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diff --git a/5352-h/5352-h.htm b/5352-h/5352-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cae9f2c --- /dev/null +++ b/5352-h/5352-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1568 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Marjorie's Three Gifts, by Louisa M. Alcott + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Marjorie's Three Gifts, by Louisa May Alcott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Marjorie's Three Gifts + +Author: Louisa May Alcott + +Release Date: April 19, 2009 [EBook #5352] +Last Updated: March 10, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE'S THREE GIFTS *** + + + + +Produced by Brandon Ryan, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MARJORIE'S THREE GIFTS + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Louisa M. Alcott + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Author of “Little Women,” “Little Men,” “An Old-Fashioned Girl,” Etc. + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h5> + BOSTON <br /><br /> 1899 + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>MARJORIE'S THREE GIFTS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>ROSES AND FORGET-ME-NOTS</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> I. ROSES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> II. FORGET-ME-NOTS </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + MARJORIE'S THREE GIFTS + </h2> + <p> + Marjorie sat on the door-step, shelling peas, quite unconscious what a + pretty picture she made, with the roses peeping at her through the lattice + work of the porch, the wind playing hide-and-seek in her curly hair, while + the sunshine with its silent magic changed her faded gingham to a golden + gown, and shimmered on the bright tin pan as if it were a silver shield. + Old Rover lay at her feet, the white kitten purred on her shoulder, and + friendly robins hopped about her in the grass, chirping “A happy birthday, + Marjorie!” + </p> + <p> + But the little maid neither saw nor heard, for her eyes were fixed on the + green pods, and her thoughts were far away. She was recalling the + fairy-tale granny told her last night, and wishing with all her heart that + such things happened nowadays. For in this story, as a poor girl like + herself sat spinning before the door, a Brownie came by, and gave the + child a good-luck penny; then a fairy passed, and left a talisman which + would keep her always happy; and last of all, the prince rolled up in his + chariot, and took her away to reign with him over a lovely kingdom, as a + reward for her many kindnesses to others. + </p> + <p> + When Marjorie imagined this part of the story, it was impossible to help + giving one little sigh, and for a minute she forgot her work, so busy was + she thinking what beautiful presents she would give to all the poor + children in her realm when THEY had birthdays. Five impatient young peas + took this opportunity to escape from the half-open pod in her hand and + skip down the steps, to be immediately gobbled up by an audacious robin, + who gave thanks in such a shrill chirp that Marjorie woke up, laughed, and + fell to work again. She was just finishing, when a voice called out from + the lane,— + </p> + <p> + “Hi, there! come here a minute, child!” and looking up, she saw a little + old man in a queer little carriage drawn by a fat little pony. + </p> + <p> + Running down to the gate, Marjorie dropped a curtsy, saying pleasantly,— + </p> + <p> + “What did you wish, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Just undo that check-rein for me. I am lame, and Jack wants to drink at + your brook,” answered the old man, nodding at her till his spectacles + danced on his nose. + </p> + <p> + Marjorie was rather afraid of the fat pony, who tossed his head, whisked + his tail, and stamped his feet as if he was of a peppery temper. But she + liked to be useful, and just then felt as if there were few things she + could NOT do if she tried, because it was her birthday. So she proudly let + down the rein, and when Jack went splashing into the brook, she stood on + the bridge, waiting to check him up again after he had drunk his fill of + the clear, cool water. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman sat in his place, looking up at the little girl, who was + smiling to herself as she watched the blue dragon-flies dance among the + ferns, a blackbird tilt on the alderboughs, and listened to the babble of + the brook. + </p> + <p> + “How old are you, child?” asked the old man, as if he rather envied this + rosy creature her youth and health. + </p> + <p> + “Twelve to-day, sir;” and Marjorie stood up straight and tall, as if + mindful of her years. + </p> + <p> + “Had any presents?” asked the old man, peering up with an odd smile. + </p> + <p> + “One, sir,—here it is;” and she pulled out of her pocket a tin + savings-bank in the shape of a desirable family mansion, painted red, with + a green door and black chimney. Proudly displaying it on the rude railing + of the bridge, she added, with a happy face,— + </p> + <p> + “Granny gave it to me, and all the money in it is going to be mine.” + </p> + <p> + “How much have you got?” asked the old gentleman, who appeared to like to + sit there in the middle of the brook, while Jack bathed his feet and + leisurely gurgled and sneezed. + </p> + <p> + “Not a penny yet, but I'm going to earn some,” answered Marjorie, patting + the little bank with an air of resolution pretty to see. + </p> + <p> + “How will you do it?” continued the inquisitive old man. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm going to pick berries and dig dandelions, and weed, and drive + cows, and do chores. It is vacation, and I can work all the time, and earn + ever so much.” + </p> + <p> + “But vacation is play-time,—how about that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that sort of work IS play, and I get bits of fun all along. I always + have a good swing when I go for the cows, and pick flowers with the + dandelions. Weeding isn't so nice, but berrying is very pleasant, and we + have good times all together.