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1. It was an afternoon in December. It was snowing outside, and the four sisters were knitting

socks in front of the fireplace. It was a comfortable room. The carpet was old, and

when the furniture was very plain, there were some pictures on the walls and books

on the shelves. There were crizenthermums and roses in vases. It was a pleasant and peaceful

atmosphere. Margaret, the eldest of the four sisters, was 16. Everyone called her Meg. She

was very pretty, with large eyes, soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands. Fifteen

year old Josephine was cold Joe. She was very tall and thin, and had sharp gray eyes, which

so everything. Her long, thick hair was her only beauty. Elizabeth, or Beth as everyone

called her, had pink cheeks, smooth hair, and bright eyes. She was thirteen, and was

very shy. She had a soft voice, and a peaceful expression. Amy was the youngest. She was twelve.

She was pale, and had blue eyes and yellow hair. She had a strong character, and always

acted like a polite young lady.

Christmas won't be the same without any presence, said Joe. It's terrible to be poor, said Meg.

It's not fair, said little Amy. Some girls have plenty of pretty things, and other girls

have nothing at all. But we've got father and mother, and each other, said Beth. The

four girls smiled, but then Joe said sadly. But father is not with us, and he won't be with

us for a long time. Their father was far away, fighting in the war.

After a pose, Meg said, we won't have any presence this Christmas, because mother thinks winter

is going to be difficult.

Each of us have got a dollar. I wanted to spend mine on a book, said Joe. She was a

bookworm. I planned to spend mine in new music, said Beth, with a little sigh. I wanted a

nice box of drawing pencils. I really need them, said Amy. Mother didn't say anything

about our money. Let's buy what we want and have a little fun. We work hard enough to

earn it, cried Joe. I know I work hard, said Meg. Teaching those children all day is tiring.

My job is harder than yours, said Joe. I am shut up for hours with a nervous, difficult

old lady. She is never satisfied. I don't want to complain, but I think washing the dish

and cleaning the house is the worst work in the world, said Beth. My hands get very stiff,

so I can't practice the piano well. She looked at her rough hands.

I think I suffer the most, said Amy. You don't have to go to school with girls who make fun

of you and laugh at your dresses and tell you your father isn't rich.

Joe and Meg looked at each other. They could remember the good times when their father had

not lost all his money. Joe started walking up and down the room, her hens in her pockets

and whistling. Don't whistle, Joe. It's so boyish. You are so unladylike, said Amy.

That's why I do it. I don't like rude and ladylike girls. Well, I don't like pretentious show -offs.

Meg stopped the fighting. Girls, you are both wrong, she said. Josephine, you are old enough

to stop acting like a boy. You are not a little girl anymore. You are a young lady.

I'm not, cried Joe. I hate that I have got to grow up and be mismatch and wear long dresses.

I like boys games and work. I wish I could go and fight in the war with father.

And you, Amy, continued Meg. You are too pretentious and difficult to please. I'm afraid you will

not. The girls were suddenly excited because their mother was coming home soon. Meg stopped

lecturing and lighted the lamp. Beth put mother slippers in front of the fireplace to warm.

They are quite old, said Joe. Mommy must have a new pair of slippers. They call their mother

Mommy.

I will get her a new pair with my dollar, said Beth. No, I will, cried Amy.

I'm the oldest, said Meg. Joe interrupted her. I will get the slippers because father told

me to take special care of mother while he was gone, she said.

I'll tell you what we'll do, said Beth. Each of us will get mother something for Christmas.

We won't get anything for ourselves.

That's a wonderful idea, said Joe.

You are so thoughtful, dear. Everyone thought about what they would get their mother.

Meg said she would give her a pair of gloves. Joe said she would get a pair of slippers.

Beth said she would get her some nice handkerchiefs and Amy said she would get her a little bottle

of cologne. They decided to put all the gifts on the table and surprise their mother. They

were all very cheerful now.

I'm glad to see you all so happy, my girls, said a voice at the door. It was their mother,

Mrs. March. She was a tall, pretty lady with a loving look on her face.

The girls turned to welcome her. They thought that she was the most wonderful mother in the

world.

Well dearies, how was your day? We were getting the boxes ready at the hospital, and there

was a lot to do, so I didn't come home to dinner. Mrs. March got her wet things off,

put on her warm slippers. She sat down in the chair. This was the happiest hour of her

busy day. The girls gathered around her, trying to make her comfortable. Meg prepared

the table. Jo brought wood and set chairs. Beth prepared the food, and Amy gave directions

to everyone as she sat in her mother's lap. They gathered around the table and began eating.

I've got a surprise for you after supper, said Mrs. March. The girls were suddenly excited.

