EUROPE AND LITTLE WOMEN.
LITTLE WOMEN.
Four little chests all in a row,
Dim with dust and worn by time,
All fashioned and filled long ago
By children now in their prime.
Four little keys hung side by side,
With faded ribbons, brave and gay
When fastened there with childish pride
Long ago on a rainy day.
Four little names, one on each lid,
Carved out by a boyish hand;
And underneath there lieth hid
Histories of the happy band
Once playing here, and pausing oft
To hear the sweet refrain
That came and went on the roof aloft
In the falling summer rain.
* * * * *
Four little chests all in a row,
Dim with dust and worn by time:
Four women, taught by weal and woe
To love and labor in their prime;
Four sisters parted for an hour,--
None lost, one only gone before,
Made by love's immortal power
Nearest and dearest evermore.
Oh! when these hidden stores of ours
Lie open to the Father's sight,
May they be rich in golden hours,--
Deeds that show fairer for the light,
Deeds whose brave music long shall ring
Like a spirit-stirring strain,
Souls that shall gladly soar and sing
In the long sunshine, after rain.
The years which followed the war and Miss Alcott's experience as a
hospital nurse were rather sad and anxious from many causes. Louisa
felt deeply the loss of one sister by death and the separation from
another by marriage. The success of "Hospital Sketches" and a few
other stories published about the same time had given her confidence
in her powers and hopes of a successful future. But for nearly five
years she accomplished nothing which met with equal favor. The
reception of the novel "Moods," in which she thought she had expressed
her best life, was not cheering to her; and she had become wholly
dissatisfied with the sensational stories, which formed the most ready
resource for earning money. Her health was seriously injured by the
fever from which she suffered in the hospital, and she had no longer
the physical energy to sustain the unceasing activity of her brain.
Under these difficulties she naturally desired a change of
circumstances; and the old longing for a journey to Europe--which she
had felt strongly in her youth, and which, like all Americans of
culture, she felt more and more as time passed on--became her ruling
desire. She was very fond of new scenes and variety of people, and she
often expressed a wish to live many years in Europe.
The circumstances of the family were not yet such as to justify
Louisa, in her own eyes, in taking her earnings for the desired trip.
But in 1865 an opportunity was offered her to go to Europe as
companion to an invalid lady. From her experience in nursing--for
which she had a natural gift--she and her friends thought her suited
to the position, and advised her acceptance of the offer.
Although devotedly kind, unselfish, and generous, Louisa had not the
temperament suited to the needs of a nervous invalid. She was
impetuous and impatient, and her own life was too strong within her
and too earnest in its cravings, for her to restrain her moods and
actions within the narrow limits of a companion's service. She found
even what she recognized as fair services wearisome and distasteful,
and sometimes chafed severely under what seemed unnecessary demands on
her time, strength, and patience. Looking back on this experience in
later years, she recognized these facts, and wrote in 1885: "Now,
being a nervous invalid myself, I understand what seemed whims,
selfishness, and folly in others."
Louisa finally decided to leave her companions and go on alone to
Paris and England, where she would find many of her own and her
father's friends. At Vevay she had made the acquaintance of a young
Polish lad, whom she found very interesting, and who was the original
of the charming Laurie in "Little Women." He met her again in Paris,
and contributed greatly to the pleasure of her stay there. He
afterwards came to America, and visited her; but finally returned to
his own country.
The journal gives a sufficient account of her life while on this
journey. I have no letters written at this time, as she wished all her
family letters destroyed. Her few weeks in London passed very happily.
Her wide reading in English history and in contemporary fiction,
especially the works of Dickens and Thackeray, filled London with
interesting associations, and she enjoyed thoroughly her free rambles
through the old city, as well as the interesting people, who received
her with great kindness.
That Louisa might have these few weeks of entire relaxation and
enjoyment, her mother had been obliged to borrow means for the support
of the family; and Louisa was very anxious to clear off this debt like
all others. She was very exact in pecuniary matters. Money to her was
not an end, but a most necessary means. She paid every debt that her
father had incurred, even though outlawed by time. It is often asked
whether she ever sold her beautiful hair, as represented in "Little
Women." The deed was never really done; but she and her sisters always
held this treasure as a possible resource in case of need; and Louisa
once says in her journal, "I will pay my debts, if I have to sell my
hair to do it." She even went so far as to inquire of a barber as to
its money value.
_Journal._
_1865._--Mr. W., hearing that I was something of a nurse and
wanted to travel, proposed my going with his invalid daughter. I
agreed, though I had my doubts. But every one said "Go;" so after
a week of worry I did go. On the 19th we sailed in the "China." I
could not realize that my long-desired dream was coming true; and
fears that I might not see all the dear home faces when I came
back made my heart very full as we steamed down the harbor and
Boston vanished.
Was not very sick, but uncomfortable all the way, and found the
Ladies' Saloon my only refuge till we were nearly across; enjoyed
intervals of quiet, and had many fine glimpses of the sea in its
various moods, sunsets and sunrises, fogs, icebergs, rain-storms,
and summer calms. No very pleasant people on board; so I read,
took notes, and _wiled_ away the long days as I best could.
We had a very quiet and quick passage of nine days, and on
Saturday, the 29th, steamed up the Mersey at dawn, and got to
Liverpool at nine. I was heartily glad to set my feet on the
solid earth, and thought I'd never go to sea again; rested, and
looked about a little.
_August._--Went up to London, and there spent four dull, drizzly
days. I amused myself in my usual way, looking well about me, and
writing down all I saw in my pocket-diary or letters. Went to the
parks, Westminster Abbey, and some of the famous streets. I felt
as if I'd got into a novel while going about in the places I'd
read so much of; saw no one I knew, and thought English weather
abominable.
On the 5th to Dover through a lovely green country; took steamer
there to Ostende; but was ill all the way, and saw nothing but a
basin; spent two days at a queer hotel near the fine promenade,
which was a very foreign and brilliant scene. To Brussels on the
7th. Here I enjoyed much, for the quaint old city was full of
interesting things. The ancient square, where the statues of
Egmont and Horn stand, was my delight; for the old Dutch houses
were still standing, and everything was so new and strange I
wanted to stay a month.
