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 . Laurie drew his hand across his eyes , but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips . It might be unmanly , but he could n't help it , and I am glad of it . Presently , as Jo 's sobs quieted , he said hopefully , `` I do n't think she will die . She 's so good , and we all love her so much , I do n't believe God will take her away yet . '' `` The good and dear people always do die , '' groaned Jo , but she stopped crying , for her friend 's words cheered her up in spite of her own doubts and fears . `` Poor girl , you 're worn out . It is n't like you to be forlorn . Stop a bit . I 'll hearten you up in a jiffy . '' Laurie went off two stairs at a time , and Jo laid her wearied head down on Beth 's little brown hood , which no one had thought of moving from the table where she left it .
It must have possessed some magic , for the submissive spirit of its gentle owner seemed to enter into Jo , and when Laurie came running down with a glass of wine , she took it with a smile , and said bravely , `` I drink -- Health to my XXXXX !
Beth Bethy Jo Laurie Meg choky left lips table throat