Beth clapped her hens, and Jo cried. A letter? Is it a letter from Father?

Yes, a nice long letter. He is well. He sends his love and a special message to you girls,

said Mrs. March. The girls quickly finished eating their food. They all gathered around

the fireplace.

Mother sat in the big chair with Beth at her feet.

Meg and Amy sat on the arms of the chair, and Jo leaned on the back.

The letter did not talk about the dangers and difficulties of the wall. It was a cheerful

and hopeful letter. Their father talked about camp life and military news. But at the end

of the letter, he wrote about how much he loved and missed his daughters. Give them all

my love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them every day. It may take a year for me to see

them again. I know they will remember what I told them. They will be loving children and

will work hard and be brave and develop good, strong characters. And when I come back home,

I will be proud of my little women.

Everybody had tears in their eyes. The girls said they would try to be better and more hard

working. They wanted to be as good as father wanted them to be. Christmas day was here at

last. When the girls woke up in the morning, they found that their mother had left little

presents under their pillows. They had each received a book with a few words written by

their mother. Joe's book was read. Meigs was green. Bests was white and Amy's was blue.

It was the best present in their eyes. They all sat looking at the books and talking

about them. Half an hour later, the girls ran down to thank their mother for their gifts.

Hannah was downstairs. Hannah was the family's maid. She had been with them since Meigs was

born and was more like a friend than a maid. They asked her where Mommy was. Hannah told

them that a poor little boy had come asking for help and their mother had gone away with

him to see what the problem was. She will be back soon, said Meg, to the others. We must

have everything ready before she arrives. The presents that they had bought their mother

were in a basket under the sofa. They took the basket out and talked about their presents.

A few minutes later, they heard the front door shot. Mother was coming, hide the basket quick,

cried Joe. The girls quickly put the basket under the sofa and went to the table for breakfast.

Their mother came in. Merry Christmas, Mommy. Thank you for our books.

Merry Christmas, little daughters. Before we sit down for breakfast, I want to tell you

something. I just saw a very poor family who lived nearby. They are the Hummel family. The

poor woman has a newborn baby and six other children. They are freezing because they have

no fire. They have nothing to eat, and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering.

My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present? The girls were very

hungry, but they told their mother that they would. Immediately they started packing the

food. Mrs. March was happy. You will all go with me and help me, and when we come back

we will have bread and milk for breakfast. They were soon ready and set out. They went

through back streets and came to the Hummel's house. The poor family lived in a small room

with broken windows and no fire. The mother was sick and the baby was crying. The pale

and hungry children were under a blanket trying to keep warm. In a few minutes everything

changed. Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire and covered the halls in the windows

with old pieces of cloth. Mrs. March gave the sick mother soup and dressed a little baby.

The girls prepared the table, put the children around the fire and fed them. They laughed

and talked. It was a happy breakfast. When they came back home they had their own breakfast

with bread and milk. The girls were very happy that they had given away their food. When their

mother went upstairs the girls took out their presents. They prepared a vase of very pretty

flowers and put it in the middle of the table. She's coming, quick, cried Joe. Beth played

a cheerful song on the piano. Amy threw open the door and Meg took mother to her chair. Mrs.

March was surprised and touched. She smiled as she examined her presents and read the little

notes. There was a lot of laughing and kissing. It was now time to prepare for the evening.

The girls loved the theatre but were too young to go and see a play often. So they would prepare

their own performances at home and act out in plays. They made their own decor and costumes.

They used boxes, biscuit tins, cardboard and old cotton to make lamps, guitars and beautiful

dresses. Joe would always play the male parts in the plays. For the play on Christmas night

they had invited ten of their good friends. The girls sat on the bed while the sisters prepared

behind the curtains in front of them. The bell rang and the play began. It was a love story

about a boy called Rodrigo and the girl called Zara, who had to fight against an evil man called

Hugo. The play was very successful and everybody enjoyed it. The audience clapped their hands

when it was over. Then Hannah came in to tell them that supper was ready. This was their

mother's surprise for the girls. There were so many sweet things on the table that they

were shocked. There was ice cream, pink and white, and cake and fruit and bonbons. There

were lots of pretty flowers in the middle of the table. The girls looked at the table and

then at their mother. But how is this possible? asked Amy. Mother did it, said Meg, as she

smiled. No, said Mrs. March. Old Mr. Lawrence scented. Mr. Lawrence was a very rich man who

lived in the big house next to theirs. He lived with his grandson. Mr. Lawrence, but why? asked

