`` I see a young lady who pins her collar straight , laces her boots neatly , and neither whistles , talks slang , nor lies on the rug as she used to do . Her face is rather thin and pale just now , with watching and anxiety , but I like to look at it , for it has grown gentler , and her voice is lower . She does n't bounce , but moves quietly , and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me . I rather miss my wild girl , but if I get a strong , helpful , tenderhearted woman in her place , I shall feel quite satisfied . I do n't know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep , but I do know that in all Washington I could n't find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars my good girl sent me . '' Jo 's keen eyes were rather dim for a minute , and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight as she received her father 's praise , feeling that she did deserve a portion of it . `` Now , Beth , '' said Amy , longing for her turn , but ready to wait . `` There 's so little of her , I 'm afraid to say much , for fear she will slip away altogether , though she is not so shy as she used to be , '' began their father cheerfully . But recollecting how nearly he had lost her , he held her close , saying tenderly , with her cheek against his own , `` I 've got you safe , my Beth , and I 'll keep you so , please God . '' After a minute 's silence , he looked down at Amy , who sat on the cricket at his feet , and said , with a caress of the shining hair ... `` I observed that Amy took drumsticks at dinner , ran errands for her mother all the afternoon , gave Meg her place tonight , and has waited on every one with patience and good humor . I also observe that she does not fret much nor look in the glass , and has not even mentioned a very pretty ring which she wears , so I conclude that she has learned to think of other people more and of herself less , and has decided to try and mold her character as carefully as she molds her little clay figures . I am glad of this , for though I should be very proud of a graceful statue made by her , I shall be infinitely prouder of a lovable daughter with a talent for making life beautiful to herself and others . '' `` What are you thinking of , Beth ? '' asked Jo , when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring . `` I read in Pilgrim 's Progress today how , after many troubles , Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow where lilies bloomed all year round , and there they rested happily , as we do now , before they went on to their journey 's end , '' answered Beth , adding , as she slipped out of her father 's arms and went to the instrument , `` It 's singing time now , and I want to be in my old place . I 'll try to sing the song of the shepherd boy which the Pilgrims heard . I made the music for Father , because he likes the verses . '' So , sitting at the dear little piano , Beth softly touched the keys , and in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again , sang to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn , which was a singularly fitting song for her . He that is down need fear no fall , He that is low no pride . He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his guide .
I XXXXX content with what I have , Little be it , or much .
am bloomed came grew lost observe pins slipped thinking wait