Months are not years , and if I 'm truly getting well , everything will seem beautiful and easy to me , '' said Jill , laying herself down again , with the patient look she had learned to wear , and gathering up the scattered carnations to enjoy their spicy breath , as if the fairies hidden there had taught her some of their sweet secrets . `` Dear little girl , it has been a long , hard trial for you , but it is coming to an end , and I think you will find that it has not been time wasted , I do n't want you to be a saint quite yet , but I am sure a gentler Jill will rise up from that sofa than the one who lay down there in December . '' `` How could I help growing better , when you were so good to me ? '' cried Jill , putting up both arms , as Mrs. Minot went to take Frank 's place , and he retired to the fire , there to stand surveying the scene with calm approval . `` You have done quite as much for us ; so we are even . I proved that to your mother , and she is going to let the little house and take care of the big one for me , while I borrow you to keep me happy and make the boys gentle and kind . That is the bargain , and we get the best of it , '' said Mrs. Minot , looking well pleased , while Jack added , `` That 's so ! '' and Frank observed with an air of conviction , `` We could n't get on without Jill , possibly . '' `` Can I do all that ? I did n't know I was of any use . I only tried to be good and grateful , for there did n't seem to be anything else I could do , '' said Jill , wondering why they were all so fond of her . `` No real trying is ever in vain . It is like the spring rain , and flowers are sure to follow in good time . The three gifts Patience gave Saint Lucy were courage , cheerfulness , and love , and with these one can work the sweetest miracles in the world , as you see , '' and Mrs. Minot pointed to the pretty room and its happy inmates . `` Am I really the least bit like that good Lucinda ? I tried to be , but I did n't think I was , '' asked Jill softly . `` You are very like her in all ways but one . She did not get well , and you will . '' A short answer , but it satisfied Jill to her heart 's core , and that night , when she lay in bed , she thought to herself : `` How curious it is that I 've been a sort of missionary without knowing it ! They all love and thank me , and wo n't let me go , so I suppose I must have done something , but I do n't know what , except trying to be good and pleasant . ''
That was the secret , and XXXXX found it out just when it was most grateful as a reward for past efforts , most helpful as an encouragement toward the constant well-doing which can make even a little girl a joy and comfort to all who know and love her .
Frank Jack Jill Lucinda Lucy Minot carnations fire night years