Louisa May Alcott

Little Men Louisa May Alcott

"Please, sir, is this Plumfield?" asked a ragged boy of the man who opened the great gate at whichthe omnibus left him."Yes. Who sent you?""Mr. Laurence. I have got a letter for the lady.""All right; go up to the house, and give it to her; she'll see to you, little chap."The man spoke pleasantly, and the boy went on, feeling much cheered by the words. Through thesoft spring rain that fell on sprouting grass and budding trees, Nat saw a large square house beforehim, a hospitable-looking house, with an old-fashioned porch, wide steps, and lights shining in manywindows. Neither curtains nor shutters hid the cheerful glimmer; and, pausing a moment before herang, Nat saw many little shadows dancing on the walls, heard the pleasant hum of young voices, and felt that it was hardly possible that the light and warmth and comfort within could be for ahomeless "little chap" like him."I hope the lady will see to me," he thought, and gave a timid rap with the great bronze knocker, which was a jovial griffin's hea