"Alcott, Louisa May - Little Women - March Family 01 - Little Women" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alcott Louisa May)

was crammed so full of goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise
and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered
book. She 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 guidebook for any
pilgrim going on a long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and
bade her see what was under her pillow. A 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. Presently Beth and Amy
woke to rummage and find their little books also, one dove-colored, the
other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east
grew rosy with the coming day.

In 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.

"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. We used to
be faithful about it, but since Father went away and all this war trouble
unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You 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. Jo put her arm round
her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so
seldom seen on her restless face.

"How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with
the hard words, and they'' explain things if we don't understand,"
whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters,
example.

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

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

"Goodness only knows. some poor creeter came a-beggin', and your ma
went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for
givin' away vittles and drink, clothes and firin'," 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.

"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. "why, where is Amy's bottle of cologne?" she added, as the little