Маленькие женщины краткое содержание на английском.

At Christmas the four March girls decide that they will all try hard to be good, and never to be cross, or lazy, or selfish again. Meg, the oldest, won’t complain about her job or not having pretty dresses. Jo won’t argue and get angry and run wild like a boy. Shy Beth will try hard to be braver, and little Amy will think less of herself and more of other people.

They don’t always succeed, of course, and sometimes there are arguments and secrets and angry tears. But there is also laughter and fun, and soon a new friend – Laurie, the rich and lonely boy next door.

Many troubles and difficulties lie in the year ahead – and the girls are growing up. Wild Jo hates the idea of being a polite young lady, but Meg will soon be seventeen, and ready to fall in love…

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Перевод текста из книги Spotlight 10 класс Афанасьева О.В, Дули Дж, Михеева И.В.

Страница 16-17

Перевод:

Маленькие женщины.

Луиза Мэй Alcott
рос в бедной семье в Бостоне, США, и была одна из четырех дочерей. Она известна прежде всего своими детскими книгами, особенно Маленькие Женщины (1868-1869). Роман отражает жизнь и события Л М Олкотта. Это о люблении и жизнях четырех молодых сестер, растущих в Новой Англии во время американской гражданской войны. Сестры четвертого марта, Мэг, Джо. Бет и Эми, упорно трудитесь с их матерью, чтобы иметь счастливый и мирный дом, в то время как их отец отсутствует в состоянии войны.
Поскольку молодым читателям нравится знать, "как люди смотрят", мы возьмем в этот момент, чтобы дать им немного эскиза этих четырех сестер, которые сидели, соединяя далеко в сумерках 5, в то время как декабрьский снег упал спокойно снаружи, и огонь потрескивал бодро в пределах. Это была удобная старая комната, хотя плодолистик исчезся и очень простая мебель; для хорошего рисунка или двух повешенных на стенах, книги заполнили 10 полок, хризантемы и Рождественские розы цвели в окнах, и приятная атмосфера домашнего мира заполнила rcx), m.
Мэг, eldest1 этих четырех, были шестнадцать, и очень симпатичный, будучи пухлым и справедливым, большими глазами. 15 много мягких, каштановых волос, сладкого рта и белые руки которого она была довольно тщетна. Пятнадцатилетний Джо был очень высоким, худым и смуглым, и напомнил одному из colt2; поскольку она никогда, казалось, не знала, что сделать с ее длинными конечностями, которые были 20 verv очень в ее пути. У нее были решающий рот, смешной нос и острые, серые глаза, которые, казалось, видели все, и могло быть жестоким, забавным или вдумчивым. Ее длинные, густые волосы были ею одна красота: но это обычно связывалось в сети. к 25 быть вне ее пути. У Джо были сутулость, большие руки и ноги, свободный взгляд к ее одежде и неудобному появлению девочки, которая быстро поднималась в женщину и не любила его. Элизабет - или Бет, как все callcd, ее-30 были розовой, ясноглазой девочкой с гладкими волосами тринадцати лет, с застенчивой манерой, робким залогом и мирным выражением, которое редко нарушалось. Ее отец назвал ее "Маленькую мисс Трэнкуиллити", и имя подходило ей превосходно; поскольку она, казалось, жила в счастливом собственном мире. только рискуя 35, чтобы встретить некоторых, которым она доверяла и любила. Эми, хотя самое молодое, был самый важный человек - по ее собственному мнению, по крайней мере. Правильная дева снега, голубыми глазами и желтыми волосами, вьющимися на ее плечах, бледных и тонких, и 40 всегда переносов себя как молодая особа, помнящая ее манеры. Каковы характеры этих четырех сестер были, мы уедем, чтобы быть узнанными.
Часы пробили шесть: и. подметя hearth1. Бет подавляла пару шлепанцев, чтобы нагреться. 45 Так или иначе вид старой обуви имел хороший эффект на девочек; поскольку мать приезжала, и все прояснялись, чтобы приветствовать ее. Мэг прекратила читать лекции и осветила лампу. Эми вышла из кресла без того, чтобы быть спрошенным, и Джо забыл, как 50 усталых, которыми она была, когда она сидела, чтобы держать шлепанцы ближе к огню.
Они вполне стерты: У Матери должна быть новая пара."
"Я думал, что получу ее некоторые с моим долларом. " сказала 55 Бет."
"Нет, я буду! " кричала Эми.
"Я являюсь самым старым," начала Мэг. но Джо вмешивался с решительным:
"Я - человек семьи теперь, когда папа отсутствует. 60 и я обеспечу шлепанцы, поскольку он сказал мне проявлять специальную заботу о матери, в то время как он ушел. " "Я скажу Вам, что мы сделаем," сказала Бет; "позвольте нам каждый гель ее что-то для Рождества, и не получите что-либо для нас."

