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San the book and let's see what we can find.

Take it chapter by chapter, one bite at a time so many adventures and mountains we can climb.

Take it word for word, like by line.

One bite at a time.

My name is Brie Carlyle and I love to read and wanted to share my passion with listeners like you.

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Today we will be beginning.

Joe's Boys by Louisa May Alcott chapter 110 Years Later If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in ten years, I wouldn't have believed it, said Mrs.

Joe to Mrs.

Meg as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day, looking about them with faces full of pride and pleasure.

This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work.

I am sure Mr.

Lawrence could have no nobler monument than the college he so generously endowed.

And a home like this will keep Aunt March's memory green as long as it lasts, answered Mrs.

Meg, always glad to praise the absent.

We used to believe in fairies, you remember, and plan what we'd ask for.

If we could have three wishes, doesn't.

It seem as if mine had been.

Really granted at last?

Money, fame and plenty of the work I love, said Mrs.

Jo, carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands over her head, just as she used to do when a girl.

I have had mine, and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart's content.

If dear Marmie, John and Beth were here, it would be quite perfect, added Meg with a tender quiver in her voice, for Marmi's place was empty now.

Joe put her hand on her sisters and both sat silent for a little while, surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad and happy thoughts.

It certainly did look as if magic had been at work, for quiet Plumfield was transformed into a busy little world.

The house seemed more hospitable than ever, refreshed now with new paint, added wings, well kept lawn and garden, and a prosperous air it had not worn when riotous boys swarmed everywhere.

And it was rather difficult for the Bears to make both ends meet.

On the hill where Kites used to be flown stood the fine college which Mr.

Lawrence's munificent legacy had built.

Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden by childish feet, and many young men and women were enjoying all the advantages that that wealth, wisdom and benevolence could give them.

Just inside the gates of Plumfield, a pretty brown cottage, very like the Dove coat, nestled among the trees.

And on the green slope westward, lori's.

White pillared mansion glittered in the sunshine.

For when the rapid growth of the city shut in, the old house spoiled Meg's nest and dared to put a soap factory under Mr.

Lawrence's indignant nose.

Our friends emigrated to Plumfield, and the great changes began.

These were the pleasant ones, and the loss of the dear old people was sweetened by the blessings they left behind.

So all prospered now in the little community, and Mr.

Bear, as president, and Mr.

March, as chaplain of the college, saw their longchairs dream beautifully realized.

The sisters divided the care of the young people among them, each taking the part that suited her best.

Meg was the motherly friend of the young women, joe the confidant and defender of all the youths, and Amy, the lady bountiful, who delicately smoothed the way for needy students and entertained them all so cordially that it was no wonder they named her lovely home Mount Parnasus.

So full was it of music, beauty and the culture.

Hungry young hearts and fancies long for.

The original twelve boys had, of course, scattered far and wide during these years, but all that lived still remembered old Plumfield and came wandering back from the.

Four quarters of the earth to tell.

Their various experiences, laugh over the pleasures of the past and face the duties of the present with fresh courage.

For such homecomings, keep hearts tender and hands helpful with the memories of young and happy days.

A few words will tell the history of each, and then we can go on with the new chapter of their lives.

Franz was with a merchant kinsman in Hamburg, a man of 26 now and doing well.

Emile was the jolliest tar that ever.

Sailed the ocean blue.

His uncle sent him on a long voyage to discuss him with his adventurous life, but he came home so delighted.

With it that it was plain that.

Was his profession, and the German kinsman gave him a good chance in his ships.

So the lad was happy.

Dan was a wanderer still, for after the geological researches in south america.

He tried sheep farming in Australia and was now in California looking up mines.

Nat was busy with music at the Conservatory, preparing for a year or two in Germany to finish him off.

Tom was studying medicine and trying to like it.

Jack was in business with his father, bent on getting rich.

Dolly was in college with Steffi and Ned reading law.

Poor little D*** was dead.

So was Billy, and no one could mourn for them, since life would never be happy, afflicted as they were in mind and body.

Rob and Teddy were called the lion.

