Of course this is all very private, but I wished
you to know what was going on. Don’t be
anxious about me, remember I am your ‘prudent
Amy’, and be sure I will do nothing rashly.
Send me as much advice as you like. I’ll
use it if I can. I wish I could see you for
a good talk, Marmee. Love and trust me.
Ever your AMY
TENDER TROUBLES
“Jo, I’m anxious about Beth.”
“Why, Mother, she has seemed unusually well
since the babies came.”
“It’s not her health that troubles me
now, it’s her spirits. I’m sure there
is something on her mind, and I want you to discover
what it is.”
“What makes you think so, Mother?”
“She sits alone a good deal, and doesn’t
talk to her father as much as she used. I found
her crying over the babies the other day. When
she sings, the songs are always sad ones, and now
and then I see a look in her face that I don’t
understand. This isn’t like Beth, and it
worries me.”
“Have you asked her about it?”
“I have tried once or twice, but she either
evaded my questions or looked so distressed that I
stopped. I never force my children’s confidence,
and I seldom have to wait for long.”
Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke, but the face
opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude
but Beth’s, and after sewing thoughtfully for
a minute, Jo said, “I think she is growing up,
and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and
fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able
to explain them. Why, Mother, Beth’s eighteen,
but we don’t realize it, and treat her like
a child, forgetting she’s a woman.”
“So she is. Dear heart, how fast you do
grow up,” returned her mother with a sigh and
a smile.
“Can’t be helped, Marmee, so you must
resign yourself to all sorts of worries, and let your
birds hop out of the nest, one by one. I promise
never to hop very far, if that is any comfort to you.”
“It’s a great comfort, Jo. I always
feel strong when you are at home, now Meg is gone.
Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon,
but when the tug comes, you are always ready.”
“Why, you know I don’t mind hard jobs
much, and there must always be one scrub in a family.
Amy is splendid in fine works and I’m not,
but I feel in my element when all the carpets are
to be taken up, or half the family fall sick at once.
Amy is distinguishing herself abroad, but if anything
is amiss at home, I’m your man.”
“I leave Beth to your hands, then, for she will
open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than
to anyone else. Be very kind, and don’t
let her think anyone watches or talks about her.
If she only would get quite strong and cheerful again,
I shouldn’t have a wish in the world.”
“Happy woman! I’ve got heaps.”
“My dear, what are they?”
