Little Women

by Issam Garrouri

  A pause—then Flo cried out, "Bless me, there is a gallows and a man going up." "Where, where?" shrieks Amy, staring out at tall posts with a crossbeam and some dangling chains. "A colliery," comments Uncle, with a twinkle of the attention. "Here's a lovable flock of lambs all lying down," says Amy. "See, Papa, are not they quite?" added Flo sentimentally. "Geese, young ladies," returns Uncle, in a tone that maintains us quiet until Flo settles down to experience the Flirtations of Captain Cavendish, and I have the surroundings all to myself.

  Of course it rained when we were given to London, and there was nothing to be visible but fog and umbrellas. We rested, unpacked, and shopped a bit between the showers. Aunt Mary got me some new things, for I came off in one of these hurry I wasn't half ready. A white hat and blue feather, a muslin get dressed to in shape, and the most adorable mantle you ever saw. Shopping in Regent Street is perfectly remarkable. Things seem so cheap, nice ribbons most effective sixpence a yard. I laid in a inventory, however shall get my gloves in Paris. Doesn't that sound type of stylish and rich?

  Flo and I, for the a laugh of it, ordered a hansom cab, even as Aunt and Uncle were out, and went for a drive, even though we learned later on that it wasn't the thing for younger ladies to ride in them on my own. It turned into so droll! For whilst we had been shut in via the wood apron, the man drove so fast that Flo turned into nervous, and advised me to forestall him, but he became up outdoor in the back of somewhere, and I couldn't get at him. He failed to hear me name, nor see me flap my parasol in the front, and there we have been, pretty helpless, rattling away, and whirling around corners at a breakneck pace. At final, in my despair, I noticed a little door in the roof, and on poking it open, a crimson eye appeared, and a beery voice said...

  "Now, then, mum?"

  I gave my order as soberly as I ought to, and slamming down the door, with an "Aye, aye, mum," the person made his horse stroll, as though going to a funeral. I poked again and said, "A little faster," then off he went, helter-skelter as before, and we resigned ourselves to our destiny.

  Today became fair, and we went to Hyde Park, close by, for we are extra aristocratic than we appearance. The Duke of Devonshire lives close to. I frequently see his footmen lounging on the lower back gate, and the Duke of Wellington's residence isn't always a long way off. Such attractions as I saw, my pricey! It changed into as appropriate as Punch, for there have been fats dowagers rolling approximately of their red and yellow coaches, with appropriate Jeameses in silk stockings and velvet coats, up behind, and powdered coachmen in front. Smart maids, with the rosiest kids I ever noticed, good-looking women, searching half of asleep, dandies in queer English hats and lavender children lounging about, and tall infantrymen, in brief crimson jackets and muffin caps caught on one side, looking so funny I longed to sketch them.

  Rotten Row method 'Route de Roi', or the king's manner, however now it is more like a driving faculty than anything else. The horses are remarkable, and the men, specially the grooms, experience nicely, however the girls are stiff, and bounce, which is not in keeping with our policies. I longed to expose them a tearing American gallop, for they trotted solemnly up and down, in their scant conduct and excessive hats, searching just like the girls in a toy Noah's Ark. Everyone rides—vintage guys, stout girls, little youngsters—and the young oldsters do a deal of flirting right here, I noticed a pair alternate rose buds, for it is the element to wear one in the button-hollow, and I idea it as a substitute a nice little concept.

  In the P.M. To Westminster Abbey, however don't expect me to describe it, it really is impossible, so I'll most effective say it became elegant! This evening we're going to see Fechter, so that you can be the best give up to the happiest day of my existence.

