Page 238 - LITTLE WOMEN

Little Women

Mr. Brooke looked up and said quickly, Young ladies
in America love independence as much as their ancestors
did, and are admired and respected for supporting
themselves.’

‘Oh, yes, of course it’s very nice and proper in them to
do so. We have many most respectable and worthy young
women who do the same and are employed by the
nobility, because, being the daughters of gentlemen, they
are both well bred and accomplished, you know,’ said
Miss Kate in a patronizing tone that hurt Meg’s pride, and
made her work seem not only more distasteful, but
degrading.
‘Did the German song suit, Miss March?’ inquired Mr.
Brooke, breaking an awkward pause.
‘Oh, yes! It was very sweet, and I’m much obliged to
whoever translated it for me.’ And Meg’s downcast face
brightened as she spoke.
‘Don’t you read German?’ asked Miss Kate with a look
of surprise.
‘Not very well. My father, who taught me, is away,
and I don’t get on very fast alone, for I’ve no one to
correct my pronunciation.’

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