“You are very like her in all ways but one. She did not get well, and you will.”
A short answer, but it satisfied Jill to her heart's core, and that night, when she lay in bed, she thought to herself: “How curious it is that I've been a sort of missionary without knowing it! They all love and thank me, and won't let me go, so I suppose I must have done something, but I don't know what, except trying to be good and pleasant.”
That was the secret, and Jill found it out just when it was most grateful as a reward for past efforts, most helpful as an encouragement toward the constant well-doing which can make even a little girl a joy and comfort to all who know and love her.
Chapter XVI. Up at Merry's
“Now fly round, child, and get your sweeping done up smart and early.”
“Yes, mother.”
“I shall want you to help me about the baking, by and by.”
“Yes, mother.”
“Roxy is cleaning the cellar-closets, so you'll have to get the vegetables ready for dinner. Father wants a boiled dish, and I shall be so busy I can't see to it.”