He could be a starFor the First Time in ForeverLove is an open doorNobodys SideSimon ZealotesCould We Start Again, Please?Seasons of LoveThey Say the Meek Shall InheritBe a ManAnother Day

Scene 4Soon, Meg and Jo are invited to attend a New Years Party at the home of Megs wealthy friend, Sally Gardiner. At the party, Jo retreats to an alcove, and there meets Laurie, the boy who lives with Mr. Laurence. While dancing, Meg sprains her ankle. Laurie escorts the sisters home. The Marches regret having to return to their daily routine after the holiday festivities.Scene 5Jo visits Laurie when he is sick, and meets his grandfather, Mr. Laurence. She inadvertently insults a painting of Mr. Laurence in front of the man himself. Luckily, Lauries grandfather admires Jos spunk, and they become friends. Soon, Mr. Laurence meets all the sisters, and Beth becomes his special favorite. Mr. Laurence gives her his deceased granddaughters piano.Scenes 6-10The girls have various adventures. Amy is caught trading limes at school, and the teacher hits her as punishment. As a result, Mrs. March withdraws her daughter from school. Jo refuses to let Amy go with her to the theater. In retaliation, Amy burns Jos manuscript, and Jo, in her anger, nearly lets Amy drown while ice-s-kating. Pretty Meg attends her friend Annie Moffats party and, after allowing the other girls to dress her up in high style, learns that appearances are not everything. While at the party, she hears that people think she intends to marry Laurie for his money.Scene 11That year, the Marches form the Pickwick Club, in which they write a family newspaper. In the spring, Jo smuggles Laurie into one of the club meetings, and he becomes a member, presenting his new circle with a postbox. At the beginning of June, the Marches decide to neglect their housework. Scene 12At the end of a lazy week, Marmee takes a day off too. The girls spoil a dinner, but everyone ends up laughing over it. One day, Laurie has English friends over, and the Marches go on a picnic with them. Later, Jo gets a story published for the first time.Scene 13One dark day, the family receives a telegram saying that Mr. March is sick in the hospital in Washington, D.C. Marmee goes to tend to him, and Jo sells her hair to help finance the trip. Scene 14Chaos ensues in Marmees wake, for the girls neglect their chores again. Only Beth goes to visit the Hummels, and after one of her visits, she contracts scarlet fever from the Hummel baby. Scene 15Beth teeters on the brink of death until Marmee returns. Meanwhile, Amy spends time at Aunt Marchs house in order to escape the disease. Beth recovers, though not completely, Scene 16Mr. Brooke, Lauries tutor, falls in love with Meg, much to Jos dismay. Mr. Brooke and Meg are engaged by the end of Part One.Scene 17 Jo leaves

Scene 1[Stage Set with Village Scene and stalls/sellers set up (lights dimmed on village). Girls are downstage Left (well lit)]

JoChristmas wont be Christmas without any presentsMegIts so dreadful to be poor!AmyI dont think its fair that some girls get everything and we dont!Beth Weve got Father and Mother, and each otherJoWe haven't got Father, and shall not have him for a long time because of this war(Pause)Jo I just wish I could Do something about life. Why does everything have to be so hard?!

CUE SONGMeg Maybe you'll never find a purposeBeth Lots of people don't.Jo: But then- I don't know why I'm even alive!Amy: Well, who does, really?

EVERYONE'S A LITTLE BIT UNSATISFIED.Meg: EVERYONE GOES 'ROUND A LITTLE EMPTY INSIDEBeth: TAKE A BREATH, LOOK AROUND. SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE,All Three:FOR NOW...Jo:FOR NOW..

Meg:NOTHING LASTS, LIFE GOES ON,Amy:FULL OF SURPRISES.Meg:YOULL BE FACED WITH PROBLEMS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.[Begin to interact with stage, lights come up etc]Beth:YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE A FEW COMPROMISES...[Beth indicate to Jo and girls to join the scene]FOR NOW..Jo:FOR NOW...

Chorus:BUT ONLY FOR NOW! (FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW! (FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW! (FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW!

V1:FOR NOW WE'RE HEALTHY.V2:FOR NOW WE'RE EMPLOYED.

V3:FOR NOW WE'RE HAPPY...Meg:IF NOT OVERJOYED!

Beth:AND WE'LL ACCEPT THE THINGS WE CANNOT AVOID, FOR NOW...MegFOR NOW...AmyFOR NOW...JoFOR NOW...

Chorus:BUT ONLY FOR NOW! (GIRLS: FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW! (GIRLS: FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW! (GIRLS: FOR NOW)ONLY FOR NOW!

Girls:ONLY FOR NOW! (Chorus: FOR NOW THERE'S LIFE!)ONLY FOR NOW! (Chorus: FOR NOW THERE'S LOVE!)ONLY FOR NOW! (Chorus: FOR NOW THERE'S WORK!)Girls and All: FOR NOW THERE'S HAPPINESS!

ChorusBUT ONLY FOR NOW!(Girls: FOR NOW DISCOMFORT!)ONLY FOR NOW!(Girls: FOR NOW THERE'S FRIENDSHIP!)ONLY FOR NOW (Girls: FOR NOW!)ONLY FOR NOW!

Chorus and Girls: ONLY FOR NOW! (__________)IS ONLY FOR NOW! (Your Hair!)IS ONLY FOR NOW! (______ ________!)IS ONLY FOR NOW!

DON'T STRESS,RELAX,LET LIFE ROLL OFF YOUR BACKSEXCEPT FOR DEATH AND PAYING TAXES,EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS ONLY FOR NOW!

Beth:EACH TIME YOU SMILE...ALL:...ONLY FOR NOWMeg: IT'LL ONLY LAST A WHILE.ALL:...ONLY FOR NOW

Amy: LIFE MAY BE SCARY...All:...ONLY FOR NOWJo: BUT IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY

Villagers (Pack up and Leaving Stage): BA-DUM BA-DUMBA-DUM BA-DUMBA DUM BA-DUMBA-DA DA DA DABA-DA DA-DA DA DA-DABA-DUM BA-DA, BA-DUM BA-DAOHHHH-

Girls:EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS ONLY FOR NOW.Lights down

Scene 2[Lights up. Girls working at home]MegI know Marmee proposed not having any presents this Christmas because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone with our men away in the army but it is hard.JoWe've each got a dollar-I dont think that would help the army! BethI wanted new musicJoMarmee didnt say anything about our own money. Let's buy what we want, and have a little fun, we need it.MegI know I doteaching those tiresome childrenJoIm shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady who never stops complaining! Beth Washing dishes is the worst work in the world!AmyYou don't have to go to school with rude girls, who laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn't rich, and insult you when your nose isn't nice.MegDon't you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little? BethYou said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children, for they were fighting all the time in spite of their money.MegSo I did, Beth. Well, I think we are. For though we do have to work, we make fun ourselves!JoI wish we could have more fun! It's bad enough to be a girl, when I like boy's games and work and manners! I'm dying to go and fight with Papa and I can only stay home and knit, like a poky old woman![Jo shakes the sock till the needles rattled and her ball rolls across the room.]BethPoor Jo! It's too bad, but it can't be helped. So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish, and playing brother to us girls

[The clock struck six and Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm by the fire (flat?). Jo gets up to help]

JoThey are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair.BethI thought I'd get her some with my dollarAmyNo, I shall!MegI'm the oldest.Jo I'm the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone.

