CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO 

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."  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who was troubled by something?
2. Who had something preoccupying her thoughts?
3. Who was bothered by something?
Q2:
1. Who was worried about Beth?
2. Who felt anxious over Beth?
3. Who was nervous because of Beth?
Q3:
1. Who did Beth's mother tell about her anxiety?
2. Who did Beth's mom talk to?
3. Who did Beth's mother convey her anxiety to?
Q4:
1. Why was Beth's mother worried?
2. What was making Beth's mom anxious?
3. What did Beth's mom feel nervous about?
Q5:
1. Does Beth laugh with the babies?
2. Does Beth have a good time with the babies?
3. Does Beth act jovial around the babies?
Q6:
1. How old is Beth?
2. What is Beth's age?
3. What does Mrs. March say Beth's age is?
Q7:
1. What is Mrs. March to Jo?
2. What role does Mrs. March have in Jo's life?
3. What relation does Mrs. March have to Jo?
Q8:
1. Does Beth sing happy songs?
2. Does Beth sing songs that are joyful?
3. Does Beth sing tunes that are lighthearted?
Q9:
1. Is Beth ill?
2. Is Beth sick?
3. Is Beth under the weather?
Q10:
1. Did Mrs. March talk to Beth?
2. Did Beth's mother speak with her?
3. Was Beth's mom able to have a conversation with her?
