7 Endings and beginnings

Chapter 7 Endings & beginnings Like sunshine after a storm, several peaceful weeks followed. In Washington, Mr. March was getting stronger every day and Beth was soon well enough to come downstairs and lie on the study sofa. Christmas Day dawned mild and sunny. Laurie ran in and out with presents and Jo made ridiculous speeches as she presented each one. "I'm so full of happiness, that if only

Father were here I couldn't hold one more drop," sighed Beth. "So am I," agreed Jo, gloating over one of her presents, a brand-new novel. "And me," echoed Amy, looking at a delicate framed print from her mother. "I know I am!" said Meg, admiring the silvery folds of her first silk dress- a gift from old Mr. Laurence. Laurie looked so excited he could hardly contain himself. "Here's another present for the March family!" he cried.

And there stood a tall man, muffled up to the eyebrows, supported by Mr. Brooke. "Father!" the girls cried. In an instant, the house was in uproar. Mrs. March was half- laughing, half-crying, Jo almost fainted and Amy fell on her father's feet and hugged his boots. When they had recovered themselves, Mr. March was settled in an easy chair, Beth on his lap, and Christmas dinner was served. The fat turkey was browned to perfection and the plum pudding melted in their mouths.

Old Mr. Laurence and Laurie joined them, along with John Brooke, who kept sneaking admiring glances at Meg. She blushed and smiled back. Jo spent most of the meal glowering at the unfortunate tutor, much to Laurie's amusement. They ate and drank and talked and laughed. The day ended with Beth playing carols and everyone singing.

The following afternoon, Aunt March arrived to visit her nephew and surprised John Brooke and Meg talking quietly together. "Bless me, what's this?" she cried, looking from the pale young man to her blushing niece. "This is Laurie's tutor and Father's friend," stammered Meg. John nodded shyly, and vanished into the study. "He's not thinking of proposing I hope?" boomed the old lady. "He's not nearly good enough for you."

"Why not?" Meg demanded. Aunt March sniffed. "He's a poor wretch and probably after the money he thinks I'm leaving you in my will." Meg was so indignant that her voice soared louder than Aunt March's. "John's not like that! He's good and kind, which matters more than riches." In the study, John heard every word. His heart swelled with happiness. "Perhaps Meg will marry me even though I don't have any money," he thought.