Оригинал:

Louisa May Alcott
grew up in a poor family in Boston, USA, and was one of four daughters. She is best known for her children"s books, especially Little Women (1868-1869). The novel reflects L M Alcott"s life and experiences. It is about the loves and lives of four young sisters growing up in New England during the American Civil War. The four March sisters, Meg, Jo. Beth and Amy, work hard with their mother to have a happy and peaceful home while their father is away at war.
As young readers like to know "how people look", we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters, who sat knitting away in the twilight 5 while the December snow fell quietly outside and the fire crackled cheerfully within. It was a comfortable old room, though the carpel was faded and the furniture very plain; for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the 10 shelves, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows and a pleasant atmosphere of home-peace filled the rcx)m.
Meg, the eldest1 of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes. 15 plenty of soft, brown hair, a sweet mouth and white hands of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin and brown, and reminded one of a colt2; for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were 20 verv much in her way. She had a decisive mouth, a comical nose and sharp, grey eyes, which appeared to see everything, and could be fierce, funny or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty: but it was usually bundled in a net. to 25 be out of her way. Jo had round shoulders, big hands and feet, a fly-away look to her clothes and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn"t like it. Elizabeth - or Beth, as everyone callcd her -30 was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice and a peaceful expression, which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her "Little Miss Tranquillity", and the name suited her excellently; for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own. only venturing 35 out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person - in her own opinion at least. A regular snow-maiden, with blue eyes and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and 40 always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were, we will leave to be found out.
The clock struck six: and. having swept up the hearth1. Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. 45 Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls; for mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp. Amy got out of the armchair without being asked, and Jo forgot how 50 tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the fire.
They are quite worn out: Mother must have a new pair."
"I thought I"d get her some with my dollar." said 55 Beth. "
"No, I shall!" cried Amy.
"I"m the oldest," began Meg. but Jo cut in with a decided:
"I"m the man of the family now that papa is away. 60 and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone." "I"ll tell you what we"ll do," said Beth; "let"s each gel her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves." it like being 16?
e countryside with my parents. I love that."

Четыре девочки из семьи Марч договариваются что они будут стараться быть хорошими на Рождество, не будут ссориться, лениться и думать только о себе. Старшая Мэг не будет жаловаться по поводу её работы и недостатка хороших платьев. Джоу не будет спорить, злиться и беситься как мальчишка. Застенчивая Бэт будет стараться быть храбрее, а маленькая Эмми будет меньше думать о себе и больше о других людях.

