ButAmydidnotlaugh，forshewasinearnest，andtappingontheoutspreadhandwithherpencil，saidsoberly，"Aren’tyouashamedofahandlikethat？It’sassoftandwhiteasawoman’s，andlooksasifitneverdidanythingbutwearJouvin’sbestglovesandpickflowersforladies。Youarenotadandy，thankHeaven，soI’mgladtoseetherearenodiamondsorbigsealringsonit，onlythelittleoldoneJogaveyousolongago。Dearsoul，Iwishshewasheretohelpme！"
　　"SodoI！"
　　Thehandvanishedassuddenlyasitcame，andtherewasenergyenoughintheechoofherwishtosuitevenAmy。Sheglanceddownathimwithanewthoughtinhermind，buthewaslyingwithhishathalfoverhisface，asifforshade，andhismustachehidhismouth。Sheonlysawhischestriseandfall，withalongbreaththatmighthavebeenasigh，andthehandthatworetheringnestleddownintothegrass，asiftohidesomethingtoopreciousortootendertobespokenof。AllinaminutevarioushintsandtriflesassumedshapeandsignificanceinAmy’smind，andtoldherwhathersisterneverhadconfidedtoher。SherememberedthatLaurieneverspokevoluntarilyofJo，sherecalledtheshadowonhisfacejustnow，thechangeinhischaracter，andthewearingofthelittleoldringwhichwasnoornamenttoahandsomehand。Girlsarequicktoreadsuchsignsandfeeltheireloquence。Amyhadfanciedthatperhapsalovetroublewasatthebottomofthealteration，andnowshewassureofit。Herkeeneyesfilled，andwhenshespokeagain，itwasinavoicethatcouldbebeautifullysoftandkindwhenshechosetomakeitso。
　　"IknowIhavenorighttotalksotoyou，Laurie，andifyouweren’tthesweetest—temperedfellowintheworld，you’dbeveryangrywithme。Butweareallsofondandproudofyou，Icouldn’tbeartothinktheyshouldbedisappointedinyouathomeasIhavebeen，though，perhapstheywouldunderstandthechangebetterthanIdo。"
　　"Ithinktheywould，"camefromunderthehat，inagrimtone，quiteastouchingasabrokenone。
　　"Theyoughttohavetoldme，andnotletmegoblunderingandscolding，whenIshouldhavebeenmorekindandpatientthanever。IneverdidlikethatMissRandalandnowIhateher！"saidartfulAmy，wishingtobesureofherfactsthistime。
　　"HangMissRandal！"AndLaurieknockedthehatoffhisfacewithalookthatleftnodoubtofhissentimentstowardthatyounglady。
　　"Ibegpardon，Ithought……"Andthereshepauseddiplomatically。
　　"No，youdidn’t，youknewperfectlywellInevercaredforanyonebutJo，"Lauriesaidthatinhisold，impetuoustone，andturnedhisfaceawayashespoke。
　　"Ididthinkso，butastheyneversaidanythingaboutit，andyoucameaway，IsupposedIwasmistaken。AndJowouldn’tbekindtoyou？Why，Iwassureshelovedyoudearly。"
　　"Shewaskind，butnotintherightway，andit’sluckyforhershedidn’tloveme，ifI’mthegood—for—nothingfellowyouthinkme。It’sherfaultthough，andyoumaytellherso。"
　　Thehard，bitterlookcamebackagainashesaidthat，andittroubledAmy，forshedidnotknowwhatbalmtoapply。
　　"Iwaswrong，Ididn’tknow。I’mverysorryIwassocross，butIcan’thelpwishingyou’dbearitbetter，Teddy，dear。"
　　"Don’t，that’shernameforme！"AndLaurieputuphishandwithaquickgesturetostopthewordsspokeninJo’shalf—kind，half—reproachfultone。"Waittillyou’vetriedityourself，"headdedinalowvoice，ashepulledupthegrassbythehandful。
　　"I’dtakeitmanfully，andberespectedificouldn’tbeloved，"saidAmy，withthedecisionofonewhoknewnothingaboutit。
　　Now，Laurieflatteredhimselfthathehadborneitremarkablywell，makingnomoan，askingnosympathy，andtakinghistroubleawaytoliveitdownalone。Amy’slectureputtheMatterinanewlight，andforthefirsttimeitdidlookweakandselfishtoloseheartatthefirstfailure，andshuthimselfupinmoodyindifference。Hefeltasifsuddenlyshakenoutofapensivedreamandfounditimpossibletogotosleepagain。Presentlyhesatupandaskedslowly，"DoyouthinkJowoulddespisemeasyoudo？"
