THE YEAR OF GOOD LUCK.
THE CHILDREN'S SONG.
_Tune._--"Wait for the Wagon."
The world lies fair about us, and a friendly sky above;
Our lives are full of sunshine, our homes are full of love;
Few cares or sorrows sadden the beauty of our day;
We gather simple pleasures like daisies by the way.
_Chorus._--Oh! sing with cheery voices,
Like robins on the tree;
For little lads and lasses
As blithe of heart should be.
The village is our fairyland: its good men are our kings;
And wandering through its by-ways our busy minds find wings.
The school-room is our garden, and we the flowers there,
And kind hands tend and water us that we may blossom fair.
_Chorus._--Oh! dance in airy circles,
Like fairies on the lee;
For little lads and lasses
As light of foot should be.
There's the Shepherd of the sheepfold; the Father of the vines;
The Hermit of blue Walden; the Poet of the pines;
And a Friend who comes among us, with counsels wise and mild
With snow upon his forehead, yet at heart a very child.
_Chorus._--Oh! smile as smiles the river,
Slow rippling to the sea;
For little lads and lasses
As full of peace should be.
There's not a cloud in heaven but drops its silent dew;
No violet in the meadow but blesses with its blue;
No happy child in Concord who may not do its part
To make the great world better by innocence of heart.
_Chorus._--Oh! blossom in the sunshine
Beneath the village tree;
For little lads and lasses
Are the fairest flowers we see.
After such long and hard struggles, it is pleasant to find the diary
for 1860 headed "A Year of Good Luck." The appointment of Mr. Alcott
as Superintendent of Schools in Concord was a great happiness to the
family. It was a recognition of his character and ability, and gave
him congenial occupation and some small pecuniary compensation.
Louisa was writing for the "Atlantic," and receiving better pay for
her work; Anna was happy; and May absorbed in her art.
In the summer Miss Alcott had an experience in caring for a young
friend during a temporary fit of insanity, which she has partially
reproduced in the touching picture of Helen in the story of "Work." It
is a powerful lesson; but it is almost cruelly enforced, and is an
artistic blemish in the book. While the great problem of heredity
should be studied and its lessons enforced, it is yet a mystery, whose
laws are not understood; and it is not wise to paint its possible
effects in the lurid light of excited imagination, which may too often
bring about the very evils which a wise and temperate caution might
prevent. For the physician and teacher such investigations are
important; but they are dangerous to the young and sensitive.
The following unusually long letter gives a pleasing picture of the
family life at this time:--
_To Mrs. Bond._
APPLE SLUMP, Sept. 17, 1860.
DEAR AUNTIE,--I consider this a practical illustration of one of
Mother's naughty amended sayings, "Cast your bread upon the
waters, and after many days it will return buttered;" and this
"rule of three" don't "puzzle me," as the other did; for my
venerable raiment went away with one if not two feet in the
grave, and came back in the guise of three stout angels, having
been resurrectionized by the spirit who lives on the other side
of a Charles River Jordan. Thank you very much, and be sure the
dreams I dream in them will be pleasant ones; for, whether you
sewed them or not, I know they bring some of the Auntie influence
in their strength, softness, and warmth; and, though a Vandal, I
think any prayers I may say in them will be the better for the
affectionate recollections that will clothe me with the putting
on of these friendly gowns, while my belief in both heavenly and
earthly providences will be amazingly strengthened by the
knowledge of some lives here, whose beauty renders it impossible
to doubt the existence of the life hereafter.
We were very glad to hear that the Papa was better; for when
paternal "Richards" ain't "themselves," everybody knows the
anxious state of the domestic realms.
I hope Georgie (last name disremembered) has recovered from the
anguish of discontented teeth and berry-seeds, and that "the
Mama" was as much benefited by the trip as the other parties
were, barring the horse perhaps.
This amiable town is convulsed just now with a gymnastic fever,
which shows itself with great violence in all the schools, and
young societies generally. Dr. Lewis has "inoculated us for the
disease," and it has "taken finely;" for every one has become a
perambulating windmill, with all its four sails going as if a
wind had set in; and the most virulent cases present the
phenomena of black eyes and excoriation of the knobby parts of
the frame, to say nothing of sprains and breakage of vessels
looming in the future.
The City Fathers approve of it; and the city sons and daughters
intend to show that Concord has as much muscle as brain, and be
ready for another Concord fight, if Louis Napoleon sees fit to
covet this famous land of Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, Alcott, &
Co. Abby and I are among the pioneers; and the delicate vegetable
productions clash their cymbals in private, when the beef-eating
young ladies faint away and become superfluous _dumb belles_.
