100 words to know before reading Little Women

1. People who journey to sacred places for religious reasons.
2. Early English settlers in America, notably the Mayflower passengers.

I Playing Pilgrims “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. “It’s so

1. Female domestic workers who clean and perform household tasks.
2. Young unmarried women, often used in historical contexts.

damsels learn of her to prize The world which is to come, and so be wise; For little tripping maids may follow God Along the ways which saintly feet have trod.” Adapted from John Bunyan

1. Informal abbreviation for "megabyte," a unit of digital information storage.
2. Short for "megaphone," a device used to amplify sound.

those tiresome children nearly all day, when I’m longing to enjoy myself at home,” began Meg, in the complaining tone again. “You don’t have half such a hard time as I do,” said Jo. “How

1. A Hebrew letter, the second in the alphabet.
2. Short for Elizabeth, a female given name.

for they were fighting and fretting all the time, in spite of their money.” “So I did, Beth. Well, I think we are; for, though we do have to work, we make fun for ourselves, and are a

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

do,” said Beth; “let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.” “That’s like you, dear! What will we get?” exclaimed Jo. Everyone thought soberly for a minute;

1. Comfortable, lightweight footwear worn indoors.
2. Soft shoes with open backs for easy wearing.

easy-chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze. “They are quite worn out; Marmee must have a new pair.” “I thought I’d get

1. Magnificent or impressive in appearance.
2. Excellent or very good.

woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world. “Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting

1. A loose outer garment without sleeves, worn over other clothing.
2. Something that hides or covers, like a disguise or concealment.

you been, and what are you hiding behind you?” asked Meg, surprised to see, by her hood and cloak, that lazy Amy had been out so early. “Don’t laugh at me, Jo! I didn’t mean anyone should know

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

the love philter:— “Hither, hither, from thy home, Airy sprite, I bid thee come! Born of roses, fed on dew, Charms and potions canst thou brew? Bring me here, with elfin speed, The fragrant

1. A piece of fabric hung to cover a window or divide a room.
2. A barrier or screen used in theaters to conceal the stage.

of long hair rather marred the effect of the villain’s death. He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety appeared, leading Hagar, whose singing was considered more wonderful

1. A male given name of Spanish or Portuguese origin.
2. A trick-taking card game similar to euchre.

and if the audience laugh, don’t blame me. Come on, Meg.” Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break; Hagar, the witch, chanted an

1. A tool with two hinged arms used for gripping or lifting objects.
2. Kitchen utensil for handling hot food or coals.

a few curls about her face, and Jo undertook to pinch the papered locks with a pair of hot tongs. “Ought they to smoke like that?” asked Beth, from her perch on the bed. “It’s the dampness

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

when Hannah appeared, with “Mrs. March’s compliments, and would the ladies walk down to supper.” This was a surprise, even to the actors; and, when they saw the table, they looked at one

1. A bunch of flowers arranged attractively.
2. A pleasing aroma or fragrance, often of wine.

ourselves half so much as we do now. But it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets, and go to parties, and drive home, and read and rest, and not work. It’s like other people, you

1. A fine-grained rock used for roofing and writing surfaces.
2. A list of candidates for election or appointment.

led her to the recitation platform, and made her stand there half an hour, holding that slate so everyone could see.” “Didn’t the girls laugh at the picture?” asked Jo, who relished the

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

early, and they went through back streets, so few people saw them, and no one laughed at the queer party. A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a

1. A reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, used in jewelry.
2. A semiprecious gemstone known for its warm, earthy tones.

