제CHAPTER NINE장MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR메그, 허영의 시장에 가다

"I do think it was the most fortunate thing in the world that those children should have the measles just now," said Meg, one April day, as she stood packing the 'go abroady' trunk in her room, surrounded by her sisters.

“그 집 아이들이 하필 지금 홍역에 걸린 건 정말 세상에서 가장 운 좋은 일인 것 같아.” 4월의 어느 날, 자기 방에서 자매들에게 둘러싸여 ‘외출용’ 트렁크를 싸던 메그가 말했다.

"And so nice of Annie Moffat not to forget her promise. A whole fortnight of fun will be regularly splendid," replied Jo, looking like a windmill as she folded skirts with her long arms.

“그리고 애니 모펏이 약속을 잊지 않은 것도 정말 고마운 일이야. 꼬박 2주 동안 신나게 논다니 그야말로 굉장하겠다.” 긴 팔로 치마를 개느라 풍차처럼 보이는 조가 대답했다.

"And such lovely weather, I'm so glad of that," added Beth, tidily sorting neck and hair ribbons in her best box, lent for the great occasion.

“날씨도 이렇게 좋아서 정말 기뻐.” 베스가 덧붙였다. 베스는 이 중요한 날을 위해 빌려준 자기의 가장 좋은 상자에 목에 매는 리본과 머리 리본을 가지런히 정리하고 있었다.

"I wish I was going to have a fine time and wear all these nice things," said Amy with her mouth full of pins, as she artistically replenished her sister's cushion.

“나도 신나게 놀면서 이 예쁜 것들을 다 입어 봤으면 좋겠다.” 입에 핀을 잔뜩 문 채 언니의 바늘꽂이를 솜씨 좋게 채우던 에이미가 말했다.

"I wish you were all going, but as you can't, I shall keep my adventures to tell you when I come back. I'm sure it's the least I can do when you have been so kind, lending me things and helping me get ready," said Meg, glancing round the room at the very simple outfit, which seemed nearly perfect in their eyes.

“너희도 다 같이 가면 좋겠지만, 그럴 수 없으니까 내가 겪은 모험을 잘 간직했다가 돌아와서 들려줄게. 너희가 물건도 빌려주고 준비도 도와주면서 이렇게 잘해 줬는데, 그 정도는 꼭 해야지.” 메그가 아주 소박한 옷가지들을 둘러보며 말했다. 그 옷들은 자매들의 눈에는 거의 완벽해 보였다.

"What did Mother give you out of the treasure box?" asked Amy, who had not been present at the opening of a certain cedar chest in which Mrs. March kept a few relics of past splendor, as gifts for her girls when the proper time came.

“엄마가 보물 상자에서 뭘 주셨어?” 에이미가 물었다. 에이미는 어떤 삼나무 궤짝을 열 때 그 자리에 없었다. 마치 부인은 그 궤짝에 지난날 화려했던 시절의 물건 몇 가지를 간직해 두었다가, 알맞은 때가 오면 딸들에게 선물로 주었다.

"A pair of silk stockings, that pretty carved fan, and a lovely blue sash. I wanted the violet silk, but there isn't time to make it over, so I must be contented with my old tarlaton."

“실크 스타킹 한 켤레랑 조각 장식이 예쁜 부채, 그리고 멋진 파란 장식 띠. 나는 보라색 실크를 갖고 싶었지만 그걸 고쳐 만들 시간이 없어서, 낡은 탈라탄 드레스로 만족해야 해.”

"It will look nice over my new muslin skirt, and the sash will set it off beautifully. I wish I hadn't smashed my coral bracelet, for you might have had it," said Jo, who loved to give and lend, but whose possessions were usually too dilapidated to be of much use.

“내 새 모슬린 치마 위에 입으면 예쁠 거야. 장식 띠를 매면 아주 돋보일 테고. 내 산호 팔찌를 망가뜨리지만 않았어도 언니가 할 수 있었을 텐데.” 조가 말했다. 조는 주고 빌려주기를 좋아했지만, 조의 물건은 대개 너무 낡아서 별로 쓸모가 없었다.

"There is a lovely old-fashioned pearl set in the treasure chest, but Mother said real flowers were the prettiest ornament for a young girl, and Laurie promised to send me all I want," replied Meg. "Now, let me see, there's my new gray walking suit, just curl up the feather in my hat, Beth, then my poplin for Sunday and the small party, it looks heavy for spring, doesn't it? The violet silk would be so nice. Oh, dear!"

“보물 상자에 예스러운 진주 장신구 세트가 근사하게 있긴 한데, 엄마가 어린 소녀에게는 진짜 꽃이 가장 예쁜 장식이라고 하셨어. 그리고 로리가 내가 원하는 만큼 꽃을 다 보내 주겠다고 약속했어.” 메그가 대답했다. “자, 어디 보자. 새 회색 산책복이 있고, 베스, 내 모자에 달린 깃털 좀 말아 줘. 그다음엔 일요일하고 작은 파티 때 입을 포플린 드레스. 봄에 입기엔 좀 무거워 보이지, 그렇지? 보라색 실크가 있으면 정말 좋을 텐데. 아, 속상해!”

"Never mind, you've got the tarlaton for the big party, and you always look like an angel in white," said Amy, brooding over the little store of finery in which her soul delighted.

“괜찮아. 큰 파티 때는 탈라탄 드레스가 있잖아. 언니는 하얀 옷을 입으면 언제나 천사 같아.” 에이미가 말했다. 에이미는 자기 마음을 즐겁게 하는 몇 안 되는 고운 옷가지를 골똘히 바라보고 있었다.