Но, конечно, у них не всегда всё получается и появляются секреты и сердитые слёзы. Но также появляется и смех с весельем, а вскоре и сосед Лори — богатый и одинокий мальчик. Девочки растут и впереди много проблем и трудностей. Дикая Джоу ненавидит идею быть вежливой молодой особой. Мэг скоро будет семнадцать и она готова влюбиться…

Смотреть / слушать онлайн адаптированную аудио книгу на английском языке Little women (Stage 4 / Intermediate):

Glossary

complain to say crossly that you do not like something;
forgive to say or show that you are not angry with someone any-more;
gossip to talk about other people, often unkindly;
grow up to become an adult;
look after to take care of someone or something;
perfume a sweet-smelling liquid, which you put 011 your body;
picnic a meal eaten outside, away from home;
play a story that is acted in a theatre, 011 television or radio, etc;
print to put words on paper (books, newspapers, etc.) using a machine;
servant someone who is paid to work in another persons house;
shocked surprised, by something terrible or not at all nice;
skates boots with a piece of metal fixed underneath for moving 0n ice;
telegram a message sent very quickly by electricity or radio;
toy a plaything for a child;
tutor a private teacher for a child or children at their home;
war fighting between countries, or between large groups of people in the same country ;
wicked very bad or wrong;
wine an alcoholic drink made from grapes.

Exercises

A Cheeking your understanding
Chapters 1-3 Write answers to these questions.
1 Why wasn’t the girls’ father at home that Christmas?
2 Why did Mrs Hummel almost cry with happiness?
3 What happened to Meg’s hair before the New Year’s Eve party?
4 How did Meg get home with her bad ankle?
Chapters 4-6 Are these sentences true (T) or false (F)?
1 Aunt March was a nice old lady who never complained.
2 Jo went to visit Laurie to cheer him up.
3 Beth forgot her shyness when old Mr Laurence gave her a piano.
4 Amy hid Jo’s story notebook to make her sorry.
Chapters 7-9 Who in these chapters…
1 … did not like Meg when she was dressed up in fine clothes?
2 … put salt on the strawberries instead of sugar?
3 … was going to become a soldier next year?
4 … knewr a secret about Meg’s lost glove?
Chapters 10-12 Who said these words, and when?
1 «I shall go at once, but it may be too late.»
2 «I’d do it again, if I could.»
3 ‘Oh, Jo! Mrs Hununel’s baby is dead.’
4 «People wouldn’t feel half so bad about me if I was sick.»
5 ‘I don’t know anything about love!’
Chapters 13-14 Find answers to these questions.
1 Why did Jo get so angry with Laurie?
2 Why wouldn’t Laurie tell his grandfather what he had done?
3 W hat was the surprise at Christmas for the March family?
4 Why didn’t Jo want Meg to marrv John Brooke?

B Working with language
1 Put these into the right order andjoin them together to make four sentences. Check your order in Chapter 10.
1 She was gone a long time.
2 and Jo went out to fetch some things from the shops.
3 When the telegram brought the news about Mr March’s illness.
4 because she wanted to do something to help her father.
5 she had twenty-five dollars to give her mother.
6 She had cut off and sold her lovely long hair
7 Everybody hurried to help her get ready
8 but when she came back.
9 Mrs March said she would leave for Washington at once.
2 Choose the best word to join the sentences together.
1 We invited the Laurence boy to our party andbut he didn’t come.
2 Beth was very shy although/so she didn’t go to school.
3 Jo was very angry indeed while/when Amy burned her notebook.
4 They enjoyed being lazv although/and the days seemed very long.
5 We would all be very sorrv imless if anything happened to you.
C Activities
1 When Mr March comes home, be thinks that his daughters have changed. In what ways do you think they are different? Write a few sentences about each of the four, describing the changes.
2 Imagine you are Aunt March. When you get home, you feel sorry that you were angry with Meg about John Brooke. Write her a letter, trying to be friendly, but also warning her that money is
very important.
3 Jo and Laurie will meet again in three years, after Laurie has been to college. Write about 150words, saying what you think will
happen to them.

Об авторе:
Louisa May Alcott (Луиза Мэй Олкотт) родилась в 1832 году в Пенсильвании, США. Умерла в 1888 г. Она росла в бедной семье и жила трудной жизнью до того, как её книга стала известной.
События книги «Маленькие женщины» основаны на событиях из семейной жизни автора, о четырёх сёстрах Олкотт. Она написала ещё три книги о семье Марч — «Good Wives» (Хорошие жёны), «Little Men» (Маленькие мужчины) и «Jo’s Boys» (мальчики Джоу).