Susie cried quarts, I know she did. I didn’t envy her then; for I felt that millions of carnelian rings wouldn’t have made me happy, after that. I never, never should have got over such a

1. A cleaning tool with stiff fibers attached to a handle, used for sweeping floors.
2. A shrub with yellow flowers, often found in Europe.

as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sack and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other. “Going out for exercise,” answered Jo, with a mischievous

1. Full of life and energy; active and outgoing.
2. Bright, vivid, or striking in appearance.

the name suited her. “I like it well enough if there is plenty of room, and everyone is lively. In a place like this I’m sure to upset something, tread on people’s toes, or do something

1. Having curls or a curved shape.
2. (Of hair) Formed in tight waves or spirals.

down at the lower windows; servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window. “There he is,” thought Jo, “poor boy! all

1. A room for entertaining guests or socializing.
2. A shop or business, such as a beauty parlor or ice cream parlor.

her story, her four apples, and had a game of romps with Scrabble. On New-Year’s Eve the parlor was deserted, for the two younger girls played dressing-maids, and the two elder were absorbed in

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

Don’t you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?” answered Jo. “I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the big chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching

1. A citrus fruit similar to a lemon but smaller and greener.
2. The boundary or fortified frontier of the Roman Empire.

buying them, and unless you want to be thought mean, you must do it, too. It’s nothing but limes now, for everyone is sucking them in their desks in school-time, and trading them off for

1. A female given name, diminutive of Jennifer or Jane.
2. A spinning machine used in textile production.

of any particular importance. It was a most unfortunate moment for denouncing Amy, and Jenny knew it. Mr. Davis had evidently taken his coffee too strong that morning; there was an east

1. The chest or breast of a person, especially a woman.
2. The part of a garment covering the chest.

was slipped into her pocket, well scented with Amy’s cologne, the rose was fastened in her bosom, and the nice gloves were pronounced a “perfect fit.” There was a good deal of laughing and

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

me,” said Mrs. March, smelling the half-dead posy in her belt. Beth nestled up to her, and whispered softly, “I wish I could send my bunch to father. I’m afraid he isn’t having such a merry

1. A fine, soft fiber produced by silkworms, used to make fabric.
2. Fabric or thread made from this fiber.

because we haven’t got anything else?” answered Jo, with her mouth full. “If I only had a silk!” sighed Meg. “Mother says I may when I’m eighteen, perhaps; but two years is an everlasting time

1. A type of thin, stiff fabric, often used in bookbinding or medical dressings.
2. A person who pretends to have skills or knowledge they lack; a charlatan.

doesn’t it? The violet silk would be so nice; oh, dear!” “Never mind; you’ve got the tarlatan for the big party, and you always look like an angel in white,” said Amy, brooding over the

1. A small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
2. A term of endearment for someone sweet or innocent.

inquired who she was, with an air of interest. She heard Mrs. Moffat reply to one of them— “Daisy March—father a colonel in the army—one of our first families, but reverses of fortune, you

1. A beautiful and charming woman.
2. The most attractive or admired woman in a group.

curiosity. All this surprised and flattered her, though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing, and said, with a sentimental air— “Daisy, dear, I’ve sent an

1. A character in Charles Dickens' novel "The Pickwick Papers."
2. A type of hat with a round crown and narrow brim, named after the character.

with a big “P.C.” in different colors on each, and the weekly newspaper, called “The Pickwick Portfolio,” to which all contributed something; while Jo, who revelled in pens and ink, was the

1. A small edible sea snail, often found on rocky shores.
2. To extract or remove something with difficulty (informal, chiefly British).

la fo that means all right I am in haste as it is nearly school time. Yours respectably, N. Winkle [The above is a manly and handsome acknowledgment of past misdemeanors. If our young friend

1. A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals.
2. To gather or fill a place in large numbers.

alcove hung with purple velvet, he motioned them to kneel. Instant silence fell upon the gay throng; and not a sound, but the dash of fountains or the rustle of orange-groves sleeping in the

1. A stringed musical instrument slightly larger than a violin, with a lower pitch.
2. A genus of flowering plants in the violet family.

