A Merry Christmas (Little Women (Full Cast))

01CHAPTER II.

02A Merry Christmas.

03Jo was the first to wake in the grey dawn of Christmas morning.

04No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies.

05Then she remembered her mother's promise, and slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book.

06She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going on a long journey.

07She woke Meg with a, Merry Christmas, and bade her see what was under her pillow.

08A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes.

09Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also, one dove-coloured, the other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the East grew rosy with the coming day.

10In spite of her small vanities Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

11"'Girls,' said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "'Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once.

12We used to be faithful about it, but since Father went away and all this war-trouble unsettled us we have neglected many things.

13You can do as you please, but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good and help me through the day.' Then she opened her new book and began to read.

14Jo put her arm round her, and leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

15"'How good Meg is!

16Come, Amy, let's do as they do.

17I'll help you with the hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand,' whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sister's example.

18"'I'm glad mine is blue,' said Amy.

19And then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

20"'Where is mother?' asked Meg, as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts half an hour later.

21"'Goodness only knows.

22Some poor creter come a-begging, and your ma went straight off to see what was needed.

23There never was such a woman for giving away vittles and drink, clothes and firing,' replied Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant.

24"'She will be back soon, I think, so fry your cakes and have everything ready,' said Meg, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time.

25"'Why, where is Amy's bottle of cologne?' she added, as the little flask did not appear.

26"'She took it out a minute ago, and went off with it to put a ribbon on it or some such notion,' replied Jo, dancing about the room to take the first stiffness off the new army slippers.

27"'How nice my handkerchiefs look, don't they?

28Hannah washed and ironed them for me, and I marked them all myself,' said Beth, looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labor.

29"'Bless the child!

30She's gone and put Mother on them instead of M.

31March.

32How funny!' cried Jo, taking one up.

33"'Isn't that right?

34I thought it was better to do it so, because Meg's initials are M.

35M., and I don't want anyone to use these but Marmee,' said Beth, looking troubled.

36"'It's all right, dear, and a very pretty idea.

37Quite sensible, too, for no one can ever mistake now.

38It will please her very much, I know,' said Meg, with a frown for Jo and a smile for Beth.

39"'There's Mother!

40Hide the basket, quick!' cried Jo, as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall.

41Amy came in hastily, and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her.

42"'Where have you been, and what are you hiding behind you?' asked Meg, surprised to see by her hood and cloak that lazy Amy had been out so early.

43"'Don't laugh at me, Jo.

44I didn't mean anyone should know till the time came.

45I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one, and I gave all my money to get it, and I'm truly trying not to be selfish any more.' As she spoke Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one, and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot.

46Jo pronounced her a TRUMP, while Beth ran to the window and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle.

47"'You see, I felt ashamed of my present, after reading and talking about being good this morning.

48So I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up, and I'm so glad, for mine is the handsomest now.' Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa, and the girls to the table, eager for breakfast.

49"'Merry Christmas, Marmy, many of them.

50Thank you for our books.

51We read some and mean to every day,' they all cried in chorus.

52"'Merry Christmas, little daughters.

53I'm glad you began at once, and hope you'll keep on.

54But I want to say one word before we sit down.

55Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby.

56Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire.

57There is nothing to eat over there, and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold.

58My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?' They were all unusually hungry, having waited nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spoke.

59Only a minute, for Joe exclaimed impetuously, "'I'm so glad you came before we began.' "'May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children?' asked Beth eagerly.

60"'I shall take the cream and the muffins,' added Amy, heroically giving up the article she most liked.

61Meg was already covering the buckwheats, and piling the bread into one big plate.

62"'I thought you'd do it,' said Mrs.

63March, smiling as if satisfied.

64"'You shall all go and help me, and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast, and make it up at dinner-time.' They were soon ready, and the procession set out.

65Fortunately it was early, and they went through the back streets, so few people saw them, and no one laughed at the queer party.

66A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pale, hungry children cuddled under one old quilt trying to keep warm.

67How the big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as the girls went in.

68"'Ach, mein Gott, it is good angels come to us,' said the poor woman, crying for joy.

69"'Funny angels and hoods and mittens,' said Joe, and set them to laughing.

70In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there.

71Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire, and stopped up the broken panes with old hats and her own cloak.

72Mrs.

73March gave the mother tea and gruel, and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own.

74The girls meantime spread the table, set the children round the fire, and fed them like so many hungry birds, laughing, talking, and trying to understand the funny broken English.

75"'Das is gut.

76Die Engelkinder,' cried the poor things, as they ate and warmed their purple hands at the comfortable blaze.

77The girls had never been called angel children before, and thought it very agreeable, especially Joe, who had been considered a Sancho ever since she was born.

78That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn't get any of it.

