chapter_4_page_65-85

Chapter 4

The family woke up early next morning and had breakfast together. Mrs. March was ready

to leave. She put on her coat and bony. The girls gathered around her. Children, I leave

you to Hannah's care and Mr. Lawrence's protection. Don't be sad when I am gone. Keep working

hard. Keep hoping.

Meg dear, watch over your sisters. Get Hannah's help. And if you have any problems, go to

Mr. Lawrence. Joe, be patient. Don't get hopeless and always think twice before you act. Write

to me often and be my brave girl. Beth, play your music and do the little home duties.

And you, Amy, help your sisters. Be obedient and be happy.

We will, mother. We will. Mr. Lawrence's carriage came. Laurie and his grandfather had come

to see Mrs. March off. Mr. Brooke was in the carriage. He looked strong, sensible and

kind. It was time to say goodbye. It was a difficult moment, but the girls were strong.

No one cried or ran away. They sent loving messages to father. They kissed their mother

quietly and hugged her. They waved their hands when she drove away. The girls received news

from their father every day. He was dangerously ill, but he had the best nurse to take care

of him, Mrs. March. Mr. Brooke sent home a letter every day. Everyone wrote long letters

to Mrs. March. After Mrs. March left, the sisters worked very hard for about a week. They

acted in a responsible way and did everything their mother had told them to do. But later,

when they received the good news that their father was getting better, they relaxed and

soon forgot their duties. Joe called a bad cold and had to stay at home until she was

better. She latched this and spent her time lying on the sofa and reading books. Amy forgot

about the housework and spent her time on her art. Meg went to her job, but at home she

spent a lot of time writing and reading letters from Washington. Beth kept working hard, but

sometimes she felt depressed. Then she hid herself away and cried. Ten days after Mrs.

March had left, the sisters were talking.

Meg, please go and see the Hummel family, said Beth. You know, mother told us not to forget

them.

I'm too tired to go this afternoon, said Meg. Can you go Joe? asked Beth. It's too cold

for me outside. I'm still feeling sick. Why don't you go yourself? asked Meg. I have

been visiting them every day, but the baby is sick. I don't know what to do. Mrs. Hummel

is always at work. The baby gets sicker and sicker. I'm worried. I think you or Hannah

should go.

I promise I'll go tomorrow, said Meg. Take them some food, Beth, said Joe. I'd go, but

I want to finish my writing. I have a headache, and I'm tired, said Beth.

Amy will come back soon, and she can go, said Meg. Beth lay down on the sofa, and the others

return to their work. An hour past, Amy did not come. Meg went to her room to try on a

new dress. Joe was working on her story, and Hannah was asleep. Beth put on her coat,

filled her basket with some food for the poor children, and went out. It was cold. When

she came back, it was late. She did not talk to anyone. She went upstairs to her mother's

room.

And she looked sick.

What's the matter, cried Joe?

Oh Joe, the baby's dead.

Which baby?

Mrs. Hummel's baby. He died in my arms before the mother got home, cried Beth.

My poor dear, how terrible. I should have gone, said Joe. She took her sister in her arms.

It was so sad. Mrs. Hummel came back with the doctor. He said the baby was dead. He looked

at the other children. He said it is Scarlett fever. Scarlett fever? I cried with them.

Then the doctor looked at me, and told me to go home and take this medicine right away.

She showed her a bottle.

Oh no! Beth, if you get sick, I will never forgive myself. What should we do?

Don't be frightened. I looked in the book. It begins with headache and sore throat. I

took some of the medicine the doctor gave me, and I feel better, said Beth, trying to look

well.

Joe went to tell Meg and Hannah. They came back at once.

There is no need to worry, dear. Everyone has Scarlett fever, said Hannah.

She examined Beth and asked her some questions. Then she said, here's what we'll do. We will

get Dr. Bangs to take a look at you, dear. We'll send Amy to Aunt March because she hasn't

had Scarlett fever. One of you girls can stay at home and take care of Beth.

I will stay, of course, said Meg. I'm the oldest.

No, I will, said Joe, because it's my fault that she is sick.

Who do you want, Beth? Asked Hannah.

Joe, please.

Meg went to tell Amy that she was going to stay at Aunt March's house.

Amy did not like the idea. Meg tried to convince her, but she cried and protested.

Meg went upstairs to get Joe's help. At that moment, Lori came.

He asked her what was wrong. Amy told him the story.