Saturday we had J. G. Whittier, Charlotte Cushman, Miss Stebbins
the sculptress, and Mr. Stuart, conductor of the underground
railroad of this charming free country. So you see our humble
place of abode is perking up; and when the "great authoress and
artist" are fairly out of the shell, we shall be an honor to our
country and terror to the foe,--provided good fortune don't addle
or bad fortune smash us.
Father continues to stir up the schools like a mild
pudding-stick, Mother to sing Hebron among her pots and pans,
Anna and the Prince Consort to bill and coo in the little
dove-cot, Oranthy Bluggage to launch chips on the Atlantic and
make a gigantic blot of herself in working the vessel, Abby to
teach the fine arts and play propriety for the family, and the
old house to put its best foot foremost and hoot at the idea of
ever returning to the chaos from which it came.
This is a condensed history of "the pathetic family," which is
also a "happy family," owing to the prevalence of friends and
lots of kindness in the original packages, "which are always
arriving" when the "Widow Cruise's oil-bottle" begins to give
out.
You know I never _could_ do anything in a neat and proper manner;
so you will receive this topsy-turvy note as you do its writer,
and with love to all from all, believe her, dear auntie,
Ever lovingly yours,
L. M. A.
This characteristic letter not only shows Louisa's affectionate
feelings and gives a picture of her life, but indicates that "The
Pathetic Family," which was the foundation of "Little Women," was
already shaping itself in her mind.
Mr. Alcott's career as Superintendent of Schools was a gratifying
success, and is still remembered by friends of education in the town.
The year closed with a school festival, for which Louisa wrote a poem,
and in which she took hearty delight.
In 1861 war was declared with the South. The Alcotts were all alive
with patriotic enthusiasm, and Louisa took an active part in fitting
off the boys for the army. But she also found time for much reading.
Mr. Alcott, in his sonnet, uses the expression about Louisa--
"Hast with grave studies vexed a lively brain."
He may possibly have referred to this period, though she could never
properly be called a student. She was a rapid, intelligent reader,
and her taste was severe and keen. From her childhood she had browsed
in her father's library, full of the works of ancient philosophers and
quaint English poets, and had imbibed from them great thoughts and
noble sentiments; but her reading, like all her education, was
immethodical. Occasionally she would lay out courses of reading, which
she pursued for a time; but in general she followed the cravings of a
healthy appetite for knowledge, reading what came in her way. Later in
life she often read light literature in abundance, to drown the
sensations of pain, and to pass away the hours of invalidism.
She read French easily, and learned to speak it when abroad; she also
studied German, but did not acquire equal facility in that tongue. Of
ancient languages she had no knowledge. History could not fail to
interest such a student of life, and she loved Nature too well not to
enjoy the revelations of science when brought to her notice; but she
had never time to give to a thorough study of either.
In her journal at this time she speaks of her religious feelings,
which the experiences of grief and despair and reviving hope had
deepened. Louisa Alcott's was a truly religious soul; she always lived
in the consciousness of a Higher Power sustaining and blessing her,
whose presence was revealed to her through Nature, through the
inspired words of great thinkers and the deep experiences of her own
heart. She never held her life as an isolated possession which she was
free to use for her own enjoyment or glory. Her father truly called
her "Duty's faithful child," and her life was consecrated to the duty
she recognized as specially hers. But for outward forms and rites of
religion she cared little; her home was sacred to her, and she found
her best life there. She loved Theodore Parker, and found great
strength and help from his preaching, and afterward liked to listen to
Dr. Bartol; but she never joined any church. The Bible was not her
favorite reading, though her father had read it much to her in her
childhood, with his own peculiar charm of interpretation. Pilgrim's
Progress was one of the few religious books which became dear to her
in the same way.
Her sister Anna was married in May; this was of course a great event
in the family. While fully rejoicing in her sister's happiness, Louisa
felt her loss as a constant companion and confidant. The journal gives
a sufficient description of the event. Her strong affection for her
brother-in-law appears in "Little Women" and in "Jo's Boys." About
this time her farce was brought out at the Howard Athenæum.
The story-writing continued, as it helped to pay the expenses of the
family; but the continuous, hurried work had begun to affect her
health, and she occasionally suffered from illness.
