'If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place herein ten years, I wouldn't have believed it,' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg,as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day, looking aboutthem with faces full of pride and pleasure.

'This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work. I amsure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he sogenerously endowed; and a home like this will keep Aunt March'smemory green as long as it lasts,' answered Mrs Meg, always glad topraise the absent.

'We used to believe in fairies, you remember, and plan what we'd askfor if we could have three wishes. Doesn't it seem as if mine hadbeen really granted at last? Money, fame, and plenty of the work Ilove,' said Mrs Jo, carelessly rumpling up her hair as she claspedher hands over her head just as she used to do when a girl.

'I have had mine, and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart's content.If dear Marmee, John, and Beth were here, it would be quite perfect,'added Meg, with a tender quiver in her voice; for Marmee's place wasempty now.

Jo put her hand on her sister's, and both sat silent for a littlewhile, surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad andhappy thoughts.

It certainly did look as if magic had been at work, for quietPlumfield was transformed into a busy little world. The house seemedmore hospitable than ever, refreshed now with new paint, added wings,well-kept lawn and garden, and a prosperous air it had not worn whenriotous boys swarmed everywhere and it was rather difficult for theBhaers to make both ends meet. On the hill, where kites used to beflown, stood the fine college which Mr Laurence's munificent legacyhad built. Busy students were going to and fro along the paths oncetrodden by childish feet, and many young men and women were enjoyingall the advantages that wealth, wisdom, and benevolence could givethem.

Just inside the gates of Plumfield a pretty brown cottage, very likethe Dovecote, nestled among the trees, and on the green slopewestward Laurie's white-pillared mansion glittered in the sunshine;for when the rapid growth of the city shut in the old house, spoiltMeg's nest, and dared to put a soap-factory under Mr Laurence'sindignant nose, our friends emigrated to Plumfield, and the greatchanges began.

These were the pleasant ones; and the loss of the dear old people wassweetened by the blessings they left behind; so all prospered now inthe little community, and Mr Bhaer as president, and Mr March aschaplain of the college, saw their long-cherished dream beautifullyrealized. The sisters divided the care of the young people amongthem, each taking the part that suited her best. Meg was the motherlyfriend of the young women, Jo the confidante and defender of all theyouths, and Amy the lady Bountiful who delicately smoothed the wayfor needy students, and entertained them all so cordially that it wasno wonder they named her lovely home Mount Parnassus, so full was itof music, beauty, and the culture hungry young hearts and fancieslong for.

The original twelve boys had of course scattered far and wide duringthese years, but all that lived still remembered old Plumfield, andcame wandering back from the four quarters of the earth to tell theirvarious experiences, laugh over the pleasures of the past, and facethe duties of the present with fresh courage; for such home-comingskeep hearts tender and hands helpful with the memories of young andhappy days. A few words will tell the history of each, and then wecan go on with the new chapter of their lives.

Franz was with a merchant kinsman in Hamburg, a man of twenty-sixnow, and doing well. Emil was the jolliest tar that ever 'sailed theocean blue'. His uncle sent him on a long voyage to disgust him withthis adventurous life; but he came home so delighted with it that itwas plain this was his profession, and the German kinsman gave him agood chance in his ships; so the lad was happy. Dan was a wandererstill; for after the geological researches in South America he triedsheep-farming in Australia, and was now in California looking upmines. Nat was busy with music at the Conservatory, preparing for ayear or two in Germany to finish him off. Tom was studying medicineand trying to like it. Jack was in business with his father, bent ongetting rich. Dolly was in college with Stuffy and Ned reading law.Poor little Dick was dead, so was Billy; and no one could mourn forthem, since life would never be happy, afflicted as they were in mindand body.

