I wish I could, and be done with it, said I, trying 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 cap began to bob like a top-heavy dahlia, I whipped the Vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket, and read away, with one eye on him and one on Aunt. Id 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 what frivolous work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belsham. I did my very best, and she liked it, though she only said-
I dont understand what its all about. Go back and begin it, child.
Back I went, and made the Primroses as interesting as ever I could. Once I was wicked enough to stop in a thrilling place, and say meekly, Im afraid it tires you, maam. Shant I stop now?
She caught up her knitting, which had dropped out of her hands, gave me a sharp look through her specs, and said, in her short way, Finish the chapter, and dont be impertinent, miss.
Did she own she liked it? asked Meg.
Oh, bless you, no! But she let old Belsham rest, and when I ran back after my gloves this afternoon, there she was, so hard at the Vicar that she didnt 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 dont envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think, added Jo.
That reminds me, said Meg, that Ive got something to tell. It isnt funny, like Jos story, but I thought about it 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 shouldnt see how red and swollen their eyes were. I didnt ask any questions, of course, but I felt so sorry for them and was rather glad I hadnt any wild brothers to do wicked things and disgrace the family.
I think being disgraced in school is a great deal tryinger 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, my eye is upon you! coming out of his mouth in 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 parrylized with fright, but 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.
Didnt the girls laugh at the picture? asked Jo, who relished the scrape.
Laugh? Not one! They sat still as mice, and Susie cried quarts, I know she did. I didnt envy her then, for I felt that millions of carnelian rings wouldnt have made me happy after that. I never, never should have got over such a agonizing mortification. And Amy went on with her work, in the proud consciousness of virtue and the successful utterance of two long words in a breath.
I saw something I liked this morning, and I meant to tell it at dinner, but I forgot, said Beth, putting Jos topsy-turvy basket in order as she talked. When I went to get some oysters for Hannah, Mr. Laurence was in the fish shop, but he didnt see me, for I kept behind the fish barrel, and he was busy with Mr. Cutter the fish-man. A poor woman came in with a pail and a mop, and asked Mr. Cutter if he would let her do some scrubbing for a bit of fish, because she hadnt any dinner for her children, and had been disappointed of a days work. Mr. Cutter was in a hurry and said No, rather crossly, so she was going away, looking hungry and sorry, when Mr. Laurence hooked up a big fish with the 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! Wasnt it good of him? Oh, she did look so funny, hugging the big, slippery fish, and hoping Mr. Laurences bed in heaven would be aisy.
When they had laughed at Beths story, they asked their mother for one, and after a moments thought, she said soberly, 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, but I kept on 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 sons in the army? I asked, for the note he brought was not to me.
Yes, maam. I had four, but two were killed, one is a prisoner, and Im going to the other, who is very sick in a Washington hospital. he answered quietly.
You have done a great deal for your country, sir, I said, feeling respect now, instead of pity.
Not a mite more than I ought, maam. Id go myself, if I was any use. As I aint, I give my boys, and give em free.
He spoke so cheerfully, looked so sincere, and seemed so glad to give his all, that I was ashamed of myself. Id given one man and thought it too much, while he gave four without grudging them. I had all my girls to comfort me at home, and his last son was waiting, miles away, to say good-by 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.
Tell another story, Mother, one with a moral to it, like this. I like to think about them afterward, if they are real and not too preachy, said Jo, after a minutes silence.
Mrs. March smiled and began at once, for she had told stories to this little audience for many years, and 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 If we could only 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 over your blessings, and be grateful. (Here Jo looked up quickly, as if about to speak, but changed her mind, seeing that the story was not done yet.)
Being sensible girls, they decided to try her advice, and soon were surprised to see how well off they were. One discovered that money couldnt keep shame and sorrow out of rich peoples houses, another that, though she was poor, she was a great deal happier, with her youth, health, and good spirits, than a certain fretful, feeble old lady who couldnt 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 carnelian 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, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old womans advice.
Now, Marmee, 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. Its the sort Father used to tell us, said Beth thoughtfully, putting the needles straight on Jos cushion.
I dont complain near as much as the others do, and I shall be more careful than ever now, for Ive had warning from Susies downfall, said Amy morally.
We needed that lesson, and we wont forget it. If we do so, you just say to us, as old Chloe did in Uncle Tom, Tink ob yer marcies, chillen! Tink ob yer marcies! added Jo, who could not, for the life of her, help getting a morsel of fun out of the little sermon, though she took it to heart as much as any of them.
Chapter five
Being Neighborly
What in the world are you going to do now, Jo? asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sack, and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other.