　　"Yes，ifshesawyounow。Shehateslazypeople。Whydon’tyoudosomethingsplendid，andmakeherloveyou？"
　　"Ididmybest，butitwasnouse。"
　　"Graduatingwell，youmean？Thatwasnomorethanyououghttohavedone，foryourgrandfather’ssake。Itwouldhavebeenshamefultofailafterspendingsomuchtimeandmoney，wheneveryoneknewthatyoucoulddowell。"
　　"Ididfail，saywhatyouwill，forJowouldn’tloveme，"
　　beganLaurie，leaninghisheadonhishandinadespondentattitude。
　　"No，youdidn’t，andyou’llsaysointheend，foritdidyougood，andprovedthatyoucoulddosomethingifyoutried。Ifyou’donlysetaboutanothertaskofsomesort，you’dsoonbeyourhearty，happyselfagain，andforgetyourtrouble。"
　　"That’simpossible。"
　　"Tryitandsee。Youneedn’tshrugyourshoulders，andthink，`Muchsheknowsaboutsuchthings’。Idon’tpretendtobewise，butIamobserving，andIseeagreatdealmorethanyou’dimagine。I’minterestedinotherpeople’sexperiencesandinconsistencies，andthoughIcan’texplain，Irememberandusethemformyownbenefit。LoveJoallyourdays，ifyouchoose，butdon’tletitspoilyou，forit’swickedtothrowawaysomanygoodgiftsbecauseyoucan’thavetheoneyouwant。There，Iwon’tlectureanymore，forIknowyou’llwakeupandbeamaninspiteofthathardheartedgirl。"
　　Neitherspokeforseveralminutes。Lauriesatturningthelittleringonhisfinger，andAmyputthelasttouchestothehastysketchshehadbeenworkingatwhileshetalked。Presentlysheputitonhisknee，merelysaying，"Howdoyoulikethat？"
　　Helookedandthenhesmiled，ashecouldnotwellhelpdoing，foritwascapitallydone，thelong，lazyfigureonthegrass，withlistlessface，half—shuteyes，andonehandholdingacigar，fromwhichcamethelittlewreathofsmokethatencircledthedreamer’shead。
　　"Howwellyoudraw！"hesaid，withagenuinesurpriseandpleasureatherskill，adding，withahalf—laugh，"Yes，that’sme。"
　　"Asyouare。Thisisasyouwere。"AndAmylaidanothersketchbesidetheoneheheld。
　　Itwasnotnearlysowelldone，buttherewasalifeandspiritinitwhichatonedformanyfaults，anditrecalledthepastsovividlythatasuddenchangesweptovertheyoungman’sfaceashelooked。OnlyaroughsketchofLaurietamingahorse。Hatandcoatwereoff，andeverylineoftheactivefigure，resoluteface，andcommandingattitudewasfullofenergyandmeaning。Thehandsomebrute，justsubdued，stoodarchinghisneckunderthetightlydrawnrein，withonefootimpatientlypawingtheground，andearsprickedupasiflisteningforthevoicethathadmasteredhim。Intheruffledmane。Therider’sbreezyhairanderectattitude，therewasasuggestionofsuddenlyarrestedmotion，ofstrength，courage，andyouthfulbuoyancythatcontrastedsharplywiththesupinegraceofthe`Dolcefarniente’sketch。Lauriesaidnothingbutashiseyewentfromonetotheother，Amysayhimflushupandfoldhislipstogetherasifhereadandacceptedthelittlelessonshehadgivenhim。Thatsatisfiedher，andwithoutwaitingforhimtospeak，shesaid，inhersprightlyway……
　　"Don’tyourememberthedayyouplayedRareywithPuck，andwealllookedon？MegandBethwerefrightened，butJoclappedandpranced，andIsatonthefenceanddrewyou。Ifoundthatsketchinmyportfoliotheotherday，toucheditup，andkeptittoshowyou。"
　　"Muchobliged。You’veimprovedimmenselysincethen，andIcongratulateyou。MayIventuretosuggestin`ahoneymoonparadise’thatfiveo’clockisthedinnerhouratyourhotel？"
