资源简介

Little Women 小妇人
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About the Author
Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1832. She was the second of four daughters. Her father was a teacher and he gave her lessons at home.
The Alcott family often moved house when Louisa was growing up, but Alcott's happiest years were in the small town of Concord, Massachusetts. Little Women is set in the Alcott family home there.
Alcott started work when she was still young because the family wasn't rich. She did many jobs including teaching and dressmaking, but she wanted to be a writer. Her first published work was a poem in 1852. This was the beginning of her writing career.
In 1861 the American Civil War started. Alcott wanted to help so she went to Washington to work as a nurse.
After the war Alcott spent a year in Europe as the companion of an invalid. While they were in Switzerland, she had a short love affair with a Polish soldier, Ladislas Wisniewski. She later used him as the model for Laurie in Little Women, which was published in 1868.The book was an instant success so she wrote a sequel. She then wrote two more books about the March family: Little Men (1871) and Jo's Boys (1886).
Alcott never married and she died at the age of 56 in Boston.
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About the Book
Little Women is set in New England during the American Civil War(1861-65). The novel follows the lives of the four March sisters -Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy- and is based on the author's own experiences of growing up with her three sisters.
The main theme in the story is the importance of family. Other themes include the need to work and self-improvement.
When the story begins the sisters are complaining because they are poor and have to work. Their mother says that they mustn't spend money on pleasure because there is a war and everybody must help. Their father is in the army. In the letters their father sends home he tells his daughters to work hard and not to waste their time. They must try to accept the bad things in their lives and stay cheerful. He wants to be proud of them when he comes home. The girls decide to make an effort to improve themselves because they love and miss their father very much.
Alcott was interested in women's rights and, through the four March sisters, she explores four different ways of being a woman in those days. Meg leaves the family to get married and have a new family. Beth devotes herself to looking after her own family. Amy focuses on herself and her own pleasure. And Jo, like Alcott herself, tries to have a career in writing and care for her family at the same time.
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1 THE MARCH SISTERS
It was December and the snow was falling quietly outside. The four March sisters were sitting around the fire in the parlor. They were knitting socks for soldiers. There was a war and everyone had to help.
Meg was the oldest of the four sisters. She was sixteen. She was very pretty and she loved pretty clothes. Jo was fifteen. She was very tall and thin. She was different from Meg. She didn't care about dresses or hairstyles. She was a tomboy. Beth was thirteen. She was very shy and quiet and she seemed to live in a happy world of her own. The youngest, Amy, looked like a snow princess with her blue eyes and blonde hair. She loved beautiful things and she was a little vain. She also thought that she was a very important person.
'Christmas isn't Christmas without any presents,' Jo said sadly.
'I hate being poor!'Meg said, looking at her old dress.
'Some girls have lots of nice things, and other girls have nothing at all,' said Amy. 'I don't think it's fair.'
'But we've got Father and Mother, and each other,' said Beth. The four sisters looked happy for a moment when they remembered this.
Then Jo said, 'But we haven't got Father.'
Their smiles suddenly disappeared. Mr March was far away with the soldiers.
'Mother says our men are suffering and we mustn't spend money for pleasure,' Meg said. 'That's why we can't have presents this year.'
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'Well, each of us has a dollar to spend,' said Jo. 'What can the army do with four dollars Nothing! I don't expect anything from Mother but I'd like to buy a book for myself.' Jo loved reading and she had a passion for books.
'I want to spend mine on some new music,' said Beth. She played the piano and she loved singing.
I'm going to buy a box of drawing pencils. I really need them,' said Amy. She wanted to be an artist.
'Mother didn't say anything about spending our own money,' cried Jo. 'We work hard for it so let's buy what we want and have a little fun.'
It was true. The two older sisters had jobs. Meg worked as a teacher for the King family and Jo looked after Aunt March, their father's rich, bad-tempered old aunt. Beth and Amy helped with the housework.
Just then the clock struck six. Beth got up and put her mother's slippers near the fire to warm.
'Those slippers are very old,' said Jo.' Mother needs some new ones.'
'I can buy a pair for her with my dollar,' said Beth.
'No, I'm the oldest,' Meg said. 'I want to buy the slippers for her.'
'No, it's my job,' said Jo. 'Father told me to take care of Mother while he was away.'
'I have an idea,' said Beth. 'Let's not spend our money on ourselves. Let's get some presents for Mother.'
Her sisters thought that this was a very good idea.
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'I'm going to give her a pair of gloves,' said Meg looking at her own pretty hands. They were small and white. 'And you, Jo '
'Some new slippers!' cried Jo.
'I'm going to make her some handkerchiefs,' said Beth quietly.
'And I'm going to give her a bottle of perfume,' said Amy.
They all agreed to go shopping for the presents the next day.
What does "But we haven't got Father" mean How much money do they have for presents What does "she had a passion for books" mean What presents will each of them buy for their mom
At that moment a happy voice called, 'Hello, my dears!' It was Mrs March. The girls jumped up and ran to the front door.
While she was taking off her wet cloak and shoes and putting on the warm slippers, Mrs March talked to her daughters about their day.
'How is your cold, Meg Jo, you look tired. Did anyone call today, Beth Amy, baby, come and give me a kiss.'
Then the girls quickly prepared the table for the evening meal and they all sat down to eat. There was a happy smile on Mrs March's face.
'I've got a surprise for you after supper,' she said.
'Hooray!' shouted Beth. 'A letter from Father!'
'Yes!' said Mrs March. 'A nice long letter.'
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The letter was very cheerful and full of interesting descriptions of life in the army. At the end of the letter there was a special message for the girls. He told them to be good to their mother and to work hard. He wanted to be proud of them when he came back. The girls cried when their mother read the last part because they loved and missed their father a lot. They wanted to make him happy so each one made a promise to be a better person in the future.
Before they went to bed, Beth played some songs on the old piano in the parlor and they all sang.
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2 A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Jo was the first to wake up on Christmas morning. When her sisters were awake too, they all went down to the kitchen. Their mother wasn't there but Hannah, their servant, was.
'Your mother went out early,' she said. 'A poor boy came to the door asking for food. She was sorry for him and she wanted to help him. She went to see his family.'
While they were waiting for their mother to come back, the girls put their presents for her in a basket. Soon they heard the sound of a key in the front door.
'Mother's here!' cried Jo.' Hide the basket behind the sofa! Quick!"
Then they all rushed into the hall to greet their mother.
'Merry Christmas, Mother!' they cried.
'Merry Christmas, little daughters!' Mrs March said in her happy voice. She hugged them all and kissed them. Then she suddenly became very serious.
'Come and sit down, girls. I want to say something before we start breakfast.'
They all sat down at the breakfast table and Mrs March continued.
'I went to see a poor woman this morning. Her name is Mrs Hummel. She lives near here in one room with her seven children. One of them is only a baby. They are cold and hungry because they don't have a fire or any food. The oldest boy came to ask me for help. Girls, can we give them our breakfast as a Christmas present '
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The sisters looked at the good food on the table. They were all hungry. For a minute nobody spoke. Then Jo said, 'I'm so glad you came back before we started eating, Mother!'
Meg put the bread on a big plate without saying anything.
'Can I help carry the things to the poor children ' asked Beth.
'I want to take the cream and the muffins,' said Amy. They were her favorite things.
Mrs March smiled.
'Let's all go together,' she said.
The girls and Hannah put on their hats and cloaks and they went out into the snowy street.
They were shocked when they saw the Hummels' room. The window was broken and there was no fire. It was very cold. Mrs Hummel, the baby and a group of pale children were trying to keep warm under one old blanket. The children's eyes opened wide and their blue lips smiled when they saw the girls. Mrs Hummel cried with joy.
Hannah made a fire and put her own cloak over the broken window. The girls put the food on the table and soon the children were eating it hungrily. Mrs March gave the mother some hot soup and dressed the little baby.
'Angels! You're angels!' Mrs Hummel called to them as they left. That Christmas morning the girls had bread and milk for breakfast but they weren't sad.
'I'm glad that we helped those poor people,' said Meg. 'It was the right thing to do.'
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After breakfast the girls gave their mother her Christmas presents. They explained the reason for each one and there was a lot of laughing and kissing. Mrs March immediately put some perfume on one of the handkerchiefs and put it into her pocket. Then she put on the slippers and the gloves.
'Perfect!' she said.
The girls spent the rest of the day preparing a play. The sisters often performed plays for their friends and they were very good at making costumes and props.
A dozen girls arrived about six o'clock and took their places on the bed in the big bedroom. The play was a great success. Everybody enjoyed it very much. The girls were still laughing and clapping when Hannah came in and said, 'Supper is ready.'
A surprise was waiting for them on the dining room table-dishes of ice cream, pink and white, fresh fruit, cakes and real French chocolates. And in the middle of all this delicious food there were four vases of beautiful flowers. The girls couldn't believe their eyes.
'Did the fairies bring the supper ' asked Amy.
'No! Santa Claus brought it,' said Beth.
'Mother did it,' Meg said.
'No! Aunt March sent it!' cried Jo.
'You are all wrong,' said Mrs March. 'Old Mr Laurence sent it.'
Write a short description of a special meal that you and your family have. Say when and why you have it and what you eat and drink.
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'The Laurence boy's grandfather!' exclaimed Meg. 'Why did he do that We don't know him!'
'Hannah told one of his servants the story of the Hummels. Mr Laurence was sorry to hear about your poor Christmas breakfast so he decided to give you a surprise.'
'My mother says he's very proud,' said one of the girls at the table.' She says that he doesn't like mixing with his neighbors. His grandson has to stay in the house and study all day. We invited him to a party once, but he didn't come. He's very shy.'
'I'm going to talk to him one day,' said Jo. 'He needs to have some fun. I'm going to invite him to our next play!'
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3 THE LAURENCE BOY
'Jo! Jo! Where are you 'Meg shouted from the bottom of the stairs.
'I'm in the attic!' answered Jo. She was sitting on an old sofa next to a small window. This was her favorite place in the house. She went there to be alone and to read. When Meg appeared, she closed her book and looked up.
'We have an invitation from Mrs Gardiner to a dance on New Year's Eve!' cried Meg excitedly. 'Oh dear! What am I going to wear '
'Your old cotton dress is alright,' replied Jo. 'You can wear that.'
'I'd love to have a silk dress,' said Meg sadly. 'Mother says I can have one when I'm eighteen. But it's a very long time to wait.'
On New Year's Eve, Beth and Amy helped their older sisters get ready for the party. The girls looked very nice in their simple dresses. Meg's was a silver color and Jo's was dark red. Meg borrowed her mother's pearl pin to decorate her dress. Jo put a flower on hers.
'Have a good time, my dears!' said Mrs March. 'Don't eat too much, and come home at eleven.'
They were closing the garden gate when their mother cried from a window, 'Girls! Have you both got clean handkerchiefs '
'Yes, yes. And Meg put some perfume on hers,' cried Jo, and she and Meg laughed all the way to the Gardiners' house.
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When they arrived they were feeling a bit shy because they didn't often go to parties. But soon some girls started talking to Meg, and then some boys asked her to dance. Jo stood on her own at one end of the room. She didn't like talking to girls. A group of boys near her was talking about ice-skating. She wanted to join them but it wasn't polite for a girl to talk about sport with boys. She began to feel bored. Then a boy with red hair started to walk towards her. Suddenly she felt very shy.
'Oh, no!' she thought. 'He's going to ask me to dance.'
What kind of parties do you go to Are your parties different from this one Why
She looked around for a hiding place. There was a large heavy curtain behind her. She lifted it quickly and slipped behind it. When the curtain dropped, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'!
She turned red with embarrassment.
'Sorry!' she said. 'I didn't know that you were here.'
She started to leave but the boy laughed and said in a pleasant voice, 'Stay if you like. Don't worry about me. I only came here because I don't know many people. I was bored.'
'I was, too.'
Jo tried to be polite and relaxed.
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'You live near us, don't you ' she said. 'I saw you the other day.'
'Yes. Next door.'
And then they both laughed.
'We had a good time at Christmas. Thank you for your nice Christmas present.'
'Grandfather sent it.'
'But you gave him the idea, didn't you, Mr Laurence '
'I'm not Mr Laurence, Miss March. I'm only Laurie.'
'And I am not Miss March. I'm only Jo,' she replied.
Soon they forgot their shyness and were chatting happily about Laurie's travels to foreign countries. They began to feel like old friends.
Then Laurie asked Jo to dance. He taught her a new German dance and they had a lot of fun. Laurie was a good dancer. Laurie was telling Jo about a students' festival in Heidelberg when she suddenly saw Meg. Her sister was sitting on a sofa and holding her foot. She looked pale. Jo immediately went to see what was wrong.
'It's my ankle,' said Meg. 'That stupid high heel on my shoe broke. I can't stand or walk very well. How am I going to get home '
Jo went outside and looked for a carriage but there weren't any.
'You can have my grandfather's carriage,' said Laurie.
'But it's still early!' said Jo. 'Do you really want to go home now '
'Oh, yes,' replied Laurie. 'I always leave parties early.'
So Jo accepted his kind offer because it was an emergency. Then they went to find Meg.
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When they arrived at the Marches' house, Jo and Meg thanked Laurie and said goodnight. They opened the front door very quietly but Beth and Amy were still awake.
'Tell us about the party!' they cried from the top of the stairs.
Jo and Meg described the most exciting moments of the evening and then the two younger sisters went to bed happily.
Later Jo put a bandage on Meg's foot and brushed her sister's hair. 'Thank you, Jo,' Meg said. 'I feel like a real lady.'
'We don't have silk dresses and beautiful shoes,' said Jo. 'But I'm sure that we enjoy ourselves as much as real ladies do.'
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4 GOOD NEIGHBORS
The Marches' house was between two large houses. On one side there was an old brown house. On the other side there was a large stone mansion. This was the home of old Mr Laurence and his grandson, Laurie. It was a very grand house and the rooms looked very comfortable behind the heavy silk curtains at the windows. But it was a house without life. The Marches' house was different. It was always busy and full of noise and people.
A few days after the party Jo saw Laurie again. He was standing at an upstairs window in the mansion and looking down at their garden. Beth and Amy were playing in the snow. They were throwing snowballs and having a lot of fun. Laurie's face was very sad.
'Poor boy!' she thought. 'He's all alone. It's a shame! He needs some friends.' She couldn't stop thinking about him. She wanted to go and see him but how could she go to his house without an invitation
Then one snowy afternoon, while she was looking out of the window, she saw Mr Laurence. He was getting into his carriage. He was going out. This gave her an idea.
'Laurie is alone in the house,' she thought. 'Perhaps he's looking out of his window.'
She put on her hat and an old coat and took a broom and a shovel from the kitchen.
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'What are you going to do, Jo ' asked Meg when she saw her sister in the hall.
'I want to get some exercise,' answered Jo with a smile. 'I'm going to clear the garden path.'
Laurie was standing at the window again. He wasn't looking at her so she threw a snowball to get his attention. When the snow hit the glass, he turned his head immediately and a big smile changed his pale, sad face.
Jo laughed and shouted, 'How are you Are you ill '
Laurie opened the window and said, 'I'm better now, thank you. I had a bad cold and I had to stay inside for a week.'
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'I'm sorry,' said Jo. 'Are you bored '
'Yes, very,' he replied.
'Don't your friends come to visit you '
'No. But I don't want to see anybody. Boys are noisy and they give me a headache.'
'Girls are quiet.'
'I don't know any girls.'
'You know us.'
'That's true! Can you come and visit me ' cried Laurie. 'Please!'
I'm not quiet but I'd like to come,' replied Jo. 'But I must ask Mother first.'
