Little Women

by Issam Garrouri

  "Which could Mademoiselle pick out if she had her will?" requested Esther, who constantly sat close to to observe over and lock up the property.

  "I like the diamonds exceptional, but there's no necklace amongst them, and I'm keen on necklaces, they're so turning into. I have to pick this if I may," responded Amy, searching with terrific admiration at a string of gold and ebony beads from which hung a heavy pass of the identical.

  "I, too, covet that, however not as a necklace. Ah, no! To me it's miles a rosary, and as such I have to use it like a very good catholic," said Esther, eyeing the handsome thing wistfully.

  "Is it intended to apply as you operate the string of correct-smelling wooden beads placing over your glass?" asked Amy.

  "Truly, yes, to pray with. It could be appealing to the saints if one used so nice a rosary as this, as opposed to wearing it as a vain bijou."

  "You appear to take a remarkable deal of comfort to your prayers, Esther, and constantly come down searching quiet and happy. I wish I could."

  "If Mademoiselle became a Catholic, she would discover genuine consolation, however as that is not to be, it might be nicely in case you went apart every day to meditate and pray, as did the best mistress whom I served before Madame. She had a touch chapel, and in it found solacement for a whole lot problem."

  "Would or not it's proper for me to achieve this too?" asked Amy, who in her loneliness felt the want of help of some type, and discovered that she turned into apt to forget about her little book, now that Beth become not there to remind her of it.

  "It would be excellent and fascinating, and I shall gladly arrange the little dressing room for you if you want it. Say nothing to Madame, but when she sleeps go you and sit on my own some time to think good thoughts, and pray the expensive God preserve your sister."

  Esther become honestly pious, and pretty sincere in her recommendation, for she had an affectionate coronary heart, and felt plenty for the sisters of their anxiety. Amy preferred the idea, and gave her depart to arrange the mild closet next her room, hoping it would do her good.

  "I want I knew where all these quite matters might cross when Aunt March dies," she said, as she slowly replaced the shining rosary and close the jewel cases one at a time.

  "To you and your sisters. I realize it, Madame confides in me. I witnessed her will, and it is to be so," whispered Esther smiling.

  "How best! But I want she'd allow us to have them now. Procrastination isn't agreeable," determined Amy, taking a closing look at the diamonds.

  "It is simply too soon but for the young ladies to put on these items. The first one who is affianced will have the pearls, Madame has stated it, and I even have a fancy that the little turquoise ring might be given to you whilst you move, for Madame approves your properly conduct and fascinating manners."

  "Do you watched so? Oh, I'll be a lamb, if I can handiest have that lovely ring! It's ever a lot prettier than Kitty Bryant's. I do like Aunt March after all." And Amy attempted on the blue ring with a extremely joyful face and a company solve to earn it.

  From that day she turned into a version of obedience, and the old female complacently popular the fulfillment of her education. Esther equipped up the closet with a little desk, positioned a footstool earlier than it, and over it a photograph taken from one of the close-up rooms. She notion it changed into of no brilliant cost, but, being suitable, she borrowed it, well knowing that Madame might in no way are aware of it, nor care if she did. It changed into, however, a completely treasured reproduction of one of the well-known photos of the arena, and Amy's splendor-loving eyes had been in no way tired of looking up at the candy face of the Divine Mother, at the same time as her soft thoughts of her own have been busy at her heart. On the table she laid her little testament and hymnbook, saved a vase constantly full of the quality vegetation Laurie delivered her, and came every day to 'take a seat alone' wondering right thoughts, and praying the expensive God to keep her sister. Esther had given her a rosary of black beads with a silver go, but Amy hung it up and did now not use it, feeling dubious as to its fitness for Protestant prayers.

  The little woman became very honest in all this, for being left by myself outdoor the secure home nest, she felt the need of a few type hand to maintain via so sorely that she instinctively turned to the sturdy and gentle Friend, whose fatherly love maximum carefully surrounds His little youngsters. She missed her mom's help to understand and rule herself, but having been taught wherein to look, she did her high-quality to find the way and stroll in it confidingly. But, Amy was a younger pilgrim, and just now her burden seemed very heavy. She attempted to overlook herself, to keep cheerful, and be glad with doing proper, though no one noticed or praised her for it. In her first attempt at being very, very good, she decided to make her will, as Aunt March had performed, in order that if she did fall ill and die, her possessions is probably justly and generously divided. It fee her a pang even to consider giving up the little treasures which in her eyes have been as treasured as the vintage girl's jewels.