To Cologne on the 9th, and the country we passed through was like
a big picture-book. The city was very hot, dirty, and
evil-smelling. We saw the Cathedral, got eau de Cologne, and very
gladly left after three days.
On the 12th began a lovely voyage up the Rhine. It was too
beautiful to describe, so I shall not try; but I feel richer and
better for that memorable day. We reached Coblenz at sunset, and
I was up half the night enjoying the splendid view of the
fortress opposite the town, the moonlit river with its bridges of
boats, and troops crossing at midnight.
A second day, still more charming, took us through the famous
parts of the Rhine, and filled my head with pictures that will
last all my life.
Before we reached Bieberich we stopped at a queer little Dutch
town, and had a queer time; for no one spoke English, and we only
a little bad French. Passed the night there, and next day reached
Schwalbach after many trials and tribulations.
The place is a narrow valley shut in by high hills, the town
being divided into two parts: the lowest is the original
town--queer ale-houses, churches, and narrow streets; the upper
part, near the springs, is full of fine hotels, pleasure-grounds,
and bath-houses.
We took lodgings with Madame Genth, wife of the Forestmeister
(forest master),--two rooms,--and began the water under Dr.
Genth's care.
We walked a little, talked a little, bathed and rode a little,
worried a good deal, and I grubbed away at French, with no master
and small success.
_September._--Still at Schwalbach, A. doing her best to get well,
and I doing mine to help her. Rather dull days,--bathing,
walking, and quiddling about.
A letter from home on the 20th. All well and happy, thank God. It
touched and pleased me very much to see how they missed me,
thought of me, and longed to have me back. Every little thing I
ever did for them is now so tenderly and gratefully remembered;
and my absence seems to have left so large a gap that I begin to
realize how much I am to them in spite of all my faults. The
letters made me very happy, and everything brightened immensely.
A. got stronger, and when G. came on the 28th was able to start
off next day on the way to Vevay, where we are to pass some weeks
before we are to go to Nice.
Went to Wiesbaden first, a pleasant, gay place, full of people.
Saw the gambling hall and people playing, the fine grounds and
drives, and then went on to Frankfort. Here I saw and enjoyed a
good deal. The statues of Goethe, Schiller, Faust, Gutenberg, and
Schaeffer are in the squares. Goethe's house is a tall, plain
building, with each story projecting over the lower, and a Dutch
roof; a marble slab over the front door recording the date of
Goethe's birth. I took a look at it and wanted to go in, as it
was empty, but there was no time. Some Americans said, "Who was
Goethe, to fuss about?"
Frankfort is a pleasant old city on the river, and I'm glad to
have been there.
_October._--On to Heidelberg, a charming old place surrounded by
mountains. We went to the Castle and had a fine time roving about
the ruins, looking at the view from the great terrace, admiring
the quaint stone images of knights, saints, monsters, and angels,
and visiting the big tun in the cellar by torchlight.
The moon rose while we were there and completed the enchantment
of the scene.
The drive home was like looking at a picture-book, for the street
was narrow, the carriage high, and we looked in at the windows,
seeing pretty scenes. Here, men drinking beer in a Dutch-looking
room; there, little children going to bed; a pair of lovers with
a pot of flowers between them; an old woman brooding over the
fire like a witch; and in one room some one lay dead surrounded
by candles.
From H. we went to Baden-Baden, a very fashionable place. The old
château was my delight, and we passed a morning going up and down
to visit it. Next to Freiburg, where the Cathedral delighted me
extremely, being full of old carved images and grotesque designs;
the market-place with the fountains, statues, water running
beside the streets, and queer costumes.
Basle came next, and a firemen's fête made the city very gay. The
hotel was on the river, and moonlight made a Venetian scene for
me with the lighted bridge, covered with gondola-like boats and
music from both shores. I walk while A. rests, and enjoy sights
from my window when she is asleep, as I cannot leave her at
night.
On our way to Berne I caught my first glimpse of the Alps,
October 8th, mother's birthday. Tall, white, spectral-looking
shapes they were, towering above the green hills and valleys that
lay between. Clouds half hid them, and the sun glittered on the
everlasting snow that lay upon their tops. Sharp, strange
outlines against the sky they became as night came on, and in the
morning I had a fine view of the Jungfrau, the Blümlis, the
Wetterhorn, and Mönch from the terrace at Berne.
B. was a queer old city, but I saw little of it except the bears
and shops. No time.
Freiburg No. 2 was the most romantic place we have been in. The
town is built in a wide crevice or valley between two steep
hills, so that suspension bridges are hung from height to height
over a winding river and the streets of the town. Watch-towers
stand all about on the hills, and give a very romantic air to the
place. The hotel overhung the valley, and from our rooms we went
out along a balcony to a wide, paved platform with a fountain in
the middle, an aviary, and flowers all about. The view down the
valley was charming,--the airy bridges, green or rocky slopes,
busy squares below, cows and goats feeding on the hills, the
towers, the old church, and a lovely blue sky overhead. I longed
to sketch it.
At Lausanne we stopped at the Hotel Gibbon and saw the garden
where the great historian wrote his history. The view of the lake
was lovely, with rocky mountains opposite, little towns at their
feet, vineyards along the hillsides, and pretty boats on the
lake, the water of which was the loveliest blue.
To Vevay at last,--a pleasant hour's sail to a very pleasant
place. We took rooms at the Pension Victoria.
Our landlady was an English woman who had married a French
courier. Very kind sort of people: rooms comfortable, meals good,
and surroundings agreeable. Our fellow-boarders varied from time
to time,--an English doctor and wife, a fine old lady with them
who looked like Marie Antoinette; two Scotch ladies named
Glennie, very pleasant, well-bred ladies who told me about
Beattie who was their grandfather, and Walter Scott whom they
knew; Colonel ---- and family, rebels, and very bitter and rude
to us. Had queer times with them.