Going out for exercise, answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough! Its cold and dull out, and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do, said Meg with a shiver.
Never take advice! Cant keep still all day, and not being a pussycat, I dont like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and Im going to find some.
Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe, and Jo began to dig paths with great energy. The snow was light, and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden, for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air. Now, the garden separated the Marches house from that of Mr. Laurence. Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still country-like, with groves and lawns, large gardens, and quiet streets. A low hedge parted the two estates. On one side was an old, brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers, which then surrounded it. On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains.
Yet it seemed a lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on the lawn, no motherly face ever smiled at the windows, and few people went in and out, except the old gentleman and his grandson.
To Jos lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed. She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the Laurence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only knew how to begin. Since the party, she had been more eager than ever, and had planned many ways of making friends with him, but he had not been seen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window, looking wistfully down into their garden, where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another.
That boy is suffering for society and fun, she said to herself. His grandpa does not know whats good for him, and keeps him shut up all alone. He needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively. Ive a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so!
The idea amused Jo, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances. The plan of going over was not forgotten. And when the snowy afternoon came, Jo resolved to try what could be done. She saw Mr. Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey. All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows, servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window.
There he is, thought Jo, Poor boy! All alone and sick this dismal day. Its a shame! Ill toss up a snowball and make him look out, and then say a kind word to him.
Up went a handful of soft snow, and the head turned at once, showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute, as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile. Jo nodded and laughed, and flourished her broom as she called out-
How do you do? Are you sick?
Laurie opened the window, and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven-
Better, thank you. Ive had a bad cold, and been shut up a week.
Im sorry. What do you amuse yourself with?
Nothing. Its dull as tombs up here.
Dont you read?
Not much. They wont let me.
Cant somebody read to you?
Grandpa does sometimes, but my books dont interest him, and I hate to ask Brooke all the time.
Have someone come and see you then.
There isnt anyone Id like to see. Boys make such a row, and my head is weak.
Isnt there some nice girl whod read and amuse you? Girls are quiet and like to play nurse.
Dont know any.
You know us, began Jo, then laughed and stopped.
So I do! Will you come, please? cried Laurie.
Im not quiet and nice, but Ill come, if Mother will let me. Ill go ask her. Shut the window, like a good boy, and wait till I come.
With that, Jo shouldered her broom and marched into the house, wondering what they would all say to her. Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready, for as Mrs. March said, he was a little gentleman, and did honor to the coming guest by brushing his curly pate, putting on a fresh color, and trying to tidy up the room, which in spite of half a dozen servants, was anything but neat. Presently there came a loud ring, then a decided voice, asking for Mr. Laurie, and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady.
All right, show her up, its Miss Jo, said Laurie, going to the door of his little parlor to meet Jo, who appeared, looking rosy and quite at her ease, with a covered dish in one hand and Beths three kittens in the other.
Here I am, bag and baggage, she said briskly. Mother sent her love, and was glad if I could do anything for you. Meg wanted me to bring some of her blanc mange, she makes it very nicely, and Beth thought her cats would be comforting. I knew youd laugh at them, but I couldnt refuse, she was so anxious to do something.
It so happened that Beths funny loan was just the thing, for in laughing over the kits, Laurie forgot his bashfulness, and grew sociable at once.
That looks too pretty to eat, he said, smiling with pleasure, as Jo uncovered the dish, and showed the blanc mange, surrounded by a garland of green leaves, and the scarlet flowers of Amys pet geranium.
It isnt anything, only they all felt kindly and wanted to show it. Tell the girl to put it away for your tea. Its so simple you can eat it, and being soft, it will slip down without hurting your sore throat. What a cozy room this is!
It might be if it was kept nice, but the maids are lazy, and I dont know how to make them mind. It worries me though.
Ill right it up in two minutes, for it only needs to have the hearth brushed, so-and the things made straight on the mantelpiece, so-and the books put here, and the bottles there, and your sofa turned from the light, and the pillows plumped up a bit. Now then, youre fixed.
And so he was, for, as she laughed and talked, Jo had whisked things into place and given quite a different air to the room. Laurie watched her in respectful silence, and when she beckoned him to his sofa, he sat down with a sigh of satisfaction, saying gratefully-
How kind you are! Yes, thats what it wanted. Now please take the big chair and let me do something to amuse my company.
No, I came to amuse you. Shall I read aloud? and Jo looked affectionately toward some inviting books near by.
Thank you! Ive read all those, and if you dont mind, Id rather talk, answered Laurie.