BethWait! Let's each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.JoThat's like you, dear! What will we get?(Pause)MegI shall give her a nice pair of gloves!JoArmy shoes, best to be had!BethSome handkerchiefs, all hemmedAmyI'll get a little bottle of perfume. She likes it, and it won't cost much, so I'll have some left to buy my pencils.JoLet Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping again tomorrow afternoon, Meg!Ssh, here she comes!Mrs MGlad to find you so merry, my girls. Has anyone called, Beth? How is your cold, Meg? Jo, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby [As she takes off her coat, puts on her slippers and sits down]. I've got a treat for you girls!BethA letter! A letter! Three cheers for Father!Mrs MYes, a nice long letter. He is well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared. He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girlsBethWhen will he come home, Marmee?Mrs MNot for many months dear, unless he is sick. Now come and hear the letter."

The Letter-Billy ElliotDEAR GIRLS,I MUST SEEM A DISTANT MEMORY BUT YOU ALL ARE HERE IN MY HEARTAND IT WILL HAVE BEEN A LONG, LONG TIMEAND I WILL HAVE MISSED YOU GROWINGAND I'LL HAVE MISSED YOU CRYINGAND I'LL HAVE MISSED YOU LAUGH

MISSED YOUR STAMPING AND YOUR SHOUTINGI HAVE MISSED TELLING YOU OFFBUT PLEASE, GIRLS, KNOW THAT I AM, ALWAYS THEREILL BE WITH YOU THROUGH EVERYTHING

AND PLEASE, GIRLS, KNOW THAT I WILL ALWAYS BEPROUD TO KNOW YOUPROUD THAT ARE MINEPROUD OF EVERYTHINGAND YOU MUST PROMISE ME THIS, GIRLSIN EVERTHING YOU DOALWAYS BE YOURSELF WONT YOU?AND YOU ALWAYS WILL BE TRUELOVE YOU FOREVERLOVE YOU FOREVER[Lights fade out]

Scene 3:Christmas Morning[Lights come up on house, Jo creeps in with Beth and Amy all carrying their gifts for Marmee. Meg comes flying in and runs straight into then]

MegWhere is Mother? [Noise offstage]JoThere she is. Hide the presents, quick! She's coming! Open the door, Amy![Marmee enters][If its possible to have a fake piano have Beth play a Joy to the World, if not, then the band]

JoThree cheers for Marmee!AmyMerry Christmas, Marmee!MegMany of Them!BethMerry Christmas![Give their presents to Mrs M as they speak][The slippers are put on, a new handkerchief was slipped into Mrs Ms pocket after sprayed with Amy's perfume, and the nice gloves tried on]Mrs MWhat a perfect fit! Thank you girls. Now can you look after yourselves for a few hours while I go and help the Hummels with their newborn baby?JoOf course Marmee![Girls help her pack her basket and leave. Girls move downstage to practise. Lights dim on main stage]

MegWhy must Marmee go out today of all days?BethToday of all days, of course she must help!AmyOh dont be sad Meg-Jo, tell her your surprise!JoOh Yes! [Runs and gets a sheaf of papers (scripts)]. I have written us a tragedy girls!MegJo do you ever stop writing?JoWell yes. But Ive decided Im going to become a world-renowned writer-Ill earn us barrels of money!MegJo, no, really?!BethJo can do anything!MegJo, do I die again in this one!JoYes! [handing out the script]Amy Who am I? Please let me be the heroine.[Meg and Amy jostle Jo for a script, Beth takes hers quietly and moves away to read it on her own.JoYou need to read it first girls. Beth I think yours will suit you. Now Meg, you start here (quietly) and Amy you start here.[Lights fade down on the girls and come up on Beth]Beth(to herself) Well Im not sure I can be this good..

Cue Song: A Christmas Lullaby-Songs for a New WorldI'LL NEVER HAVE THE POWER TO CONTROL THE LAND OR CONQUER HALF THE WORLD OR CLAIM THE SUN I'LL NEVER BE THE KIND WHO SIMPLY WAVES HER HAND AND HAS A MILLION PEOPLE DO THE THINGS I WISH I'D DONE

BUT IN THE EYES OF HEAVEN MY PLACE IS ASSURED I CARRY WITH ME HEAVEN'S GRAND DESIGN GLORIA, GLORY, I WILL SING THE NAME OF THE LORD AND HE WILL MAKE ME SHINE

AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY WITH A BLESSING IN MY SOUL AND I WILL GIVE THE WORLD MY EYES SO THEY CAN SEE AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY WITH A BLESSING IN MY SOUL AND THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD INSIDE OF ME

IN THE EYES OF HEAVEN MY PLACE IS ASSURED I CARRY WITH ME HEAVEN'S GRAND DESIGN GLORIA, GLORY I WILL SING THE NAME OF THE LORD AND HE WILL MAKE ME SHINE [Movement on stage, Mrs M arrives home unpacks a big basket of food onto the table, girls turning script pages etc.]AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY WITH A BLESSING IN MY SOUL AND I WILL GIVE THE WORLD MY EYES SO THEY CAN SEE AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY WITH A BLESSING IN MY SOUL AND THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD INSIDE OF ME

[Mrs M comes towards Beth and listens]AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY WITH THE POWER IN MY VEINS TO BELIEVE IN ALL THE THINGS I'VE YET TO BE AND I WILL BE LIKE MOTHER MARY AND I'LL SUFFER ANY PAINS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD INSIDE OF ME...

Mrs MBeth, that was beautiful.BethJo wrote the wordsMegYes, and the play is brilliant too.Mrs MWell done Jo. Now girls, come and look at our Christmas surprise

[Girls turn to come to the table and stop stunned]

AmyIs it fairies?BethSanta ClausMegMother did it?JoAunt March had a good fit and sent the supper?!Mrs MAll wrong. Old Mr. Laurence sent itMegThe Laurence boy's grandfather! What in the world put such a thing into his head? We don't know him!Mrs MHe sent it as thanks for the help I gave to the Hummels. I could not say no.JoLaurie put it in his head-I know he did! He's a capital fellow, and I wish we could get to know him, but he is so shy!Mrs MWell if he wants to get to know you then Ive no objection, he seems like a perfect gentleman.BethOh, I wish father were here. I'm afraid he isn't having such a merry Christmas as we are.

Ill Make a man out of you?