I did not enjoy the life nor the society after the first novelty
wore off, for I missed my freedom and grew very tired of the
daily worry which I had to go through with.
_November._--(Laurie) Took some French lessons with Mademoiselle
Germain and learned a little, but found it much harder than I
thought, and often got discouraged, I was so stupid. A. got much
better, and some new people came. The doctor and his set left,
and in their place came a Russian family, an Irish lady and
daughter, and a young Pole with whom we struck up a friendship.
Ladislas Wisinewski (Laurie) was very gay and agreeable, and
being ill and much younger we petted him. He played beautifully,
and was very anxious to learn English, so we taught him that and
he taught us French.
On my birthday A. gave me a pretty painting of Chillon. Ladislas
promised me the notes of the Polish National Hymn, and played me
his sweetest airs as a present after wishing me "All good and
happiness on earth, and a high place in Heaven as my reward." It
was a mild, windy day, very like me in its fitful changes of
sunshine and shade. Usually I am sad on my birthday, but not this
time; for though nothing very pleasant happened, I was happy and
hopeful and enjoyed everything with unusual relish. I feel rather
old with my thirty-three years, but have much to keep me young,
and hope I shall not grow older in heart as the time goes on. I
thought much of dear father on this his sixty-sixth birthday, and
missed the little ceremony that always takes place on these
occasions. Hope I shall be safely at home before another November
comes.
_December._--Laurie very interesting and good. Pleasant walks and
talks with him in the château garden and about Vevay. A lovely
sail on the lake, and much fun giving English and receiving
French lessons. Every one very kind, and the house quite
home-like. Much indecision about going to Nice owing to the
cholera. At last we decided to go, and started on the 6th to meet
G. at Geneva. L. went with us to Lausanne, kissed our hands at
parting, and went back to V. disconsolate. Sad times for all, but
we journeyed away to Nice and tried to forget our troubles. A
flat uninteresting country till we approached the sea.
Nice very pleasant, climate lovely, and sea beautiful. We lived
in our own rooms, and saw no one but the doctor and Consul and a
few American callers. A pleasant drive every day on the
Promenade,--a wide curving wall along the bay with hotels and
Pensions on one side and a flowery walk on the other. Gay
carriages and people always to be seen; shops full of fine and
curious things; picturesque castles, towers, and walls on one
hill; a lighthouse on each point of the moon-shaped bay; boats
and our fleet on the water; gardens, olive and orange-trees,
queer cacti, and palms all about on the land; monks, priests,
soldiers, peasants, etc.
A dull Christmas within doors, though a lovely day without.
Windows open, roses blooming, air mild, and city gay. With
friends, health, and a little money how jolly one might be in
this perpetual summer.
_January, 1866._--Nice. Rained all New Year's day, and I spent it
sewing, writing, and reading an American newspaper which came in
the morning, my only present. I hoped for letters but got none,
and was much disappointed. A. was ill, so I had to receive in
American style. Mr. Perkins, Cooper, and the Consul called. At
dinner we drank the healths of all at home, and did not forget
Laddie (Laurie).
A quiet, dull time generally, driving sometimes, walking little,
and writing letters. Now and then I got a pleasant walk by myself
away among the vineyards and olive-trees or down into the queer
old city. I soon tired of the fashionable Promenade, for every
one was on exhibition. Sometimes before or after the fashionable
hour I walked there and enjoyed the sea and sky.
A ball was given at our Pension and we went. A queer
set,--Russians, Spaniards, French, English, Americans, Italians,
Jews, and Sandwich Islanders. They danced wildly, dressed gayly,
and sounded as if the "confusion of tongues" was come again. A
few pleasant Americans called on us, but we were very lonely and
uncomfortable.
Decided to take an apartment No. 10 Rue Geoffredo, paying six
hundred francs for ten weeks, six rooms, all large and handsome.
Dr. P. got us a good maid, and on the 17th we went to our new
quarters. Madame Rolande was French governess for six years to
Victoria's children, and was a funny old party.
Couldn't sleep at all for some nights, and felt very poorly, for
my life didn't suit me and the air was too exciting.
_February._--Got on excellently with our housekeeping, for Julie
proved a treasure and we were very comfortable. Had many lovely
drives, and saw something of Nice and its beauties. To Cimies, an
old Franciscan monastery near the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.
The convent stands where a temple of Diana once stood, and is
surrounded by ancient ilex trees. A monk in his cowl, brown robe,
sandals, and rope girdle did the honors of the church, which was
dark and full of bad pictures. San Andre with its château and
grotto, Villa Franca in a lovely little bay, the wood of Var
where the daisies grew, Valrosa, a villa in a rose garden, and
the Porte were all interesting. Also Castle Hill, which overlooks
the town.
I decided to go home in May, though A. wants me to stay. I'm
tired of it, and as she is not going to travel, my time is too
valuable to be wasted.
The carnival occurred. Funny, but not so fine a sight as I
expected. Also went to the theatre to see "Lady Tartuffe." Had a
pleasant time, though I couldn't understand much. The acting was
so natural and good that I caught the plot, and with a little
telling from Hosmer knew what was going on.
Wrote a little on three stories which would come into my head and
worry me till I gave them a "vent."
Good letters from home. All well and busy, and longing for me in
the spring.
_March._--A tedious month, which might have been quite the
reverse had I been free to enjoy it in my own way. Read French,
walked to my favorite places, and wrote letters when I found
time.
Went often to Valrosa, a lovely villa buried in roses. Got a
wheeled chair and a man to draw it, then with books, lunch, and
work, I tempted A. out into the woods, and we had some pleasant
hours.
_April._--Went to the Cathedral to see the Easter ceremonies.
Fine music, the Gloria was sung, a Franciscan monk preached, the
Bishop blessed every one, and was fussed over like a great doll.
A very splendid scene.
Saw Ristori twice, once in "Medea" and once in "Elizabeth." Never
saw such acting; especially in Queen Bess, it was splendid, as
she changes from the young, violent, coquettish woman to the
peevish old crone dying with her crown on, vain, ambitious, and
remorseful.