"It isn't low-necked, and it doesn't sweep enough, but it will have to do. My blue housedress looks so well, turned and freshly trimmed, that I feel as if I'd got a new one. My silk sacque isn't a bit the fashion, and my bonnet doesn't look like Sallie's. I didn't like to say anything, but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella. I told Mother black with a white handle, but she forgot and bought a green one with a yellowish handle. It's strong and neat, so I ought not to complain, but I know I shall feel ashamed of it beside Annie's silk one with a gold top," sighed Meg, surveying the little umbrella with great disfavor.

“목둘레가 깊게 파이지도 않았고 치맛자락도 충분히 길게 끌리지 않지만, 그걸로 버텨야지. 파란 집안복은 뒤집어서 새로 장식을 달았더니 정말 보기 좋아서 새 옷이 생긴 기분이야. 내 실크 겉옷은 유행이랑은 거리가 멀고, 내 보닛은 샐리 것처럼 보이지 않아. 말하고 싶지 않았는데, 우산 때문에 몹시 실망했어. 엄마한테 검은색에 하얀 손잡이로 사 달라고 했는데, 엄마가 잊어버리시고 누르스름한 손잡이가 달린 초록색 우산을 사 오셨어. 튼튼하고 깔끔하니까 불평하면 안 되지만, 금 장식이 달린 애니의 실크 우산 옆에 있으면 분명히 창피할 거야.” 메그가 그 작은 우산을 몹시 못마땅한 듯 바라보며 한숨을 쉬었다.

"Change it," advised Jo.

“바꿔.” 조가 충고했다.

"I won't be so silly, or hurt Marmee's feelings, when she took so much pains to get my things. It's a nonsensical notion of mine, and I'm not going to give up to it. My silk stockings and two pairs of new gloves are my comfort. You are a dear to lend me yours, Jo. I feel so rich and sort of elegant, with two new pairs, and the old ones cleaned up for common." And Meg took a refreshing peep at her glove box.

“그렇게 바보같이 굴지 않을 거야. 내 물건을 마련하느라 그렇게 애쓰신 마미의 마음을 다치게 하지도 않을 거고. 그건 내 쓸데없는 생각이니까 거기에 지지 않을 거야. 실크 스타킹이랑 새 장갑 두 켤레가 내 위안이야. 조, 네 장갑을 빌려주다니 정말 고마워. 새 장갑이 두 켤레나 있고 낡은 건 깨끗이 빨아서 평소에 끼면 되니까, 아주 부자가 되고 어쩐지 우아해진 기분이야.” 그러면서 메그는 장갑 상자를 기분 좋게 슬쩍 들여다보았다.

"Annie Moffat has blue and pink bows on her nightcaps. Would you put some on mine?" she asked, as Beth brought up a pile of snowy muslins, fresh from Hannah's hands.

“애니 모펏은 잠잘 때 쓰는 모자에 파랗고 분홍색인 리본을 달았어. 내 것에도 좀 달아 줄래?” 베스가 해나의 손을 막 거친 눈처럼 하얀 모슬린 옷 더미를 가지고 올라오자 메그가 물었다.

"No, I wouldn't, for the smart caps won't match the plain gowns without any trimming on them. Poor folks shouldn't rig," said Jo decidedly.

“아니, 안 달 거야. 아무 장식도 없는 수수한 잠옷에 멋 부린 모자는 어울리지 않아. 가난한 사람은 차려입고 뽐내면 안 돼.” 조가 딱 잘라 말했다.

"I wonder if I shall ever be happy enough to have real lace on my clothes and bows on my caps?" said Meg impatiently.

“내 옷에 진짜 레이스를 달고 모자에 리본을 달 만큼 행복해지는 날이 언젠가 올까?” 메그가 조바심을 내며 말했다.

"You said the other day that you'd be perfectly happy if you could only go to Annie Moffat's," observed Beth in her quiet way.

“언니가 며칠 전에 애니 모펏네 집에 갈 수만 있으면 더없이 행복하겠다고 했잖아.” 베스가 조용한 말투로 말했다.

"So I did! Well, I am happy, and I won't fret, but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants, doesn't it? There now, the trays are ready, and everything in but my ball dress, which I shall leave for Mother to pack," said Meg, cheering up, as she glanced from the half-filled trunk to the many times pressed and mended white tarlaton, which she called her 'ball dress' with an important air.

“그랬지! 그래, 나는 행복해. 투덜대지 않을게. 그런데 사람은 가지면 가질수록 더 갖고 싶어지는 것 같지 않니? 자, 이제 칸이 다 준비됐고, 무도회 드레스만 빼고 다 넣었어. 그건 엄마가 싸 주시게 남겨 둘 거야.” 메그가 기운을 내며 말했다. 메그는 반쯤 찬 트렁크에서, 여러 번 다리고 기운 하얀 탈라탄 드레스로 눈길을 옮겼다. 메그는 그것을 거드름을 피우며 ‘무도회 드레스’라고 불렀다.

The next day was fine, and Meg departed in style for a fortnight of novelty and pleasure. Mrs. March had consented to the visit rather reluctantly, fearing that Margaret would come back more discontented than she went. But she begged so hard, and Sallie had promised to take good care of her, and a little pleasure seemed so delightful after a winter of irksome work that the mother yielded, and the daughter went to take her first taste of fashionable life.