Scene 4[Meg enter and call out from stage]MegJo! Jo! Where are you? [Jo respond as enters from the opposite side]JoHereMegSuch fun! Only see! Mrs. Gardiner would be happy to see Miss March and Miss Josephine at a little dance on New Year's Eve [reading from the note]. Marmee is willing we should go, now what shall we wear? Im so excited!!JoIm afraid we only have the one dress so theres no choice [reluctantly buying into Megs excited]

CUE SONGMeg

"Ought they to smoke like that?" asked Beth from her perch on the bed."It's the dampness drying," replied Jo."What a queer smell! It's like burned feathers," observed Amy, smoothing her own pretty curls with a superior air."There, now I'll take off the papers and you'll see a cloud of little ringlets," said Jo, putting down the tongs.She did take off the papers, but no cloud of ringlets appeared, for the hair came with the papers, and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little scorched bundles on the bureau before her victim."Oh, oh, oh! What have you done? I'm spoiled! I can't go! My hair, oh, my hair!" wailed Meg, looking with despair at the uneven frizzle on her forehead."Just my luck! You shouldn't have asked me to do it. I always spoil everything. I'm so sorry, but the tongs were too hot, and so I've made a mess," groaned poor Jo, regarding the little black pancakes with tears of regret."It isn't spoiled. Just frizzle it, and tie your ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit, and it will look like the last fashion. I've seen many girls do it so," said Amy consolingly."Serves me right for trying to be fine. I wish I'd let my hair alone," cried Meg petulantly."So do I, it was so smooth and pretty. But it will soon grow out again," said Beth, coming to kiss and comfort the shorn sheep.After various lesser mishaps, Meg was finished at last, and by the united exertions of the entire family Jo's hair was got up and her dress on. They looked very well in their simple suits, Meg's in silvery drab, with a blue velvet snood, lace frills, and the pearl pin. Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament. Each put on one nice light glove, and carried one soiled one, and all pronounced the effect "quite easy and fine". Meg's high-heeled slippers were very tight and hurt her, though she would not own it, and Jo's nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable, but, dear me, let us be elegant or die."Have a good time, dearies!" said Mrs. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk. "Don't eat much supper, and come away at eleven when I send Hannah for you." As the gate clashed behind them, a voice cried from a window..."Girls, girls! Have you you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs?""Yes, yes, spandy nice, and Meg has cologne on hers," cried Jo, adding with a laugh as they went on, "I do believe Marmee would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake.""It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper, for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and handkerchief," replied Meg, who had a good many little 'aristocratic tastes' of her own."Now don't forget to keep the bad breadth out of sight, Jo. Is my sash right? And does my hair look very bad?" said Meg, as she turned from the glass in Mrs. Gardiner's dressing room after a prolonged prink."I know I shall forget. If you see me doing anything wrong, just remind me by a wink, will you?" returned Jo, giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush."No, winking isn't ladylike. I'll lift my eyebrows if any thing is wrong, and nod if you are all right. Now hold your shoulder straight, and take short steps, and don't shake hands if you are introduced to anyone. It isn't the thing.""How do you learn all the proper ways? I never can. Isn't that music gay?"Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them. Mrs. Gardiner, a stately old lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters. Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon, but Jo, who didn't care much for girls or girlish gossip, stood about, with her back carefully against the wall, and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden. Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room, and she longed to go and join them, for skating was one of the joys of her life. She telegraphed her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir. No one came to talk to her, and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone. She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began. Meg was asked at once, and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly. Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace. Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'."Dear me, I didn't know anyone was here!" stammered Jo, preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in.But the boy laughed and said pleasantly, though he looked a little startled, "Don't mind me, stay if you like.""Shan't I disturb you?""Not a bit. I only came here because I don't know many people and felt rather strange at first, you know.""So did I. Don't go away, please, unless you'd rather."The boy sat down again and looked at his pumps, till Jo said, trying to be polite and easy, "I think I've had the pleasure of seeing you before. You live near us, don't you?""Next door." And he looked up and laughed outright, for Jo's prim manner was rather funny when he remembered how they had chatted about cricket when he brought the cat home.That put Jo at her ease and she laughed too, as she said, in her heartiest way, "We did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present.""Grandpa sent it.""But you put it into his head, didn't you, now?""How is your cat, Miss March?" asked the boy, trying to look sober while his black eyes shone with fun."Nicely, thank you, Mr. Laurence. But I am not Miss March, I'm only Jo," returned the young lady."I'm not Mr. Laurence, I'm only Laurie.""Laurie Laurence, what an odd name.""My first name is Theodore, but I don't like it, for the fellows called me Dora, so I made them say Laurie instead.""I hate my name, too, so sentimental! I wish every one would say Jo instead of Josephine. How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora?""I thrashed 'em.""I can't thrash Aunt March, so I suppose I shall have to bear it." And Jo resigned herself with a sigh."Don't you like to dance, Miss Jo?" asked Laurie, looking as if he thought the name suited her."I like it well enough if there is plenty of room, and everyone is lively. In a place like this I'm sure to upset something, tread on people's toes, or do something dreadful, so I keep out of mischief and let Meg sail about. Don't you dance?""Sometimes. You see I've been abroad a good many years, and haven't been into company enough yet to know how you do things here.""Abroad!" cried Jo. "Oh, tell me about it! I love dearly to hear people describe their travels."Laurie didn't seem to know where to begin, but Jo's eager questions soon set him going, and he told her how he had been at school in Vevay, where the boys never wore hats and had a fleet of boats on the lake, and for holiday fun went on walking trips about Switzerland with their teachers."Don't I wish I'd been there!" cried Jo. "Did you go to Paris?""We spent last winter there.""Can you talk French?""We were not allowed to speak anything else at Vevay.""Do say some! I can read it, but can't pronounce.""Quel nom a cette jeune demoiselle en les pantoufles jolis?""How nicely you do it! Let me see ... you said, 'Who is the young lady in the pretty slippers', didn't you?""Oui, mademoiselle.""It's my sister Margaret, and you knew it was! Do you think she is pretty?""Yes, she makes me think of the German girls, she looks so fresh and quiet, and dances like a lady."Jo quite glowed with pleasure at this boyish praise of her sister, and stored it up to repeat to Meg. Both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like old acquaintances. Laurie's bashfulness soon wore off, for Jo's gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease, and Jo was her merry self again, because her dress was forgotten and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her. She liked the 'Laurence boy' better