PREVIOUSLY: We described the physical attributes of each girl. The author confirmed that they are, indeed, Little Women.
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 every one brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lit 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. Marmee had seemed distant as of late – quiet, withdrawn, sometimes as to be nearly translucent. She stared at the floor, or perhaps just below, for hours of the day, with equal parts fear and adoration. The excess of manners from the girls whenever they thought of their mother was, perhaps unknowingly, their way of coaxing her mind to return from wherever it was going.
“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 liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles….
“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, for her rheumatic hands.”
“Army shoes, best to be had, for her rheumatic feet,” cried Jo.
“Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed, for her rheumatic nose,” 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 things for me, and I am much too young to understand rheumatism.” added Amy.
“How will we give the things?” asked Meg. 1
“Put ‘em 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 big chair with a crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses 2, 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 to-morrow afternoon, Meg; there is lots 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.
1 Meg is doing pretty well for someone apparently experiencing their first day on earth.
2 Ah, to have a thing, and, additionally, a kiss. Who among us??
Something intriguing has happened, dear readers. Over the course of a weekend it looks like we have acquired a Marmee Hater, and/or Haters. If it was indeed just one person, my hats off to you! Taking the time to cast (by my math) 34 individual votes for Marmee is a level of malice I think we should all aspire to.
Disagree with this individual’s assessment? REALLY gunning for Father? Make your voice heard, and vote!
Your Weekly Death Poll Standings
Jesus Christ