“Gladly would I give it if I could; but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola, and I yielded to it. Now, my children, let the play end. Unmask, and receive my blessing.” But

1. The craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread.
2. The act or process of working with fabric to create or repair garments or other items.

really suffering for clothes.” “May we, mother?” asked Meg, turning to Mrs. March, who sat sewing, in what they called “Marmee’s corner.” “You may try your experiment for a week, and see how you

1. A perennial plant with edible young shoots, often cooked as a vegetable.
2. The tender, green or white stalks of this plant, eaten as a delicacy.

but rash act. “Oh, there’s corned beef and plenty of potatoes; and I shall get some asparagus, and a lobster, ‘for a relish,’ as Hannah says. We’ll have lettuce, and make a salad. I don’t

1. A marine crustacean with a hard shell, large claws, and a long body, often used as seafood.
2. The flesh of this animal when cooked, typically bright red.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Beth retired to her room, overcome with emotion and lobster; but there was no place of repose, for the beds were not made, and she found her grief much

1. A small seed found in fruits like apples and oranges.
2. A short, high-pitched sound, often electronic.

Feeling very much out of sorts herself, Jo hurried into the parlor to find Beth sobbing over Pip, the canary, who lay dead in the cage, with his little claws pathetically extended, as if

1. A lawn game where players hit wooden balls through hoops using mallets.
2. The act of hitting a ball in croquet.

green field, with three wide-spreading oaks in the middle, and a smooth strip of turf for croquet. “Welcome to Camp Laurence!” said the young host, as they landed, with exclamations of delight.

1. Looked quickly or furtively.
2. Made a faint, high-pitched sound like a small bird.

seven times so violently that his head fell off. ‘Ha! ha!’ laughed the ghost; and having peeped through the keyhole at the princesses spinning away for dear life, the evil spirit picked up her

1. A person who teaches or instructs, often individually or in small groups.
2. A private teacher who provides extra help outside of regular classes.

flourished like grass in spring. Everyone liked Laurie, and he privately informed his tutor that “the Marches were regularly splendid girls.” With the delightful enthusiasm of youth, they

1. Plural of goose, a waterfowl bird.
2. A group of geese.

So she asked what she should use for new heads, since the old ones were lost, and all the geese opened their hundred mouths and screamed—” “ ‘Cabbages!’ ” continued Laurie promptly. “ ‘Just

1. A hanging bed or couch made of fabric or netting, suspended between two points.
2. A fertile area in the southern U.S. with hardwood trees and lush vegetation.

XIII Castles in the Air Laurie lay luxuriously swinging to and fro in his hammock, one warm September afternoon, wondering what his neighbors were about, but too lazy to go and

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

She beckoned, and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side-room, where she found her on a sofa, holding her foot, and looking pale. “I’ve sprained my ankle. That stupid high heel turned, and

1. A handwritten or typed document, especially an author's original text before publication.
2. An ancient or historical document written by hand.

suit I shall have to wait till I can do better.” Lying back on the sofa, she read the manuscript carefully through, making dashes here and there, and putting in many exclamation points, which

1. A public room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served.
2. A large, elegant room for social gatherings or events.

doing, sir, up in that billiard saloon?” “Begging your pardon, ma’am, it wasn’t a billiard saloon, but a gymnasium, and I was taking a lesson in fencing.” “I’m glad of that.” “Why?” “You can

1. A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form.
2. A popular messaging app known for its speed and security features.

XV A Telegram “November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year,” said Margaret, standing at the

1. With care and affection.
2. In a soft and delicate manner.

and gruel, and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own. The girls, meantime, spread the table, set the children round the

1. A type of hat tied under the chin, typically worn by women and children.
2. The hinged metal cover over the engine of a motor vehicle (British English).

dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world. “Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and

1. To worry or be anxious about something.
2. A small ridge on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument.

requested not to whistle in the street. T. T. please don’t forget Amy’s napkin. N. W. must not fret because his dress has not nine tucks. Weekly Report Meg—Good. Jo—Bad. Beth—Very good.

