Jack and Jill

JACK AND JILL

A VILLAGE STORY

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LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

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Jack and Jill
A Village Story
First published in 1888
ISBN 978-1-62011-994-5
Duke Classics
© 2012 Duke Classics and its licensors. All rights reserved.

While every effort has been used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this edition, Duke Classics does not assume liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in this book. Duke Classics does not accept responsibility for loss suffered as a result of reliance upon the accuracy or currency of information contained in this book.

Contents

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Dedication
Jack and Jill
Chapter I - The Catastrophe
Chapter II - Two Penitents
Chapter III - Ward No. 1
Chapter IV - Ward No. 2
Chapter V - Secrets
Chapter VI - Surprises
Chapter VII - Jill's Mission
Chapter VIII - Merry and Molly
Chapter IX - The Debating Club
Chapter X - The Dramatic Club
Chapter XI - "Down Brakes"
Chapter XII - The Twenty-Second of February
Chapter XIII - Jack Has a Mystery
Chapter XIV - And Jill Finds it Out
Chapter XV - Saint Lucy
Chapter XVI - Up at Merry's
Chapter XVII - Down at Molly's
Chapter XVIII - May Baskets
Chapter XIX - Good Templars
Chapter XX - A Sweet Memory
Chapter XXI - Pebbly Beach
Chapter XXII - A Happy Day
Chapter XXIII - Cattle Show
Chapter XXIV - Down the River

Dedication

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To the schoolmates of ELLSWORTH DEVENS,
Whose lovely character will not soon be forgotten,
This Village Story is affectionately inscribed by their friend,

L.M.A.
1880

Jack and Jill

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Jack and Jill went up the hill
To coast with fun and laughter;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.

Chapter I - The Catastrophe

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"Clear the lulla!" was the general cry on a bright December afternoon, when all the boys and girls of Harmony Village were out enjoying the first good snow of the season. Up and down three long coasts they went as fast as legs and sleds could carry them. One smooth path led into the meadow, and here the little folk congregated; one swept across the pond, where skaters were darting about like water-bugs; and the third, from the very top of the steep hill, ended abruptly at a rail fence on the high bank above the road. There was a group of lads and lasses sitting or leaning on this fence to rest after an exciting race, and, as they reposed, they amused themselves with criticising their mates, still absorbed in this most delightful of out-door sports.

"Here comes Frank Minot, looking as solemn as a judge," cried one, as a tall fellow of sixteen spun by, with a set look about the mouth and a keen sparkle of the eyes, fixed on the distant goal with a do-or-die expression.