Meg. We don't even know him. Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party this

morning. He is a strange old gentleman, but he was happy to hear that you helped the Hummel

family. He knew my father years ago, and he sent me a polite note this afternoon. He

wrote that he wanted to send my children some treats for their generosity. I could not

say no, so you have a little feast tonight. The plates went around and the ice cream began

to disappear. The girls enjoyed it very much. Do you mean the people who live in the big

house next door? asked one of the girls. My mother knows Old Mr. Lawrence. She says he's

very proud and doesn't like to socialise with his neighbours. He keeps his grandson shut

up in the house. The boy can go out only when he is riding or walking with his teacher. The

boy invited him to our party, but he didn't come. He looks like a nice boy, said Joe. Our

cat ran away once, and he brought her back. We talked a little bit about spots. But when

he saw Meg coming, he walked away. He is very shy. I would like to get to know him one day.

He looks like he needs some fun in his life. He is a polite young man, said Mrs. Miles.

In the morning of March, he brought the flowers today. I was going to invite him, but I didn't

know what you girls were doing upstairs. He heard the laughter from upstairs, and he looked

sad as he went away.

We'll have another place sometime. Maybe we can invite him, said Joe. The day before

New Year, Joe and Meg received a note from Mrs. Gardiner, who was a family friend. She

was inviting the two girls to the dance on New Year's Eve. Meg was very excited. What

shall we wear, she asked? You know we only have our plane dresses, said Joe.

I wish I had a silk dress, said Meg. Mother says that I may have one when I'm 18, but two

years is a very long time.

Our dresses are nice enough. Yours is as good as new, but I forgot the bone in mine. What

will I do? I can't wear it to the dance. You must sit still and keep your back to the

wall. The front of the dress is all right. I will have a new ribbon for my hair and my

new shoes are lovely. I spilled lemonade on my gloves. I will have to go without gloves,

said Joe. But you must have gloves, cried Meg. Gloves are more important than anything

else. You can't dance without them. Then I'll stay still. I don't like dancing very

much. Wait, we can wear your good gloves. Each of us can wear one and carry one of mine.

But your hands are bigger than mine, and you will stretch my glove, said Meg. Then I'll

go without gloves. I don't care what people say. All right, you may have it, but please

be careful. Don't worry, said Joe. Now go and answer Mrs. Gardner's note.

On New Year's Eve, the four girls were in their rooms. The two elder girls were getting

ready for the dance. And the two younger girls were helping them. They laughed and

talked and ran around. After some little accidents, the girls were finally ready. They looked

pretty in their simple dresses. Meg wore a silver dress with a blue ribbon on her

head. Joe's dress was dark red with white flower patterns. The girls put on one glove

on one hand and carried one in the other. Meg wore high -heeled shoes that were very

tight and hurt her. Joe said that the 19 hairpins in her hair hurt her head.

Have a good time, my dears, said Mrs. March. Don't eat too much and leave at 11

when Hannah comes for you. The girls arrived at Mrs. Gardner's house. Now don't

forget the burn in your dress, Joe. You must hide it, said Meg. I know I will forget.

If you see me doing anything wrong, just wink at me, will you? No, winking isn't

ladylike. I'll lift my eyebrows if anything is wrong and nod if you are all right.

Now hold your shoulder straight and take short steps.

Mrs. Gardner was an elegant old lady. She greeted the sisters kindly and handed them

over to her eldest daughter Sally. Meg knew Sally and was relaxed very soon, but Joe

didn't like girls or girlish gossip very much. She stood about with her back

carefully against the wall. She felt out of place. Some boys were talking

cheerfully about sports in another part of the room, and Joe wanted to go and join

them. She signaled her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up to say no. No one

came to talk to her, and she could not move around the room because of the burn

in her dress. When the dancing began, Joe saw a young man approaching her. She

was afraid that he would ask her for a dance, so she quickly went into the

curtained little room behind her. Suddenly she was face to face with Mr.

Lawrence's grandson.

Oh dear, I didn't know anyone was here, said Joe, preparing to leave.

But the boy laughed.

Don't mind me, stay if you like, he said. Won't I disturb you? Not at all.

I only came here because I don't know many people, and I felt strange at first.

So did I. Don't go away, please. The boy sat down again and looked at his shoes.

I think I've seen you before. You live near us, don't you?

Asked Joe.

Next door. And he looked up and laughed because he remembered how they had

chatted about sports when he brought the cat home.

Joe was relaxed. We enjoyed your nice Christmas present. Grandpa sent it.

But it was your idea, wasn't it? How is your cat, Miss March? Ask the boy.

Good. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. But I am not Miss March. I'm only Joe.

I'm not Mr. Lawrence. I'm only Lori.

Joe smiled. Soon they relaxed and started chatting.