  It's very late, however I cannot allow my letter go within the morning with out telling you what occurred ultimate nighttime. Who do you think got here in, as we had been at tea? Laurie's English pals, Fred and Frank Vaughn! I become so amazed, for I shouldn't have recognised them but for the playing cards. Both are tall fellows with whiskers, Fred good-looking within the English fashion, and Frank much higher, for he only limps slightly, and uses no crutches. They had heard from Laurie in which we were to be, and came to invite us to their residence, but Uncle may not go, so we shall go back the call, and spot them as we can. They went to the theater with us, and we did have this type of accurate time, for Frank devoted himself to Flo, and Fred and I talked over past, gift, and future amusing as if we had known every different all our days. Tell Beth Frank asked for her, and changed into sorry to hear of her unwell health. Fred laughed after I talked about Jo, and sent his 'respectful compliments to the big hat'. Neither of them had forgotten Camp Laurence, or the amusing we had there. What ages in the past it seems, doesn't it?

  Aunt is tapping at the wall for the 0.33 time, so I need to forestall. I in reality experience like a dissipated London satisfactory woman, writing here so overdue, with my room full of quite matters, and my head a jumble of parks, theaters, new gowns, and gallant creatures who say "Ah!" and twirl their blond mustaches with the authentic English lordliness. I lengthy to look you all, and notwithstanding my nonsense am, as ever, your loving...

  AMY

  PARIS

  Dear women,

  In my remaining I informed you approximately our London visit, how type the Vaughns were, and what pleasant parties they made for us. I loved the journeys to Hampton Court and the Kensington Museum greater than anything else, for at Hampton I saw Raphael's cartoons, and on the Museum, rooms complete of photographs with the aid of Turner, Lawrence, Reynolds, Hogarth, and the other superb creatures. The day in Richmond Park changed into captivating, for we had a normal English picnic, and I had more exceptional alright and companies of deer than I should copy, also heard a nightingale, and saw larks cross up. We 'did' London to our coronary heart's content, way to Fred and Frank, and were sorry to move away, for although English people are gradual to take you in, once they once make up their minds to do it they can't be outdone in hospitality, I suppose. The Vaughns hope to meet us in Rome next iciness, and I shall be dreadfully dissatisfied if they do not, for Grace and I are superb buddies, and the lads very first-class fellows, especially Fred.

  Well, we were rarely settled here, whilst he grew to become up again, announcing he had come for a vacation, and was going to Switzerland. Aunt appeared sober before everything, but he turned into so cool approximately it she could not say a word. And now we get on well, and are very satisfied he got here, for he speaks French like a native, and I do not know what we have to do without him. Uncle would not realize ten words, and insists on talking English very loud, as though it would make people apprehend him. Aunt's pronunciation is old school, and Flo and I, even though we flattered ourselves that we knew a bargain, locate we do not, and are very thankful to have Fred do the 'parley vooing', as Uncle calls it.

  Such pleasant instances as we are having! Sight-seeing from morning until night, preventing for exceptional lunches within the homosexual cafes, and assembly with all styles of droll adventures. Rainy days I spend within the Louvre, revelling in snap shots. Jo might flip up her naughty nose at a number of the best, due to the fact she has no soul for artwork, however I even have, and I'm cultivating eye and taste as speedy as I can. She would like the relics of outstanding people higher, for I've seen her Napoleon's cocked hat and gray coat, his infant's cradle and his antique toothbrush, additionally Marie Antoinette's little shoe, the hoop of Saint Denis, Charlemagne's sword, and plenty of different exciting matters. I'll communicate for hours about them once I come, however haven't time to jot down.

  The Palais Royale is a heavenly vicinity, so full of bijouterie and lovely matters that I'm nearly distracted due to the fact I can't buy them. Fred desired to get me a few, however of route I didn't permit it. Then the Bois and Champs Elysees are tres magnifique. I've seen the imperial own family several instances, the emperor an ugly, hard-searching man, the empress pale and pretty, but wearing awful flavor, I
concept—pink dress, inexperienced hat, and yellow gloves. Little Nap is a good-looking boy, who sits chatting to his train, and kisses his hand to the humans as he passes in his four-horse barouche, with postilions in red satin jackets and a hooked up protect earlier than and behind.

