Jo saw that her mother 's eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke , and fearing that she had said too much , she whispered anxiously , `` Was it wrong to watch you and to speak of it ? I did n't mean to be rude , but it 's so comfortable to say all I think to you , and feel so safe and happy here . '' `` My Jo , you may say anything to your mother , for it is my greatest happiness and pride to feel that my girls confide in me and know how much I love them . '' `` I thought I 'd grieved you . '' `` No , dear , but speaking of Father reminded me how much I miss him , how much I owe him , and how faithfully I should watch and work to keep his little daughters safe and good for him . '' `` Yet you told him to go , Mother , and did n't cry when he went , and never complain now , or seem as if you needed any help , '' said Jo , wondering . `` I gave my best to the country I love , and kept my tears till he was gone . Why should I complain , when we both have merely done our duty and will surely be the happier for it in the end ? If I do n't seem to need help , it is because I have a better friend , even than Father , to comfort and sustain me . My child , the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many , but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one . The more you love and trust Him , the nearer you will feel to Him , and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom . His love and care never tire or change , can never be taken from you , but may become the source of lifelong peace , happiness , and strength . Believe this heartily , and go to God with all your little cares , and hopes , and sins , and sorrows , as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother . '' Jo 's only answer was to hold her mother close , and in the silence which followed the sincerest prayer she had ever prayed left her heart without words . For in that sad yet happy hour , she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair , but the sweetness of self-denial and self-control , and led by her mother 's hand , she had drawn nearer to the Friend who always welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any father , tenderer than that of any mother . Amy stirred and sighed in her sleep , and as if eager to begin at once to mend her fault , Jo looked up with an expression on her face which it had never worn before . `` I let the sun go down on my anger . I would n't forgive her , and today , if it had n't been for Laurie , it might have been too late ! How could I be so wicked ? '' said Jo , half aloud , as she leaned over her sister softly stroking the wet hair scattered on the pillow .
As if she heard , XXXXX opened her eyes , and held out her arms , with a smile that went straight to Jo 's heart .
Amy Father Jo Laurie Mother hour left lips sorrows tenderer