into a thick coil, more becoming to the small head atop of the
tall figure. There is a fresh color in her brown cheeks, a soft
shine in her eyes, and only gentle words fall from her sharp
tongue to-day.

Beth has grown slender, pale, and more quiet than ever; the
beautiful, kind eyes are larger, and in them lies an expression
that saddens one, although it is not sad itself. It is the shadow
of pain which touches the young face with such pathetic
patience; but Beth seldom complains, and always speaks
hopefully of "being better soon."

Amy is with truth considered "the flower of the family;"
for at sixteen she has the air and bearing of a full-grown
woman -- not beautiful, but possessed of that indescribable
charm called grace. One saw it in the lines of her figure, the
make and motion of her hands, the flow of her dress, the droop
of her hair, -- unconscious, yet harmonious, and as attractive
to many as beauty itself. Amy's nose still afflicted her, for it
never would grow Grecian; so did her mouth, being too wide,
and having a decided chin. These offending features gave
character to her whole face, but she never could see it, and
consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion, keen
blue eyes, and curls, more golden and abundant than ever.

All three wore suits of thin silver gray (their best gowns for
the summer), with blush-roses in hair and bosom; and all three
looked just what they were, -- fresh-faced, happy-hearted girls,
pausing a moment in their busy lives to read with wistful eyes
the sweetest chapter in the romance of womanhood.

There were to be no ceremonious performances, everything
was to be as natural and homelike as possible; so when Aunt
March arrived, she was scandalized to see the bride come
running to welcome and lead her in, to find the bridegroom
fastening up a garland that had fallen down, and to catch a
glimpse of the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave
countenance, and a wine-bottle under each arm.

"Upon my word, here's a state of things!" cried the old
lady, taking the seat of honor prepared for her, and settling the

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