Lori sat down beside her and said, now be sensible, Amy.

No, don't cry. You go to Aunt March's and I'll come and take you out every day.

We'll drive or walk and we'll have a great time.

I don't want to be sent away like this, said Amy.

But my dear, they want you to be safe. You don't want to be sick, do you?

But it's very boring at Aunt March's and she is angry all the time, said Amy.

It won't be boring because I will take you out every day and tell you how Beth is.

The old lady likes me. You will come every single day? I promise.

And you will bring me back when Beth is well? As soon as she is well.

All right then, I will, said Amy slowly.

Meg and Joe came downstairs. Amy told them that she would go to Aunt March's house.

How is little Beth asked Lori?

She is lying down on Mother's bed and feels better, said Meg.

What can I do, asked Lori? Do you want me to send a telegram to your mother?

I think we should tell her if Beth is really ill, said Meg.

But Hannah says we mustn't. Mother can't leave father and it will only make them worried.

Beth will get better soon.

Maybe you should talk to grandfather after the doctor sees Beth, said Lori.

Yes, Joe go and get Dr Banks, said Meg.

I'll go Joe, it's my job, said Lori and left.

Dr Banks came and examined Beth. He said that she did have scarlet fever.

Joe and Lori took Amy to Aunt March's house.

Beth was very sick. She was much sicker than the doctor expected.

The girls did not know anything about illness. Hannah took care of her and Dr Banks visited often.

Meg stayed at home. In her letters to her mother, she did not write about Beth,

but she felt guilty about it. Joe was with Beth day and night.

Beth was an easy patient. She never complained. But as the days passed, Beth did not get better.

She had a high fever and she started forgetting the names of her sisters.

She called her mother's name again and again. Meg and Joe were frightened.

They wanted to write to mother, but they did not because their father's condition had gotten worse and she could not come home yet.

Those were dark days. The house was sad and lonely. The sisters worked and waited.

Those hard days taught them many things. Meg understood that she was rich.

She had things that were more precious than money, love, protection, peace and health.

Joe learned to see the beauty and the sweetness of Beth's character.

She understood how important Beth was for the family.

Beth was unselfish. She designed to live for others and to make home a happy place.

These things were much more important than talent, wealth or beauty.

And Amy learned the importance of work. She wished to be at home and to work for Beth.

Beth was getting worse every day. She would turn in bed for hours, repeating broken words or she would be in a deep sleep.

Dr Banks came twice a day. Meg wrote a telegram to mother and kept it in her desk.

They would send it if it was necessary.

The 1st of December was a cold day. There was wind and snow.

When Dr Banks came that morning, he looked at Beth for a long time.

Mrs March must come home immediately, he said.

Joe took the telegram from Meg's desk, put on her coat and ran out into the storm.

She was soon back and while she was taking off her coat, Lori came.

He had a letter from Mr Brooke. Mr March was doing much better.

Joe read it thankfully, but her face was full of sadness.

What is it? Is Beth worse? Asked Lori.

Dr Banks told us to write to mother. I went to the post office and sent her a telegram.

Oh Joe, is it so bad? Cried Lori. Yes it is. She doesn't know us. She doesn't look like my Beth.

I don't know what to do. She started crying.

Lori took her hand and said, I'm here, Joe dear. Grandfather and I are here for you.

Thank you, Lori. You are good friends. I'm better now. I don't feel so lonely now.

I will deal with anything that comes.

I must tell you something, said Lori.

Grandfather and I have been very worried about Beth.

Yesterday we were talking.

We know Hannah said you shouldn't tell your mother. But we both thought that she should

know about Beth's condition before it's too late. So I sent her a telegram.

Brooke sent an answer saying she would come at once. She'll be here tonight and everything will be alright.

Are you happy now? Joe was very happy. She jumped up and hugged Lori.

Lori, you're an angel. How will I ever thank you? Joe ran inside and told the good news.

Everyone was happy. But Beth lay in her heavy sleep. She lay like that all day and only

woke up to say, water. Joe and Meg watched and waited. The snow fell and the hours went by slowly.

Night came at last. The doctor had said that any change, good or bad, would probably happen at midnight.

He said he would come back then.

Hannah was asleep on the sofa. Mr. Lawrence and Lori were waiting in the sitting room downstairs.

The girls never forgot that night. They did not sleep all night. They just waited. They felt powerless.

The hours passed. At two o 'clock Joe went to the window.