In the summer of 1861 Miss Alcott began to write her first novel,
entitled "Moods;" this proved to be the least successful of her books,
and yet like many an unfortunate child, it was the dearest to the
mother's heart. It was not written for money, but for its own sake,
and she was possessed by the plot and the characters. Warwick
represented her ideal of a hero, while her sister preferred the type
of the amiable Moor; yet there is far less of her outward self
revealed in this than in her other stories. It is full of her thoughts
and fancies, but not of her life. The wilful, moody, charming Sylvia
does not affect us like the stormy Jo, who is a real presence to us,
and whom we take to our hearts in spite of her faults. The men are
such as she found in books, but had never known herself, and,
carefully as she has drawn them, have not the individuality of Laurie
and Professor Bhaer. The action takes place in an unreal world; and
though there are many pretty scenes, they have not the real flavor of
New England life. The principal incident, of a young girl going up the
river on a picnic-voyage for some days with her brother and two other
young men, was so contrary to common ideas of decorum, that the motive
hardly seems sufficient for the staid sister's consent; but in the
simple, innocent life which the Alcotts lived in Concord such scruples
were little felt.
Miss Alcott did not lay stress upon the marriage question as the
principal feature of the book; she cared more to describe the wilful
moods of a young girl, full of good feelings, and longing for a rich
and noble life, but not established in convictions and principles. She
meant to represent much of her own nature in Sylvia, for she was
always a creature of moods, which her family learned to recognize and
respect. But how unlike was the discipline of family work and love,
which saved Louisa from fatal caprices and fitful gusts of fancy
called passion, to the lot of the wealthy and admired Sylvia. Miss
Alcott says that the incidents of the marriage, although not drawn
from life, were so close to an actual case that the wife asked her how
she had known her secret; but such realism is a poor justification in
art. It is that which becomes true to the imagination and heart
through its vivid personation of character which is accepted, not the
bare facts. The great question of the transcendental period was truth
to the inward life instead of the outward law. But in "Moods" the
marriage question is not stated strongly; it does not reach down to
this central principle. It is only in tragedy that such a double
relation could be endured, when the situation is compelled by
fate,--the fate of character and overpowering circumstances,--and when
there is no happy solution possible. But Sylvia's position is made
only by her own weakness, and the love which stands in opposition to
outward duty has no right of existence. If her love for Warwick
_could_ be overcome, there was no question of her duty; and when she
accepts Faith's criticism of him, it is clear that it is a much
lighter spell than love which has fascinated her. We do not accept the
catastrophe which sacrifices a splendid life to make a comfortable
solution of the practical difficulty, and to allow Sylvia to accept a
happy home without a thorough regeneration of heart and mind. But
these were the natural mistakes of youth and inexperience; Louisa had
known but little of such struggles. Love and marriage were rather
uninteresting themes to her, and she had not yet found her true power.
Still the book has great literary merit. It is well written, in a more
finished style than any of her other work, except "Modern
Mephistopheles," and the dialogue is vigorous and sprightly. In spite
of her careful revision and pruning, there is something left of
youthful gush in it, and this perhaps touched the heart of young
girls, who found in Sylvia's troubles with herself a reflection of
their own.
The "golden wedding" scenes have some of her usual freedom and
vivacity. She is at home with a troop of mothers and babies and noisy
boys. But the "golden wedding" was a new importation from Germany, and
not at home in the New England farmhouse. Why might it not have been a
true wedding or a harvest feast?
Louisa never lost her interest in this early work, though it was the
most unlucky of books, and subjected to severe handling. It was sent
to and fro from publisher to author, each one suggesting some change.
Redpath sent it back as being too long. Ticknor found it very
interesting, but could not use it then. Loring liked it, but wanted it
shorter. She condensed and altered until her author's spirit rebelled,
and she declared she would change it no more.
After her other books had made her famous, "Moods" was again brought
forward and republished as it was originally written. It met with
warmer welcome than before, and a cheap edition was published in
England to supply the popular demand.
Miss Alcott learned the first painful lesson of over-work on this
book. She was possessed by it, and for three weeks labored so
constantly that she felt the physical effects keenly. Fortunately new
household tasks (for the daughters of John Brown came to board with
them), and the enthusiasm of the time, changed the current of her
thoughts.
_Journal._
_February_, 1860.--Mr. ---- won't have "M. L.," as it is
antislavery, and the dear South must not be offended. Got a
carpet with my $50, and wild Louisa's head kept the feet of the
family warm.
_March._--Wrote "A Modern Cinderella," with Nan for the heroine
and John for the hero.
Made my first ball dress for May, and she was the finest girl at
the party. My tall, blond, graceful girl! I was proud of her.
