Little women, by the author of 'Good wives' - Brossura

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ...of one part of the experiment. Before the housewives could rest, several people called, and there was a scramble to get ready to see them; then tea must be got, errands done; and one or two bits of sewing were necessary, but neglected till the last minute. As twilight fell, dewy and still, one by one they gathered in the porch where the Jurfe roses were budding beautifully, and each groaned or sighed as she sat down, as if tired or troubled. "What a dreadful day this has been!" began Jo, usually the first to speak. "It has se'emed shorter than usual, but so uncomfortable," said Meg. "Not a bit like home," added Amy. "It can't seem so without Marmee and little Pip," sighed Beth, glancing, with full eyes, at the empty cage above her head. "Here's mother, dear, and you shall have another bird to-morrow, if you want it." As she spoke, Mrs. March came and took her place among them, looking as if her holiday had not been much pleasanter than theirs. "Are you satisfied with your experiment, girls, or do you want another week of it?" she asked, as Beth nestled up to her, and the rest turned towards her with brightening faces, as flowers turn toward the sun. "I don't!" cried Jo, decidedly. "Nor I," echoed the others. "You think, then, that it is better to have a few duties, and live a little for others, do you?" "Lounging and larking don't pay," observed Jo, shaking her head. "I'm tired of it, and mean to go to work at something right off." "Suppose you learn plain cooking; that s a useful accomplishment, which no woman should be without," said Mrs. March, laughing audibly at the recollection of Jo's dinner-party; for she had met Miss...