　　Laurieroseashespoke，returnedthepictureswithasmileandabowandlookedathiswatch，asiftoremindherthatevenmorallecturesshouldhaveanend。Hetriedtoresumehisformereasy，indifferentair，butitwasanaffectationnow，fortherousinghadbeenmoreeffaciousthanhewouldconfess。Amyfelttheshadeofcoldnessinhismanner，andsaidtoherself……
　　"Now，I’veoffendedhim。Well，ifitdoeshimgood，I’mglad，ifitmakeshimhateme，I’msorry，butit’strue，andIcan’ttakebackawordofit。"
　　Theylaughedandchattedallthewayhome，andlittleBaptist，upbehind，thoughtthatmonsieurandmadamoisellewereincharmingspirits。Butbothfeltillatease。Thefriendlyfranknesswasdisturbed，thesunshinehadashadowoverit，anddespitetheirapparentgaiety，therewasasecretdiscontentintheheartofeach。
　　"Shallweseeyouthisevening，monfrére？"askedAmy，astheypartedatheraunt’sdoor。
　　"UnfortunatelyIhaveanengagement。Aurevoir，madamoiselle。"AndLauriebentasiftokissherhand，intheforeignfashion，whichbecamehimbetterthanmanymen。SomethinginhisfacemadeAmysayquicklyandwarmly……
　　"No，beyourselfwithme，Laurie，andpartinthegoodoldway。I’dratherhaveaheartyEnglishhandshakethanallthesentimentalsalutationsinFrance。"
　　"Goodbye，dear。"Andwiththesewords，utteredinthetonesheliked，Laurielefther，afterahandshakealmostpainfulinitsheartiness。
　　Nextmorning，insteadoftheusualcall，Amyreceivedanotewhichmadehersmileatthebeginningandsighattheend。MyDearMentor，Pleasemakemyadieuxtoyouraunt，andexultwithinyourself，for`LazyLaurence’hasgonetohisgrandpa，likethebestofboys。Apleasantwintertoyou，andmaythegodsgrantyouablissfulhoneymoonatValrosa！IthinkFredwouldbebenefitedbyarouser。Tellhimso，withmycongratulations。Yoursgratefully，Telemachus"Goodboy！I’mgladhe’sgone，"saidAmy，withanapprovingsmile。Thenextminuteherfacefellassheglancedabouttheemptyroom，adding，withaninvoluntarysigh，"Yes，Iamglad，buthowIshallmisshim。"
　　GoodWives:Chapter17CHAPTER17TheValleyoftheShadowWhenthefirstbitternesswasover，thefamilyacceptedtheinevitable，andtriedtobearitcheerfully，helpingoneanotherbytheincreasedaffectionwhichcomestobindhouseholdstenderlytogetherintimesoftrouble。Theyputawaytheirgrief，andeachdidhisorherparttowardmakingthatlastyearahappyone。
　　ThepleasantestroominthehousewassetapartforBeth，andinitwasgatheredeverythingthatshemostloved，flowers，pictures，herpiano，thelittleworktable，andthebelovedpussies。Father’sbestbooksfoundtheirwaythere，Mother’seasychair，Jo’sdesk，Amy’sfinestsketches，andeverydayMegbroughtherbabiesonalovingpilgrimage，tomakesunshineforAuntyBeth。Johnquietlysetapartalittlesum，thathemightenjoythepleasureofkeepingtheinvalidsuppliedwiththefruitshelovedandlongedfor。OldHannahneverweariedofconcoctingdaintydishestotemptacapriciousappetite，droppingtearsassheworked，andfromacrosstheseacamelittlegiftsandcheerfulletters，seemingtobringbreathsofwarmthandfragrancefromlandsthatknownowinter。
　　Here，cherishedlikeahouseholdsaintinitsshrine，satBeth，tranquilandbusyasever，fornothingcouldchangethesweet，unselfishnature，andevenwhilepreparingtoleavelife，shetriedtomakeithappierforthosewhoshouldremainbehind。Thefeeblefingerswereneveridle，andoneofherpleasureswastomakelittlethingsfortheschoolchildrendailypassingtoandfro，todropapairofmittensfromherwindowforapairofpurplehands，aneedlebookforsomesmallmotherofmanydolls，pen—wipersforyoungpenmentoilingthroughforestsofpothooks，scrapbooksforpicture—lovingeyes，andallmannerofpleasantdevices，tillthereluctantclimbersoftheladderoflearningfoundtheirwaystrewnwithflowers，asitwere，andcametoregardthegentlegiverasasortoffairygodmother，whosatabovethere，andshowereddowngiftsmiraculouslysuitedtotheirtastesandneeds。IfBethhadwantedanyreward，shefounditinthebrightlittlefacesalwaysturneduptoherwindow，withnodsandsmiles，andthedrolllittleletterswhichcametoher，fullofblotsandgratitude。