She picked up her broom and ran into the house.
Which of the following words can be used to describe Jo □ shy□ lonely □ lovely □ talkative Why should Laurie stay inside for a week How did Jo get Laurie's attention when she wanted to help him
A few minutes later she returned and rang the bell on the door of the mansion. A servant answered it and took her upstairs.
'Here I am!' she said brightly. 'Mother sends her love and Meg gave me this blancmange for you.'
'That looks delicious,' Laurie said. He was very happy to see Jo.
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'Please sit down,' Laurie said and pointed to a comfortable armchair.
Jo looked around. There were lots of books on the shelves.
'What a cozy room!' she said. 'I can read to you if you like.'
'No, let's talk,' replied Laurie.
'Alright,' said Jo. 'I can talk for hours. Beth says I never know when to stop.'
'Which sister is Beth Does she sometimes carry a brown basket when she goes out ' asked Laurie.
'Yes. She's very shy. She doesn't go out much. She loves being at home.'
'And Meg is very pretty and Amy has lovely blonde hair,' Laurie continued.
'Yes!' said Jo in a surprised voice. 'How do you know that '
'You call each other's names when you are in the garden. I can hear you from my room. Sometimes you forget to close the curtains and I can see you all around the table with your mother. She has a very kind face. I like looking at her. I haven't got a mother, you know.'
Jo felt sad when she heard this.
'Why don't you come and visit us ' she said suddenly. 'It isn't good for you to stay in this house all the time.'
'Thank you. I'd like to come very much,' said Laurie. 'We know all our neighbors except you,' Jo said. 'I'm glad we're friends now.'
She told him about all the interesting things in her life - her plays, her plans and her passion for books. Laurie loved books too, and offered to show her the library in the house.
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The library was a wonderful room. Jo loved it.
'How marvelous!' she sighed. 'All those books!'
'A person needs more than books,' said Laurie.
Just then the bell rang and a maid came in.
'The doctor is here to see you, sir,' she said.
'I'm sorry, Jo, but I must see him,' said Laurie. 'Wait for me here, please.'
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He went away and Jo walked around the room. She was standing in front of a portrait of old Mr Laurence when she heard a sound behind her. She thought it was Laurie so she said, 'I like him. He's got kind eyes, but he isn't as handsome as my grandfather.'
'Thank you, ma'am,' said a deep voice. She turned round quickly. Old Mr Laurence was standing near the door.
'So I am not as handsome as your grandfather '
'No, sir,' she replied. Her face was red.
'But you like me anyway '
'Yes, I do, sir.'
The old gentleman laughed and said, 'Your grandfather was a good man, my dear. He was also a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.'
'Thank you, sir.'
Jo began to feel less shy.
'I came to see Laurie, sir. I saw him at the window. He looked very sad and I wanted to cheer him up.'
'Do you think he is lonely '
'Yes, sir. We're only girls, but we are happy to help if we can.'
A bell rang in a room downstairs.
'That's the tea bell,' Mr Laurence said. 'Please stay and have tea with us.'
He was glad that his grandson had a friend.
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5 A SURPRISE FOR BETH
The new friendship between the March family and the Laurence family became stronger and stronger during the following weeks. Old Mr Laurence often went to see Mrs March after Jo's visit to the stone mansion. He enjoyed her company and her cheerfulness.
The young people went ice-skating and sleighing, and spent many pleasant evenings together. Everybody liked Laurie, and Laurie told Mr Brooke, his tutor, that the March girls were 'splendid'. He was tired of books. He wanted to be with young people. He began to spend most of his time with the March family and he didn't go to his lessons. Mr Brooke was worried about his progress.
'Don't worry, Brooke!'Mr Laurence said. 'Mrs March is doing more for him than we can.'
Sometimes the girls visited the stone mansion. Laurie was very happy to show them all the lovely things in the house. Meg enjoyed looking at the flowers in the conservatory. Jo read the books in the library and Amy copied the pictures.
Only Beth stayed away. She was afraid of Mr Laurence. She knew that there was a grand piano in the library and she wanted to play it but she was too afraid to go to the house. When he heard this, Mr Laurence tried to find a way of solving this problem.
During one of his visits to Mrs March, he started talking about music. Beth was sitting quietly in a corner.
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'Laurie isn't playing the piano much these days,' Mr Laurence told Mrs March. 'This isn't good for the instrument. Would your girls like to practice on it now and then Just to keep it in tune, you know, ma'am.'
Beth moved a little closer to him to listen to the conversation.
'They don't need to see or speak to anyone,' continued Mr Laurence. 'I'm always in my study in another part of the house.'
He stood up and went to the door.
'I must go now, but please tell the young ladies what I said. Goodbye!'
Beth ran up to him and touched his arm.
'I'm Beth,' she said shyly. 'I love music. I'd love to come but I don't want to disturb you.'
Mr Laurence smiled at her.
'The library is usually empty, my dear,' he said gently. 'Come and play when you like.'
'Thank you, Sir!'
After that, Beth went to play the piano in the mansion nearly every day. Mr Laurence loved listening to her. He opened his study door to hear the songs better, but Beth never knew that.
Why was Beth afraid to play the grand piano How did Mr. Laurence make Beth play the piano
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A few weeks after her first visit to the mansion, Beth said to her mother, 'I'm going to make a pair of slippers for Mr Laurence, Mother. I want to thank him, and I don't know another way.'
When the slippers were ready, she wrote a short note to the old gentleman and asked Laurie to put them on his grandfather's desk.
Two days later Beth had the biggest surprise of her life. A small piano arrived at the Marches' house! There was a letter for her with it. Jo read it aloud.
Dear Miss March, I like the slippers very much. They fit me perfectly and they are very comfortable. I hope you like the piano. It belonged to my little granddaughter. She's dead now but when I see you, I remember her. Thank you and best wishes, Your grateful friend, JAMES LAURENCE
It was a beautiful little piano. Beth sat down and played it immediately.
'It's perfect!' she sighed. 'I must go and thank him.'
And she walked out of the house and into the stone mansion. Her sisters were very surprised because Beth was usually very shy. Mr Laurence was also surprised when she opened his study door and ran up to him.
'I came to thank you, sir...' But she didn't finish. When she saw his friendly face and she remembered his little granddaughter, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.
She wasn't afraid of him any more and after that they became best friends.
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6 DREAMS
Winter turned to spring and spring turned to summer. The girls worked in the garden, went for long walks and picked flowers. Jo often went rowing on the river with Laurie. One day an English family visited him. Laurie organized a picnic in the field for them. He also invited the four March sisters. They had a very good time. Mr Brooke was there, too. He was especially kind to Meg and talked to her a lot that afternoon. Meg liked him very much.
Sometimes that summer, when it was very hot, the girls walked to the top of the hill near their house. It was cool under the trees and there was a wonderful view over the river from the top.
One day Laurie followed them. He hid behind a tree and watched them. A squirrel suddenly ran down the tree trunk and Beth looked up. She saw Laurie and waved.
'Can I join you 'Laurie asked shyly.
'Of course!' said Meg. 'Come and sit down!'
'We call this hill the Delectable Mountain,' Jo told him. Because we can look far away and see the country of our dreams.'
Which of the four sisters does Mr. Brooke like most □ Beth □ Meg □ Jo □ Amy Does Laurie want to be a businessman like his grandfather What does Jo want to be
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'I have lots of dreams,' said Laurie. He lay down and looked up at the sky.
'Tell us about your favorite one, Laurie,' Meg said.
'Only if you tell me about yours,' the boy replied. The girls agreed, so Laurie began.
'I want to travel around the world and see lots of places. Then I'd like to become a famous musician. Grandfather wants me to go to college and then become a businessman like him. But I don't care about money or business. I just want to enjoy myself.'
'Why don't you get on a ship and sail away ' said Jo.
'No, Jo,' said Meg quickly. 'That isn't right. Laurie, you must do what your grandfather wants. He loves you.'
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'Perhaps you're right, Meg,' Laurie said. 'My grandfather is old and he doesn't have anyone else. He only has me. Tell us about your favorite dream, Meg!'
'I'd like a lovely house, full of all kinds of nice things-good food, pretty clothes and lovely furniture,' Meg said. 'And lots of money, of course. I'd also like to help people. I want to be a good person.'
'And what about a husband and some beautiful children in your lovely house ' said Jo, laughing.
Meg looked at Laurie and her face turned red.
'I suppose you want horses and pens and books in your house, Jo!' she replied.
'You're right! Lots of Arabian horses and rooms full of books,' said Jo. 'I want to write books and be rich and famous. I want to do something important in my life. That's my favorite dream. And yours, Beth '
I dream about staying at home with Father and Mother forever and looking after the family,' said Beth quietly.
'Is that all ' asked Laurie.
'Now I have my little piano, I don't want anything else.'
'I have lots of dreams,' said Amy.' But my favorite one is to be an artist. I'd like to go to Rome and paint wonderful pictures. I want to be the best artist in the world.'
'Let's meet again in ten years and see how many of us have got our wishes,' said Jo. She was always ready with a plan.
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7 A TELEGRAM
November was cold, wet and grey.
'November is the worst month of the year,' Meg said grumpily. She was looking out of one of the parlor windows.
'Nothing pleasant ever happens in this family,' she continued. 'We work all the time and we have very little fun. 'Oh dear! You aren't very happy today,' said Jo.
Did Meg like November Why Why did Beth smile What did Laurie come for
Beth was sitting at another window. She was smiling.
'Two pleasant things are going to happen right now,' she said. 'Mother is coming down the garden path and Laurie is crossing the garden. He looks excited about something.'
Mrs March came in first and asked her usual question, 'Is there a letter from Father, girls '
Then Laurie arrived and asked,' Would you like to come for a drive It's a grey day, but the air isn't bad. I'm going to take Mr Brooke e on, Jo! What about you, Beth '
Oh, yes!' they both replied together.
'I'm busy,' said Meg.
'I'll come, too!' cried Amy.
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Just then Hannah came in. She was carrying a letter.
'It's one of those horrid telegrams,' she said.
When Mrs March heard the word 'telegram', she took it quickly from Hannah. She read it and sat down suddenly in her chair. Her face was white. Laurie ran to get some water for her while Jo read the telegram aloud.
The girls went and stood around Mrs March's chair in silence. Laurie quietly left the room. This was the family's private moment of grief.
Mrs March soon recovered from the shock. She held out her arms to her daughters and said, 'I must go to him immediately. Perhaps it's already too late! You must help me, girls!'
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH COMPANY Mrs March. Your husband is very e immediately. S. Hale. Blank Hospital Washington.
The girls started to cry. Hannah was crying, too. For a few minutes the room was full of the sound of their sobs. Then Mrs March dried her eyes and said, 'We must be calm. I must make a plan. Where's Laurie '
'Here, ma'am,' he said, running into the room. 'What can I do to help '
'Send a telegram to Mr Hale. Say that I'm going to take the first train tomorrow morning.'
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'Anything else ' asked Laurie.
'Yes. Please take this note to Aunt March,' said Mrs March.
She quickly wrote something and gave it to him. Five minutes later Laurie galloped past the window on his horse.
Then Mrs March made a list and gave it to Jo.
'Go to town and buy these things, Jo. I must take extra food and clothes for your father. Beth, go and tell Mr Laurence that I'm leaving tomorrow. Amy, tell Hannah to bring the black trunk to my bedroom. Meg, come and help me pack, please.'
Mr Laurence came back with Beth. He brought a box of food and some good wine for Mr March. A little later Mr Brooke arrived.
'I'm very sorry to hear about your father, Miss March,' he said, when Meg opened the door. He spoke in a quiet and kind way. Meg immediately began to feel better. She looked up into his brown eyes and for a moment she forgot all her problems.
'I'm going to Washington, tomorrow, too,' he continued. 'I have to do a few things for Mr Laurence. So if your mother agrees, we can travel together. I can keep her company and help her with her bags.'
'Thank you very, very much, Mr Brooke!' replied Meg. 'It's a long journey.'
Everything was ready when Laurie returned. He brought a note and some money from Aunt March. The afternoon passed slowly. Meg and her mother sewed, Beth and Amy prepared supper and Hannah did the ironing. It was dark when Jo finally arrived home. She had a very strange expression on her face. She put some money in her mother's hand and said. This is for Father. Buy something nice for him and bring him home!'
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'Twenty-five dollars! My dear, where did you get it ' said Mrs March in a surprised voice.
'I earned it,' replied Jo, taking off her hat.
Everybody in the room gasped. Jo's hair was as short as a boy's.
'Your hair! You cut your beautiful hair!' cried her mother. 'It wasn't necessary to do that!'She touched her daughter's head and kissed her. 'You don't look like my Jo anymore. But I love you the same!'
'Why did you do it ' asked Amy. She couldn't imagine cutting her own pretty hair.
'I wanted to do something for Father,' replied Jo.
Mrs March looked at her and smiled. She understood and she was proud of her daughter.
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That evening Beth played her father's favorite hymn before they went to bed. At the end of it they were all crying.
'Go to bed, my dears,' said Mrs March. 'You need to sleep because we must get up early tomorrow.'
Beth and Amy soon fell asleep but Meg was awake for a long time. She thought Jo was asleep but then Jo sobbed very softly.
'Jo! You're crying!' said Meg. 'Are you worried about Father '
'No, not now.'
'Why then '
'My hair!'
Meg smiled and kissed her sister.
'And you, Meg Can't you sleep '
'I'm thinking about Father,' replied Meg.
But when the clock struck midnight, they were all asleep. Only Mrs March was still awake. She moved quietly from bed to bed, looking tenderly at each sleeping face. Then she went to the window and looked at the cold, wet night. Suddenly the moon came out from behind the clouds and shone like a bright face. It seemed to whisper in the silence, Don't worry! There is always a light behind the clouds.'
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8 WITHOUT MOTHER
The next day was also cold and grey. Nobody talked much during breakfast. Mrs March was pale and tired. The girls tried to hide their tears.
Then Mr Brooke arrived with the carriage and it was time for Mrs March to leave. She kissed her daughters one by one and said, 'Keep busy, my dears, and never lose hope!'
'Yes, Mother.'
'Meg, look after your sisters. If you need help, ask Hannah or Mr Laurence. Jo, be patient and cheerful, and write to me often. Beth and Amy, help with the housework and be obedient.'
'Yes, Mother! Don't worry!'
She got into the carriage and opened the window.
'Goodbye, my dears!' she called as it drove away. The girls waved their hands cheerfully until the carriage turned the corner. Then, with sad faces and heavy hearts, they went back inside.
'The house seems very empty now,' said Meg.
'Our motto is "Hope and keep busy", said Jo brightly. She was trying to forget how sad she was feeling. 'So I'm going to go and see Aunt March. What about you, Meg '
'I'm going to teach the King children,' replied Meg. 'And Amy and I are going to help Hannah with the housework,' said Beth.
'I think anxiety is very interesting,' Amy said seriously.
Her remark made her sisters laugh, and they all started to feel a little better.
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A letter arrived every day from Mr Brooke with news about their father's health. He was dangerously ill, Mr Brooke wrote, but he was slowly getting better. Mrs March was a good nurse and Mr March was very happy that she was there.
·Match the people(a-e) with who, or what, they have to look after (1-5). □ dentist 1 sick people □ baby sitter 2 sick animals □ doctor 3 people's teeth □ vet 4 plants dener5 small children ·Would you like to do one of these jobs ·If so, which one ·If not, what kind of job would you like to do Tell the class.