다음 날은 날씨가 좋았고, 메그는 새롭고 즐거운 2주를 보내러 근사하게 떠났다. 마치 부인은 마거릿이 떠날 때보다 더 불만을 품고 돌아올까 봐 걱정되어 꽤 마지못해 이 방문을 허락했다. 하지만 메그가 너무 간절히 졸랐고, 샐리가 잘 돌봐 주겠다고 약속했으며, 지루한 일로 가득한 겨울을 보낸 뒤라 조금 즐기는 것이 무척 좋아 보였기 때문에 어머니는 양보했다. 그래서 딸은 처음으로 상류 사회의 생활을 맛보러 떠났다.

The Moffats were very fashionable, and simple Meg was rather daunted, at first, by the splendor of the house and the elegance of its occupants. But they were kindly people, in spite of the frivolous life they led, and soon put their guest at her ease. Perhaps Meg felt, without understanding why, that they were not particularly cultivated or intelligent people, and that all their gilding could not quite conceal the ordinary material of which they were made. It certainly was agreeable to fare sumptuously, drive in a fine carriage, wear her best frock every day, and do nothing but enjoy herself. It suited her exactly, and soon she began to imitate the manners and conversation of those about her, to put on little airs and graces, use French phrases, crimp her hair, take in her dresses, and talk about the fashions as well as she could. The more she saw of Annie Moffat's pretty things, the more she envied her and sighed to be rich. Home now looked bare and dismal as she thought of it, work grew harder than ever, and she felt that she was a very destitute and much-injured girl, in spite of the new gloves and silk stockings.

모펏 가족은 아주 유행을 따르는 사람들이었고, 소박한 메그는 처음에 집의 화려함과 그 집 사람들의 우아함에 꽤 기가 죽었다. 하지만 그들은 경박한 생활을 하기는 해도 친절한 사람들이었고, 곧 손님을 편안하게 해 주었다. 어쩌면 메그는 왜 그런지 깨닫지 못하면서도, 그들이 특별히 교양 있거나 지혜로운 사람들은 아니며, 아무리 금칠을 해도 그들을 이루고 있는 평범한 바탕을 완전히 감출 수는 없다는 것을 느꼈는지도 모른다. 호화롭게 먹고, 멋진 마차를 타고, 날마다 가장 좋은 옷을 입고, 즐기는 것 말고는 아무것도 하지 않는 것은 분명 기분 좋은 일이었다. 그것은 메그에게 꼭 맞았고, 메그는 곧 주변 사람들의 태도와 말투를 흉내 내기 시작했다. 조금씩 젠체하며 멋을 부리고, 프랑스어 표현을 쓰고, 머리를 곱슬곱슬하게 말고, 드레스를 줄여 몸에 맞추고, 할 수 있는 만큼 유행에 대해 이야기했다. 애니 모펏의 예쁜 물건들을 보면 볼수록 메그는 애니가 부러웠고 부자가 되고 싶어 한숨을 쉬었다. 이제 집을 생각하면 휑하고 쓸쓸해 보였고, 일은 어느 때보다 힘들게 느껴졌다. 새 장갑과 실크 스타킹이 있는데도, 메그는 자기가 아주 가난하고 몹시 억울한 처지의 소녀라고 느꼈다.

She had not much time for repining, however, for the three young girls were busily employed in 'having a good time'. They shopped, walked, rode, and called all day, went to theaters and operas or frolicked at home in the evening, for Annie had many friends and knew how to entertain them. Her older sisters were very fine young ladies, and one was engaged, which was extremely interesting and romantic, Meg thought. Mr. Moffat was a fat, jolly old gentleman, who knew her father, and Mrs. Moffat, a fat, jolly old lady, who took as great a fancy to Meg as her daughter had done. Everyone petted her, and 'Daisey', as they called her, was in a fair way to have her head turned.

하지만 메그에게는 불평할 시간이 별로 없었다. 세 아가씨는 ‘즐거운 시간을 보내느라’ 몹시 바빴기 때문이다. 그들은 하루 종일 쇼핑을 하고, 산책을 하고, 마차를 타고, 남의 집을 방문했다. 저녁에는 극장과 오페라에 가거나 집에서 신나게 놀았다. 애니에게는 친구가 많았고, 친구들을 즐겁게 해 주는 법도 알았기 때문이다. 애니의 언니들은 아주 멋진 아가씨들이었는데, 그중 한 명은 약혼한 사이였다. 메그는 그것이 무척 흥미롭고 낭만적이라고 생각했다. 모펏 씨는 메그의 아버지를 아는 뚱뚱하고 쾌활한 노신사였고, 모펏 부인은 뚱뚱하고 쾌활한 노부인으로, 딸만큼이나 메그를 무척 마음에 들어 했다. 모두가 메그를 귀여워했고, 그들이 ‘데이지’라고 부르는 메그는 머리가 우쭐해지기 딱 좋은 상황이었다.

When the evening for the small party came, she found that the poplin wouldn't do at all, for the other girls were putting on thin dresses and making themselves very fine indeed. So out came the tarlatan, looking older, limper, and shabbier than ever beside Sallie's crisp new one. Meg saw the girls glance at it and then at one another, and her cheeks began to burn, for with all her gentleness she was very proud. No one said a word about it, but Sallie offered to dress her hair, and Annie to tie her sash, and Belle, the engaged sister, praised her white arms. But in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty, and her heart felt very heavy as she stood by herself, while the others laughed, chattered, and flew about like gauzy butterflies. The hard, bitter feeling was getting pretty bad, when the maid brought in a box of flowers. Before she could speak, Annie had the cover off, and all were exclaiming at the lovely roses, heath, and fern within.