Wrote a song for the school festival, and heard it sung by four
hundred happy children. Father got up the affair, and such a
pretty affair was never seen in Concord before. He said, "We
spend much on our cattle and flower shows; let us each spring
have a show of our children, and begrudge nothing for their
culture." All liked it but the old fogies who want things as they
were in the ark.
_April._--Made two riding habits, and May and I had some fine
rides. Both needed exercise, and this was good for us. So one of
our dreams came true, and we really did "dash away on horseback."
Sanborn was nearly kidnapped for being a friend of John Brown;
but his sister and A. W. rescued him when he was handcuffed, and
the scamps drove off. Great ferment in town. A meeting and
general flurry.
Had a funny lover who met me in the cars, and said he lost his
heart at once. Handsome man of forty. A Southerner, and very
demonstrative and gushing, called and wished to pay his
addresses; and being told I didn't wish to see him, retired, to
write letters and haunt the road with his hat off, while the
girls laughed and had great fun over Jo's lover. He went at last,
and peace reigned. My adorers are all queer.
Sent "Cinderella" to the "Atlantic," and it was accepted. Began
"By the River," and thought that this was certainly to be a lucky
year; for after ten years hard climbing I had reached a good
perch on the ladder, and could look more hopefully into the
future, while my paper boats sailed gaily over the Atlantic.
_May._--Meg's wedding.
My farce was acted, and I went to see it. Not very well done; but
I sat in a box, and the good Doctor handed up a bouquet to the
author, and made as much as he could of a small affair.
Saw Anna's honeymoon home at Chelsea,--a little cottage in a
blooming apple-orchard. Pretty place, simple and sweet. God bless
it!
The dear girl was married on the 23d, the same day as Mother's
wedding. A lovely day; the house full of sunshine, flowers,
friends, and happiness. Uncle S. J. May married them, with no
fuss, but much love; and we all stood round her. She in her
silver-gray silk, with lilies of the valley (John's flower) in
her bosom and hair. We in gray thin stuff and roses,--sackcloth,
I called it, and ashes of roses; for I mourn the loss of my Nan,
and am not comforted. We have had a little feast, sent by good
Mrs. Judge Shaw; then the old folks danced round the bridal pair
on the lawn in the German fashion, making a pretty picture to
remember, under our Revolutionary elm.
Then, with tears and kisses, our dear girl, in her little white
bonnet, went happily away with her good John; and we ended our
first wedding. Mr. Emerson kissed her; and I thought that honor
would make even matrimony endurable, for he is the god of my
idolatry, and has been for years.
_June._--To Boston to the memorial meeting for Mr. Parker, which
was very beautiful, and proved how much he was beloved. Music
Hall was full of flowers and sunshine, and hundreds of faces,
both sad and proud, as the various speakers told the life of love
and labor which makes Theodore Parker's memory so rich a legacy
to Boston. I was very glad to have known so good a man, and been
called "friend" by him.
Saw Nan in her nest, where she and her mate live like a pair of
turtle doves. Very sweet and pretty, but I'd rather be a free
spinster and paddle my own canoe.
_August._--"Moods." Genius burned so fiercely that for four weeks
I wrote all day and planned nearly all night, being quite
possessed by my work. I was perfectly happy, and seemed to have
no wants. Finished the book, or a rough draught of it, and put it
away to settle. Mr. Emerson offered to read it when Mother told
him it was "Moods" and had one of his sayings for motto.
Daresay nothing will ever come of it; but it _had_ to be done,
and I'm the richer for a new experience.
_September._--Received $75 of Ticknor for "Cinderella," and feel
very rich. Emerson praised it, and people wrote to me about it
and patted me on the head. Paid bills, and began to simmer
another.
_October._--I went to B. and saw the Prince of Wales trot over
the Common with his train at a review. A yellow-haired laddie
very like his mother. Fanny W. and I nodded and waved as he
passed, and he openly winked his boyish eye at us; for Fanny,
with her yellow curls and wild waving, looked rather rowdy, and
the poor little prince wanted some fun. We laughed, and thought
that we had been more distinguished by the saucy wink than by a
stately bow. Boys are always jolly,--even princes.
Read Richter, and enjoyed him very much.
Mother went to see Uncle S. J. May, and I was house-keeper. Gave
my mind to it so energetically that I dreamed dip-toast, talked
apple-sauce, thought pies, and wept drop-cakes. Read my book to
Nan, who came up to cheer me in my struggles; and she laughed and
cried over it and said it was "good." So I felt encouraged, and
will touch it up when duty no longer orders me to make a
burnt-offering of myself.