CHAPTER ONE. PLAYING PILGRIMS

"Christmas won"t be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

"It"s so dreadful to be poor!" sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

"I don"t think it"s fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all," added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

"We"ve got Father and Mother, and each other," said Beth contentedly from her corner.

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, "We haven"t got Father, and shall not have him for a long time." She didn"t say "perhaps never," but each silently added it, thinking of Father far away, where the fighting was.

Nobody spoke for a minute; then Meg said in an altered tone, "You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. We can"t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I am afraid I don"t," and Meg shook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted.

"But I don"t think the little we should spend would do any good. We"ve each got a dollar, and the army wouldn"t be much helped by our giving that. I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you, but I do want to buy Undine and Sintran for myself. I"ve wanted it so long," said Jo, who was a bookworm.

"I planned to spend mine in new music," said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle-holder.

"I shall get a nice box of Faber"s drawing pencils; I really need them," said Amy decidedly.

"Mother didn"t say anything about our money, and she won"t wish us to give up everything. Let"s each buy what we want, and have a little fun; I"m sure we work hard enough to earn it," cried Jo, examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner.

"I know I do-teaching those tiresome children nearly all day, when I"m longing to enjoy myself at home," began Meg, in the complaining tone again.

"You don"t have half such a hard time as I do," said Jo. "How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you"re ready to fly out the window or cry?"

"It"s naughty to fret, but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world. It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff, I can"t practice well at all." And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time.

"I don"t believe any of you suffer as I do," cried Amy, "for you don"t have to go to school with impertinent girls, who plague you if you don"t know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn"t rich, and insult you when your nose isn"t nice."

"If you mean libel, I"d say so, and not talk about labels, as if Papa was a pickle bottle," advised Jo, laughing.

"I know what I mean, and you needn"t be statirical about it. It"s proper to use good words, and improve your vocabilary," returned Amy, with dignity.

"Don"t peck at one another, children. Don"t you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little, Jo? Dear me! How happy and good we"d be, if we had no worries!" said Meg, who could remember better times.

"You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children, for they were fighting and fretting all the time, in spite of their money."

"So I did, Beth. Well, I think we are. For though we do have to work, we make fun of ourselves, and are a pretty jolly set, as Jo would say."

"Jo does use such slang words!" observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug.

Jo immediately sat up, put her hands in her pockets, and began to whistle.

"Don"t, Jo. It"s so boyish!"

"That"s why I do it."

"I detest rude, unladylike girls!"

"I hate affected, niminy-piminy chits!"

"Birds in their little nests agree," sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the "pecking" ended for that time.

"Really, girls, you are both to be blamed," said Meg, beginning to lecture in her elder-sisterly fashion. "You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks, and to behave better, Josephine. It didn"t matter so much when you were a little girl, but now you are so tall, and turn up your hair, you should remember that you are a young lady."

"I"m not! And if turning up my hair makes me one, I"ll wear it in two tails till I"m twenty," cried Jo, pulling off her net, and shaking down a chestnut mane. "I hate to think I"ve got to grow up, and be Miss March, and wear long gowns, and look as prim as a China Aster! It"s bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boy"s games and work and manners! I can"t get over my disappointment in not being a boy. And it"s worse than ever now, for I"m dying to go and fight with Papa. And I can only stay home and knit, like a poky old woman!"

And Jo shook the blue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets, and her ball bounded across the room.

"Poor Jo! It"s too bad, but it can"t be helped. So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish, and playing brother to us girls," said Beth, stroking the rough head with a hand that all the dish washing and dusting in the world could not make ungentle in its touch.