　　Thefirstfewmonthswereveryhappyones，andBethoftenusedtolookround，andsay"Howbeautifulthisis！"astheyallsattogetherinhersunnyroom，thebabieskickingandcrowingonthefloor，motherandsistersworkingnear，andfatherreading，inhispleasantvoice，fromthewiseoldbookswhichseemedrichingoodandcomfortablewords，asapplicablenowaswhenwrittencenturiesago，alittlechapel，whereapaternalpriesttaughthisflockthehardlessonsallmustlearn，tryingtoshowthemthathopecancomfortlove，andfaithmakeresignationpossible。Simplesermons，thatwentstraighttothesoulsofthosewholistened，forthefather’sheartwasintheminister’sreligion，andthefrequentfalterinthevoicegaveadoubleeloquencetothewordshespokeorread。
　　Itwaswellforallthatthispeacefultimewasgiventhemaspreparationforthesadhourstocome，forby—and—by，Bethsaidtheneedlewas`soheavy’，andputitdownforever。Talkingweariedher，facestroubledher，painclaimedherforitsown，andhertranquilspiritwassorrowfullyperturbedbytheillsthatvexedherfeebleflesh。Ahme！Suchheavydays，suchlong，longnights，suchachingheartsandimploringprayers，whenthosewholovedherbestwereforcedtoseethethinhandsstretchedouttothembeseechingly，tohearthebittercry，"Helpme，helpme！"andtofeelthattherewasnohelp。Asadeclipseoftheserenesoul，asharpstruggleoftheyounglifewithdeath，butbothweremercifullybrief，andthenthenaturalrebellionover，theoldpeacereturnedmorebeautifulthanever。Withthewreckofherfrailbody，Beth’ssoulgrewstrong，andthoughshesaidlittle，thoseaboutherfeltthatshewasready，sawthatthefirstpilgrimcalledwaslikewisethefittest，andwaitedwithherontheshore，tryingtoseetheShiningOnescomingtoreceiveherwhenshecrossedtheriver。
　　JoneverleftherforanhoursinceBethhadsaid"Ifeelstrongerwhenyouarehere。"Shesleptonacouchintheroom，wakingoftentorenewthefire，tofeed，lift，orwaituponthepatientcreaturewhoseldomaskedforanything，and`triednottobeatrouble’。Alldayshehauntedtheroom，jealousofanyothernurse，andprouderofbeingchosenthenthanofanyhonorherlifeeverbroughther。PreciousandhelpfulhourstoJo，fornowherheartreceivedtheteachingthatitneeded。Lessonsinpatienceweresosweetlytaughtherthatshecouldnotfailtolearnthem，charityforall，thelovelyspiritthatcanforgiveandtrulyforgetunkindness，theloyaltytodutythatmakesthehardesteasy，andthesincerefaiththatfearsnothing，buttrustsundoubtingly。
　　OftenwhenshewokeJofoundBethreadinginherwell—wornlittlebook，heardhersingingsoftly，tobeguilethesleeplessnight，orsawherleanherfaceuponherhands，whileslowtearsdroppedthroughthetransparentfingers，andJowouldliewatchingherwiththoughtstoodeepfortears，feelingthatBeth，inhersimple，unselfishway，wastryingtoweanherselffromthedearoldlife，andfitherselfforthelifetocome，bysacredwordsofcomfort，quietprayers，andthemusicshelovedsowell。
　　SeeingthisdidmoreforJothanthewisestsermons，thesaintliesthymns，themostferventprayersthatanyvoicecouldutter。Forwitheyesmadeclearbymanytears，andaheartsoftenedbythetenderestsorrow，sherecognizedthebeautyofhersister’slife——uneventful，unambitious，yetfullofthegenuinevirtueswhich`smellsweet，andblossominthedust’，theself—forgetfulnessthatmakesthehumblestonearthrememberedsoonestinheaven，thetruesuccesswhichispossibletoall。
