Page 217 - LITTLE WOMEN

Little Women

‘Only that there are four of them. Kate is older than
you, Fred and Frank (twins) about my age, and a little girl
(Grace), who is nine or ten. Laurie knew them abroad,
and liked the boys. I fancied, from the way he primmed

up his mouth in speaking of her, that he didn’t admire
Kate much.’
‘I’m so glad my French print is clean, it’s just the thing
and so becoming!’ observed Meg complacently. ‘Have you
anything decent, Jo?’
‘Scarlet and gray boating suit, good enough for me. I
shall row and tramp about, so I don’t want any starch to
think of. You’ll come, Betty?’
‘If you won’t let any boys talk to me.’
‘Not a boy!’
‘I like to please Laurie, and I’m not afraid of Mr.
Brooke, he is so kind. But I don’t want to play, or sing, or
say anything. I’ll work hard and not trouble anyone, and
you’ll take care of me, Jo, so I’ll go.’
‘That’s my good girl. You do try to fight off your
shyness, and I love you for it. Fighting faults isn’t easy, as I
know, and a cheery word kind of gives a lift. Thank you,
Mother,’ And Jo gave the thin cheek a grateful kiss, more
precious to Mrs. March than if it had given back the rosy
roundness of her youth.

216 of 861