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You're built to win it. Welcome to snoozecast, the podcast designed to help you fall asleep.

Find us at snewscast.com and if you enjoy our show, please share us with a friend. This episode is brought to you by A Sober Simplicity. Tonight, we'll read the next chapter of Good Wives, written by Luisa May Alcott titled

New Impressions. This is also known as the second half of the Little Women novel and is considered the 37th chapter as part of that work as a whole. In the last chapter, Joe returns home and is troubled by the changes in Beth. Although Beth appears happy, Joe senses that her sister is fading away. Beth reveals that she has known for some time that she is dying, but has kept it to herself, trying to remain positive for the family. is heartbroken and struggles to accept the truth, but Beth comforts her, assuring her that it is best. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes. Relax your body into the softness of your bed.

Now take a few deep breaths.

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, all the fashionable world at Mies may be seen on the promenade Daze Ingley, a charming place for the wide walk, bordered with palms, flowers, and tropical shrubs, is bounded on one side by the sea, on the other by the grand drive, lined with hotels and villas, while beyond light orange orchards and the hills, many nations are represented, many languages spoken, many costumes worn, and on a sunny day the spectacle is a gay and brilliant one as a carnival. Houghty, English, lively French, sober Germans, handsome Spaniards, free and easy Americans, all drive, sit or sonder here, chatting over the news and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived. Dickens, Victor Aménwell, or the queen of the Sandwich Islands. The equipages are as varied as the company, and attract as much attention, especially the low basket baruches in which ladies drive themselves, with a pair of dashing ponies, gay nets to keep their voluminous flounces from overflowing the

diminutive vehicles and little grooms on the perch behind.

Along this walk, on Christmas Day, a tall young man walked slowly with his hands behind him and a somewhat absent expression of countenance. He looked like an Italian, was dressed like an Englishman, and had the independent heir of an American. A combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him, and sundry dandies and black velvet suits with rose-colored neckties, buff gloves, and orange flowers in their buttonholes to shrug their shoulders and then envy him his inches. There were plenty of pretty faces to admire but the young man took little notice of them except to glance now and then at some blonde girl or a lady in blue. Presently, he strolled out of the promenade, and stood a moment at the crossing, as if undecided whether to go and listen to the band, or to wander along the beach toward Castle Hill. The quick trot of Pony's feet made him look up, as one of the little carriages containing a single lady came rapidly down the street. The lady was young, blonde, and dressed in blue. He stared a minute, then his whole face woke up, and waving his hat like a boy. He hurried forward to meet her. Oh, Laurie, is it really you? I thought you'd never come. Cryed Amy, dropping the reins and holding out both hands to the great scandalization of a French mama who hastened her daughter's steps, lest she should be demoralized by beholding the free manners of these mad English. I was detained by the way, but I promised to spend Christmas with you, and here I am. How was your grandfather? When did you come? Where are you staying? Very well, last night. I called at your hotel, but you were all out. I have so much to say I don't know where to begin. Get in, and we can talk at our ease. I was going for a drive and longing for company. Flow saving up for tonight. What happens then? A ball? A Christmas party at our hotel? There are many Americans there, and they give it an honor of the day. You'll go with us, of course. Aunt will be charmed. Thank you. We're now asked Laurie, leaning back and folding his arms, a proceeding which suited Amy, who preferred to drive for her parasol whip and blue reins over the white pony's backs afforded her infinite satisfaction. I'm going to the bankers first for letters and then to Castle Hill the view is so lovely and I like to feed the peacocks. Have you ever been there? Often, years ago. But I don't mind having a look at it. Now, tell me all about yourself. The last I heard of you, your grandfather wrote that he expected you from Berlin. Yes, I spent a month there, and then joined him in Paris, where he had settled for the winter. His friends there and finds plenty to muse him, so I go and come, and we get on capital. "'That's a sociable arrangement,' said Amy, missing something in Lori's manner, though she couldn't tell what. Why? You see, he hates to travel, and I hate to keep still, so we each suit ourselves, and there's no trouble. I am often with him, and he enjoys my adventures. While I like to feel that someone is glad to see me when I get back from my wanderings. Dirty old hole, isn't it? added added, with a look of disgust, as they drove along the boulevard to the place Napoleon in the old city. The dirt is picture-esque, so I don't mind. The river and the hills are delicious, and these glimpses of the narrow cross-states are my delight.

Now we shall have to wait for that procession to pass. It's going to the Church of St. John. While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies, white veiled nuns bearing lighted tapers, and some brotherhood in blue, chanting as they walked, Amy watched him, and felt a new sort of shyness steal over her. For he was changed, and she could not find the merry-faced boy she left in the moody-looking man beside her. He was handsomer than ever, and greatly improved, she thought. But now that the flush of pleasure at meeting her was over, he looked tired and spiritless, not sick, nor exactly unhappy, but older and graver than a year or two of prosperous life should have made him. She couldn't understand it and did not venture to ask questions, so she shook her head and touched up her ponies as the procession wound away across the arches of the bridge and vanished in the church. Keponse voul, she said, airing her French, which had improved in quantity, if not in quality, since she came abroad. That Madame Ozil has made good use of her time and the result is charming.