　　OnenightwhenBethlookedamongthebooksuponhertable，tofindsomethingtomakeherforgetthemortalwearinessthatwasalmostashardtobearaspain，assheturnedtheleavesofheroldfavorite，Pilgrims’sProgress，shefoundalittlepaper，scribbledoverinJo’shand。Thenamecaughthereyeandtheblurredlookofthelinesmadehersurethattearshadfallenonit。
　　"PoorJo！She’sfastasleep，soIwon’twakehertoaskleave。Sheshowsmeallherthings，andIdon’tthinkshe’llmindifIlookatthis"，thoughtBeth，withaglanceathersister，wholayontherug，withthetongsbesideher，readytowakeuptheminutethelogfellapart。MYBETHSittingpatientintheshadowTilltheblessedlightshallcome，AsereneandsaintlypresenceSanctifiesourtroubledhome。
　　EarthlyjoysandhopesandsorrowsBreaklikeripplesonthestrandOfthedeepandsolemnriverWhereherwillingfeetnowstand。Omysister，passingfromme，Outofhumancareandstrife，Leaveme，asagift，thosevirtuesWhichhavebeautifiedyourlife。
　　Dear，bequeathmethatgreatpatienceWhichhaspowertosustainAcheerful，uncomplainingspiritInitsprison—houseofpain。Giveme，forIneeditsorely，Ofthatcourage，wiseandsweet，WhichhasmadethepathofdutyGreenbeneathyourwillingfeet。
　　Givemethatunselfishnature，ThatwithcharitydevineCanpardonwrongforlove’sdearsake——
　　Meekheart，forgivememine！ThusourpartingdailylosethSomethingofitsbitterpain，Andwhilelearningthishardlesson，Mygreatlossbecomesmygain。
　　ForthetouchofgriefwillrenderMywildnaturemoreserene，Givetolifenewaspirations，Anewtrustintheunseen。Henceforth，safeacrosstheriver，IshallseeforevermoreAbeloved，householdspiritWaitingformeontheshore。
　　Hopeandfaith，bornofmysorrow，Guardianangelsshallbecome，AndthesistergonebeforemeBytheirhandsshallleadmehome。
　　Blurredandblotted，faultyandfeebleasthelineswere，theybroughtalookofinexpressiblecomforttoBeth’sface，forheroneregrethadbeenthatshehaddonesolittle，andthisseemedtoassureherthatherlifehadnotbeenuseless，thatherdeathwouldnotbringthedespairshefeared。Asshesatwiththepaperfoldedbetweenherhands，thecharredlogfellasunder。Jostartedup，revivedtheblaze，andcrepttothebedside，hopingBethslept。
　　"Notasleep，butsohappy，dear。See，Ifoundthisandreadit。Iknewyouwouldn’tcare。HaveIbeenallthattoyou，Jo？"sheasked，withwistful，humbleearnestness。
　　"OH，Beth，somuch，somuch！"AndJo’sheadwentdownuponthepillowbesidehersister’s。
　　"ThenIdon’tfeelasifI’dwastedmylife。I’mnotsogoodasyoumakeme，butIhavetriedtodoright。Andnow，whenit’stoolatetobegineventodobetter，it’ssuchacomforttoknowthatsomeonelovesmesomuch，andfeelsasifI’dhelpedthem。"
　　"Morethananyoneintheworld，Beth。IusedtothinkIcouldn’tletyougo，butI’mlearningtofeelthatIdon’tloseyou，thatyou’llbemoretomethanever，anddeathcan’tpartus，thoughitseemsto。"
　　"Iknowitcannot，andIdon’tfearitanylonger，forI’msureIshallbeyourBethstill，toloveandhelpyoumorethanever。Youmusttakemyplace，Jo，andbeeverythingtoFatherandMotherwhenI’mgone。Theywillturntoyou，don’tfailthem，andifit’shardtoworkalone，rememberthatIdon’tforgetyou，andthatyou’llbehappierindoingthatthanwritingsplendidbooksorseeingalltheworld，forloveistheonlythingthatwecancarrywithuswhenwego，anditmakesthegoeasy。"
　　"I’lltry，Beth。"AndthenandthereJorenouncedheroldambition，pledgedherselftoanewandbetterone，acknowledgingthepovertyofotherdesires，andfeelingtheblessedsolaceofabeliefintheimmortalityoflove。