For a week the girls kept to their motto and worked hard. Then Jo got a bad cold and had to stay at home. She didn't mind this at all because she didn't like going to Aunt March's. She was happy to lie on the sofa all day with her books and medicine. Amy got bored with doing housework so she took out her pencils and drawing book again. Meg went to teach the King children every day, and sewed. She spent the rest of her time writing long letters to her mother and reading the letters from Mr Brooke. Only Beth continued to look after the house. She did her own jobs and her sisters' jobs, too. She never complained. And every day she took some food to the Hummel family.
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One day, about ten days after their mother's departure, Beth went to Meg and said, 'Can you go and see the Hummel family today, Meg I've got a headache and I feel tired.'
'I'm sorry, Beth,' her sister replied. 'I want to finish this letter to Mother.'
Beth lay on the sofa. An hour passed. Then she quietly put on her cloak, filled her basket with food for the poor children, and went out into the cold air. It was late when she came back. She went straight upstairs to her mother's room and closed the door. Half an hour after, Jo found her there. Her eyes were red and there was a worried expression on her face. She was holding a bottle of medicine in her hand.
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'Christopher Columbus! What's the matter ' cried Jo.
'Did you have scarlet fever when you were younger, Jo ' she asked.
'Yes, Meg and I had it at the same time. Why '
'The baby's dead, Jo!'
'What baby '
'Mrs Hummel's. It died before she got back from work,' cried Beth with a sob.
'My poor darling! How awful for you!' said Jo.
'It wasn't awful, Jo. Only very sad!'
'Don't cry, dear! What did you do '
'I just sat and held it. Then Mrs Hummel came with the doctor. "Scarlet fever, ma'am," he said. He was angry. "Why didn't you call me before " he asked Mrs Hummel. She told him she was poor. Then he told me to go home and take some medicine immediately.'
'Oh, Beth!'
'Don't be frightened! I read about scarlet fever in Mother's book. I took some of this medicine and I feel a little better now,' said Beth putting her cold hands on her hot forehead.
Use your dictionary to find out what these childhood illnesses are. Which did you have as a child Tick(√). □chicken pox □measles □mumps □German measles What must you do when you have one of these illnesses
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Jo picked up the book and read a page. Then she looked at Beth's throat. It was very red.
'I'm going to ask Hannah what to do. She knows about illnesses,' said Jo.
'Tell Amy not to come near me!' said Beth anxiously. 'She mustn't catch it, too.'
Jo went to find Hannah. After looking at Beth's throat and asking her some questions, Hannah said, 'We must call Doctor Bangs, Jo. Don't worry! It's probably only a bad cold. Amy must go to Aunt March's for a few days and one of you girls can stay at home and keep Beth company. Who do you want, Beth '
'Jo, please.'
Amy didn't want to go to Aunt March's. She wanted to stay with her family. When Laurie arrived a little later she was sobbing on the sofa. She told him the news.
'Why do I have to go away ' she asked between sobs.
'You don't want scarlet fever, do you ' replied Laurie. 'Listen! Go to Aunt March's and I promise to visit you every day and take you for a drive in my carriage.'
So finally she agreed to go.
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9 DARK DAYS
Beth had scarlet fever, and she was very ill. She was worse than Hannah or the doctor expected. Jo and Meg didn't know much about looking after ill people so Hannah looked after Beth. She was an excellent nurse. Jo helped. She sat next to Beth's bed day and night and watched her. The doctor came twice a day, but Beth didn't get better. She got worse. Meg wanted to write and tell their mother to come home but Hannah said, 'No, don't say anything to your mother yet. We don't want to worry her.'
A letter arrived from Washington. Their father was ill again. Their mother had to stay and look after him. She couldn't come home.
The days seemed very dark now and the house seemed empty. It was very quiet. Nobody laughed. Nobody sang. Meg and Jo worked and waited with heavy hearts. They missed their sweet, unselfish little sister. Everybody missed the little girl. Mr Laurence locked his grand piano because nobody came to play it. The milkman, the baker, the grocer and the butcher all asked about her. The neighbors sent all kinds of nice things for her and their good wishes. Even poor Mrs Hummel came to the house to say sorry. The girls were surprised to discover how many friends shy little Beth had.
On the first day of December a cold wind blew and it snowed.
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Doctor Bangs came the following morning. He looked at Beth and held her hot hand in his. Then he turned to Hannah and said in a low voice, 'Tell Mrs March to come home.'
Jo ran downstairs, wrote a short telegram to her mother and went out into the snowstorm to send it. She was soon back. While she was taking off her cloak, Laurie came with a letter from Mr Brooke. It said that Mr March was getting better again. Jo was happy to hear this but she couldn't smile.
'What is it, Jo 'Laurie asked. 'Is Beth worse '
'Doctor Bangs told us to send for Mother.'
'Oh, Jo. I'm very sorry,' cried Laurie.
Tears started to run down Jo's cheeks. Laurie took her hand and whispered, 'I'm here. Hold on to me, Jo, dear!'
She couldn't speak. She held her friend's hand and cried. After a few minutes she began to feel better. She dried her tears and looked at Laurie with a grateful face.
'Thank you, Laurie,' she said. 'You are a good friend.'
'Jo, I have something to tell you. Something nice,' Laurie said. I sent a telegram to your mother yesterday. She's on her way home at this moment. Did I do the right thing ' Jo threw her arms around Laurie's neck.
'Oh, Laurie! Oh, Mother!' she cried happily.' Yes, you did. I am so glad!'
Complete the sentences. A good friend is ________________________. A good friend always _______________________. Share your ideas with the other students in the class.
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For the rest of the day a breath of fresh air seemed to blow through the house. Something better than sunshine brightened the quiet rooms. When the girls met, their pale faces broke into smiles. They hugged one another and whispered, 'Mother's coming! Mother's coming!'
The snow continued to fall all day. The hours passed very slowly. The doctor came and told them to expect a change in Beth's condition, for better or worse, at about midnight. Hannah lay down on the sofa and fell fast asleep. Mr Laurence walked anxiously up and down the parlor. Laurie lay on the rug and looked into the fire.
The girls didn't sleep at all that night. The house was very quiet but outside the wind was whistling in the trees. Just after midnight Laurie went to the station to pick up Mrs March. It was snowing hard. Two hours later Jo was looking out of the window of Beth's room when she heard a noise. She looked round. Meg was sitting on the floor with her hands over her face. Hannah was still asleep.
'Beth's dead and Meg's afraid to tell me,' Jo thought. She ran to the bed. Beth's face was very pale and peaceful. There was no sign of suffering on it anymore.
Jo kissed her sister's head and whispered softly, 'Goodbye, my Beth. Goodbye, my darling!'
Then Hannah woke up. She hurried to the bed and looked at Beth. She held the small hands in her large ones and put her ear to the pale lips. Then she looked up and smiled at Jo.
'She's sleeping,' she whispered. 'She's breathing easily now! She's going to get better!'
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A little later the doctor arrived. After shaking the snow off his coat, he went upstairs to look at Beth.
'Yes, my dears,' he said. 'The little girl is going to get better.'
Meg and Jo sat on the stairs and hugged each other. Then they hugged Hannah.
Very early the next morning the world outside was white and frozen, but Meg found a white rose in the garden.
When Beth opened her eyes later that morning, the first things she saw were her mother's face and the white rose next to her bed. She smiled and fell asleep again.
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10 A LOST GLOVE
The following day was strange but it was very happy. Mrs March didn't want to move from Beth's side, so Hannah prepared a wonderful breakfast and took it upstairs to her. While she was eating it, Mrs March talked to Jo and Meg about their father, and about the terrible journey home through the snowstorm with Laurie.
After breakfast Meg and Jo slept for an hour or two because they were very tired. In the afternoon Mrs March went to Aunt March's. Amy cried with joy when she saw her mother. She was so happy to see her again. They sat for a while and talked.'
'At first I was sad,' said Amy. 'But Laurie came every day. He was very kind. I had a lot of time to think and I thought about myself. I know that I'm selfish but I'm going to try hard to be different. Beth isn't selfish, and everyone loves her. I'm going to try and be like Beth.'
'I'm very pleased, Amy,' Mrs March said. 'You can come home soon but you must be patient for a bit longer. Now I must hurry back to Beth.'
That evening while Meg was writing to her father, Jo went upstairs to Beth's room. There was a worried look on her face.
'What's the matter, dear ' asked Mrs March.
'I want to tell you something, Mother.'
'About Meg '
'How did you know Yes, it's about her. It's a little thing, but it worries me.'
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'Beth is asleep now,' said Mrs March. 'Sit down and tell me all about it.'
'Well,' began Jo, 'last summer Meg left a pair of gloves at the Laurence's house. Laurie sent only one of them back. He thinks that Mr Brooke has the other one. He told me that Mr Brooke likes Meg. But he doesn't want to say anything to her because she is very young and he is poor. Isn't that terrible '
'Does Meg like him ' asked Mrs March, with an anxious look.
'Goodness me! I don't know. I don't know anything about love!' cried Jo. 'In stories girls in love are usually nervous. They don't eat and become thin and they do silly things. Meg eats and drinks and sleeps like a normal person.'
'Perhaps Meg is not interested in John, then '
'Who ' cried Jo, surprised.
'Mr Brooke. I started calling him "John" at the hospital, and he likes it,' said Mrs March.
When she saw Jo's shocked face, she continued, 'My dear, don't be angry. He was very kind to me, and to Father, too and, yes, I like him a lot. He's an excellent young man. He talked to us about Meg. He loves her but he didn't want to tell her without getting our permission first. He wants to marry her one day. But this must be a secret between you and me. Don't say anything to Meg about it! I can't agree to a marriage yet. Meg's too young.'
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'But he wants to take her away from us! He can't do that, Mother! This is Meg's home. She must stay here with us.'
Mrs March sighed. Jo continued.
'Let's send him away, Mother. Let's not say anything about this to Meg. Then we can all be happy together forever and ever.'
'Jo, it is natural and right for children to leave their families and make homes of their own,' said Mrs March. 'But I'd like to keep my girls for as long as possible. Meg is only seventeen and John can't give her a home yet. Twenty is a good age for her to get married. Your father and I agree about that. If Meg and John love each other, they can wait and test their love while they are waiting.
'But isn't it better for her to marry a rich man ' asked Jo.
'Money is a good and useful thing, Jo,' Mrs March replied. 'But it's better to be happy than rich in life. John has a good heart, and a good man's heart is better than a fortune.'
'I understand, Mother, and I agree with you. But it's a pity that we have to grow up and our lives have to change.'
What is more important to a person in Mrs March's eyes, a good heart or a fortune How do you know her opinion
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Just then Meg opened the door and came in quietly. She was carrying the letter to her father. She gave it to Mrs March to read.
'What were you two talking about, Jo ' she asked.
'Nothing, e on. Let's go to bed.'
Mrs March gave Meg her letter and said, 'That's a very nice letter, dear. Please send my love to John.'
'Do you call him "John" ' asked Meg, smiling.
'Yes, dear. He's like a son to us, and we like him a lot,' replied Mrs March.
'I'm glad because I think that he is very lonely,' said Meg. Good night, Mother dear. I'm so very happy that you are here.'
After kissing her daughter goodnight, Mrs March thought, 'She's ready to fall in love with him.'
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11 LAURIE'S LETTERS
Meg knew that Jo had a secret. She could see it in her face. Laurie also knew. He asked her to tell him but Jo refused to say anything. This made Laurie angry.
'It's about Meg and Mr Brooke,' he thought, and he decided to discover her secret.
A few days passed. Then suddenly there was a change in Meg. She looked worried all the time and she didn't say very much. She was nervous.
'It's love,' said Jo to her mother. 'What can we do '
'Nothing,' replied Mrs March. 'We must wait for Father to arrive.'
The next day there was a letter in the post box for Meg. Jo brought it in and gave it to her sister. Then she sat down next to her mother and continued her knitting. Suddenly Mrs March and Jo heard a strange sound. They looked up. It was Meg. Her face was white and she looked frightened.
'What is it, dear ' cried her mother.
'Oh, Jo! Why did you do it ' cried Meg.
'What I didn't do anything,' replied Jo, confused.
'You did! You and that boy! You sent the letter!'And Meg took another letter out of her pocket and threw it at Jo.
Jo and Mrs March read it. It was a love letter to Meg from John Brooke. He said that he wanted to marry her.
'Laurie! The villain!' cried Jo. 'He was angry because I didn't tell him my secret.'
She wanted to go and find him immediately.
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Mrs March stopped her.
'Wait, Jo!' she said. 'Meg! Did you reply to the letter '
'Yes,' said Meg sadly.
'What did you say '
'I told him that I am too young to think about marriage. I said he must speak to Father because I don't want any secrets. I asked him to be my friend.'
Mrs March smiled and Jo laughed.
'Then I received this note from him today,' continued Meg. 'He says that he didn't send me a letter. He says it was probably one of Jo's tricks.'
Jo took the note and looked at it carefully.
'It's alright, Meg. Mr Brooke didn't write this note. Laurie did,' she said.
'Go and ask Laurie to come here, Jo,' said Mrs March. 'I want to talk to him.'
While Jo was out of the room, Mrs March told Meg about Mr Brooke's feelings for her.
'Do you love him, Meg ' she asked.
'I'm not interested in love at the moment,' replied Meg nervously. 'Please don't tell John about the letters. And tell Jo and Laurie not to say anything.'
Laurie knew that he was in trouble because Mrs March looked very serious. She sent the girls away and closed the parlor door. When they came out half an hour later, Laurie looked very unhappy. Jo felt sorry for him. He apologized to Meg and promised never to tell Mr Brooke about the letters or note. Meg accepted his apology and they were all friends again.
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12 A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT
The weather was very good that winter. Christmas Day was sunny and bright, so Jo and Laurie went into the garden and made a snowman for Beth. They put flowers and fresh fruit for her in its hand. Jo brought her downstairs to see it and Beth laughed at its funny face. She was much better but she was still very thin and weak. After that there were presents for everyone.
Later that morning Laurie came back. There was a mysterious smile on his face when he opened the parlor door.
'Here's another Christmas present for the March family!' he said. He disappeared behind the door and a tall man walked into the room. It was Mr March! Suddenly the parlor was full of confusion and noise. Meg, Jo and Amy all ran to their father and hugged and kissed him again and again. Then Mrs March hugged and kissed him. Everyone was talking at the same time.
'Hush! Remember Beth!' Mrs March said. 'Beth was sleeping upstairs.'
But it was too late. Beth was already at the door. She stopped, looked at the scene and then she ran straight into the arms of her father.
It was the happiest Christmas they could remember. Hannah cooked a fat turkey and there was plum pudding and jelly. Everything was delicious. Mr Laurence, Mr Brooke and Laurie ate with them and after dinner they all sang songs and told stories about the past. After the guests left, the March family sat together around the fire.
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Mr March looked at the four young faces around him with satisfaction.
'It was a difficult year for my little girls, I know,' he said to them. 'But you were very brave.' He took Meg's hands in his.
'Meg, your white hands are now rough and red with hard work. They were pretty before but they are prettier to me now. I'm proud of you.'
Then he looked at Jo.
'You were my noisy, wild boy!' he said. 'But now I can see a good, strong woman with a tender heart in front of me. I'm very happy.'
'What about Beth ' asked Amy.
'Beth! Dear, good little Beth!' said Mr March. He looked at her small, thin body and held her tightly.
'We nearly lost her. Now I'm going to keep her safe forever.' Then it was Amy's turn.
'I watched Amy today,' Mr March said. 'She is kinder and more helpful than she was. She thinks more about other people and less about herself. I am proud to have a daughter like her. I'm proud of all my wonderful little women!'
