`` I do love him dearly . He is so good to me , how can I help It ? But he could never be anything to me but my brother . I hope he truly will be , sometime . '' `` Not through me , '' said Jo decidedly . `` Amy is left for him , and they would suit excellently , but I have no heart for such things , now . I do n't care what becomes of anybody but you , Beth . You must get well . '' `` I want to , oh , so much ! I try , but every day I lose a little , and feel more sure that I shall never gain it back . It 's like the tide , Jo , when it turns , it goes slowly , but it ca n't be stopped . '' `` It shall be stopped , your tide must not turn so soon , nineteen is too young , Beth . I ca n't let you go . I 'll work and pray and fight against it . I 'll keep you in spite of everything . There must be ways , it ca n't be too late . God wo n't be so cruel as to take you from me , '' cried poor Jo rebelliously , for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beth 's . Simple , sincere people seldom speak much of their piety . It shows itself in acts rather than in words , and has more influence than homilies or protestations . Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life , and cheerfully wait for death .
Like a confiding child , she asked no questions , but XXXXX everything to God and nature , Father and Mother of us all , feeling sure that they , and they only , could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come .
Amy Beth Jo day heart homilies left piety protestations things