Produced by The Project Gutenberg Alcott Team JO'S BOYS By Louisa M. Alcott Chapter 1 Ten Years Later Chapter 2 Parnassus Chapter 3 Jo's Last Scrape Chapter 4 Dan Chapter 5 Vacation Chapter 6 Last Words Chapter 7 The Lion and the Lamb Chapter 8 Josie Plays Mermaid Chapter 9 The Worm Turns Chapter 10 Demi Settles Chapter 11 Emil's Thanksgiving Chapter 12 Dan's Christmas Chapter 13 Nat's New Year Chapter 14 Plays at Plumfield Chapter 15 Waiting Chapter 16 In the Tennis-court Chapter 17 Among the Maids Chapter 18 Class Day Chapter 19 White Roses Chapter 20 Life for Life Chapter 21 Aslauga's Knight Chapter 22 Positively Last Appearance Chapter 1. TEN YEARS LATER 'If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in ten years, I wouldn't have believed it,' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg, as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day, looking about them with faces full of pride and pleasure. 'This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work. I am sure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he so generously endowed; and a home like this will keep Aunt March's memory green as long as it lasts,' answered Mrs Meg, always glad to praise the absent. 'We used to believe in fairies, you remember, and plan what we'd ask for if we could have three wishes. Doesn't it seem as if mine had been really granted at last? Money, fame, and plenty of the work I love,' said Mrs Jo, carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands over her head just as she used to do when a girl. 'I have had mine, and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart's content. If dear Marmee, John, and Beth were here, it would be quite perfect,' added Meg, with a tender quiver in her voice; for Marmee's place was empty now. Jo put her hand on her sister's, and both sat silent for a little while, surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad and happy thoughts. It certainly did look as if magic had been at work, for quiet Plumfield was transformed into a busy little world. The house seemed more hospitable than ever, refreshed now with new paint, added wings, well-kept lawn and garden, and a prosperous air it had not worn when riotous boys swarmed everywhere and it was rather difficult for the Bhaers to make both ends meet. On the hill, where kites used to be flown, stood the fine college which Mr Laurence's munificent legacy had built. Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden by childish feet, and many young men and women were enjoying all the advantages that wealth, wisdom, and benevolence could give them.