Rob and Teddy were called the 'Lion and the Lamb'; for the latter wasas rampant as the king of beasts, and the former as gentle as anysheep that ever baaed. Mrs Jo called him 'my daughter', and found himthe most dutiful of children, with plenty of manliness underlying thequiet manners and tender nature. But in Ted she seemed to see all thefaults, whims, aspirations, and fun of her own youth in a new shape.With his tawny locks always in wild confusion, his long legs andarms, loud voice, and continual activity, Ted was a prominent figureat Plumfield. He had his moods of gloom, and fell into the Slough ofDespond about once a week, to be hoisted out by patient Rob or hismother, who understood when to let him alone and when to shake himup. He was her pride and joy as well as torment, being a very brightlad for his age, and so full of all sorts of budding talent, that hermaternal mind was much exercised as to what this remarkable boy wouldbecome.

Demi had gone through College with honour, and Mrs Meg had set herheart on his being a minister - picturing in her fond fancy the firstsermon her dignified young parson would preach, as well as the long,useful, and honoured life he was to lead. But John, as she called himnow, firmly declined the divinity school, saying he had had enough ofbooks, and needed to know more of men and the world, and caused thedear woman much disappointment by deciding to try a journalist'scareer. It was a blow; but she knew that young minds cannot bedriven, and that experience is the best teacher; so she let himfollow his own inclinations, still hoping to see him in the pulpit.Aunt Jo raged when she found that there was to be a reporter in thefamily, and called him 'Jenkins' on the spot. She liked his literarytendencies, but had reason to detest official Paul Prys, as we shallsee later. Demi knew his own mind, however, and tranquilly carriedout his plans, unmoved by the tongues of the anxious mammas or thejokes of his mates. Uncle Teddy encouraged him, and painted asplendid career, mentioning Dickens and other celebrities who beganas reporters and ended as famous novelists or newspaper men.

The girls were all flourishing. Daisy, as sweet and domestic as ever,was her mother's comfort and companion. Josie at fourteen was a mostoriginal young person, full of pranks and peculiarities, the latestof which was a passion for the stage, which caused her quiet motherand sister much anxiety as well as amusement. Bess had grown into atall, beautiful girl looking several years older than she was, withthe same graceful ways and dainty tastes which the little Princesshad, and a rich inheritance of both the father's and mother's gifts,fostered by every aid love and money could give. But the pride of thecommunity was naughty Nan; for, like so many restless, wilfulchildren, she was growing into a woman full of the energy and promisethat suddenly blossoms when the ambitious seeker finds the work sheis fitted to do well. Nan began to study medicine at sixteen, and attwenty was getting on bravely; for now, thanks to other intelligentwomen, colleges and hospitals were open to her. She had never waveredin her purpose from the childish days when she shocked Daisy in theold willow by saying: 'I don't want any family to fuss over. I shallhave an office, with bottles and pestle things in it, and drive roundand cure folks.' The future foretold by the little girl the youngwoman was rapidly bringing to pass, and finding so much happiness init that nothing could win her from the chosen work. Several worthyyoung gentlemen had tried to make her change her mind and choose, asDaisy did, 'a nice little house and family to take care of'. But Nanonly laughed, and routed the lovers by proposing to look at thetongue which spoke of adoration, or professionally felt the pulse inthe manly hand offered for her acceptance. So all departed but onepersistent youth, who was such a devoted Traddles it was impossibleto quench him.

This was Tom, who was as faithful to his child sweetheart as she toher 'pestle things', and gave a proof of fidelity that touched hervery much. He studied medicine for her sake alone, having no tastefor it, and a decided fancy for a mercantile life. But Nan was firm,and Tom stoutly kept on, devoutly hoping he might not kill many ofhis fellow-beings when he came to practise. They were excellentfriends, however, and caused much amusement to their comrades, by thevicissitudes of this merry love-chase.

Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs Meg and MrsJo were talking on the piazza. Not together; for Nan was walkingbriskly along the pleasant road alone, thinking over a case thatinterested her, and Tom was pegging on behind to overtake her, as ifby accident, when the suburbs of the city were past - a little way ofhis, which was part of the joke.

