Chapter 16 Letters

In the cold grey dawn the sisters lit their lamp, and read their chapter with an earnestness never felt before; for now the shadow of a real trouble had come, the little books were full of help and comfort; and, as they dressed, they agreed to say good-bye cheerfully and hopefully, and send their mother on her anxious journey unsaddened by tears or complaints from them. Everything seemed very strange when they went down - so dim and still outside, so full of light and bustle within. Breakfast at that early hour seemed odd, and even Hannah's familiar face looked unnatural as she flew about her kitchen with her night-cap on. The big trunk stood ready in the hall, Mother's cloak and bonnet lay on the sofa, and Mother herself sat trying to eat, but looking so pale and worn, with sleeplessness and anxiety, that the girls found it very hard to keep their resolution. Meg's eyes kept filling in spite of herself; Jo was obliged to hide her face in the kitchen roller more than once; and the little girls wore a grave, troubled expression, as if sorrow was a new experience to them.

Nobody talked much, but as the time drew very near, and they sat waiting for the carriage, Mrs. March said to the girls, who were all busied about her, one folding her shawl, another smoothing out the strings of her bonnet, a third putting on her overshoes, and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag:

Children, I leave you to Hannah's care and Mr. Laurence's protection. Hannah is faithfulness itself, and our good neighbour will guard you as if you were his own. I have no fears for you, yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly. Don't grieve and fret when I am gone, or think that you can comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget. Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace. Hope and keep busy; and whatever happens, remember that you never can be fatherless.'

Yes, Mother.'

Meg, dear, be prudent, watch over your sisters, consult Hannah, and, in any perplexity, go to Mr. Laurence. Be patient, Jo, don't get despondent or do rash things; write to me often, and be my brave girl, ready to help and cheer us all. Beth, comfort yourself with your music, and be faithful to the little home duties; and you, Amy, help all you can, be obedient, and keep happy safe at home.'

We will, Mother! we will!'

The rattle of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen. That was the hard minute, but the girls stood it well; no one cried, no one ran away or uttered a lamentation, though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to Father, remembering, as they spoke, that it might be too late to deliver them. They kissed their mother quietly, clung about her tenderly, and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away.

Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off, and Mr. Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him `Mr. Greatheart' on the spot.

Good-bye, my darlings! God bless and keep us all!' whispered Mrs. March, as she kissed one dear little face after the other, and hurried into the carriage.

As she rolled away, the sun came out, and, looking back, she saw it shining on the group at the gate, like a good omen. They saw it also, and smiled and waved their hands; and the last thing she beheld, as she turned the corner, was the four bright faces, and behind them, like a bodyguard, old Mr. Laurence, faithful Hannah, and devoted Laurie.

How kind everyone is to us!' she said, turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young man's face.

I don't see how they can help it,' returned Mr. Brooke, laughing so infectiously that Mrs. March could not help smiling; and so the long journey began with the good omens of sunshine, smiles, and cheerful words.

I feel as if there had been an earthquake,' said Jo, as their neighbours went home to breakfast, leaving them to rest and refresh themselves.

It seems as if half the house was gone,' added Meg, forlornly.

Beth opened her lips to say something, but could only point to the pile of nicely minded hose which lay on Mother's table, showing that even in her last hurried moments she had thought and worked for them. It was a little thing, but it went straight to their hearts; and, in spite of their brave resolutions, they all broke down and cried bitterly.

Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, and, when the shower showed signs of clearing up, she came to the rescue, armed with a coffee-pot.

Now, my dear young ladies, remember what your ma said, and don't fret. Come and have a cup of coffee all round, and then let's fall to work and be a credit to the family.'

Coffee was a treat, and Hannah showed great tact in making it that morning. No one could resist her persuasive nods, or the fragrant invitation issuing from the nose of the coffee-pot. They drew up to the table, exchanged their handkerchiefs for napkins, and in ten minutes were all right again.