Reply it, Laurie. That Madame Ozil has made good use of her time, and the result is charming.

Replyed Laurie, bowing, with his hand on his heart and an admiring look. She blushed with pleasure, but somehow the compliment did not satisfy her like the blunt praises he used to give her at home when he promenaded round her on festival occasions and told her she was altogether jolly with a hearty smile and in a proving pat on the head. She didn't like the new tone for, though not blasé, it sounded indifferent in spite of the look. If that's the way he's going to grow up, I wish he'd stay a boy, she thought, with a curious sense of disappointment and discomfort, trying meantime to seem quite easy in gay. When she found the precious home letters and, giving the reins to Laurie, read them luxuriously as they wound up the shady road between green hedges where T. Rose is bloomed as freshly as in June. Beth is very poorly, Mother says. I often think I ought to go home, but they all say, stay. So do I. For I shall never have another chance like this," said Amy, looking sober over one page. I think you are right there. You could do nothing at home, and it is a great comfort to them to know that you are well and happy and enjoying so much, my dear. He drew a little mirror and looked more like his old self, as he said that, and the fear that sometimes weighed on Amy's heart was lightened. For the look, the act, the brotherly my dear, seemed to assure her that if any trouble did come, she would not be alone in a strange land. Presently she laughed and showed him a small sketch of Joe in her scribbling suit, with the bow rampantly erect upon her cap and issuing from her mouth the words, genius burns. Laurie smiled, took it, put it in his vest pocket, to keep it from blowing away, and listened with interest to the lively letter Amy read him. This will be a regularly merry Christmas to me, with presents in the morning, you and letters in the afternoon and a party at night, said Amy, as they allided among the ruins of the old fort, and a flock of splendid peacocks came trupping about them, tamely waiting to be fed. While Amy stood laughing on the bank above him as she scattered crumbs to the brilliant birds, Laurie looked at her as she had looked at him, with the natural curiosity to see what changes time and absence had wrought. He found nothing to perplex or disappoint. Much to admire and approve for, overlooking a few little affectations of speech and manner, she was as sprightly and graceful as ever, with the addition of that indescribable something in dress and bearing which we call elegance. Always mature for her age, she had gained a certain plumb in both carriage and conversation, which made her see more of a woman of the world than she was. But her old petulence now and then showed itself, her strong will still held its own, and her native frankness was unspoiled by for in Polish. Laurie did not read all this while he watched her feed the peacocks, but he saw enough to satisfy and entrust him, and carried away a pretty little picture of a bright face girl standing in the sunshine, which brought out the soft hue of her dress, the fresh color of her cheeks, the golden gloss of her hair, and made her a prominent figure in a pleasant scene. As they came up on the stone plateau that crowns the hill, Amy waved her hand as if welcoming him to her favorite haunt and said,

pointing here and there. Do you remember the cathedral and the corso? The fisherman dragging their nets in the bay and the lovely road to Villa Franca, Shoeberts tower just below and and best of all, that spec far out to see, which they say is Corsica? I remember, it's not much changed," he answered, without enthusiasm. What Joe would give for a sight of that famous spec, said Amy, feeling in good spirits, and anxious to see him so also. Yes, was all he said, but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island, which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight. Take a good look at it for her sake, and then come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while. Said Amy, seating herself, ready for a good talk. But she did not get it, for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely, she could only learn that he had roved about the continent and been to Greece. So after idling away an hour, they drove home again, and having paid his respects to Mrs. Carroll, Laurie left them, promising to return in the evening. It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately pranked that night. Time and absence had done its work on both the young people. She had seen her old friend in a new light, not as our boy, but as a handsome and agreeable man, and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight. Amy knew her good points and made the most of them, with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman. Tarleton and Toul were cheap at niece, so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions, following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls.

God up, Charm- in them on such occasions, and following the sensible, English fashion of simple dress for young girls, got up charming little toilets with fresh flowers, a few trinkets, and all manner of dainty devices, which were both inexpensive and effective. It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman and indulge in antique hairstyles, statuesque attitudes, and classic draperies. But dear heart, we all have our little weaknesses and find it easy to pardon such in the young who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness and keep our hearts merry with their artless fanaties. I do want him to think I look well and tell them so at home, said Amy to herself, as She put on flow's old white silk ball dress

and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion, out of which her white shoulders and golden hair emerged with the most artistic effect. Her hair shone as she had the sense to let it alone. And after gathering up the thick waves and curls,

it was in a knot at the back of her head. It's not the fashion, but it's becoming, and I can't afford to make afraid of myself. She used to say, when advised to frizzle, puff, or braid as the latest style commanded.

Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion, Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines. Remembering the painted boots, she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction and chassee down the room, admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself. My new fan just matches my flowers, my gloves fit to a charm, and the real lace on Aunt's hanker chief gives an air to my whole dress. If I only had a classical nose and mouth, I should be perfectly happy," she said, surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand. In spite of this affliction, she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away. She seldom ran. It did not suit her style she thought, for being tall, this stately was more appropriate than the sportive. walked up and down the long salon while waiting for Laurie, and once arranged herself under the chandelier, which had a good effect upon her hair, and she thought better of it, and went away to the other end of the room, as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one.

It so happened that she could not have done a better thing. For Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him, and as she stood at the distant window, with her head half turned, and one hand gathering up her dress. The slender white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a well-placed statue. Good evening, Diana," said Laurie. With the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her.

Good evening Apollo, she answered, smiling back at him. For he too looked unusually debonair, and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man because Amy to pity the four plain Mrs. Davis from the bottom of her heart.

Here are your flowers. I arranged them myself, remembering that you didn't like what Hannah calls a soap-kai said Laurie, handing her a delicate nose gay and a holder that she had long coveted

as she daily passed it in the window. How kind you are, she exclaimed gratefully, if I'd known you were coming, I'd have had something ready for you today, though not as pretty as this I'm afraid. Thank you. It isn't what it should be, but you have improved it." He added, as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist. Please don't. I thought you liked that sort of thing. Not from you. It doesn't sound natural. They like your old bluntness better. I'm glad of it. He answered with a look of relief. Then buttoned her gloves for her, and asked if his tie was straight. Just as he used to do when they went to parties together at home. The company assembled, and that evening was such as one sees nowhere but on the continent. The hospitable Americans had invited every acquaintance they had in Nice, and having no prejudice against titles, secured a few to add lustre to their Christmas ball. A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with a massive lady, dressed like Hamlet's mother in black velvet, with a pearl bridal under her chin. A Polish count, aged 18, devoted himself to the ladies, who pronounced him a fascinating deer, and a German siren-something having come for the supper alone, roamed vaguely about, seeking what he might devour. Baron Ross Childe's private secretary, in tight boots, affably beamed upon the world, as if his master's name crowned him with a golden halo. A stout Frenchman, who knew the Emperor, came to indulge his mania for dancing, and Lady de Jones, a British matron, adorned the scene with her little family of eight. Of course there were many light-footed, shrill voiced American girls, handsome, lifeless looking English ditto, and a few plain but pequent French demoiselles, likewise the usual set of traveling young gentlemen who disported themselves galley while mamas of all nations lined the walls and smiled upon them benignly when they danced with their daughters. Any young girl can imagine Amy's state of mind when she took the stage that night, leaning on Laurie's arm. She knew she looked well, she loved to dance, she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom, and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty, youth and womanhood. She did pity the Davis girls who were awkward, plain, and destitute of escort, except a grim papaw and three grimmer made in aunts, and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed, which was good of her as it permitted them to see her dress, and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished looking friend might be. With the first burst of a band, Amy's color rose. Her eyes began to sparkle, and her feet to tap the floor impatiently, for she danced well and wanted Lori to know it. Therefore, the shock she received can bet her be imagined than described when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone, do you care to dance? When usually does at a bowl, her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible. I meant the first dance. May I have the honor? I can give you one if I put off the count. He dances divinely, but he will excuse me as you are an old friend," said Amy, hoping that the name would have a good effect and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with.

Nice little boy, but rather a short pole to support a daughter of the gods, divinely tall and most divinely fair, was all the satisfaction she got, however. The said in which they found themselves was composed of English, and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillon, feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantula with a relish. Laurie resigned her to the nice little boy and went to do his duty to flow, without securing Amy for the joys to come, which reprehensible want a forethought was properly punished, for she immediately engaged herself till supper, meaning to relent if he then gave any signs of penitence. She showed him her ball-book with demure satisfaction when he strolled, instead of rushing, up to claim her for the next, a glorious polka, but his polite regrets didn't impose upon her, and when she gallopated away with the count, she saw Laurie sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief. That was unpardonable, and Amy took no more notice of him for a long while, except a word now and then, when she came to her shaperone between the dances for a necessary pin or a moment's rest. Her anger had a good effect, however, for she hid it under a smiling face and seemed unusually blind and brilliant. Lori's eyes followed her with pleasure, for she neither romped nor sonnered, but danced with spirit and grace, making the delight some pastime what it should be. He very naturally fell to studying her from this new point of view. And before the evening was half over, had decided that little Amy was going to make a very charming woman.

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