작은 파티가 열리는 저녁이 되자, 메그는 포플린 드레스로는 전혀 안 되겠다는 것을 알았다. 다른 아가씨들은 얇은 드레스를 입고 아주 화려하게 꾸미고 있었기 때문이다. 그래서 탈라탄 드레스를 꺼냈는데, 샐리의 빳빳한 새 드레스 옆에서는 그 어느 때보다 낡고 축 늘어지고 초라해 보였다. 메그는 아가씨들이 그 드레스를 힐끗 보고는 서로 눈짓하는 것을 보았고, 뺨이 화끈거리기 시작했다. 메그는 온순했지만 자존심이 무척 강했기 때문이다. 아무도 그 드레스에 대해 한마디도 하지 않았다. 샐리는 메그의 머리를 손질해 주겠다고 했고, 애니는 장식 띠를 매 주겠다고 했으며, 약혼한 언니인 벨은 메그의 하얀 팔을 칭찬했다. 하지만 메그는 그 친절 속에서 자기의 가난을 불쌍히 여기는 마음만 보았다. 다른 아가씨들이 얇은 날개의 나비처럼 웃고 재잘거리며 날아다니는 동안 혼자 서 있자니 메그의 마음은 몹시 무거웠다. 딱딱하고 쓰라린 기분이 꽤 심해지고 있을 때, 하녀가 꽃 상자를 가지고 들어왔다. 메그가 말을 꺼내기도 전에 애니가 뚜껑을 열었고, 모두 그 안에 든 아름다운 장미와 히스와 고사리를 보고 감탄했다.

"It's for Belle, of course, George always sends her some, but these are altogether ravishing," cried Annie, with a great sniff.

“물론 벨 언니한테 온 거야. 조지는 늘 언니한테 꽃을 보내거든. 그런데 이건 정말 황홀하다.” 애니가 냄새를 크게 들이마시며 소리쳤다.

"They are for Miss March, the man said. And here's a note," put in the maid, holding it to Meg.

“심부름 온 사람이 미스 마치에게 온 거라고 했어요. 그리고 여기 쪽지도 있어요.” 하녀가 메그에게 쪽지를 내밀며 끼어들었다.

"What fun! Who are they from? Didn't know you had a lover," cried the girls, fluttering about Meg in a high state of curiosity and surprise.

“어머, 재밌다! 누가 보낸 거야? 너한테 애인이 있는 줄은 몰랐네.” 아가씨들이 호기심과 놀라움에 들떠 메그 주위에서 수선을 떨며 소리쳤다.

"The note is from Mother, and the flowers from Laurie," said Meg simply, yet much gratified that he had not forgotten her.

“쪽지는 엄마가 보내신 거고, 꽃은 로리가 보낸 거야.” 메그는 담담하게 말했지만, 로리가 자기를 잊지 않았다는 것이 무척 기뻤다.

"Oh, indeed!" said Annie with a funny look, as Meg slipped the note into her pocket as a sort of talisman against envy, vanity, and false pride, for the few loving words had done her good, and the flowers cheered her up by their beauty.

“어머, 그래!” 애니가 묘한 표정으로 말했다. 메그는 그 쪽지를 질투와 허영과 그릇된 자존심을 막아 주는 부적처럼 주머니에 슬쩍 넣었다. 몇 마디 안 되는 다정한 말이 메그에게 힘이 되었고, 꽃은 그 아름다움으로 메그의 기운을 북돋아 주었다.

Feeling almost happy again, she laid by a few ferns and roses for herself, and quickly made up the rest in dainty bouquets for the breasts, hair, or skirts of her friends, offering them so prettily that Clara, the elder sister, told her she was 'the sweetest little thing she ever saw', and they looked quite charmed with her small attention. Somehow the kind act finished her despondency, and when all the rest went to show themselves to Mrs. Moffat, she saw a happy, bright-eyed face in the mirror, as she laid her ferns against her rippling hair and fastened the roses in the dress that didn't strike her as so very shabby now.

다시 거의 행복한 기분이 된 메그는 고사리와 장미 몇 송이를 자기 몫으로 남겨 두고, 나머지는 재빨리 앙증맞은 꽃다발로 만들어 친구들의 가슴이나 머리나 치마에 달 수 있게 했다. 메그가 꽃다발을 무척 예쁘게 건네자, 맏언니인 클래라는 메그에게 ‘지금까지 본 사람 중에 가장 사랑스러운 아이’라고 말했고, 다들 메그의 작은 배려에 아주 반한 것 같았다. 어쩐지 그 친절한 행동 덕분에 메그의 우울함이 사라졌다. 다른 아가씨들이 모두 모펏 부인에게 자기 모습을 보여 주러 간 사이, 메그는 물결치는 머리에 고사리를 대고 이제는 그렇게 초라해 보이지 않는 드레스에 장미를 달았다. 그때 거울 속에는 눈이 반짝이는 행복한 얼굴이 보였다.

She enjoyed herself very much that evening, for she danced to her heart's content. Everyone was very kind, and she had three compliments. Annie made her sing, and some one said she had a remarkably fine voice. Major Lincoln asked who 'the fresh little girl with the beautiful eyes' was, and Mr. Moffat insisted on dancing with her because she 'didn't dawdle, but had some spring in her', as he gracefully expressed it. So altogether she had a very nice time, till she overheard a bit of conversation, which disturbed her extremely. She was sitting just inside the conservatory, waiting for her partner to bring her an ice, when she heard a voice ask on the other side of the flowery wall...

