Come back ! '' she did not stretch out her yearning arms in vain . For , as quick to hear her sobbing as she had been to hear her sister 's faintest whisper , her mother came to comfort her , not with words only , but the patient tenderness that soothes by a touch , tears that were mute reminders of a greater grief than Jo 's , and broken whispers , more eloquent than prayers , because hopeful resignation went hand-in-hand with natural sorrow . Sacred moments , when heart talked to heart in the silence of the night , turning affliction to a blessing , which chastened grief and strengthned love . Feeling this , Jo 's burden seemed easier to bear , duty grew sweeter , and life looked more endurable , seen from the safe shelter of her mother 's arms . When aching heart was a little comforted , troubled mind likewise found help , for one day she went to the study , and leaning over the good gray head lifted to welcome her with a tranquil smile , she said very humbly , `` Father , talk to me as you did to Beth . I need it more than she did , for I 'm all wrong . '' `` My dear , nothing can comfort me like this , '' he answered , with a falter in his voice , and both arms round her , as if he too , needed help , and did not fear to ask for it . Then , sitting in Beth 's little chair close beside him , Jo told her troubles , the resentful sorrow for her loss , the fruitless efforts that discouraged her , the want of faith that made life look so dark , and all the sad bewilderment which we call despair . She gave him entire confidence , he gave her the help she needed , and both found consolation in the act . For the time had come when they could talk together not only as father and daughter , but as man and woman , able and glad to serve each other with mutual sympathy as well as mutual love . Happy , thoughtful times there in the old study which Jo called ` the church of one member ' , and from which she came with fresh courage , recovered cheerfulness , and a more submissive spirit . For the parents who had taught one child to meet death without fear , were trying now to teach another to accept life without despondency or distrust , and to use its beautiful opportunities with gratitude and power . Other helps had Jo -- humble , wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her , and which she slowly learned to see and value . Brooms and dishcloths never could be as distasteful as they once had been , for Beth had presided over both , and something of her housewifely spirit seemed to linger around the little mop and the old brush , never thrown away . As she used them , Jo found herself humming the songs Beth used to hum , imitating Beth 's orderly ways , and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy , which was the first step toward making home happy , though she did n't know it till Hannah said with an approving squeeze of the hand ... `` You thoughtful creeter , you 're determined we sha n't miss that dear lamb ef you can help it . We do n't say much , but we see it , and the Lord will bless you for ` t , see ef He do n't . '' As they sat sewing together , Jo discovered how much improved her sister Meg was , how well she could talk , how much she knew about good , womanly impulses , thoughts , and feelings , how happy she was in husband and children , and how much they were all doing for each other . `` Marriage is an excellent thing , after all . I wonder if I should blossom out half as well as you have , if I tried it ?
, always ` perwisin ' I could , '' said XXXXX , as she constructed a kite for Demi in the topsy-turvy nursery .
Brooms Father Hannah Jo Meg creeter day dishcloths ef night