Little Women
Part 2, Chapter 40: The Valley of the Shadow
by Louisa May Alcott
Beth's room is prepared to make her final days as comfortable as possible. Jo's poem has a profound effect on Beth.
Beth's room is prepared to make her final days as comfortable as possible. Jo's poem has a profound effect on Beth.
When she wakes, Jane finds herself in her own bedroom, in the care of Mr. Lloyd, the family’s kind apothecary. Bessie is also present, and she expresses disapproval of her mistress’s treatment of Jane. Jane remains in bed the following day, and Bessie sings her a song. Mr. Lloyd speaks with Jane about her life at Gateshead, and he suggests to Jane’s aunt that the girl be sent away to school, where she might find happiness. Jane is cautiously excited at the possibility of leaving Gateshead.Soon after her own reflections on the past in the red-room, Jane learns more of her history when she overhears a conversation between Bessie and Miss Abbott. Jane’s mother was a member of the wealthy Reed family, which strongly disapproved of Jane’s father, an impoverished clergyman. When they married, Jane’s wealthy maternal grandfather wrote his daughter out of his will. Not long after Jane was born, Jane’s parents died from typhus, which Jane’s father contracted while caring for the poor.
They reach a large castle and meet a knight who is depressed because he couldn’t convince anyone in the castle to take soap. They meet Morgan Le Fay. She sends the Yankee to the dungeon for complimenting King Arthur, her brother whom she hates. When Sandy reminds the court who the Yankee is, Morgan Le Fay passes it off as a joke.
When Benjamin Bunny and his children, the “Flopsy Bunnies,” go to Mr. McGregor’s rubbish heap, they are pleasantly surprised to find it filled with overgrown lettuces. They eat their fill, and then fall asleep. When they are found by Mr. McGregor and put in a bag, Thomasina Tittlemouse comes to their rescue.
Pip gives anonymous assistance to Herbert.
The pursuit continues, with the men waiting for the boat carrying Dracula’s box. Unfortunately, they are outsmarted by the Count.
Written as a play, this is a story about neighbors who do not get along. The hedgehog challenges the hare to a contest. The contest is used to settle the differences between the neighbors. However, is the means fair?
Elinor tells Marianne of the Colonel’s story, and though Marianne is now convinced of Willoughby’s guilt, it does not ease her mind.
The ships are repaired and preparations are made for the travels through the Everglades.
Claudius explains his hasty nuptials. Gertrude and Claudius have a request for Hamlet. Hamlet continues to lament his loss.
Having been driven hard, Buck eventually begins to regain his strength. Buck faithfully serves his master John Thornton.
The rude guests intimidate Fred at first and he tries to think of a plan to get rid of them. However, the gas begins to run low and he announces he will have to stop the motor boat. The men offer to take their money and get gas, but John insists he has to go with them. Just then the Caledonia comes into view and they hope to get a ride on it to town.
Phileas' game of whist is suddenly interrupted by Colonel Proctor, who he quickly challenges to a duel. A surprise attack forces the two to temporarily forget their differences. Passepartout is successful in his mission once again.
Graines tells the Passfords of Christy’s exploits. Captain Rombold pays a visit. Bertha Pembrooke arrives.
Polynesia begins her tutoring of Tommy on the nuances of understanding animals and their language. Doctor Dolittle performs another of his many services for a local dog missing his owner.
The Count of Monte Cristo visits Monsieur Morrel's children at their home. During his visit with Maximilian and Julie, he notices the red silk purse and diamond underneith crystal coverings.
The Go Ahead Boys are on a motor boat and decide to race a yacht.
The narrator takes a walk in the country lost in his memories. He visits the old man sitting on the porch.
The girls plan excitedly for their trip to Florida. Grace speaks to her father about her missing brother and the trip south. A letter arrives.
Concerned for his friend's well-being, George waits for Riesling at his hotel room only to find out that things are not as they seem.
The tale of Louise Bentley, her marriage to John Hardy and the birth of her only child.
With Phileas' whereabouts unknown, the members of the Reforms Club, as well as all of London, anxiously await news on the fate of Phileas.
Polynesia comes up with a plan to deal with Ben Butcher.
The author discusses the origin and role of government.