than ever and took several good looks at him, so that she might describe him to the girls, for they had no brothers, very few male cousins, and boys were almost unknown creatures to them."Curly black hair, brown skin, big black eyes, handsome nose, fine teeth, small hands and feet, taller than I am, very polite, for a boy, and altogether jolly. Wonder how old he is?"It was on the tip of Jo's tongue to ask, but she checked herself in time and, with unusual tact, tried to find out in a round-about way."I suppose you are going to college soon? I see you pegging away at your books, no, I mean studying hard." And Jo blushed at the dreadful 'pegging' which had escaped her.Laurie smiled but didn't seem shocked, and answered with a shrug. "Not for a year or two. I won't go before seventeen, anyway.""Aren't you but fifteen?" asked Jo, looking at the tall lad, whom she had imagined seventeen already."Sixteen, next month.""How I wish I was going to college! You don't look as if you liked it.""I hate it! Nothing but grinding or skylarking. And I don't like the way fellows do either, in this country.""What do you like?""To live in Italy, and to enjoy myself in my own way."Jo wanted very much to ask what his own way was, but his black brows looked rather threatening as he knit them, so she changed the subject by saying, as her foot kept time, "That's a splendid polka! Why don't you go and try it?""If you will come too," he answered, with a gallant little bow."I can't, for I told Meg I wouldn't, because..." There Jo stopped, and looked undecided whether to tell or to laugh."Because, what?""You won't tell?""Never!""Well, I have a bad trick of standing before the fire, and so I burn my frocks, and I scorched this one, and though it's nicely mended, it shows, and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it. You may laugh, if you want to. It is funny, I know."But Laurie didn't laugh. He only looked down a minute, and the expression of his face puzzled Jo when he said very gently, "Never mind that. I'll tell you how we can manage. There's a long hall out there, and we can dance grandly, and no one will see us. Please come."Jo thanked him and gladly went, wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice, pearl-colored ones her partner wore. The hall was empty, and they had a grand polka, for Laurie danced well, and taught her the German step, which delighted Jo, being full of swing and spring. When the music stopped, they sat down on the stairs to get their breath, and Laurie was in the midst of an account of a students' festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister. She beckoned, and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room, where she found her on a sofa, holding her foot, and looking pale."I've sprained my ankle. That stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench. It aches so, I can hardly stand, and I don't know how I'm ever going to get home," she said, rocking to and fro in pain."I knew you'd hurt your feet with those silly shoes. I'm sorry. But I don't see what you can do, except get a carriage, or stay here all night," answered Jo, softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke."I can't have a carriage without its costing ever so much. I dare say I can't get one at all, for most people come in their own, and it's a long way to the stable, and no one to send.""I'll go.""No, indeed! It's past nine, and dark as Egypt. I can't stop here, for the house is full. Sallie has some girls staying with her. I'll rest till Hannah comes, and then do the best I can.""I'll ask Laurie. He will go," said Jo, looking relieved as the idea occurred to her."Mercy, no! Don't ask or tell anyone. Get me my rubbers, and put these slippers with our things. I can't dance anymore, but as soon as supper is over, watch for Hannah and tell me the minute she comes.""They are going out to supper now. I'll stay with you. I'd rather.""No, dear, run along, and bring me some coffee. I'm so tired I can't stir."So Meg reclined, with rubbers well hidden, and Jo went blundering away to the dining room, which she found after going into a china closet, and opening the door of a room where old Mr. Gardiner was taking a little private refreshment. Making a dart at the table, she secured the coffee, which she immediately spilled, thereby making the front of her dress as bad as the back."Oh, dear, what a blunderbuss I am!" exclaimed Jo, finishing Meg's glove by scrubbing her gown with it."Can I help you?" said a friendly voice. And there was Laurie, with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other."I was trying to get something for Meg, who is very tired, and someone shook me, and here I am in a nice state," answered Jo, glancing dismally from the stained skirt to the coffee-colored glove."Too bad! I was looking for someone to give this to. May I take it to your sister?""Oh, thank you! I'll show you where she is. I don't offer to take it myself, for I should only get into another scrape if I did."Jo led the way, and as if used to waiting on ladies, Laurie drew up a little table, brought a second installment of coffee and ice for Jo, and was so obliging that even particular Meg pronounced him a 'nice boy'. They had a merry time over the bonbons and mottoes, and were in the midst of a quiet game ofBuzz, with two or three other young people who had strayed in, when Hannah appeared. Meg forgot her foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Jo, with an exclamation of pain."Hush! Don't say anything," she whispered, adding aloud, "It's nothing. I turned my foot a little, that's all," and limped upstairs to put her things on.Hannah scolded, Meg cried, and Jo was at her wits' end, till she decided to take things into her own hands. Slipping out, she ran down and, finding a servant, asked if he could get her a carriage. It happened to be a hired waiter who knew nothing about the neighborhood and Jo was looking round for help when Laurie, who had heard what she said, came up and offered his grandfather's carriage, which had just come for him, he said."It's so early! You can't mean to go yet?" began Jo, looking relieved but hesitating to accept the offer."I always go early, I do, truly! Please let me take you home. It's all on my way, you know, and it rains, they say."That settled it, and telling him of Meg's mishap, Jo gratefully accepted and rushed up to bring down the rest of the party. Hannah hated rain as much as a cat does so she made no trouble, and they rolled away in the luxurious close carriage, feeling very festive and elegant. Laurie went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up, and the girls talked over their party in freedom."I had a capital time. Did you?" asked Jo, rumpling up her hair, and making herself comfortable."Yes, till I hurt myself. Sallie's friend, Annie Moffat, took a fancy to me, and asked me to come and spend a week with her when Sallie does. She is going in the spring when the opera comes, and it will be perfectly splendid, if Mother only lets me go," answered Meg, cheering up at the thought."I saw you dancing with the red headed man I ran away from. Was he nice?""Oh, very! His hair is auburn, not red, and he was very polite, and I had a delicious redowa with him.""He looked like a grasshopper in a fit when he did the new step. Laurie and I couldn't help laughing. Did you hear us?""No, but it was very rude. What were you about all that time, hidden away there?"Jo told her adventures, and by the time she had finished they were at home. With many thanks, they said good night and crept in, hoping to disturb no one, but the instant their door creaked, two little nightcaps bobbed up, and two sleepy but eager voices cried out..."Tell about the party! Tell about the party!"With what Meg called 'a great want of manners' Jo had saved some bonbons for the little girls, and they soon subsided, after hearing the most thrilling events of the evening."I declare, it really seems like being a fine young lady, to come home from the party in a carriage and sit in my dressing gown with a maid to wait on me," said Meg, as Jo bound up her foot with arnica and brushed her hair."I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them." And I think Jo was quite right.