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13 A VISIT FROM AUNT MARCH
Mr March and Beth spent the next day in the parlor. Mr March sat in a big armchair and Beth lay on the sofa. Mrs March, Meg, Jo and Amy didn't do any housework that morning. They only wanted to look after their two invalids. Sometimes Mr and Mrs March looked at each other anxiously and then they looked at Meg. Meg was quiet. She jumped when the bell rang and her face turned red when she heard John Brooke's name.
In the afternoon when they were alone together, Jo asked Meg, 'When Mr Brooke speaks to you about getting married, what are you going to say to him '
'I'm going to say that I agree with Father. I'm too young to get engaged, Meg replied. 'Then I'm going to ask him if we can be friends.'
'I don't believe you,' said Jo.
Suddenly they heard a noise in the hall and then there was a tap on the door. Jo opened it and Mr Brooke walked in.
'Good afternoon,' he said. 'I came for my umbrella. I left it here yesterday.'
The girls' faces turned red. Mr Brooke was a little confused.
'Err…And how is your father ' he asked.
'He's well,' Jo said quickly. I'm going to tell him you're here.' And she ran out.
'I'm sure that Mother would like to see you, too,' said Meg, and she stood up to go.
'Please stay, Meg. Don't be afraid of me,' Mr Brooke said quickly.
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Meg wanted to be friendly so she put out her hand and said, 'How can I be You were so kind to Father in Washington. How can I thank you for that '
'Say that you love me a little bit, Meg,' he replied tenderly. 'I love you so very much.'
Meg felt confused and happy at the same time. She didn't know what to do.
'I'm too young,' she said.
'I can wait and perhaps you can learn to love me...'
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Just at that moment Aunt March arrived. She knew about Mr March's arrival and she wanted to see her nephew. She went straight to the parlor and opened the door. The two young people were very surprised. Meg turned white then red and Mr Brooke quickly disappeared into the study.
'What's going on here ' the old lady cried. 'What was that young man saying to you '
'Nothing, Aunt March. Mr Brooke came to get his umbrella. He's one of father's friends.'
'Brooke! The Laurence boy's tutor!' said Aunt March loudly. 'Now I understand. Jo told me everything. I hope you aren't going to marry him!'
'Hush, Aunt! He's in the next room,' said Meg. She wanted to go and find her mother but the old lady stopped her.
'Stay here and listen to me!' she said. 'Don't marry that man. He hasn't got any money and I refuse to give you any of my money if you marry him.'
This made Meg angry. Suddenly she felt brave and independent. 'I don't want your money, Aunt!' she replied. 'And it isn't your business who I marry!'
Aunt March was shocked. Meg was usually a very quiet and polite girl.
'My dear,' she said, in a more friendly tone. 'This man hasn't got any rich relations.'
'No, but he has many good friends.'
'And he hasn't got a good job.'
'Oh, not yet, but Mr Laurence is going to help him,' Meg replied.
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Meg looked very serious.
'John is a good man, Aunt. And he's got lots of talent. He's hard-working, energetic and brave. Mother and Father like and respect him. I'm proud that he loves me.'
'He knows that you have got rich relations, dear,' replied the old lady. 'That's why he loves you!'
'Aunt March, how can you say that ' cried Meg. 'It isn't true. And anyway, I'm not afraid of being poor. I'm poor now and I'm happy. I know that I can be happy with John because he loves me, and I...'
Meg stopped suddenly. What was she saying Did she really love John And was John listening in the next room
Aunt March was angry with Meg. She wanted a rich and important husband for her pretty niece, not a poor man with no future.
'I'm very disappointed in you, Meg!' she said. 'Don't expect anything from me when you get married!' And she walked out and slammed the door in Meg's face.
Meg didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But before she could decide, Mr Brooke came in. He took her hands in his.
'Thank you for defending me, Meg. Now I know you love me a little bit.'
'Yes, John. I do,' she whispered.
Who do you agree with Aunt March or Meg
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Five minutes later Jo went to look for her sister. She gasped with surprise when she opened the parlor door. Meg was sitting on Mr Brooke's knee and she looked very happy!
When she saw Jo, she jumped up immediately and looked a bit shy. But Mr Brooke laughed.
'Sister Jo!' he said. 'Congratulate us!'
Jo was horrified. She turned and ran up the stairs. Her mother and father were in the bedroom.
'Please! Go downstairs quickly!' she cried. 'Mr Brooke is behaving' very badly and Meg likes it!'
Mr and Mrs March hurried down to the parlor and Jo told Beth and Amy the news. They thought it was very exciting.
That afternoon Mr Brooke spoke to Meg's parents about hi plans for the future. They were in the parlor for a long time. Mr Brooke had very clear ideas and finally Mr and Mrs March agree to the marriage.
That evening Mr Brooke stayed for supper. Everybody except Jo was very happy.
'You can't say that nothing pleasant ever happens in this family now, Meg,' Said Amy.
'No, I can't,' replied Meg smiling.
'But three years! It's a long time to wait.' Amy was looking forward to a wedding in the family.
'It isn't,' Meg was serious now. 'I have a lot of things to learn before I get married.'
Then Laurie and Mr Laurence arrived. Laurie gave Meg a bouquet of flowers and Mr Brooke invited them both to the wedding.
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Later, when everyone else was talking and laughing, Laurie went to speak to Jo. She was sitting on her own in a corner of the room.
'What's the matter, Jo ' he said. 'You don't look very happy.'
'I'm sad because I'm going to lose my best friend,' she replied, and sighed deeply.
'But you've got me,' Laurie said. I'm your friend, too, you know.'
'I know, Laurie. Thank you. And you're a very good friend.' She looked around the room at her family and friends. They were all happy. It was a pleasant sight and she started to smile. She didn't want to think about the future. She wanted to enjoy the moment and remember it forever.Little Women 小妇人
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About the Author 关于作者
Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1832. She was the second of four daughters. Her father was a teacher and he gave her lessons at home. 路易莎·梅·奥尔科特于1832年出生于宾夕法尼亚州的日耳曼敦。她是四个女儿中的老二。她的父亲是一名教师，他在家给她上课。
The Alcott family often moved house when Louisa was growing up, but Alcott's happiest years were in the small town of Concord, Massachusetts. Little Women is set in the Alcott family home there. 路易莎成长过程中，奥尔科特一家经常搬家，但奥尔科特最快乐的时光是在马萨诸塞州的小镇康科德度过的。《小妇人》的故事发生在奥尔科特一家的家中。
Alcott started work when she was still young because the family wasn't rich. She did many jobs including teaching and dressmaking, but she wanted to be a writer. Her first published work was a poem in 1852. This was the beginning of her writing career. 奥尔科特很小的时候就开始工作，因为家里并不富裕。她做过很多工作，包括教学和服装制作，但她想成为一名作家。她在1852年发表的第一部作品是一首诗。这是她写作生涯的开始。
In 1861 the American Civil War started. Alcott wanted to help so she went to Washington to work as a nurse. 1861年，美国内战爆发。Alcott想要帮忙，所以她去了华盛顿当护士。
After the war Alcott spent a year in Europe as the companion of an invalid. While they were in Switzerland, she had a short love affair with a Polish soldier, Ladislas Wisniewski. She later used him as the model for Laurie in Little Women, which was published in 1868.The book was an instant success so she wrote a sequel. She then wrote two more books about the March family: Little Men (1871) and Jo's Boys (1886). 战争结束后，奥尔科特作为一个病人的伴侣在欧洲呆了一年。他们在瑞士的时候，她和一个名叫拉迪斯拉斯·维希涅夫斯基的波兰士兵有过一段短暂的恋情。后来，她以他为原型，在1868年出版的《小妇人》中扮演劳里。这本书一出版就大获成功，所以她又写了续集。之后，她又写了两本关于马奇一家的书:《小男人》(1871)和《乔的男孩》(1886)。
Alcott never married and she died at the age of 56 in Boston. 奥尔科特从未结婚，56岁时在波士顿去世。
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About the Book 关于这本书
Little Women is set in New England during the American Civil War(1861-65). The novel follows the lives of the four March sisters -Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy- and is based on the author's own experiences of growing up with her three sisters. 《小妇人》以美国内战(1861-65)期间的新英格兰为背景。这部小说讲述了马奇家的四姐妹——梅格、乔、贝丝和艾米的生活，并根据作者自己和她的三姐妹一起成长的经历写成。
The main theme in the story is the importance of family. Other themes include the need to work and self-improvement. 这个故事的主题是家庭的重要性。其他主题包括工作和自我提高的需要。
When the story begins the sisters are complaining because they are poor and have to work. Their mother says that they mustn't spend money on pleasure because there is a war and everybody must help. Their father is in the army. In the letters their father sends home he tells his daughters to work hard and not to waste their time. They must try to accept the bad things in their lives and stay cheerful. He wants to be proud of them when he comes home. The girls decide to make an effort to improve themselves because they love and miss their father very much. 故事开始时，姐妹们在抱怨，因为她们很穷，必须工作。他们的母亲说他们不应该把钱花在享乐上，因为有一场战争，每个人都必须帮忙。他们的父亲在军队里。在父亲寄回家的信中，他告诉女儿们要努力工作，不要浪费时间。他们必须努力接受生活中不好的事情，并保持乐观。当他回家的时候，他想以他们为荣。女孩们决定努力提高自己，因为她们非常爱和想念她们的父亲。
Alcott was interested in women's rights and, through the four March sisters, she explores four different ways of being a woman in those days. Meg leaves the family to get married and have a new family. Beth devotes herself to looking after her own family. Amy focuses on herself and her own pleasure. And Jo, like Alcott herself, tries to have a career in writing and care for her family at the same time. 奥尔科特对妇女权利很感兴趣，通过马奇四姐妹，她探索了当时作为一个女人的四种不同方式。梅格离开家去结婚，有了一个新的家庭。贝丝致力于照顾自己的家庭。艾米只关注她自己和她自己的快乐。和奥尔科特一样，乔也在努力从事写作工作，同时照顾家人。
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1 THE MARCH SISTERS 1马奇姐妹
It was December and the snow was falling quietly outside. The four March sisters were sitting around the fire in the parlor. They were knitting socks for soldiers. There was a war and everyone had to help. 12月，外面正下着雪。马奇四姐妹围坐在客厅的火炉旁。他们在为士兵织袜子。有一场战争，每个人都得帮忙。
Meg was the oldest of the four sisters. She was sixteen. She was very pretty and she loved pretty clothes. Jo was fifteen. She was very tall and thin. She was different from Meg. She didn't care about dresses or hairstyles. She was a tomboy. Beth was thirteen. She was very shy and quiet and she seemed to live in a happy world of her own. The youngest, Amy, looked like a snow princess with her blue eyes and blonde hair. She loved beautiful things and she was a little vain. She also thought that she was a very important person. 梅格是四姐妹中最大的。她十六岁。她很漂亮，她喜欢漂亮的衣服。乔是十五岁。她又高又瘦。她和梅格不一样。她不在乎衣服和发型。她是个假小子。贝丝13岁。她很害羞，很安静，似乎生活在自己的幸福世界里。最小的艾米长着一双蓝眼睛和一头金发，看上去就像一位白雪公主。她喜欢美丽的东西，有点爱慕虚荣。她还认为自己是一个非常重要的人。
'Christmas isn't Christmas without any presents,' Jo said sadly. “没有礼物圣诞节就不是圣诞节，”乔忧伤地说。
'I hate being poor!'Meg said, looking at her old dress. “我讨厌贫穷!”梅格看着她的旧衣服说。
'Some girls have lots of nice things, and other girls have nothing at all,' said Amy. 'I don't think it's fair.' “有些女孩有很多好东西，有些女孩什么都没有，”艾米说。“我认为这不公平。”
'But we've got Father and Mother, and each other,' said Beth. The four sisters looked happy for a moment when they remembered this. “但是我们有爸爸妈妈，还有彼此，”贝丝说。四姐妹想起了这一点，一时显得很高兴。
Then Jo said, 'But we haven't got Father.' 然后乔说:“可我们没有爸爸呀。”
Their smiles suddenly disappeared. Mr March was far away with the soldiers. 他们的笑容突然消失了。马奇先生和士兵们在很远的地方。
'Mother says our men are suffering and we mustn't spend money for pleasure,' Meg said. 'That's why we can't have presents this year.' “妈妈说我们的男人在受苦，我们不能花钱寻欢作乐，”梅格说。“这就是我们今年不能收到礼物的原因。”
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'Well, each of us has a dollar to spend,' said Jo. 'What can the army do with four dollars Nothing! I don't expect anything from Mother but I'd like to buy a book for myself.' Jo loved reading and she had a passion for books. “好吧，我们每人有一美元，”乔说。“军队用四块钱能做什么 没有什么!我不指望从妈妈那里得到什么，但我想给自己买本书。”乔喜欢读书，她酷爱读书。
'I want to spend mine on some new music,' said Beth. She played the piano and she loved singing. “我想把我的钱花在买些新音乐上，”贝丝说。她弹钢琴，她喜欢唱歌。
I'm going to buy a box of drawing pencils. I really need them,' said Amy. She wanted to be an artist. 我打算买一盒绘画铅笔。“我真的需要它们，”艾米说。她想成为一名艺术家。
'Mother didn't say anything about spending our own money,' cried Jo. 'We work hard for it so let's buy what we want and have a little fun.' “妈妈没说过要花我们自己的钱，”乔嚷道。“我们努力工作，所以让我们买我们想要的东西，找点乐子。”
It was true. The two older sisters had jobs. Meg worked as a teacher for the King family and Jo looked after Aunt March, their father's rich, bad-tempered old aunt. Beth and Amy helped with the housework. 这是真的。两个姐姐都有工作。梅格在金家当教师，乔照顾马奇阿姨，他们父亲富有的、坏脾气的老姑妈。贝丝和艾米帮着做家务。
Just then the clock struck six. Beth got up and put her mother's slippers near the fire to warm. 就在这时，钟敲了六下。贝丝站起来，把妈妈的拖鞋放在火边取暖。
'Those slippers are very old,' said Jo.' Mother needs some new ones.' “那些拖鞋很旧了，”乔说。“妈妈需要一些新的。”
'I can buy a pair for her with my dollar,' said Beth. “我可以用我的钱给她买一双，”贝丝说。
'No, I'm the oldest,' Meg said. 'I want to buy the slippers for her.' “不，我最大，”梅格说。“我想给她买拖鞋。”
'No, it's my job,' said Jo. 'Father told me to take care of Mother while he was away.' “不，这是我的工作，”乔说。“爸爸要我在他不在的时候照顾妈妈。”
'I have an idea,' said Beth. 'Let's not spend our money on ourselves. Let's get some presents for Mother.' “我有个主意，”贝丝说。“我们不要把钱花在自己身上。我们给妈妈买些礼物吧。”
Her sisters thought that this was a very good idea. 她的姐妹们认为这是一个非常好的主意。
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'I'm going to give her a pair of gloves,' said Meg looking at her own pretty hands. They were small and white. 'And you, Jo ' “我打算给她一副手套，”梅格看着自己漂亮的手说。它们又小又白。“而你,乔 ”
'Some new slippers!' cried Jo. “一些新拖鞋!”乔喊道。
'I'm going to make her some handkerchiefs,' said Beth quietly. “我想给她做一些手帕，”贝丝平静地说。
'And I'm going to give her a bottle of perfume,' said Amy. “我还要给她买瓶香水，”艾米说。
They all agreed to go shopping for the presents the next day. 他们都同意第二天去买礼物。
What does "But we haven't got Father" mean How much money do they have for presents What does "she had a passion for books" mean What presents will each of them buy for their mom
At that moment a happy voice called, 'Hello, my dears!' It was Mrs March. The girls jumped up and ran to the front door. 这时一个幸福的声音喊道:“你们好，亲爱的!是马奇太太。女孩们跳起来跑到前门。
While she was taking off her wet cloak and shoes and putting on the warm slippers, Mrs March talked to her daughters about their day. 马奇太太一边脱下湿斗篷和鞋子，换上暖和的拖鞋，一边和她的女儿们谈论这一天的事情。
'How is your cold, Meg Jo, you look tired. Did anyone call today, Beth Amy, baby, come and give me a kiss.' “你感冒怎么样了，梅格 ”乔，你看起来很累。今天有人打电话来吗，贝丝 艾米，宝贝，过来吻我一下。”
Then the girls quickly prepared the table for the evening meal and they all sat down to eat. There was a happy smile on Mrs March's face. 然后，女孩们很快地准备好了桌子，大家都坐下来吃晚饭。马奇太太的脸上露出了幸福的微笑。
'I've got a surprise for you after supper,' she said. “晚饭后我有个惊喜要给你，”她说。
'Hooray!' shouted Beth. 'A letter from Father!' “万岁!”“贝丝喊道。“父亲的来信!”
