The fever still had a strong grip on Beth, but like a little soldier, she fought it every step of the way.
Meg and Jo tirelessly rotated shifts to care for Beth.
Hannah also helped hugely by looking after all the household chores that the girls couldn't do.
During Beth's illness, Meg and Jo discovered many things about their sister that they hadn't known before.
For example, who would have known that shy little Beth had so many friends?
When word got out that she was sick, every day someone would come by with a gift or flowers for her.
The living room rapidly filled with beautiful blooms and lovely presents that Jo knew Beth would cherish.
"How kind. Everyone is thinking of our Beth," remarked Meg, folding some washcloths.
Her eyes followed Jo as she carried to the table several loaves of fresh bread, courtesy of the baker, who had just come by to ask about Beth.
Jo, hands perched on her hips, stared at the large amount of food that neighbors and friends had brought over.
"Meg, if you were Beth, what do you think you would do with all this food?" asked Jo, pointing to the overflowing table.
Meg, catching on to Jo's line of thinking, replied, "I think I would share whatever I had."
Jo smiled at her sister, whom she was grateful to have during these painful times, and said, "Yes, I agree. That is exactly what she would do."
Meg and Jo generously filled a large basket with the food that had been kindly given to Beth.
"I hope the Hummel children aren't too sick to enjoy this," said Jo as she placed the loaves of fresh bread in the basket.
"Dr. Bangs said that the Hummel children didn't catch the fever as severely as our Beth," said Meg.
"That may mean our Beth will recover soon, too," Jo said hopefully.
Nodding but without commenting on her sister's last remark, Meg said,
"We should have done this sooner. I must confess all this to Mother when she returns."
"I wonder if we should send for Mother now?" asked Jo as she pulled on her coat.
"I don't know. I just wish she were here right now," replied Meg, wrapping a scarf around her neck.
Clutching one handle each, the sisters carried the basket between them to divide the weight,
but nobody could share the heavy burden of guilt on their hearts.
The visit to the Hummels wasn't as horrible as Jo expected.
Mrs. Hummel was still distressed over the death of her little baby, and although the girls tried to console her, she was too upset to be comforted.
The other children, thinner from their illness, were extremely excited when they saw the large basket of goodies.
After spending a fair amount of time with them, Meg and Jo returned home with lighter hands and hearts.
Meg went upstairs to check up on Beth, giving Jo some time to spend alone.
Jo went outside, hoping the cold air would clear her head.
"Jo? What are you doing out here?" Laurie had seen his friend sitting alone on a large rock in the yard and decided to join her.
"I just needed some fresh air," said Jo, putting on a brave face.
"How are you coping?" Laurie asked.
"Okay," said Jo meekly.
"No need to lie to me, friend," said Laurie, tilting Jo's head upward to face him.
"You're right, I'm not doing fine," said Jo before she burst into tears.
"If Beth dies, I will never forgive myself."
"Stop talking nonsense. Dr. Bangs thinks Beth will recover soon; it's just a matter of time.
I know what will transform that frown into a smile," said Laurie, getting up and dusting off his bottom.
"Laurie, I don't feel like laughing," Jo said wearily.
"Nonsense! Someone once told me that laughter is the best medicine. Now watch this."
Laurie began to imitate his grandfather, then Hannah, Brookes, and finally each of the girls.
Jo had to guess which person he was mimicking.
Before she knew it, she was laughing happily, forgetting her troubles for just a moment.
"I just wish Mother were here. She would know what to do," said Jo after Laurie had finished his performance.
Laurie playfully pulled Jo's short hair and said, "What if I told you that she's coming home, as we speak?"
Stunned, Jo looked at him hopefully and said, "Mother is coming home? How? When?"
"Dr. Bangs told me to send for her. I didn't want to tell you girls in case it worried you more. She should arrive here tonight," said Laurie.
Jo burst into tears again, sobbing loudly and hiccupping as she said, "Thank you, Laurie. Thank you."
Hugging his friend, Laurie sat with Jo until her tears stopped.
Jo did not tell Meg about Mother's arrival, for fear her sister might think the worst.
"I wonder how Father is doing?" whispered Meg.
"We haven't had a letter in two days."
"Mother mentioned that he had such an appetite that he wanted to eat up her portion of their meals,"
Jo said smiling, as she recalled Mother's last letter.
"Oh, that's right. He's even started to walk a little," said Meg.
"I never read that part. How do you know?" Jo asked, surprised.
Meg turned red and lowered her eyes before answering, "John said so."
"John? Who is John?" Jo asked rather loudly.
"Mr. Brookes. His name is John Brookes," Meg said in a dreamy voice.
Jo was beyond words because, with everything that had happened recently, she had forgotten about Laurie's secret.
Now it seemed as if the cat was out of the bag.
"Meg, have you been writing to Mr. Brookes? That's very unladylike!"
Jo scolded, borrowing Amy's favorite descriptive word for her.
"Don't worry, Jo. I only wrote a few times to thank him for his help.
Besides, there is nothing improper about our writing," Meg said firmly.
Before Jo could speak her mind, the door suddenly opened and a familiar figure walked in,
paralyzing the girls for a moment before they realized who it was.
"Mother!" Meg and Jo screamed together as they ran to hug her.
"We're so happy you've returned," said Jo.
"Thank you, girls," Mother replied, kissing them.
Then she knelt down beside Beth and said, "Don't worry, love, Mother is here."
Meg and Jo confessed their wrongdoings to Mother, preparing to be disciplined for their selfishness.
Instead, Mother just said to them, "Seeing your sister suffer like this is punishment enough.
I hope you girls have learned a lesson from all this."
Then Mother took them in her arms and hugged them and told them to continue praying for Beth.
The next day, Jo immediately noticed a change in Beth's breathing.
It was slower and more relaxed. The rash seemed to have faded and Beth looked more peaceful.
"The fever has broken," Mother said in a trembling voice.
Jo ran over and held Mother's outstretched hand, asking, "Is she going to live? Will Beth be all right?"
With tears of relief streaming down her face, Mother replied, "Yes, our little girl is going to make it."