그날 저녁 메그는 마음껏 춤을 추며 아주 즐겁게 보냈다. 모두가 무척 친절했고, 메그는 칭찬을 세 번 받았다. 애니가 메그에게 노래를 시켰는데, 누군가가 메그의 목소리가 놀랄 만큼 아름답다고 말했다. 링컨 소령은 ‘아름다운 눈을 가진 그 싱그러운 소녀’가 누구냐고 물었다. 그리고 모펏 씨는 메그가 ‘꾸물거리지 않고 발랄하다’고 멋지게 표현하며 꼭 메그와 춤을 추겠다고 했다. 그래서 메그는 대체로 아주 즐거운 시간을 보냈는데, 그러다가 어떤 대화를 우연히 엿듣고 몹시 마음이 어지러워졌다. 메그는 온실 바로 안쪽에 앉아 춤 상대가 아이스크림을 가져다주기를 기다리고 있었는데, 꽃으로 된 벽 건너편에서 어떤 목소리가 묻는 것을 들었다.

"How old is he?"

“그 애는 몇 살이에요?”

"Sixteen or seventeen, I should say," replied another voice.

“열여섯이나 열일곱쯤 되었을 거예요.” 다른 목소리가 대답했다.

"It would be a grand thing for one of those girls, wouldn't it? Sallie says they are very intimate now, and the old man quite dotes on them."

“저 자매들 중 한 명에게는 대단한 일이겠네요, 그렇죠? 샐리 말로는 요즘 아주 가깝게 지낸다던데요. 그리고 그 노인도 저 애들을 무척 귀여워한대요.”

"Mrs. M. has made her plans, I dare say, and will play her cards well, early as it is. The girl evidently doesn't think of it yet," said Mrs. Moffat.

“M 부인은 벌써 계획을 세워 두었을 거예요. 아직 이르긴 하지만 수를 잘 쓰겠지요. 그 아가씨는 아직 그런 생각을 하지 않는 게 분명하지만요.” 모펏 부인이 말했다.

"She told that fib about her momma, as if she did know, and colored up when the flowers came quite prettily. Poor thing! She'd be so nice if she was only got up in style. Do you think she'd be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday?" asked another voice.

“엄마 얘기로 그 거짓말을 하던 거 봤죠? 다 알고 있으면서 그런 것 같더라고요. 그리고 꽃이 왔을 때 아주 예쁘게 얼굴을 붉혔지요. 가엾기도 하지! 옷만 잘 차려입으면 정말 근사할 텐데. 목요일에 입을 드레스를 빌려주겠다고 하면 기분 나빠할까요?” 또 다른 목소리가 물었다.

"She's proud, but I don't believe she'd mind, for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got. She may tear it tonight, and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one."

“자존심이 세긴 하지만 싫어하지는 않을 거예요. 그 촌스러운 탈라탄 드레스가 가진 전부니까요. 오늘 밤 그걸 찢을지도 모르는데, 그러면 괜찮은 드레스를 빌려주겠다고 할 좋은 핑계가 생기겠지요.”

Here Meg's partner appeared, to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated. She was proud, and her pride was useful just then, for it helped her hide her mortification, anger, and disgust at what she had just heard. For, innocent and unsuspicious as she was, she could not help understanding the gossip of her friends. She tried to forget it, but could not, and kept repeating to herself, "Mrs. M. has made her plans," "that fib about her mamma," and "dowdy tarlaton," till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice. As that was impossible, she did her best to seem gay, and being rather excited, she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making. She was very glad when it was all over and she was quiet in her bed, where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears. Those foolish, yet well meant words, had opened a new world to Meg, and much disturbed the peace of the old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child. Her innocent friendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard. Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs. Moffat, who judged others by herself, and the sensible resolution to be contented with the simple wardrobe which suited a poor man's daughter was weakened by the unnecessary pity of girls who thought a shabby dress one of the greatest calamities under heaven.

그때 메그의 춤 상대가 나타났는데, 메그는 얼굴이 무척 상기되어 있었고 꽤 동요한 모습이었다. 메그는 자존심이 강했고, 그 자존심이 그때는 쓸모가 있었다. 방금 들은 말 때문에 느낀 굴욕과 분노와 역겨움을 감추는 데 도움이 되었기 때문이다. 메그는 순진하고 남을 의심할 줄 몰랐지만, 친구들의 험담을 알아듣지 않을 수 없었다. 메그는 그것을 잊으려고 했지만 잊을 수 없었고, “M 부인은 벌써 계획을 세워 두었다”, “엄마 얘기로 그 거짓말을”, “촌스러운 탈라탄”이라는 말을 속으로 계속 되뇌었다. 그러다 보니 울면서 집으로 달려가 고민을 털어놓고 조언을 구하고 싶어졌다. 그것은 불가능했기 때문에 메그는 최선을 다해 즐거운 척했다. 꽤 흥분해 있었던 터라 아주 잘 해냈고, 메그가 얼마나 애쓰고 있는지 아무도 꿈에도 몰랐다. 모든 것이 끝나고 조용히 침대에 누웠을 때 메그는 무척 기뻤다. 거기서 메그는 머리가 아플 때까지 생각하고 궁금해하고 속을 끓였고, 뜨거운 뺨은 저절로 흐른 눈물 몇 방울에 식었다. 그 어리석지만 악의는 없던 말들이 메그에게 새로운 세상을 열어 주었고, 지금까지 메그가 어린아이처럼 행복하게 살아온 예전 세상의 평화를 몹시 어지럽혔다. 로리와의 순수한 우정은 엿들은 어리석은 말들 때문에 망가졌다. 자기 기준으로 남을 판단하는 모펏 부인이 어머니에게 세속적인 계획이 있다고 말하는 바람에 어머니에 대한 믿음도 조금 흔들렸다. 그리고 가난한 사람의 딸에게 어울리는 소박한 옷으로 만족하겠다던 현명한 결심은, 초라한 드레스를 하늘 아래 가장 큰 재앙 중 하나로 여기는 아가씨들의 쓸데없는 동정 때문에 약해졌다.

