Hold on to me , Jo , dear ! '' She could not speak , but she did ` hold on ' , and the warm grasp of the friendly human hand comforted her sore heart , and seemed to lead her nearer to the Divine arm which alone could uphold her in her trouble . Laurie longed to say something tender and comfortable , but no fitting words came to him , so he stood silent , gently stroking her bent head as her mother used to do . It was the best thing he could have done , far more soothing than the most eloquent words , for Jo felt the unspoken sympathy , and in the silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow . Soon she dried the tears which had relieved her , and looked up with a grateful face . `` Thank you , Teddy , I 'm better now . I do n't feel so forlorn , and will try to bear it if it comes . '' `` Keep hoping for the best , that will help you , Jo . Soon your mother will be here , and then everything will be all right . '' `` I 'm so glad Father is better . Now she wo n't feel so bad about leaving him . Oh , me ! It does seem as if all the troubles came in a heap , and I got the heaviest part on my shoulders , '' sighed Jo , spreading her wet handkerchief over her knees to dry . `` Does n't Meg pull fair ? '' asked Laurie , looking indignant . `` Oh , yes , she tries to , but she ca n't love Bethy as I do , and she wo n't miss her as I shall . Beth is my conscience , and I ca n't give her up . I ca n't ! I ca n't ! '' Down went Jo 's face into the wet handkerchief , and she cried despairingly , for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear .
XXXXX drew his hand across his eyes , but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips .
Beth Bethy Father Jo Laurie Meg Teddy knees right troubles