_May._--On the first day of the month left A. and Nice and
started alone for Paris, feeling as happy as a freed bird.
A pleasant journey, Laddie waiting for me in Paris to take me to
my room at Madame Dyne's. A very charming fortnight here; the
days spent in seeing sights with my Laddie, the evenings in
reading, writing, hearing "my boy" play, or resting. Saw all that
I wished to see in a very pleasant way, and on the 17th
reluctantly went to London.
Passed a fortnight at a lovely old place on Wimbledon Common with
the Conways, going to town with them to see the lions, Royal
Exhibition, Hampton Court, Kensington and British Museums,
Crystal Palace, and many other pleasant places. But none were
lovelier to me than the old farm-house with the thatched roof,
the common of yellow gorse, larks going up in the morning,
nightingales flying at night, hawthorne everywhere, and Richmond
Park full of deer close by. Also Robin Hood's barn.
_June._--Passed the first ten days of the month at Aubrey House
with the Peter Taylors. A lovely English home with kind, pure,
and friendly people. Saw many interesting persons,--Miss Cobbe,
Jean Ingelow, Dr. Garrett, Madame Bodichon, Matilde Blinde, Mill,
Bright, Gladstone, Hughes, and the rest at the House of Commons
where Mr. T. took me.
Went to a dinner-party or two, theatres, to hear Dickens read, a
concert, _conversazione_ and receptions, seeing English society,
or rather one class of it, and liking what I saw.
On the 11th went to board with Mrs. Travers in Westbourne Grove
Terrace. A pleasant little room, plain living, and for society
Mrs. T. and daughter, two sisters from Dublin, and ten young
men,--barristers, clerks, ministers, and students. A guinea a
week.
Very free and jolly, roaming about London all day, dining late
and resting, chatting, music, or fun in the evening.
Saw the Tower, Windsor, Parks, Gardens, and all manner of haunts
of famous men and women,--Milton's house, Johnson's in Bolt
Court, Lamb's, Sairy Gamp's, Saracen's Head, the Charter House
where Thackeray was when a lad, Furnival's Inn where Dickens
wrote Pickwick, Bacon's Walk, and endless memorable sights. St.
Paul's I liked better than Notre Dame.
_July._--At Mrs. Travers's till the 7th. Saw Routledge about
"Moods." He took it, would like another book, and was very
friendly. Said good-by all round, and at six A.M. on the 7th left
for Liverpool with Mr. W., who saw to my luggage and went part
way. Reached the "Africa" safely.
A trip of fourteen stormy, dull, long, sick days, but at last at
eleven at night we sailed up the harbor in the moonlight, and I
saw dear John waiting for me on the wharf. Slept on board, and
next day reached home at noon to find Father at the station, Nan
and babies at the gate, May flying wildly round the lawn, and
Marmee crying at the door. Into her arms I went, and was at home
at last.
Happy days, talking and enjoying one another. Many people came to
see me, and all said I was much improved; of which I was glad, as
there was, is, and always will be room for it.
Found Mother looking old, sick, and tired; Father as placid as
ever; Nan poorly, but blest in her babies; May full of plans, as
usual; Freddy very stout and loving; and my Jack the dearest,
prettiest, merriest baby boy that ever kissed and loved
everybody.
_August._--Soon fell to work on some stories, for things were, as
I expected, behindhand when the money-maker was away. Found
plenty to do, as orders from E., L., "Independent," "U. S. C. S.
Magazine," and several other offers waited for me. Wrote two long
tales for L. and got $200 for them. One for E. for which he paid
$75, also a bit of poetry for $5. He wanted a long story in
twenty-four chapters, and I wrote it in a fortnight,--one hundred
and eighty-five pages,--besides work, sewing, nursing, and
company.
Sent S. E. S. the first $100 on my account; could have sent $300,
but it was needed, so I gave it up unwillingly, and must work
away for the rest. Mother borrowed the money that I might stay
longer and see England, as I had missed much while condemned to
"hard work and solitary confinement for nine months," as she
expressed it.
_September._--Mother sick, did little with my pen. Got a girl,
and devoted myself to Mother, writing after she was abed. In this
way finished a long tale. But E. would not have it, saying it was
too long and too sensational!
_November._--Mother slowly mending. A sensible Western woman
"rubbed" her, and did her a great deal of good. She left her room
and seemed more like herself. I never expect to see the strong,
energetic Marmee of old times, but, thank the Lord! she is still
here, though pale and weak, quiet and sad; all her fine hair
gone, and face full of wrinkles, bowed back, and every sign of
age. Life has been so hard for her, and she so brave, so glad to
spend herself for others. Now we must live for her.
On Miss Alcott's return from Europe in July, 1866, she devoted herself
as earnestly as ever to the personal care of her mother and to
story-writing for the support of the family. She agreed to write a
fifty-dollar tale once a month, and besides this wrote many short
stories for other publishers. Her father's return from the West with
two hundred dollars, earned on his western trip, gave her some relief;
and she was cheered by hearing that "Moods" was selling well in
Europe. But she was not well, and she felt anxious and troubled about
many things. Her journal of these months is very meagre; and January,
1867, opens with the statement that she is "sick from too hard work."
Yet the account of stories furnished to publishers continues till
August, when she went to Clark's Island for a few weeks of recreation.
Here her spirits returned, and she spent, as she says, "a
harem-scarem fortnight," which must have given her great refreshment.
She says: "Got to work again after my long vacation, for bills
accumulate and worry me. I dread debt more than anything."
In the journal occurs this slight notice of the first step in one of
the most important achievements of her life, of which I shall speak
more fully hereafter:--
_Journal._
_September, 1867._--Niles, partner of Roberts, asked me to write
a girls' book. Said I'd try.
F. asked me to be the editor of "Merry's Museum." Said I'd try.
Began at once on both new jobs; but didn't like either.
The Radical Club met at Sargent's. Fine time. Bartol inspired;
Emerson chairman; Alcott on his legs; strong-minded ladies out in
full force; æsthetic tea for refreshment.