"Hope and keep busy", that's the motto for us, so let's see who will remember it best. I shall go to Aunt March, as usual. Oh, won't she lecture though!' said Jo, as she sipped with returning spirit.

I shall go to my Kings, though I'd much rather stay at home and attend to things here,' said Meg, wishing she hadn't made her eyes so red.

No need of that, Beth and I can keep house perfectly well,' put in Amy, with an important air.

Hannah will tell us what to do, and we'll have everything nice when you come home,' added Beth, getting out her mop and dish-tub without delay.

I think anxiety is very interesting,' observed Amy, eating sugar, pensively.

The girls couldn't help laughing, and felt better for it, though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation in a sugar-bowl.

The sight of the turnovers made Jo sober again; and when the two went out to their daily tasks, they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mother's face. It was gone; but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony, and there she was, nodding away at them like a rosy-faced mandarin.

That's so like my Beth!' said Jo, waving her hat, with a grateful face. `Good-bye, Meggy; I hope the Kings won't trail today. Don't fret about Father, dear,' she added, as they parted.

And I hope Aunt March won't croak. Your hair is becoming, and it looks very boyish and nice,' returned Meg, trying not to smile at the curly head, which looked comically small on her tall sister's shoulders.

That's my only comfort'; and, touching her hat, * la Laurie, away went Jo, feeling like a shorn sheep on a wintry day.

News from their father comforted the girls very much; for, though dangerously ill, the presence of the best and tenderest of nurses had already done him good. Mr. Brooke sent a bulletin every day, and, as the head of the family, Meg insisted on reading the dispatches, which grew more and more cheering as the week passed. At first, everyone was eager to write, and plump envelopes were carefully poked into the letter-box by one or other of the sisters, who felt rather important with their Washington correspondence. As one of these packets contained characteristic notes from the party, we will rob an imaginary mail, and read them:

My Dearest Mother - It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us, for the news was so good we couldn't help laughing and crying over it. How very kind Mr. Brooke is, and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence's business detains him near you so long, since he is so useful to you and Father. The girls are all as good as gold. Jo helps me with the sewing, and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs. I should be afraid she might overdo, if I didn't know that her `moral fit' wouldn't last long. Beth is as regular about her tasks as a clock, and never forgets what you told her. She grieves about Father, and looks sober except when she is at her little piano. Amy minds me nicely, and I take great care of her. She does her own hair, and I am teaching her how to make buttonholes, and mend her stockings. She tries very hard, and I know you will be pleased with her improvement when you come. Mr. Laurence watches over us like a motherly old hen, as Jo says; and Laurie is very kind and neighbourly. He and Jo keep us merry, for we get pretty blue sometimes, and feel like orphans, with you so far away. Hannah is a perfect saint; she does not scold at all, and always calls me Miss `Margaret', which is quite proper, you know, and treats me with respect. We are all well and busy; but we long day and night to have you back. Give my dearest love to Father, and believe me, ever your own.

Meg.

This note, prettily written on scented paper, was a great contrast to the next, which was scribbled on a big sheet of thin foreign paper, ornamented with blots and all manner of flourishes and curly-tailed letters:

was in the right. He didn't come; and just at night I remembered what you said when Amy fell into the river. I read my little book, felt better, resolved not to let the sun set on my anger, and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry. I met him at the gate, coming for the same thing. We both laughed, begged each other's pardon, and felt all good and comfortable again.

I made a `pome' yesterday, when I was helping Hannah wash; and, as Father likes my silly little things, I put it in to amuse him. Give him the lovingest hug that ever was, and kiss yourself a dozen times for your

Topsy-Turvy Jo.

A Song From The Suds

Queen of my tub, I merrily sing,

While the white foam rises high;

And sturdily wash and rinse and wring,

And fasten the clothes to dry;

Then out in the free, fresh air they swing,

Under the sunny sky.

