Маленькие мужчины / Little men. Уровень 4

She gave her head a blow that sounded like a battering-ram[19 - battering-ram – стенобитное орудие]. Then she staggered up, saying stoutly, though her face was drawn with pain,

“That hurt, but I don’t cry.”

“Do it again,” said Stuffy angrily.

Nan was ready, but Nat held her; and Tommy flew at Stuffy like a little cock,

“Stop it, or I’ll throw you over the barn!” and he shook and hustled poor Stuffy.

“It is awfully bad to hurt a little girl,” said Demi, reproachfully.

“Ho! I don’t mind; I’m not a little girl, I’m older than you and Daisy,” cried Nan, ungratefully.

“How do you do, Madge Wildfire?” said Mr. Bhaer, as Nan came in with the rest to supper. “Give the right hand, little daughter,” he added, as Nan offered him her left.

“The other hurts me.”

“The poor little hand! Why those blisters?” he asked, drawing it from behind her back.

Before Nan could think of any excuse, Daisy told the whole story, during which Stuffy tried to hide his face in a bowl of bread and milk.

“This is your business, my dear.”

Mrs. Jo said,

“Do you know why I asked Nan to come here?”

“To plague me,” muttered Stuffy.

“To make little gentlemen of you. And I think you have shown that some of you need it.”

Here Stuffy retired into his bowl again, and did not emerge.

“How can she, when she’s such a boy herself?”

“She needs help as much as you, and I expect you set her an example of good manners.”

“Is she going to be a little gentleman too?” asked Rob.

“She’d like it,” added Tommy.

“No, I hate boys!” said Nan fiercely.

“I am sorry you hate my boys, because they can be well-mannered, and most agreeable. Kindness in looks and words and actions is true politeness.

The boys took the hint, for that time at least, and passed the butter; said “please,” and “thank you,” “yes, sir,” and “no, ma’am,” with unusual elegance and respect. Nan said nothing, but kept

herself quiet and refrained from tickling Demi, though strongly tempted to do so. She also forgot her hatred of boys, and played with them till dark.

“When my suitcase comes, I’ll let you all play with my toys,” she said.