'Yes!' said Mrs March. 'A nice long letter.' “是的!马奇太太说。“一封漂亮的长信。”
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The letter was very cheerful and full of interesting descriptions of life in the army. At the end of the letter there was a special message for the girls. He told them to be good to their mother and to work hard. He wanted to be proud of them when he came back. The girls cried when their mother read the last part because they loved and missed their father a lot. They wanted to make him happy so each one made a promise to be a better person in the future. 信中内容很愉快，而且充满了关于军队生活的有趣描述。在信的结尾有一封特别写给女孩们的信。他告诉他们要对妈妈好，要努力工作。当他回来的时候，他想以他们为荣。当她们的母亲读到最后一部分时，女孩们哭了，因为她们非常爱和想念她们的父亲。她们想让他开心，所以每个人都承诺将来会成为一个更好的人。
Before they went to bed, Beth played some songs on the old piano in the parlor and they all sang. 睡觉前，贝丝在客厅的那架旧钢琴上弹了几首歌，大家都唱了起来。
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2 A MERRY CHRISTMAS 2圣诞快乐
Jo was the first to wake up on Christmas morning. When her sisters were awake too, they all went down to the kitchen. Their mother wasn't there but Hannah, their servant, was. 圣诞节早晨，乔是第一个醒来的。姐妹们也醒了，她们都下楼到厨房去了。他们的母亲不在，但他们的仆人汉娜在。
'Your mother went out early,' she said. 'A poor boy came to the door asking for food. She was sorry for him and she wanted to help him. She went to see his family.' “你妈妈很早就出去了，”她说。“一个穷孩子到门口讨吃的。她为他感到难过，想帮助他。她去看他的家人了。”
While they were waiting for their mother to come back, the girls put their presents for her in a basket. Soon they heard the sound of a key in the front door. 在等妈妈回来的时候，女孩们把送给她的礼物放在一个篮子里。不久，他们听到了用钥匙打开前门的声音。
'Mother's here!' cried Jo.' Hide the basket behind the sofa! Quick!" “母亲在这里!”乔喊道。“把篮子藏在沙发后面！快!”
Then they all rushed into the hall to greet their mother. 然后他们都冲进大厅去迎接他们的母亲。
'Merry Christmas, Mother!' they cried. “妈妈,圣诞快乐!”他们嚷道。
'Merry Christmas, little daughters!' Mrs March said in her happy voice. She hugged them all and kissed them. Then she suddenly became very serious. “圣诞快乐，孩子们!”马奇太太用快乐的声音说。她拥抱他们，亲吻他们。然后她突然严肃起来。
'Come and sit down, girls. I want to say something before we start breakfast.' “姑娘们，过来坐下。吃早饭前我有话要说。”
They all sat down at the breakfast table and Mrs March continued. 他们都坐在早餐桌旁，马奇太太继续说。
'I went to see a poor woman this morning. Her name is Mrs Hummel. She lives near here in one room with her seven children. One of them is only a baby. They are cold and hungry because they don't have a fire or any food. The oldest boy came to ask me for help. Girls, can we give them our breakfast as a Christmas present ' “今天早晨我去看了一个可怜的女人。她的名字是哈梅尔夫人。她和七个孩子住在附近的一个房间里。其中一个还只是个婴儿。他们又冷又饿，因为他们没有火，也没有任何食物。最大的男孩来找我帮忙。孩子们，我们能把我们的早餐送给他们做圣诞礼物吗 ”
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The sisters looked at the good food on the table. They were all hungry. For a minute nobody spoke. Then Jo said, 'I'm so glad you came back before we started eating, Mother!' 姐妹俩看着桌上丰盛的食物。他们都饿了。有一分钟没有人说话。然后乔说:我很高兴你在我们开始吃饭之前回来，妈妈!”
Meg put the bread on a big plate without saying anything. 梅格什么也没说就把面包放在一个大盘子里。
'Can I help carry the things to the poor children ' asked Beth. “我能帮着把东西拿给那些可怜的孩子们吗 ””贝思问。
'I want to take the cream and the muffins,' said Amy. They were her favorite things. “我想带上奶油和松饼，”艾米说。那是她最喜欢的东西。
Mrs March smiled. 马奇夫人笑了。
'Let's all go together,' she said. “我们一起走吧，”她说。
The girls and Hannah put on their hats and cloaks and they went out into the snowy street. 姑娘们和汉娜戴上帽子，穿上斗篷，走到白雪覆盖的街道上。
They were shocked when they saw the Hummels' room. The window was broken and there was no fire. It was very cold. Mrs Hummel, the baby and a group of pale children were trying to keep warm under one old blanket. The children's eyes opened wide and their blue lips smiled when they saw the girls. Mrs Hummel cried with joy. 当他们看到哈梅尔家的房间时，都惊呆了。窗户被打破了，也没有生火。天气很冷。哈梅尔太太、婴儿和一群脸色苍白的孩子在一条旧毯子下面取暖。当孩子们看到女孩们时，他们的眼睛睁得大大的，蓝色的嘴唇露出了微笑。哈梅尔太太高兴得叫了起来。
Hannah made a fire and put her own cloak over the broken window. The girls put the food on the table and soon the children were eating it hungrily. Mrs March gave the mother some hot soup and dressed the little baby. 汉娜生了火，把自己的斗篷罩在破窗户上。女孩们把食物放在桌子上，很快孩子们就狼吞虎咽地吃了起来。马奇太太给了母亲一些热汤，并给婴儿穿好衣服。
'Angels! You're angels!' Mrs Hummel called to them as they left. That Christmas morning the girls had bread and milk for breakfast but they weren't sad. “天使!”你是天使!他们离开时，哈梅尔太太对他们喊道。那个圣诞节的早晨，女孩们早餐吃的是面包和牛奶，但她们并不悲伤。
'I'm glad that we helped those poor people,' said Meg. 'It was the right thing to do.' “我很高兴我们帮助了那些穷人，”梅格说。“这么做是正确的。”
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After breakfast the girls gave their mother her Christmas presents. They explained the reason for each one and there was a lot of laughing and kissing. Mrs March immediately put some perfume on one of the handkerchiefs and put it into her pocket. Then she put on the slippers and the gloves. 早饭后，姑娘们把圣诞礼物送给了母亲。他们解释了每一个原因，大家笑了起来，亲吻了起来。马奇太太立即在一块手帕上涂了些香水，放进了口袋。然后她穿上拖鞋和手套。
'Perfect!' she said. “完美!”她说。
The girls spent the rest of the day preparing a play. The sisters often performed plays for their friends and they were very good at making costumes and props. 女孩们用那天剩下的时间准备一出戏。这对姐妹经常为她们的朋友表演戏剧，她们非常擅长制作服装和道具。
A dozen girls arrived about six o'clock and took their places on the bed in the big bedroom. The play was a great success. Everybody enjoyed it very much. The girls were still laughing and clapping when Hannah came in and said, 'Supper is ready.' 大约六点钟，十几个姑娘到了，她们在大卧室的床上就座。这出戏非常成功。每个人都很喜欢。姑娘们还在鼓掌大笑，这时汉娜走了进来，说:“晚饭准备好了。”
A surprise was waiting for them on the dining room table-dishes of ice cream, pink and white, fresh fruit, cakes and real French chocolates. And in the middle of all this delicious food there were four vases of beautiful flowers. The girls couldn't believe their eyes. 一个惊喜在餐厅里等着他们，盘子里有冰激凌，粉色和白色的，新鲜的水果，蛋糕和真正的法国巧克力。在所有这些美味的食物中间有四瓶美丽的花。女孩们简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。
'Did the fairies bring the supper ' asked Amy. “仙女们带来晚餐了吗 ”艾米问。
'No! Santa Claus brought it,' said Beth. “不!是圣诞老人带来的，”贝丝说。
'Mother did it,' Meg said. “是妈妈做的，”梅格说。
'No! Aunt March sent it!' cried Jo. “不!马奇太太送来的!”乔喊道。
'You are all wrong,' said Mrs March. 'Old Mr Laurence sent it.' “你们都错了，”马奇太太说。“是老劳伦斯先生送来的。”
Write a short description of a special meal that you and your family have. Say when and why you have it and what you eat and drink.
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'The Laurence boy's grandfather!' exclaimed Meg. 'Why did he do that We don't know him!' “劳伦斯男孩的爷爷!”梅格喊道。“他为什么要那样做 ”我们不认识他!”
'Hannah told one of his servants the story of the Hummels. Mr Laurence was sorry to hear about your poor Christmas breakfast so he decided to give you a surprise.' 汉娜把哈梅尔一家的故事告诉了他的一个仆人。劳伦斯先生听说你可怜的圣诞早餐很难过，所以他决定给你一个惊喜。”
'My mother says he's very proud,' said one of the girls at the table.' She says that he doesn't like mixing with his neighbors. His grandson has to stay in the house and study all day. We invited him to a party once, but he didn't come. He's very shy.' “我妈妈说他很骄傲，”餐桌上的一个女孩说。她说他不喜欢和邻居们混在一起。他的孙子不得不整天呆在家里学习。我们曾邀请他参加一次聚会，但他没来。他很害羞。”
'I'm going to talk to him one day,' said Jo. 'He needs to have some fun. I'm going to invite him to our next play!' “有一天我会跟他说的，”乔说。他需要找点乐子。我还要邀请他来看我们下一场戏!”
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3 THE LAURENCE BOY 3劳伦斯家的男孩
'Jo! Jo! Where are you 'Meg shouted from the bottom of the stairs. “乔!乔!你在哪里 ”梅格在楼梯底下喊道。
'I'm in the attic!' answered Jo. She was sitting on an old sofa next to a small window. This was her favorite place in the house. She went there to be alone and to read. When Meg appeared, she closed her book and looked up. “我在阁楼上!”乔回答说。她坐在一扇小窗旁的一张旧沙发上。这是她最喜欢的地方。她去那里是为了独处和读书。梅格出现时，合上书抬起头来。
'We have an invitation from Mrs Gardiner to a dance on New Year's Eve!' cried Meg excitedly. 'Oh dear! What am I going to wear ' “加德纳太太请我们参加新年夜的舞会!”梅格兴奋地叫道。“哦,亲爱的!我穿什么好呢 ”
'Your old cotton dress is alright,' replied Jo. 'You can wear that.' “你的旧棉连衣裙挺好的，”乔回答。“你可以穿着它。”
'I'd love to have a silk dress,' said Meg sadly. 'Mother says I can have one when I'm eighteen. But it's a very long time to wait.' “我很想有一件丝绸连衣裙，”梅格悲哀地说。“妈妈说我十八岁时可以有一个。但要等很长时间。”
On New Year's Eve, Beth and Amy helped their older sisters get ready for the party. The girls looked very nice in their simple dresses. Meg's was a silver color and Jo's was dark red. Meg borrowed her mother's pearl pin to decorate her dress. Jo put a flower on hers. 新年前夜，贝丝和艾米帮助她们的姐姐为晚会做准备。女孩们穿着简单的连衣裙看起来很漂亮。梅格的连衣裙是银色的，而乔的则是深红色。梅格借了她母亲的珍珠别针来装饰她的连衣裙。乔在她的连衣裙上放了一朵花。
'Have a good time, my dears!' said Mrs March. 'Don't eat too much, and come home at eleven.' “玩得开心点，亲爱的!”马奇太太说。“别吃太多，11点回家。”
They were closing the garden gate when their mother cried from a window, 'Girls! Have you both got clean handkerchiefs ' 他们正关着花园的门，母亲从窗口叫道:“姑娘们!你们俩都有干净手帕吗 ”
'Yes, yes. And Meg put some perfume on hers,' cried Jo, and she and Meg laughed all the way to the Gardiners' house. “是的,是的。梅格还在她的手帕上抹了些香水，”乔叫道，她和梅格在去加德纳家的路上一路笑着。
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When they arrived they were feeling a bit shy because they didn't often go to parties. But soon some girls started talking to Meg, and then some boys asked her to dance. Jo stood on her own at one end of the room. She didn't like talking to girls. A group of boys near her was talking about ice-skating. She wanted to join them but it wasn't polite for a girl to talk about sport with boys. She began to feel bored. Then a boy with red hair started to walk towards her. Suddenly she felt very shy. 当他们到达时，他们感到有点害羞，因为他们不经常参加聚会。但很快一些女孩开始和梅格说话，然后一些男孩请她跳舞。乔独自站在房间的一头。她不喜欢和女孩子说话。她身边的一群男孩正在谈论滑冰。她想加入他们，但一个女孩和男孩谈论运动是不礼貌的。她开始感到无聊。然后一个红头发的男孩开始向她走来。她突然感到很害羞。
'Oh, no!' she thought. 'He's going to ask me to dance.' “哦,不!”她想。“他要请我跳舞了。”
What kind of parties do you go to Are your parties different from this one Why
She looked around for a hiding place. There was a large heavy curtain behind her. She lifted it quickly and slipped behind it. When the curtain dropped, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'! 她四处寻找藏身之处。她身后有一个又大又沉的帷幕。她迅速提起它，溜到它后面。帷幕落下后，她发现自己正面对着“劳伦斯家的男孩”!
