I 'll be quiet and go to sleep , indeed I will . '' Jo obeyed , but as her hand went softly to and fro across Beth 's hot forehead and wet eyelids , her heart was very full and she longed to speak . But young as she was , Jo had learned that hearts , like flowers , can not be rudely handled , but must open naturally , so though she believed she knew the cause of Beth 's new pain , she only said , in her tenderest tone , `` Does anything trouble you , deary ? '' `` Yes , Jo , '' after a long pause . `` Would n't it comfort you to tell me what it is ? '' `` Not now , not yet . '' `` Then I wo n't ask , but remember , Bethy , that Mother and Jo are always glad to hear and help you , if they can . '' `` I know it . I 'll tell you by-and-by . '' `` Is the pain better now ? '' `` Oh , yes , much better , you are so comfortable , Jo . '' `` Go to sleep , dear . I 'll stay with you . '' So cheek to cheek they fell asleep , and on the morrow Beth seemed quite herself again , for at eighteen neither heads nor hearts ache long , and a loving word can medicine most ills . But Jo had made up her mind , and after pondering over a project for some days , she confided it to her mother . `` You asked me the other day what my wishes were . I 'll tell you one of them , Marmee , '' she began , as they sat along together . `` I want to go away somewhere this winter for a change . '' `` Why , Jo ? '' and her mother looked up quickly , as if the words suggested a double meaning .
With her eyes on her work XXXXX answered soberly , `` I want something new .
Beth Bethy Jo Mother days hand heart meaning mind pause