asked Laurie , looking indignant . `` Oh , yes , she tries to , but she ca n't love Bethy as I do , and she wo n't miss her as I shall . Beth is my conscience , and I ca n't give her up . I ca n't ! I ca n't ! '' Down went Jo 's face into the wet handkerchief , and she cried despairingly , for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear . Laurie drew his hand across his eyes , but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips . It might be unmanly , but he could n't help it , and I am glad of it . Presently , as Jo 's sobs quieted , he said hopefully , `` I do n't think she will die . She 's so good , and we all love her so much , I do n't believe God will take her away yet . '' `` The good and dear people always do die , '' groaned Jo , but she stopped crying , for her friend 's words cheered her up in spite of her own doubts and fears . `` Poor girl , you 're worn out . It is n't like you to be forlorn . Stop a bit . I 'll hearten you up in a jiffy . '' Laurie went off two stairs at a time , and Jo laid her wearied head down on Beth 's little brown hood , which no one had thought of moving from the table where she left it . It must have possessed some magic , for the submissive spirit of its gentle owner seemed to enter into Jo , and when Laurie came running down with a glass of wine , she took it with a smile , and said bravely , `` I drink -- Health to my Beth ! You are a good doctor , Teddy , and such a comfortable friend . How can I ever pay you ? '' she added , as the wine refreshed her body , as the kind words had done her troubled mind .
`` I 'll send my bill , by-and-by , and tonight I 'll XXXXX you something that will warm the cockles of your heart better than quarts of wine , '' said Laurie , beaming at her with a face of suppressed satisfaction at something .
am give kept laid pay quieted said subdued take tries