LAURIE:Hello.JO:How do you do? I wanted to thank you. We did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present. What's the matter? Are you sick?LAURIE:Just a little cold, but Grandfather's made me stop indoors for a week.JO:Oh, that's too bad. Can anybody come to see you?LAURIE:If they would.JO:Wait. I'll ask Marmee. Close the window though.(Jo rings door bell)LAURIE:How do you do, Miss March?JO:How do you do, Mr. Laurence? Mother was so sorry to hear that you'd been ill. My sister, Meg, sent you some of her "blanc-mange". It is soft and will slide down easily without hurting your throat.LAURIE:Thank you.JO:And c um c Beth lent you these until you're will. I c I know boys don't like kittens but she was so anxious Ic. I couldn't refuse.LAURIE:Well, maybe they'll help to liven things up. It's as dull as tombs over here.JO:Huh?!LAURIE:Won't you come in?JO:Oh, no. No, I'm not to stay.LAURIE:Oh, please. Just for a few minutes. I've ordered tea.JO:Oh? c Christopher Columbus! What richness. Oh! Just like summer. Oh! This is marvelous. Oh, it's so roomy. Ohc.LAURIE:How many, please?JO:Two, please. Three. And how do you like it here, after living in Europe so long, Mr. Laurence?LAURIE:Ohc.JO:I'm going to Europe.LAURIE:Really? When?JO:I don't know. You see, my Aunt March has rheumatism, and her doctor thought that the bathsc. Oh, not that she hasn't a bathc. She has a very nice one. Did you take any baths while you were there? I mean, for rheumatism.LAURIE:No. No, I'm not troubled with rheumatism.JO:Nope. Neither am I. But she thought that the baths wouldn't do me any harm. I mean, that is to say, while I was there. You see, I've always wanted to go to Europe. Not for the baths, of course. But for my writing. You see, my Aunt March cc. Oh, but you don't know Aunt March, do you? Ah well, never mind. Now, what were you saying, Mr. Laurence?LAURIE:I'm not Mr. Laurence. I'm only Laurie.JO:Well, Laurie. Well, how do you like it here after Europe?LAURIE:Well, it's strange after living in schools all my life. Oh, it'll be alrightc when I get used to grandfather. You know, he's cJO:Oh, yes! You should have seen him before you came.LAURIE:Isn't he a holy terror?JO:Oh, you oughta see my Aunt March!LAURIE:Oh, it's too pretty to eat. I wish we had things like this over here.JO:And I wish c. It is nice, isn't it? My little sister put on the geranium leaves. She's very artist.LAURIE:Amy?JO:Yes. How do you know?LAURIE:Why, I often hear you calling to one another. Andc when I'm alone over here, I c I beg you pardon for being so rude, but c sometimes you forget to put down the curtain. When the lamps are lighted, its like looking at a picture to see you all around the table with your Mother. You always seem to be having such good times.JO:We'll never draw that curtain anymore. And I give you leave to look as much as you like. I wish, though, instead of just peeping, you'd come over and see us. We'd have jolly times together.LAURIE:And would you let me be in a play? I saw some of it the other night.JO:Oh, that was terrible. I want to put on "Hamlet" though, and do the fencing scene.LAURIE:I could do Laertes. I took fencing lessons at the academy.JO:Really?LAURIE:Yes! Look! Look! On guard!(00:35:05)JO:Splendid!LAURIE:Here.JO:Oh! "Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally."LAURIE:"Say you so. Come on."JO:"A hit; what say you?"LAURIE:"A touch. A touch. I do confess."MR. LAURENCE:What is this? What on earth? What's going on?MR. BROOKE::Don't know, sir?LAURIE:"Have at you, now."JO:Oh?LAURIE:Oh, I say. Oh, I say. You hurt?JO:Oh, no. Nothing ever hurts me.LAURIE:I'm sorry. I forgot you're a girl, and I'm afraid I got a bit too rough.JO:Oh, what are you talking about? Oh, I had you bettered, if I hadn't slipped. Oh, that's c that's a good picture of your grandfather. He looks pretty grim, but I shouldn't be afraid of him. Though I can see how his face might frighten some people.(00:36:02)MR. BROOKE::I'll wait upstairs, sir.JO:His eyes are kind and I like him, though he does bark at you so.MR. LAURENCE:Thank you, ma'am. So you're not afraid of me, eh?JO:No, sir. Not much.MR. LAURENCE:But my face will frighten some people.JO:Oh, Ic. I only said "might", sir.MR. LAURENCE:And I bark, do I?JO:Oh, no, sir. Perhaps not all the time.MR. LAURENCE:But with all that you like me, eh?JO:Oh, yes, sir. I do. I do. I do.MR. LAURENCE:And I like you.JO:Oh, sir.LAURIE:Grandfather, you should see her fence. Come on, let's show him.JO:Oh, no. I've been here too long now.LAURIE:Well, I'll see you home.MR. LAURENCE:Oh, no, no, no. You stay indoors, young man. I shall see Miss March home. I want to pay my respects to your mother and thank her for the medicine she sent my boy. I can see it's done him lots of good. You get upstairs and do your sums. Brooke is waiting for you, and see you behave yourself like a gentleman, sir.LAURIE:Good bye, Jo.(00:37:25)(Inside the March house)(00:37:27)HANNAH:Here they come. Here they come. All dressed up and looking as pretty as pictures.MRS. MARCH:Oh, Amy. How dainty! You look lovely.BETH:Oh, Marmee, I wish Laurie hadn't asked me to his party. I know I shall be frightened.MRS. MARCH:You wouldn't want to hurt his feelings when he's been so kind. Oh, Meg, the dress is lovely. Meg: Thank you, Marmee.MRS. MARCH:Jo, you look splendid.JO:Well, I feel perfectly miserable with 19 hairpins all sticking straight into my head. But, dear me. Let us be elegant or die.MRS. MARCH:Does the patch show much?MEG:It does a little, Marmee. But she's going to sit down or stand with her back against the wall. Jo, where are your gloves?JO:Oh, well, I've stained them so I'm gonna go without.MEG:You wear gloves, or I don't go.HANNAH:I tried to clean them bit it only made them look worse.JO:Oh, here. I'll carry them. I'll hold them crumpled up in one hand. Nobody'll see them.MEG:Oh, Jo.JO:Well I'll tell you. We'll each wear one of your nice ones and carry one of my bad ones. Then the effect will be fine and easy.MEG:All right. Only be careful of it. And don't stretch it. And Jo dear, do behave nicely and don't put your hands behind your back. Good night, Marmee.MARMEE:Have a nice time, dear.AMY:And above everything, don't say "Christopher Columbus" and disgrace us all.JO:Oh, hold you tongue, Miss Baby. I'll be as prim as I can be, and not get into any scrapesc if I can help it.(00:38:53)(Dancing)(00:39:39)MAN:May I engage you for this dance, Miss March?JO:No, thank you. I'm not dancing.AMY:There's that Kitty Ford.BETH:Where?AMY:There, with the pink dress and the blue sash. I don't see why she's allowed with the grow-ups and I have to stay up here.BETH:Oh, that beautiful piano. It's as big as our kitchen.MR. LAURENCE:Umc What's this? Why aren't you two young ladies downstairs dancing?AMY:Mother said we weren't to go down with the grown-ups.MR. LAURENCE:But can you see anything from here? How about you?AMY:She just likes to listen to the music.MR. LAURENCE:You just come down with me where it's playing.BETH:Oh, no. No, sir. Please.MR. LAURENCE:Why not? Well, my dear child, what's the matter?AMY:She has an infirmity.MR. LAURENCE:Mmm?AMY:She's shy.MR. LAURENCE:Oh, I see.AMY:If it weren't for that, she'd be simply fastitidious because she plays beautifully.MR. LAURENCE:Oh, she must come and play for me sometime.AMY:No. She never would.MR. LAURENCE:Oh, it wasn't that I wanted to hear her, but that piano down there is simply going to ruin for want of use. I was hoping one you young ladies would come and practice on it. Justc. Just to keep it in tune, you know. Well, if you don't care to come, never mind.BETH:Oh, sir. We do care, very, very much.MR. LAURENCE:So. So you're the musical one.BETH:I'm Beth. I love it dearly and I'll come if you're quite sure no-one will hear me and be disturbed.MR. LAURENCE:Not a soul, my child. Not a soul. You come too, young lady. And tell your mother I think all her daughters are simply "fastidious".AMY:Beth, isn't he elegant?