Little Women Page #8

Herr Laurie, your friend.

- Something has happened to him?

- Yes.

No, something has happened to me.

He came to New York

and he didn't even come to see me.

What a fool he must be.

No, it's my fault. But I thought that...

What does it matter what I thought?

I've made a mess of it

as I do of everything.

But I have tried and when I think

of Aunt March taking Amy to Europe...

...when she always promised

she'd take me...

...not that I begrudge Amy the trip, but...

I suppose that's just what I am doing.

That trip to Europe

that you so looked forward to.

That is too bad.

That is a cruel disappointment, I know.

On top of it, that stupid professor.

He comes blundering

and makes things worse.

No. If I can't stand the truth,

I'm not worth anything.

I didn't think those stories

were so very good.

But you see...

... The Duke's Daughter

paid the butcher's bill...

... and the Curse of the Coventrys

was the blessing of the Marches...

...because it sent Marmee and Beth

to the seashore.

Yes, that is what I have thought.

And then I have said to myself:

"I maybe have no right to speak."

But then again, I said to myself:

"I maybe have no right to be silent."

Miss March, you have talent.

- Do you really think so?

- Otherwise I could not say.

And you know that.

And I say to you,

"Sweep mud on the street first...

"...before you are false to that talent."

Say to yourself:

"I will never write one single line

which I have not heard in my own heart."

Say to yourself, "While I am young...

"...I will write these simple,

beautiful things that I understand now.

"Maybe later, when I am a little older

and I have felt life more...

"...then I will write

about these poor wretches...

"...but I will make them live and breathe

like my Shakespeare did."

- Will you do that, my little friend?

- Yes, I'll try.

But I don't think I'll ever be a Shakespeare,

do you?

But you can be a Josephine March.

And I assure you that is plenty.

And now,

don't be disappointed about that trip.

- Here.

- Peppermint, good.

Those of us who have been

all over the Old World...

...can find many things in the New...

...that are beautiful and young.

Miss March,

it would give me great pleasure...

...if I could show you some

of these things while you are here.

If you would care to have so.

Thank you.

Then you are not angry

with the blundering professor...

...who takes the wrong times

for his lectures?

How could I be?

Auf Wiedersehen, my little friend.

Did you really like it?

- I never had such a...

- Happy, my little friend.

She was divine.

I don't want to be a writer anymore.

I want to be a wonderful singer

and thrill thousands of people...

...so that they cheer

and throw flowers at me like that.

Bravo. Bravo.

But I wouldn't make up my mind so soon...

...because at the art museum

you wanted to be a sculptress...

...at the circus you thought

the bareback rider...

...was the most beautiful thing

in the world.

I know, but to sing like that!

I forgot.

Something inside me tonight

makes me want to shout.

What would you shout?

I'd say, "Look at me, world.

I'm Jo March and I'm so happy."

My little friend, you are happy.

You haven't missed much lately

your home and your old friends?

But you're responsible for that.

Maybe they haven't missed me

so much either.

They're so busy with Meg

and those blessed babies.

Yes, how are those remarkable twins?

Wonderful. Meg's so proud of them.

Have you heard from Europe?

Nearly every boat

brings a letter from Amy.

And your friend...

... Herr Laurie, have you heard from him?

Only through Amy. They met at Vichy

and had a wonderful time together.

Miss March, I am bold to ask a favor.

Would you give me the address

of your father?

I wish to write him and ask him something.

Why, yes.

He'd be so happy to hear from you.

They almost know you.

I've told them all about you.

And they always ask after you

in their letters.

- Really?

- Yes, now I'll show you.

This is so nice.

Not I hope...

It's Beth. She's...

I must go at once.

My friend, can I do something for you?

I'm sure there is something I can do.

No, there's nothing. Thank you.

Oh, Jo...

...to think you're home.

If Amy were here, we'd all be together.

She'll be home in the spring, darling.

And I'm going to have you all well

and rosy by then.

Poor Jo, you mustn't be afraid.

Doesn't that sound funny...

...me saying that to you

when you've always said it to me?

You've always reminded me...

...of a seagull, strong and wild...

...and fond of the wind and the storm...

...dreaming of flying far out to sea.

And Mother always said

that I was like a little cricket...

...chirping contentedly on the hearth...

...never able to bear the thought

of leaving home.

But now...

...it's different.

I can't express it very well.

I shouldn't try to, to anyone but you...

...because I can't speak out

to anyone but my Jo.

I'm not afraid anymore.

I'm learning that I don't lose you,

that you'll be more to me than ever...

...and nothing can part us,

though it seems to.

Oh, Jo.

I think I'll be homesick for you

even in heaven.

The little loves.

- I'm afraid they're tiring you.

- Oh, no.

It's time for my little regiment

to take its nap.

- They're sweet.

- Yes.

I think I can sleep now.

Look, Jo, my birds.

They got back in time.

- Bethie!

- Mother!

My daughter!

Bethie!

Oh, Marmee.

We mustn't cry.

We must be glad she's well at last.

No, Marmee, don't cry.

If only there were another boat

leaving sooner.

Now, my dear, you've been so brave,

you must be patient.

We're going back on the very first boat.

I still think you should obey

your mother and stay.

I know. But I'm sick for home, Aunt March.

I hate all this now.

If it weren't for this, I'd have been there,

at least to say goodbye.

Laurie, I knew you'd come.

My child!

Mr. Laurence!

Amy, we were in Germany,

and Marmee's letter had to be forwarded...

...but I came the moment I got it

because...

Well, you must comfort me now, too.

I'm so thankful you're here.

I haven't known what to do with the child.

Perhaps you can persuade her to stay.

- The elegant young matron.

- Hello, Jo, dear.

I've Sally Moffat's carriage.

I'm making some calls.

You want me to mind the demons

while you're gone?

No, I want you to go with me.

Jo, dear. It's a lovely day

and I want to talk to you.

Talk to me now.

You know I can't bear calls.

- How's your story coming?

- Sent it off yesterday.

- Without us reading it?

- You can read it when they send it back.

- I had a letter from Amy.

- So did Marmee.

They're in Valrosa now

and she says it's paradise.

Jo, I'd like to ask you something.

I've been wondering...

...how would you feel...

...if you should hear that your Laurie

was learning to care for somebody else?

Meg, who?

Amy?

I don't know. I can't be sure.

I'm only reading between the lines.

Then you wouldn't mind?

No, Meg. How could I?

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