And the Lamb, for the latter was as rampant as the king of beasts and the former as gentle as any sheep that ever bod.

Mrs.

Jo called him my daughter and found him the most dutiful of children with plenty of manliness underlying the quiet manners and tender nature.

But in Ted she seemed to see all the faults, whims, aspirations and fun of her youth in a new shape, with his tawny locks, always in wild confusion, his long legs and arms, loud voice and continual activity.

Ted was a prominent figure at Plumfield.

He had his moods of gloom and fell into the slough of despond about once a week to be hoisted out by patient Rob or his mother, who understood when to let him alone and when to shake him up.

He was her pride and joy as well as torment, being a very bright lad for his age and so full of all sorts of budding talent that her maternal mind was much exercised as.

To what this remarkable boy would become.

Demi had gone through college with honor.

And Mrs.

Meg had set her heart.

On his being a minister, picturing in her fond fancy the first sermon her dignified young person would preach, as well.

As the long, useful and honored life.

He was to lead.

But John, as she called him now, firmly declined the divinity school, saying he.

Had had enough of books and needed to know more of men and the world, and caused the dear woman much.

Disappointment by deciding to try a journalist's career.

It was a blow, but she knew that young minds cannot be driven and that experience is the best teacher, so she let him follow his own inclinations, still hoping to see him in the pulpit.

Aunt Joe raged when she found that there was to be a reporter in.

The family and called him Jenkins on the spot.

She liked his literary tendencies, but had reason to detest official Paul Price, as we shall see later.

Demi knew his own mind, however, and tranquilly carried out his plans, unmoved by the tongues of the anxious mamas or the jokes of his maids.

Uncle Teddy encouraged him and painted a splendid career, mentioning Dickens and the other celebrities who began as reporters and ended as famous novelists or newspaper men.

The girls were all flourishing, daisy, as.

Sweet and domestic as ever was her.

Mother'S comfort and companion.

Josie, at 14, was a most original.

Young person, full of pranks and peculiarities, the latest of which was a passion for the stage which caused her quiet mother and sister much anxiety as well as amusement.

Bass had grown into a tall, beautiful girl, looking several years older than she.

Was, with the same graceful ways and.

Dainty tastes which the little princess had, and a rich inheritance of both the father's and mother's gifts fostered by every aid love and money could give.

But the pride of the community was naughty NAN, for, like so many restless, willful children, she was growing into a.

Woman full of the energy and promise.

That suddenly blossoms when the ambitious seeker finds the work she is fitted to do.

Well.

NAN began to study medicine at 16.

And at 20 was getting on bravely.

For now, thanks to other intelligent women.

Colleges and hospitals were open to her.

She had never wavered in her purpose.

From the childish days when she shocked.

Daisy and the old willow by saying, I don't want any family to fuss over.

I shall have an office with bottles.

And pastel things in it and drive round and cure folks.

A future foretold by the little girl the young woman was rapidly bringing to pass and finding so much happiness in it that nothing could win her from the chosen work.

Several worthy young gentlemen had tried to make her change her mind and choose.

As Daisy did, a nice little house.

And family to take care of.

But NAN only laughed and routed the lovers by proposing to look at the tongue which spoke of adoration or professionally felt the pulse in the manly hand.

Offered for her acceptance.

So all departed but one persistent youth.

Who was such a devoted Traddles it.

Was impossible to quench him.

This was Tom, who was as faithful to his child's sweetheart as she to her pestile things, and gave a proof of fidelity that touched her very much.

He studied medicine for her sake alone.

Having no taste for it and a decided fancy for a mercantile life.

But NAN was firm, and Tom stoutly.

Kept on devoutly, hoping he might not kill many of his fellow beings when.

He came to practice.

They were excellent friends, however, and caused.

Much amusement to their comrades by the.

Vicissitudes of this merry lovechase.

Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs.

Meg and Mrs.

Jo were.

Talking on the piazza, not together.

Her NAN was walking briskly along the pleasant road alone, thinking over a case that interested her, and Tom was pegging on behind to overtake her as if.

By accident when the suburbs of the city were passed a little way of.

His, which was part of the joke.

