Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon , but when the tug comes , you are always ready . '' `` Why , you know I do n't mind hard jobs much , and there must always be one scrub in a family . Amy is splendid in fine works and I 'm not , but I feel in my element when all the carpets are to be taken up , or half the family fall sick at once . Amy is distinguishing herself abroad , but if anything is amiss at home , I 'm your man . '' `` I leave Beth to your hands , then , for she will open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than to anyone else . Be very kind , and do n't let her think anyone watches or talks about her . If she only would get quite strong and cheerful again , I should n't have a wish in the world . '' `` Happy woman ! I 've got heaps . '' `` My dear , what are they ? '' `` I 'll settle Bethy 's troubles , and then I 'll tell you mine . They are not very wearing , so they 'll keep . '' and Jo stitched away , with a wise nod which set her mother 's heart at rest about her for the present at least . While apparently absorbed in her own affairs , Jo watched Beth , and after many conflicting conjectures , finally settled upon one which seemed to explain the change in her . A slight incident gave Jo the clue to the mystery , she thought , and lively fancy , loving heart did the rest . She was affecting to write busily one Saturday afternoon , when she and Beth were alone together . Yet as she scribbled , she kept her eye on her sister , who seemed unusually quiet . Sitting at the window , Beth 's work often dropped into her lap , and she leaned her head upon her hand , in a dejected attitude , while her eyes rested on the dull , autumnal landscape . Suddenly some one passed below , whistling like an operatic blackbird , and a voice called out , `` All serene ! Coming in tonight . ''
XXXXX started , leaned forward , smiled and nodded , watched the passer-by till his quick tramp died away , then said softly as if to herself , `` How strong and well and happy that dear boy looks . ''
Amy Beth Bethy Jo afternoon blackbird family heart home tonight