PART 1
1. CHAPTER ONE
(continued)
"It's the best we've had yet," said Meg, as the dead villain
sat up and rubbed his elbows.
"I don't see how you can write and act such splendid things,
Jo. You're a regular Shakespeare!" exclaimed Beth, who firmly
believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all
things.
"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
McBETH, 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.
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