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall you do with your money when you get it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, lots of things! Buy books and clothes for school, and, if I get a + great deal, give some to granny. I'd love to do that, for she takes care + of me, and I'd be so proud to help her!” + </p> + <p> + “Good little lass!” said the old gentleman, as he put his hand in his + pocket. “Would you now?” he added, apparently addressing himself to a + large frog who sat upon a stone, looking so wise and grandfatherly that it + really did seem quite proper to consult him. At all events, he gave his + opinion in the most decided manner, for, with a loud croak, he turned an + undignified somersault into the brook, splashing up the water at a great + rate. “Well, perhaps it wouldn't be best on the whole. Industry is a good + teacher, and money cannot buy happiness, as I know to my sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman still seemed to be talking to the frog, and as he spoke + he took his hand out of his pocket with less in it than he had at first + intended. + </p> + <p> + “What a very queer person!” thought Marjorie, for she had not heard a + word, and wondered what he was thinking about down there. + </p> + <p> + Jack walked out of the brook just then, and she ran to check him up; not + an easy task for little hands, as he preferred to nibble the grass on the + bank. But she did it cleverly, smoothed the ruffled mane, and, dropping + another curtsy, stood aside to let the little carriage pass. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, child—thank you. Here is something for your bank, and + good luck to it.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the old man laid a bright gold dollar in her hand, patted the + rosy cheek, and vanished in a cloud of dust, leaving Marjorie so + astonished at the grandeur of the gift, that she stood looking at it as if + it had been a fortune. It was to her; and visions of pink calico gowns, + new grammars, and fresh hat-ribbons danced through her head in delightful + confusion, as her eyes rested on the shining coin in her palm. + </p> + <p> + Then, with a solemn air, she invested her first money by popping it down + the chimney of the scarlet mansion, and peeping in with one eye to see if + it landed safely on the ground-floor. This done, she took a long breath, + and looked over the railing, to be sure it was not all a dream. No; the + wheel marks were still there, the brown water was not yet clear, and, if a + witness was needed, there sat the big frog again, looking so like the old + gentleman, with his bottle-green coat, speckled trousers, and twinkling + eyes, that Marjorie burst out laughing, and clapped her hands, saying + aloud,— + </p> + <p> + “I'll play he was the Brownie, and this is the good-luck penny he gave me. + Oh, what fun!” and away she skipped, rattling the dear new bank like a + castanet. + </p> + <p> + When she had told granny all about it, she got knife and basket, and went + out to dig dandelions; for the desire to increase her fortune was so + strong, she could not rest a minute. Up and down she went, so busily + peering and digging, that she never lifted up her eyes till something like + a great white bird skimmed by so low she could not help seeing it. A + pleasant laugh sounded behind her as she started up, and, looking round, + she nearly sat down again in sheer surprise, for there close by was a + slender little lady, comfortably established under a big umbrella. + </p> + <p> + “If there WERE any fairies, I'd be sure that was one,” thought Marjorie, + staring with all her might, for her mind was still full of the old story; + and curious things do happen on birthdays, as every one knows. + </p> + <p> + It really did seem rather elfish to look up suddenly and see a lovely lady + all in white, with shining hair and a wand in her hand, sitting under what + looked very like a large yellow mushroom in the middle of a meadow, where, + till now, nothing but cows and grasshoppers had been seen. Before Marjorie + could decide the question, the pleasant laugh came again, and the stranger + said, pointing to the white thing that was still fluttering over the grass + like a little cloud,— + </p> + <p> + “Would you kindly catch my hat for me, before it blows quite away?” + </p> + <p> + Down went basket and knife, and away ran Marjorie, entirely satisfied now + that there was no magic about the new-comer; for if she had been an elf, + couldn't she have got her hat without any help from a mortal child? + Presently, however, it did begin to seem as if that hat was bewitched, for + it led the nimble-footed Marjorie such a chase that the cows stopped + feeding to look on in placid wonder; the grasshoppers vainly tried to keep + up, and every ox-eye daisy did its best to catch the runaway, but failed + entirely, for the wind liked a game of romps, and had it that day. As she + ran, Marjorie heard the lady singing, like the princess in the story of + the Goose-Girl,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdkin's hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O'er hills, dales and rocks, + Away be it whirled, + Till the silvery locks + Are all combed and curled.” + </pre> + <p> + This made her laugh so that she tumbled into a clover-bed, and lay there a + minute to get her breath. Just then, as if the playful wind repented of + its frolic, the long veil fastened to the hat caught in a blackberry-vine + near by, and held the truant fast till Marjorie secured it. + </p> + <p> + “Now come and see what I am doing,” said the lady, when she had thanked + the child. + </p> + <p> + Marjorie drew near confidingly, and looked down at the wide-spread book + before her. She gave a start, and laughed out with surprise and delight; + for there was a lovely picture of her own little home, and her own little + self on the door-step, all so delicate, and beautiful, and true, it seemed + as if done by magic. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how pretty! There is Rover, and Kitty and the robins, and me! How + could you ever do it, ma'am?” said Marjorie, with a wondering glance at + the long paint-brush, which had wrought what seemed a miracle to her + childish eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I'll show you presently; but tell me, first, if it looks quite right and + natural to you. Children sometimes spy out faults that no one else can + see,” answered the lady, evidently pleased with the artless praise her + work received. + </p> + <p> + “It looks just like our house, only more beautiful. Perhaps that is + because I know how shabby it really is. That moss looks lovely on the + shingles, but the roof leaks. The porch is broken, only the roses hide the + place; and my gown is all faded, though it once was as bright as you have + made it. I wish the house and everything would stay pretty forever, as + they will in the picture.” + </p> + <p> + While Marjorie spoke, the lady had been adding more color to the sketch, + and when she looked up, something warmer and brighter than sunshine shone + in her face, as she said, so cheerily, it was like a bird's song to hear + her,— + </p> + <p> + “It can't be summer always, dear, but we can make fair weather for + ourselves if we try. The moss, the roses, and soft shadows show the little + house and the little girl at their best, and that is what we all should + do; for it is amazing how lovely common things become, if one only knows + how to look at them.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish <i>I</i> did,” said Marjorie, half to herself, remembering how + often she was discontented, and how hard it was to get on, sometimes. + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” said the lady, in her happy voice. “Just believe that there is + a sunny side to everything, and try to find it, and you will be surprised + to see how bright the world will seem, and how cheerful you will be able + to keep your little self.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess granny has found that out, for she never frets. I do, but I'm + going to stop it, because I'm twelve to-day, and that is too old for such + things,” said Marjorie, recollecting the good resolutions she had made + that morning when she woke. + </p> + <p> + “I am twice twelve, and not entirely cured yet; but I try, and don't mean + to wear blue spectacles if I can help it,” answered the lady, laughing so + blithely that Marjorie was sure she would not have to try much longer. + “Birthdays were made for presents, and I should like to give you one. + Would it please you to have this little picture?” she added, lifting it + out of the book. + </p> + <p> + “Truly my own? Oh, yes, indeed!” cried Marjorie, coloring with pleasure, + for she had never owned so beautiful a thing before. + </p> + <p> + “Then you shall have it, dear. Hang it where you can see it often, and + when you look, remember that it is the sunny side of home, and help to + keep it so.” + </p> + <p> + Marjorie had nothing but a kiss to offer by way of thanks, as the lovely + sketch was put into her hand; but the giver seemed quite satisfied, for it + was a very grateful little kiss. Then the child took up her basket and + went away, not dancing and singing now, but slowly and silently; for this + gift made her thoughtful as well as glad. As she climbed the wall, she + looked back to nod good-by to the pretty lady; but the meadow was empty, + and all she saw was the grass blowing in the wind. + </p> + <p> + “Now, deary, run out and play, for birthdays come but once a year, and we + must make them as merry as we can,” said granny, as she settled herself + for her afternoon nap, when the Saturday cleaning was all done, and the + little house as neat as wax. + </p> + <p> + So Marjorie put on a white apron in honor of the occasion, and, taking + Kitty in her arms, went out to enjoy herself. Three swings on the gate + seemed to be a good way of beginning the festivities; but she only got + two, for when the gate creaked back the second time, it stayed shut, and + Marjorie hung over the pickets, arrested by the sound of music. + </p> + <p> + “It's soldiers,” she said, as the fife and drum drew nearer, and flags + were seen waving over the barberry-bushes at the corner. + </p> + <p> + “No; it's a picnic,” she added in a moment; for she saw hats with wreaths + about them bobbing up and down, as a gayly-trimmed hay-cart full of + children came rumbling down the lane. + </p> + <p> + “What a nice time they are going to have!” thought Marjorie, sadly + contrasting that merry-making with the quiet party she was having all by + herself. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly her face shone, and Kitty was waved over her head like a banner, + as she flew out of the gate, crying, rapturously,— + </p> + <p> + “It's Billy! and I know he's come for me!” + </p> + <p> + It certainly WAS Billy, proudly driving the old horse, and beaming at his + little friend from the bower of flags and chestnut-boughs, where he sat in + state, with a crown of daisies on his sailor-hat and a spray of blooming + sweetbrier in his hand. Waving his rustic sceptre, he led off the shout of + “Happy birthday, Marjorie!” which was set up as the wagon stopped at the + gate, and the green boughs suddenly blossomed with familiar faces, all + smiling on the little damsel, who stood in the lane quite overpowered with + delight. + </p> + <p> + “It's a s'prise party!” cried one small lad, tumbling out behind. + </p> + <p> + “We are going up the mountain to have fun!” added a chorus of voices, as a + dozen hands beckoned wildly. + </p> + <p> + “We got it up on purpose for you, so tie your hat and come away,” said a + pretty girl, leaning down to kiss Marjorie, who had dropped Kitty, and + stood ready for any splendid enterprise. + </p> + <p> + A word to granny, and away went the happy child, sitting up beside Billy, + under the flags that waved over a happier load than any royal chariot ever + bore. + </p> + <p> + It would be vain to try and tell all the plays and pleasures of happy + children on a Saturday afternoon, but we may briefly say that Marjorie + found a mossy stone all ready for her throne, and Billy crowned her with a + garland like his own. That a fine banquet was spread, and eaten with a + relish many a Lord Mayor's feast has lacked. Then how the whole court + danced and played together afterward! The lords climbed trees and turned + somersaults, the ladies gathered flowers and told secrets under the + sweetfern-bushes, the queen lost her shoe jumping over the waterfall, and + the king paddled into the pool below and rescued it. A happy little + kingdom, full of summer sunshine, innocent delights, and loyal hearts; for + love ruled, and the only war that disturbed the peaceful land was waged by + the mosquitoes as night came on. + </p> + <p> + Marjorie stood on her throne watching the sunset while her maids of honor + packed up the remains of the banquet, and her knights prepared the + chariot. All the sky was gold and purple, all the world bathed in a soft, + red light, and the little girl was very happy as she looked down at the + subjects who had served her so faithfully that day. