Louisa May Alcott

Rose in Bloom Louisa May Alcott

Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day awaiting the arrival of anocean steamer with an impatience which found a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, whopervaded the premises like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groupsassembled there."They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroad several years with heruncle, the doctor," whispered one lady to another as the handsomest of the young men touched hishat to her as he passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition downamong the piles."Which is that?" asked the stranger."Prince Charlie, as he's called a fine fellow, the most promising of the seven, but a little fast, people say," answered the first speaker with a shake of the head."Are the others his brothers?""No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has just gone into businesswith the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an honor to his family. The other, with the eyeglassesand no gloves, is Mac, the odd one, just out of college.""And the boy?