_October._--Agreed with F. to be editor for $500 a year. Read
manuscripts, write one story each month and an editorial. On the
strength of this engagement went to Boston, took a room--No. 6
Hayward Place--furnished it, and set up housekeeping for myself.
Cannot keep well in C., so must try Boston, and not work too
hard.
On the 28th rode to B. on my load of furniture with Fred, feeling
as if I was going to camp out in a new country; hoped it would
prove a hospitable and healthy land.
This incident appears in "The Old-fashioned Girl" (p. 153), where the
country girl goes into the city in a farmer's cart, with a squash pie
in her hand given her at parting by an old friend. Her sister May had
a drawing class at her room every day, which gave Louisa the pleasure
of companionship.
Miss Alcott was an enthusiastic admirer of Dickens, and she entered
into the humor of his homely characters most heartily. She acted "Mrs.
Jarley displaying her waxwork" nine times this winter, and was always
successful in giving life and variety to the representation. She was
constantly called upon to act for charity. She enjoyed the fun, and as
she could not give money, it satisfied her generous nature to be able
to help in any way.
She wrote an article for Mr. B., called "Happy Women," in which she
gratified her love of single life by describing the delightful
spinsters of her acquaintance. Her sketches are all taken from life,
and are not too highly colored. The Physician, the Artist, the
Philanthropist, the Actress, the Lawyer, are easily recognizable. They
were a "glorious phalanx of old maids," as Theodore Parker called the
single women of his Society, who aided him so much in his work.
_To her Mother._
JANUARY, 1868.
Things look promising for the new year. F. $20 for the little
tales, and wrote two every month; G. $25 for the "Bells;" L. $100
for the two "Proverb" stories. L. takes all I'll send; and F.
seems satisfied.
So my plan will work well, and I shall make my $1,000 this year
in spite of sickness and worry. Praise the Lord and keep busy,
say I.
I am pretty well, and keep so busy I haven't time to be sick.
Every one is very clever to me; and I often think as I go larking
round, independent, with more work than I can do, and
half-a-dozen publishers asking for tales, of the old times when I
went meekly from door to door peddling my first poor little
stories, and feeling so rich with $10.
It's clear that Minerva Moody is getting on, in spite of many
downfalls, and by the time she is a used up old lady of seventy
or so she may finish her job, and see her family well off. A
little late to enjoy much maybe; but I guess I shall turn in for
my last long sleep with more content, in spite of the mortal
weariness, than if I had folded my hands and been supported in
elegant idleness, or gone to the devil in fits of despair because
things moved so slowly.
Keep all the money I send; pay up every bill; get comforts and
enjoy yourselves. Let's be merry while we may, and lay up a bit
for a rainy day.
With which gem from Aristotle, I am, honored Madam, your dutiful
and affectionate
L. M. ALCOTT.
Regards to Plato. Don't he want new socks? Are his clothes
getting shiny?
Although, as I have said, little direct European influence is
observable in Miss Alcott's writings from her journeys in Europe, yet
this first visit had a marked effect upon her life and writings. She
was unfavorably situated to gain the refreshment she sorely needed;
and yet she did get a great deal from the entire change of
surroundings, from the larger horizon into which she entered, from her
rich enjoyment of scenery, and from the variety of companions she
met. Probably she looked through new spectacles at her own work, as
she describes herself as looking through those of Professor Bhaer, and
she saw all the defects of the pot-boiling stories which she had been
pouring out one after another, without strong purpose, or regard for
artistic excellence. She had also the chance to look upon her own
early life and home from a distance; and as she thought of the
incidents of those years they grouped into more harmonious lines, and
she saw how much they contained of real life, of true poetry and
humor, as well as moral significance. So the old idea of "The Pathetic
Family" took shape anew in her mind.
In July, 1863, the enterprising firm of Roberts Brothers asked her for
the publication in book form of "Hospital Sketches," which were then
appearing in the "Commonwealth" newspaper, being struck by their
intense reality and originality. At the time, as she states in her
journal, she preferred to allow Mr. Redpath to publish them. Later, in
September, 1867, Roberts Brothers asked her to write a girls' book for
them, and in May, 1868, they repeated the request through her father,
who had brought to them a collection of short stories for publication.
Miss Alcott's fancy had always been for depicting the life of boys
rather than girls; but she fortunately took the suggestion of the
publisher, and said, like Col. Miller, "I'll try, sir." The old idea
of "The Pathetic Family" recurred to her mind; and she set herself to
describe the early life of her home. The book was finished in July,
named "Little Women," and sent to the publishers, who promptly
accepted it, making Miss Alcott an outright offer for the copyright,
but at the same time advising her not to part with it. It was
published in October, and the result is well known. She was quite
unconscious of the unusual merit of the book, thinking, as she says,
the first chapters dull, and so was quite surprised at her success.
"It reads better than I expected," she says; and she truly adds, "We
really lived most of it, and if it succeeds, that will be the reason
of it."
But that is not the whole secret of its success. Through many trials
and many failures Louisa had learned her literary art. By her
experience in melodrama she had proved the emptiness of sensational
writing, and knew how to present the simple and true,--seemingly
without art, but really with the nicest art of discrimination and
emphasis. All her previous training and experience were needed to fit
her for the production of her masterpiece; for in spite of all the
good work she did later, this remains her masterpiece, by which she
will be remembered and loved. Already twenty-one years have passed,
and another generation has come up since she published this book, yet
it still commands a steady sale; and the mothers who read it in their
childhood renew their enjoyment as they watch the faces of their
little girls brighten with smiles over the theatricals in the barn, or
moisten with tears at the death of the beloved sister. One of the
greatest charms of the book is its perfect truth to New England life.
But it is not merely local; it touches the universal heart deeply.
The excitement of the children was intense; they claimed the author as
their own property, and felt as if she were interpreting their very
lives and thoughts. The second series was anticipated with the
eagerness of a bulletin from the war and the stock market. But unlike
Miss Alcott herself, the children took especial interest in the
love-story, and when poor Laurie was so obstinately refused by Jo,
"they wept aloud, and refused to be comforted," and in some instances
were actually made ill by grief and excitement.
