PREFACE

 These stories were written for my own amusement during a period of enforced seclusion¹. The flowers which were my solace² and pleasure suggested titles for the tales and gave an interest to the work.

 

If my girls find a little beauty or sunshine in these common blossoms, their old friend will not have made her Garland in vain.

 

L.M. ALCOTT.

 

SEPTEMBER, 1887. 

 

1 seclusion   

n.隐遁，隔离

参考例句：

• She liked to sunbathe in the seclusion of her own garden.她喜欢在自己僻静的花园里晒日光浴。
• I live very much in seclusion these days.这些天我过着几乎与世隔绝的生活。

2 solace   

n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和

参考例句：

• They sought solace in religion from the harshness of their everyday lives.他们日常生活很艰难，就在宗教中寻求安慰。
• His acting career took a nosedive and he turned to drink for solace.演艺事业突然一落千丈，他便借酒浇愁。