I wish we could wash from our hearts and souls

The stains of the week away,

And let water and air by their magic make

Ourselves as pure as they;

Then on the earth there would be indeed

A glorious washing day!

Along the path of a useful life,

Will heart's-ease ever bloom;

The busy mind has no time to think

Of sorrow or care or gloom;

And anxious thoughts may be swept away,

As we bravely wield a broom.

I am glad a task to me is given,

To labour at day by day;

For it brings me health and strength and hope,

And I cheerfully learn to say, -

Head, you may think, Heart, you may feel,

But, Hand, you shall work alway!'

Dear Mother - There is only room for me to send my love and some pressed pansies from the root I have been keeping safe in the house for Father to see. I read every morning, try to be good all day, and sing myself to sleep with Father's tune. I can't sing `Land of the Leal' now; it makes me cry. Everyone is very kind, and we are as happy as we can be without you. Amy wants the rest of the page, so I must stop. I didn't forget to cover the holders, and I wind the clock and air the rooms every day.

Kiss dear Father on the cheek he calls mine. Oh, do come soon to your loving

Little Beth.

Ma Chere Mamma - We are all well I do my lessons always and never corroberate the girls - Meg says I mean contradick so I put in both words and you can take the properest. Meg is a great comfort to me and lets me have jelly every night at tea its so good for me Jo says because it keeps me sweet tempered. Laurie is not as respeckful as he ought to be now I am almost in my teens, he calls me Chick and hurts my feelings by talking French to me very fast when I say Merci or Bon jour as Hattie King does. The sleeves of my blue dress were all worn out, and Meg put in new ones, but the full front came wrong and they are more blue than the dress. I felt bad but did not fret I bear my troubles well but I do wish Hannah would put more starch in my aprons and have buckwheats every day. Can't she? Didn't I make that interrigation point nice? Meg says my punchtuation and spelling are disgraceful and I am mortyfied but dear me I have so many things to do, I can't stop. Adieu, I send heaps of love to papa - Your affectionate daughter

Amy Curtis March.

Dear Miss March - I jes drop a line to say we git on fust rate. The girls is clever and fly round right smart. Miss Meg is going to make a proper good housekeeper; she has the liking for it, and gifts the hang of things surprisin quick. Jo doos beat all for going ahead, but she don't stop to cal'k'late fusty, and you never know where she's like to bring up. She done out a tub of clothes on Monday, but she starched em afore they was wrenched, and blued a pink calico dress till I thought I should a died a laughing. Beth is the best of little creeters, and a sight of help to me, bein so forehanded and dependable. She tries to learn everything, and really goes to market beyond her years; likewise keeps accounts, with my help, quite wonderful. We have got on very economical so fur; I don't let the girls hev coffee only once a week, according to your wish, and keep em on plain wholesome vittles. Amy does well about frettin, wearing her best clothes and eatin sweet stuff. Mr. Laurie is as full of didoes as usual, and turns the house upside down frequent; but he heartens up the girls, and so I let em hev full swing. The old gentleman sends heaps of things, and is rather wearing, but means wal, and it aint my place to say nothin. My bread is riz, so no more at this time. I send my duty to Mr. March, and hope he's seen the last of his Pewmonia - Yours Respectful,

Hannah Mullet.

Head Nurse Of Ward No. 2 - All serene on the Rappahannock, troops in fine condition, commissary department well conducted, the Home Guard under Colonel Teddy always on duty, Commander-in-Chief General Laurence reviews the army daily, Quartermaster Mullet keeps order in camp, and Major Lion does picket duty at night. A salute of twenty-four guns was fired on receipt of good news from Washington, and a dress parade took place at head-quarters. Commander-in-Chief sends best wishes, in which he is heartily joined by

Colonel Teddy.