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

her hat as it took a leap off her head, preparatory to flying away altogether. “Call yourself any names you like; but I am neither a rascal nor a wretch, and I don’t choose to be called so.”

1. A large, disordered pile of things.
2. A great amount or number (informal).

don’t look a bit like yourself, but you are very nice. I’m nowhere beside you, for Belle has heaps of taste, and you’re quite French, I assure you. Let your flowers hang; don’t be so careful of

1. A type of deer that lacks antlers, typically a female or young male.
2. A Scottish term for a hornless cow or ox.

it was dead.” “Don’t cry, dear! What did you do?” “I just sat and held it softly till Mrs. Hummel came with the doctor. He said it was dead, and looked at Heinrich and Minna, who have got sore

1. A bright red color with a slightly orange tinge.
2. A type of high-quality woolen cloth, often dyed red.

the dish, and showed the blancmange, surrounded by a garland of green leaves, and the scarlet flowers of Amy’s pet geranium. “It isn’t anything, only they all felt kindly, and wanted to show

1. A nickname for the name Pollyanna or Mary.
2. A colloquial term for a parrot, often used in children's stories.

try,” thought Amy, as she was left alone with Aunt March. “Get along, you fright!” screamed Polly; and at that rude speech Amy could not restrain a sniff.

1. Pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
2. Appearing hopeless or desperate.

on her bed with old Joanna at her side, for even in her wanderings she did not forget her forlorn protégé. She longed for her cats, but would not have them brought, lest they should get sick;

1. (noun) A decorative trimming or edging, often made of gathered fabric.
2. (verb) To gather or pleat fabric into a decorative edge.

set chairs, dropping, overturning, and clattering everything she touched; Beth trotted to and fro between parlor and kitchen, quiet and busy; while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat

1. A title of respect for a woman, equivalent to "Mrs." or "Madam."
2. Used to address or refer to a woman in a formal or polite manner.

and I shall gladly arrange the little dressing-room for you if you like it. Say nothing to Madame, but when she sleeps go you and sit alone a while to think good thoughts, and pray the dear God

1. A French term for an unmarried woman or girl, equivalent to "Miss" in English.
2. A title of respect used before the name of an unmarried French-speaking woman.

on condition that she was never asked to change her religion. She took a fancy to Mademoiselle, and amused her very much, with odd stories of her life in France, when Amy sat with her while

1. Small decorative objects with a hole for threading.
2. Drops of liquid, like sweat or water.

handsome thing wistfully. “Is it meant to use as you use the string of good-smelling wooden beads hanging over your glass?” asked Amy. “Truly, yes, to pray with. It would be pleasing to the

1. A string of beads used in prayer by Catholics.
2. A series of prayers counted on these beads.

a heavy cross of the same. “I, too, covet that, but not as a necklace; ah, no! to me it is a rosary, and as such I should use it like a good Catholic,” said Esther, eying the handsome thing

1. Gentle, kind, or affectionate in manner.
2. Offering something formally, like a bid or resignation.

little children? You know your castle wouldn’t be perfect without,” said blunt Jo, who had no tender fancies yet, and rather scorned romance, except in books. “You’d have nothing but horses,

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

I won’t go before seventeen, anyway.” “Aren’t you but fifteen?” asked Jo, looking at the tall lad, whom she had imagined seventeen already. “Sixteen, next month.” “How I wish I was going to

1. Weak or lacking strength (physical or mental).
2. Faint or lacking intensity (e.g., light, sound).

was a great deal happier, with her youth, health, and good spirits, than a certain fretful, feeble old lady, who couldn’t enjoy her comforts; a third that, disagreeable as it was to help get

1. A portable device used for rain protection, consisting of a collapsible canopy on a central rod.
2. Something that covers or includes a broad range of elements or functions.

look like Sallie’s; I didn’t like to say anything, but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella. I told mother black, with a white handle, but she forgot, and bought a green one, with a

