Join Host Bree Carlile as she reads the thirteenth chapter of Little Men.

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Today we'll be continuing.

Little Men by Luisa May Alcott chapter 13 goldilocks after the last excitement, peace.

Descended upon Plumfield and reigned unbroken for.

Several weeks, for the elder boys felt.

That the loss of NAN and Rob.

Lay at their door and all became.

So paternal in their care that they.

Were rather wearying, while the little ones.

Listened to Nan's recital of her perils.

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 descend upon.

Them and ghostly black cows come looming through the dusk.

It is too good to last, said Mrs.

Jo.

For years of boy culture had taught her that such lulls 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 eruption of the domestic volcano.

One cause of this welcome calm was.

A visit from little Beth, whose parents.

Lent her for a week while they.

Were away with Grandpa Lawrence, who was poorly.

The boys regarded Goldilocks as a mixture.

Of a child angel and fairy, for she was a lovely little creature, and.

The golden hair which she inherited from her blonde mama enveloped 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 spun from a cocoon.

Everyone 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 refinement 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 repulsed with the.

Disdainful command, do away, dirty boy.

Our voices displeased her, and quarreling frightened her, so gentler tones came into the boyish voices as they addressed her, and.

Squabbles were promptly suppressed in her presence by lookers on if the principals could not restrain themselves.

She liked to be waited on, and.

The biggest boys did her little errands.

Without a murmur, while the small lads were her devoted slaves in all things.

They begged to be allowed to draw her carriage, bear her berry basket, or.

Pass her plate at table.

No's service was too humble, 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, 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 hoyden screamed and romped, and she shrunk from her.

As if she thought her a sort of wild animal.

Warm hearted NAN felt this very much.

She said it first Poo, I don't care.

But she did care, and was so hurt when Beth said, I love my.

Cousin best, cause she is quiet that.

She shook poor Daisy till her teeth chattered in her head, and then fled to the barn to cry dismally.

In that general refuge for perturbed spirits, she found comfort and good counsel from.

Some source or other.

Perhaps the swallows from their mud built nests overhead, twittered her little lecture on.

The beauty of gentleness.

However that might have been.

She came out quite subdued, and carefully.

Searched the orchard for a certain kind of early apple that bess liked because.

It was sweet and small and rosy.

Armed with this peace offering, she approached.

The little princess and humbly presented it.

To her great joy.

It was graciously accepted, and when Daisy gave NAN a forgiving kiss, best 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 Bass.

But it did her good for seeing.

How everyone loved the little princess for her small graces and virtues.

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 kindly treated.

D*** and Dolly overwhelmed her with willow.

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.

Jack she did not like because he.

Was afflicted with warts and had a harsh voice.

Stuffy displeased her because he did not eat tidally and George tried hard not to gobble that he might not disgust the dainty little lady opposite.

Ned was banished from court in utter disgrace when he was discovered tormenting some unhappy field mice.

Goldilocks could never forget the sad spectacle.

And retired behind her veil when he.

Approached, waving him away with an imperious.

Little hand and crying in a tone of mingled grief and anger no, I tarnt, love him.

He touched the poor mouse's little tails off and they quaked.

Daisy promptly abdicated when Bess came and.

Took the humble post of chief cook.

While NAN was first made of honor.

Emile was Chancellor of the Exchequer and spent the public monies lavishly 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 standing army and defended her territories.

Gallantly Tommy was court full and Nat.

A tuneful Ritzio to this innocent little Mary.

Uncle Fritz and Aunt Joe 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.

Bear.

Bless the dears.

They never guess how many hints they give us as to the best way.

Of managing them, answered mrs.

Joe, 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.

Blimmer with his model young gentleman.

Said professor, laughing as he saw Tommy not only remove his 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.

A stride of chairs and playing gallant.

Knights to the best of their ability, you will never be a Blimmer, Fritz.

You couldn't do it if you tried.

And our boys will never submit to the forcing process of that famous hotbed.

No fear that they'll 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 demeanor, making it courteous and cordial like yours, my dear old boy.

Tat.

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.

Bear 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've 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 the love of Bess has been toiling half the afternoon over a remarkable bag in which to present a dozen of our love apples to her idol.

When she goes, I praise 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 aprons for Mrs.

Carney's children.

She's 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 accomplishment, my dear.

Sorry for it.

My girls shall learn all I can teach them about it, even if they give up the Latin algebra and half a dozen ologies.

It is considered necessary for girls to muddle their poor brains over nowadays.

Amy means to make Bess an accomplished woman, but the dear mites of a forefinger has little p***** on it already, and her mother has several specimens of needlework which she values more than the clay bird without a bill that filled Lori with such pride when Bess made it.

I also have proof of the princess's power, said Mrs.

Bear, 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 unwilling 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 caustic.

I've often proposed it, and he never.

Would consent, but now he bore the.

Smart manfully and consoles his present discomfort by hopes of future favor, when he can show her fastidious ladyship a smooth hand.

Mrs.

Bear laughed at the story, and.

Just then Stuffy came in to ask if he might give Goldilocks some of.

The bonbons 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 sweet meat.

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.

Joe, 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 to the garden.

Poor stuffiest heart has really got the better of his stomach at last, and his efforts will be much encouraged by.

The rewards best gives him, said Mrs.

Joe.

Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learn self.

Denial from so sweet a little teacher, added Mr.

Bear, as the children passed the window.

Stuffy's fat face full of placid satisfaction, and Goldilocks surveying her sugar, rose with.

Polite interest, though she would have preferred a real flower with a pity smell.

When her father came to take her.

Home, a universal whale arose, and the.

Parting gifts showered upon her increased her.

Luggage to such an extent that Mr.

Lori proposed having out the big wagon.

To take it into town.

Everyone 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 refreshment, a bottle of minnows, and a mammoth bouquet.

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 hands 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 beetle in her hat.

Don't forget me, Princess, whatever you do, said the engaging Tommy, taking the last.

Stroke of the pretty hair.

I'm coming to your house next week, and then I shall see you bess, added Nat, as if he found consolation in the thought.

Do shake hands now.

Cried Jack, offering a smooth paw.

Here are two nice new ones to remember us by, said D*** and Dolly, presenting fresh whistles, quite unconscious that seven old ones had been privately deposited in the kitchen stove.

My little precious, I shall work you a bookmark 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 unbearable 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 kiss you in tummadin soon.

This promise consoled Billy, and he fell.

Back, beaming with pride at the unusual.

Honor conferred upon him.

Me too.

Me too.

Climbered d*** and Dolly, feeling that their.

Devotion deserves 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 condescension.

I will kiss everybody like a swarm.

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 chivalrous.

Instinct in them, something to love, admire and protect with a tender sort of reverence.

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 innocence.

These little men were just learning to feel this power and love it for.

Its gentle influence, not ashamed to let the small hand lead them, nor to own their loyalty to womankind, even in the bud.

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 Little Men.

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