Beth looked so amazed at the idea that Jo smiled in spite of her pain , and added softly , `` Then you did n't , dearie ? I was afraid it was so , and imagined your poor little heart full of lovelornity all that while . '' `` Why , Jo , how could I , when he was so fond of you ? '' asked Beth , as innocently as a child . `` 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 XXXXX rebelliously , for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beth 's .
Amy Beth Jo brother day dearie left lovelornity things while