She was looking at the snow when she heard a noise coming from the bed.

She turned quickly and saw that Meg was crying.

Beth is dead and Meg cannot tell me, she thought. She went to the bed and looked at Beth.

A great change had taken place. The redness and the look of pain were gone.

Beth's face looked pale and peaceful. Joe kissed her sister's forehead and whispered,

goodbye my Beth, goodbye.

At that moment Hannah woke up. She came to look at Beth, held her hands.

She said, the fever is gone. She's sleeping normally. She's breathing easily. She's getting better.

The doctor came in. He looked at Beth and smiled.

Yes my dears. I think the little girl will recover. Let her sleep and when she wakes up give her this medicine.

But Meg and Joe were not listening to him. They were hugging each other. Soon it was morning.

Meg and Joe were watching the sunrise. It was a beautiful morning.

It looks wonderful, said Meg, smiling to herself.

Listen, cried Joe. It was the doorbell ringing. Then they heard Laurie calling from downstairs.

Girls, she's here. She's here.

Amy was unhappy at Aunt March's house.

For the first time in her life she realized how much she was loved at home.

Aunt March was an old lady who did not like to show her love.

She wanted to be kind because she really liked Amy.

She liked her nephew's children. But she would not admit it.

She did her best to make Amy happy. But she was not very good at it.

Aunt March had many rules and gave long talks that bored Amy.

Amy had many duties. Every morning she had to wash the cups and polished the old spoons

and the silver teapot. Then she had to dust the room.

It was a difficult job because Aunt March saw every bit of dust.

Then she had to feed the parrot and comb the dog's hair.

After all of this work she had to do her lessons.

Then she was finally allowed to play for an hour.

Laurie came every day and convinced Aunt March to let Amy go out with him.

They walked and rode and had a great time together.

In the evening after dinner she had to read aloud to Aunt March.

Then she had to listen to Aunt March's stories about her youth.

These stories were so boring that Amy wanted to go to bed and cry.

At last the day came when the letter from Mrs. March arrived.

Aunt March told Amy that her mother had come home.

It was the happiest day for Amy.

She was finally back at home with her sisters and her mother.

The following weeks were happy and peaceful.

Mr. March wrote that he could be returning home in the new year.

Beth was able to sit up and spend time with her cats and dolls.

It was difficult for her to move her arms and legs at first, but with exercise she got better.

Christmas approached and everyone was excited.

Joe wanted to have a great celebration because it was going to be a special Christmas.

One evening when the young ones had gone to sleep and Meg was downstairs writing a letter to her father.

Joe went to her mother's room.

I want to tell you something mother.

It's about Meg.

Something bothers me.

What is it dear?

Last summer Meg lost a glove.

Then Lori told me that Mr. Brooke had it.

He said that he liked Meg.

Isn't that terrible?

Do you think that Meg cares for him?

Asked Mrs. March.

I don't know anything about love and such nonsense, cried Joe.

In novels the girls stop eating, grow thin and act like fools.

But Meg does not do anything like that.

So you think that Meg is not interested in John?

Who's John?

Mr. Brooke.

I call him John now.

Oh dear.

I know you like him.

He's been good to father and you will let Meg marry him.

My dear.

Don't get angry about it.

John went to Washington with me because Mr. Lawrence asked him to.

He was very kind and helpful to father and me.

He was open and honest to us about Meg.

He told us that he loved her.

He said he would earn enough money and then asked her to marry him.

He is an excellent young man, but I think Meg is too young to get engaged.

Of course she is.

It would be stupid.

Joe, please don't say anything to Meg yet.

When John comes back I will see them together.

Then I will understand if she loves him.

But Mr. Brooke is poor.

Meg should marry a rich man, said Joe.

Money is a good and useful thing, Joe.

But I know that real happiness can be found in a plain little house.

If you can earn your bread, the difficulties make the pleasure sweeter.

You are rich if you have a good man's heart.

That is better than a fortune.

Christmas Day had finally arrived.

It was an unusually warm day and it brought many good things.

Mr. March wrote that he was going to be home soon.

Beth felt very well that morning and she put on the new red dress that her mother had bought her.

Joe and Laurie had been planning to do something extraordinary for Christmas.

They had made a snow maiden in the garden.

She was wearing a coat and holding a basket full of fruit and flowers.

Beth laughed when she saw it and Laurie ran to bring the basket in.

The sisters were very happy.

