Return of the Prodigal Son

Return of the Prodigal Son
seated nude
Spring Breeze
Jo opened the paper, and began to laugh, for the first words she saw were: ¡¡¡¡`MISS MARCH: ¡¡¡¡`Dear Madam' - ¡¡¡¡`How nice it sounds! I wish someone would write to me so!' said Amy, who thought the old-fashioned address very elegant. ¡¡¡¡`I have had many pairs of slippers in my life, but I never had any that suited me so well as yours,' continued Jo. `Heart's ease is my favourite flower, and these will always remind me of the gentle giver. I like to pay my debts; so I know you will allow `the old gentleman' to send you something which once belonged to the little granddaughter he lost. With hearty thanks and best wishes, I remain, your grateful friend and humble servant, ¡¡¡¡`JAMES LAURENCE.' ¡¡¡¡`There, Beth, that's an honour to be proud of, I'm sure. Laurie told me how fond Mr. Laurence used to be of the child who died, and how he kept all her little things carefully. Just think, he's given you her piano. That comes of having big blue eyes, and loving music,' said Jo, trying to soothe Beth, who trembled, and looked more excited than she had ever been before. ¡¡¡¡`See the cunning brackets to hold candles, and the nice green silk, puckered up, with a gold rose in the middle, and the pretty rack and stool, all complete,' added Meg, opening the instrument and displaying its beauties. ¡¡¡¡`"Your humble servant, James Laurence"; only think of his writing that to you. I'll tell the girls. They'll think it's splendid,' said Amy, much impressed by the note. ¡¡¡¡`Try it, honey. Let's hear the sound of the baby pianny,' said Hannah, who always took a share in the family joys and sorrows.