Nan was a handsome girl, with a fresh colour, clear eye, quick smile,and the self-poised look young women with a purpose always have. Shewas simply and sensibly dressed, walked easily, and seemed full ofvigour, with her broad shoulders well back, arms swinging freely, andthe elasticity of youth and health in every motion. The few peopleshe met turned to look at her, as if it was a pleasant sight to see ahearty, happy girl walking countryward that lovely day; and thered-faced young man steaming along behind, hat off and every tightcurl wagging with impatience, evidently agreed with them.

Presently a mild 'Hallo!' was borne upon the breeze, and pausing,with an effort to look surprised that was an utter failure, Nan saidaffably:

'Oh, is that you, Tom?'

'Looks like it. Thought you might be walking out today'; and Tom'sjovial face beamed with pleasure.

'You knew it. How is your throat?' asked Nan in her professionaltone, which was always a quencher to undue raptures.

'Throat? Oh, ah! yes, I remember. It is well. The effect of thatprescription was wonderful. I'll never call homoeopathy a humbugagain.'

'You were the humbug this time, and so were the unmedicated pellets Igave you. If sugar or milk can cure diphtheria in this remarkablemanner, I'll make a note of it. O Tom, Tom, will you never be doneplaying tricks?'

'O Nan, Nan, will you never be done getting the better of me?' Andthe merry pair laughed at one another just as they did in the oldtimes, which always came back freshly when they went to Plumfield.

'Well, I knew I shouldn't see you for a week if I didn't scare upsome excuse for a call at the office. You are so desperately busy allthe time I never get a word,' explained Tom.

'You ought to be busy too, and above such nonsense. Really, Tom, ifyou don't give your mind to your lectures, you'll never get on,' saidNan soberly.

'I have quite enough of them as it is,' answered Tom with an air ofdisgust. 'A fellow must lark a bit after dissecting corpuses all day.I can't stand it long at a time, though some people seem to enjoy itimmensely.'

'Then why not leave it, and do what suits you better? I alwaysthought it a foolish thing, you know,' said Nan, with a trace ofanxiety in the keen eyes that searched for signs of illness in a faceas ruddy as a Baldwin apple.

'You know why I chose it, and why I shall stick to it if it kills me.I may not look delicate, but I've a deep-seated heart complaint, andit will carry me off sooner or later; for only one doctor in theworld can cure it, and she won't.'

There was an air of pensive resignation about Tom that was both comicand pathetic; for he was in earnest, and kept on giving hints of thissort, without the least encouragement.

Nan frowned; but she was used to it, and knew how to treat him.

'She is curing it in the best and only way; but a more refractorypatient never lived. Did you go to that ball, as I directed?'

'I did.'

'And devote yourself to pretty Miss West?'

'Danced with her the whole evening.'

'No impression made on that susceptible organ of yours?'

'Not the slightest. I gaped in her face once, forgot to feed her, andgave a sigh of relief when I handed her over to her mamma.'

'Repeat the dose as often as possible, and note the symptoms. Ipredict that you'll "cry for it" by and by.'

'Never! I'm sure it doesn't suit my constitution.'

'We shall see. Obey orders!' sternly.

'Yes, Doctor,' meekly.

Silence reigned for a moment; then, as if the bone of contention wasforgotten in the pleasant recollections called up by familiarobjects, Nan said suddenly:

'What fun we used to have in that wood! Do you remember how youtumbled out of the big nut-tree and nearly broke your collar-bones?'

'Don't I! and how you steeped me in wormwood till I was a finemahogany colour, and Aunt Jo wailed over my spoilt jacket,' laughedTom, a boy again in a minute.

'And how you set the house afire?'

'And you ran off for your band-box?'

'Do you ever say "Thunder-turtles" now?'

'Do people ever call you "Giddy-gaddy"?'

'Daisy does. Dear thing, I haven't seen her for a week.'

'I saw Demi this morning, and he said she was keeping house forMother Bhaer.'

'She always does when Aunt Jo gets into a vortex. Daisy is a modelhousekeeper; and you couldn't do better than make your bow to her, ifyou can't go to work and wait till you are grown up before you beginlovering.'

'Nat would break his fiddle over my head if I suggested such a thing.No, thank you. Another name is engraved upon my heart as indelibly asthe blue anchor on my arm. "Hope" is my motto, and "No surrender",yours; see who will hold out longest.'