NAN was a handsome girl with a.

Fresh color, clear eye, quick smile and a self poised look.

Young women with a purpose always have.

She was simply and sensibly dressed, walked.

Easily, and seemed full of vigor with.

Her broad shoulders well back, arms swinging.

Freely, and the elasticity of youth and.

Health in every motion.

A few people she met turned to.

Look at her as if it was a pleasant sight to see a hearty.

Happy girl walking countryward that lovely day.

And the red faced young man steaming.

Along behind hat off.

And every tight curl wagging with impatience, evidently agreed with them.

Presently a mild hello was borne upon.

The breeze and pausing with an effort to look surprised.

That was an utter failure, NAN said affably.

Oh.

Is that you, Tom?

Looks like it.

Thought you might be walking out today.

Tom's jovial face beamed with pleasure.

You knew it.

How's your throat?

Asked NAN in her professional tone, which.

Was always a quencher to undo raptures throat.

Oh, yes, I remember it is.

Well, the effect of that prescription was wonderful.

I'll never call homeopathia humbug again.

You were the humbug this time, and so were the unmedicated pellets I gave you.

If sugar or milk can cure diphtheria in this remarkable manner, I'll make a note of it.

Oh, Tom, Tom, will you never be done playing tricks?

Oh, NAN, NAN, will you never be done getting the better of me?

And the merry pair laughed at one.

Another, just as they did in the old times, which always came back freshly.

When they went to Plumfield.

Well, I knew I shouldn't see you for a week if I didn't scare up some excuse for a call at the office.

You're so desperately busy all the time, I never get a word, explained Tom.

You ought to be busy, too, and above such nonsense.

Really, Tom, if you don't give your mind to your lectures, you'll never get.

On, said NAN soberly.

I have quite enough of them as.

It is, answered Tom with an air of disgust.

A fellow must lark a bit after dissecting corpuses all day.

I can't stand it long at a time, though some people seem to enjoy it immensely.

Then why not leave it and do what suits you better?

I always thought it a foolish thing.

You know, said Naan, with a trace.

Of anxiety and the keen eyes that.

Searched for signs of illness in a.

Face as ruddy as a Baldwin apple.

You know why I chose it and why I shall stick to it if it kills me.

I may not look delicate, but I have a deep seated heart complaint, and it will carry me off sooner or later, for only one doctor in the world can cure it, and she won't.

There was an air of pensive resignation.

About Tom that was both comic and pathetic, for he was in earnest and.

Kept on giving hints of this sort without the least encouragement.

NAN frowned, but she was used to.

It and knew how to treat him.

She is curing it in the best and only way, but a more refractory patient never lived.

Did you go to that ball as I directed?

I did.

And devote yourself to pretty miss west?

Danced with her the whole evening.

No impression made on that susceptible organ of yours?

Not the slightest.

I gaped in her face once, forgot to feed her and gave a sigh of relief when I handed her over to her mama.

Repeat the dose as often as possible and note the symptoms.

I predict that you'll cry for it by and by.

Never.

I'm sure it doesn't suit my constitution.

We shall see.

Obey orders sternly.

Yes, doctor.

Meekly silence reigned for a moment.

Then, as if the bone of contention was forgotten in the pleasant recollections called.

Up by familiar objects, NAN said suddenly.

What fun we used to have in that wood.

Do you remember how you tumbled out of that big nut tree and nearly broke your collarbones?

Don't I?

And how you steeped me in wormwood till I was a fine mahogany color and Aunt Joe wailed over my spoilt jacket, laughed Tom.

A boy again in a minute.

And how you set the house a fire and you ran off for your band box.

Do you ever say thunder turtles now?

Do people ever call you Giddy Gaddy?

Daisy does, dear thing.

I haven't seen her for a week.

I saw Demi this morning and he said she was keeping house for Mother Bear.

She always does when Aunt Joe gets into a vortex.

Daisy is a model housekeeper and you couldn't do better than make your bow to her if she can't go to work.

And wait till you're grown up before you begin lovering.

Nat would break his fiddle over my head if I suggested such a thing.

No, thank you.

