Louisa May Alcott

Name: Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power — Chapter 1
Author: Louisa May Alcott

Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

Summary

“Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power — Chapter 1”, published in 1866, is a work by Louisa May Alcott. It explores elements such as Muir, Bella and Lucia.

Quotes from Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (Louisa May Alcott)

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Young Coventry was a cool, indolent man, seldom conscious of any emotion, any passion, pleasurable or otherwise; but at the look, the tone of the governess, he experienced a new sensation, indefinable, yet strong. He colored and, for the first time in his life, looked abashed. Lucia saw it, and hated Miss Muir with a sudden hatred; for, in all the years she had passed with her cousin, no look or word of hers had possessed such power. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Did you tell them to send a carriage to the station for her, Gerald?"
"I forgot it. But it's not far, it won't hurt her to walk" was the languid reply.
"It was indolence, not forgetfulness, I know. I'm very sorry; she will think it so rude to leave her to find her way so late. Do go and see to it, Ned."
"Too late, Bella, the train was in some time ago. Give your orders to me next time. Mother and I'll see that they are obeyed," said Edward.
"Ned is just at an age to make a fool of himself for any girl who comes in his way. Have a care of the governess, Lucia, or she will bewitch him." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Mrs. Coventry had sunk into her chair again, exhausted by the flurry of the fainting fit. Bella was busied about her; and Edward, eager to feed the pale governess, was awkwardly trying to make the tea, after a beseeching glance at his cousin which she did not choose to answer. As he upset the caddy and uttered a despairing exclamation, Miss Muir quietly took her place behind the urn, saying with a smile, and a shy glance at the young man, "Allow me to assume my duty at once, and serve you all. I understand the art of making people comfortable in this way. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ And a smile passed over Miss Muir's lips, as she folded her hands with an air of resignation, for the catechism was evidently to be a long one.
"So young! Lady Sydney mentioned five-and-twenty, I think, didn't she, Bella?"
"No, Mamma, she only said she thought so. Don't ask such questions. It's not pleasant before us all," whispered Bella.
A quick, grateful glance shone on her from the suddenly lifted eyes of Miss Muir, as she said quietly, "I wish I was thirty, but, as I am not, I do my best to look and seem old." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Miss Muir fixed her eyes on Coventry, and answered with a slight tremor of the lips, "No, he left home some weeks ago."
The young man went back to his cousin, saying, as he threw himself down beside her, "I shall not go tomorrow, but wait till the three days are out."
"Why?" demanded Lucia.
Lowering his voice he said, with a significant nod toward the governess, "Because I have a fancy that she is at the bottom of Sydney's mystery. He's not been himself lately, and now he is gone without a word. I rather like romances in real life, if they are not too long, or difficult to read." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ Not an attractive woman, yet not an ordinary one; and, as she sat there with her delicate hands lying in her lap, her head bent, and a bitter look on her thin face, she was more interesting than many a blithe and blooming girl. Bella's heart warmed to her at once, and she drew her seat nearer, while Edward went back to his dogs that his presence might not embarrass her.
"You have been ill, I think," continued Mrs. Coventry, who considered this fact the most interesting of all she had heard concerning the governess. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ As for the governess, she is a woman, and should be treated with common civility. I should say a little extra kindness wouldn't be amiss, either, because she is poor, and a stranger."
"That is my dear, good-hearted Ned! We'll stand by poor little Muir, won't we?" And running to her brother, Bella stood on tiptoe to offer him a kiss which he could not refuse, for the rosy lips were pursed up invitingly, and the bright eyes full of sisterly affection. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ I haven't tasted such tea since my poor maid Ellis died. Bella never makes it good, and Miss Lucia always forgets the cream. Whatever you do you seem to do well, and that is _such_ a comfort."
"Let me always do this for you, then. It will be a pleasure, madam." And Miss Muir came back to her seat with a faint color in her cheek which improved her much.
"My brother asked if young Sydney was at home when you left," said Edward, for Gerald would not take the trouble to repeat the question. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Louisa May Alcott, Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (1866)

“ In the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my sons want gaiety, they go away for it. ”

Louisa May Alcott

Summary

Quotes from Behind A Mask or, A Woman's Power… (Louisa May Alcott)

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