_November._--Father sixty-one; L. aged twenty-eight. Our
birthday. Gave Father a ream of paper, and he gave me Emerson's
picture; so both were happy.
Wrote little, being busy with visitors. The John Brown
Association asked me for a poem, which I wrote.
Kind Miss R. sent May $30 for lessons, so she went to B. to take
some of Johnstone. She is one of the fortunate ones, and gets
what she wants easily. I have to grub for my help, or go without
it. Good for me, doubtless, or it wouldn't be so; so cheer up,
Louisa, and grind away!
_December._--More luck for May. She wanted to go to Syracuse and
teach, and Dr. W. sends for her, thanks to Uncle S. J. May. I sew
like a steam-engine for a week, and get her ready. On the 17th go
to B. and see our youngest start on her first little flight
alone into the world, full of hope and courage. May all go well
with her!
Mr. Emerson invited me to his class when they meet to talk on
Genius; a great honor, as all the learned ladies go.
Sent "Debby's Debit" to the "Atlantic," and they took it. Asked
to the John Brown meeting, but had no "good gown," so didn't go;
but my "pome" did, and came out in the paper. Not good. I'm a
better patriot than poet, and couldn't say what I felt.
A quiet Christmas; no presents but apples and flowers. No
merry-making; for Nan and May were gone, and Betty under the
snow. But we are used to hard times, and, as Mother says, "while
there is a famine in Kansas we mustn't ask for sugar-plums."
All the philosophy in our house is not in the study; a good deal
is in the kitchen, where a fine old lady thinks high thoughts and
does kind deeds while she cooks and scrubs.
_January, 1861._--Twenty-eight; received thirteen New Year's
gifts. A most uncommon fit of generosity seemed to seize people
on my behalf, and I was blessed with all manner of nice things,
from a gold and ivory pen to a mince-pie and a bonnet.
Wrote on a new book--"Success" ["Work"]--till Mother fell ill,
when I corked up my inkstand and turned nurse. The dear woman was
very ill, but rose up like a phoenix from her ashes after what
she gayly called "the irrepressible conflict between sickness and
the May constitution."
Father had four talks at Emerson's; good people came, and he
enjoyed them much; made $30. R. W. E. probably put in $20. He has
a sweet way of bestowing gifts on the table under a book or
behind a candle-stick, when he thinks Father wants a little
money, and no one will help him earn. A true friend is this
tender and illustrious man.
Wrote a tale and put it away,--to be sent when "Debby" comes out.
"F. T." appeared, and I got a dress, having mended my six-year
old silk till it is more patch and tear than gown. Made the
claret merino myself, and enjoyed it, as I do anything bought
with my "head-money."
_February._--Another turn at "Moods," which I remodelled. From
the 2d to the 25th I sat writing, with a run at dusk; could not
sleep, and for three days was so full of it I could not stop to
get up. Mother made me a green silk cap with a red bow, to match
the old green and red party wrap, which I wore as a "glory
cloak." Thus arrayed I sat in groves of manuscripts, "living for
immortality," as May said. Mother wandered in and out with
cordial cups of tea, worried because I couldn't eat. Father
thought it fine, and brought his reddest apples and hardest cider
for my Pegasus to feed upon. All sorts of fun was going on; but I
didn't care if the world returned to chaos if I and my inkstand
only "lit" in the same place.
It was very pleasant and queer while it lasted; but after three
weeks of it I found that my mind was too rampant for my body, as
my head was dizzy, legs shaky, and no sleep would come. So I
dropped the pen, and took long walks, cold baths, and had Nan up
to frolic with me. Read all I had done to my family; and Father
said: "Emerson must see this. Where did you get your
metaphysics?" Mother pronounced it wonderful, and Anna laughed
and cried, as she always does, over my works, saying, "My dear,
I'm proud of you."
So I had a good time, even if it never comes to anything; thing;
for it was worth something to have my three dearest sit up till
midnight listening with wide-open eyes to Lu's first novel.
I planned it some time ago, and have had it in my mind ever so
long; but now it begins to take shape.
Father had his usual school festival, and Emerson asked me to
write a song, which I did. On the 16th the schools all met in the
hall (four hundred),--a pretty posy bed, with a border of proud
parents and friends. Some of the fogies objected to the names
Phillips and John Brown. But Emerson said: "Give it up? No, no;
_I_ will read it." Which he did, to my great contentment; for
when the great man of the town says "Do it," the thing is done.