(00:41:47)LAURIE:This is the German, and I'll be hanged if I let you refuse me all of them.JO:Oh, no. No.LAURIE:Don't you like to dance?JO:Oh, yes. I love to dance, but I can't. I c I mean, I promised I wouldn't.LAURIE:Why?JO:Oh, well, I may as well tell you. You won't tell?LAURIE:Silence to the death.JO:Well, you see, I have a bad trick of standing in front of the fire and I scorch my frocks, and I burned this one.LAURIE:Where?JO:Oh, you can laugh if you want to. It is funny.LAURIE:Look! I'll tell you how we can manage. There's no one in the hall. We can dance out there without being seen.JO:You're a Champ.LAURIE:This is regularly splendid. Oh. Thank you.(Dancing)(00:42:55)JO:Oh, hello.LAURIE:What are you two doing up there? Come on down.AMY:No.LAURIE:Well, have you had refreshments?BETH:No, thank you. We really don't care for c. Ouh!LAURIE:We'll bring some right up. Come on.MEG:And then when Laurie goes to college, what becomes of you?MR. BROOKE::I shall turn soldier as soon as he is off. I'm needed.MEG:Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. I mean, I'm so sorry for all the mothers and sisters who have to stay home and worry.MR. BROOKE::I have neither. And very few friends to care whether I live or die.MEG:Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal. And wec we all would be very sorry if any harm came to you.MR. BROOKE::Would you?(By the stairs)JO:Here we go!(Chatter)LAURIE:Oh, Jo. Jo.AMY:Now you've done it!(Exclamations)JO:Meg's gloves! Oh, look at me!LAURIE:What cIt's a shame.JO:What a blunder bus I am!AMY:What are you going to do?MEG:I'll ask Marmee.LAURIE:Oh? Have you two been hiding. I've been looking all over the house for you. Hannah's here.MEG:Oh? Is it that late?LAURIE:Well, time slips away, you know?MEG:Good night, Mr. Brooke.MR. BROOKE::Good night, Miss Margaret. (Picking up a glove.) Miss Margaret!(In the foyer)(00:44:46)BETH:Good night.LAURIE:Good night, Beth. I'm glad you came.AMY:We had an elegant time.LAURIE:Good night, Amy. Good night, Jo.MEG:Good night, Laurie.LAURIE:Good night, Miss Margaret.MEG:Laurie c..LAURIE:Good night, everybody. Jo: Don't forget to bring your ice-skates tomorrow.LAURIE:I won't. Good night.Everybody:Good night.(Jo writing)(00:45:16)JO:There. I've done my best. If that won't do, I shall have to wait until I can do better. (Jo climbs down the outside of the house.) Why? What are you up to?BETH:It's a pair of slippers I worked for Mr. Laurence. He's been so kind about letting me play on his beautiful piano. I didn't know any other way to thank him, Jo. Do you think they're alright?JO:They are beautiful, and I think you are sweet. Hey, isn't that Amy's hair ribbon?BETH:Yes. Yes, but I think she was going to throw it away.JO:You think! You better vamoos before she catches you.(In front of Newspaper Office)(00:46:55)LAURIE:Now I'll find out why you come down to this hole every day. Just have to tell me why you never have time for me any more.JO:Laurie Laurence. Give that back to me, or I'll never speak to you again.LAURIE:Alright. Hm! Take it. You're a fine one! I thought we weren't to have any secrets from each other.JO:Well, this is all together different.LAURIE:Yec Oh!JO:I beg your pardon.LAURIE:Sorry.LAURIE:Of course it's different. Just like a girl! Can't keep an agreement.JO:Oh, bilge.LAURIE:You'll be sorry. I was gonna tell you something very plummy. A secret. All about people you know, and such fun.JO:Oh, what?LAURIE:If I tell you, you must tell me yours.JO:You won't tell anything at home, will you?LAURIE:Not a word.JO:And you won't tease me about it in private?LAURIE:I'll never tease. Fire away.JO:I sold my story to the Spread Eagle.LAURIE:Hurrah for Miss March! Hurrah for Miss March! The celebrated American authoress.JO:I didn't want anyone to know until it's out.LAURIE:Wouldn't it be fun to see it in print?JO:Now, what's yours?LAURIE:I know where Meg's glove is.JO:Oh, is that all?LAURIE:Wait till you hear where it is.JO:Where? How do you know?LAURIE:I saw it.JO:Where?LAURIE:Pocket!JO:All this time?LAURIE:Isn't it romantic?JO:Romantic? Rubbish! I never heard of anything so horrid. I wish you hadn't told me. Of all the sickly, sentimentalc Oh why do things always have to change just when they're perfect. Meg always used to tell me everything, and now she keeps everything to herself, and thinks brown eyes are beautiful. John is a lovely name. He better keep away from me or I'll tell him what I think of him. Trying to break up other people's happiness and spoil all their fun!LAURIE:It doesn't spoil any fun! Makes it twice as good! You'll find out when someone falls in love with you. Soft summer day. Sun setting through the trees. Your lover's arms steeling around you.JO:I'd like to see anybody try it.LAURIE:Would you? Oh!c.. I'll get youc... (Laurie chases Jo) Now I've got youc.. Waitc..(Everyone chatters)JO:You should have seenc.MR. BROOKE::It's been a most enjoyable afternoon, Miss Margaret.MEG:Thank you. Paying visits has never been quite so much fun before.MR. BROOKE:I hope we may do it again, very soon.JO:Good-bye, Mr. Brooke. Come along, Meg.MEG:Good afternoon, Mr. Brooke.MR. BROOKE::Good-bye, Miss Margaret.MEG:Good afternoon.LAURIE:Margaret. Good-bye, Jo.MR. BROOKE::Coming Laurie?LAURIE:Right. See you tomorrow, Jo.MEG:I've never been so embarrassed in my life. When will you stop your childish romping ways.JO:Not until I'm old and stiff and have to use a crutch.(00:50:44)(Jo wipes the tears from her face as Beth approaches)BETH:Jo.JO:Hello Bethy.BETH:Hello, Jo.JO:How's my girl? (Chattering)GIRLS:It's a surprise. (Chattering)JO:What is it? Christopher Columbus!BETH:Forc For me?AMY:Look. This came with it. Quick. Read it. See what it says.JO:I'll read it. "Miss Elizabeth March. Dear Madam."AMY:Isn't that elegant.JO:"I've had many pairs of slippers in my life, but none has suited as well as yours. I like to pay my debts, so I know you will allow me to send you something that belonged to the little grand-daughter I lost. With hearty thanks and best wishes. I remain your grateful friend and humble servant, James Laurence." Oh, Beth! Isn't he a really sweet old man? (Chatter) Look. It opens. It opens.AMY:You'll have to thank him.BETH:Yes. I'll go right now.HANNAH:Well, I wish I may die. She'd never gone in her right mind.(Laurence House)(00:52:33)MR. LAURENCE:Come in.BETH:Ic I came to thank you, sir.(Joe reads her story while Amy does a drawing of the scene)(00:53:26)HANNAH:Miss March. Miss March. It's one of them telegraph things, ma'am.MRS. MARCH:It's father.AMY:Mother.MRS. MARCH:He's in the hospital. I must go to Washington at once.