She turned red with embarrassment. 她窘得满脸通红。
'Sorry!' she said. 'I didn't know that you were here.' “对不起!”她说。“我不知道你在这儿。”
She started to leave but the boy laughed and said in a pleasant voice, 'Stay if you like. Don't worry about me. I only came here because I don't know many people. I was bored.' 她准备离开，但男孩笑了，并用愉快的声音说:“你愿意就留下吧。”别为我担心。我来这里只是因为我认识的人不多。我是无聊。”
'I was, too.' “我也是。”
Jo tried to be polite and relaxed. 乔尽量表现得礼貌而轻松。
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'You live near us, don't you ' she said. 'I saw you the other day.' “你住在我们附近，是不是 ”她说。“前几天我还看见你的。”
'Yes. Next door.' “是的。隔壁。”
And then they both laughed. 然后他们都笑了。
'We had a good time at Christmas. Thank you for your nice Christmas present.' “圣诞节我们玩得很开心。谢谢你漂亮的圣诞礼物。”
'Grandfather sent it.' “爷爷寄的。”
'But you gave him the idea, didn't you, Mr Laurence ' “可那是你给他出的主意，是吗，劳伦斯先生 ”
'I'm not Mr Laurence, Miss March. I'm only Laurie.' “我不是劳伦斯先生，马奇小姐。我叫劳里。”
'And I am not Miss March. I'm only Jo,' she replied. “我也不是马奇小姐。我叫乔，”她回答。
Soon they forgot their shyness and were chatting happily about Laurie's travels to foreign countries. They began to feel like old friends. 很快他们就忘记了羞涩，愉快地聊着劳里的国外之行。他们开始觉得像老朋友了。
Then Laurie asked Jo to dance. He taught her a new German dance and they had a lot of fun. Laurie was a good dancer. Laurie was telling Jo about a students' festival in Heidelberg when she suddenly saw Meg. Her sister was sitting on a sofa and holding her foot. She looked pale. Jo immediately went to see what was wrong. 然后劳里请乔跳舞。他教她一种新的德国舞蹈，他们玩得很开心。劳里舞跳得很好。劳里正在给乔讲在海德堡举行的学生节，这时她突然看见了梅格。她姐姐坐在沙发上，抱着她的脚。她看起来苍白。乔马上去看是怎么回事。
'It's my ankle,' said Meg. 'That stupid high heel on my shoe broke. I can't stand or walk very well. How am I going to get home ' “我的脚踝受伤了，”梅格说。“我鞋上那愚蠢的高后跟坏了。我不能很好地站立或行走。我怎么回家啊 ”
Jo went outside and looked for a carriage but there weren't any. 乔出去找马车，可是找不到。
'You can have my grandfather's carriage,' said Laurie. “你可以用我爷爷的马车，”劳里说。
'But it's still early!' said Jo. 'Do you really want to go home now ' “可现在时间还早!””乔说。“你真想现在回家吗 ”
'Oh, yes,' replied Laurie. 'I always leave parties early.' “哦，是的，”劳里回答。“我总是早早地离开派对。”
So Jo accepted his kind offer because it was an emergency. Then they went to find Meg. 所以乔接受了他的好意因为情况紧急。然后他们去找梅格。
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When they arrived at the Marches' house, Jo and Meg thanked Laurie and said goodnight. They opened the front door very quietly but Beth and Amy were still awake. 他们来到马奇家时，乔和梅格向劳里道谢并道了晚安。他们轻轻地打开前门，但贝丝和艾米还没睡。
'Tell us about the party!' they cried from the top of the stairs. “给我们讲讲舞会的事!”他们在楼梯顶上叫道。
Jo and Meg described the most exciting moments of the evening and then the two younger sisters went to bed happily. 乔和梅格描述了当晚最激动人心的时刻，然后两个妹妹高高兴兴地去睡觉了。
Later Jo put a bandage on Meg's foot and brushed her sister's hair. 'Thank you, Jo,' Meg said. 'I feel like a real lady.' 后来乔给梅格的脚缠上绷带，又给她姐姐梳头。“谢谢你，乔，”梅格说。“我觉得自己像个真正的淑女。”
'We don't have silk dresses and beautiful shoes,' said Jo. 'But I'm sure that we enjoy ourselves as much as real ladies do.' “我们没有丝绸裙子和漂亮的鞋子，”乔说。“不过我敢肯定，我们像真正的贵妇人一样玩得很开心。”
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4 GOOD NEIGHBORS 4好邻居
The Marches' house was between two large houses. On one side there was an old brown house. On the other side there was a large stone mansion. This was the home of old Mr Laurence and his grandson, Laurie. It was a very grand house and the rooms looked very comfortable behind the heavy silk curtains at the windows. But it was a house without life. The Marches' house was different. It was always busy and full of noise and people. 马奇家的房子在两幢大房子之间。一边是一座棕色的老房子。对面是一座巨大的石头豪宅。这是老劳伦斯先生和他孙子劳里的家。这是一所非常豪华的房子，窗户上厚重的丝绸窗帘后面的房间看上去非常舒适。但这是一座没有生命的房子。马奇家的房子就不同了。它总是很繁忙，充满了噪音和人群。
A few days after the party Jo saw Laurie again. He was standing at an upstairs window in the mansion and looking down at their garden. Beth and Amy were playing in the snow. They were throwing snowballs and having a lot of fun. Laurie's face was very sad. 聚会后的几天，乔又见到了劳里。他站在豪宅楼上的一个窗口，俯视着他们的花园。贝丝和艾米在雪里玩。他们在扔雪球，玩得很开心。劳里的脸很悲伤。
'Poor boy!' she thought. 'He's all alone. It's a shame! He needs some friends.' She couldn't stop thinking about him. She wanted to go and see him but how could she go to his house without an invitation “可怜的孩子!”她想。“他是独自一人。这是一件遗憾的事!他需要一些朋友。”她情不自禁想起了他。她很想去看看他，可是没有得到邀请，她怎么能去他家呢
Then one snowy afternoon, while she was looking out of the window, she saw Mr Laurence. He was getting into his carriage. He was going out. This gave her an idea. 然后在一个下雪的下午，她往窗外看时，看到了劳伦斯先生。他正在上他的马车。他要出去。这给了她一个主意。
'Laurie is alone in the house,' she thought. 'Perhaps he's looking out of his window.' “劳里一个人在房子里，”她想。“也许他正往窗外看呢。”
She put on her hat and an old coat and took a broom and a shovel from the kitchen. 她戴上帽子，穿上一件旧外套，从厨房里拿出一把扫帚和一把铁锹。
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'What are you going to do, Jo ' asked Meg when she saw her sister in the hall. “你打算干什么，乔 ”梅格在大厅看见她妹妹时问道。
'I want to get some exercise,' answered Jo with a smile. 'I'm going to clear the garden path.' “我想锻炼身体，”乔笑着回答。“我要清扫花园小路。”
Laurie was standing at the window again. He wasn't looking at her so she threw a snowball to get his attention. When the snow hit the glass, he turned his head immediately and a big smile changed his pale, sad face. 劳里又站在窗前。他没有看她，所以她扔雪球来引起他的注意。当雪打在玻璃上时，他立刻转过头来，一个大大的微笑改变了他苍白、悲伤的脸。
Jo laughed and shouted, 'How are you Are you ill ' 乔笑着嚷道:“你怎么样 你生病了吗 ”
Laurie opened the window and said, 'I'm better now, thank you. I had a bad cold and I had to stay inside for a week.' 劳里打开窗户说:“我现在好多了，谢谢你。”我得了重感冒，不得不在屋里呆了一个星期。”
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'I'm sorry,' said Jo. 'Are you bored ' “对不起，”乔说。“你很无聊吗 ”
'Yes, very,' he replied. “是的，非常，”他回答。
'Don't your friends come to visit you ' “你的朋友们不来看你吗 ”
'No. But I don't want to see anybody. Boys are noisy and they give me a headache.' “没有。但我谁也不想见。男孩子们太吵了，他们让我头疼。”
'Girls are quiet.' “女孩安静。”
'I don't know any girls.' “我不认识女孩子。”
'You know us.' “你知道我们。”
'That's true! Can you come and visit me ' cried Laurie. 'Please!' “这是真的!你能来看我吗 ”劳里喊道。“请!”
I'm not quiet but I'd like to come,' replied Jo. 'But I must ask Mother first.' “我不安静，可我愿意来，”乔回答。“但我得先问问妈妈。”
She picked up her broom and ran into the house. 她拿起扫帚跑进了房子。
Which of the following words can be used to describe Jo □ shy□ lonely □ lovely □ talkative Why should Laurie stay inside for a week How did Jo get Laurie's attention when she wanted to help him
A few minutes later she returned and rang the bell on the door of the mansion. A servant answered it and took her upstairs. 几分钟后，她回来了，按了按豪宅的门铃。一个仆人接了，把她带到楼上。
'Here I am!' she said brightly. 'Mother sends her love and Meg gave me this blancmange for you.' “我在这里! ”她欢快地说。“妈妈给了她的爱，梅格给了我这个牛奶冻，都给你。”
'That looks delicious,' Laurie said. He was very happy to see Jo. “看起来很好吃，”劳里说。他很高兴看到乔。
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'Please sit down,' Laurie said and pointed to a comfortable armchair. “请坐，”劳里说，指着一张舒服的扶手椅。
Jo looked around. There were lots of books on the shelves. 乔看了看四周。书架上有很多书。
'What a cozy room!' she said. 'I can read to you if you like.' “多舒服的房间啊!””她说。“如果你愿意，我可以读给你听。”
'No, let's talk,' replied Laurie. “不，让我们谈谈，”劳里回答。
'Alright,' said Jo. 'I can talk for hours. Beth says I never know when to stop.' “好吧,”乔说。“我能讲上几个小时。贝丝说我总是不知道什么时候该停下来。”
'Which sister is Beth Does she sometimes carry a brown basket when she goes out ' asked Laurie. “哪个妹妹是贝丝 ”她出去的时候有时会提一个棕色的篮子吗 ”劳里问。
'Yes. She's very shy. She doesn't go out much. She loves being at home.' “是的。她很害羞。她不常出去。她喜欢待在家里。”
'And Meg is very pretty and Amy has lovely blonde hair,' Laurie continued. “梅格很漂亮，艾米有可爱的金发，”劳里接着说。
'Yes!' said Jo in a surprised voice. 'How do you know that ' “是的!”乔惊讶地说道。“你怎么知道的 ”
'You call each other's names when you are in the garden. I can hear you from my room. Sometimes you forget to close the curtains and I can see you all around the table with your mother. She has a very kind face. I like looking at her. I haven't got a mother, you know.' “你们在花园里互相称呼对方的名字。我在房间里就能听到你的声音。有时你忘了拉上窗帘，我能看到你和你妈妈坐在桌子周围。她有一张非常和善的脸。我喜欢看她。你知道，我没有妈妈。”
Jo felt sad when she heard this. 乔听了这些话感到很难过。
'Why don't you come and visit us ' she said suddenly. 'It isn't good for you to stay in this house all the time.' “你为什么不来看看我们呢 ”她突然说。“你老是呆在这个房子里对你不好。”
'Thank you. I'd like to come very much,' said Laurie. 'We know all our neighbors except you,' Jo said. 'I'm glad we're friends now.' “谢谢你。“我很想来，”劳里说。“除了你，我们都认识我们的邻居，”乔说。“我很高兴我们现在是朋友。”
She told him about all the interesting things in her life - her plays, her plans and her passion for books. Laurie loved books too, and offered to show her the library in the house. 她告诉他她生活中所有有趣的事情 — 她的戏剧，她的计划和她对书籍的热爱。劳里也喜欢书，主动向她展示家里的图书馆。
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The library was a wonderful room. Jo loved it. 图书馆是一个漂亮的房间。乔爱它。
'How marvelous!' she sighed. 'All those books!' “真了不起!”她叹了口气。“所有这些书!”
'A person needs more than books,' said Laurie. “一个人需要的不只是书，”劳里说。
Just then the bell rang and a maid came in. 正在这时铃响了，一个女仆走了进来。
'The doctor is here to see you, sir,' she said. “医生来看您了，先生，”她说。
'I'm sorry, Jo, but I must see him,' said Laurie. 'Wait for me here, please.' “对不起，乔，我必须见他，”劳里说。“请在这儿等我。”
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He went away and Jo walked around the room. She was standing in front of a portrait of old Mr Laurence when she heard a sound behind her. She thought it was Laurie so she said, 'I like him. He's got kind eyes, but he isn't as handsome as my grandfather.' 他走了，乔在房间里踱来踱去。她正站在老劳伦斯先生的画像前，突然听到身后有声音。她以为是劳里，就说:“我喜欢他。他有一双和善的眼睛，但他没有我爷爷英俊。”
'Thank you, ma'am,' said a deep voice. She turned round quickly. Old Mr Laurence was standing near the door. “谢谢您，夫人，”一个深沉的声音说。她很快转过身来。老劳伦斯先生站在门边。
'So I am not as handsome as your grandfather ' “所以我不如你爷爷英俊 ”
'No, sir,' she replied. Her face was red. “没有，先生，”她回答。她的脸涨红了。
'But you like me anyway ' “可你还是喜欢我 ”
'Yes, I do, sir.' “是的，先生。”
The old gentleman laughed and said, 'Your grandfather was a good man, my dear. He was also a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.' 老先生笑着说:“你的爷爷是个好人，亲爱的。他也是一个勇敢而诚实的人，我很自豪能成为他的朋友。”
'Thank you, sir.' “谢谢你,先生。”
Jo began to feel less shy. 乔开始觉得不那么害羞了。
'I came to see Laurie, sir. I saw him at the window. He looked very sad and I wanted to cheer him up.' “我来见劳里，先生。我在窗口看见他。”他看起来很伤心，我想让他高兴起来。”
'Do you think he is lonely ' “你觉得他孤独吗 ”
'Yes, sir. We're only girls, but we are happy to help if we can.' “是的，先生。我们只是女孩子，但如果能帮上忙我们也很乐意。”
A bell rang in a room downstairs. 楼下一个房间里响起了铃声。
'That's the tea bell,' Mr Laurence said. 'Please stay and have tea with us.' “那是茶铃，”劳伦斯先生说。“请留下来和我们一起喝茶。”
He was glad that his grandson had a friend. 他很高兴孙子有了一个朋友。
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5 A SURPRISE FOR BETH 5 给贝丝的一个惊喜
The new friendship between the March family and the Laurence family became stronger and stronger during the following weeks. Old Mr Laurence often went to see Mrs March after Jo's visit to the stone mansion. He enjoyed her company and her cheerfulness. 在接下来的几周里，马家和劳伦斯家之间的新友谊越来越牢固。在乔参观了石头豪宅之后，劳伦斯老先生经常去看望马奇太太。他喜欢她的陪伴和快乐。
The young people went ice-skating and sleighing, and spent many pleasant evenings together. Everybody liked Laurie, and Laurie told Mr Brooke, his tutor, that the March girls were 'splendid'. He was tired of books. He wanted to be with young people. He began to spend most of his time with the March family and he didn't go to his lessons. Mr Brooke was worried about his progress. 年轻人去滑冰和滑雪，在一起度过了许多愉快的夜晚。每个人都喜欢劳里，劳里告诉他的家庭教师布鲁克先生，马奇家的女孩“棒极了”。他对书感到厌倦。他想和年轻人在一起。他开始把大部分时间花在马奇一家身上，也不去上课。布鲁克先生担心他的进步。
'Don't worry, Brooke!'Mr Laurence said. 'Mrs March is doing more for him than we can.' “别担心,布鲁克!劳伦斯先生说。“马奇太太为他做的比我们多。”
Sometimes the girls visited the stone mansion. Laurie was very happy to show them all the lovely things in the house. Meg enjoyed looking at the flowers in the conservatory. Jo read the books in the library and Amy copied the pictures. 有时女孩们会参观石头豪宅。劳里非常高兴地向他们展示房子里所有可爱的东西。梅格喜欢看暖房里的花。乔在图书馆看书，艾米则临摹图片。
Only Beth stayed away. She was afraid of Mr Laurence. She knew that there was a grand piano in the library and she wanted to play it but she was too afraid to go to the house. When he heard this, Mr Laurence tried to find a way of solving this problem. 只有贝丝没有来。她害怕劳伦斯先生。她知道图书馆里有一架大钢琴，她想弹它，但她太害怕了，不敢走到屋里去。听到这些话，劳伦斯先生试图找到一个解决这个问题的办法。
During one of his visits to Mrs March, he started talking about music. Beth was sitting quietly in a corner. 一次去看望马奇太太时，他开始谈论音乐。贝丝静静地坐在角落里。
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'Laurie isn't playing the piano much these days,' Mr Laurence told Mrs March. 'This isn't good for the instrument. Would your girls like to practice on it now and then Just to keep it in tune, you know, ma'am.' “这些天劳里不怎么弹钢琴，”劳伦斯先生对马奇太太说。“这对乐器不好。你的女儿们要不要偶尔练习一下 你知道，夫人，只是为了让它保持音准。”
Beth moved a little closer to him to listen to the conversation. 贝丝走近他一点，听着他们的谈话。
'They don't need to see or speak to anyone,' continued Mr Laurence. 'I'm always in my study in another part of the house.' “他们不需要见任何人或跟任何人说话，”劳伦斯先生接着说。“我总是在房子另一头的书房里。”
He stood up and went to the door. 他站起来，向门口走去。
'I must go now, but please tell the young ladies what I said. Goodbye!' “我现在得走了，请把我的话告诉小姐们。再见!”