79And when they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts, and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning." "'That's loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it,' said Meg, as they set out their presents while their mother was upstairs collecting clothes for the poor hummels.

80Not a very splendid show, but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailing vines, which stood in the middle, gave quite an elegant air to the table.

81"'She's coming!

82Strike up, Beth!

83Open the door, Amy!

84Three cheers for Marmy!' cried Joe, prancing about while Meg went to conduct Mother to the seat of honor.

85Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door, and Meg enacted escort with great dignity.

86Mrs.

87March was both surprised and touched, and smiled with her eyes full as she examined her presents and read the little notes which accompanied them.

88The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocket, well scented with Amy's cologne, the rose was fastened in her bosom, and the nice gloves were pronounced a perfect fit.

89There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining, in the simple loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward, and then all fell to work.

90The morning charities and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities.

91Being still too young to go often to the theatre, and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances, the girls put their wits to work, and necessity being the mother of invention, made whatever they needed.

92Very clever were some of their productions, pasteboard guitars, antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter-boats covered with silver paper, gorgeous robes of old cotton glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory, and armor covered with the same useful diamond-shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of preserve pots were cut out.

93The big chamber was the scene of many innocent revels.

94No gentlemen were admitted, so Jo played male parts to her heart's content, and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots given her by a friend, who knew a lady who knew an actor.

95These boots, an old foil and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture, were Jo's chief treasures, and appeared on all occasions.

96The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece, and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts, whisking in and out of various costumes, and managing the stage besides.

97It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society.

98On Christmas night a dozen girls piled on to the bed which was the dress circle, and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy.

99There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp-smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment.

100Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the operatic tragedy began.

101A gloomy wood, according to the one playbill, was represented by a few shrubs in a pot, green bays on the floor, and a cave in the distance.

102This cave was made with a clothes-horse for a roof, bureaus for walls, and in it was a small furnace in full blast, with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it.

103The stage was dark, and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect, especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover.

104A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside.

105Then Hugo the villain stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouching hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and—the boots.

106After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred for Roderigo, his love for Zara, and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other.

107The gruff tones of Hugo's voice, with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him, were very impressive, and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath.

108Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise, he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding, What ho, minion!

109I need thee!

110Out came Meg, with gray horsehair hanging about her face, a red and black robe, a staff, and cabalistic signs upon her cloak.

111Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him, and one to destroy Roderigo.

112Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody, promised both, and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love-filter.

113Hither, hither, from thy home, Aerie sprite I bid thee come.

114Born of roses, fed on dew, Charms and potions canst thou brew?

115Bring me here with elf in speed, The fragrant filter which I need.

116Make it sweet and swift and strong, Spirit, answer now my song.

117A soft strain of music sounded, and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, golden hair, and a garland of roses on its head.

118Waving a wand, it sang, Hither I come from my airy home, afar in the silver moon.

119Take the magic spell and use it well, or its power will vanish soon.

120And dropping a small gilded bottle at the witch's feet, the spirit vanished.

121Another chant from Hagar produced another apparition, not a lovely one, for with a bang an ugly black imp appeared, and having croaked a reply, tossed a dark bottle at Hugo, and disappeared with a mocking laugh.

122Having warbled his thanks, and put the potions in his boots, Hugo departed, and Hagar informed the audience that as he had killed a few of her friends in times past, she had cursed him, and intends to thwart his plans and be revenged on him.

123Then the curtain fell, and the audience reposed and ate candy while discussing the merits of the play.

124A good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again, but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentry had been got up, no one murmured at the delay.

125It was truly superb.

126A tower rose to the ceiling, halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning in it, and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress waiting for Rodrigo.

127He came in gorgeous array, with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut love-locks, a guitar, and the boots, of course.

128Kneeling at the foot of the tower, he sang a serenade in melting tones.

129Zara replied, and after a musical dialogue, consented to fly.

130Then came the grand effect of the play.

131Roderigo produced a rope-ladder with five steps to it, threw up one end, and invited Zara to descend.

132Timidly she crept from her lattice, put her hand on Roderigo's shoulder, and was about to leap gracefully down, when, alas, alas for Zara, she forgot her train.

133It caught in the window, the tower tottered, leaned forward, fell with a crash, and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins.

134A universal shriek arose as the russet boots waved wildly from the wreck, and a golden head emerged, exclaiming, I told you so, I told you so.

135With wonderful presence of mind, Don Pedro, the cruel sire, rushed in, dragged out his daughter, with a hasty aside.

136Don't laugh, act as if it was all right.

137And ordering Roderigo up, banished him from the kingdom with wrath and scorn.

138Though decidedly shaken by the fall from the tower upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir.