So the choir warbled, and the Alcotts were uplifted in their vain
minds.
Father was in glory, like a happy shepherd with a large flock of
sportive lambs; for all did something. Each school had its
badge,--one pink ribbons, one green shoulder-knots, and one
wreaths of pop-corn on the curly pates. One school to whom Father
had read Pilgrim's Progress told the story, one child after the
other popping up to say his or her part; and at the end a little
tot walked forward, saying with a pretty air of wonder,--"And
behold it was all a dream."
When all was over, and Father about to dismiss them, F. H., a
tall, handsome lad came to him, and looking up confidingly to the
benign old face, asked "our dear friend Mr. Alcott to accept of
Pilgrim's Progress and George Herbert's Poems from the children
of Concord, as a token of their love and respect."
Father was much touched and surprised, and blushed and stammered
like a boy, hugging the fine books while the children cheered
till the roof rung.
His report was much admired, and a thousand copies printed to
supply the demand; for it was a new thing to have a report,
neither dry nor dull; and teachers were glad of the hints given,
making education a part of religion, not a mere bread-making
grind for teacher and an irksome cram for children.
_April._--War declared with the South, and our Concord company
went to Washington. A busy time getting them ready, and a sad day
seeing them off; for in a little town like this we all seem like
one family in times like these. At the station the scene was very
dramatic, as the brave boys went away perhaps never to come back
again.
I've often longed to see a war, and now I have my wish. I long to
be a man; but as I can't fight, I will content myself with
working for those who can.
Sewed a good deal getting May's summer things in order, as she
sent for me to make and mend and buy and send her outfit.
Stories simmered in my brain, demanding to be writ; but I let
them simmer, knowing that the longer the divine afflatus was
bottled up the better it would be.
John Brown's daughters came to board, and upset my plans of rest
and writing when the report and the sewing were done. I had my
fit of woe up garret on the fat rag-bag, and then put my papers
away, and fell to work at housekeeping. I think disappointment
must be good for me, I get so much of it; and the constant
thumping Fate gives me may be a mellowing process; so I shall be
a ripe and sweet old pippin before I die.
_May._--Spent our May-day working for our men,--three hundred
women all sewing together at the hall for two days.
May will not return to S. after her vacation in July; and being a
lucky puss, just as she wants something to do, F. B. S. needs a
drawing teacher in his school and offers her the place.
Nan found that I was wearing all the old clothes she and May
left; so the two dear souls clubbed together and got me some new
ones; and the great parcel, with a loving letter, came to me as a
beautiful surprise.
Nan and John walked up from Cambridge for a day, and we all
walked back. Took a sail to the forts, and saw our men on guard
there. Felt very martial and Joan-of-Arc-y as I stood on the
walls with the flag flying over me and cannon all about.
_June._--Read a good deal; grubbed in my garden, and made the old
house pretty for May. Enjoyed Carlyle's French Revolution very
much. His earthquaky style suits me.
"Charles Auchester" is charming,--a sort of fairy tale for grown
people. Dear old "Evelina," as a change, was pleasant. Emerson
recommended Hodson's India, and I got it, and liked it; also read
Sir Thomas More's Life. I read Fielding's "Amelia," and thought
it coarse and queer. The heroine having "her lovely nose smashed
all to bits falling from a post shay" was a new idea. What some
one says of Richardson applies to Fielding, "The virtues of his
heroes are the vices of decent men."
_July._--Spent a month at the White Mountains with L. W.,--a
lovely time, and it did me much good. Mountains are restful and
uplifting to my mind. Lived in the woods, and revelled in brooks,
birds, pines, and peace.
_August._--May came home very tired, but satisfied with her first
attempt, which has been very successful in every way. She is
quite a belle now, and much improved,--a tall blond lass, full of
grace and spirit.
_September._--Ticknor sent $50. Wrote a story for C., as Plato
needs new shirts, and Minerva a pair of boots, and Hebe a fall
hat.
_October._--All together on Marmee's birthday. Sewing and
knitting for "our boys" all the time. It seems as if a few
energetic women could carry on the war better than the men do it
so far.
A week with Nan in the dove-cot. As happy as ever.
_November_ and _December_.--Wrote, read, sewed, and wanted
something to do.
In 1862, at the suggestion of Miss Peabody, Miss Alcott opened a
Kindergarten school; but it was not successful, and she took a final
leave of the teacher's profession, and returned to her writing, which
she found to be her true calling. She wrote much; for "brain was
lively, and work paid for readily." Besides the occasional stories in
papers and magazines, her most important labor was the preparation of
the story called "Work," or, as she originally named it, "Success."
