When her heart got heavy with longings for Mother or fears for Father , she went away into a certain closet , hid her face in the folds of a dear old gown , and made her little moan and prayed her little prayer quietly by herself . Nobody knew what cheered her up after a sober fit , but everyone felt how sweet and helpful Beth was , and fell into a way of going to her for comfort or advice in their small affairs . All were unconscious that this experience was a test of character , and when the first excitement was over , felt that they had done well and deserved praise . So they did , but their mistake was in ceasing to do well , and they learned this lesson through much anxiety and regret . `` Meg , I wish you 'd go and see the Hummels . You know Mother told us not to forget them . '' said Beth , ten days after Mrs. March 's departure . `` I 'm too tired to go this afternoon , '' replied Meg , rocking comfortably as she sewed . `` Ca n't you , Jo ? '' asked Beth . `` Too stormy for me with my cold . '' `` I thought it was almost well . '' `` It 's well enough for me to go out with Laurie , but not well enough to go to the Hummels ' , '' said Jo , laughing , but looking a little ashamed of her inconsistency . `` Why do n't you go yourself ? '' asked Meg . `` I have been every day , but the baby is sick , and I do n't know what to do for it . Mrs. Hummel goes away to work , and Lottchen takes care of it . But it gets sicker and sicker , and I think you or Hannah ought to go . '' Beth spoke earnestly , and Meg promised she would go tomorrow . `` Ask Hannah for some nice little mess , and take it round , Beth , the air will do you good , '' said Jo , adding apologetically , `` I 'd go but I want to finish my writing . ''
`` My head aches and I 'm tired , so I thought maybe some of you would go , '' XXXXX Beth .
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