Poor Meg had a restless night, and got up heavy-eyed, unhappy, half resentful toward her friends, and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right. Everybody dawdled that morning, and it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work. Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once. They treated her with more respect, she thought, took quite a tender interest in what she said, and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity. All this surprised and flattered her, though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing, and said, with a sentimental air...

"Daisy, dear, I've sent an invitation to your friend, Mr. Laurence, for Thursday. We should like to know him, and it's only a proper compliment to you."

Meg colored, but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely, "You are very kind, but I'm afraid he won't come."

"Why not, Cherie?" asked Miss Belle.

"He's too old."

"My child, what do you mean? What is his age, I beg to know!" cried Miss Clara.

"Nearly seventy, I believe," answered Meg, counting stitches to hide the merriment in her eyes.

"You sly creature! Of course we meant the young man," exclaimed Miss Belle, laughing.

"There isn't any, Laurie is only a little boy." And Meg laughed also at the queer look which the sisters exchanged as she thus described her supposed lover.

"About your age," Nan said.

"Nearer my sister Jo's; I am seventeen in August," returned Meg, tossing her head.

"It's very nice of him to send you flowers, isn't it?" said Annie, looking wise about nothing.

"Yes, he often does, to all of us, for their house is full, and we are so fond of them. My mother and old Mr. Laurence are friends, you know, so it is quite natural that we children should play together," and Meg hoped they would say no more.

"It's evident Daisy isn't out yet," said Miss Clara to Belle with a nod.

"Quite a pastoral state of innocence all round," returned Miss Belle with a shrug.

"I'm going out to get some little matters for my girls. Can I do anything for you, young ladies?" asked Mrs. Moffat, lumbering in like an elephant in silk and lace.

"No, thank you, ma'am," replied Sallie. "I've got my new pink silk for Thursday and don't want a thing."

"Nor I..." began Meg, but stopped because it occurred to her that she did want several things and could not have them.

"What shall you wear?" asked Sallie.

"My old white one again, if I can mend it fit to be seen, it got sadly torn last night," said Meg, trying to speak quite easily, but feeling very uncomfortable.

"Why don't you send home for another?" said Sallie, who was not an observing young lady.

"I haven't got any other." It cost Meg an effort to say that, but Sallie did not see it and exclaimed in amiable surprise, "Only that? How funny..." She did not finish her speech, for Belle shook her head at her and broke in, saying kindly...

"Not at all. Where is the use of having a lot of dresses when she isn't out yet? There's no need of sending home, Daisy, even if you had a dozen, for I've got a sweet blue silk laid away, which I've outgrown, and you shall wear it to please me, won't you, dear?"

"You are very kind, but I don't mind my old dress if you don't, it does well enough for a little girl like me," said Meg.

"Now do let me please myself by dressing you up in style. I admire to do it, and you'd be a regular little beauty with a touch here and there. I shan't let anyone see you till you are done, and then we'll burst upon them like Cinderella and her godmother going to the ball," said Belle in her persuasive tone.

Meg couldn't refuse the offer so kindly made, for a desire to see if she would be 'a little beauty' after touching up caused her to accept and forget all her former uncomfortable feelings toward the Moffats.

On the Thursday evening, Belle shut herself up with her maid, and between them they turned Meg into a fine lady. They crimped and curled her hair, they polished her neck and arms with some fragrant powder, touched her lips with coralline salve to make them redder, and Hortense would have added 'a soupcon of rouge', if Meg had not rebelled. They laced her into a sky-blue dress, which was so tight she could hardly breathe and so low in the neck that modest Meg blushed at herself in the mirror. A set of silver filagree was added, bracelets, necklace, brooch, and even earrings, for Hortense tied them on with a bit of pink silk which did not show. A cluster of tea-rose buds at the bosom, and a ruche, reconciled Meg to the display of her pretty, white shoulders, and a pair of high-heeled silk boots satisfied the last wish of her heart. A lace handkerchief, a plumy fan, and a bouquet in a shoulder holder finished her off, and Miss Belle surveyed her with the satisfaction of a little girl with a newly dressed doll.

"Mademoiselle is charmante, tres jolie, is she not?" cried Hortense, clasping her hands in an affected rapture.

"Come and show yourself," said Miss Belle, leading the way to the room where the others were waiting.

As Meg went rustling after, with her long skirts trailing, her earrings tinkling, her curls waving, and her heart beating, she felt as if her fun had really begun at last, for the mirror had plainly told her that she was 'a little beauty'. Her friends repeated the pleasing phrase enthusiastically, and for several minutes she stood, like a jackdaw in the fable, enjoying her borrowed plumes, while the rest chattered like a party of magpies.

"While I dress, do you drill her, Nan, in the management of her skirt and those French heels, or she will trip herself up. Take your silver butterfly, and catch up that long curl on the left side of her head, Clara, and don't any of you disturb the charming work of my hands," said Belle, as she hurried away, looking well pleased with her success.

"You don't look a bit like yourself, but you are very nice. I'm nowhere beside you, for Belle has heaps of taste, and you're quite French, I assure you. Let your flowers hang, don't be so careful of them, and be sure you don't trip," returned Sallie, trying not to care that Meg was prettier than herself.

Keeping that warning carefully in mind, Margaret got safely down stairs and sailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests were assembled. She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect. Several young ladies, who had taken no notice of her before, were very affectionate all of a sudden. Several young gentlemen, who had only stared at her at the other party, now not only stared, but asked to be introduced, and said all manner of foolish but agreeable things to her, and several old ladies, who sat on the sofas, and criticized the rest of the party, inquired who she was with an air of interest. She heard Mrs. Moffat reply to one of them...

