Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1907-08-03
the REAL LITTLE WOMEN. -



Douhttess many Of eur girl readers
who have also read and enjoyed Lit
tie Women" viii be Interested In the
following letter. writton thirty years
ago to two young girls Of that day
who had sent a letter to Miss AlcCsl
herself, asking II the characters In
Little Women" were real persons
and II the story were true. In due
dine they received the following letter
Ia reply.-Editor
Concord, Jan. 20, 1871.
Dear Julia and Ahce-From your
cote to Miss AIcott infer that you are
not aware that she Is Mt present In
Italy. having gone abroad in April
last, with the intention OF remaining
year or mere. trying to get we'll. But
knowing how pleased she would be
wttk your friendly note, think per-
haps n word from sister Meg win be
better than leaving II unanswered and
far bettar than that any little wonl-
an" should feel that "Js" was unkind
or ungratAtul.
OF course yeu know that neither
Meg" nsr ''Js" are young and pretty
girls new, but sober cid women, nearfJ
forty years OF age, full Of cares and
troubles like other people; and that al
thsuGh nearly every event in the book
Is true, Of course things did net hap
pen exactly as they are there set down
Yeu ask II Amy" La not May Aloott
and l can truly say she IL her very
self, and she is the emily one of this
Little Women" who would, think,
realize your ideal drawn from the
story. She Is, indeed, Lady Amy"
and q fair and noble woman, full of
graces and accomplishments, and, what
IL better far, a pure and generous
heart go" Beth" and Amy" are all
drawn from life, and arc entirely
truthful pictures OF the three dear sis.
ters whe played and worked, loved
and screwed together 90 many years
ago. Dear Better Louie, as we
called her-died, after long suffering
twelve years since. She was a sweet
and gentle creature, and her death was
so great a sorrow to poor 10" that she
has never been quite happy since he,
conscience" was laid away under the
pines Of Sleepy Hollow. Meg was
never the pretty vain little maiden,
who coQuetted and made herself SO
charming. But 20" always admired
poor, plain Meg" ana when she came
to put her into the story she beaut-
fed her to suit the occasion, saying,
Dear nae, girls, we must have one
beauty in the hoAkP' So Meg" with
her big mouth and herneiy nese, shines
forth quite darling. and ne doubt all
the little women" who read Of her
admire her just az loving old 40"
does, and think her quite splendid.
But, fer all that, she 10 nothing but
hOmely, busy. and, hope, useful
Annie" who writes this letter to you.
Az for dear old 10" herself, she was
Just the romping, naughty, topsy-turvy
tornboy that all you little girls have
learned to love; and even now. when
care and sickness have made her early
old, she is at heart the same loving,
generous girl. In Little Women" she
has given a very truthful story Of her
haps and miAhaps, her literary struR-
giles and successes, and she is now en-
toying her weilearned honors and re.
gaining her health in travel with her
sister Amy. They are spending the
winter in Rome, In q delightful circle
OF artists, receiving attentions and
hcnors that make proud the heart of
the sister left behind. Amy" is in the
studis of a well-knswn painter, work
ing hard to perfect herself in her
chosen art, while "Jo'' is resting and
gaining strength and courage for her
promised Little Men," Of wAach
Imagine "Meg's" boys, Freddie and
Johnnie, are to be the heroes.
You inquire about Laurie" The
character was drawn partly from
imagination. but more perhaps from
a very nice boy Louisa once knew,
whose good looks and "wheedlesome"
ways trst suggested to her the idea
Of putting him into book. She has
therefore put upon him the loye-mak.
Ing and behavior of various Adorers of
her youthful days.
Dear little friends, If have told you
all you wish to know, and shown that
you need have no fear Of being
thought Intrusive" perhaps some
time you will honor Meg" herself
with a letter.
Be assured abe will be glad to hear
from any OF the little women" Sin
cereiy yours,