Louisa May Alcott

Behind a Mask or a Woman's Power Louisa May Alcott

..."To London?" exclaimed his cousin, surprised."Yes, I must bestir myself and get Ned his commission, or it will be all over with him.""How do you mean?""He is falling in love as fast as it is possible for a boy to do it. That girl has bewitched him, and he will make a fool of himself very soon, unless I put a stop to it.""I was afraid she would attempt a flirtation. These persons always do, they are such a mischief-making race.""Ah, but there you are wrong, as far as little Muir is concerned. She does not flirt, and Ned has too much sense and spirit to be caught by a silly coquette. She treats him like an elder sister, and mingles the most attractive friendliness with a quiet dignity that captivates the boy. I've been watching them, and there he is, devouring her with his eyes, while she reads a fascinating novel in the most fascinating style. Bella and Mamma are absorbed in the tale, and see nothing; but Ned makes himself the hero, Miss Muir the heroine, and lives the love scene with all the ardor of a man whose heart has ...