Dear Madam - The little girls are all well; Beth and my boy report daily; Hannah is a model servant, and guards pretty Meg like a dragon. Glad the fine weather holds; pray make Brooke useful, and draw on me for funds if expenses exceed your estimate. Don't let your husband want anything. Thank God he is mending - Your sincere friend and servant,

James Laurence.

 

天方蒙蒙亮，姐妹们便冒着严寒，点亮灯，以前所未有的热诚阅读她们的小册子，因为一项真正的麻烦已经降临到她们身上，而这些小书当中随处可以寻到帮助和宽慰。穿衣的时候，她们约定要高高兴兴地跟母亲道别、不流泪、不诉苦，让她轻松上路。她们走下楼时一切都似乎变得十分陌生--外头天色灰暗、鸦雀无声，里头却灯火透亮、一片忙乱。

这么早便吃早餐显得有点古里古怪，罕娜戴着睡帽在厨房里跑上跑下，那张熟识的面孔也好像与往日不同。大行李箱已在大厅里放好，母亲的外套和帽子摆在沙发上。母亲坐在那里，正吃力地把早点咽下去，因昨晚忧思劳神、一夜无眠，脸色显得十分苍白憔悴，姑娘们见状几乎把持不祝梅格忍不住泪如雨下，乔不得不三番四次地躲到厨房的碾子后面抹眼泪，两个小妹妹也神情严肃，愁眉不展，仿佛悲伤对于她们来说是一种新体验。

大家都没有怎么说话，出发的时间就要到了，大家坐着在等马车，姑娘们围着母亲忙忙碌碌，一个替她叠围巾，一个把她的帽带弄起，一个为她穿上套鞋，一个为她系好行李袋。马奇太太对她们说 “孩子们，我把你们交给罕娜和劳伦斯先生照顾。罕娜一向忠心耿耿，我们的好邻居劳伦斯先生也会把你们当作自己的女儿一样看待，这些我都不担心，我只希望你们要正确对待这次变故。我走后你们不要烦恼悲伤，也不要慵慵懒懒，或者试图忘记现实，以为这样就能安慰自己。要照常工作，因为工作就是最大的安慰。怀抱希望，不要偷闲，无论发生什么事情，都要记着，你们决不会失去父亲的。”“是，妈妈。”“梅格，好孩子，谨慎行事，带好几个妹妹，凡事与罕娜商量，遇到困难时请教劳伦斯先生。要忍耐，乔，不要灰心泄气、鲁莽行事，多写信给我，要做个勇敢的好姑娘，帮助鼓舞大家。贝思，好好弹琴，有时间帮忙做好家务。你呢，艾美，尽能力帮忙，乖乖听话，不要惹祸。”“我们会的，妈妈！”“我们会的！”这时传来嘎嗒嘎嗒的马车声，大家跳起来侧耳细听。痛苦的时刻到了，但姑娘们强忍悲伤：她们让母亲转达对父亲的问候，虽然她们想到这些话或许已经太迟。没有人哭泣，没有人躲避，也没有叹息，虽然她们心里都感到沉甸甸的；大家轻轻吻别母亲，然后目送着马车离去，强作欢颜，挥手告别。

劳里和爷爷也过来送行，布鲁克先生身强力健，和气可亲，更兼善解人意，姑娘们当场赠他一个外号"大好人先生"。

“再见，宝贝们！上帝保佑大家平平安安！”马奇太太轻声说。她在每张小脸上逐一亲亲，然后快步登上马车。

马车缓缓向前移动，此时太阳正冉冉升起。马奇太太回头望去，只见吉祥的朝霞洒在大门口的众人身上。他们也看到了太阳，都微笑着挥起了手；四姐妹面露笑容，身后站着俨然护花使者一般的劳伦斯老人、忠实的罕娜和忠心耿耿的劳里。马车转过街角，这一切都从马奇太太的视线里消失了。