Half an hour later the family was in the sitting room.

Laurie came in very quietly.

His face was full of excitement and his voice was joyful.

Here's another Christmas present for the March family.

He said.

Behind him a tall man appeared.

He had a scarf around his mouth and he was leaning on another man.

It was Mr. March.

The sisters and their mother ran to him.

Joe nearly fainted and was taken to the sofa.

Amy tripped over a chair and fell.

She got up and hugged her father.

Mrs. March said,

Be quiet.

Beth is sleeping.

But it was too late.

The door opened and the little girl appeared.

She used all her strength to run to her father.

Everyone was happy.

The hearts were full of love and the sorrows of the past were washed away.

Mr. March and Beth needed to rest.

So they sat down together in one big chair.

Mr. March told them he had wished to surprise them.

He thanked Brooke for his friendship and support

and said that he was a respectable and honest young man.

The Christmas dinner that they had that day was the best.

It was not just a food that made it good,

but the love that they had for each other.

Mr. Lawrence, Laurie and Mr. Brooke joined them.

It was a happy dinner.

They taught stories, sang songs, talked about the past and had a good time.

After the guests left, the happy family sat together around the fire.

Just a year ago, we were complaining about the depressing Christmas that we expected to have.

Do you remember?

Asked Joe.

It was a good year, said Meg.

I think it's been a difficult year, said Amy.

I'm glad it's over, because we've got Father back, said Beth.

My dears, it's been a long road for you to travel, said Mr. March.

But you have been brave, and I see that you have all grown up.

You are all Norm, Chil and Calma.

I am proud of all of you.

The next day, the girls and their mother took care of Mr. March.

While Meg was looking out of the window, she saw Laurie walking by.

Laurie liked to make Meg angry, so when he saw her at the window, he pretended to be Mr. Brooke.

He fell on one knee in the snow and cried imaginary tears.

What is he trying to do, asked Meg?

He's showing you what your John will do, said Joe.

He's not my John, said Meg.

Please don't upset me, Joe.

I've told you that I don't care much about him.

We are just friends.

That's not true.

You are different.

I can't say anything until he speaks to me.

And he won't speak to me because father said I was too young.

If he speaks to you, what will you say?

Oh, I'll say, thank you Mr. Brooke.

You are very kind, but I agree with father.

I am too young, so let's be friends.

I don't believe you'll say that, said Joe.

You are too nice.

You can't hurt his feelings.

No, I'll tell him that and I will walk out of the room.

Meg got up and was going to leave the room when someone knocked on the door and opened it.

It was Mr. Brooke.

Good afternoon.

I forgot my umbrella here last night.

I hope your father is feeling better today, he said.

He is well, thank you.

I'll get the umbrella, said Joe, and she left the room.

Mother will be happy to see you, said Meg.

I'll get her.

Don't go.

Are you afraid of me, Margaret?

Said Mr. Brooke.

He looked hurt.

He had never called her Margaret before.

Meg blushed.

You have been very kind to father.

How can I be afraid of you?

Mr. Brooke held her hand in his hands and looked at Meg with love in his eyes.

Meg's heart was beating fast.

She wanted to run away and stay and listen to him at the same time.

I only want to know if you care for me a little Meg.

I love you so much, dear, he said.

Meg forgot the speech that she had prepared.

She said, I don't know.

He smiled.

Will you try to find out if you care for me?

I'm too young, said Meg.

I'll wait, and meanwhile you may learn to like me.

Would it be very difficult for you, dear?

His eyes were loving and happy, and he was smiling.

This annoyed her.

She felt strange and said.

Please go away and leave me alone.

Poor Mr. Brooke looked sad.

He had never seen Meg like that.

Do you really mean that?

He asked.

Following her as she walked away.

Yes, I do.

Is there a chance that you will change your mind?

I'll wait and say nothing.

He was pale.

He stood looking at her thoughtfully and lovingly.

At that moment, Aunt March came into the room.

The old lady had come to see her nephew.

She had entered quietly.

Meg and Mr. Brooke were surprised.

What's all this?

Cried Aunt March.

This is Father's friend, Mr. Brooke.

I'm surprised to see you Aunt March, said Meg.

Brooke, the boy's teacher,

ah, I understand now.

I know all about it.

Joe has told me you haven't accepted his offer, my child.

Cried Aunt March.

Tell me, are you going to marry this man?

If you do, I will not leave any of my money to you.