Miss Alcott had now secured publishers in whom she placed perfect
confidence, and who henceforth relieved her of the worry of business
matters, dealing directly and fairly by her, and consulting her
interests as well as their own. This is abundantly shown by her
private journals and letters.
The success of "Little Women" was so well assured that Miss Alcott at
once set about preparing the second part, which was eagerly demanded
by the little women outside, who wanted all the girls to marry, and
rather troubled her by wishing to settle matters their own way. She
finished writing the sequel, which had been rapid work, Jan. 1, 1869.
The success of "Little Women" was not confined to this country. The
book was translated into French, German, and Dutch, and has become
familiarly known in England and on the Continent. In Holland the first
series was published under the title "Under the Mother's Wings," and
the second part as "On Their Own Wings;" and these two books with
"Work" established her fame among the children, who still continue to
read her stories with fresh delight.
It is hardly necessary to analyze or criticise this happy production.
It is a realistic transcript of life, but idealized by the tenderness
of real feeling. It teaches the lessons of every-day conduct and
inculcates the simplest virtues of truth, earnest effort, and loving
affection. There is abundant humor, but no caricature, and tender,
deep feeling without sentimentality.
Miss Alcott herself did not wish her representative, Jo, to marry; but
the demand of the publisher and the public was so imperative that she
created her German professor, of whom no prototype existed. While some
of her romantic young readers were not satisfied at Jo's preferring
him to the charming Laurie, he is certainly a genuine, warm-hearted
man, who would probably have held her affections by his strong moral
and intellectual traits. That he became a very living personality to
the author is evident from his reappearance in "Jo's Boys," where he
has the same strong, cheery influence in the school and home that she
found from him in her girlhood. The style of the book is thoroughly
easy and colloquial; and the girls talk and act like girls, and not
like prim little women. The influence of the book has been wide and
deep, and has helped to make a whole generation of girls feel a deeper
sense of family love and the blessings to be gained from lives of
earnest effort, mutual sacrifice, and high aims.
Much interest has been expressed in regard to the originals of the
characters in "Little Women." This is the author's own statement:--
Facts in the stories that are true, though often changed as to
time and place:--
"Little Women"--The early plays and experiences; Beth's death;
Jo's literary and Amy's artistic experiences; Meg's happy home;
John Brooke and his death; Demi's character. Mr. March did not go
to the war, but Jo did. Mrs. March is all true, only not half
good enough. Laurie is not an American boy, though every lad I
ever knew claims the character. He was a Polish boy, met abroad
in 1865. Mr. Lawrence is my grandfather, Colonel Joseph May. Aunt
March is no one.
_Journal._
_January, 1868. Gamp's Garret, Hayward Place, Boston._--The year
begins well and cheerfully for us all. Father and Mother
comfortable at home; Anna and family settled in Chelsea; May busy
with her drawing classes, of which she has five or six, and the
prospect of earning $150 a quarter; also she is well and in good
spirits.
I am in my little room, spending busy, happy days, because I have
quiet, freedom, work enough, and strength to do it. F. pays me
$500 a year for my name and some editorial work on Merry's
Museum; "The Youth's Companion" pays $20 for two short tales each
month; L. $50 and $100 for all I will send him; and others take
anything I have. My way seems clear for the year if I can only
keep well. I want to realize my dream of supporting the family
and being perfectly independent. Heavenly hope!
I have written twenty-five stories the past year, besides the
fairy book containing twelve. Have earned $1,000, paid my own
way, sent home some, paid up debts, and helped May.
For many years we have not been so comfortable: May and I both
earning, Annie with her good John to lean on, and the old people
in a cosey home of our own.
After last winter's hard experience, we cannot be too grateful.
To-day my first hyacinth bloomed, white and sweet,--a good
omen,--a little flag of truce, perhaps, from the enemies whom we
have been fighting all these years. Perhaps we are to win after
all, and conquer poverty, neglect, pain, and debt, and march on
with flags flying into the new world with the new year.
_Thursday, 7th._--A queer day. Up early, and had my bread and
milk and baked apples. Fed my doves. Made May a bonnet, and cut
out a flannel wrapper for Marmee, who feels the cold in the
Concord snowbanks. Did my editorial work in the P.M., and fixed
my dresses for the plays. L. sent $50, and F. $40, for tales. A.
and boys came.
To Dorchester in evening, and acted Mrs. Pontifex, in "Naval
Engagements," to a good house. A gay time, had flowers, etc.
Talked half the night with H. A. about the fast ways of young
people nowadays, and gave the child much older-sisterly advice,
as no one seems to see how much she needs help at this time of
her young life.
Dreamed that I was an opera dancer, and waked up prancing.
_Wednesday, 15th._--Wrote all day. Did two short tales for F. In
the evening with A. M. to hear Fanny Kemble read "The Merchant of
Venice." She was a whole stock company in herself. Looked younger
and handsomer than ever before, and happy, as she is to be with
her daughters now. We went to supper afterwards at Mrs.
Parkman's, and saw the lioness feed. It was a study to watch her
face, so full of varying expression was it,--always strong,
always sweet, then proud and fierce as she sniffed at nobodies
who passed about her. Being one, I kept away, and enjoyed the
great creature afar off, wondering how a short, stout, red woman
_could_ look so like a queen in her purple velvet and point lace.
Slipped behind a door, but Dr. Holmes found me out, and affably
asked, "How many of you children are there?" As I was looking
down on the top of his illustrious head, the question was funny.
But I answered the little man with deep respect, "Four, sir." He
seemed to catch my naughty thought, and asked, with a twinkle in
his eye, looking up as if I were a steeple, "And all as tall as
you?" Ha! ha!
_18th._--Played again at D., and had a jolly time. Home early,
and putting off my fine feathers, fell to work on my stories. F.
seems to expect me to write the whole magazine, which I did not
bargain for.
To Nan's in p. m., to take care of her while the Papa and Freddie
went to C. The dear little man, so happy and important with his
bit of a bag, six pennies, and a cake for refreshment during the
long journey of an hour.
