The Valley of the Shadow

           Whenthefirstbitternesswasover,thefamilyacceptedtheinevitable,andtriedtobearitcheerfully,helpingoneanotherbytheincreasedaffectionwhichcomestobindhouseholdstenderlytogetherintimesoftrouble.Theyputawaytheirgrief,andeachdidhisorherparttowardmakingthatlastyearahappyone.

           ThepleasantestroominthehousewassetapartforBeth,andinitwasgatheredeverythingthatshemostloved,flowers,pictures,herpiano,thelittleworktable,andthebelovedpussies.Father’sbestbooksfoundtheirwaythere,Mother’seasychair,Jo’sdesk,Amy’sfinestsketches,andeverydayMegbroughtherbabiesonalovingpilgrimage,tomakesunshineforAuntyBeth.Johnquietlysetapartalittlesum,thathemightenjoythepleasureofkeepingtheinvalidsuppliedwiththefruitshelovedandlongedfor.OldHannahneverweariedofconcoctingdaintydishestotemptacapriciousappetite,droppingtearsassheworked,andfromacrosstheseacamelittlegiftsandcheerfulletters,seemingtobringbreathsofwarmthandfragrancefromlandsthatknownowinter.

           Here,cherishedlikeahouseholdsaintinitsshrine,satBeth,tranquilandbusyasever,fornothingcouldchangethesweet,unselfishnature,andevenwhilepreparingtoleavelife,shetriedtomakeithappierforthosewhoshouldremainbehind.