Shawl-Straps

Shawl-Straps By Louisa M. AlcottOn the first day of February we three will sail from Boston for Messina in the little fruit-ship Wasp. We shall probably be a month going unless we cross in a gale as I did splitting sails every night and standing on our heads most of the way said Amanda folding up her maps with an air of calm decision. Hurrah! what fun! cried Matilda waving a half-finished dressing-case over her head. But Lavinia with one sepulchral groan fell flat upon her bed and lay there dumb with the horrors of such a voyage. Just the thing for you my poor old dear. Think of the balmy airs of Sicily the oranges the flowers. Then a delicious month or two at Sorrento with no east winds no slush no spring cleaning. We shall be as merry as grigs and get as buxom as dairy-maids in a month said the sprightly Amanda. You promised to go and if you back out we are lost for we must have a duenna. You can lie round in Europe just as well as here and I have no doubt it will do you a world of good added Matilda. I shall keep my word but you will bury me in the Atlantic so make up your minds to it. Do you suppose that I a poor used-up old invalid who cant look at a sail-boat without a qualm can survive thirty days of standing on my head and thirty nights of sail-splitting as we go slamming and lurching across two or three awful oceans? demanded Lavinia with the energy of despair. Before anyone could reply Amandas little Mercury appeared with a note. The Wasp will not take passengers and no other fruit-ship sails this spring read Amanda. Oh dear! sighed Matilda. Saved! cried Lavinia. Be calm: we shall go sooner or later if I buy a ship and sail her myself with which indomitable remark Amanda went forth to grapple with and conquer untoward circumstances. A month of plans vicissitudes and suspense followed during which Amanda strove manfully Matilda suffered agonies of hope and fear and Lavinia remained a passive shuttlecock waiting to be tossed wherever Fates battledore chose to send her. Exactly two weeks from to-day we sail with a party of friends in the French steamer Lafayette from New York for Brest. Will you be ready? demanded Amanda after a protracted wrestle with aforesaid adverse circumstances. But that is exactly what we didnt mean to do. Its expensive and fashionable France and not Italy north and not south. Thats because Im in the party. If you take a Jonah nothing will go well. Leave me behind and you will have a charming trip said Lavinia who had an oyster-like objection to being torn from her bed. No matter we are going live or die sink or swim and I shall expect to meet you all booted and spurred and fit for the fight April first said the unwavering Amanda. A most appropriate day for three lone women to start off on a wild-goose chase after health and pleasure groaned Lavinia from among her pillows. Very well then I leave you now and shall expect to meet on the appointed day? If Im spared answered the sufferer.