(Packing)MRS. MARCH:Put those in the corner, dear.BETH:Alright, Marmee.MRS. MARCH:What on earth is keeping Joe?MEG:This is all packed, Marmee. I don't believe I've forgotten a thing.MRS. MARCH:Thank you, dear. Now, girls, while I'm away, don't forget the Hummels.GIRLS:We won't. We'll do our best, Marmee.MR. LAURENCE:Here we are. We're here to take some port to your husband.MRS. MARCH:Oh. Thank you. How generous!MR. LAURENCE:And I hope he finds this dressing gown useful.MRS. MARCH:Thank you.MR. LAURENCE:Well, everything's arranged, and Brooke will go with you.MRS. MARCH:There's no need. I'll be allrc.MR. LAURENCE:Oh, he's all prepared. He has commissions for me in Washington. He'll be of help to you on the journey.MRS. MARCH:How thoughtful of you!MEG:It's such a relief to know that Marmee will have someone to take care of her. Thank you very, very much.MR. BROOKE::Not at all, Miss Margaret.MRS. MARCH:My kind friend. I can't thank you.MR. LAURENCE:Laurie's outside with the carriage. We'll wait for you. The train leaves in about an hour.HANNAH:Here, ma'am. You'll need this.MRS. MARCH:Oh, I couldn't.AMY:Oh, Marmee. It'll quiet your nerves.MRS. MARCH:Where is Jo? Jo! What kept you?AMY:What ever took you so long?JO:Here's the money from Aunt March. Andc umc there's my contribution.MRS. MARCH:$25. Where did you get it? My dear?JO:Oh, it's mine, honestly. I only sold what belonged to me.MRS. MARCH:Your hair! Jo, you shouldn't have!JO:Oh well, Aunt March croaked as she always does when asked for ninepence. And Marmee, she only sent you just money enough for the ticket. And I knew you'd need more, and so, well Ic happened to be going past a barber shop, and I saw some tails on hair hanging in the window with the prices marked on them, so I thought it'd do my brain good to have my mop cut off. And so I did.MRS. MARCH:Thank you, deary.(00:55:53)LAURIE:Are you ready, Marmee? We'll just have to hurry to catchc.. Christopher Columbus!JO:Well. It's boyish, becoming, and easy to keep in order. Marmee, you'll miss your train.AMY:Yes, darling.MRS. MARCH:Now, girls. Go on with your work as usual.GIRLS:We will, Marmee.MRS. MARCH:Do everything that Hannah tells you.BETH:Oh, can't we go to the train with you, Marmee?MRS. MARCH:No. No. I want you all to stay here and comfort each other. Meg, dear, watch over your sisters. Be patient, Jo. Beth, dear, help all you can. Amy, be obedient. No, no. I want you to stay here. I want to carry away a picture in my mind of my brave little women to take to Father. Good bye, my darlings.GIRLS:Good-bye, Marmee.MRS. MARCH:God bless us and keep us all.(Girls wave)(Lying in bed)(00:57:28)MEG:Jo, are you awake. Jo, you're crying.JO:No, I'm not.MEG:Don't cry, dear. Father'll be alright, and Mr. Brooke will take care of Marmee.JO:I'm not crying because of that.MEG:What is it then?JO:My hair.(Jo reads her story)JO:c. "The End"(00:58:18)AMY:Oh, it gives me the shivers. I'm pins and needles all over.MEG:It's so exciting and so sad. Who wrote it?LAURIE:Your sister.GIRLS:Really? Jo? Oh, no! You did? Let me see.LAURIE:And I knew it all the time.MEG:Isn't that wonderful.AMY:Here it is. "By Miss Josephine March." Oh, Jo! I can't believe it. Beth! Beth! Jo wrote a story. It's in the papers. Isn't that marvelous. Look.BETH:Don't come near me.AMY:Meg. Jo. Something's wrong with Beth.MEG:What is it?AMY:I don't know.MEG:Where is she?AMY:In Marmee's cupboard.LAURIE:What's wrong? Why'd she go in there?JO:Darling, what is it? Bethy, what is it?MEG:What's wrong, Bethy?JO:What is it?BETH:Oh, Jo. The baby's dead.JO:What baby?BETH:Mrs. Hummel's. It died in my lap before she c. before she got back with the doctor. Jo!JO:Oh my poor Beth.BETH:The doctor said it was c.. it was scarlet fever.MEG:Scarlet Fever?AMY:Hannah! Hannah!BETH:You don't think I'll get it, do you, Jo?JO:Oh, no, Bethy. Of course you won't.BETH:Butc. But Amy must keep away, causecc cause she's never had it. How does it start, Jo? With a sort of ac a headache? and sore throat? and c and queer feelings all over?JO:I don't remember. Laurie, give me that doctor's book, will you?MEG:Jo, I think we'd better get her to bed. Come along, Bethy.JO:I'll find out what to do.BETH:I'll be alright, Meg.MEG:Come on Bethy.LAURIE:Of course you'll be alright.JO:Oh, here it is.HANNAH:For land's sakes! Go get Doctor Bangs, will you, Mr. Laurence?LAURIE:Alright.HANNAH:Have him come over as soon as he can.LAURIE:Yes.HANNAH:You stay down here Amy. You're to go over to Aunt Mrch's for a spell, just in case.AMY:No, I won't. I won't. I'm going to stay right here with Beth.JO:Oh, be quiet for once, Amy.AMY:I'm not going to be sent away as though I were in the way.LAURIE:Well, I advise you to go. Scarlet Fever's no joke, miss.AMY:Well, I don't care.LAURIE:Oh.AMY:I'd rather get Scarlet Fever and die, than go to Aunt March's.LAURIE:Now, Amy. Be a good girl. I'll pop around every day and tell you how Beth is. And I'll tell you what! Every day I'll come and take you out driving. Mm?AMY:Well c.. Yes.LAURIE:That's our girl!JO:Oh, Bethy. If you should really be ill, I'll never forgive myself. I let you go to the Hummels every day when I should have gone.MEG:No, it's my fault. I'm the oldest, and I should have gone. I promised Marmee I'd look after you. Don't you think we ought to telegraph her.HANNAH:No. We mustn't. The poor lady can't leave you father. And it would only make her all the more anxious.BETH:Oh, please don't telegraph, Jo. Hannah knows just what to do. I c. I feel better already.(Doctor by Beth's side)(01:01:48)DR. BANGS:If Mrs. March can leave her husband, we'd better send for her.HANNAH:The girls had the telegram all ready, but I wouldn't let them send it, and now the poor lady c.JO:Oh, Mother! Mother! What if she shouldn't get here in time?(Jo runs up to the attic)(01:03:00)LAURIE:Oh, Jo, is it that bad?JO:She doesn't know me. She doesn't look like my Beth. How am I gonna bear it? Marmee and Father being so far away.LAURIE:I'm here. Hold on to me. Jo, dearest. Oh, poor Jo. You're all worn out. What does the doctor say?JO:We're sending for Marmee. If she were only here.LAURIE:She will be. Grandfather and I got fidgety and thought your mother ought to know. She'd just never forgive us if Beth c well, if anything happened, so I telegraphed yesterday.JO:You?LAURIE:She'll be here on the two o'clock train tonight, and I'm going to meet her.JO:Oh, Laurie. Oh, Mother. Oh. Oh, I beg your pardon, but you're such a dear. I couldn't help flying at you.LAURIE:Fly at me again. I rather like it.JO:Laurie, you're so silly.LAURIE:I better go. Well. To the railroad station! And c And I shan't spare the horses.JO:Oh, bless you, Laurie. Bless you.(Jo kneels to prey)JO:If you really want Bethy, please wait until Marmee comes home. But, oh God, please don't c because she's so c well, please don'tc(Jo paces the room)(01:06:06)MEG:If God spares Bethy, I'll love him, and serve him all my life.JO:If life is as hard as this, I don't see how we ever should get through it.MEG:Hannah! Hannah!HANNAH:What is it? What is it?JO:Good-bye, my Bethy. Good-bye.DR. BANGS:The fever's turned. She's sleeping naturally.HANNAH:Lord be praised.JO:Marmee's here. She's come.(Downstairs)(01:07:56)AMY:Isn't it wonderful to have Bethy downstairs at last. Come on. Everything's all ready. Be careful.(Jubilant chatter)JO:And see the lovely flowers that Mr. Laurence sent you.BETH:Oh. And my birdc I've never been so happy.LAURIE:Begging you pardon. Do the Marches live here?GIRLS:Hello.LAURIE:Wait'll she sees what I brought for her.GIRLS:Oh, Father.