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

long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net,
to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a
fly-away look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl
who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like it. Elizabeth, or
Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl
of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression
which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her `Little Miss
Tranquility', and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live
in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she
trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person,
in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and
yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying
herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of
the four sisters were we will leave to be found out.

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 everyone brightened to
welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted 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.

"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'll tell you what we'll do," said Beth, "let's each get her
something for Christmas,land 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."

"Army shoes, best to be had," cried Jo.

"Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed," 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 my pencils," added Amy.

"How will we give the things?" asked Meg.