'You silly boys think we must pair off as we did when children; butwe shall do nothing of the kind. How well Parnassus looks from here!'said Nan, abruptly changing the conversation again.

'It is a fine house; but I love old Plum best. Wouldn't Aunt Marchstare if she could see the changes here?' answered Tom, as they bothpaused at the great gate to look at the pleasant landscape beforethem.

A sudden whoop startled them, as a long boy with a wild yellow headcame leaping over a hedge like a kangaroo, followed by a slendergirl, who stuck in the hawthorn, and sat there laughing like a witch.A pretty little lass she was, with curly dark hair, bright eyes, anda very expressive face. Her hat was at her back, and her skirts agood deal the worse for the brooks she had crossed, the trees she hadclimbed, and the last leap, which added several fine rents.

'Take me down, Nan, please. Tom, hold Ted; he's got my book, and Iwill have it,' called Josie from her perch, not at all daunted by theappearance of her friends.

Tom promptly collared the thief, while Nan picked Josie from amongthe thorns and set her on her feet without a word of reproof; forhaving been a romp in her own girlhood, she was very indulgent tolike tastes in others. 'What's the matter, dear?' she asked, pinningup the longest rip, while Josie examined the scratches on her hands.'I was studying my part in the willow, and Ted came slyly up andpoked the book out of my hands with his rod. It fell in the brook,and before I could scrabble down he was off. You wretch, give it backthis moment or I'll box your ears,' cried Josie, laughing andscolding in the same breath.

Escaping from Tom, Ted struck a sentimental attitude, and with tenderglances at the wet, torn young person before him, delivered ClaudeMelnotte's famous speech in a lackadaisical way that was irresistiblyfunny, ending with 'Dost like the picture, love?' as he made anobject of himself by tying his long legs in a knot and distorting hisface horribly.

The sound of applause from the piazza put a stop to these antics, andthe young folks went up the avenue together very much in the oldstyle when Tom drove four in hand and Nan was the best horse in theteam. Rosy, breathless, and merry, they greeted the ladies and satdown on the steps to rest, Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter's ragswhile Mrs Jo smoothed the Lion's mane, and rescued the book. Daisyappeared in a moment to greet her friend, and all began to talk.

'Muffins for tea; better stay and eat 'em; Daisy's never fail,' saidTed hospitably.

'He's a judge; he ate nine last time. That's why he's so fat,' addedJosie, with a withering glance at her cousin, who was as thin as alath.

'I must go and see Lucy Dove. She has a whitlow, and it's time tolance it. I'll tea at college,' answered Nan, feeling in her pocketto be sure she had not forgotten her case of instruments.

'Thanks, I'm going there also. Tom Merryweather has granulated lids,and I promised to touch them up for him. Save a doctor's fee and begood practice for me. I'm clumsy with my thumbs,' said Tom, bound tobe near his idol while he could.

'Hush! Daisy doesn't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work.Muffins suit us better'; and Ted grinned sweetly, with a view tofuture favours in the eating line.

'Any news of the Commodore?' asked Tom.

'He is on his way home, and Dan hopes to come soon. I long to see myboys together, and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving,if not before,' answered Mrs Jo, beaming at the thought.

'They'll come, every man of them, if they can. Even Jack will risklosing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners,'laughed Tom.

'There's the turkey fattening for the feast. I never chase him now,but feed him well; and he's "swellin' wisibly", bless hisdrumsticks!' said Ted, pointing out the doomed fowl proudly paradingin a neighbouring field.

'If Nat goes the last of the month we shall want a farewell frolicfor him. I suppose the dear old Chirper will come home a second OleBull,' said Nan to her friend.

A pretty colour came into Daisy's cheek, and the folds of muslin onher breast rose and fell with a quick breath; but she answeredplacidly: 'Uncle Laurie says he has real talent, and after thetraining he will get abroad he can command a good living here, thoughhe may never be famous.'