“大家待我们真好！”她说着转头，望着年青人。年青人脸上那种恭敬和同情的神色又一次证明了这句话的正确性。

“他们就是这样的人。”布鲁克先生朗声而笑，那富有感染力的笑声令马奇太太也不禁微笑起来；漫长的旅行于是在祥和的阳光、微笑和欢快的言谈中开始了。

劳里和爷爷回去吃早饭，姑娘们留在家里稍作休息，邻居一走，乔便说：“我觉得好像经历了一场地震。”“屋子也仿佛变得空空荡荡的，”梅格凄凄切切地接着说。

贝思张嘴要说什么，却说不下去，只用手指指母亲桌面上一叠缝补得整整齐齐的长筒袜；母亲在极度紧张忙碌的时刻也没有忘记照料自己的女儿。这虽然只是一件小事，却令她们深受感动；大家都情不自禁地伤心痛哭。

罕娜也不去劝，任由她们尽情地释放自己的感情，看她们昏天黑地哭得差不多了，便手持咖啡壶走过来救驾。

“好了，年轻女士们，记住你们阿妈说过的话，不要伤心。

都来喝杯咖啡，然后动身干活，为这个家争口气。”喝咖啡乃一大乐事，再说罕娜那天早上把咖啡煮得出神入化。她点头相劝，让人不可抗拒，咖啡壶嘴里冒出来的阵阵香气也令人垂涎欲滴。姐妹们凑到饭桌边，用身上的手帕权且充作餐巾，一会儿功夫便都平静下来。

“'怀抱希望，不要偷闲。'这是我们的座右铭，看谁最能记住这句话。我要照常上马奇婶婶那儿去。唉，又得听她训话了！”乔呷着咖啡便来了精神。

“我也要上金斯家去，不过我倒宁愿呆在家里做家务，”梅格说道，很后悔自己把眼睛哭红了。

“用不着。我和贝思可以把家管理得井井有条，”艾美郑重其事地插话说。

贝思赶紧拿出洗碗刷和洗碗盘说：“罕娜会教我们怎样做，你们回来的时候我们会把一切都弄得好好的。”“我觉得忧思挺有趣儿，”艾美沉思着边吃糖边说。

大家全忍不住笑起来，心里也好受多了。梅格则对这位可以在糖碗里找到安慰的年轻小姐摇摇脑袋。

看到卷饼，乔严肃起来，当姐妹两人出门去上班的时候，她们凄凄切切地不断回头向窗口望去，平时母亲一定倚在窗边和她们道别，但此时却人面不再。不过，贝思却没有忘记这个小小的家庭仪式，她站在窗前，向两位姐姐点头致意，像个穿中国衣服的红脸摆头娃娃。

“真是我的好贝思！”乔说，挥挥帽子，露出一脸感激之情。”再见，梅格，我希望金斯兄弟今天不会让你生气。别担忧爸爸，亲爱的，”临分手时她又说。

“我也希望马奇婶婶不会唠唠叨叨，你的头发很好看，又精神又有朝气，”梅格回答。妹妹的脑袋披着短短的鬈发，衬在高高的身架上，显得又小又滑稽，梅格极力忍着不去笑她。

“这是我唯一的安慰。”乔摸摸劳里送她的大帽子，转身而去，觉得自己就像一头在瑟瑟寒风中被剪了毛的羊。

父亲方面传来的消息使姑娘们大感欣慰。尽管病情严重，在医院经过精心的医护理后，他已逐渐康复。布鲁克先生每天都寄来一份病情报告。梅格身为一家之长，每次都坚持自己来读。随着时间的推移，信中的消息越来越令人振奋。起初四姐妹都争着写信，写好后，由其中一人小心翼翼地把厚厚的信封塞进邮筒，大家都郑重其事地看待这些华盛顿通信。