We brooded over Johnny as if he were a heavenly sort of fire to
warm and comfort us with his sunny little face and loving ways.
She is a happy woman! I sell _my_ children; and though they feed
me, they don't love me as hers do.
Little Tranquillity played alone all day, and made a pretty
picture sitting in "marmar's" lap in his night-gown, talking
through the trumpet to her. She never heard his sweet little
voice in any other way. Poor Nan!
_Wednesday, 22d._--To the Club with Father. A good paper on the
"Historical View of Jesus." Father spoke finely. It amuses me to
see how people listen and applaud _now_ what was hooted at twenty
years ago.
The talk lasted until two, and then the hungry philosophers
remembered they had bodies and rushed away, still talking.
[Hard to feed.--L. M. A.]
Got a snow-slide on my bonnet, so made another in the P.M., and
in the evening to the Antislavery Festival. All the old faces and
many new ones. Glad I have lived in the time of this great
movement, and known its heroes so well. War times suit me, as I
am a fighting _May_.
_24th._--My second hyacinth bloomed pale blue, like a timid hope,
and I took the omen for a good one, as I _am_ getting on, and
have more than I can do of the work that I once went begging for.
Enjoyed the little spring my little flower made for me, and
Buzzy, my pet fly, moved into the sweet mansion from his hanging
garden in the ivy pot.
Acted in Cambridge, Lucretia Buzzard and Mrs. Jarley.
_Sunday, 31st._--Last day of the month, but I'm not satisfied
with my four weeks' work. Acting for charity upsets my work. The
change is good for me, and so I do it, and because I have no
money to give.
Four tales this month. Received $70; sent $30 home. No debts.
_February 1st._--Arranged "Hospital Sketches and War Stories" for
a book. By taking out all Biblical allusions, and softening all
allusions to rebs., the book may be made "quite perfect," I am
told. Anything to suit customers.
_Friday, 14th._--My third hyacinth bloomed this A.M., a lovely
pink. So I found things snug, and had a busy day chasing----who
dodged. Then I wrote my tales. Made some shirts for my boys, and
went out to buy a squash pie for my lonely supper. It snowed; was
very cold. No one paid, and I wanted to send some money home.
Felt cross and tired as I trudged back at dusk. My pie turned a
somersault, a boy laughed, so did I, and felt better. On my
doorstep I found a gentleman who asked if Miss A. lived here. I
took him up my winding stair and found him a very delightful fly,
for he handed me a letter out of which fell a $100 bill. With
this bait Mr. B. lured me to write "one column of Advice to Young
Women," as Mrs. Shaw and others were doing. If he had asked me
for a Greek oration I would have said "yes." So I gave a receipt,
and the very elegant agent bowed himself away, leaving my
"'umble" bower full of perfume, and my soul of peace.
Thriftily taking advantage of the enthusiastic moment, I planned
my article while I ate my dilapidated pie, and then proceeded to
write it with the bill before me. It was about old maids. "Happy
Women" was the title, and I put in my list all the busy, useful,
independent spinsters I know, for liberty is a better husband
than love to many of us. This was a nice little episode in my
trials of an authoress, so I record it.
So the pink hyacinth was a true prophet, and I went to bed a
happy millionaire, to dream of flannel petticoats for my blessed
Mother, paper for Father, a new dress for May, and sleds for my
boys.
_Monday, 17th._--Father came full of plans about his book. Went
with him to the Club. P. read a paper, and the Rabbi Nathan
talked. A curious jumble of fools and philosophers. The Club
should be kept more select, and not be run by one person.
_Tuesday, 25th._--Note from Lady Amberly as I sat sewing on my
ninepenny dress. She wanted to come and see me, and I told her to
do so, and I'd show her how I lived in my sky-parlor,--spinning
yarns like a spider. Met her at the Club, and liked her, so
simple and natural.
Acted for Mr. Clarke's Church Fair in the evening. Did Mrs.
Jarley three times. Very hoarse with a cold, but kept my promise.
"Proverb Stories" suggested, and "Kitty's Class-Day" written.
_Friday, 28th._--Packed for home, as I am needed there, and acted
Jarley for the third evening. Have done it nine times this week,
and my voice is gone.
I am sorry to leave my quiet room, for I've enjoyed it very much.
Written eight long tales, ten short ones, read stacks of
manuscripts, and done editorial work. Acted for charity twelve
times.
Not a bad two months' work. I can imagine an easier life, but
with love, health, and work I can be happy; for these three help
one to do, to be, and to endure all things.
_March, April, and May._--Had the pleasure of providing Marmee
with many comforts, and keeping the hounds of care and debt from
worrying her. She sits at rest in her sunny room, and that is
better than any amount of fame to me.
_May, 1868._--Father saw Mr. Niles about a fairy book. Mr. N.
wants a _girls' story_, and I begin "Little Women." Marmee, Anna,
and May all approve my plan. So I plod away, though I don't enjoy
this sort of thing. Never liked girls or knew many, except my
sisters; but our queer plays and experiences may prove
interesting, though I doubt it.
[Good joke.--L. M. A.]
_June._--Sent twelve chapters of "L. W." to Mr. N. He thought it
_dull_; so do I. But work away and mean to try the experiment;
for lively, simple books are very much needed for girls, and
perhaps I can supply the need.
Wrote two tales for Ford, and one for F. L. clamors for more, but
must wait.
_July 15th._--Have finished "Little Women," and sent it off,--402
pages. May is designing some pictures for it. Hope it will go,
for I shall probably get nothing for "Morning Glories."
Very tired, head full of pain from overwork, and heart heavy
about Marmee, who is growing feeble.
[Too much work for one young woman. No wonder she broke down.
1876.--L. M. A.]
_August._--Roberts Bros. made an offer for the story, but at the
same time advised me to keep the copyright; so I shall.
[An honest publisher and a lucky author, for the copyright made
her fortune, and the "dull book" was the first golden egg of the
ugly duckling. 1885.--L. M. A.]
