After the last excitement peace descended1 upon Plumfield and reigned3 unbroken for several weeks, for the elder boys felt that the loss of Nan and Rob lay at their door, and all became so paternal4 in their care that they were rather wearying; while the little ones listened to Nan's recital5 of her perils6 so many times, that they regarded being lost as the greatest ill humanity was heir to, and hardly dared to put their little noses outside the great gate lest night should suddenly descend2 upon them, and ghostly black cows come looming7 through the dusk.
"It is too good to last," said Mrs. Jo; for years of boy-culture had taught her that such lulls8 were usually followed by outbreaks of some sort, and when less wise women would have thought that the boys had become confirmed saints, she prepared herself for a sudden eruption9 of the domestic volcano.
One cause of this welcome calm was a visit from little Bess, whose parents lent her for a week while they were away with Grandpa Laurence, who was poorly. The boys regarded Goldilocks as a mixture of child, angel, and fairy, for she was a lovely little creature, and the golden hair which she inherited from her blonde mamma enveloped10 her like a shining veil, behind which she smiled upon her worshippers when gracious, and hid herself when offended. Her father would not have it cut and it hung below her waist, so soft and fine and bright, that Demi insisted that it was silk spun11 from a cocoon12. Every one praised the little Princess, but it did not seem to do her harm, only to teach her that her presence brought sunshine, her smiles made answering smiles on other faces, and her baby griefs filled every heart with tenderest sympathy.
Unconsciously, she did her young subjects more good than many a real sovereign, for her rule was very gentle and her power was felt rather than seen. Her natural refinement13 made her dainty in all things, and had a good effect upon the careless lads about her. She would let no one touch her roughly or with unclean hands, and more soap was used during her visits than at any other time, because the boys considered it the highest honor to be allowed to carry her highness, and the deepest disgrace to be repulsed14 with the disdainful command, "Do away, dirty boy!"
Lour voices displeased15 her and quarrelling frightened her; so gentler tones came into the boyish voices as they addressed her, and squabbles were promptly16 suppressed in her presence by lookers-on if the principles could not restrain themselves. She liked to be waited on, and the biggest boys did her little errands without a murmur17, while the small lads were her devoted18 slaves in all things. They begged to be allowed to draw her carriage, bear her berry-basket, or pass her plate at table. No service was too humble19, and Tommy and Ned came to blows before they could decide which should have the honor of blacking her little boots.
Nan was especially benefited by a week in the society of a well-bred lady, though such a very small one; for Bess would look at her with a mixture of wonder and alarm in her great blue eyes when the hoyden20 screamed and romped21; and she shrunk from her as if she thought her a sort of wild animal. Warm-hearted Nan felt this very much. She said at first, "Pooh! I don't care!" But she did care, and was so hurt when Bess said, "I love my tuzzin best, tause she is twiet," that she shook poor Daisy till her teeth chattered22 in her head, and then fled to the barn to cry dismally23. In that general refuge for perturbed24 spirits she found comfort and good counsel from some source or other. Perhaps the swallows from their mud-built nests overhead twittered her a little lecture on the beauty of gentleness. However that might have been, she came out quite subdued25, and carefully searched the orchard26 for a certain kind of early apple that Bess liked because it was sweet and small and rosy27. Armed with this peace-offering, she approached the little Princess, and humbly28 presented it. To her great joy it was graciously accepted, and when Daisy gave Nan a forgiving kiss, Bess did likewise, as if she felt that she had been too severe, and desired to apologize. After this they played pleasantly together, and Nan enjoyed the royal favor for days. To be sure she felt a little like a wild bird in a pretty cage at first, and occasionally had to slip out to stretch her wings in a long flight, or to sing at the top of her voice, where neither would disturb the plump turtle-dove Daisy, nor the dainty golden canary Bess. But it did her good; for, seeing how every one loved the little Princess for her small graces and virtues29, she began to imitate her, because Nan wanted much love, and tried hard to win it.
Not a boy in the house but felt the pretty child's influence, and was improved by it without exactly knowing how or why, for babies can work miracles in the hearts that love them. Poor Billy found infinite satisfaction in staring at her, and though she did not like it she permitted without a frown, after she had been made to understand that he was not quite like the others, and on that account must be more kindly30 treated. Dick and Dolly overwhelmed her with willow31 whistles, the only thing they knew how to make, and she accepted but never used them. Rob served her like a little lover, and Teddy followed her like a pet dog. Jack32 she did not like, because he was afflicted33 with warts34 and had a harsh voice. Stuffy35 displeased her because he did not eat tidily, and George tried hard not to gobble, that he might not disgust the dainty little lady opposite. Ned was banished36 from court in utter disgrace when he was discovered tormenting37 some unhappy field-mice. Goldilocks could never forget the sad spectacle, and retired38 behind her veil when he approached, waving him away with an imperious little hand, and crying, in a tone of mingled39 grief and anger,
"No, I tarn't love him; he tut the poor mouses' little tails off, and they queeked!"