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had a good time, Marjy?” asked King William; who stood below, + with his royal nose on a level with her majesty's two dusty little shoes. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Billy, it has been just splendid! But I don't see why you should all + be so kind to me,” answered Marjorie, with such a look of innocent wonder, + that Billy laughed to see it. + </p> + <p> + “Because you are so sweet and good, we can't help loving you,—that's + why,” he said, as if this simple fact was reason enough. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to be the best girl that ever was, and love everybody in the + world,” cried the child, stretching out her arms as if ready, in the + fulness of her happy heart, to embrace all creation. + </p> + <p> + “Don't turn into an angel and fly away just yet, but come home, or granny + will never lend you to us any more.” + </p> + <p> + With that, Billy jumped her down, and away they ran, to ride gayly back + through the twilight, singing like a flock of nightingales. + </p> + <p> + As she went to bed that night, Marjorie looked at the red bank, the pretty + picture, and the daisy crown, saying to herself,— + </p> + <p> + “It has been a VERY nice birthday, and I am something like the girl in the + story, after all, for the old man gave me a good-luck penny, the kind lady + told me how to keep happy, and Billy came for me like the prince. The girl + didn't go back to the poor house again, but I'm glad <i>I</i> did, for MY + granny isn't a cross one, and my little home is the dearest in the world.” + </p> + <p> + Then she tied her night-cap, said her prayers, and fell asleep; but the + moon, looking in to kiss the blooming face upon the pillow, knew that + three good spirits had come to help little Marjorie from that day forth, + and their names were Industry, Cheerfulness, and Love. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ROSES AND FORGET-ME-NOTS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. ROSES + </h2> + <p> + It was a cold November storm, and everything looked forlorn. Even the pert + sparrows were draggle-tailed and too much out of spirits to fight for + crumbs with the fat pigeons who tripped through the mud with their little + red boots as if in haste to get back to their cosy home in the dove-cot. + </p> + <p> + But the most forlorn creature out that day was a small errand girl, with a + bonnet-box on each arm, and both hands struggling to hold a big broken + umbrella. A pair of worn-out boots let in the wet upon her tired feet; a + thin cotton dress and an old shawl poorly protected her from the storm; + and a faded hood covered her head. + </p> + <p> + The face that looked out from this hood was too pale and anxious for one + so young; and when a sudden gust turned the old umbrella inside out with a + crash, despair fell upon poor Lizzie, and she was so miserable she could + have sat down in the rain and cried. + </p> + <p> + But there was no time for tears; so, dragging the dilapidated umbrella + along, she spread her shawl over the bonnet-boxes and hurried down the + broad street, eager to hide her misfortunes from a pretty young girl who + stood at a window laughing at her. + </p> + <p> + She could not find the number of the house where one of the fine hats was + to be left; and after hunting all down one side of the street, she crossed + over, and came at last to the very house where the pretty girl lived. She + was no longer to be seen; and, with a sigh of relief, Lizzie rang the + bell, and was told to wait in the hall while Miss Belle tried the hat on. + </p> + <p> + Glad to rest, she warmed her feet, righted her umbrella, and then sat + looking about her with eyes quick to see the beauty and the comfort that + made the place so homelike and delightful. A small waiting-room opened + from the hall, and in it stood many blooming plants, whose fragrance + attracted Lizzie as irresistibly as if she had been a butterfly or bee. + </p> + <p> + Slipping in, she stood enjoying the lovely colors, sweet odors, and + delicate shapes of these household spirits; for Lizzie loved flowers + passionately; and just then they possessed a peculiar charm for her. + </p> + <p> + One particularly captivating little rose won her heart, and made her long + for it with a longing that became a temptation too strong to resist. It + was so perfect; so like a rosy face smiling out from the green leaves, + that Lizzie could NOT keep her hands off it, and having smelt, touched, + and kissed it, she suddenly broke the stem and hid it in her pocket. Then, + frightened at what she had done, she crept back to her place in the hall, + and sat there, burdened with remorse. + </p> + <p> + A servant came just then to lead her upstairs; for Miss Belle wished the + hat altered, and must give directions. With her heart in a flutter, and + pinker roses in her cheeks than the one in her pocket, Lizzie followed to + a handsome room, where a pretty girl stood before a long mirror with the + hat in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Tell Madame Tifany that I don't like it at all, for she hasn't put in the + blue plume mamma ordered; and I won't have rose-buds, they are so common,” + said the young lady, in a dissatisfied tone, as she twirled the hat about. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, miss,” was all Lizzie could say; for SHE considered that hat the + loveliest thing a girl could possibly own. + </p> + <p> + “You had better ask your mamma about it, Miss Belle, before you give any + orders. She will be up in a few moments, and the girl can wait,” put in a + maid, who was sewing in the ante-room. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I must; but I WON'T have roses,” answered Belle, crossly. Then + she glanced at Lizzie, and said more gently, “You look very cold; come and + sit by the fire while you wait.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I'll wet the pretty rug, miss; my feet are sopping,” said + Lizzie, gratefully, but timidly. + </p> + <p> + “So they are! Why didn't you wear rubber boots?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got any.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you mine, then, for I hate them; and as I never go out in wet + weather, they are of no earthly use to me. Marie, bring them here; I shall + be glad to get rid of them, and I'm sure they'll be useful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, miss! I'd like 'em ever so much, for I'm out in the rain + half the time, and get bad colds because my boots are old,” said Lizzie, + smiling brightly at the thought of the welcome gift. + </p> + <p> + “I should think your mother would get you warmer things,” began Belle, who + found something rather interesting in the shabby girl, with shy bright + eyes, and curly hair bursting out of the old hood. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got any mother,” said Lizzie, with a pathetic glance at her + poor clothes. + </p> + <p> + “I'm so sorry! Have you brothers and sisters?” asked Belle, hoping to find + something pleasant to talk about; for she was a kind little soul. + </p> + <p> + “No, miss; I've got no folks at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear; how sad! Why, who takes care of you?” cried Belle, looking + quite distressed. + </p> + <p> + “No one; I take care of myself. I work for Madame, and she pays me a + dollar a week. I stay with Mrs. Brown, and chore round to pay for my keep. + My dollar don't get many clothes, so I can't be as neat as I'd like.” And + the forlorn look came back to poor Lizzie's face. + </p> + <p> + Belle said nothing, but sat among the sofa cushions, where she had thrown + herself, looking soberly at this other girl, no older than she was, who + took care of herself and was all alone in the world. It was a new idea to + Belle, who was loved and petted as an only child is apt to be. She often + saw beggars and pitied them, but knew very little about their wants and + lives; so it was like turning a new page in her happy life to be brought + so near to poverty as this chance meeting with the milliner's girl. + </p> + <p> + “Aren't you afraid and lonely and unhappy?” she said, slowly, trying to + understand and put herself in Lizzie's place. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but it's no use. I can't help it, and may be things will get better + by and by, and I'll have my wish,” answered Lizzie, more hopefully, + because Belle's pity warmed her heart and made her troubles seem lighter. + </p> + <p> + “What is your wish?” asked Belle, hoping mamma wouldn't come just yet, for + she was getting interested in the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “To have a nice little room, and make flowers, like a French girl I know. + It's such pretty work, and she gets lots of money, for every one likes her + flowers. She shows me how, sometimes, and I can do leaves first-rate; but—” + </p> + <p> + There Lizzie stopped suddenly, and the color rushed up to her forehead; + for she remembered the little rose in her pocket and it weighed upon her + conscience like a stone. + </p> + <p> + Before Belle could ask what was the matter, Marie came in with a tray of + cake and fruit, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Here's your lunch, Miss Belle.” + </p> + <p> + “Put it down, please; I'm not ready for it yet.” + </p> + <p> + And Belle shook her head as she glanced at Lizzie, who was staring hard at + the fire with such a troubled face that Belle could not bear to see it. + </p> + <p> + Jumping out of her nest of cushions, she heaped a plate with good things, + and going to Lizzie, offered it, saying, with a gentle courtesy that made + the act doubly sweet: + </p> + <p> + “Please have some; you must be tired of waiting.” + </p> + <p> + But Lizzie could not take it; she could only cover her face and cry; for + this kindness rent her heart and made the stolen flower a burden too heavy + to be borne. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't cry so! Are you sick? Have I been rude? Tell me all about it; + and if I can't do anything, mamma can,” said Belle, surprised and + troubled. + </p> + <p> + “No; I'm not sick; I'm bad, and I can't bear it when you are so good to + me,” sobbed Lizzie, quite overcome with penitence; and taking out the + crumpled rose, she confessed her fault with many tears. + </p> + <p> + “Don't feel so much about such a little thing as that,” began Belle, + warmly; then checked herself, and added, more soberly, “It WAS wrong to + take it without leave; but it's all right now, and I'll give you as many + roses as you want, for I know you are a good girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. I didn't want it only because it was pretty, but I wanted to + copy it. I can't get any for myself, and so I can't do my make-believe + ones well. Madame won't even lend me the old ones in the store, and + Estelle has none to spare for me, because I can't pay her for teaching me. + She gives me bits of muslin and wire and things, and shows me now and + then. But I know if I had a real flower I could copy it; so she'd see I + did know something, for I try real hard. I'm SO tired of slopping round + the streets, I'd do anything to earn my living some other way.” + </p> + <p> + Lizzie had poured out her trouble rapidly; and the little story was quite + affecting when one saw the tears on her cheeks, the poor clothes, and the + thin hands that held the stolen rose. Belle was much touched, and, in her + impetuous way, set about mending matters as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + “Put on those boots and that pair of dry stockings right away. Then tuck + as much cake and fruit into your pocket as it will hold. I'm going to get + you some flowers, and see if mamma is too busy to attend to me.” + </p> + <p> + With a nod and a smile, Belle flew about the room a minute; then vanished, + leaving Lizzie to her comfortable task, feeling as if fairies still + haunted the world as in the good old times. + </p> + <p> + When Belle came back with a handful of roses, she found Lizzie absorbed in + admiring contemplation of her new boots, as she ate sponge-cake in a + blissful sort of waking-dream. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma can't come; but I don't care about the hat. It will do very well, + and isn't worth fussing about. There, will those be of any use to you?” + And she offered the nosegay with a much happier face than the one Lizzie + first saw. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, miss, they're just lovely! I'll copy that pink rose as soon as ever I + can, and when I've learned how to do 'em tip-top, I'd like to bring you + some, if you don't mind,” answered Lizzie, smiling all over her face as + she buried her nose luxuriously in the fragrant mass. + </p> + <p> + “I'd like it very much, for I should think you'd have to be very clever to + make such pretty things. I really quite fancy those rosebuds in my hat, + now I know that you're going to learn how to make them. Put an orange in + your pocket, and the flowers in water as soon as you can, so they'll be + fresh when you want them. Good-by. Bring home our hats every time and tell + me how you get on.” + </p> + <p> + With kind words like these, Belle dismissed Lizzie, who ran downstairs, + feeling as rich as if she had found a fortune. Away to the next place she + hurried, anxious to get her errands done and the precious posy safely into + fresh water. But Mrs. Turretviile was not at home, and the bonnet could + not be left till paid for. So Lizzie turned to go down the high steps, + glad that she need not wait. She stopped one instant to take a delicious + sniff at her flowers, and that was the last happy moment that poor Lizzie + knew for many weary months. + </p> + <p> + The new boots were large for her, the steps slippery with sleet, and down + went the little errand girl, from top to bottom, till she landed in the + gutter directly upon Mrs. Turretville's costly bonnet. + </p> + <p> + “I've saved my posies, anyway,” sighed Lizzie, as she picked herself up, + bruised, wet, and faint with pain; “but, oh, my heart! won't Madame scold + when she sees that band-box smashed flat,” groaned the poor child, sitting + on the curbstone to get her breath and view the disaster. + </p> + <p> + The rain poured, the wind blew, the sparrows on the park railing chirped + derisively, and no one came along to help Lizzie out of her troubles. + Slowly she gathered up her burdens; painfully she limped away in the big + boots; and the last the naughty sparrows saw of her was a shabby little + figure going round the corner, with a pale, tearful face held lovingly + over the bright bouquet that was her one treasure and her only comfort in + the moment which brought to her the great misfortune of her life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. FORGET-ME-NOTS + </h2> + <p> + “Oh, mamma, I am so relieved that the box has come at last! If it had not, + I do believe I should have died of disappointment,” cried pretty Belle, + five years later, on the morning before her eighteenth birthday. + </p> + <p> + “It would have been a serious disappointment, darling; for I had sot my + heart on your wearing my gift to-morrow night, and when the steamers kept + coming in without my trunk from Paris, I was very anxious. I hope you will + like it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear mamma, I know I shall like it; your taste is so good and you know + what suits me so well. Make haste, Marie; I'm dying to see it,” said + Belle, dancing about the great trunk, as the maid carefully unfolded + tissue papers and muslin wrappers. + </p> + <p> + A young girl's first ball-dress is a grand affair,—in her eyes, at + least; and Belle soon stopped dancing, to stand with clasped hands, eager + eyes and parted lips before the snowy pile of illusion that was at last + daintily lifted out upon the bed. Then, as Marie displayed its loveliness, + little cries of delight were heard, and when the whole delicate dress was + arranged to the best effect she threw herself upon her mother's neck and + actually cried with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, it is too lovely I and you are very kind to do so much for me. How + shall I ever thank you?” + </p> + <p> + “By putting it right on to see if it fits; and when you wear it look your + happiest, that I may be proud of my pretty daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Mamma got no further, for Marie uttered a French shriek, wrung her hands, + and then began to burrow wildly in the trunk and among the papers, crying + distractedly: + </p> + <p> + “Great Heavens, madame! the wreath has been forgotten! What an affliction! + Mademoiselle's enchanting toilette is destroyed without the wreath, and + nowhere do I find it.” + </p> + <p> + In vain they searched; in vain Marie wailed and Belle declared it must be + somewhere; no wreath appeared. It was duly set down in the bill, and a + fine sum charged for a head-dress to match the dainty forget-me-nots that + looped the fleecy skirts and ornamented the bosom of the dress. It had + evidently been forgotten; and mamma despatched Marie at once to try and + match the flowers, for Belle would not hear of any other decoration for + her beautiful blonde hair. + </p> + <p> + The dress fitted to a charm, and was pronounced by all beholders the + loveliest thing ever seen. Nothing was wanted but the wreath to make it + quite perfect, and when Marie returned, after a long search, with no + forget-me-nots, Belle was in despair. + </p> + <p> + “Wear natural ones,” suggested a sympathizing friend. + </p> + <p> + But another hunt among greenhouses