Beth ran up to him and touched his arm. 贝丝跑到他跟前，碰了碰他的胳膊。
'I'm Beth,' she said shyly. 'I love music. I'd love to come but I don't want to disturb you.' “我是贝丝，”她害羞地说。“我喜欢音乐。我很愿意来，但不想打扰你。”
Mr Laurence smiled at her. 劳伦斯先生朝她笑了笑。
'The library is usually empty, my dear,' he said gently. 'Come and play when you like.' “图书室通常是空的，亲爱的，”他温柔地说。“你想玩就来玩吧。”
'Thank you, Sir!' “谢谢你,先生!”
After that, Beth went to play the piano in the mansion nearly every day. Mr Laurence loved listening to her. He opened his study door to hear the songs better, but Beth never knew that. 从那以后，贝丝几乎每天都去那座豪宅弹钢琴。劳伦斯先生喜欢听她说话。他打开书房的门以便更好地听歌，但贝丝从来不知道这一点。
Why was Beth afraid to play the grand piano How did Mr. Laurence make Beth play the piano
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A few weeks after her first visit to the mansion, Beth said to her mother, 'I'm going to make a pair of slippers for Mr Laurence, Mother. I want to thank him, and I don't know another way.' 在贝丝拜访这座豪宅的几个星期后，她对母亲说:“我打算给劳伦斯先生做一双拖鞋，妈妈。”我想感谢他，我不知道还有什么别的办法。”
When the slippers were ready, she wrote a short note to the old gentleman and asked Laurie to put them on his grandfather's desk. 拖鞋准备好后，她给老先生写了一张便条，让劳里把拖鞋放在爷爷的桌子上。
Two days later Beth had the biggest surprise of her life. A small piano arrived at the Marches' house! There was a letter for her with it. Jo read it aloud. 两天后，贝丝有了她一生中最大的惊喜。马奇家收到了一架小钢琴!里面还有她的一封信。乔大声读着。
Dear Miss March, I like the slippers very much. They fit me perfectly and they are very comfortable. I hope you like the piano. It belonged to my little granddaughter. She's dead now but when I see you, I remember her. Thank you and best wishes, Your grateful friend, JAMES LAURENCE 亲爱的小姐, 我非常喜欢这双拖鞋。它们非常适合我，而且非常舒适。我希望你喜欢钢琴。它是我的小孙女的。她现在已经死了，但当我看到你，我就会想起她。 谢谢你，并致以良好的祝愿。 你的感激的朋友, 詹姆斯 劳伦斯
It was a beautiful little piano. Beth sat down and played it immediately. 那是一架漂亮的小钢琴。贝丝坐下来，马上弹奏起来。
'It's perfect!' she sighed. 'I must go and thank him.' “这是完美的!”她叹了口气。“我得去谢谢他。”
And she walked out of the house and into the stone mansion. Her sisters were very surprised because Beth was usually very shy. Mr Laurence was also surprised when she opened his study door and ran up to him. 她走出房子，走进了石头豪宅。她的姐妹们很惊讶，因为贝丝通常都很害羞。当她打开劳伦斯先生书房的门跑向他时，劳伦斯先生也很吃惊。
'I came to thank you, sir...' But she didn't finish. When she saw his friendly face and she remembered his little granddaughter, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. “我是来感谢您的，先生……但她没有说完。当她看到他那张友好的脸，想起了他的小孙女，便搂着他的脖子亲吻他的脸颊。
She wasn't afraid of him any more and after that they became best friends. 她不再害怕他了，从那以后，他们成了最好的朋友。
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6 DREAMS 6梦想
Winter turned to spring and spring turned to summer. The girls worked in the garden, went for long walks and picked flowers. Jo often went rowing on the river with Laurie. One day an English family visited him. Laurie organized a picnic in the field for them. He also invited the four March sisters. They had a very good time. Mr Brooke was there, too. He was especially kind to Meg and talked to her a lot that afternoon. Meg liked him very much. 冬天变成了春天，春天变成了夏天。姑娘们在花园里干活，出去长时间散步，摘花。乔经常和劳里在河上划船。一天，一个英国家庭来拜访他。劳里为他们组织了一次野外野餐。他还邀请了马奇四姐妹。他们玩得很开心。布鲁克先生也在那里。他对梅格特别好，那天下午他跟她说了很多话。梅格非常喜欢他。
Sometimes that summer, when it was very hot, the girls walked to the top of the hill near their house. It was cool under the trees and there was a wonderful view over the river from the top. 那年夏天，有时天气很热，女孩们会走到房子附近的山顶上。树下很凉爽，从山顶可以看到河上的美景。
One day Laurie followed them. He hid behind a tree and watched them. A squirrel suddenly ran down the tree trunk and Beth looked up. She saw Laurie and waved. 一天，劳里跟着他们。他躲在树后看着他们。一只松鼠突然从树干上跑下来，贝丝抬头看了看。她看见劳里，就挥了挥手。
'Can I join you 'Laurie asked shyly. “我能加入你们吗 ””劳里害羞地问。
'Of course!' said Meg. 'Come and sit down!' “当然!”梅格说。“过来坐下!”
'We call this hill the Delectable Mountain,' Jo told him. Because we can look far away and see the country of our dreams.' “我们称这座小山为‘悦人之山’，”乔对他说。因为我们可以远眺，看到我们梦想的国家。”
Which of the four sisters does Mr. Brooke like most □ Beth □ Meg □ Jo □ Amy Does Laurie want to be a businessman like his grandfather What does Jo want to be
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'I have lots of dreams,' said Laurie. He lay down and looked up at the sky. “我有很多梦，”劳里说。他躺下，仰望天空。
'Tell us about your favorite one, Laurie,' Meg said. “跟我们说说你最喜欢的那本书，劳里，”梅格说。
'Only if you tell me about yours,' the boy replied. The girls agreed, so Laurie began. “除非你告诉我你的事，”孩子回答。姑娘们都同意了，于是劳里开始说。
'I want to travel around the world and see lots of places. Then I'd like to become a famous musician. Grandfather wants me to go to college and then become a businessman like him. But I don't care about money or business. I just want to enjoy myself.' “我想环游世界，看很多地方。然后我想成为一个著名的音乐家。爷爷想让我上大学，然后像他一样成为一个商人。但我不在乎钱和生意。我只想享受生活。”
'Why don't you get on a ship and sail away ' said Jo. “你为什么不搭上船远航呢 ””乔说。
'No, Jo,' said Meg quickly. 'That isn't right. Laurie, you must do what your grandfather wants. He loves you.' “不，乔，”梅格很快地说。“这不是正确的。劳里，你必须按你爷爷说的做。他爱你。”
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'Perhaps you're right, Meg,' Laurie said. 'My grandfather is old and he doesn't have anyone else. He only has me. Tell us about your favorite dream, Meg!' “也许你是对的，梅格，”劳里说。“我爷爷老了，他没有别的亲人。他只有我。告诉我们你最喜欢的梦，梅格!”
'I'd like a lovely house, full of all kinds of nice things-good food, pretty clothes and lovely furniture,' Meg said. 'And lots of money, of course. I'd also like to help people. I want to be a good person.' “我想要一个漂亮的房子，里面要有各种各样的好东西——好的食物、漂亮的衣服和漂亮的家具，”梅格说。“当然还有很多钱。我也想帮助别人。我想做个好人。”
'And what about a husband and some beautiful children in your lovely house ' said Jo, laughing. “在你可爱的房子里找个丈夫和几个漂亮的孩子怎么样 ”乔笑着说。
Meg looked at Laurie and her face turned red. 梅格看着劳里，她的脸变红了。
'I suppose you want horses and pens and books in your house, Jo!' she replied. “我猜你家里需要马、笔和书，乔!”她回答。
'You're right! Lots of Arabian horses and rooms full of books,' said Jo. 'I want to write books and be rich and famous. I want to do something important in my life. That's my favorite dream. And yours, Beth ' “你是对的!“有许多阿拉伯马和装满书的房间，”乔说。“我想写书，发财成名。我想在我的生命中做一些重要的事情。那是我最喜欢的梦。和你的,贝丝 ”
I dream about staying at home with Father and Mother forever and looking after the family,' said Beth quietly. “我梦想永远呆在家里和爸爸妈妈在一起照顾一家人，”贝丝平静地说。
'Is that all ' asked Laurie. “就这些吗 ”劳里问。
'Now I have my little piano, I don't want anything else.' “现在我有了我的小钢琴，我什么也不要了。”
'I have lots of dreams,' said Amy.' But my favorite one is to be an artist. I'd like to go to Rome and paint wonderful pictures. I want to be the best artist in the world.' “我有很多梦，”艾米说。“但我最喜欢的是当一名艺术家。我想去罗马画一些精彩的画。我想成为世界上最好的艺术家。”
'Let's meet again in ten years and see how many of us have got our wishes,' said Jo. She was always ready with a plan. “我们十年后再见面吧，看看我们中有多少人实现了愿望，”乔说。她总是有个计划。
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7 A TELEGRAM 7一份电报
November was cold, wet and grey. 十一月是寒冷、潮湿和灰暗的。
'November is the worst month of the year,' Meg said grumpily. She was looking out of one of the parlor windows. “十一月是一年中最糟糕的月份，”梅格不高兴地说。她从客厅的一扇窗户往外看。
'Nothing pleasant ever happens in this family,' she continued. 'We work all the time and we have very little fun. 'Oh dear! You aren't very happy today,' said Jo. “这个家从来没有发生过什么愉快的事，”她接着说。“我们整天都在工作，却很少有乐趣。“哦,亲爱的!“你今天不太高兴，”乔说。
Did Meg like November Why Why did Beth smile What did Laurie come for
Beth was sitting at another window. She was smiling. 贝丝坐在另一个窗口。她微笑着。
'Two pleasant things are going to happen right now,' she said. 'Mother is coming down the garden path and Laurie is crossing the garden. He looks excited about something.' 她说，现在将会发生两件令人愉快的事情。“妈妈正沿着花园的小路走过来，劳里正穿过花园。他看起来对什么事很兴奋。”
Mrs March came in first and asked her usual question, 'Is there a letter from Father, girls ' 马奇太太先走进来，问了个老问题:“女儿们，有父亲来的信吗 ”
Then Laurie arrived and asked,' Would you like to come for a drive It's a grey day, but the air isn't bad. I'm going to take Mr Brooke e on, Jo! What about you, Beth ' 这时劳里来了，他问:“你愿意开车兜风吗 ”天气阴沉，但空气还不错。我要送布鲁克先生回家。来吧,乔!你呢，贝丝 ”
Oh, yes!' they both replied together. 哦,是的!他们俩齐声回答。
'I'm busy,' said Meg. “我忙着呢，”梅格说。
'I'll come, too!' cried Amy. “我也会!”艾米喊道。
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Just then Hannah came in. She was carrying a letter. 就在这时汉娜进来了。她带着一封信。
'It's one of those horrid telegrams,' she said. “这是一封可怕的电报，”她说。
When Mrs March heard the word 'telegram', she took it quickly from Hannah. She read it and sat down suddenly in her chair. Her face was white. Laurie ran to get some water for her while Jo read the telegram aloud. 马奇太太一听到“电报”这个词，就赶紧从汉娜手里接过。她读着信，突然在椅子上坐了下来。她的脸色苍白。劳里跑去给她弄点水来，乔则大声读着电报。
The girls went and stood around Mrs March's chair in silence. Laurie quietly left the room. This was the family's private moment of grief. 姑娘们走过去，默默地站在马奇太太的椅子周围。劳里悄悄地离开了房间。这是这个家庭的悲痛时刻。
Mrs March soon recovered from the shock. She held out her arms to her daughters and said, 'I must go to him immediately. Perhaps it's already too late! You must help me, girls!' 马奇太太很快从这一打击中恢复过来。她向女儿们伸出双臂说:“我必须马上去找他。”也许已经太迟了!你们必须帮助我，姑娘们!”
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH COMPANY Mrs March. Your husband is very e immediately. S. Hale. Blank Hospital Washington.
The girls started to cry. Hannah was crying, too. For a few minutes the room was full of the sound of their sobs. Then Mrs March dried her eyes and said, 'We must be calm. I must make a plan. Where's Laurie ' 女孩们开始哭泣。汉娜也在哭。过了几分钟，房间里就充满了他们的呜咽声。然后马奇太太擦干眼泪说:“我们必须冷静。我必须制定一个计划。劳里在哪儿 ”
'Here, ma'am,' he said, running into the room. 'What can I do to help ' “在这儿，夫人，”他说着跑进了房间。“我能帮上什么忙吗 ”
'Send a telegram to Mr Hale. Say that I'm going to take the first train tomorrow morning.' “给黑尔先生发封电报。就说我明天早晨乘第一班火车去。”
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'Anything else ' asked Laurie. “还有别的事吗 ”劳里问。
'Yes. Please take this note to Aunt March,' said Mrs March. ‘是的。“请把这张条子带给马奇太太，”马奇太太说。
She quickly wrote something and gave it to him. Five minutes later Laurie galloped past the window on his horse. 她很快写了些东西给了他。五分钟后，劳里骑着马从窗口疾驰而过。
Then Mrs March made a list and gave it to Jo. 然后马奇太太列了一个单子给了乔。
'Go to town and buy these things, Jo. I must take extra food and clothes for your father. Beth, go and tell Mr Laurence that I'm leaving tomorrow. Amy, tell Hannah to bring the black trunk to my bedroom. Meg, come and help me pack, please.' “去镇上把这些东西买下来，乔。我必须为你父亲多带些吃的和穿的。贝丝，去告诉劳伦斯先生我明天就要走了。艾米，告诉汉娜把黑色的箱子搬到我卧室来。梅格，过来帮我打包，谢谢。”
Mr Laurence came back with Beth. He brought a box of food and some good wine for Mr March. A little later Mr Brooke arrived. 劳伦斯先生和贝丝一起回来了。他给马奇先生带来一盒食物和一些好酒。不一会儿，布鲁克先生来了。
'I'm very sorry to hear about your father, Miss March,' he said, when Meg opened the door. He spoke in a quiet and kind way. Meg immediately began to feel better. She looked up into his brown eyes and for a moment she forgot all her problems. “你父亲的事我很难过，马奇小姐，”当梅格打开门时他说。他说话的方式安静而亲切。梅格立刻感觉好些了。她抬起头来望着他那双棕色的眼睛，一时忘记了所有的烦恼。
'I'm going to Washington, tomorrow, too,' he continued. 'I have to do a few things for Mr Laurence. So if your mother agrees, we can travel together. I can keep her company and help her with her bags.' “我明天也要去华盛顿，”他接着说。“我得为劳伦斯先生做些事。所以如果你妈妈同意，我们可以一起去。我可以陪着她，帮她提包。”
'Thank you very, very much, Mr Brooke!' replied Meg. 'It's a long journey.' “非常、非常感谢你，布鲁克先生!””梅格说。“路途很长。”
Everything was ready when Laurie returned. He brought a note and some money from Aunt March. The afternoon passed slowly. Meg and her mother sewed, Beth and Amy prepared supper and Hannah did the ironing. It was dark when Jo finally arrived home. She had a very strange expression on her face. She put some money in her mother's hand and said. This is for Father. Buy something nice for him and bring him home!' 劳里回来时，一切都准备好了。他从马奇太太那里带来一张字条和一些钱。下午过得很慢。梅格和妈妈做针线活，贝丝和艾米准备晚饭，汉娜熨衣服。乔终于到家时天已经黑了。她脸上有一种很奇怪的表情。她把一些钱放在她母亲的手里说。这是给父亲的。给他买点好东西，把他带回家来!”