This story however was not published until ten years later. Here she
took the road that was later to lead to fame and fortune, by writing
from her own experience of life. Christie is Louisa herself under very
thin disguise; and all her own experiences, as servant, governess,
companion, seamstress, and actress are brought in to give vividness to
the picture; while many other persons may be recognized as models for
her skilful portraiture. The book has always been deservedly popular.
_January, 1862._--E. P. Peabody wanted me to open a Kindergarten,
and Mr. Barnard gave a room at the Warren Street Chapel. Don't
like to teach, but take what comes; so when Mr. F. offered $40 to
fit up with, twelve pupils, and his patronage, I began.
Saw many great people, and found them no bigger than the rest of
the world,--often not half so good as some humble soul who made
no noise. I learned a good deal in my way, and am not half so
much impressed by society as before I got a peep at it. Having
known Emerson, Parker, Phillips, and that set of really great and
good men and women living for the world's work and service of
God, the mere show people seem rather small and silly, though
they shine well, and feel that they are stars.
_February._--Visited about, as my school did not bring enough to
pay board and the assistant I was made to have, though I didn't
want her.
Went to lectures; saw Booth at the Goulds',--a handsome, shy man,
glooming in a corner.
Very tired of this wandering life and distasteful work; but kept
my word and tugged on.
Hate to visit people who only ask me to help amuse others, and
often longed for a crust in a garret with freedom and a pen. I
never knew before what insolent things a hostess can do, nor what
false positions poverty can push one into.
_April._--Went to and from C. every day that I might be at home.
Forty miles a day is dull work; but I have my dear people at
night, and am not a beggar.
Wrote "King of Clubs,"--$30. The school having no real foundation
(as the people who sent didn't care for Kindergartens, and Miss
P. wanted me to take pupils for nothing, to try the new system),
I gave it up, as I could do much better at something else. May
took my place for a month, that I might keep my part of the
bargain; and I cleaned house, and wrote a story which made more
than all my months of teaching. They ended in a wasted winter and
a debt of $40,--to be paid if I sell my hair to do it.
_May._--School finished for me, and I paid Miss N. by giving her
all the furniture, and leaving her to do as she liked; while I
went back to my writing, which pays much better, though Mr. F.
did say, "Stick to your teaching; you can't write." Being wilful,
I said, "I won't teach; and I can write, and I'll prove it."
Saw Miss Rebecca Harding, author of "Margret Howth," which has
made a stir, and is very good. A handsome, fresh, quiet woman,
who says she never had any troubles, though she writes about
woes. I told her I had had lots of troubles; so I write jolly
tales; and we wondered why we each did so.
_June_, _July_, _August._--Wrote a tale for B., and he lost it,
and wouldn't pay.
Wrote two tales for L. I enjoy romancing to suit myself; and
though my tales are silly, they are not bad; and my sinners
always have a good spot somewhere. I hope it is good drill for
fancy and language, for I can do it fast; and Mr. L. says my
tales are so "dramatic, vivid, and full of plot," they are just
what he wants.
_September_, _October._--Sewing Bees and Lint Picks for "our
boys" kept us busy, and the prospect of the first grandchild
rejoiced the hearts of the family.
Wrote much; for brain was lively, and work paid for readily.
Rewrote the last story, and sent it to L., who wants more than I
can send him. So, between blue flannel jackets for "our boys" and
dainty slips for Louisa Caroline or John B., Jr., as the case may
be, I reel off my "thrilling" tales, and mess up my work in a
queer but interesting way.
War news bad. Anxious faces, beating hearts, and busy minds.
I like the stir in the air, and long for battle like a war-horse
when he smells powder. The blood of the Mays is up!
_After Anna's Marriage._
SUNDAY MORN, 1860.
MRS. PRATT:
MY DEAR MADAM,--The news of the town is as follows, and I present
it in the usual journalesque style of correspondence. After the
bridal train had departed, the mourners withdrew to their
respective homes; and the bereaved family solaced their woe by
washing dishes for two hours and bolting the remains of the
funeral baked meats. At four, having got settled down, we were
all routed up by the appearance of a long procession of children
filing down our lane, headed by the Misses H. and R. Father
rushed into the cellar, and appeared with a large basket of
apples, which went the rounds with much effect. The light
infantry formed in a semi-circle, and was watered by the matron
and maids. It was really a pretty sight, these seventy children
loaded with wreaths and flowers, standing under the elm in the
sunshine, singing in full chorus the song I wrote for them. It
was a neat little compliment to the superintendent and his
daughter, who was glad to find that her "pome" was a favorite
among the "lads and lasses" who sang it "with cheery voices, like
robins on the tree."