Daisy promptly abdicated40 when Bess came, and took the humble post of chief cook, while Nan was first maid of honor; Emil was chancellor41 of the exchequer42, and spent the public monies lavishly43 in getting up spectacles that cost whole ninepences. Franz was prime minister, and directed her affairs of state, planned royal progresses through the kingdom, and kept foreign powers in order. Demi was her philosopher, and fared much better than such gentlemen usually do among crowned heads. Dan was her standing44 army, and defended her territories gallantly45; Tommy was court fool, and Nat a tuneful Rizzio to this innocent little Mary.
Uncle Fritz and Aunt Jo enjoyed this peaceful episode, and looked on at the pretty play in which the young folk unconsciously imitated their elders, without adding the tragedy that is so apt to spoil the dramas acted on the larger stage.
"They teach us quite as much as we teach them," said Mr. Bhaer.
"Bless the dears! they never guess how many hints they give us as to the best way of managing them," answered Mrs. Jo.
"I think you were right about the good effect of having girls among the boys. Nan has stirred up Daisy, and Bess is teaching the little bears how to behave better than we can. If this reformation goes on as it has begun, I shall soon feel like Dr. Blimber with his model young gentlemen," said Professor, laughing, as he saw Tommy not only remove his own hat, but knock off Ned's also, as they entered the hall where the Princess was taking a ride on the rocking-horse, attended by Rob and Teddy astride of chairs, and playing gallant46 knights47 to the best of their ability.
"You will never be a Blimber, Fritz, you couldn't do it if you tried; and our boys will never submit to the forcing process of that famous hot-bed. No fear that they will be too elegant: American boys like liberty too well. But good manners they cannot fail to have, if we give them the kindly spirit that shines through the simplest demeanor48, making it courteous49 and cordial, like yours, my dear old boy."
"Tut! tut! we will not compliment; for if I begin you will run away, and I have a wish to enjoy this happy half hour to the end;" yet Mr. Bhaer looked pleased with the compliment, for it was true, and Mrs. Jo felt that she had received the best her husband could give her, by saying that he found his truest rest and happiness in her society.
"To return to the children: I have just had another proof of Goldilocks' good influence," said Mrs. Jo, drawing her chair nearer the sofa, where the Professor lay resting after a long day's work in his various gardens. "Nan hates sewing, but for love of Bess has been toiling50 half the afternoon over a remarkable51 bag in which to present a dozen of our love-apples to her idol52 when she goes. I praised her for it, and she said, in her quick way, 'I like to sew for other people; it is stupid sewing for myself.' I took the hint, and shall give her some little shirts and aprons53 for Mrs. Carney's children. She is so generous, she will sew her fingers sore for them, and I shall not have to make a task of it."
"But needlework is not a fashionable accomplishment54, my dear."
"Sorry for it. My girls shall learn all I can teach them about it, even if they give up the Latin, Algebra55, and half-a-dozen ologies it is considered necessary for girls to muddle56 their poor brains over now-a-days. Amy means to make Bess an accomplished57 woman, but the dear's mite58 of a forefinger59 has little pricks60 on it already, and her mother has several specimens61 of needlework which she values more than the clay bird without a bill, that filled Laurie with such pride when Bess made it."
"I also have proof of the Princess's power," said Mrs. Bhaer, after he had watched Mrs. Jo sew on a button with an air of scorn for the whole system of fashionable education. "Jack is so unwilling62 to be classed with Stuffy and Ned, as distasteful to Bess, that he came to me a little while ago, and asked me to touch his warts with caustic63. I have often proposed it, and he never would consent; but now he bore the smart manfully, and consoles his present discomfort64 by hopes of future favor, when he can show her fastidious ladyship a smooth hand."
Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the story, and just then Stuffy came in to ask if he might give Goldilocks some of the bonbons65 his mother had sent him.
"She is not allowed to eat sweeties; but if you like to give her the pretty box with the pink sugar-rose in it, she would like it very much," said Mrs. Jo, unwilling to spoil this unusual piece of self-denial, for the "fat boy" seldom offered to share his sugar-plums.
"Won't she eat it? I shouldn't like to make her sick," said Stuffy, eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly, yet putting it into the box.
"Oh, no, she won't touch it, if I tell her it is to look at, not to eat. She will keep it for weeks, and never think of tasting it. Can you do as much?"
"I should hope so! I'm ever so much older than she is," cried Stuffy, indignantly.
"Well, suppose we try. Here, put your bonbons in this bag, and see how long you can keep them. Let me count two hearts, four red fishes, three barley-sugar horses, nine almonds, and a dozen chocolate drops. Do you agree to that?" asked sly Mrs. Jo, popping the sweeties into her little spool-bag.
"Yes," said Stuffy, with a sigh; and pocketing the forbidden fruit, he went away to give Bess the present, that won a smile from her, and permission to escort her round the garden.
"Poor Stuffy's heart has really got the better of his stomach at last, and his efforts will be much encouraged by the rewards Bess gives him," said Mrs. Jo.
"Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learn self-denial from so sweet a little teacher!" added Mr. Bhaer, as the children passed the window, Stuffy's fat face full of placid66 satisfaction, and Goldilocks surveying her sugar-rose with polite interest, though she would have preferred a real flower with a "pitty smell."
When her father came to take her home, a universal wail67 arose, and the parting gifts showered upon her increased her luggage to such an extent that Mr. Laurie proposed having out the big wagon68 to take it into town. Every one had given her something; and it was found difficult to pack white mice, cake, a parcel of shells, apples, a rabbit kicking violently in a bag, a large cabbage for his refreshment69, a bottle of minnows, and a mammoth70 bouquet71. The farewell scene was moving, for the Princess sat upon the hall-table, surrounded by her subjects. She kissed her cousins, and held out her hand to the other boys, who shook it gently with various soft speeches, for they were taught not to be ashamed of showing their emotions.
"Come again soon, little dear," whispered Dan, fastening his best green-and-gold beetle72 in her hat.
"Don't forget me, Princess, whatever you do," said the engaging Tommy, taking a last stroke of the pretty hair.
"I am coming to your house next week, and then I shall see you, Bess," added Nat, as if he found consolation73 in the thought.
"Do shake hands now," cried Jack, offering a smooth paw.
"Here are two nice new ones to remember us by," said Dick and Dolly, presenting fresh whistles, quite unconscious that seven old ones had been privately74 deposited in the kitchen-stove.
"My little precious! I shall work you a book-mark right away, and you must keep it always," said Nan, with a warm embrace.
But of all the farewells, poor Billy's was the most pathetic, for the thought that she was really going became so unbearable75 that he cast himself down before her, hugging her little blue boots and blubbering despairingly, "Don't go away! oh, don't!" Goldilocks was so touched by this burst of feeling, that she leaned over and lifting the poor lad's head, said, in her soft, little voice,
"Don't cry, poor Billy! I will tiss you and tum adain soon."
This promise consoled Billy, and he fell back beaming with pride at the unusual honor conferred upon him.
"Me too! me too!" clamored Dick and Dolly, feeling that their devotion deserved some return. The others looked as if they would like to join in the cry; and something in the kind, merry faces about her moved the Princess to stretch out her arms and say, with reckless condescension76,
"I will tiss evvybody!"
Like a swarm77 of bees about a very sweet flower, the affectionate lads surrounded their pretty playmate, and kissed her till she looked like a little rose, not roughly, but so enthusiastically that nothing but the crown of her hat was visible for a moment. Then her father rescued her, and she drove away still smiling and waving her hands, while the boys sat on the fence screaming like a flock of guinea-fowls, "Come back! come back!" till she was out of sight.
They all missed her, and each dimly felt that he was better for having known a creature so lovely, delicate, and sweet; for little Bess appealed to the chivalrous78 instinct in them as something to love, admire, and protect with a tender sort of reverence79. Many a man remembers some pretty child who has made a place in his heart and kept her memory alive by the simple magic of her innocence80; these little men were just learning to feel this power, and to love it for its gentle influence, not ashamed to let the small hand lead them, nor to own their loyalty81 to womankind, even in the bud.
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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looming
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| n.上现蜃景（光通过低层大气发生异常折射形成的一种海市蜃楼）v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的现在分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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lulls
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| n.间歇期（lull的复数形式）vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的第三人称单数形式） | |
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eruption
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| n.火山爆发；（战争等）爆发；（疾病等）发作 | |
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enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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cocoon
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| n.茧 | |
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refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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hoyden
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| n.野丫头，淘气姑娘 | |
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romped
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| v.嬉笑玩闹( romp的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指在赛跑或竞选等中）轻易获胜 | |
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chattered
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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dismally
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| adv.阴暗地，沉闷地 | |
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perturbed
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| adj.烦燥不安的v.使（某人）烦恼，不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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willow
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| n.柳树 | |
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jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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warts
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| n.疣( wart的名词复数 )；肉赘；树瘤；缺点 | |
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stuffy
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| adj.不透气的，闷热的 | |
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banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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abdicated
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| 放弃（职责、权力等）( abdicate的过去式和过去分词 )； 退位，逊位 | |
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chancellor
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| n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长 | |
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exchequer
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| n.财政部；国库 | |
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lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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aprons
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| 围裙( apron的名词复数 )； 停机坪，台口（舞台幕前的部份） | |
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accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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algebra
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| n.代数学 | |
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muddle
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| n.困惑，混浊状态；vt.使混乱，使糊涂，使惊呆；vi.胡乱应付，混乱 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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pricks
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| 刺痛( prick的名词复数 )； 刺孔； 刺痕； 植物的刺 | |
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specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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caustic
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| adj.刻薄的，腐蚀性的 | |
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discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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bonbons
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| n.小糖果( bonbon的名词复数 ) | |
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placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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70
mammoth
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| n.长毛象；adj.长毛象似的，巨大的 | |
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71
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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72
beetle
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| n.甲虫，近视眼的人 | |
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73
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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74
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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75
unbearable
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| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
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76
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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77
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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78
chivalrous
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| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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79
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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80
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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81
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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