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'Twenty-five dollars! My dear, where did you get it ' said Mrs March in a surprised voice. “25美元!亲爱的，你从哪儿弄来的 ”马奇太太用惊讶的声音说。
'I earned it,' replied Jo, taking off her hat. “是我应得的，”乔答道，摘下她的帽子。
Everybody in the room gasped. Jo's hair was as short as a boy's. 房间里的每个人都倒抽了一口冷气。乔的头发和男孩子的一样短。
'Your hair! You cut your beautiful hair!' cried her mother. 'It wasn't necessary to do that!'She touched her daughter's head and kissed her. 'You don't look like my Jo anymore. But I love you the same!' “你的头发!你剪了你漂亮的头发!她母亲喊道。“没有必要这样做!”她摸了摸女儿的头，吻了她一下。“你看起来不像我的乔了。可我同样爱你!”
'Why did you do it ' asked Amy. She couldn't imagine cutting her own pretty hair. “你为什么要这样做 ””艾米问。她无法想象剪掉自己漂亮的头发。
'I wanted to do something for Father,' replied Jo. “我想为爸爸做点事，”乔回答。
Mrs March looked at her and smiled. She understood and she was proud of her daughter. 马奇太太看着她，笑了。她理解她，也为她的女儿感到骄傲。
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That evening Beth played her father's favorite hymn before they went to bed. At the end of it they were all crying. 那天晚上，上床睡觉前，贝丝弹奏了父亲最喜欢的赞美诗。最后他们都哭了。
'Go to bed, my dears,' said Mrs March. 'You need to sleep because we must get up early tomorrow.' “去睡觉吧，亲爱的，”马奇太太说。“你需要睡觉，因为明天我们得早起。”
Beth and Amy soon fell asleep but Meg was awake for a long time. She thought Jo was asleep but then Jo sobbed very softly. 贝丝和艾米很快就睡着了，但梅格醒了很长时间。她以为乔睡着了，可后来乔很轻地抽泣起来。
'Jo! You're crying!' said Meg. 'Are you worried about Father ' “乔!你哭了!”梅格说。“你担心爸爸吗 ”
'No, not now.' “不,不是现在。”
'Why then ' “为什么呢 ”
'My hair!' “我的头发!”
Meg smiled and kissed her sister. 梅格笑了，吻了吻她妹妹。
'And you, Meg Can't you sleep ' “而你,梅格 你睡不着吗 ”
'I'm thinking about Father,' replied Meg. “我在想爸爸，”梅格回答。
But when the clock struck midnight, they were all asleep. Only Mrs March was still awake. She moved quietly from bed to bed, looking tenderly at each sleeping face. Then she went to the window and looked at the cold, wet night. Suddenly the moon came out from behind the clouds and shone like a bright face. It seemed to whisper in the silence, Don't worry! There is always a light behind the clouds.' 但当午夜钟声敲响时，他们都睡着了。只有马奇太太还醒着。她静静地从一张床走到另一张床，温柔地看着每一张熟睡的脸。然后她走到窗前，看着这寒冷潮湿的夜晚。突然，月亮从云层后面钻了出来，像一张明亮的脸。它似乎在寂静中低语:“别担心!”乌云后面总有一线光明。”
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8 WITHOUT MOTHER 8没有母亲
The next day was also cold and grey. Nobody talked much during breakfast. Mrs March was pale and tired. The girls tried to hide their tears. 第二天也是阴冷的。早餐时没有人多说话。马奇太太脸色苍白，疲惫不堪。女孩们竭力不让人看见她们的眼泪。
Then Mr Brooke arrived with the carriage and it was time for Mrs March to leave. She kissed her daughters one by one and said, 'Keep busy, my dears, and never lose hope!' 后来布鲁克先生驾着马车来了，马奇太太也该走了。她一个接一个地吻着她的女儿们说:“忙起来吧，我亲爱的，永远不要失去希望!”
'Yes, Mother.' “是的,妈妈。”
'Meg, look after your sisters. If you need help, ask Hannah or Mr Laurence. Jo, be patient and cheerful, and write to me often. Beth and Amy, help with the housework and be obedient.' “梅格，照顾好你的妹妹们。如果你需要帮助，找汉娜或劳伦斯先生。乔，要有耐心，要开朗，经常给我写信。贝丝和艾米，帮着做家务，要听话。”
'Yes, Mother! Don't worry!' “是的,妈妈!别担心!”
She got into the carriage and opened the window. 她走进马车，打开窗户。
'Goodbye, my dears!' she called as it drove away. The girls waved their hands cheerfully until the carriage turned the corner. Then, with sad faces and heavy hearts, they went back inside. “再见,我亲爱的!马车开走时她喊道。姑娘们高高兴兴地挥手，直到马车拐过街角。然后，他们带着悲伤的表情和沉重的心情回到屋里。
'The house seems very empty now,' said Meg. “房子现在好像很空，”梅格说。
'Our motto is "Hope and keep busy", said Jo brightly. She was trying to forget how sad she was feeling. 'So I'm going to go and see Aunt March. What about you, Meg ' “我们的座右铭是‘充满希望，保持忙碌’，”乔欢快地说。她试图忘记她是多么伤心。“所以我要去见马奇太太。你呢，梅格 ”
'I'm going to teach the King children,' replied Meg. 'And Amy and I are going to help Hannah with the housework,' said Beth. “我要去教国王的孩子们，”梅格回答。“艾米和我打算帮汉娜做些家务，”贝丝说。
'I think anxiety is very interesting,' Amy said seriously. “我觉得焦虑很有趣，”艾米严肃地说。
Her remark made her sisters laugh, and they all started to feel a little better. 她的话逗得她的姐姐们笑了起来，她们都开始觉得好点了。
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A letter arrived every day from Mr Brooke with news about their father's health. He was dangerously ill, Mr Brooke wrote, but he was slowly getting better. Mrs March was a good nurse and Mr March was very happy that she was there. 布鲁克先生每天都会来信，告诉他们父亲的健康状况。他病得很危险，布鲁克先生写道，但他在慢慢地好转。马奇太太是位好护士，马奇先生很高兴她在那儿。
·Match the people(a-e) with who, or what, they have to look after (1-5). □ dentist 1 sick people □ baby sitter 2 sick animals □ doctor 3 people's teeth □ vet 4 plants dener5 small children ·Would you like to do one of these jobs ·If so, which one ·If not, what kind of job would you like to do Tell the class.
For a week the girls kept to their motto and worked hard. Then Jo got a bad cold and had to stay at home. She didn't mind this at all because she didn't like going to Aunt March's. She was happy to lie on the sofa all day with her books and medicine. Amy got bored with doing housework so she took out her pencils and drawing book again. Meg went to teach the King children every day, and sewed. She spent the rest of her time writing long letters to her mother and reading the letters from Mr Brooke. Only Beth continued to look after the house. She did her own jobs and her sisters' jobs, too. She never complained. And every day she took some food to the Hummel family. 一个星期以来，女孩们坚持她们的座右铭，努力地学习。然后乔得了重感冒，不得不呆在家里。她一点也不介意，因为她不喜欢去马奇太太家。她很高兴整天和书、药一起躺在沙发上。艾米厌倦了做家务，于是又拿出铅笔和画册。梅格每天去教国王的孩子们做针线活。其余的时间，她给母亲写长信，读布鲁克先生来的信。只有贝丝继续照看房子。她做她自己的工作，也做她姐姐们的工作。她从不抱怨。每天她都给哈梅尔一家带些食物。
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One day, about ten days after their mother's departure, Beth went to Meg and said, 'Can you go and see the Hummel family today, Meg I've got a headache and I feel tired.' 一天，大约在她们母亲离开后10天，贝丝来对梅格说:“你今天能去看望哈梅尔一家吗，梅格 ”我头疼，感觉很累。”
'I'm sorry, Beth,' her sister replied. 'I want to finish this letter to Mother.' “对不起，贝丝，”她姐姐回答说。“我要把给妈妈的这封信写完。”
Beth lay on the sofa. An hour passed. Then she quietly put on her cloak, filled her basket with food for the poor children, and went out into the cold air. It was late when she came back. She went straight upstairs to her mother's room and closed the door. Half an hour after, Jo found her there. Her eyes were red and there was a worried expression on her face. She was holding a bottle of medicine in her hand. 贝丝躺在沙发上。一个小时过去了。然后她静静地披上斗篷，在篮子里装满了给穷孩子们吃的食物，然后出去到寒冷的空气中。她回来时已经很晚了。她径直上楼来到母亲的房间，关上了门。半小时后，乔发现她在那儿。她的眼睛红红的，脸上有一种担心的表情。她手里拿着一瓶药。
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'Christopher Columbus! What's the matter ' cried Jo. “哥伦布!有什么事吗 ”乔喊道。
'Did you have scarlet fever when you were younger, Jo ' she asked. “你年轻的时候得过猩红热吗，乔 ””她问。
'Yes, Meg and I had it at the same time. Why ' “是的，梅格和我同时得的。为什么 ”
'The baby's dead, Jo!' “孩子死了，乔!”
'What baby ' “什么宝贝 ”
'Mrs Hummel's. It died before she got back from work,' cried Beth with a sob. “哈梅尔夫人的。在她下班回来之前它就死了，”贝丝抽泣着喊道。
'My poor darling! How awful for you!' said Jo. “我可怜的亲爱的!这对你太可怕了!”乔说。
'It wasn't awful, Jo. Only very sad!' “那并不可怕，乔。只是很难过!”
'Don't cry, dear! What did you do ' “别哭了,亲爱的!你做了什么 ”
'I just sat and held it. Then Mrs Hummel came with the doctor. "Scarlet fever, ma'am," he said. He was angry. "Why didn't you call me before " he asked Mrs Hummel. She told him she was poor. Then he told me to go home and take some medicine immediately.' “我只是坐着拿着它。然后哈梅尔太太带着医生来了。“猩红热，太太，”他说。他很生气。“你以前为什么不打电话给我 ”他问哈梅尔太太。她告诉他她很穷。然后他让我马上回家吃点药。”
'Oh, Beth!' “哦,贝丝!”
'Don't be frightened! I read about scarlet fever in Mother's book. I took some of this medicine and I feel a little better now,' said Beth putting her cold hands on her hot forehead. “不要害怕!我在妈妈的书里读到过猩红热。“我吃了些这种药，现在感觉好点了，”贝丝把冰冷的手放在滚烫的额头上说。
Use your dictionary to find out what these childhood illnesses are. Which did you have as a child Tick(√). □chicken pox □measles □mumps □German measles What must you do when you have one of these illnesses
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Jo picked up the book and read a page. Then she looked at Beth's throat. It was very red. 乔拿起书读了一页。然后她看了看贝丝的喉咙。它非常红。
'I'm going to ask Hannah what to do. She knows about illnesses,' said Jo. “我去问问汉娜怎么办。“她知道疾病，”乔说。
'Tell Amy not to come near me!' said Beth anxiously. 'She mustn't catch it, too.' “告诉艾米别走近我!”贝丝担心地说。“她可不能也抓住它。”
Jo went to find Hannah. After looking at Beth's throat and asking her some questions, Hannah said, 'We must call Doctor Bangs, Jo. Don't worry! It's probably only a bad cold. Amy must go to Aunt March's for a few days and one of you girls can stay at home and keep Beth company. Who do you want, Beth ' 乔去找汉娜。汉娜检查了贝丝的喉咙并问了她几个问题后说:“我们必须请邦斯医生，乔。别担心!可能只是重感冒。艾美必须到马奇太太家去住几天，你们哪一个可以呆在家里陪贝思。你想找谁，贝丝 ”
'Jo, please.' “乔,请。”
Amy didn't want to go to Aunt March's. She wanted to stay with her family. When Laurie arrived a little later she was sobbing on the sofa. She told him the news. 艾米不想去马奇太太家。她想和家人待在一起。过了一会儿劳里来了，她正坐在沙发上哭泣。她把消息告诉了他。
'Why do I have to go away ' she asked between sobs. “为什么我必须离开 ”她抽泣着问。
'You don't want scarlet fever, do you ' replied Laurie. 'Listen! Go to Aunt March's and I promise to visit you every day and take you for a drive in my carriage.' “你不会想要猩红热吧 ””劳里回答。“听!”去马奇太太家吧，我答应每天都去看你，并坐我的马车带你去兜风。”
So finally she agreed to go. 最后她同意去了。
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9 DARK DAYS 9黑暗的日子
Beth had scarlet fever, and she was very ill. She was worse than Hannah or the doctor expected. Jo and Meg didn't know much about looking after ill people so Hannah looked after Beth. She was an excellent nurse. Jo helped. She sat next to Beth's bed day and night and watched her. The doctor came twice a day, but Beth didn't get better. She got worse. Meg wanted to write and tell their mother to come home but Hannah said, 'No, don't say anything to your mother yet. We don't want to worry her.' 贝丝得了猩红热，病得很重。她的情况比汉娜和医生预想的还要糟。乔和梅格不太懂照顾病人，所以是汉娜照顾贝丝。她是一位优秀的护士。乔帮助。她日日夜夜坐在贝丝的床边看着她。医生每天来两次，但是贝丝没有好转。她变得更糟。梅格想写信叫她们的妈妈回家来，可汉娜说:“不行，先别跟你妈妈说。”我们不想让她担心。”
A letter arrived from Washington. Their father was ill again. Their mother had to stay and look after him. She couldn't come home. 华盛顿来了一封信。他们的父亲又病了。他们的母亲不得不留下来照顾他。她不能回家了。
The days seemed very dark now and the house seemed empty. It was very quiet. Nobody laughed. Nobody sang. Meg and Jo worked and waited with heavy hearts. They missed their sweet, unselfish little sister. Everybody missed the little girl. Mr Laurence locked his grand piano because nobody came to play it. The milkman, the baker, the grocer and the butcher all asked about her. The neighbors sent all kinds of nice things for her and their good wishes. Even poor Mrs Hummel came to the house to say sorry. The girls were surprised to discover how many friends shy little Beth had. 现在天似乎很黑，房子似乎空了。非常安静。没人笑了。没有人唱。梅格和乔工作着，怀着沉重的心情等待着。他们想念他们可爱、无私的小妹妹。每个人都想念这个小女孩。劳伦斯先生锁上了他的三角钢琴，因为没人来弹。送奶工、面包师、杂货店老板和肉店老板都问过她。邻居们给她送去了各种各样的好东西，并送上了他们的祝福。就连可怜的哈梅尔太太也到家里来道歉。女孩们惊奇地发现害羞的小贝思有那么多朋友。
On the first day of December a cold wind blew and it snowed. 12月的第一天，刮起了寒风，下起了雪。
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Doctor Bangs came the following morning. He looked at Beth and held her hot hand in his. Then he turned to Hannah and said in a low voice, 'Tell Mrs March to come home.' 邦斯大夫第二天早上来了。他看着贝丝，把她滚烫的手握在自己的手里。然后他转向汉娜低声说:“告诉马奇太太回家来。”
Jo ran downstairs, wrote a short telegram to her mother and went out into the snowstorm to send it. She was soon back. While she was taking off her cloak, Laurie came with a letter from Mr Brooke. It said t

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