life with death; but both were mercifully brief, and then, the
natural rebellion over, the old peace returned more beautiful
than ever. With the wreck of her frail body, Beth's soul grew
strong; and, though she said little, those about her felt that she
was ready, saw that the first pilgrim called was likewise the
fittest, and waited with her on the shore, trying to see the
Shining Ones coming to receive her when she crossed the river.

Jo never left her for an hour since Beth had said, "I feel
stronger when you are here." She slept on a couch in the room,
waking often to renew the fire, to feed, lift, or wait upon the
patient creature who seldom asked for anything, and "tried
not to be a trouble." All day she haunted the room, jealous
of any other nurse, and prouder of being chosen then than of
any honor her life ever brought her. Precious and helpful
hours for Jo, for now her heart received the teaching that it
needed; lessons in patience were so sweetly taught her that
she could not fail to learn them; charity for all, the lovely
spirit that can forgive and truly forget unkindness, the loyalty
to duty that makes the hardest easy, and the sincere faith that
fears nothing, but trusts undoubtingly.

Often, when she woke, Jo found Beth reading in her well-
worn little book, heard her singing softly, to beguile the sleepless
night, or saw her lean her face upon her hands, while slow tears
dropped through the transparent fingers; and Jo would lie
watching her, with thoughts too deep for tears, feeling that
Beth, in her simple, unselfish way, was trying to wean herself
from the dear old life, and fit herself for the life to come, by
sacred words of comfort, quiet prayers, and the music she
loved so well.

Seeing this did more for Jo than the wisest sermons, the
saintliest hymns, the most fervent prayers that any voice could
utter; for, with eyes made clear by many tears, and a heart
softened by the tenderest sorrow, she recognized the beauty of
her sister's life, -- uneventful, unambitious, yet full of the
genuine virtues which "smell sweet, and blossom in the dust,"

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