  During one of her play hours she wrote out the vital file as well as she could, with a few assist from Esther as to sure legal terms, and when the coolest-natured Frenchwoman had signed her name, Amy felt relieved and laid it by way of to show Laurie, whom she wanted as a second witness. As it turned into a wet day, she went upstairs to amuse herself in one of the huge chambers, and took Polly together with her for company. In this room there has been a wardrobe full of old fashioned costumes with which Esther allowed her to play, and it become her favored enjoyment to array herself inside the dwindled brocades, and parade up and down earlier than the long mirror, making stately curtsies, and sweeping her train about with a rustle which extremely joyful her ears. So busy was she in this day that she did not hear Laurie's ring nor see his face peeping in at her as she gravely promenaded to and fro, flirting her fan and tossing her head, on which she wore a excellent purple turban, contrasting oddly together with her blue brocade dress and yellow quilted petticoat. She was obliged to stroll carefully, for she had on high-heeled shoes, and, as Laurie advised Jo in a while, it was a comical sight to look her mince alongside in her gay healthy, with Polly sidling and bridling simply in the back of her, imitating her in addition to he may want to, and now and again stopping to snigger or exclaim, "Ain't we excellent? Get along, you fright! Hold your tongue! Kiss me, pricey! Ha! Ha!"

  Having with issue constrained an explosion of merriment, lest it ought to offend her majesty, Laurie tapped and was graciously obtained.

  "Sit down and relaxation even as I positioned these items away, then I need to seek advice from you approximately a very extreme rely," stated Amy, whilst she had shown her beauty and driven Polly right into a corner. "That hen is the trial of my existence," she persisted, putting off the red mountain from her head, while Laurie seated himself astride a chair.

  "Yesterday, whilst Aunt changed into asleep and I changed into trying to be as still as a mouse, Polly started to squall and flap approximately in his cage, so I went to allow him out, and observed a huge spider there. I poked it out, and it ran beneath the bookcase. Polly marched instantly after it, stooped down and peeped underneath the bookcase, pronouncing, in his humorous manner, with a cock of his eye, 'Come out and take a walk, my dear.' I couldn't help giggling, which made Poll swear, and Aunt awoke and scolded us both."

  "Did the spider accept the old fellow's invitation?" asked Laurie, yawning.

  "Yes, out it came, and away ran Polly, frightened to death, and scrambled up on Aunt's chair, calling out, 'Catch her! Catch her! Catch her!' as I chased the spider."

  "That's a lie! Oh, lor!" cried the parrot, pecking at Laurie's toes.

  "I'd wring your neck in case you have been mine, you antique torment," cried Laurie, shaking his fist at the bird, who placed his head on one aspect and gravely croaked, "Allyluyer! Bless your buttons, pricey!"

  "Now I'm equipped," said Amy, shutting the cloth wardrobe and taking a bit of paper out of her pocket. "I need you
to examine that, please, and inform me if it is prison and proper. I felt I ought to do it, for lifestyles is unsure and I do not need any unwell feeling over my tomb."

  Laurie bit his lips, and turning a bit from the pensive speaker, read the subsequent file, with praiseworthy gravity, thinking about the spelling:

  MY LAST WILL AND TESTIMENT

  I, Amy Curtis March, being in my sane mind, cross supply and bequeethe all my earthly property—viz. To wit:—namely

  To my father, my best images, sketches, maps, and works of art, along with frames. Also my $100, to do what he likes with.

  To my mother, all my clothes, besides the blue apron with pockets—also my likeness, and my medal, with an awful lot love.

  To my dear sister Margaret, I deliver my turkquoise ring (if I get it), also my inexperienced container with the doves on it, also my piece of actual lace for her neck, and my sketch of her as a memorial of her 'little lady'.

  To Jo I leave my breastpin, the one mended with sealing wax, additionally my bronze inkstand—she lost the quilt—and my most valuable plaster rabbit, due to the fact I am sorry I burned up her tale.

  To Beth (if she lives after me) I give my dolls and the little bureau, my fan, my linen collars and my new slippers if she will be able to wear them being skinny when she receives properly. And I herewith additionally go away her my remorse that I ever made a laugh of antique Joanna.

  To my pal and neighbor Theodore Laurence I bequeethe my paper mashay portfolio, my clay model of a horse though he did say it hadn't any neck. Also in go back for his excellent kindness inside the hour of anguish anybody of my creative works he likes, Noter Dame is the excellent.

  To our venerable benefactor Mr. Laurence I leave my purple box with a looking glass inside the cover so that it will be nice for his pens and remind him of the departed female who thanks him for his favors to her own family, specifically Beth.

  I desire my favorite playmate Kitty Bryant to have the blue silk apron and my gold-bead ring with a kiss.

  To Hannah I give the bandbox she wanted and all the patchwork I leave hoping she 'will don't forget me, whilst it you spot'.

  And now having disposed of my maximum treasured property I wish all will be satisfied and now not blame the dead. I forgive all of us, and agree with we might also all meet whilst the trump shall sound. Amen.

  To this will and testiment I set my hand and seal in this twentieth day of Nov. Anni Domino 1861.

  Amy Curtis March

  Witnesses:

  Estelle Valnor, Theodore Laurence.

  The remaining name became written in pencil, and Amy defined that he become to rewrite it in ink and seal it up for her properly.

  "What positioned it into your head? Did anyone inform you about Beth's gifting away her things?" requested Laurie soberly, as Amy laid a chunk of crimson tape, with sealing wax, a taper, and a standish earlier than him.

