Хорошие жёны / Good wives. Уровень 3

So he was going at once on the night train and only had time to say good-bye. I was very sorry for him, and disappointed for myself. He shook hands, and said, “I shall soon come back, you won’t forget me, Amy?”

I didn’t promise, but I looked at him, and he was satisfied. I know he wanted to speak. We shall soon meet in Rome, and then I’ll say “Yes, thank you,” when he says “Will you, please?”

Of course this is all very private. Don’t be anxious about me, remember I am your �prudent Amy’.

Ever your Amy

Tender Troubles

“Jo, I’m anxious about Beth.”

“Why, Mother, she seems unusually well.”

“It’s not her health that troubles me now, it’s her spirits.”

“What makes you think so, Mother?”

“She sits alone a good deal, and doesn’t talk to her father. I found her crying over the babies the other day. This isn’t like Beth, and it worries me.”

“Have you asked her about it?”

“I have tried once or twice, but she evaded my questions.

“I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes. Why, Mother, Beth is eighteen, but we don’t realize it, and treat her like a child. We forget she’s a woman.”

“So she is. Dear heart, how fast you grow up,” returned her mother with a sigh and a smile.

“Can’t be helped, Mama.”

“I leave Beth to your hands, then, for she will open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than to anyone else.

“I’ll settle Bethy’s troubles, and then I’ll tell you mine. They are not very wearing, so they’ll keep.”

And Jo stitched away, with a wise nod which set her mother’s heart at rest about her for the present at least.

Jo watched Beth. Sitting at the window, Beth leaned her head upon her hand, while her eyes rested on the dull, autumn landscape. Suddenly someone passed below, and a voice called out, “All right! I’ll come in tonight.

Beth started, leaned forward, smiled and nodded, then said softly as if to herself,

“How strong and well and happy that dear boy looks.”

“Hum!” said Jo, still intent upon her sister’s face, for the bright color faded as quickly as it came, the smile vanished, and presently a tear lay shining on the window ledge. Beth whisked it off, and walked out of the room.