1. The state of being worthy of honor or respect.
2. A composed or serious manner.

Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door, and Meg enacted escort with great dignity. Mrs. March was both surprised and touched; and smiled with her eyes full as she examined her

1. Casual or idle talk about others, often involving rumors or personal details.
2. A person who habitually spreads such talk.

just out, and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball-dresses and bouquets, heard lively gossip about theatres, concerts, sleighing parties, and merrymakings of all kinds, and saw money

1. Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve something.
2. Requiring great effort or skill; challenging.

time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world—marry rich men merely because they are

1. Gracefully stylish and refined in appearance or manner.
2. Pleasingly ingenious and simple in design or solution.

roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailing vines, which stood in the middle, gave quite an elegant air to the table. “She’s coming! Strike up, Beth! Open the door, Amy! Three cheers for Marmee!”

1. A feeling of hopelessness or deep sadness.
2. The complete loss or absence of hope.

for in that sad, yet happy hour, she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair, but the sweetness of self-denial and self-control; and, led by her mother’s hand, she had drawn

1. Relating to metaphysics, the branch of philosophy exploring existence and reality.
2. Concerned with abstract concepts beyond physical or empirical evidence.

view of the subject. “Well,” said Jo, laughing, “if my people are ‘philosophical and metaphysical,’ it isn’t my fault, for I know nothing about such things, except what I hear father say,

1. A sweet, soft food made from fruit juice and sugar, often set with gelatin.
2. A semi-solid substance with a consistency similar to gelatin.

enjoyed the prospect mightily. In the kitchen reigned confusion and despair; one edition of jelly was trickled from pot to pot, another lay upon the floor, and a third was burning gayly on the

1. Small, unimportant things or details.
2. A small amount of something.

concerts, sleighing parties, and merrymakings of all kinds, and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her. Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice

1. Contrary to what is right or reasonable; stubbornly wrong.
2. Deliberately deviating from what is considered normal or acceptable.

and gloves with an air of resignation, told Amy the victim was ready. “Jo March, you are perverse enough to provoke a saint! You don’t intend to make calls in that state, I hope,” cried Amy,

1. Relating to the aristocracy or nobility.
2. Characterized by elegance, refinement, or superiority.

would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake.” “It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper, for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and

1. The meat from a young sheep, used as food.
2. A gentle or innocent person.

“We read a story of yours the other day, and enjoyed it very much,” observed the elder Miss Lamb, wishing to compliment the literary lady, who did not look the character just then, it must be

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

were really pathetic; there was no one to bring the horse to the saddle, so she took the saddle to the horse. My dear creature, she actually rowed it over the river, put it on her head, and

1. Containers for holding flowers or decorative items
2. Typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal

but May took it so meekly she regretted it a minute after, and fell to praising the great vases, which still remained unsold. “Is Amy’s illumination anywhere about? I took a fancy to buy that

1. Having a pink or reddish color, like a rose.
2. Optimistic or hopeful; bright and positive.

the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day. In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which

1. A quick or furtive look.
2. A faint, high-pitched sound, like a small bird's cry.

corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace. Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge;

1. A diminutive form of the name "Minnie," often short for Minerva or Wilhelmina.
2. A colloquial term for something small or cute, derived from "mini."

at home, which delights him, as he is very fond of children, though a ‘bacheldore.’ Kitty and Minnie Kirke likewise regard him with affection, and tell all sorts of stories about the plays he

1. A mountain or hill with a vent through which lava, ash, and gases erupt.
2. An opening in Earth's crust allowing molten rock to escape.

a “thrilling tale,” and boldly carried it herself to Mr. Dashwood, editor of the Weekly Volcano. She had never read Sartor Resartus, but she had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an

1. Done quickly or hurriedly, often without care.
2. Acting with excessive speed or urgency.

the basket, quick!” cried Jo, as a door slammed, and steps sounded in the hall. Amy came in hastily, and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her. “Where have you been,

1. A set of steps or rungs for climbing over a fence or wall.
2. A vertical piece in a panel or frame, as in a door or window.