信中有几封皮具代表性，我们不妨截下来读一读：我亲爱的妈妈：读了您的来信后，我们的喜悦心情简直没法形容，您捎来的大好消息令我们高兴得又笑又哭。布鲁克先生不愧是菩萨心肠，由于劳伦斯先生生意上的缘故，他能在你们身边陪伴多时，并悉心照顾，实乃万幸，因为他对你和父亲来说是那么有用。妹妹们个个乖巧听话。乔帮我干针线活，还坚持要做各种最难做的工夫。幸亏我知道她的"道德冲动"有如昙花一现，才不至于担心她操劳过度。贝思尽忠职守，从不忘记您告诉她的话，她思虑爸爸，终日心事重重，只有坐在她的小钢琴边时才显得轻松开怀。艾美很听我的话，我也十分细心地照顾她。她自己梳头，我正教她开钮孔和缝补袜子。她干得很起劲，您回来的时候一定会对她的进步感到满意。劳伦斯先生像老母鸡一样照看我们--这是乔说的话，劳里待我们也十分热情友好。你们远在他方，我们有时悒悒不乐，觉得自己像个孤儿，是劳里和乔使我们快乐起来。罕娜是个大圣人；她从不骂人，总是称我为"玛格丽特小姐"，这称呼十分体面，您知道，而且待我十分尊重。我们人人安好，个个忙碌，只是日夜盼望你们回来。请转达我对爸爸最诚挚的爱。永远属于您的梅格和这张字迹秀丽的香笺形成鲜明对照的，是下面这张潦潦草草地写在薄信纸上、墨迹斑斑、龙飞凤舞的大纸条：我亲爱的妈咪：为亲爱的爸爸欢呼三声！布鲁克一待爸爸身体好转便飞速电告我们，堪称好人。收到信时我冲上阁楼，试图感谢上帝对我们的厚爱，但却只哭着说：“我好高兴！我好高兴！”这不也跟真正的祈祷一样吗？因为我心中充满了感激之情。我们的日子过得有滋有味；我已经开始享受这种生活了，因为大家互爱互助，家里就像一个无比温暖的雀巢。若您看到梅格坐在首席，努力做个好妈妈的模样，一定会忍俊不禁。她越来越漂亮了，有时候我竟爱上她了。

两个妹妹是名符其实的天使，我呢--嗯，我就是我，我是乔。哦，我得告诉您我差点和劳里吵了一架。我对一桩小事直言不讳地批评了几句，他便恼了。我并没有错，只是说话过火了点儿，他便径直走回家，说除非我先认错他才会再来。我宣布我不会求他原谅，我气疯了，整整一天都心神恍惚，十分希望您就在我的身边。我和劳里自尊心都特别强，很难放下面子认错，但我以为他会来向我赔不是的，因为我是对的。他没有来，晚上我想起艾美掉进河那遭您跟我说的话，又读了我的小册子，心里受用了一点，决定不能因一时之怒而不分好歹，于是便跑过去向劳里道歉。谁知就在门口遇到了他，也是跑来向我道歉的。我们都笑起来，于是互相说过对不起，又和好如初了。

昨天我帮罕娜洗衣服时诌了一首"侍（诗）"；因为爸爸喜欢我这些小玩意，现寄上博他一笑。紧紧拥抱爸爸，也代我好好亲亲您自己。您的"混乱大王"乔洗衣歌洗衣女神哟，你看洁白的泡沫高高泛起，我一面欢歌，一面使劲又洗又搓，拧干后把衣服晾起来，让悠悠清风把它们吹干，天上白云飘飘，阳光灿烂。

我祝愿能把世俗的尘污，

从我们的心灵洗去。

让水和清风施展魔法，

让我们和它们一样纯净。

那么地球上就将有一个

灿烂辉煌的冲洗日！

生活充实，内心平静，

人生路上风雨不惊；

忙碌的脑袋顾不上去想

悲伤、烦恼和忧郁，

每当我们勇敢地挥动扫帚，

忧虑就会离我们远去。

我高高兴兴地肩负

每天劳动的任务；

它使我身体强舰充满希望。

我快乐地学会说

“头脑用于思考，心灵用于感觉，

但手，你必须永远工作！”

