Chapter 15 Dark Days The illness settled right into poor Beth.
Hannah and the doctor took good care of her.
Meg stayed home to keep up the house.
Hannah gave strict instructions to the girls not to tell their mother anything.
Their father had had a relapse, and Hannah didn't want anything else to upset his recovery.
She had no doubt that Beth would soon get well.
Heavy hearts carried Joe and Meg through these dark days.
They were both so afraid to think of life without their special little sister.
Beth filled people's hearts with her gentle, giving nature.
For a while she was well enough to send loving notes to Amy, but...
Soon even those good spells were replaced by long periods of tossing and turning.
Beth would speak incoherently or sink into a heavy sleep.
The doctor started coming twice a day.
Hannah stayed up most nights.
Joe never left Beth's side.
Meg readied a telegram just in case.
December blew in, carrying misery and fear.
When the doctor came that morning, he told Hannah to send for Mrs. March.
Joe dashed to the post office.
When she returned home, Lori arrived with a letter from Mr Brooke saying their father was once again on the mend.
The boy immediately noticed Joe's long, sad face and asked, What's wrong?
Is Beth worse?
Joe nodded.
I've sent for Mother.
Was it your idea?
No, the doctor told us to.
Lori looked startled.
It's not that bad, is it?
Yes, Joe said, sobbing.
She doesn't even know us anymore.
She no longer looks like my Beth.
With both mother and father gone, I just can't bear it.
The tears streamed down her face.
Lori took her hand and whispered, I'm here.
Hold on to me, Joe.
Thank you, Lori.
I'm better now, he said quietly.
Keep hoping for the best.
Your mother will be here soon.
A fresh rainfall of tears started.
Oh, Lori, Beth is my conscience, and I can't give her up.
I can't.
Lori choked back his tears and said, I don't think she'll die.
She's so good, and we all love her so much.
The good and dear people always do die.
Joe groaned, but she stopped crying.
You stay here, he said.
I'll make you feel better in a minute.
When he returned, he was carrying a glass of wine.
Joe took it and proposed a toast.
To the health of my dear Beth.
She sipped slowly and said, You're a good doctor, Lori, and such a good friend.
How can I ever repay you?
That's not necessary.
Besides, I've got a surprise.
What?
He smiled.
I telegraphed your mother yesterday.
Brooke replied that she'd come home at once.
She'll be here tonight.
Joe flew out of her chair and threw her arms around his neck.
"'Oh, Lori, I am so glad!'
She laughed and trembled and held on tight to the bewildered boy.
He patted her back and then gave her a shy kiss, which brought her to her senses.
"'I'm sorry,' she said.
"'I couldn't help flying at you.
No more wine for me.
It makes me reckless.'
Lori fixed his tie.
Not to worry.
I didn't mind.
I'm going to pick up your mother.
Her train gets in at two in the morning.
Joe smiled.
Really, Lori, how can I thank you?
You can fly at me again, he teased.
I rather liked it.
No, thank you.
Go home and rest.
It's going to be a long night.
Bless you, Lori.
Bless you.
For a moment, it was as if a burst of sunshine had entered the house.
Everyone was so happy to hear that Marmee was finally coming home.
Everyone but Beth, who lay in a heavy stupor.
Meg and Joe hovered over her because the doctor wasn't expected to return until midnight, when some change might occur.
They all waited, but no one slept.
It was past two when Meg came into the parlor with an ashen face.
Joe had the dreadful thought, Beth has died and she's afraid to tell me.
She flew upstairs to Beth's bedside.
The flush of the fever and the look of pain were gone from her young face.
She looked so peaceful.
Joe leaned over her dear sister and said goodbye, my Beth.
Goodbye.
Joe's tearful speech woke Hannah from her slumber.
The servant hurried to the bed and felt Beth's forehead.
She smiled broadly and said, The fever's turned.
She's sleeping normally.
Thank goodness.
Soon the girls let Dr. Bangs in, who confirmed Hannah's diagnosis.
Beth had pulled through.
Meg and Joe hugged and kissed each other with the good news and the jingling bells announcing the arrival of their mother's carriage.
There were never two happier girls.
