小妇人（上）：四姐妹的阁楼与冬日壁炉

The four sisters sat in the cozy parlor of the March home in New England, as snow drifted against the windowpanes. Their father was away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War, and the family had little money. Yet the four girls were rich in love, imagination, and lively character.

Sixteen-year-old Meg was the eldest, pretty and graceful, with a longing for refined society. Fifteen-year-old Jo was tall, thin, and fiercely independent, with a passion for writing books and a tomboyish spirit. Thirteen-year-old Beth was shy, gentle, and musical, finding her greatest joy in playing the old piano. Twelve-year-old Amy was the artist of the family, proud of her golden curls and striving for proper manners.

When their beloved mother, Marmee, returned home from her charity work, the room seemed to glow with warmth. She brought a letter from Father at the war front. 'Tell my dear girls,' wrote Father, 'that I think of them daily, and know they will be loving daughters, conquering themselves beautifully, so that when I come back, I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.'

Tears glistened in the girls' eyes. Each sister resolved to conquer her own personal faults: Meg her vanity, Jo her quick temper, Beth her timidness, and Amy her selfishness. Instead of spending their modest savings on themselves, they secretly bought warm gifts for their mother—slippers, handkerchiefs, gloves, and cologne.

On Christmas morning, the girls awoke to find colorful leather-bound books under their pillows. Downstairs, a delicious Christmas breakfast was waiting—creamy muffins, fresh butter, and fragrant tea. But Marmee entered with a solemn request: a poor German family down the road had a newborn baby, six hungry children, and no firewood or food.

Without a moment's hesitation, the four sisters carried their entire Christmas breakfast through the snow to the shivering family, lighting their fire and feeding the hungry children with radiant smiles. They returned home hungry in body, but their hearts were filled with the purest holiday joy.

That evening, the girls performed a dramatic play written by Jo in the attic. Dressed as dashing knights, fierce villains, and distressed maidens, their spirited performance delighted the neighborhood children who came to watch.

To their astonishment, a grand evening feast arrived at their doorstep—a gift from their wealthy neighbor, old Mr. Laurence, who had heard of their morning generosity to the poor. Accompanying the feast was Mr. Laurence's grandson, Theodore Laurence, whom everyone called Laurie.

Laurie was a handsome, high-spirited boy who lived in the magnificent stone mansion next door with his strict grandfather. Feeling lonely in the huge house, Laurie was enchanted by the lively warmth of the March family.

At a New Year's Eve dance, Jo hid behind a velvet curtain to conceal a scorched patch on her dress and bumped into Laurie, who was escaping the crowd. The two quickly bonded over shared jokes, books, and spirited conversation. When Meg sprained her ankle dancing in high-heeled shoes, Laurie gallantly drove the sisters home in his grand carriage, cementing a lifelong friendship.

Soon, the Laurence mansion and the March cottage became like a single home. Jo bounded through Laurie's vast library, discussing literature and swordplay. Gentle Beth was invited by old Mr. Laurence to play his grand piano whenever she wished, softening the stern old gentleman's heart with her sweet hymns.

The girls formed the secret 'Pickwick Club' in the attic, publishing a weekly family newspaper of poems, stories, and humorous news, admitting Laurie as their first honorary member with great ceremony.

Spring brought new adventures and trials. Amy, eager to impress her wealthy schoolmates, was caught trading pickled limes in class and received a humiliating punishment from her teacher. Mrs. March comforted her daughter while gently reminding her that true dignity comes from character, not social status.

A deeper conflict arose when Jo refused to take Amy to the theater with Laurie. In a fit of vengeful anger, Amy burned Jo's cherished manuscript—a fairy tale book Jo had spent years writing! Jo was furious, declaring she would never forgive her sister.

The following afternoon, Jo and Laurie went ice skating on the frozen river. Amy followed at a distance, wanting to apologize. Jo saw that the ice in the middle was thin, but in her lingering anger, she did not warn Amy.

Suddenly, a loud crack echoed across the river, and Amy fell through the ice into the freezing black water! 'Laurie! Help!' screamed Jo, her heart stopping with horror.

Working together with courage and speed, Laurie and Jo pushed a long wooden fence rail across the ice and pulled little Amy from the frigid depths. Wrapping her in warm blankets, they carried her home to Marmee's loving care.

Sitting beside Amy's warm bed, Jo wept bitter tears of remorse. 'It was my dreadful temper, Marmee!' she sobbed. 'I could have caused my sister's death!' Mrs. March held Jo close and shared her own lifelong struggle with anger, teaching Jo that love, patience, and self-control are the greatest treasures a woman can cultivate. When Amy opened her eyes, the two sisters embraced with deep, everlasting forgiveness, united closer than ever before.