They talked about many things. They talked about dancing.

Then Lori told her about his school days in France, and the trips that he took to Switzerland.

Then they watched the dancers and talked about them like two old friends.

Lori was no longer shy, and Joe's normal cheerfulness returned.

Are you going to college soon? Joe asked. You are studying very hard.

Lori smiled. Not for a year or two.

I'll go when I'm 17. I'll be 16 soon. I wish I was going to college.

I hate it. I'd like to live in Italy and to enjoy myself in my own way.

Music started. That's a wonderful song, said Joe. Why don't you dance?

If you will come too, said Lori. I can't. I promised Meg because Joe stopped.

Because what? Don't tell anyone. I can't dance because I stood in front of the fire and burned the back of my dress.

You can laugh. I know it is funny. But Lori didn't laugh. He thought for a minute and then he said,

Never mind that. We can dance in the long hall out there and no one will see us. Please come.

They went. The hall was empty and they danced.

When the music stopped, they sat down on the stairs. They talked about many things.

Then Meg appeared. She was looking for her sister. Joe followed her into a side room.

Meg was holding her foot. She was in pain.

I've hurt my ankle, she said. I can't stand on my foot. I don't know how I'll get home.

I knew you'd hurt your feet in those silly high -heeled shoes.

You must get a carriage or stay here all night, answered Joe. I can't get a carriage. It costs too much.

It's already past nine o 'clock. I'll rest here until Hannah comes and then I'll try to walk.

Joe stayed with Meg. Later, Lori joined them.

He brought some coffee and sweets. They chatted for a while and then played a card game.

They had a great time. At eleven o 'clock, Hannah came to take the girl's home.

Meg forgot her foot and stood up quickly, but she was unable to stand on her feet.

Joe ran outside to find a carriage. She was looking around for help when Lori came.

He offered them a ride in his grandfather's carriage.

But it is too early. You don't want to go so soon, Joe said.

I always go early, said Lori. Please let me take you home.

Your house is on my way and it is raining.

Joe thanked him and accepted the offer.

The girl and Hannah got into the luxurious carriage.

Lori sat outside so Meg could keep her foot up.

The girls talked about the party all the way home.

The girl's father, Mr. March, had lost his wealth years ago when he was trying to help a friend in need.

After that, the two elder girls, Megan Joe, told their parents that they wanted to work.

Their parents thought about it and agreed.

Meg found a small job as nursery governess.

She looked after and talked small children and received a small salary.

Meg had difficulty getting used to poverty because she had seen the times when they were rich.

She tried not to be jealous, but she wanted pretty things and a happy life.

In the house where she worked, she saw richness and the things she wanted.

Pretty dresses, flowers, theatre, concerts and parties.

She did not complain much, but sometimes she felt bitter towards other people.

Joe found a job working for their old relative, Aunt March, who was sick and needed someone to look after her.

She was short -tempered and difficult to get along with, but surprisingly, Joe got on well with the old lady.

Occasionally, they would have a disagreement and Joe would say she could not take it any longer,

but Aunt March would send a message for her to come back and she would return.

She actually liked the old lady.

There was another reason why Joe liked to work with Aunt March.

She had a wonderful library in her home.

It was a large library with lots of books that used to belong to Uncle March, who died a long time ago.

Joe remembered the kind old gentleman.

He used to tell her stories and let her play in his library.

Joe loved spending time there.

The moment Aunt March had a guest or went to sleep, Joe read to this quiet place and read.

She read all kinds of books like a bookworm.

Joe dreamed of doing something important one day.

She did not know what it was yet.

She loved to read, run and ride, and she was unhappy that she did not have enough time to do these things,

but she was happy that she was able to make her own money.

Beth was too shy and quiet to go to school.

She had tried going, but it had been too painful for her.

So, she was taught at home by her father.

After he went to war, Beth continued studying by herself.

She liked doing housework and helped Hannah keep the house tidy.

She was never lonely or lazy at home.

Beth loved music.

She was unhappy because she wanted a good piano and music lessons.

She tried to practice by herself on the old instrument they had at home.

Amy had a talent for drawing.

She was the happiest when she was drawing flowers, designing fairies and illustrating stories.

Her teachers at school complained because she spent her time drawing animals and caricatures

instead of doing arithmetic.

All her friends loved her because she was good -tempered and friendly.

Because everyone liked Amy, she had become selfish and proud.

She was very unhappy because she had to wear her cousin Florence's old clothes.

She complained that she had to wear ugly dresses that she did not like.

Amy was very close with Meg and told her about her troubles.

Similarly, Beth was very close with Jo.

The shy child could only share her thoughts with Jo.