"As for you, Amy," continued Meg, "you are altogether too particular and prim. Your airs are funny now, but you"ll grow up an affected little goose, if you don"t take care. I like your nice manners and refined ways of speaking, when you don"t try to be elegant. But your absurd words are as bad as Jo"s slang."

"If Jo is a tomboy and Amy a goose, what am I, please?" asked Beth, ready to share the lecture.

"You"re a dear, and nothing else," answered Meg warmly, and no one contradicted her, for the "Mouse" was the pet of the family.

As young readers like to know "how people look", we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters, who sat knitting away in the twilight, while the December snow fell quietly without, and the fire crackled cheerfully within. It was a comfortable room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain, for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.

Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn"t like it. Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her "Little Miss Tranquility", and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out.

The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.

"They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair."

"I thought I"d get her some with my dollar," said Beth.

"No, I shall!" cried Amy.

"I"m the oldest," began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided, "I"m the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone."

"I"ll tell you what we"ll do," said Beth, "let"s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves."

"That"s like you, dear! What will we get?" exclaimed Jo.

Everyone thought soberly for a minute, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, "I shall give her a nice pair of gloves."

"Army shoes, best to be had," cried Jo.

"Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed," said Beth.

"I"ll get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it won"t cost much, so I"ll have some left to buy my pencils," added Amy.

"How will we give the things?" asked Meg.

"Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don"t you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?" answered Jo.

"I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.

"Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night," said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back, and her nose in the air.

"I don"t mean to act any more after this time. I"m getting too old for such things," observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about "dressing-up" frolics.

"You won"t stop, I know, as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry. You are the best actress we"ve got, and there"ll be an end of everything if you quit the boards," said Jo. "We ought to rehearse tonight. Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that."

"I can"t help it. I never saw anyone faint, and I don"t choose to make myself all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do. If I can go down easily, I"ll drop. If I can"t, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful. I don"t care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol," returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece.

"Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, crying frantically, "Roderigo! Save me! Save me!"" and away went Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling.

Amy followed, but she poked her hands out stiffly before her, and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery, and her "Ow!" was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish. Jo gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright, while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest. "It"s no use! Do the best you can when the time comes, and if the audience laughs, don"t blame me. Come on, Meg."

Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break. Hagar, the witch, chanted an awful incantation over her kettleful of simmering toads, with weird effect. Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild, "Ha! Ha!"

"It"s the best we"ve had yet," said Meg, as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbows.

"Not quite," replied Jo modestly. "I do think The Witches Curse, an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing, but I"d like to try Macbeth , if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo. I always wanted to do the killing part. "Is that a dagger that I see before me?" muttered Jo, rolling her eyes and clutching at the air, as she had seen a famous tragedian do.

"No, it"s the toasting fork, with Mother"s shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth"s stage-struck!" cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter.

"Glad to find you so merry, my girls," said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a "can I help you" look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world.

"Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow, that I didn"t come home to dinner. Has anyone called, Beth? How is your cold, Meg? Jo, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby."

While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off, her warm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap, preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day. The girls flew about, trying to make things comfortable, each in her own way. Meg arranged the tea table, Jo brought wood and set chairs, dropping, over-turning, and clattering everything she touched. Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen, quiet and busy, while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat with her hands folded.

As they gathered about the table, Mrs. March said, with a particularly happy face, "I"ve got a treat for you after supper."

A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Beth clapped her hands, regardless of the biscuit she held, and Jo tossed up her napkin, crying, "A letter! A letter! Three cheers for Father!"

"Yes, a nice long letter. He is well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared. He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girls," said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there.

"Hurry and get done! Don"t stop to quirk your little finger and simper over your plate, Amy," cried Jo, choking on her tea and dropping her bread, butter side down, on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat.

Beth ate no more, but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come, till the others were ready.

"I think it was so splendid in Father to go as chaplain when he was too old to be drafted, and not strong enough for a soldier," said Meg warmly.

"Don"t I wish I could go as a drummer, a vivan-what"s its name? Or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him," exclaimed Jo, with a groan.

