There was no answer except her sister 's cheek against her own , not even tears , for when most deeply moved , Jo did not cry . She was the weaker then , and Beth tried to comfort and sustain her , with her arms about her and the soothing words she whispered in her ear . `` I 've known it for a good while , dear , and now I 'm used to it , it is n't hard to think of or to bear . Try to see it so and do n't be troubled about me , because it 's best , indeed it is . '' `` Is this what made you so unhappy in the autumn , Beth ? You did not feel it then , and keep it to yourself so long , did you ? '' asked Jo , refusing to see or say that it was best , but glad to know that Laurie had no part in Beth 's trouble . `` Yes , I gave up hoping then , but I did n't like to own it . I tried to think it was a sick fancy , and would not let it trouble anyone . But when I saw you all so well and strong and full of happy plans , it was hard to feel that I could never be like you , and then I was miserable , Jo . '' `` Oh , Beth , and you did n't tell me , did n't let me comfort and help you ? How could you shut me out , bear it all alone ? '' Jo 's voice was full of tender reproach , and her heart ached to think of the solitary struggle that must have gone on while Beth learned to say goodbye to health , love , and life , and take up her cross so cheerfully . `` Perhaps it was wrong , but I tried to do right . I was n't sure , no one said anything , and I hoped I was mistaken . It would have been selfish to frighten you all when Marmee was so anxious about Meg , and Amy away , and you so happy with Laurie -- at least I thought so then . '' `` And I thought you loved him , Beth , and I went away because I could n't , '' cried Jo , glad to say all the truth . Beth looked so amazed at the idea that Jo smiled in spite of her pain , and added softly , `` Then you did n't , dearie ? I was afraid it was so , and imagined your poor little heart full of lovelornity all that while . '' `` Why , Jo , how could I , when he was so fond of you ? ''
XXXXX Beth , as innocently as a child .
asked comfort cry feel gave help hoping made saw say