Not having much money, or knowing what he'd like, I got several little things, and put them about the room, where he would find them unexpectedlyThey were useful, pretty, or funny, a new standish on his table, a little vase for his flower, he always has one, or a bit of green in a glass, to keep him fresh, he says, and a holder for his blower, so that he needn't burn up what Amy calls `mouchoirs'I made it like those Beth invented, a big butterfly with a fat body, and black and yellow wings, worsted feelers, and bead eyesIt took his fancy immensely, and he put it on his mantlepiece as an article of virtue, so it was rather a failure after allPoor as he is, he didn't forget a servant or a child in the house, and not a soul here, from the French laundrywoman to Miss Norton forgot himI was so glad of that
They got up a masquerade, and had a gay time New Year's EveI didn't mean to go down, having no dressBut at the last minute, MrsKirke remembered some old brocades, and Miss Norton lent me lace and feathersSo I dressed up as MrsMalaprop, and sailed in with a mask onNo one knew me, for I disguised my voice, and no one dreamed of the silent, haughty Miss March (for they think I am very stiff and cool, most of them, and so I am to whippersnappers) could dance and dress, and burst out into a `nice http://www.ualuxury.com/category_6_Fendi_1.html" target="_blank derangement of epitaphs, like an allegory on the banks of the Nile'I enjoyed it very much, and when we unmasked it was fun to see them stare at meI heard one of the young men tell another that he knew I'd been an actress, in fact, he thought he remembered seeing me at one of the minor theatersMeg will relish that jokeBhaer was Nick Bottom, and Tina was Titania, a perfect little fairy in his armsTo see them dance was `quite a landscape', to use a Teddyism
I had a very happy New Year, after all, and when I thought it over in my room, I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures, for I'm cheerful all the time now, work with a will, and take more interest in other people than I used to, which is satisfactoryBless you all! Ever your lovingJo
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR


Though very happy in the social atmosphere about her, and very busy with the daily work that earned her bread and made it sweeter for the effort, Jo still found time for literary laborsThe purpose which now took possession of her was a natural one to a poor and ambitious girl, but the means she took to gain her end were not the bestShe saw that money conferred power, therefore, she resolved to have, not to be used for herself alone, but for those whom she loved more than life
The dream of filling home with http://www.snluxury.com/category_3_Chloe_1.html" target="_blank comforts, giving Beth everything she wanted, from strawberries in winter to an organ in her bedroom, going abroad herself, and always having more than enough, so that she might indulge in the luxury of charity, had been for years Jo's most cherished castle in the air
The prize-story experience had seemed to open a way which might, after long traveling and much uphill work, lead to this delightful chateau en EspagneBut the novel disaster quenched her courage for a time, for public opinion is a giant which has frightened stouter-hearted Jacks on bigger beanstalks than hersLike that immortal hero, she reposed awhile after the first attempt, which resulted in a tumble and the least lovely of the giant's treasures, if I remember rightlyBut the `up again and take another' spirit was as strong in Jo as in Jack, so she scrambled up on the shady side this time and got more booty, but nearly left behind her what was far more precious than the moneybags
She took to writing sensation stories, for in those dark ages, even all-perfect America read rubbishShe told no one, but concocted a `thrilling tale', and boldly carried it herself to MrDashwood, editor of the Weekly VolcanoShe had never read Sartor Resartus, but she had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth http://www.naluxury.com/categorys_27_Seamaster-300600M_1.html" target="_blank of character or the magic of mannersSo she dressed herself in her best, and trying to persuade herself that she was neither excited nor nervous, bravely climbed two pairs of dark and dirty stairs to find herself in a disorderly room, a cloud of cigar smoke, and the presence of three gentlemen, sitting with their heels rather higher than their hats, which articles of dress none of them took the trouble to remove on her appearancesomewhat daunted by this reception, Jo hesitated on the threshold, murmuring in much embarrassment
"Excuse me, I was looking for the Weekly Volcano office
Down went the highest pair of heels, up rose the smokiest gentleman, and carefully cherishing his cigar between his fingers, he advanced with a nod and a countenance expressive of nothing but sleepFeeling that she must get through the matter somehow, Jo produced her manuscript and, blushing redder and redder with each sentence, blundered out fragments of the little speech carefully prepared for the occasion
"A friend of mine desired me to offer--a story--just as an experiment--would like your opinion--be glad to write more if this suits
While she blushed and blundered, MrDashwood had taken the manuscript, and was turning over the leaves with a pair of rather dirty fingers, and casting critical glances up and down http://www.ooluxury.com/category_27_Chanel-Watches_1.html" target="_blank the neat pages
"Not a first attempt, I take it?" observing that the pages were numbered, covered only on one side, and not tied up with a ribbon--sure sign of a noviceShe has had some experience, and got a prize for a tale in the BLARNEYSTONE BANNER
"Oh, did she?" And MrDashwood gave JO a quick look, which seemed to take note of everything she had on, from the bow in her bonnet to the buttons on her boots"Well, you can leave it, if you likeWe've more of this sort of thing on hand than we know what to do with at present, but I'll run my eye over it, and give you an answer next week
Now, Jo did not like to leave it, for MrDashwood didn't suit her at all, but, under the circumstances, there was nothing for her to do but bow and walk away, looking particularly tall and dignified, as she was apt to do when nettled or abashedJust then she was both, for it was perfectly evident from the knowing glances exchanged among the gentlemen that her little fiction of `my friend' was considered a good joke, and a laugh, produced by some inaudible remark of the editor, as he closed the door, completed her discomfitureHalf resolving never to return, she went home, and worked off her irritation by stitching pinafores vigorously, and in an hour or two was cool enough to laugh over the scene and long for next http://www.muluxury.com/scategory_7_Gucci.html" target="_blank wee