(Jubilant chatter)MEG:Bethy.HANNAH:Land sakes! She's walking.MRS. MARCH:Oh, my dear.MR. MARCH:My Bethy.BETH:Father.MRS. MARCH:Oh, my darling.AMY:She hasn't walked since she was sick. She ? downstairs.(Meg humming a tune)(01:09:50)JO:Are you expecting someone?MEG:Whyc Why, no. What do you mean?JO:Meg. Meg. Why can't we stay as we are? Do you have to go and fall in love, and spoil all our peace, and fun and happy times together. You're not like your old self a bit. And youc. you're getting so far away from me, I c Oh, Meg. Don't. Don't go and marry that man.MEG:I don't intend to go and marry any man. And if you mean Mr. Brooke, he hasn't asked me. But if he should, I shall merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, "I'm sorry, but I agree with Mother that it's too soon."JO:Oh, Meg. Hoorah for you.MEG:Jo. My hair.JO:And then things'll be as they used to be. And now that Father's home, well c(Door bell rings)(01:11:02)JO:I'll go. I'll get out of the way. Now don't forget. Oh! If I could only see his face when you tell him.(01:11:17)MEG:Why, Mr. Brooke.MR. BROOKE::Good day, Miss Margaret.MEG:Won't you come in?MR. BROOKE::I c I came to get my umbrella. .. erc. that is c.. that is, to see how your father finds himself today.MEG:Whyc he's here in the rack. I mean, it's very well. I mean c.. I'll tell him you're here.MR. BROOKE::Oh, please. Are you afraid of me, Margaret?MEG:Why c. How could I be, when you've been so kind to father. I only wish I could thank you for it.MR. BROOKE::You can. Shall I tell you how?MEG:Oh, no. Oh, please don't.MR. BROOKE::I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg. I love you so much, dear.MEG:Oh, thank you, John. But c. I agree with Mother. It's c. It's too soon.MR. BROOKE::I'll wait. I don't mind how long or how hard I have to work, if I can only know I'm to have my reward in the end. Please. Give me a little hope.MEG:I'm afraid I can't.MR. BROOKE::Do you really mean that?AUNT MARCH:Huh? What's this? Footsy, wootsy. Get along. Get along. Shi! Shi! What's going on here? Who's that?MEG:Mr. Brooke.AUNT MARCH:The Laurence's boy's tutor. Then it's true.MEG:Shh. Please, Aunt March. He might hear you. And he's been very kind to father.AUNT MARCH:Oh? He has? Well, he'd be much kinder if he'd go about his own business and leaves you alone.MEG:Shh.AUNT MARCH:I won't stop! I'm only thinking of your own good, Margaret. You should take a rich man so you can help you family. This person has no money, no position in life.MEG:Oh. But that doesn't mean he never will haveAUNT MARCH:Oh? So he's counting on my money? He knows you've got rich relatives!MEG:Aunt March! How dare you say such a thing! My John wouldn't marry for money any more that I would. I'm not afraid of being poor. And I know we shall be happy, because John loves me, andc and I love him.AUNT MARCH:Hoity, toity! You remember this, young lady. If you marry this rook, a hawk, a crook, you take care of you. Not one penny of my money will he get.MR. BROOKE::My darling! Did you mean it?MEG:John?MR. BROOKE::I came back for my umbrella, and I couldn't help hearing. Then you will give me leave to work for you, and love you.MEG:Yes, John.(Wedding ceremony)(01:14:03)MINISTER:And there to have given and pledged their troth each to the other. And have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands. I pronounce that they are Man and Wife. In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. God, the Father. God, the Son. God, the Holy Ghost. Bless, preserve, and keep you. That ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come, ye may have life everlasting. Amen.MEG:The first kiss for Marmee.AUNT MARCH:Well, John. You've got a treasure. I hope you you'll take good care of her.LAURIE:Good-bye, Amy. Bethy, good-bye. Oh. Don't mind, Jo. You've still go me. Oh. I'm not good for much, I know. But, I'll stand by you, all the days of my life.JO:I know you will. You don't know what a comfort you are to me, Laurie.LAURIE:Jo.JO:Oh, no. Laurie. Don't say anything.LAURIE:I will. And you must hear me. It's no use, Jo. You've kept away from me, ever since I got back from College. And I studied so hard. And I got graduated with Honors. It was all for you.JO:I know. And I'm so proud of you.LAURIE:Then won't you listen. Please. Oh. I've loved you ever since I've known you. I couldn't help it. I tried to show it, but you wouldn't let me. But now I'm going to make you hear and give me an answer for I just can't go on so any longer. I know I'm not half good enough for you. But, if you love me, you could make me anything you like.JO:As though I'd change you, Laurie. Darling, you should marry c. You should marry some lovely accomplished girl who adores you. Someone who would grace your beautiful house. I shouldn't. I loathe elegant society, and you like it. And you hate my scribbling, and I can't get on without it. And we should quarrel.LAURIE:Oh, no, we shouldn't.JO:Oh, yes. We always have. And everything would be so horrid if we were ever foolish enough to c.LAURIE:Marry? Oh, no. It wouldn't be, Jo. It'd be heaven. Oh, don't disappoint us, dear. Don't. Everyone expects it. Grandfather's set his heart on it, and I just can't go on without you. Please, say you will.(01:18:02)JO:I can't. Oh, Laurie. I'm sorry. So desperately sorry. I'm so grateful to you, and so proud, and fond of you. I don't know why I can't love you the way you want me to. I've tried. But I can't change the feeling. And it'll be a lie to say I do if I don't.LAURIE:Really truly, Jo?JO:Really truly, dear. I don't think I'll ever marry.LAURIE:Oh, yes. You will. Yes, you will. You'll meet some good-for-nothing, no-account idiot, and you'll fall in love with him, and work and live and die for him. I know you will. It's your way. And I'll have to stand by and see it. Well, I'll be hanged if I do!JO:Laurie, where are you going?LAURIE:To the devil, and I hope you'll be sorry.JO:Laurie, please c.(Jo at window sill)(01:19:42)MRS. MARCH:Jo, why aren't you in bed? It's late.JO:Mother. Mother, I c I want to go away. I mean, just for a little while. I don't know. I c I feel restless, and anxious to be doing something. I'd like to hop a little way, and try my wings.MRS. MARCH:Where would you hop?JO:To New York. Oh, I've thought about it a lot lately. You can spare me now, and I can go to Mrs. Kirke's and help her with the children for part of my board. It wouldn't cost much and I'dc. I'd see and hear new things and get c. get a lot of new ideas for my stories.MRS. MARCH:I don't doubt it. Jo, nothing's happened between you and Laurie? Don't be surprised, dear. Mother's have to have sharp eyes, especially when their daughters keep their troubles to themselves.JO:Oh, Marmee. I would have told you. Only I thought it would blow over. And c it seemed kind of wrong to tell Laurie's poor little secret. Oh. It's only that he's go a foolish romantic notion in his head, and I think c. I think that if I go away for a time, he may get over it.MRS. MARCH:I see. And how do you feel about this foolish romantic notion?JO:I love him dearly, as I always have. And I feel as though I've c as though I've stabbed my dearest friend. And yet, I c I don't want to make a mistake.MRS. MARCH:You're right, Jo. I think it would be a good idea for both your sakes. Now come to bed dear. I'll talk to father about it. If he agrees, we'll write to Mrs. Kirke. Good night.JO:Good night, Marmee.