139This dauntless example fired Zara.

140She also defied her sire, and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle.

141A stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away, looking very much frightened, and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made.

142Act III was the castle hall, and here Hagar appeared, having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo.

143She hears him coming and hides, sees him put the potion into two cups of wine, and bids the timid little servant.

144Bear them to the captives in their cells, and tell them I shall come anon.

145The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something, and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless.

146Ferdinando, the minion, carries them away, and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the poison meant for Roderigo.

147Hugo, getting thirsty after a long warble, drinks it, loses his wits, and after a good deal of clutching and stamping, falls flat and dies, while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody.

148This was a truly thrilling scene, though some persons might have thought that the sudden tumbling down of a quantity of long red hair rather marred the effect of the villain's death.

149He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety appeared, leading Hagar, whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together.

150Act IV displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself, because he has been told that Zara has deserted him.

151Just as the dagger is at his heart, a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true, but in danger, and he can save her if he will.

152A key is thrown in which unlocks the door, and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his lady-love.

153Act V opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro.

154He wishes her to go into a convent, but she won't hear of it, and after a touching appeal is about to faint, when Roderigo dashes in and demands her hand.

155Don Pedro refuses, because he is not rich.

156They shout and gesticulate tremendously, but cannot agree, and Roderigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter in a bag from Hagar, who has mysteriously disappeared.

157The latter informs the party that she bequeaths untold wealth to the young pair, and an awful doom to Don Pedro if he doesn't make them happy.

158The bag is opened, and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage, till it is quite glorified with the glitter.

159This entirely softens the stern sire.

160He consents without a murmur.

161All join in a joyful chorus, and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedro's blessing in attitudes of the most romantic grace.

162Tumultuous applause followed, but received an unexpected check, for the cot-bed on which the dress-circle was built suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience.

163Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with laughter.

164The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared with, Mrs.

165March's compliments.

166And would the ladies walk down to supper?

167This was a surprise even to the actors, and when they saw the table they looked at one another in rapturous amazement.

168It was like Marmy to get up a little treat for them, but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty.

169There was ice-cream, actually two dishes of it, pink and white, and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons, and in the middle of the table four great bouquets of hothouse flowers.

170It quite took their breath away, and they stared first at the table and then at their mother, who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely.

171Is it fairies?

172asked Amy.

173Santa Claus, said Beth.

174Mother did it.

175And Meg smiled her sweetest in spite of her grey beard and white eyebrows.

176Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper, cried Joe, with sudden inspiration.

177All wrong.

178Old Mr.

179Lawrence sent it, replied Mrs.

180March.

181The Lawrence boy's grandfather?

182What in the world put such a thing into his head?

183We don't know him, exclaimed Meg.

184Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast-party.

185He is an odd old gentleman, but that pleased him.

186He knew my father years ago, and he sent me a polite note this afternoon, saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honour of the day.

187I could not refuse, and so you have a little feast at night, to make up for the bread-and-milk breakfast.

188That boy put it into his head.

189I know he did.

190He's a capital fellow, and I wish we could get acquainted.

191He looks as if he'd like to know us, but he's bashful, and Meg is so prim she won't let me speak to him when we pass, said Joe, as the plates went round, and the ice began to melt out of sight with oohs and ahs of satisfaction.

192You mean the people who live in the big house next door, don't you?

193asked one of the girls.

194My mother knows old Mr.

195Lawrence, but says he's very proud and doesn't like to mix with his neighbours.

196He keeps his grandson shut up when he isn't riding or walking with his tutor, and makes him study very hard.

197We invited him to our party, but he didn't come.

198Mother says he's very nice, though he never speaks to us girls.

199Our cat ran away once, and he brought her back, and we talked over the fence, and were getting on capitally, all about cricket, and so on, when he saw Meg coming and walked off.

200I mean to know him some day, for he needs fun, I'm sure he does, said Joe decidedly.

201I like his manners, and he looks like a little gentleman, so I've no objection to your knowing him, if a proper opportunity comes.

202He brought the flowers himself, and I should have asked him in, if I had been sure what was going on upstairs.

203He looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic, and evidently having none of his own.

204"'It's a mercy you didn't, mother,' laughed Joe, looking at her boots.

205"'But we'll have another place sometime that he can see.

206Perhaps he'll help act.

207Won't that be jolly?' "'I never had such a fine bouquet before.

208How pretty it is!' And Meg examined her flowers with great interest.

209"'They are lovely.

210But Beth's roses are sweeter to me,' said Mrs.

211March, smelling the half-dead posy in her belt.

212Beth nestled up to her, and whispered softly, "'I wish I could send my bunch to father.

213I'm afraid he isn't having such a merry Christmas as we are.'" End of chapter 2