"Daisy March--father a colonel in the army--one of our first families, but reverses of fortune, you know; intimate friends of the Laurences; sweet creature, I assure you; my Ned is quite wild about her."

"Dear me!" said the old lady, putting up her glass for another observation of Meg, who tried to look as if she had not heard and been rather shocked at Mrs. Moffat's fibs. The 'queer feeling' did not pass away, but she imagined herself acting the new part of fine lady and so got on pretty well, though the tight dress gave her a side-ache, the train kept getting under her feet, and she was in constant fear lest her earrings should fly off and get lost or broken. She was flirting her fan and laughing at the feeble jokes of a young gentleman who tried to be witty, when she suddenly stopped laughing and looked confused, for just opposite, she saw Laurie. He was staring at her with undisguised surprise, and disapproval also, she thought, for though he bowed and smiled, yet something in his honest eyes made her blush and wish she had her old dress on. To complete her confusion, she saw Belle nudge Annie, and both glance from her to Laurie, who, she was happy to see, looked unusually boyish and shy.

"Silly creatures, to put such thoughts into my head. I won't care for it, or let it change me a bit," thought Meg, and rustled across the room to shake hands with her friend.

"I'm glad you came, I was afraid you wouldn't." she said, with her most grown-up air.

"Jo wanted me to come, and tell her how you looked, so I did," answered Laurie, without turning his eyes upon her, though he half smiled at her maternal tone.

"What shall you tell her?" asked Meg, full of curiosity to know his opinion of her, yet feeling ill at ease with him for the first time.

"I shall say I didn't know you, for you look so grown-up and unlike yourself, I'm quite afraid of you," he said, fumbling at his glove button.

"How absurd of you! The girls dressed me up for fun, and I rather like it. Wouldn't Jo stare if she saw me?" said Meg, bent on making him say whether he thought her improved or not.

"Yes, I think she would," returned Laurie gravely.

"Don't you like me so?" asked Meg.

"No, I don't," was the blunt reply.

"Why not?" in an anxious tone.

He glanced at her frizzled head, bare shoulders, and fantastically trimmed dress with an expression that abashed her more than his answer, which had not a particle of his usual politeness in it.

"I don't like fuss and feathers."

That was altogether too much from a lad younger than herself, and Meg walked away, saying petulantly, "You are the rudest boy I ever saw."

Feeling very much ruffled, she went and stood at a quiet window to cool her cheeks, for the tight dress gave her an uncomfortably brilliant color. As she stood there, Major Lincoln passed by, and a minute after she heard him saying to his mother...

"They are making a fool of that little girl. I wanted you to see her, but they have spoiled her entirely. She's nothing but a doll tonight."

"Oh, dear!" sighed Meg. "I wish I'd been sensible and worn my own things, then I should not have disgusted other people, or felt so uncomfortable and ashamed of myself."

She leaned her forehead on the cool pane, and stood half hidden by the curtains, never minding that her favorite waltz had begun, till some one touched her, and turning, she saw Laurie, looking penitent, as he said, with his very best bow and his hand out...

"Please forgive my rudeness, and come and dance with me."

"I'm afraid it will be too disagreeable to you," said Meg, trying to look offended and failing entirely.

"Not a bit of it, I'm dying to do it. Come, I'll be good. I don't like your gown, but I do think you are just splendid." And he waved his hands, as if words failed to express his admiration.

Meg smiled and relented, and whispered as they stood waiting to catch the time, "Take care my skirt doesn't trip you up. It's the plague of my life and I was a goose to wear it."

"Pin it round your neck, and then it will be useful," said Laurie, looking down at the little blue boots, which he evidently approved of.

Away they went fleetly and gracefully, for having practiced at home, they were well matched, and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as they twirled merrily round and round, feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff.

"Laurie, I want you to do me a favor, will you?" said Meg, as he stood fanning her when her breath gave out, which it did very soon though she would not own why.

"Won't I!" said Laurie, with alacrity.

"Please don't tell them at home about my dress tonight. They won't understand the joke, and it will worry Mother."

"Then why did you do it?" said Laurie's eyes, so plainly that Meg hastily added...

"I shall tell them myself all about it, and 'fess' to Mother how silly I've been. But I'd rather do it myself. So you'll not tell, will you?"

"I give you my word I won't, only what shall I say when they ask me?"

"Just say I looked pretty well and was having a good time."

"I'll say the first with all my heart, but how about the other? You don't look as if you were having a good time. Are you?" And Laurie looked at her with an expression which made her answer in a whisper...

"No, not just now. Don't think I'm horrid. I only wanted a little fun, but this sort doesn't pay, I find, and I'm getting tired of it."

"Here comes Ned Moffat. What does he want?" said Laurie, knitting his black brows as if he did not regard his young host in the light of a pleasant addition to the party.

"He put his name down for three dances, and I suppose he's coming for them. What a bore!" said Meg, assuming a languid air which amused Laurie immensely.

He did not speak to her again till suppertime, when he saw her drinking champagne with Ned and his friend Fisher, who were behaving 'like a pair of fools', as Laurie said to himself, for he felt a brotherly sort of right to watch over the Marches and fight their battles whenever a defender was needed.

"You'll have a splitting headache tomorrow, if you drink much of that. I wouldn't, Meg, your mother doesn't like it, you know," he whispered, leaning over her chair, as Ned turned to refill her glass and Fisher stooped to pick up her fan.

"I'm not Meg tonight, I'm 'a doll' who does all sorts of crazy things. Tomorrow I shall put away my 'fuss and feathers' and be desperately good again," she answered with an affected little laugh.

