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?""Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of the whole family. Mercy on ushe'll be in if they don't hold on to him!"The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there, for by the time Jamie had been fished out of ahogshead, the steamer hove in sight and everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around toenter the dock, a boyish voice shouted, "There she is! I see her and Uncle and Phebe! Hooray forCousin Rose!" And three small cheers were given with a will by Jamie as he stood on a post wavinghis arms like a windmill while his brother held onto the tail of his jacket. Yes, there they were Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebe smiling and nodding onone side and Rose kissing both hands delightedly on the other as she recognized familiar faces andheard familiar voices welcoming her hom