"It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug," sighed Amy.

"When will he come home, Marmee?" asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice.

"Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won"t ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared. Now come and hear the letter."

They all drew to the fire, Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair, and Jo leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one little was said of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the homesickness conquered. It was a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news, and only at the end did the writer"s heart over-flow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home.

"Give them all of my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women." Everybody sniffed when they came to that part. Jo wasn"t ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother"s shoulder and sobbed out, "I am a selfish girl! But I"ll truly try to be better, so he mayn"t be disappointed in me by-and-by."

"We all will," cried Meg. "I think too much of my looks and hate to work, but won"t any more, if I can help it."

"I"ll try and be what he loves to call me, "a little woman" and not be rough and wild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else," said Jo, thinking that keeping her temper at home was a much harder task than facing a rebel or two down South.

Beth said nothing, but wiped away her tears with the blue army sock and began to knit with all her might, losing no time in doing the duty that lay nearest her, while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that Father hoped to find her when the year brought round the happy coming home.

Mrs. March broke the silence that followed Jo"s words, by saying in her cheery voice, "Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrims Progress when you were little things? Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my piece bags on your backs for burdens, give you hats and sticks and rolls of paper, and let you travel through the house from the cellar, which was the City of Destruction, up, up, to the housetop, where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a Celestial City."

"What fun it was, especially going by the lions, fighting Apollyon, and passing through the valley where the hob-goblins were," said Jo.

"I liked the place where the bundles fell off and tumbled downstairs," said Meg.

"I don"t remember much about it, except that I was afraid of the cellar and the dark entry, and always liked the cake and milk we had up at the top. If I wasn"t too old for such things, I"d rather like to play it over again," said Amy, who began to talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve.

"We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, and see how far on you can get before Father comes home."

"Really, Mother? Where are our bundles?" asked Amy, who was a very literal young lady.

"Each of you told what your burden was just now, except Beth. I rather think she hasn"t got any," said her mother.

"Yes, I have. Mine is dishes and dusters, and envying girls with nice pianos, and being afraid of people."

Beth"s bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh, but nobody did, for it would have hurt her feelings very much.

"Let us do it," said Meg thoughtfully. "It is only another name for trying to be good, and the story may help us, for though we do want to be good, it"s hard work and we forget, and don"t do our best."

"We were in the Slough of Despond tonight, and Mother came and pulled us out as Help did in the book. We ought to have our roll of directions, like Christian. What shall we do about that?" asked Jo, delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty.

"Look under your pillows Christmas morning, and you will find your guidebook," replied Mrs. March.

They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table, then out came the four little work baskets, and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March. It was uninteresting sewing, but tonight no one grumbled. They adopted Jo"s plan of dividing the long seams into four parts, and calling the quarters Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and in that way got on capitally, especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them.

At nine they stopped work, and sang, as usual, before they went to bed. No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano, but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang. Meg had a voice like a flute, and she and her mother led the little choir. Amy chirped like a cricket, and Jo wandered through the airs at her own sweet will, always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune. They had always done this from the time they could lisp…

Crinkle, crinkle, "ittle "tar,

and it had become a household custom, for the mother was a born singer. The first sound in the morning was her voice as she went about the house singing like a lark, and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound, for the girls never grew too old for that familiar lullaby.

Луиза Мэй Олкотт

Маленькие женщины

Теперь же, Книга, плод моих трудов, иди

И покажи всем, что хранишь в своей груди.

Ты развлекай и поучай друзей моих,

Пусть верный путь к добру им мой укажет стих.

Надеждой льщу себя, что сбудутся мечты,

Что жизни смысл понять им всем поможешь ты.

Ты познакомь их с Милосердием; оно

На жизненном пути быть правилом должно.

Ценить тот мир, что есть, и тот, что всех нас ждет.

В душе имея Господа, пусть с Ним

Пойдет надежнейшей тропою пилигрим.