'Young people seldom turn out as one predicts, so it is of little useto expect anything,' said Mrs Meg with a sigh. 'If our children aregood and useful men and women, we should be satisfied; yet it's verynatural to wish them to be brilliant and successful.'

'They are like my chickens, mighty uncertain. Now, that fine-lookingcockerel of mine is the stupidest one of the lot, and the ugly,long-legged chap is the king of the yard, he's so smart; crows loudenough to wake the Seven Sleepers; but the handsome one croaks, andis no end of a coward. I get snubbed; but you wait till I grow up,and then see'; and Ted looked so like his own long-legged pet thateveryone laughed at his modest prediction.

'I want to see Dan settled somewhere. "A rolling stone gathers nomoss", and at twenty-five he is still roaming about the world withouta tie to hold him, except this'; and Mrs Meg nodded towards hersister.

'Dan will find his place at last, and experience is his best teacher.He is rough still, but each time he comes home I see a change for thebetter, and never lose my faith in him. He may never do anythinggreat, or get rich; but if the wild boy makes an honest man, I'msatisfied,' said Mrs Jo, who always defended the black sheep of herflock.

'That's right, mother, stand by Dan! He's worth a dozen Jacks andNeds bragging about money and trying to be swells. You see if hedoesn't do something to be proud of and take the wind out of theirsails,' added Ted, whose love for his 'Danny' was now strengthened bya boy's admiration for the bold, adventurous man.

'Hope so, I'm sure. He's just the fellow to do rash things and cometo glory - climbing the Matterhorn, taking a "header" into Niagara, orfinding a big nugget. That's his way of sowing wild oats, and perhapsit's better than ours,' said Tom thoughtfully; for he had gained agood deal of experience in that sort of agriculture since he became amedical student.

'Much better!' said Mrs Jo emphatically. 'I'd rather send my boys offto see the world in that way than leave them alone in a city full oftemptations, with nothing to do but waste time, money, and health, asso many are left. Dan has to work his way, and that teaches himcourage, patience, and self-reliance. I don't worry about him as muchas I do about George and Dolly at college, no more fit than twobabies to take care of themselves.'

'How about John? He's knocking round town as a newspaper man,reporting all sorts of things, from sermons to prize-fights,' askedTom, who thought that sort of life would be much more to his owntaste than medical lectures and hospital wards.

'Demi has three safeguards - good principles, refined tastes, and awise mother. He won't come to harm, and these experiences will beuseful to him when he begins to write, as I'm sure he will in time,'began Mrs Jo in her prophetic tone; for she was anxious to have someof her geese turn out swans.

'Speak of Jenkins, and you'll hear the rustling of his paper,' criedTom, as a fresh-faced, brown-eyed young man came up the avenue,waving a newspaper over his head.

'Here's your Evening Tattler! Latest Edition! Awful murder! Bankclerk absconded! Powder-mill explosion, and great strike of the LatinSchool boys!' roared Ted, going to meet his cousin with the gracefulgait of a young giraffe.

'The Commodore is in, and will cut his cable and run before the windas soon as he can get off,' called Demi, with 'a nice derangement ofnautical epitaphs', as he came up smiling over his good news.

Everyone talked together for a moment, and the paper passed from handto hand that each eye might rest on the pleasant fact that theBrenda, from Hamburg, was safe in port.

'He'll come lurching out by tomorrow with his usual collection ofmarine monsters and lively yarns. I saw him, jolly and tarry andbrown as a coffee-berry. Had a good run, and hopes to be second mate,as the other chap is laid up with a broken leg,' added Demi.

'Wish I had the setting of it,' said Nan to herself, with aprofessional twist of her hand.

'How's Franz?' asked Mrs Jo.

'He's going to be married! There's news for you. The first of theflock, Aunty, so say good-bye to him. Her name is Ludmilla HeldegardBlumenthal; good family, well-off, pretty, and of course an angel.The dear old boy wants Uncle's consent, and then he will settle downto be a happy and an honest burgher. Long life to him!'