  We frequently walk inside the Tuileries Gardens, for they're adorable, though the vintage Luxembourg Gardens in shape me higher. Pere los angeles Chaise is very curious, for a number of the tombs are like small rooms, and searching in, one sees a desk, with images or pix of the lifeless, and chairs for the mourners to take a seat in whilst they arrive to lament. That is so Frenchy.

  Our rooms are at the Rue de Rivoli, and sitting on the balcony, we look up and down the long, high-quality avenue. It is so exceptional that we spend our evenings speaking there whilst too worn-out with our day's work to exit. Fred is very exciting, and is altogether the most agreeable younger man I ever knew—except Laurie, whose manners are extra captivating. I desire Fred was dark, for I do not fancy mild men, but, the Vaughns are very wealthy and come of an super family, so I won't discover fault with their yellow hair, as my very own is yellower.

  Next week we're off to Germany and Switzerland, and as we will journey fast, I shall best be able to provide you with hasty letters. I keep my diary, and try and 'don't forget effectively and describe truly all that I see and respect', as Father counseled. It is right practice for me, and with my sketchbook will come up with a better concept of my tour than these scribbles.

  Adieu, I embrace you tenderly. "Votre Amie."

  HEIDELBERG

  My dear Mamma,

  Having a quiet hour before we leave for Berne, I'll strive to tell you what has befell, for a number of it's far very important, as you will see.

  The sail up the Rhine turned into perfect, and I just sat and enjoyed it with all my might. Get Father's antique guidebooks and examine approximately it. I have not words lovely sufficient to explain it. At Coblentz we had a adorable time, for some students from Bonn, with whom Fred were given familiar at the boat, gave us a serenade. It turned into a moonlight night, and approximately one o'clock Flo and I were waked by means of the maximum delicious song below our windows. We flew up, and hid in the back of the curtains, but sly peeps showed us Fred and the students singing away down underneath. It become the maximum romantic factor I ever saw—the river, the bridge of boats, the outstanding fort contrary, moonlight everywhere, and track match to soften a coronary heart of stone.

  When they had been performed we threw down a few plant life, and saw them scramble for them, kiss their arms to the invisible ladies, and cross laughing away, to smoke and drink beer, I suppose. Next morning Fred confirmed me one of the crumpled flora in his vest pocket, and regarded very sentimental. I laughed at him, and stated I did not throw it, but Flo, which regarded to disgust him, for he tossed it out of the window, and turned sensible again. I'm afraid I'm going to have trouble with that boy, it starts offevolved to appear to be it.

  The baths at Nassau had been very homosexual, so became Baden-Baden, in which Fred misplaced a few money, and I scolded him. He needs a person to look after him while Frank isn't always with him. Kate stated once she hoped he'd marry soon, and I quite consider her that it'd be well for him. Frankfurt turned into delightful. I saw Goethe's house, Schiller's statue, and Dannecker's famous 'Ariadne.' It was very adorable, but I need to have enjoyed it more if I had acknowledged the tale better. I didn't like to ask, as each person knew it or pretended they did. I desire Jo might tell me all approximately it. I have to have study extra, for I discover I do not know some thing, and it mortifies me.