  She explained and then asked anxiously, "What approximately Beth?"

  "I'm sorry I spoke, but as I did, I'll inform you. She felt so sick sooner or later that she advised Jo she desired to offer her piano to Meg, her cats to you, and the negative old doll to Jo, who would love it for her sake. She changed into sorry she had so little to provide, and left locks of hair to the relaxation of us, and her satisfactory like to Grandpa. She in no way idea of a will."

  Laurie become signing and sealing as he spoke, and did not appearance up until a outstanding tear dropped on the paper. Amy's face turned into full of problem, but she simplest stated, "Don't human beings put type of postscripts to their wills, on occasion?"

  "Yes, 'codicils', they name them."

  "Put one in mine then, that I wish all my curls reduce off, and given round to my buddies. I forgot it, but I want it executed even though it'll wreck my seems."

  Laurie delivered it, smiling at Amy's final and greatest sacrifice. Then he amused her for an hour, and changed into a lot interested in all her trials. But when he came to go, Amy held him back to whisper with trembling lips, "Is there surely any hazard approximately Beth?"

  "I'm afraid there may be, but we have to desire for the best, so don't cry, dear." And Laurie put his arm about her with a brotherly gesture which became very comforting.

  When he had gone, she went to her little chapel, and sitting within the twilight, prayed for Beth, with streaming tears and an aching heart, feeling that a million turquoise jewelry could now not console her for the loss of her mild little sister.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CONFIDENTIAL

  I do not suppose I have any words wherein to inform the meeting of the mom and daughters. Such hours are stunning to live, however very tough to describe, so I will depart it to the creativeness of my readers, merely pronouncing that the house was complete of actual happiness, and that Meg's gentle desire became realized, for while Beth woke from that long, recuperation sleep, the primary items on which her eyes fell had been the little rose and Mother's face. Too susceptible to surprise at anything, she most effective smiled and nestled near within the loving arms approximately her, feeling that the hungry longing become happy at closing. Then she slept again, and the ladies waited upon their mother, for she would no longer unclasp the skinny hand which clung to hers even in sleep.

  Hannah had 'dished up' an amazing breakfast for the vacationer, finding it not possible to vent her excitement in any other manner, and Meg and Jo fed their mother like dutiful young storks, even as they listened to her whispered account of Father's state, Mr. Brooke's promise to stay and nurse him, the delays which the typhoon occasioned on the homeward journey, and the unspeakable consolation Laurie's hopeful face had given her whilst she arrived, worn out with fatigue, tension, and bloodless.

  What a bizarre but first-class day that was. So first-rate and gay with out, for all of the global appeared abroad to welcome the first snow. So quiet and reposeful within, for everybody slept, spent with looking, and a Sabbath stillness reigned via the house, whilst nodding Hannah set up guard on the door. With a glad feel of burdens lifted off, Meg and Jo closed their weary eyes, and lay at rest, like storm-beaten boats secure at anchor in a quiet harbor. Mrs. March might now not depart Beth's aspect, but rested in the large chair, waking frequently to take a look at, contact, and brood over her infant, like a miser over some recovered treasure.

  Laurie in the meantime posted off to consolation Amy, and instructed his tale so nicely that Aunt March definitely 'sniffed' herself, and in no way as soon as stated "I advised you so". Amy came out so strong on this occasion that I think the coolest thoughts in the little chapel in reality began to endure fruit. She dried her tears quick, confined her impatience to look her mother, and by no means even idea of the turquoise ring, while the old lady heartily agreed in Laurie's opinion, that she behaved 'like a capital little girl'. Even Polly appeared impressed, for he referred to as her a good lady, blessed her buttons, and begged her to "come and take a walk, pricey", in his most affable tone. She would very gladly have long past out to enjoy the intense wintry climate, but discovering that Laurie turned into losing with sleep regardless of manful efforts to conceal the reality, she persuaded him to rest on the sofa, whilst she wrote a observe to her mom. She become a long time about it, and whilst she returned, he become stretched out with both hands under his head, drowsing, while Aunt March had pulled down the curtains and sat doing nothing in an unusual fit of benignity.

  After some time, they started out to assume he turned into no longer going to wake up till night time, and I'm no longer positive that he would, had he no longer been effectively roused by Amy's cry of pleasure at sight of her mother. There in all likelihood had been an excellent many happy little ladies in and about the town that day, however it's miles my private opinion that Amy turned into the happiest of all, while she sat in her mother's lap and informed her trials, receiving comfort and repayment inside the form of approving smiles and fond caresses. They had been on my own collectively within the chapel, to which her mom did now not object when its mo
tive became defined to her.

  "On the contrary, I like it very plenty, pricey," searching from the dusty rosary to the well-worn little e-book, and the lovely photo with its garland of evergreen. "It is an brilliant plan to have some region where we are able to visit be quiet, whilst matters vex or grieve us. There are an amazing many hard instances on this lifestyles of ours, but we can continually endure them if we ask help in the proper way. I think my little girl is getting to know this."