr. Laurence, Laurie, and Mr. Brooke came over to the March’s house again, and they all had Christmas dinner together.

“A year ago we were complaining about Christmas,” said Jo.

“It’s been a wonderful year,” said Meg, who was thinking about John Brooke.

“It was a hard one, too,” said Amy. “I’m glad it’s over since Father’s back now.”

“I’ve learned a few things about you ladies today,” said Mr. March.

“Oh, tell us,” cried Meg.

Mr. March took Meg’s hand, “Here’s one. Look
at the small burn on the back and the calluses on the front. I can remember when this hand was smooth and white. But now this is a pretty, hardworking hand. I’m proud of you, Meg.”

“What about Jo?” asked Beth. “She’s very hard, too.”

Mr. March smiled at Jo. “Her hair may be short, but I can see a young lady now. I’ll miss my wild girl, but I’ll love the kind and gentle woman who’s taken her place.”

 

Jo blushed, and Amy said, “Now Beth!”

“Beth’s not so shy any more.” Then he looked at Amy, “And I’ve noticed Amy helps others more. She’s learned to think about others and less about herself.”

Beth went to the piano and began to play. Soon everyone began to sing a happy Christmas song together.

It was the next afternoon, and Laurie and Jo were teasing Meg about how she would answer Mr. Brooke when he asked her to marry him.

“When he asks you, you’ll cry or act stupidly instead of saying no,” said Jo.

“No, I won’t,” said Meg. “I’ll say, Thank you, Mr. Brooke, but I’m too young to get married.”

“I don’t believe it,” said Jo.

 

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was Mr. Brooke.

“I left my umbrella here yesterday,” he said.

Meg moved toward the door.

“I’m sure Mother will want to see you. Let me get her.”

“Meg, don’t run away from me,” said Mr. Brooke. “Are you afraid of me?”

“How could I be afraid of you when you’ve been so good to Father?” Meg answered.

Then he took Meg’s hand. “I just want to know if you love me a little. I love you so much.”

This was the moment to repeat the response she had told Jo. But instead, she answered softly, “I don’t know. I’m too young . . .”

“I’ll wait until you learn to like me,” he said. “Will it be difficult?”

“Not if I choose to learn,” she said.

 

“Please choose to, Meg,” he said. “I can teach you. It will be easier than teaching Laurie.”

At that moment, Meg felt annoyed because he was smiling.

“I don’t choose!” she said, “Please go away!”

“I hope you will have some time to think. I’ll wait,” Mr. Brooke said.

Now Meg felt bad to see him so sad as he left the room.

 

Then Aunt March came in. “What is all this?” she cried.

“He’s just a friend of my father’s,” Meg said nervously. “Mr. Brooke and I were just. . .”

“Mr. Brooke, the Laurence boy’s tutor? He just wants to marry you to get some of my money! Well, he won’t get one bit of it!”
It was the worst thing she could have said to Meg.

“Aunt March, I’ll marry whomever I want, and you can keep your money! We won’t need it!” shouted Meg.

“You’ll regret this!” shouted Aunt March. “You should marry a rich boy and help your family!”

“Don’t say that!” shouted Meg. “My John wouldn’t marry for money. We’ll work hard and save our own money! I’ll be happy with him because he loves me!”

Aunt March was very angry and stormed out of the room. Meg didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

 

Mr. Brooke came back from the other room and put his arms around her.

“Oh, Meg, you do love me! I heard everything you said!”

Jo came back and found them together. Mr. Brooke laughed and kissed Jo on the cheek and said, “Oh, Sister Jo, wish us luck!”

That night, everyone ate dinner together. Laurie brought some flowers for “Mrs. John Brooke.” When he saw Jo, he said, “What’s the matter? You look sad.”

“Nothing will ever be the same again,” Jo said. “I’ve lost my dearest friend.”

“You’ve got me,” said Laurie. I’ll always be your friend. I’ll come back from university in three years, and we’ll take a trip together.”

 

Jo looked around the room. Mother and Father sat happily together. Amy was drawing a picture of John and Meg. Beth was talking to her old friend, Mr. Laurence. Jo and Laurie smiled at one another and dreamed about their future.