　　Sothespringdayscameandwent，theskygrewclearer，theearthgreener，theflowerswereupfairlyearly，andthebirdscamebackintimetosaygoodbyetoBeth，who，likeatiredbuttrustfulchild，clungtothehandsthathadledherallherlife，asFatherandMotherguidedhertenderlythroughtheValleyoftheShadow，andgaveheruptoGod。
　　Seldomexceptinbooksdothedyinguttermemorablewords，seevisions，ordepartwithbeatifiedcountenances，andthosewhohavespedmanypartingsoulsknowthattomosttheendcomesasnaturallyandsimplyassleep。AsBethhadhoped，the`tidewentouteasily’，andinthedarkhourbeforedawn，onthebosomwhereshehaddrawnherfirstbreath，shequietlydrewherlast，withnofarewellbutonelovinglook，onelittlesigh。
　　Withtearsandprayersandtenderhands，Motherandsistersmadeherreadyforthelongsleepthatpainwouldnevermaragain，seeingwithgratefuleyesthebeautifulserenitythatsoonreplacedthepatheticpatiencethathadwrungtheirheartssolong，andfeelingwithreverentjoythattotheirdarlingdeathwasabenignantangel，notaphantomfullofdread。
　　Whenmorningcame，forthefirsttimeinmanymonthsthefirewasout，Jo’splacewasempty，andtheroomwasverystill。Butabirdsangblithelyonabuddingbough，closeby，thesnowdropsblossomedfreshlyatthewindow，andthespringsunshinestreamedinlikeabenedictionovertheplacidfaceuponthepillow，afacesofullofpainlesspeacethatthosewholoveditbestsmiledthroughtheirtears，andthankedGodthatBethwaswellatlast。
　　GoodWives:Chapter18CHAPTER18LearningtoForgetAmy’slecturedidLauriegood，though，ofcourse，hedidnotownittilllongafterward。Menseldomdo，forwhenwomenaretheadvisers，thelordsofcreationdon’ttaketheadvicetilltheyhavepersuadedthemselvesthatitisjustwhattheyintendedtodo。Thentheyactuponit，and，ifitsucceeds，theygivetheweakervesselhalfthecreditofit。Ifitfails，theygenerouslygiveherthewhole。Lauriewentbacktohisgrandfather，andwassodutifullydevotedforseveralweeksthattheoldgentlemandeclaredtheclimateofNicehadimprovedhimwonderfully，andhehadbettertryitagain。Therewasnothingtheyounggentlemanwouldhavelikedbetter，butelephantscouldnothavedraggedhimbackafterthescoldinghehadreceived。Prideforbid，andwheneverthelonginggrewverystrong，hefortifiedhisresolutionbyrepeatingthewordsthathadmadethedeepestimpression，"Idespiseyou。""Goanddosomethingsplendidthatwillmakeherloveyou。"
　　Laurieturnedthematteroverinhismindsooftenthathesoonbroughthimselftoconfessthathehadbeenselfishandlazy，butthenwhenamanhasagreatsorrow，heshouldbeindulgedinallsortsofvagariestillhehasliveditdown。Hefeltthathisblightedaffectionswerequitedeadnow，andthoughheshouldneverceasetobeafaithfulmourner，therewasnooccasiontowearhisweedsostentatiously。Jowouldn’tlovehim，buthemightmakeherrespectandadmirehimbydoingsomethingwhichshouldprovethatagirl’snohadnotspoiledhislife。Hehadalwaysmeanttodosomething，andAmy’sadvicewasquiteunnecessary。Hehadonlybeenwaitingtilltheaforesaidblightedaffectionsweredecentlyinterred。Thatbeingdone，hefeltthathewasreadyto`hidehisstrickenheart，andstilltoilon’。
　　AsGoethe，whenhehadajoyoragrief，putitintoasong，soLaurieresolvedtoembalmhislovesorrowinmusic，andtocomposeaRequiemwhichshouldharrowupJo’ssoulandmelttheheartofeveryhearer。Thereforethenexttimetheoldgentlemanfoundhimgettingrestlessandmoodyandorderedhimoff，hewenttoVienna，wherehehadmusicalfriends，andfelltoworkwiththefirmdeterminationtodistinguishhimself。Butwhetherthesorrowwastoovasttobeembodiedinmusic，ormusictooetherealtoupliftamortalwoe，hesoondiscoveredthattheRequiemwasbeyondhimjustatpresent。Itwasevidentthathismindwasnotinworkingorderyet，andhisideasneededclarifying，forofteninthemiddleofaplaintivestrain，hewouldfindhimselfhummingadancingtunethatvividlyrecalledtheChristmasballatNice，especiallythestoutFrenchman，andputaneffectualstoptotragiccompositionforthetimebeing。