Another name is engraved upon my heart as indelibly as the blue anchor on my arm.

Hope is my motto and no surrender yours.

See who will hold out longest.

You silly boys think we must pair off as we did when children, but we shall do nothing of the kind.

How well Parnasis looks from here, said NAN, abruptly changing the conversation again.

It is a fine house, but I loved old Plum best.

Wouldn't Aunt March stare if she could see the changes here?

Answered Tom, as they both paused at the great gate to look at the.

Pleasant landscape before them.

A sudden whoop startled them as a long boy with a wild yellow head came leaping over a hedge like a kangaroo, followed by a slender girl who stuck in the hawthorne and sat there.

Laughing like a witch.

A pretty little lass she was, with.

Curly dark hair, bright eyes and a very expressive face.

Her hat was at her back and her skirts a good deal the worse for the brooks she had crossed, the trees she had climbed, and the last leap, which added several fine rents.

Take me down, NAN, please.

Tom, hold Ted.

He's got my book and I will have it, called Josie from her perch not at all.

Daunted by the appearance of her friends, tom promptly collared the thief, while NAN picked Josie from among the thorns and set her on her feet without a word of reproof for having been a romp in her own girlhood.

She was very indulgent to like tastes in others.

What's the matter, dear?

She asked, penning up the longest rip.

While Josie examined the scratches on her hands.

I was studying my part in the willow, and Ted came slightly up and poked the book out of my hands with its rod.

It fell in the brook, and before I could scrabble down, he was off.

You wretch.

Give it back this minute or I'll box your ears.

Cried Josie, laughing and scolding in the same breath.

Escaping from Tom Ted struck a sentimental attitude and with tender glances at the wet, torn young person before him, delivered Claude Melanete's famous speech in a lackadaisical way that was irresistibly funny, ending with dust like the picture Love, as he made an object of himself by tying its long legs in a knot and distorting his face horribly.

The sound of applause from the piazza.

Put a stop to these antics and.

The young folks went up the avenue together, very much in the old style, when Tom drove four in hand and.

NAN was the best horse in the team.

Rosie, Breathless and Mary, they greeted the ladies and sat down on the steps to rest.

Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter's rags.

While Mrs.

Joe smoothed the lion's mane and rescued the book.

Daisy appeared in a moment to greet her friend and all began to talk.

Muffins for tea.

Better stay and eat them.

Daisies never fail, said Ted hospitably.

He's a judge.

He ate nine last time.

That's why he's so fat, added Josie, with a withering glance at her cousin.

Who was as thin as a lathe.

I must go and see Lucy Dove.

She has a wit low and it's time to lancet.

I'll tea at college, answered NAN, feeling.

In her pocket to be sure she had not forgotten her case of instruments.

Thanks.

I'm going there also.

Tom Merriweather has granulated lids and I promise to touch them up for him.

Save a doctor's fee and be good practice for me.

I'm clumsy with my thumbs, said Tom, bound to be near his idol while he could.

Hush.

Daisy doesn't like to hear you saw Bones talk of your work.

Muffins suit us better.

And Ted grinned sweetly, with a view.

Of future favors in the eating line.

Any news of the Commodore?

Asked Tom.

He's on his way home, and Dan hopes to come soon.

I long to see my boys together and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving, if not before, answered Mrs.

Joe, beaming at the thought.

They'll come, every man of them, if they can.

Even Jack will risk losing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners, laughed Tom.

There's the turkey fattening for the feast.

I never chase him now, but feed him well, and he's swelling whizzably.

Bless his drumsticks, said Ted, pointing out.

The doomed fowl proudly parading in a neighboring field.

If Nat goes the last of the month, we shall want a farewell frolic for him.

I suppose the dear old chirper will.

Come home a second old bull, said.

NAN to her friend.

A pretty color came into Daisy's cheek.

And the folds of muslin on her.

Breast rose and fell with a quick breath.

But she answered placidly, uncle Lori says.

He has a real talent, and after the training he will get abroad.

He can command a good living here, though he may never be famous.

Young people seldom turn out as one.

Predicts, so it is of little use to expect anything, said Mrs.