Джон Бенъян

Игра в пилигримов

– Без подарков и Рождество не Рождество, – недоволь­но проворчала Джо, растягиваясь на коврике перед камином.

– Как это отвратительно – быть бедным! – вздохнула Мег и опустила взгляд на свое старое платье.

– Это просто несправедливо, что у одних девочек полно красивых вещей, а у других совсем ничего нет, – обиженно засопев, добавила маленькая Эми.

– Зато у нас есть папа и мама, и все мы есть друг у друга, – с удовлетворением отозвалась из своего угла Бесс.

При этих ободряющих словах четыре юных лица, осве­щенных огнем камина, на мгновение оживились, но тут же омрачились снова, так как Джо сказала печально:

– Нет у нас папы и долго не будет.

Она не произнесла: «Быть может, никогда», но каждая из них добавила эти слова про себя, задумавшись об отце, который так далеко от них – там, где сражаются.

С минуту все молчали; затем Мег заговорила другим тоном:

– Вы же знаете, почему мама предложила не делать друг другу подарков на Рождество. Зима предстоит тяжелая, и мама считает, что нам не следует тратить деньги на удовольствия, в то время как мужчины несут все тяготы фронтовой жизни. Мы мало чем можем помочь им, но все же способны принести свои маленькие жертвы и должны делать это с радостью. Но, боюсь, в моей душе этой радости нет. – И Мег покачала головой, с грустью подумав о всех тех красивых вещах, которые ей хотелось иметь.

– А по-моему, те небольшие карманные деньги, какие у нас есть, не могут принести заметную пользу. У каждой из нас всего лишь доллар, и вряд ли мы так уж поможем армии, если пожертвуем ей эти деньги. Я согласна не ожи­дать никаких подарков от мамы и от вас, но очень хочу купить себе «Ундину и Синтрама» . Я так долго об этом мечтала! – сказала Джо, которая была известной пожирательницей книг.

– Я собиралась потратить свой доллар на новые но­ты, – проронила Бесс с таким легким вздохом, что его ус­лышали лишь стоявшие поблизости подставка для чайника и щетка для выметания очага.

– А я куплю себе коробку цветных карандашей. Мне они совершенно необходимы, – заявила Эми решительно.

– Мама ничего не говорила о наших карманных деньгах, и она, конечно, не станет требовать, чтобы мы полностью отказались от всяких удовольствий. Пусть каждая из нас купит что хочет, и мы хоть немного порадуемся. По-моему, мы заслужили это тем, что так усердно трудились! – во­скликнула Джо, по-мужски оглядывая каблуки своих стоп­танных туфель.

– Уж мне-то действительно пришлось нелегко – учить этих надоедливых детей чуть ли не целыми днями, когда так хочется домой, – снова начала Мег жалобным тоном.

– Тебе было далеко не так тяжело, как мне, – заявила Джо. – Как бы тебе понравилось часами сидеть взаперти с суматошной и капризной старухой, которая не дает тебе ни минуты покоя, вечно недовольна и надоедает до такой степени, что ты готова выброситься из окна или зары­дать?

– Нехорошо, конечно, жаловаться, но я считаю, что мыть посуду и поддерживать порядок в доме – самая неприятная работа на свете. От нее я становлюсь раздра­жительной, а руки делаются как деревянные, так что я даже не могу как следует играть гаммы. – И Бесc взглянула на свои загрубевшие руки со вздохом, который на этот раз услышали все.

– А я думаю, что ни одна из вас не страдает так сильно, как я! – воскликнула Эми. – Ведь вам не прихо­дится ходить в школу и сидеть там с наглыми девчонками, которые ябедничают на тебя, если ты не знаешь урока, смеются над твоими платьями, оскорбляют тебя из-за того, что у тебя не очень красивый нос, и чистят твоего отца, так как он небогат.

– Если ты хочешь сказать честят, то так и скажи, а не говори об отце так, как будто он закопченный чайник, – посоветовала Джо со смехом.

