See , Jo , how tame it is . I like peeps better than the gulls . They are not so wild and handsome , but they seem happy , confiding little things . I used to call them my birds last summer , and Mother said they reminded her of me -- busy , quaker-colored creatures , always near the shore , and always chirping that contented little song of theirs . You are the gull , Jo , strong and wild , fond of the storm and the wind , flying far out to sea , and happy all alone . Meg is the turtledove , and Amy is like the lark she writes about , trying to get up among the clouds , but always dropping down into its nest again . Dear little girl ! She 's so ambitious , but her heart is good and tender , and no matter how high she flies , she never will forget home . I hope I shall see her again , but she seems so far away . '' `` She is coming in the spring , and I mean that you shall be all ready to see and enjoy her . I 'm going to have you well and rosy by that time , '' began Jo , feeling that of all the changes in Beth , the talking change was the greatest , for it seemed to cost no effort now , and she thought aloud in a way quite unlike bashful Beth . `` Jo , dear , do n't hope any more . It wo n't do any good . I 'm sure of that . We wo n't be miserable , but enjoy being together while we wait . We 'll have happy times , for I do n't suffer much , and I think the tide will go out easily , if you help me . '' Jo leaned down to kiss the tranquil face , and with that silent kiss , she dedicated herself soul and body to Beth . She was right . There was no need of any words when they got home , for Father and Mother saw plainly now what they had prayed to be saved from seeing . Tired with her short journey , Beth went at once to bed , saying how glad she was to be home , and when Jo went down , she found that she would be spared the hard task of telling Beth 's secret .
Her father stood leaning his head on the mantelpiece and did not turn as she came in , but her mother stretched out her arms as if for help , and XXXXX went to comfort her without a word .
Beth Father Jo Meg Mother gulls peeps right storm turtledove