Маленькие женщины / Little Women. Уровень 3

I'll tell you how we can manage. There's a long hall out there, and we can dance grandly, and no one will see us. Please come.”

Jo thanked him and gladly went. The hall was empty, and they had a grand polka, for Laurie danced well. When the music stopped, they sat down on the stairs to get their breath. That's when Meg appeared in search of her sister. She beckoned, and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room, where she found her on a sofa, holding her foot, and looking pale.

“I've sprained my ankle. That stupid high heel turned. I can hardly stand, and I don't know how I'm ever going to get home,” she said, rocking to and fro[7 - to and fro – туда и обратно] in pain.

“I'm sorry. But I don't see what you can do, except get a carriage, or stay here all night,” answered Jo, softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke.

“I can't have a carriage without its costing ever so much. I dare say I can't get one at all, for most people come in their own, and it's a long way to the stable, and no one to send.

“I'll ask Laurie. He will go,” said Jo.

“Mercy, no! Don't ask or tell anyone. I can't dance anymore, but as soon as supper is over, watch for Hannah and tell me the minute she comes. “

Jo was looking round for help when Laurie, who had heard what she said, came up and offered his grandfather's carriage, which had just come for him, he said.

“It's so early! You can't mean to go yet?” began Jo, looking relieved but hesitating to accept the offer.

“I always go early, I do, truly! Please let me take you home. It's all on my way, you know, and it rains, they say.”

They settled in the carriage. Laurie went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up, and the girls talked over their party. By the time Jo had finished telling Meg about her adventures, they were at home.

Chapter four

Burdens

“Oh, dear, how hard it does seem to go on,” sighed Meg the morning after the party.

“I wish it was Christmas or New Year's all the time. Wouldn't it be fun?” answered Jo, yawning.

“We shouldn't enjoy ourselves half so much[8 - half so much – хотя бы в половину] as we do now. But it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets, and go to parties.” said Meg.