　　Thenhetriedanopera，fornothingseemedimpossibleinthebeginning，buthereagainunforeseendifficultiesbesethim。HewantedJoforhisheroine，andcalleduponhismemorytosupplyhimwithtenderrecollectionsandromanticvisionsofhislove。Butmemoryturnedtraitor，andasifpossessedbytheperversespiritofthegirl，wouldonlyrecallJo’soddities，faults，andfreaks，wouldonlyshowherinthemostunsentimentalaspects——beatingmatswithherheadtiedupinabandana，barricadingherselfwiththesofapillow，orthrowingcoldwateroverhispassionàlaGummidge——andanirresistablelaughspoiledthepensivepicturehewasendeavoringtopaint。Jowouldn’tbeputintotheoperaatanyprice，andhehadtogiveherupwitha"Blessthatgirl，whatatormentsheis！"andaclutchathishair，asbecameadistractedcomposer。
　　Whenhelookedabouthimforanotherandalessintractabledamseltoimmortalizeinmelody，memoryproducedonewiththemostobligingreadiness。Thisphantomworemanyfaces，butitalwayshadgoldenhair，wasenvelopedinadiaphanouscloud，andfloatedairilybeforehismind’seyeinapleasingchaosofroses，peacocks，whiteponies，andblueribbons。Hedidnotgivethecomplacentwraithanyname，buthetookherforhisheroineandgrewquitefondofher，aswellhemight，forhegiftedherwitheverygiftandgraceunderthesun，andescortedher，unscathed，throughtrialswhichwouldhaveannihilatedanymortalwoman。
　　Thankstothisinspiration，hegotonswimminglyforatime，butgraduallytheworklostitscharm，andheforgottocompose，whilehesatmusing，peninhand，orroamedaboutthegaycitytogetsomenewideasandrefreshhismind，whichseemedtobeinasomewhatunsettledstatethatwinter。Hedidnotdomuch，buthethoughtagreatdealandwasconsciousofachangeofsomesortgoingoninspiteofhimself。"It’sgeniussimmering，perhaps。I’llletitsimmer，andseewhatcomesofit，"hesaid，withasecretsuspicionallthewhilethatitwasn’tgenius，butsomethingfarmorecommon。Whateveritwas，itsimmeredtosomepurpose，forhegrewmoreandmorediscontentedwithhisdesultorylife，begantolongforsomerealandearnestworktogoat，soulandbody，andfinallycametothewiseconclusionthateveryonewholovedmusicwasnotacomposer。ReturningfromoneofMozart’sgrandoperas，splendidlyperformedattheRoyalTheatre，helookedoverhisown，playedafewofthebestparts，satstaringatthebustsofMendelssohn，Beethoven，andbach，whostaredbenignlybackagain。Thensuddenlyhetoreuphismusicsheets，onebyone，andasthelastflutteredoutofhishand，hesaidsoberlytohimself……
　　"Sheisright！Talentisn’tgenius，andyoucan’tmakeitso。ThatmusichastakenthevanityoutofmyasRometookitoutofher，andIwon’tbeahumbuganylonger。NowwhatshallIdo？"
　　Thatseemedahardquestiontoanswer，andLauriebegantowishhehadtoworkforhisdailybread。Nowifever，occurredaneligibleopportunityfor`goingtothedevil’，asheonceforciblyexpressedit，forhehadplentyofmoneyandnothingtodo，andSatanisproverbiallyfondofprovidingemploymentforfullandidlehands。Thepoorfellowhadtemptationsenoughfromwithoutandfromwithin，buthewithstoodthemprettywell，formuchashevaluedliberty，hevaluedgoodfaithandconfidencemore，sohispromisetohisgrandfather，andhisdesiretobeabletolookhonestlyintotheeyesofthewomenwholovedhim，andsay"All’swell，"kepthimsafeandsteady。