Meg with a sigh.

If our children are good and useful.

Men and women, we should be satisfied.

Yet it's very natural to wish them to be brilliant and successful.

They're like my chickens mighty uncertain.

Now that fine looking cockerel of mine is the stupidest one of the lot, and the ugly long legged chap is the king of the yard.

He's so smart, crows loud enough to wake the seven sleepers.

But the handsome one croaks and is no end of a coward.

I get snubbed, but you wait till I grow up and then see.

And Ted looked so like his own.

Long legged pet that everyone laughed at his modest prediction.

I want to see Dan settled somewhere.

A rolling stone gathers no moss, and at 25 he is still roaming about the world without a tie to hold him except this.

And Mrs.

Meg nodded towards her sister.

Dan will find his place at last and experience as his best teacher.

He is rough still, but each time he comes home I see a change for the better and never lose my faith in him.

He may never do anything great or get rich, but if the wild boy makes an honest man, I'm satisfied, said.

Mrs.

Jo, who always defended the black sheep of her flock.

That's right, Mother.

Stand by Dan.

He's worth a dozen Jacks and Neds bragging about money and trying to be swells, you see, if he doesn't do something to be proud of and take the wind out of their sails, added Ted, whose love for his Danny was now strengthened by a boy's admiration for the bold, adventurous man.

Hope so.

I'm sure he's just the fellow to do rash things and come to glory.

Climbing the Matterhorn, taking a header into Niagara or finding a big nugget.

That's his way of sowing wild oats.

And perhaps it's better than ours, said.

Tom thoughtfully, for he had gained a.

Good deal of experience in that sort of agriculture since he became a medical student.

Much better, said Mrs.

Joe Emphatically.

I'd rather send my boys off to see the world in that way than leave them alone in a city full of temptations, with nothing to do but waste time, money and health.

As so many are left.

Dan has to work his way, and that teaches him courage, patience and self reliance.

I don't worry about him as much as I do about George and Dolly at college.

No more fit than two babies to take care of themselves.

How about John?

He's knocking around town as a newspaper man, reporting all sorts of things from sermons to prize fights?

Asked Tom, who thought that sort of.

Life would be much more to his own taste than medical lectures and hospital wards.

Demi has three safeguards good principles, refined tastes and a wise mother.

He won't come to harm, and these experiences will be useful to him when he begins to write, as I'm sure he will in time, began Mrs.

Joe in her prophetic tone, for she was anxious to have some of her geese turn out swans.

Speak of Jenkins and you'll hear the rustling of his paper.

Cried Tom, as a fresh faced, brown.

Eyed young man came up the avenue.

Waving a newspaper over his head.

Here's your evening tattler.

Latest edition.

Awful murder, bank clerk absconded, powder mill explosion and great strike of the Latin schoolboys.

Roared Ted, going to meet his cousin with the graceful gate of a young giraffe.

The Commodore is in, and will cut his cable and run before the wind as soon as he can get off, called Demi, with a nice derangement of nautical epitaphs.

As he came up smiling over his good news.

Everyone talked together for a moment, and.

The paper passed from hand to hand that each eye might rest on the pleasant fact that the Brenda from Hamburg was safe in port.

He'll come lurching out by tomorrow with his usual collection of marine monsters and lively yarns.

I saw him jolly and tarry and brown as a coffee berry.

Had a good run, and hopes to be second mate as the other chap is laid up with a broken leg, added Demi.

Wish I had the setting of it, said Nanda herself, with a professional twist of her hand.

How's Franz?

Asked Mrs.

Jo.

He's going to be married.

There's news for you.

The first of the flock, Auntie, so say goodbye to him.

Her name is Lutemilla Heldegard Blumensal.

A good family, well off, pretty, and, of course, an angel.

The dear old boy wants Uncle's consent, and then he'll settle down to be a happy and an honest burger.

Long life to him.

I'm glad to hear it.

I do so like to settle my boys with a good wife and a nice little home.

Now, if all is right, I shall feel as if Franz was off my.

Mind, said Mrs.

Jo, folding her hands.

