`` I thought you were asleep , '' sobbed Beth . `` Is it the old pain , my precious ? '' `` No , it 's a new one , but I can bear it , '' and Beth tried to check her tears . `` Tell me all about it , and let me cure it as I often did the other . '' `` You ca n't , there is no cure . '' There Beth 's voice gave way , and clinging to her sister , she cried so despairingly that Jo was frightened . `` Where is it ? Shall I call Mother ? '' `` No , no , do n't call her , do n't tell her . I shall be better soon . Lie down here and ` poor ' my head . I 'll be quiet and go to sleep , indeed I will . '' Jo obeyed , but as her hand went softly to and fro across Beth 's hot forehead and wet eyelids , her heart was very full and she longed to speak . But young as she was , Jo had learned that hearts , like flowers , can not be rudely handled , but must open naturally , so though she believed she knew the cause of Beth 's new pain , she only said , in her tenderest tone , `` Does anything trouble you , deary ? '' `` Yes , Jo , '' after a long pause . `` Would n't it comfort you to tell me what it is ? '' `` Not now , not yet . '' `` Then I wo n't ask , but remember , Bethy , that Mother and Jo are always glad to hear and help you , if they can . '' `` I know it . I 'll tell you by-and-by . ''
`` XXXXX the pain better now ? ''
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