was as fruitless as that among the + milliners' rooms. No forget-me-nots could be found, and Marie fell + exhausted into a chair, desolated at what she felt to be an awful + calamity. + </p> + <p> + “Let me have the carriage, and I'll ransack the city till I find some,” + cried Belle, growing more resolute with each failure. + </p> + <p> + Marnma was deep in preparations for the ball, and could not help her + afflicted daughter, though she was much disappointed at the mishap. So + Belle drove off, resolved to have her flowers whether there were any or + not. + </p> + <p> + Any one who has ever tried to match a ribbon, find a certain fabric, or + get anything done in a hurry, knows what a wearisome task it sometimes is, + and can imagine Belle's state of mind after repeated disappointments. She + was about to give up in despair, when some one suggested that perhaps the + Frenchwoman, Estelle Valnor, might make the desired wreath, if there was + time. + </p> + <p> + Away drove Belle, and, on entering the room, gave a sigh of satisfaction, + for a whole boxful of the loveliest forget-me-nots stood upon the table. + As fast as possible, she told her tale and demanded the flowers, no matter + what the price might be. Imagine her feelings when the Frenchwoman, with a + shrug, announced that it was impossible to give mademoiselle a single + spray. All were engaged to trim a bridesmaid's dress, and must be sent + away at once. + </p> + <p> + It really was too bad! and Belle lost her temper entirely, for no + persuasion or bribes would win a spray from Estelle. The provoking part of + it was that the wedding would not come off for several days, and there was + time enough to make more flowers for that dress, since Belle only wanted a + few for her hair. Neither would Estelle make her any, as her hands were + full, and so small an order was not worth deranging one's self for; but + observing Belle's sorrowful face, she said, affably: + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle may, perhaps, find the flowers she desires at Miss Berton's. + She has been helping me with these garlands, and may have some left. Here + is her address.” + </p> + <p> + Belle took the card with thanks, and hurried away with a last hope faintly + stirring in her girlish heart, for Belle had an unusually ardent wish to + look her best at this party, since Somebody was to be there, and Somebody + considered forget-me-nots the sweetest flowers in the world. Mamma knew + this, and the kiss Belle gave her when the dress came had a more tender + meaning than gratified vanity or daughterly love. + </p> + <p> + Up many stairs she climbed, and came at last to a little room, very poor + but very neat, where, at the one window, sat a young girl, with crutches + by her side and her lap full of flower-leaves and petals. She rose slowly + as Belle came in, and then stood looking at her, with such a wistful + expression in her shy, bright eyes, that Belle's anxious face cleared + involuntarily, and her voice lost its impatient tone. + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she glanced about the room, hoping to see some blue blossoms + awaiting her. But none appeared; and she was about to despond again, when + the girl said, gently: + </p> + <p> + “I have none by me now, but I may be able to find you some.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much; but I have been everywhere in vain. Still, if you do + get any, please send them to me as soon as possible. Here is my card.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Berton glanced at it, then cast a quick look at the sweet, anxious + face before her, and smiled so brightly that Belle smiled also, and asked, + wonderingly: + </p> + <p> + “What is it? What do you see?” + </p> + <p> + “I see the dear young lady who was so kind to me long ago. You don't + remember me, and never knew my name; but I never have forgotten you all + these years. I always hoped I could do something to show how grateful I + was, and now I can, for you shall have your flowers if I sit up all night + to make them.” + </p> + <p> + But Belle still shook her head and watched the smiling face before her + with wondering eyes, till the girl added, with sudden color in her cheeks: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you've done so many kind things in your life, you don't remember the + little errand girl from Madame Tifany's who stole a rose in your hall, and + how you gave her rubber boots and cake and flowers, and were so good to + her she couldn't forget it if she lived to be a hundred.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are so changed,” began Belle, who did faintly recollect that + little incident in her happy life. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I had a fall and hurt myself so that I shall always be lame.” + </p> + <p> + And Lizzie went on to tell how Madame had dismissed her in a rage; how she + lay ill till Mrs. Brown sent her to the hospital; and how for a year she + had suffered much alone, in that great house of pain, before one of the + kind visitors had befriended her. + </p> + <p> + While hearing the story of the five years, that had been so full of + pleasure, ease and love for herself, Belle forgot her errand, and, sitting + beside Lizzie, listened with pitying eyes to all she told of her endeavors + to support herself by the delicate handiwork she loved. + </p> + <p> + “I'm very happy now,” ended Lizzie, looking about the little bare room + with a face full of the sweetest content. “I get nearly work enough to pay + my way, and Estelle sends me some when she has more than she can do. I've + learned to do it nicely, and it is so pleasant to sit here and make + flowers instead of trudging about in the wet with other people's hats. + Though I do sometimes wish I was able to trudge, one gets on so slowly + with crutches.” + </p> + <p> + A little sigh followed the words, and Belle put her own plump hand on the + delicate one that held the crutch, saying, in her cordial young voice: + </p> + <p> + “I'll come and take you to drive sometimes, for you are too pale, and + you'll get ill sitting here at work day after day. Please let me; I'd love + to; for I feel so idle and wicked when I see busy people like you that I + reproach myself for neglecting my duty and having more than my share of + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Lizzie thanked her with a look, and then said, in a tone of interest that + was delightful to hear: + </p> + <p> + “Tell about the wreath you want; I should so love to do it for you, if I + can.” + </p> + <p> + Belle had forgotten all about it in listening to this sad little story of + a girl's life. Now she felt half ashamed to talk of so frivolous a matter + till she remembered that it would help Lizzie; and, resolving to pay for + it as never garland was paid for before, she entered upon the subject with + renewed interest. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the flowers in time for your ball to-morrow night. I will + engage to make a wreath that will please you, only it may take longer than + I think. Don't be troubled if I don't send it till evening; it will surely + come in time. I can work fast, and this will be the happiest job I ever + did,” said Lizzie, beginning to lay out mysterious little tools and bend + delicate wires. + </p> + <p> + “You are altogether too grateful for the little I have done. It makes me + feel ashamed to think I did not find you out before and do something + better worth thanks.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it wasn't the boots or the cake or the roses, dear Miss Belle. It was + the kind looks, the gentle words, the way it was done, that went right to + my heart, and did me more good than a million of money. I never stole a + pin after that day, for the little rose wouldn't let me forget how you + forgave me so sweetly. I sometimes think it kept me from greater + temptations, for I was a poor, forlorn child, with no one to keep me + good.” + </p> + <p> + Pretty Belle looked prettier than ever as she listened, and a bright tear + stood in either eye like a drop of dew on a blue flower. It touched her + very much to learn that her little act of childish charity had been so + sweet and helpful to this lonely girl, and now lived so freshly in her + grateful memory. It showed her, suddenly, how precious little deeds of + love and sympathy are; how strong to bless, how easy to perform, how + comfortable to recall. Her heart was very full and tender just then, and + the lesson sunk deep into it never to be forgotten. + </p> + <p> + She sat a long time watching flowers bud and blossom under Lizzie's + skilful fingers, and then hurried home to tell all her glad news to mamma. + </p> + <p> + If the next day had not been full of most delightfully exciting events, + Belle might have felt some anxiety about her wreath, for hour after hour + went by and nothing arrived from Lizzie. + </p> + <p> + Evening came, and all was ready. Belle was dressed, and looked so lovely + that mamma declared she needed nothing more. But Marie insisted that the + grand effect would be ruined without the garland among the sunshiny hair. + Belle had time now to be anxious, and waited with growing impatience for + the finishing touch to her charming toilette. + </p> + <p> + “I must be downstairs to receive, and can't wait another moment; so put in + the blue pompon and let me go,” she said at last, with a sigh of + disappointment, for the desire to look beautiful that night in Somebody's + eyes had increased four-fold. + </p> + <p> + With a tragic gesture, Marie was about to adjust the pompon when the quick + tap of a crutch came down the hall, and Lizzie hurried in, flushed and + breathless, but smiling happily as she uncovered the box she carried with + a look of proud satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + A general “Ah!” of admiration arose as Belle, mamma, and Marie surveyed + the lovely wreath that lay before them; and when it was carefully arranged + on the bright head that was to wear it, Belle blushed with pleasure. Mamma + said: “It is more beautiful than any Paris could have sent us;” and Marie + clasped her hands theatrically, sighing, with her head on one side: + </p> + <p> + “Truly, yes; mademoiselle is now adorable!” + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad you like it. I did my very best and worked all night, but I + had to beg one spray from Estelle, or, with all my haste, I could not have + finished in time,” said Lizzie, refreshing her weary eyes with a long, + affectionate gaze at the pretty figure before her. + </p> + <p> + A fold of the airy skirt was caught on one of the blue clusters, and + Lizzie knelt down to arrange it as she spoke. Belle leaned toward her and + said softly: “Money alone can't pay you for this kindness; so tell me how + I can best serve you. This is the happiest night of my life, and I want to + make every one feel glad also.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don't talk of paying me, but promise that I may make the flowers you + wear on your wedding-day,” whispered Lizzie, kissing the kind hand held + out to help her rise, for on it she saw a brilliant ring, and in the + blooming, blushing face bent over her she read the tender little story + that Somebody had told Belle that day. + </p> + <p> + “So you shall! and I'll keep this wreath all my life for your sake, dear,” + answered Belle, as her full heart bubbled over with pitying affection for + the poor girl who would never make a bridal garland for herself. + </p> + <p> + Belle kept her word, even when she was in a happy home of her own; for out + of the dead roses bloomed a friendship that brightened Lizzie's life; and + long after the blue garland was faded Belle remembered the helpful little + lesson that taught her to read the faces poverty touches with a pathetic + eloquence, which says to those who look, “Forget-me-not.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Marjorie's Three Gifts, by Louisa May Alcott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARJORIE'S THREE GIFTS *** + +***** This file should be named 5352-h.htm or 5352-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/5/5352/ + +Produced by Brandon Ryan, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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