　　VerylikelysomeMrs。Grundywillobserve，"Idon’tbelieveit，boyswillbeboys，youngmenmustsowtheirwildoats，andwomenmustnotexpectmiracles。"Idaresayyoudon’t，Mrs。Grundy，butit’struenevertheless。Womenworkagoodmanymiracles，andIhaveapersuasionthattheymayperformeventhatofraisingthestandardofmanhoodbyrefusingtoechosuchsayings。Lettheboysbeboys，thelongerthebetter，andlettheyoungmensowtheirwildoatsiftheymust。Butmothers，sisters，andfriendsmayhelptomakethecropasmallone，andkeepmanytaresfromspoilingtheharvest，bybelieving，andshowingthattheybelieve，inthepossibilityofloyaltytothevirtueswhichmakemenmanliestingoodwomen’seyes。Ifitisafemininedelusion，leaveustoenjoyitwhilewemay，forwithoutithalfthebeautyandtheromanceoflifeislost，andsorrowfulforebodingswouldembitterallourhopesofthebrave，tenderheartedlittlelads，whostilllovetheirmothersbetterthanthemselvesandarenotashamedtoownit。
　　LauriethoughtthatthetaskofforgettinghisloveforJowouldabsorballhispowersforyears，buttohisgreatsurprisehediscovereditgreweasiereveryday。Herefusedtobelieveitatfirst，gotangrywithhimself，andcouldn’tunderstandit，buttheseheartsofoursarecuriousandcontrarythings，andtimeandnatureworktheirwillinspiteofus。Laurie’sheartwouldn’tache。Thewoundpersistedinhealingwitharapiditythatastonishedhim，andinsteadoftryingtoforget，hefoundhimselftryingtoremember。Hehadnotforeseenthisturnofaffairs，andwasnotpreparedforit。Hewasdisgustedwithhimself，surprisedathisownfickleness，andfullofaqueermixtureofdisappointmentandreliefthathecouldrecoverfromsuchatremendousblowsosoon。Hecarefullystirreduptheembersofhislostlove，buttheyrefusedtoburstintoablaze。Therewasonlyacomfortableglowthatwarmedanddidhimgoodwithoutputtinghimintoafever，andhewasreluctantlyobligedtoconfessthattheboyishpassionwasslowlysubbsidingintoamoretranquilsentiment，verytender，alittlesadandresentfulstill，butthatwassuretopassawayintime，leavingabrotherlyaffectionwhichwouldlastunbrokentotheend。
　　Astheword`brotherly’passedthroughhismindinoneofhisreveries，hesmiled，andglancedupatthepictureofMozartthatwasbeforehim……
　　"Well，hewasagreatman，andwhenhecouldn’thaveonesisterhetooktheother，andwashappy。"
　　Lauriedidnotutterthewords，buthethoughtthem，andthenextinstantkissedthelittleoldring，sayingtohimself，"No，Iwon’t！Ihaven’tforgotten，Inevercan。I’lltryagain，andifthatfails，whythen……
　　Leavinghissentenceunfinished，heseizedpenandpaperandwrotetoJo，tellingherthathecouldnotsettletoanythingwhiletherewastheleasthopeofherchanginghermind。Couldn’tshe，wouldn’tshe，andlethimcomehomeandbehappy？Whilewaitingforananswerhedidnothing，buthediditenergetically，forhewasinafeverofimpatience。Itcameatlast，andsettledhismindeffectuallyononepoint，forJodecidedlycouldn’tandwouldn’t。ShewaswrappedupinBeth，andneverwishedtohearthewordloveagain。Thenshebeggedhimtobehappywithsomebodyelse，butalwayskeepalittlecornerofhisghartforhislovingsisterJo。InapostscriptshedesiredhimnottotellAmythatBethwasworse，shewascominghomeinthespringandtherewasnoneedofsaddeningtheremainderofherstay。Thatwouldbetimeenough，pleaseGod，butLauriemustwritetoheroften，andnotletherfeellonely，homesickoranxious。
　　"SoIwill，atonce。Poorlittlegirl，itwillbeasadgoinghomeforher，I’mafraid。"AndLaurieopenedhisdesk，asifwritingtoAmyhadbeentheproperconclusionofthesentenceleftunfinishedsomeweeksbefore。