Father put the finishing stroke to the spectacle by going off at
full speed, hoppity-skip, and all the babes followed in a whirl
of rapture at the idea. He led them up and down and round and
round till they were tired; then they fell into order, and with
a farewell song marched away, seventy of the happiest little ones
I ever wish to see. We subsided, and fell into our beds with the
new thought "Annie is married and gone" for a lullaby, which was
not very effective in its results with all parties.
Thursday we set our house in order, and at two the rush began. It
had gone abroad that Mr. M. and Mrs. Captain Brown were to adorn
the scene, so many people coolly came who were not invited, and
who had no business here. People sewed and jabbered till Mrs.
Brown, with Watson Brown's widow and baby came; then a levee took
place. The two pale women sat silent and serene through the
clatter; and the bright-eyed, handsome baby received the homage
of the multitude like a little king, bearing the kisses and
praises with the utmost dignity. He is named Frederick Watson
Brown, after his murdered uncle and father, and is a fair,
heroic-looking baby, with a fine head, and serious eyes that look
about him as if saying, "I am a Brown! Are these friends or
enemies?" I wanted to cry once at the little scene the
unconscious baby made. Some one caught and kissed him rudely; he
didn't cry, but looked troubled, and rolled his great eyes
anxiously about for some familiar face to reassure him with its
smile. His mother was not there; but though many hands were
stretched to him, he turned to Grandma Bridge, and putting out
his little arms to her as if she was a refuge, laughed and crowed
as he had not done before when she danced him on her knee. The
old lady looked delighted; and Freddy patted the kind face, and
cooed like a lawful descendant of that pair of ancient turtle
doves.
When he was safe back in the study, playing alone at his mother's
feet, C. and I went and worshipped in our own way at the shrine
of John Brown's grandson, kissing him as if he were a little
saint, and feeling highly honored when he sucked our fingers, or
walked on us with his honest little red shoes, much the worse for
wear.
Well, the baby fascinated me so that I forgot a raging headache
and forty gabbling women all in full clack. Mrs. Brown, Sen., is
a tall, stout woman, plain, but with a strong, good face, and a
natural dignity that showed she was something better than a
"lady," though she _did_ drink out of her saucer and used the
plainest speech.
The younger woman had such a patient, heart-broken face, it was a
whole Harper's Ferry tragedy in a look. When we got your letter,
Mother and I ran into the study to read it. Mother read aloud;
for there were only C., A., I, and Mrs. Brown, Jr., in the room.
As she read the words that were a poem in their simplicity and
happiness, the poor young widow sat with tears rolling down her
face; for I suppose it brought back her own wedding-day, not two
years ago, and all the while she cried the baby laughed and
crowed at her feet as if there was no trouble in the world.
The preparations had been made for twenty at the utmost; so when
forty souls with the usual complement of bodies appeared, we grew
desperate, and our neat little supper turned out a regular "tea
fight." A., C., B., and I rushed like comets to and fro trying to
fill the multitude that would eat fast and drink like sponges. I
filled a big plate with all I could lay hands on, and with two
cups of tea, strong enough for a dozen, charged upon Mr. E. and
Uncle S., telling them to eat, drink, and be merry, for a famine
was at hand. They cuddled into a corner; and then, feeling that
my mission was accomplished, I let the hungry _wait_ and the
thirsty _moan_ for tea, while I picked out and helped the regular
Antislavery set.
We got through it; but it was an awful hour; and Mother wandered
in her mind, utterly lost in a grove of teapots; while B.
pervaded the neighborhood demanding hot water, and we girls sowed
cake broadcast through the land.
When the plates were empty and the teapots dry, people wiped
their mouths and confessed at last that they had done. A
conversation followed, in which Grandpa B. and E. P. P. held
forth, and Uncle and Father mildly upset the world, and made a
new one in which every one desired to take a place. Dr. B., Mr.
B., T., etc., appeared, and the rattle continued till nine, when
some Solomon suggested that the Alcotts must be tired, and every
one departed but C. and S. We had a polka by Mother and Uncle,
the lancers by C. and B., and an _étude_ by S., after which
scrabblings of feast appeared, and we "drained the dregs of every
cup," all cakes and pies we gobbled up, etc.; then peace fell
upon us, and our remains were interred decently.