I did n't know I was of any use . I only tried to be good and grateful , for there did n't seem to be anything else I could do , '' said Jill , wondering why they were all so fond of her . `` No real trying is ever in vain . It is like the spring rain , and flowers are sure to follow in good time . The three gifts Patience gave Saint Lucy were courage , cheerfulness , and love , and with these one can work the sweetest miracles in the world , as you see , '' and Mrs. Minot pointed to the pretty room and its happy inmates . `` Am I really the least bit like that good Lucinda ? I tried to be , but I did n't think I was , '' asked Jill softly . `` You are very like her in all ways but one . She did not get well , and you will . '' A short answer , but it satisfied Jill to her heart 's core , and that night , when she lay in bed , she thought to herself : `` How curious it is that I 've been a sort of missionary without knowing it ! They all love and thank me , and wo n't let me go , so I suppose I must have done something , but I do n't know what , except trying to be good and pleasant . '' That was the secret , and Jill found it out just when it was most grateful as a reward for past efforts , most helpful as an encouragement toward the constant well-doing which can make even a little girl a joy and comfort to all who know and love her . Chapter XVI . Up at Merry 's `` Now fly round , child , and get your sweeping done up smart and early . '' `` Yes , mother . '' `` I shall want you to help me about the baking , by and by . '' `` Yes , mother . '' `` Roxy is cleaning the cellar-closets , so you 'll have to get the vegetables ready for dinner . Father wants a boiled dish , and I shall be so busy I ca n't see to it . '' `` Yes , mother . ''
A cheerful voice XXXXX the three answers , but it cost Merry an effort to keep it so , for she had certain little plans of her own which made the work before her unusually distasteful .
asked fly found gave let see thank tried want wondering