Chapter 0
PREFACE AND DRAMATIS PERSONE OF AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL BY LOUISA MAY ALCOT All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. As a preface is the only place where an author can, with propriety, explain a purpose or
for shortcomings, I venture to avail myself of the privilege to make a statement for the benefit of my readers. As the first part of An Old-Fashioned Girl was written in 1869, the demand for a sequel in beseeching little letters that made refusal impossible rendered it necessary to carry my heroine boldly forward some six or seven years into the future.
The domestic nature of the story makes this audacious proceeding possible, while the lively fancies of my young readers will supply all deficiencies and overlook all discrepancies. This explanation will, I trust, relieve those well-regulated minds who cannot conceive of such literary lawlessness from the bewilderment which they suffered when the same experiment was tried in a former book.
The Old-Fashioned Girl is not intended as a perfect model, but as a possible improvement upon the girl of the period, who seems sorrowfully ignorant or ashamed of the good old fashions which make woman truly beautiful and honoured, and through her render home what it should be, a happy place where parents and children, brothers and sisters, learn to love and know and help one another.
If the history of Polly's girlish experiences suggests a hint or insinuates a lesson, I shall feel that, in spite of many obstacles, I have not entirely neglected my duty toward the little men and women for whom it is an honour and a pleasure to write, since in them I have always found my kindest patrons, gentlest critics, warmest friends. L.M.A.
Polly Milton Fanny Shaw Tom Shaw Maud Laura Riley
Mr. Shaw Greg Giordano Mrs. Shaw Kay Hand Grandma Shaw
Beth Thomas Mr. Sidney Daniel Mativier Mrs. Milton The Story Girl
Ms. Mills TJ Burns Jenny Broyant Leanne Yao Becky Jaffrey
Bess Estraven Simonides Kate King Leanne Yao Will
Tricks Devora Allen Belle Estraven Simonides Emma Davenport
Adele Di Pignolese Ms. Perkins The Story Girl Alice Lovett Leanne Yao
Blanche Jasmine Selma Grace April Katie
Twinkle The Story Girl Little Girl Leanne Yao Pet
Lourda The Doctor Asher Gravi Estraven Simonides Mamey
Stacey Simon Del Di Pignolese Boy Asher Gravi Gossip
Leanne Yao