"Wish tomorrow was here, then," muttered Laurie, walking off, ill-pleased at the change he saw in her.

Meg danced and flirted, chattered and giggled, as the other girls did. After supper she undertook the German, and blundered through it, nearly upsetting her partner with her long skirt, and romping in a way that scandalized Laurie, who looked on and meditated a lecture. But he got no chance to deliver it, for Meg kept away from him till he came to say good night.

"Remember!" she said, trying to smile, for the splitting headache had already begun.

"Silence a la mort," replied Laurie, with a melodramatic flourish, as he went away.

This little bit of byplay excited Annie's curiosity, but Meg was too tired for gossip and went to bed, feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and hadn't enjoyed herself as much as she expected. She was sick all the next day, and on Saturday went home, quite used up with her fortnight's fun and feeling that she had 'sat in the lap of luxury' long enough.

"It does seem pleasant to be quiet, and not have company manners on all the time. Home is a nice place, though it isn't splendid," said Meg, looking about her with a restful expression, as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening.

"I'm glad to hear you say so, dear, for I was afraid home would seem dull and poor to you after your fine quarters," replied her mother, who had given her many anxious looks that day. For motherly eyes are quick to see any change in children's faces.

Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had, but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits, and when the younger girls were gone to bed, she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire, saying little and looking worried. As the clock struck nine and Jo proposed bed, Meg suddenly left her chair and, taking Beth's stool, leaned her elbows on her mother's knee, saying bravely...

"Marmee, I want to 'fess'."

"I thought so. What is it, dear?"

"Shall I go away?" asked Jo discreetly.

"Of course not. Don't I always tell you everything? I was ashamed to speak of it before the younger children, but I want you to know all the dreadful things I did at the Moffats'."

"We are prepared," said Mrs. March, smiling but looking a little anxious.

"I told you they dressed me up, but I didn't tell you that they powdered and squeezed and frizzled, and made me look like a fashion-plate. Laurie thought I wasn't proper. I know he did, though he didn't say so, and one man called me 'a doll'. I knew it was silly, but they flattered me and said I was a beauty, and quantities of nonsense, so I let them make a fool of me."

"Is that all?" asked Jo, as Mrs. March looked silently at the downcast face of her pretty daughter, and could not find it in her heart to blame her little follies.

"No, I drank champagne and romped and tried to flirt, and was altogether abominable," said Meg self-reproachfully.

"There is something more, I think." And Mrs. March smoothed the soft cheek, which suddenly grew rosy as Meg answered slowly...

"Yes. It's very silly, but I want to tell it, because I hate to have people say and think such things about us and Laurie."

Then she told the various bits of gossip she had heard at the Moffats', and as she spoke, Jo saw her mother fold her lips tightly, as if ill pleased that such ideas should be put into Meg's innocent mind.

"Well, if that isn't the greatest rubbish I ever heard," cried Jo indignantly. "Why didn't you pop out and tell them so on the spot?"

"I couldn't, it was so embarrassing for me. I couldn't help hearing at first, and then I was so angry and ashamed, I didn't remember that I ought to go away."

"Just wait till I see Annie Moffat, and I'll show you how to settle such ridiculous stuff. The idea of having 'plans' and being kind to Laurie because he's rich and may marry us by-and-by! Won't he shout when I tell him what those silly things say about us poor children?" And Jo laughed, as if on second thoughts the thing struck her as a good joke.

"If you tell Laurie, I'll never forgive you! She mustn't, must she, Mother?" said Meg, looking distressed.

"No, never repeat that foolish gossip, and forget it as soon as you can," said Mrs. March gravely. "I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little, kind, I dare say, but worldly, ill-bred, and full of these vulgar ideas about young people. I am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you, Meg."

"Don't be sorry, I won't let it hurt me. I'll forget all the bad and remember only the good, for I did enjoy a great deal, and thank you very much for letting me go. I'll not be sentimental or dissatisfied, Mother. I know I'm a silly little girl, and I'll stay with you till I'm fit to take care of myself. But it is nice to be praised and admired, and I can't help saying I like it," said Meg, looking half ashamed of the confession.

"That is perfectly natural, and quite harmless, if the liking does not become a passion and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things. Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty, Meg."

Margaret sat thinking a moment, while Jo stood with her hands behind her, looking both interested and a little perplexed, for it was a new thing to see Meg blushing and talking about admiration, lovers, and things of that sort. And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly, and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow.

"Mother, do you have 'plans', as Mrs. Moffat said?" asked Meg bashfully.

"Yes, my dear, I have a great many, all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat's, I suspect. I will tell you some of them, for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right, on a very serious subject. You are young, Meg, but not too young to understand me, and mothers' lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like you. Jo, your turn will come in time, perhaps, so listen to my 'plans' and help me carry them out, if they are good."

Jo went and sat on one arm of the chair, looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affair. Holding a hand of each, and watching the two young faces wistfully, Mrs. March said, in her serious yet cheery way...

"I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good. To be admired, loved, and respected. To have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."

"Poor girls don't stand any chance, Belle says, unless they put themselves forward," sighed Meg.

"Then we'll be old maids," said Jo stoutly.

"Right, Jo. Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands," said Mrs. March decidedly. "Don't be troubled, Meg, poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover. Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls, but so love-worthy that they were not allowed to be old maids. Leave these things to time. Make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if they are not. One thing remember, my girls. Mother is always ready to be your confidant, Father to be your friend, and both of us hope and trust that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives."

"We will, Marmee, we will!" cried both, with all their hearts, as she bade them good night.