  Now comes the serious element, for it took place here, and Fred has simply gone. He has been so kind and jolly that all of us were given quite keen on him. I by no means idea of anything however a touring friendship till the serenade night. Since then I've begun to sense that the moonlight walks, balcony talks, and daily adventures have been something more to him than fun. I have not flirted, Mother, simply, but remembered what you said to me, and feature accomplished my very fine. I can't assist it if humans like me. I don't attempt to lead them to, and it issues me if I don't take care of them, even though Jo says I have not were given any coronary heart. Now I know Mother will shake her head, and the ladies say, "Oh, the mercenary little wretch!", but I've made up my thoughts, and if Fred asks me, I shall accept him, even though I'm now not head over heels in love. I like him, and we get on readily collectively. He is handsome, young, clever enough, and really rich—ever a lot richer than the Laurences. I do not suppose his own family might item, and I must be very satisfied, for they're all kind, nicely-bred, beneficiant people, and they prefer me. Fred, because the eldest dual, will have the property, I suppose, and one of these awesome one it's far! A town residence in a stylish avenue, not so showy as our large houses, however two times as secure and complete of solid luxurious, along with English humans trust in. I find it irresistible, for it's true. I've visible the plate, the own family jewels, the antique servants, and images of the usa vicinity, with its park, excellent house, cute grounds, and first-class horses. Oh, it might be all I ought to ask! And I'd instead have it than any name which includes women snap up so conveniently, and find not anything at the back of. I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and do not suggest to bear it a minute longer than I can help. One folks have to marry nicely. Meg did not, Jo might not, Beth cannot but, so I shall, and make the entirety ok all round. I would not marry a man I hated or despised. You may be positive of that, and although Fred isn't my version hero, he does thoroughly, and in time I need to get fond enough of him if he turned into very keen on me, and permit me do just as I appreciated. So I've been turning the problem over in my mind the closing week, for it became impossible to help due to the fact Fred preferred me. He stated not anything, but little things confirmed it. He in no way is going with Flo, always receives on my side of the carriage, table, or prom, seems sentimental while we're on my own, and frowns at anybody else who ventures to speak to me. Yesterday at dinner, when an Austrian officer stared at us after which said some thing to his buddy, a rakish-searching baron, about 'ein wonderschones Blondchen', Fred regarded as fierce as a lion, and cut his meat so savagely it almost flew off his plate. He isn't always one of the cool, stiff Englishmen, but is as an alternative peppery, for he has Scotch blood in him, as one may bet from his bonnie blue eyes.

  Well, closing evening we went up to the fortress approximately sunset, at the least anyone but Fred, who became to meet us there after going to the Post Restante for letters. We had a fascinating time poking about the ruins, the vaults in which the monster tun is, and the lovely gardens made by the elector lengthy ago for his English wife. I liked the exceptional terrace high-quality, for the view was divine, so while the relaxation went to see the rooms inside, I sat there seeking to caricature the grey stone lion's head at the wall, with scarlet woodbine sprays hanging round it. I felt as if I'd got into a romance, sitting there, looking the Neckar rolling via the valley, listening to the song of the Austrian band below, and anticipating my lover, like a actual storybook female. I had a feeling that something was going to appear and I was ready for it. I didn't experience blushy or quakey, however quite cool and simplest a bit excited.

  By-and-through I heard Fred's voice, after which he got here hurrying via the tremendous arch to locate me. He appeared so afflicted that I forgot all about myself, and asked what the problem was. He stated he'd simply got a letter begging him to come home, for Frank turned into very unwell. So he turned into going straight away on the night time teach and simplest had time to say properly-by. I was very sorry for him, and disenchanted for myself, however best for a minute due to the fact he said, as he shook palms, and said it in a manner that I couldn't mistake, "I shall soon come returned, you may not neglect me, Amy?"

  I didn't promise, but I looked at him, and he seemed satisfied, and there was no time for whatever but messages and true-byes, for he turned into off in an hour, and we all omit him very a
lot. I realize he wanted to talk, but I assume, from some thing he as soon as hinted, that he had promised his father no longer to do some thing of the sort yet some time, for he's a rash boy, and the old gentleman dreads a foreign daughter-in-regulation. We shall quickly meet in Rome, and then, if I do not trade my thoughts, I'll say "Yes, thank you," whilst he says "Will you, please?"

  Of course that is all very private, but I wished you to understand what become occurring. Don't be concerned about me, don't forget I am your 'prudent Amy', and make sure I will do nothing rashly. Send me as a whole lot advice as you like. I'll use it if I can. I desire I may want to see you for a good speak, Marmee. Love and believe me.

  Ever your AMY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  TENDER TROUBLES

  "Jo, I'm aggravating approximately Beth."