亲爱的妈妈：

我仅有地方送上我的挚爱和我一直保存在屋里留待爸爸观赏的三色堇标本。我每天早上读书，白天努力工作，晚间哼着爸爸的曲子入睡。我现在不能唱"天国之歌"，因为它使我感极而泣。大家都和睦共处，日子过得还算相当愉快，艾美要我把下面的地方留给她，因此我得搁笔了。我没有忘记盖好架子，每天都打扫房间，给时钟上发条。

亲亲爸爸的脸颊。噢，务必赶快回到我的身边。

你疼爱的

小贝思

ＭＡＣＨＥＲＥＭＡＭＭＡ：

我们都很好我老做功课从不和姐姐们合着（作） -梅格说我的意思是驳策（斥）所以我把两个词都写上等你来挑眩梅格待我棒极了每晚进茶点时都让我吃果子冻乔说这东西对我很有好处因为它使我脾气温和。劳里对人不够尊重现在我已差不多十岁出头了，他还管我叫"黄毛丫头"，当我像海蒂·金一样说Ｍｅｒｃｉ或者Ｂｏｎｊｏｕｒ的时候他就说很快的法语来伤我的心。我那条蓝套裙的袖子全磨破了，梅格换了一对新的，但前面却换错了颜色变得比裙子还要蓝。我心里不好受但没有着恼我经得起波折但我真希望罕娜把我的围裙浆硬一点并每天做荞麦。她不可以吗？我的问号画得够漂亮吧？梅格说我的标点付（符）号和拚写很不雅我很感屈侮（辱），但是哎呀我有这么多事情要做，有什么办法。

再会，给爸爸送上我无数的爱。

深深爱您的女儿，

艾美·科蒂斯·马奇

亲爱的马奇太太：

我只写几句话告诉你我们过得蛮好。姑娘们又聪明又勤快。梅格小姐很快就能成为一个顶好的管家；她对这方面有兴趣，而且很快就能掌握里头的窍门儿。乔样样都走在头里，你永远不会知道她下一步会出什么花样。她星期一洗了一桶衣服，但是还没绞干就给上了浆，还把一条粉红色的印花裙儿弄成蓝色，把我差一点笑死了。这班小家伙要数贝思最乖，她又节俭又可靠，是我的好帮手。她什么都努力去学，小小年纪就上市场买菜了；还在我的指点下记帐，很像回事呢。我们一直都俭省，按照您的意思，我每周只让姑娘们喝一次咖啡，给她们吃简单又健康的主食。艾美有好衣服穿，有甜品吃，也不发牢骚了。劳里还是那么淘气，常把屋子折腾得翻天覆地；不过他能使姑娘们心情振作，所以我任他们胡闹去。那位老先生送来好多东西，简直有点让人厌烦了，不过他是出于好心，我做下人的也不该说三道四。向马奇先生致敬，祝愿他不会再患肺炎。

罕娜·莫莱特

敬上

２号病房护士长：

营地一切平静，队伍处于良好状态，军需部运转正常，特迪上校手下的家兵一直尽忠职守，总指挥劳伦斯将军每天巡视军部，军需官莫莱特掌管军中秩序，赖昂少校专司晚间巡哨。收到华盛顿方面的佳讯后，我军鸣枪二十四响致敬，并于总部举行阅兵典礼。总指挥致以美好祝愿。

特迪上校

同祝

尊敬的女士：

小姑娘们个个安好；贝思和我孙儿每天都向我汇报；罕娜是个模范仆人，像一条龙一样保护美丽的梅格。所幸天气一直晴好；请尽管使唤布鲁克，如果经费超出预算，请向我支取资金。别让你丈夫短缺什么。感谢上帝他正在康复。

你诚挚的朋友和仆人，

詹姆士·劳伦斯