_August 26th._--Proof of whole book came. It reads better than I
expected. Not a bit sensational, but simple and true, for we
really lived most of it; and if it succeeds that will be the
reason of it. Mr. N. likes it better now, and says some girls who
have read the manuscripts say it is "splendid!" As it is for
them, they are the best critics, so I should be satisfied.
_September._--Father's book ["Tablets"] came out. Very simple
outside, wise and beautiful within. Hope it will bring him praise
and profit, for he has waited long.
No girl, Mother poorly, May busy with pupils, Nan with her boys,
and much work to be done. We don't like the kitchen department,
and our tastes and gifts lie in other directions, so it is hard
to make the various Pegasuses pull the plan steadily.
_October 8th._--Marmee's birthday; sixty-eight. After breakfast
she found her gifts on a table in the study. Father escorted her
to the big red chair, the boys prancing before blowing their
trumpets, while we "girls" marched behind, glad to see the dear
old Mother better and able to enjoy our little fête. The boys
proudly handed her the little parcels, and she laughed and cried
over our gifts and verses.
I feel as if the decline had begun for her; and each year will
add to the change which is going on, as time alters the
energetic, enthusiastic home-mother into a gentle, feeble old
woman, to be cherished and helped tenderly down the long hill she
has climbed so bravely with her many burdens.
_October 26th._--Came to Boston, and took a quiet room in
Brookline Street. Heard Emerson in the evening. Sent a report of
it to A. P. for the "Standard" at his desire.
Anna is nicely settled in her new house, and Marmee is with her.
Helped put down carpets and settle things.
_30th._--Saw Mr. N. of Roberts Brothers, and he gave me good news
of the book. An order from London for an edition came in. First
edition gone and more called for. Expects to sell three or four
thousand before the New Year.
Mr. N. wants a second volume for spring. Pleasant notices and
letters arrive, and much interest in my little women, who seem to
find friends by their truth to life, as I hoped.
_November 1st._--Began the second part of "Little Women." I can
do a chapter a day, and in a month I mean to be done. A little
success is so inspiring that I now find my "Marches" sober, nice
people, and as I can launch into the future, my fancy has more
play. Girls write to ask who the little women marry, as if that
was the only end and aim of a woman's life. I _won't_ marry Jo to
Laurie to please any one.
_Monday, 16th._--To the Club for a change, as I have written like
a steam engine since the 1st. Weiss read a fine paper on "Woman
Suffrage." Good talk afterward. Lunched with Kate Field, Celia
Thaxter, and Mr. Linton. Woman's Club in P.M.
_17th._--Finished my thirteenth chapter. I am so full of my work,
I can't stop to eat or sleep, or for anything but a daily run.
_29th._--My birthday; thirty-six. Spent alone, writing hard. No
presents but Father's "Tablets."
I never seem to have many presents, as some do, though I give a
good many. That is best perhaps, and makes a gift very precious
when it does come.
_December._--Home to shut up the house, as Father goes West and
Mother to Anna's. A cold, hard, dirty time; but was so glad to be
off out of C. that I worked like a beaver, and turned the key on
Apple Slump with joy.
May and I went to the new Bellevue Hotel in Beacon Street. She
doesn't enjoy quiet corners as I do, so we took a sky-parlor, and
had a queer time whisking up and down in the elevator, eating in
a marble café, and sleeping on a sofa bed, that we might be
genteel. It did not suit me at all. A great gale nearly blew the
roof off. Steam pipes exploded, and we were hungry. I was very
tired with my hard summer, with no rest for the brains that earn
the money.
_January, 1869._--Left our lofty room at Bellevue and went to
Chauncey Street. Sent the sequel of "L. W." to Roberts on New
Year's Day. Hope it will do as well as the first, which is
selling finely, and receives good notices. F. and F. both want me
to continue working for them, and I shall do so if I am able; but
my head-aches, cough, and weariness keep me from working as I
once could, fourteen hours a day.
In March we went home, as Mother was restless at Nan's, and
Father wanted his library. Cold and dull; not able to write; so
took care of Marmee and tried to rest.
Paid up all the debts, thank the Lord!--every penny that money
can pay,--and now I feel as if I could die in peace. My dream is
beginning to come true; and if my head holds out I'll do all I
once hoped to do.
_April._--Very poorly. Feel quite used up. Don't care much for
myself, as rest is heavenly even with pain; but the family seem
so panic-stricken and helpless when I break down, that I try to
keep the mill going. Two short tales for L., $50; two for Ford,
$20; and did my editorial work, though two months are unpaid for.
Roberts wants a new book, but am afraid to get into a vortex lest
I fall ill.
_To her Publishers._
BOSTON, Dec. 28, 1869.
Many thanks for the check which made my Christmas an unusually
merry one.
After toiling so many years along the uphill road,--always a
hard one to women writers,--it is peculiarly grateful to me to
find the way growing easier at last, with pleasant little
surprises blossoming on either side, and the rough places made
smooth by the courtesy and kindness of those who have proved
themselves friends as well as publishers.
With best wishes for the coming year,
I am yours truly,
L. M. ALCOTT.
AUGUST, 1871.
DEAR MR. NILES,--Many thanks for the fortune and the kind note
accompanying it. Please hand the money to S. E. S., and he will
put it somewhere for me....
You are very kind to find a minute out of your hurried day to
attend to this affair.... I'm not sure but I shall try Dr. B. if
my present and ninth doctor fails to cure my aching bones. I
haven't a bit of faith in any of them; but my friends won't let
me gently slip away where bones cease from troubling, so I must
keep trying.
Very gratefully your friend,
L. M. A.
Written in 1871, just after the publication of "Little Men":--
AUGUST 5TH.
DEAR MR. NILES,--Thanks for the parcel and notes.
... The letters were very gushing from Nellie and Dollie and
Sallie Somebody asking for pictures, autographs, family history,
and several new books right away.
I must give Dr. R. a fair trial, and if he fails I'll try Dr. B.,
just to make up the number of doctors to a round ten.
"Happy Thoughts" is very funny, especially the trip to Antwerp.
Yours truly,
L. M. A.