"Evelina" than she did over her "Rival Painters." Having
told how she disposed of her tales, Jo added, "And when I
went to get my answer, the man said he liked them both, but
didn't pay beginners, only let them print in his paper, and noticed
the stories. It was good practice, he said; and when the be-
ginners improved, any one would pay. So I let him have the
two stories, and to-day this was sent to me, and Laurie caught
me with it, and insisted on seeing it, so I let him; and he said
it was good, and I shall write more, and he's going to get the
next paid for, and I am so happy, for in time I may be able
to support myself and help the girls."

Jo's breath gave out here; and, wrapping her head in the
paper, she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears;
for to be independent, and earn the praise of those she loved
were the dearest wishes of her heart, and this seemed to be
the first step toward that happy end.

"NOVEMBER is the most disagreeable month in the whole
year," said Margaret, standing at the window one dull after-
noon, looking out at the frost-bitten garden.

"That 's the reason I was born in it," observed Jo pensively,
quite unconscious of the blot on her nose.

"If something very pleasant should happen now, we should
think it a delightful month," said Beth, who took a hopeful
view of everything, even November.

"I dare say; but nothing pleasant ever does happen in this
family," said Meg, who was out of sorts. "We go grubbing
along day after day, without a bit of change, and very little
fun. We might as well be in a treadmill.

"My patience, how blue we are!" cried Jo. "I don't much
wonder, poor dear, for you see other girls having splendid

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