Mr. Cutter was in a hurry and said ` No ' , rather crossly , so she was going away , looking hungry and sorry , when Mr. Laurence hooked up a big fish with the crooked end of his cane and held it out to her . She was so glad and surprised she took it right into her arms , and thanked him over and over . He told her to ` go along and cook it ' , and she hurried off , so happy ! Was n't it good of him ? Oh , she did look so funny , hugging the big , slippery fish , and hoping Mr. Laurence 's bed in heaven would be ` aisy ' . '' When they had laughed at Beth 's story , they asked their mother for one , and after a moments thought , she said soberly , `` As I sat cutting out blue flannel jackets today at the rooms , I felt very anxious about Father , and thought how lonely and helpless we should be , if anything happened to him . It was not a wise thing to do , but I kept on worrying till an old man came in with an order for some clothes . He sat down near me , and I began to talk to him , for he looked poor and tired and anxious . '' ` Have you sons in the army ? ' I asked , for the note he brought was not to me . '' `` Yes , ma'am . I had four , but two were killed , one is a prisoner , and I 'm going to the other , who is very sick in a Washington hospital . ' he answered quietly . '' '' ` You have done a great deal for your country , sir , ' I said , feeling respect now , instead of pity . '' '' ` Not a mite more than I ought , ma'am . I 'd go myself , if I was any use . As I ai n't , I give my boys , and give 'em free . ' '' `` He spoke so cheerfully , looked so sincere , and seemed so glad to give his all , that I was ashamed of myself . I 'd given one man and thought it too much , while he gave four without grudging them . I had all my girls to comfort me at home , and his last son was waiting , miles away , to say good-by to him , perhaps !
I felt so rich , so happy thinking of my blessings , that I made him a nice bundle , XXXXX him some money , and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me . ''
Have asked comfort cook gave go hurried look looking thought