Laurie threw himself down on the grass at her feet, leaned his arm on the lower step of the stile, and looked up at her with an expectant face. Now that arrangement was not conducive to calm

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

up her foot with arnica, and brushed her hair. “I don’t believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burnt hair, old gowns, one glove apiece, and tight

1. Highly pleasing or enjoyable.
2. Charming or attractive in a cheerful way.

privately informed his tutor that “the Marches were regularly splendid girls.” With the delightful enthusiasm of youth, they took the solitary boy into their midst, and made much of him, and he

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

however, rather quenched the vanities; she had to wear her cousin’s clothes. Now Florence’s mamma hadn’t a particle of taste, and Amy suffered deeply at having to wear a red instead of a blue

1. Relating to a father or fatherhood.
2. Inherited or derived from the father's side of the family.

by Laurie, who said, “Very well, my son, for a small boy!” and walked him off, with a paternal pat on the head. “Buy the vases,” whispered Amy to Laurie, as a final heaping of coals of fire on

1. Concerned more with the needs of others than with one's own.
2. Generous or altruistic in nature.

lie watching her, with thoughts too deep for tears, feeling that Beth, in her simple, unselfish way, was trying to wean herself from the dear old life, and fit herself for the life to come, by

1. Requests or expressions made to a deity or higher power.
2. Religious rituals or words spoken in worship.

but Amy hung it up and did not use it, feeling doubtful as to its fitness for Protestant prayers. The little girl was very sincere in all this, for, being left alone outside the safe home-nest,

1. Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
2. Clear and bright, without clouds or disturbance.

last of his Pewmonia. “Yours Respectful, “Hannah Mullet.” “Head Nurse of Ward No. 2— “All serene on the Rappahannock, troops in fine condition, commissary department well conducted, the Home

1. A rough edge or ridge left on metal or other material after cutting or drilling.
2. A seed case or flower head with clinging hooks or prickles.

as she tried to get rid of the kitten, which had scrambled up her back, and stuck like a burr just out of reach. Jo laughed, Meg scolded, Beth implored, and Amy wailed, because she couldn’t

1. Uncommon in occurrence or experience.

ways? I never can. Isn’t that music gay?” Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and, informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them. Mrs.

1. Developing abilities or maturity earlier than usual.
2. Showing advanced skills or understanding at a young age.

glance at Jo’s retiring face, and then sink into his chair, looking as if the “precocious chick” had put an idea into his head that was both sweet and sour. Why Dodo, when she caught him

1. An extinct flightless bird from Mauritius.
2. A person who is out of touch or slow to adapt.

was as yet only a name to them, Aunt Beth soon faded into a pleasantly vague memory, but Aunt Dodo was a living reality, and they made the most of her, for which compliment she was deeply

1. To stop oneself from doing something.
2. A repeated line or phrase in a song or poem.

to order them about so; but Jo felt quite in her element, and found it very difficult to refrain from imitating the gentlemanly attitudes, phrases, and feats, which seemed more natural to her

1. A piece of land planted with fruit trees.
2. A garden or grove where trees are cultivated for food production.

freshness which made the spirits rise, and the blood dance healthily in the veins. The old orchard wore its holiday attire; goldenrod and asters fringed the mossy walls; grasshoppers skipped

1. Informal term for young men or boys.
2. A group of male friends or companions.

saying, and pushed his crutch away from him with an impatient gesture as he watched the active lads going through all sorts of comical gymnastics. Beth, who was collecting the scattered

1. A German male given name, short for Friedrich.
2. (informal) A state of disorder or malfunction (e.g., "on the fritz").

surely come.” “Oh, if he only would! So kind, so good, so patient with me always; my dear old Fritz, I didn’t value him half enough when I had him, but now how I should love to see him, for