Contentedly, for she often felt like a distracted hen with a large brood of mixed chickens and ducks upon her hands.

So do I?

Sighed Tom with a slight glance at NAN.

That's what a fellow needs to keep him steady.

And it's the duty of nice girls to marry as soon as possible, isn't it, Demi?

If there are enough nice fellows to go round.

The female population exceeds the male, you know, especially in New England, which accounts for the high stake of culture we're in.

Perhaps, answered John, who was leaning over his mother's chair, telling his day's experiences in a whisper.

It is a merciful provision, my dears, for it takes three or four women to get each man into, through and out of the world.

You are costly creatures, boys.

And it is well that mothers, sisters, wives and daughters love their duty and do it so well.

Or you would perish off the face of the earth, said Mrs.

Joe solemnly as she took.

Up a basket filled with dilapidated hose for the good professor was still hard on his socks and his sons resembled him in that respect.

Such being the case, there's plenty for the superfluous women to do in taking care of these helpless men and their families.

I see that more clearly every day, and am very glad and grateful that my profession will make me a useful, happy and independent spinster.

Nan's emphasis on the last word caused.

Tom to groan and the rest to laugh.

I take great pride and solid satisfaction in you, NAN, and hope to see you very successful, for we do need just such helpful women in the world.

I sometimes feel as if I've missed my vocation and ought to have remained single, but my duty seemed to point this way, and I don't regret it.

Said Mrs.

Jo, folding a large and.

Very ragged blue sock to her bosom.

Neither do I.

What should I ever have done without my dearest mum?

Added Ted with a felial hug, which caused both to disappear behind the newspaper in which she had been mercifully absorbed.

For a few minutes.

My darling boy.

If he would wash your hands semi occasionally, fond caresses would be less disastrous to my collar.

Never mind my precious towelsl head, better grass stains and dirt than no cuddlings at all.

Mrs.

Jo emerged from that brief eclipse looking much refreshed, though her back hair was caught in Ted's buttons and her collar under one ear.

Here Josie, who had been studying her part at the other end of the piazza, suddenly burst forth with a smothered shriek and gave Juliet's speech in the.

Tomb so effectively that the boys applauded.

Daisy shivered, and NAN murmured, too much cerebral excitement for one of her age.

I'm afraid you'll have to make up your mind to it, Meg.

That child is a born actress.

We never did anything so well, not even the witch's curse, said Mrs.

Jo, casting a bouquet of many colored socks at the feet of her flushed and panting niece when she fell gracefully upon the doormat.

It is.

A sort of judgment upon me for my passion for the stage when a girl now I know how dear Marmi felt when I begged to be an actress.

I never can consent, and yet I may be obliged to give up my.

Wishes, hopes and plans again.

There was an accent of reproach in.

His mother's voice, which made Demi pick.

Up his sister with a gentle shake and the stern command to drop that nonsense in public.

Drop me, Minion, or I'll give you the maniac bride with my best.

Ha ha.

Cried Josie, glaring at him like an offended kitten being set on her feet.

She made a splendid courtesy and dramatically proclaiming Mrs.

Wolfington's carriage weights sloped down the steps and round the corner, trailing Daisy's scarlet shawl majestically behind her.

Isn't she great fun?

I couldn't stop in this dull place if I hadn't the child to make it lively for me.

If ever she turns prim, I'm off.

So mind how you nip her in the bud, said Teddy, frowning at Demi, who was now writing out shorthand notes on the steps.

You two are a team, and it takes a strong hand to drive you, but I rather like it.

Josie ought to have been my child and rob yours, Meg.

Then your house would have been all peace and mine all bedlam.

Now I must go and tell Lori the news.

Come with me, Meg.

A little stroll will do us good.

And sticking Ted's straw hat on her head, mrs.

Jo walked off with her sister, leaving Daisy to attend to the.

Muffins, ted to appease Josie, and Tom.

And NAN to give their respective patients a very bad quarter of an hour.

Thank you for joining Bite at a Time Books today while we read a bite of one of your favorite classics.

Again, my name is Brie Carlyle, and I hope you come back tomorrow for the next bite of Joe's Boys.

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