I will marry whoever I want, Aunt March,

and you can leave your money to anyone you like, said Meg.

Aunt March put on her glasses and looked at her.

Meg felt brave and independent.

She was glad to defend John.

Now Meg, my dear, be reasonable.

I don't want you to make a big mistake and ruin your life.

You should marry a rich man and help your family.

Father and mother don't think so.

John may be poor, but they like him.

He is poor and he hasn't got any rich relatives, has he?

No, but he has many good friends.

Friends don't mean anything.

Does he have a business?

Not yet.

Mr. Lawrence is going to help him.

James Lawrence is a difficult old man,

and you cannot depend on him.

So you want to marry a man without money, position or business, Meg?

John is good and wise.

He's talented, hardworking and brave.

Everyone likes and respects him.

I'm young and silly, but he cares for me, said Meg.

He knows you have got rich relatives.

That's why he likes you.

Aunt March, John is not like that.

I won't listen to you if you are going to talk like that, cried Meg.

My John wouldn't marry for money, and I wouldn't either.

We will work and wait.

I'm not afraid of being poor.

I know I will be happy because he loves me and I.

Aunt March was very angry.

Well, that's all I have to say.

You are stubborn, and you've lost more than you know.

I'm disappointed in you.

You won't get anything from me when you are married.

And she left the room.

Meg stood for a moment.

Mr. Brooke came up to her.

I heard all of it, Meg.

Thank you for defending me.

I know that you care for me a little bit.

I didn't know that I cared for you until she talked badly about you.

And I may stay and be happy.

May I dear?

Yes, John, said Meg.

Fifteen minutes after Aunt March left, Joe came downstairs and listened at the door.

When she heard no sound, she said to herself, the plan worked.

She has sent him away.

But when Joe went into the room, she saw Meg and Mr. Brooke sitting on the sofa and talking happily.

Joe was shocked.

She had not expected this.

Meg and John turned and saw her.

Meg jumped up, looking proud and shy.

John laughed and said, Sister Joe, congratulate us.

Joe was shocked, but she hugged and congratulated them.

She was surprised that she was happy for her sister.

A few minutes later, Mr. and Mrs. March came.

Beth and Amy heard the news too and were very happy.

The family talked all afternoon.

Mr. Brooke explained his plans for Meg and him.

It was tea time.

The young couple were very happy.

Joe did not want to spoil their happiness by being jealous or depressed.

Mr. and Mrs. March watched the young couple with love and happiness.

They did not eat much, but everyone looked very happy.

Meg, you can't say nothing pleasant ever happens now, said Amy.

You're right, I can't.

A lot has happened since I said that.

It seems a year ago, said Meg.

Happiness erases the sorrows.

I think the changes have begun, said Mrs. March.

We've had a difficult year, but it has ended well.

I hope next year will end better, said Joe.

I know the year after that will end better.

I will carry out my plans and we will get married, said John.

It seems like a long time to wait, said Amy.

It seems like a short time to me.

I have many things to learn before then, said Meg.

You have to wait.

I am going to do the work, said John.

There was a knock on the door and Mr. Lawrence and Laurie came in.

Laurie had a beautiful bouquet of flowers in his hand.

He gave it to Meg and congratulated her.

I knew Brooke would get what he wanted.

He always gets what he wants, said Laurie.

Thank you, said Mr. Brooke.

I will invite you to my wedding.

I will come to see Joe's face, he said, and laughed.

Joe left the room and he followed her.

You don't look very happy.

What's the matter?

asked Laurie.

I'm not happy about the engagement, but I will not say anything against it, said Joe.

It is hard to give up Meg.

She is my dearest friend.

You've got me, you know.

I'll stand by you, Joe, all the days of my life.

I promise.

I know you will.

You're a good friend, Laurie.

Well now, don't be sad.

Meg is happy.

Brooke will work hard and get settled.

Grandpa will help him.

It will be nice to see Meg in her own little house.

We'll have a great time after she is gone.

I will be back from college in a short time.

Then we can go abroad together.

Who knows what will happen in three years, said Joe thoughtfully.

They went back to the room.

Joe looked at her family.

It was a pleasant picture.

Father and mother sat together, quietly talking.

Amy was drawing the young couple, who sat together, talking about their future.

Beth lay on the sofa, talking cheerfully with Mr. Lawrence.

Joe sat down in her favorite chair, watching her family.

Laurie rested on the back of Joe's chair and smiled.