'I'm glad to hear it. I do so like to settle my boys with a good wifeand a nice little home. Now, if all is right, I shall feel as ifFranz was off my mind,' said Mrs Jo, folding her hands contentedly;for she often felt like a distracted hen with a large brood of mixedchickens and ducks upon her hands.

'So do I,' sighed Tom, with a sly glance at Nan. 'That's what afellow needs to keep him steady; and it's the duty of nice girls tomarry as soon as possible, isn't it, Demi?'

'If there are enough nice fellows to go round. The female populationexceeds the male, you know, especially in New England; which accountsfor the high state of culture we are in, perhaps,' answered John, whowas leaning over his mother's chair, telling his day's experiences ina whisper.

'It is a merciful provision, my dears; for it takes three or fourwomen to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You arecostly creatures, boys; and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives,and daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perishoff the face of the earth,' said Mrs Jo solemnly, as she took up abasket filled with dilapidated hose; for the good Professor was stillhard on his socks, and his sons resembled him in that respect.

'Such being the case, there is plenty for the "superfluous women" todo, in taking care of these helpless men and their families. I seethat more clearly every day, and am very glad and grateful that myprofession will make me a useful, happy, and independent spinster.'

Nan's emphasis on the last word caused Tom to groan, and the rest tolaugh.

'I take great pride and solid satisfaction in you, Nan, and hope tosee you very successful; for we do need just such helpful women inthe world. I sometimes feel as if I've missed my vocation and oughtto have remained single; but my duty seemed to point this way, and Idon't regret it,' said Mrs Jo, folding a large and very ragged bluesock to her bosom.

'Neither do I. What should I ever have done without my dearest Mum?'added Ted, with a filial hug which caused both to disappear behindthe newspaper in which he had been mercifully absorbed for a fewminutes.

'My darling boy, if you would wash your hands semi-occasionally, fondcaresses would be less disastrous to my collar. Never mind, myprecious touslehead, better grass stains and dirt than no cuddlingsat all'; and Mrs Jo emerged from that brief eclipse looking muchrefreshed, though her back hair was caught in Ted's buttons and hercollar under one ear.

Here Josie, who had been studying her part at the other end of thepiazza, suddenly burst forth with a smothered shriek, and gaveJuliet's speech in the tomb so effectively that the boys applauded,Daisy shivered, and Nan murmured: 'Too much cerebral excitement forone of her age.'

'I'm afraid you'll have to make up your mind to it, Meg. That childis a born actress. We never did anything so well, not even theWitch's Curse,' said Mrs Jo, casting a bouquet of many-coloured socksat the feet of her flushed and panting niece, when she fellgracefully upon the door-mat.

'It is a sort of judgement upon me for my passion for the stage whena girl. Now I know how dear Marmee felt when I begged to be anactress. I never can consent, and yet I may be obliged to give up mywishes, hopes, and plans again.'

There was an accent of reproach in his mother's voice, which madeDemi pick up his sister with a gentle shake, and the stern command to'drop that nonsense in public'.

'Drop me, Minion, or I'll give you the Maniac Bride, with my bestHa-ha!' cried Josie, glaring at him like an offended kitten. Beingset on her feet, she made a splendid courtesy, and dramaticallyproclaiming, 'Mrs Woffington's carriage waits,' swept down the stepsand round the corner, trailing Daisy's scarlet shawl majesticallybehind her.

'Isn't she great fun? I couldn't stop in this dull place if I hadn'tthat child to make it lively for me. If ever she turns prim, I'm off;so mind how you nip her in the bud,' said Teddy, frowning at Demi,who was now writing out shorthand notes on the steps.

'You two are a team, and it takes a strong hand to drive you, but Irather like it. Josie ought to have been my child, and Rob yours,Meg. Then your house would have been all peace and mine all Bedlam.Now I must go and tell Laurie the news. Come with me, Meg, a littlestroll will do us good'; and sticking Ted's straw hat on her head,Mrs Jo walked off with her sister, leaving Daisy to attend to themuffins, Ted to appease Josie, and Tom and Nan to give theirrespective patients a very bad quarter of an hour.