– Я прекрасно знаю, что я хочу сказать, и ни к чему обращаться ко мне с таким старказмом. Это очень похваль­но – употреблять хорошие слова и пополнять свой лисикон, – с достоинством парировала Эми.

– Не клюйте друг друга, детки. Разве тебе, Джо, не хотелось бы, чтобы у нас сейчас были те деньги, которых папа лишился, когда мы были маленькими? – сказала Мег, которая была старшей и могла припомнить лучшие времена. – Боже мой! Какими счастливыми и доброжела­тельными были бы мы, если бы у нас не было забот!

– А на днях ты говорила, что, по твоему мнению, мы гораздо счастливее, чем дети Кингов, несмотря на все их богатство, потому что они только и делают, что ссорятся да дерутся.

– Конечно, Бесс, я это говорила и действительно думаю, что мы счастливее их, пусть даже нам и приходится работать. Ведь зато мы умеем повеселиться, и вообще мы «теплая компания», как сказала бы Джо.

– Джо всегда употребляет такие вульгарные выраже­ния! – заметила Эми, укоризненно взглянув на длинную фигуру, растянувшуюся на коврике.

Джо немедленно села, засунула руки в карманы и за­свистела.

– Перестань, Джо, это так по-мальчишески!

– Именно поэтому и свищу.

– Терпеть не могу грубых, невоспитанных девочек!

– Ненавижу жеманных и манерных недотрог!

– «Птички в гнездышке своем все щебечут в лад», – запела Бесс с таким забавным выражением лица, что раздраженные голоса сменились смехом и «птички» на время перестали клевать друг друга.

– Право же, девочки, обе вы заслуживаете порицания, – рассудительно сказала Мег, принимаясь за поучения на правах старшей сестры. – Ты, Джозефина, уже достаточно взрослая, чтобы отказаться от этих мальчишеских выходок и вести себя как подобает девушке. Твои манеры не имели большого значения, пока ты была маленькой. Однако теперь, когда ты такая высокая и делаешь себе «взрослую» прическу, тебе следует помнить, что ты уже барышня, а не мальчишка-сорванец.

– Никакая я не барышня! А если я делаюсь барышней оттого, что укладываю волосы, то уж лучше я буду носить две косы, пока мне не исполнится двадцать! – воскликнула Джо, стянув с волос сетку и стряхивая вниз свою густую каштановую гриву. – Противно даже подумать, что мне при­дется стать взрослой, называться мисс Марч, носить длин­ные платья и быть чопорной, как какая-нибудь китайская астра! И так уж скверно быть девчонкой, когда я люблю все мальчишеское: и работу, и игры, и манеры! Мне никак не свыкнуться с тем, что я не мальчик, а теперь даже еще тяжелее, потому что я до смерти хочу пойти в армию и сражаться плечом к плечу с папой, а вместо этого приходится сидеть дома и вязать, словно какая-нибудь сонная старуха! – И Джо так свирепо встряхнула синим солдатским носком, что спицы застучали друг о друга, как кастаньеты, а клубок запрыгал по комнате.

– Бедная Джо! Это ужасно, но ничего тут не поделаешь. Придется тебе довольствоваться тем, что ты превратила свое имя в мужское и играешь роль брата по отношению к нам, девочкам, – сказала Бесс, гладя всклокоченную голову Джо своей маленькой рукой, прикосновение которой никакая самая тяжелая работа на свете никогда не смогла бы сделать грубым.

– А что касается тебя, Эми, – продолжила Мег, – то ты чересчур привередлива и церемонна. Пока это просто смеш­но, но если ты не остережешься вовремя, то, когда вырастешь, превратишься в глупую жеманную гусыню. Мне нравится и твоя благовоспитанность, и приятная манера выражаться, но лишь до тех пор, пока ты не начинаешь изощряться. Все эти твои нелепые слова ничуть не лучше, чем жаргон Джо.