"I don't remember much about it, except that I was afraid of
the cellar and the dark entry, and always liked the cake and milk
we had up at the top. If I wasn't too old for such things, I'd
rather like to play it over again," said Amy, who began to talk
of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve.

"We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play
we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are
here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and
happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and
mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City. Now, my little
pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest,
and see how far on you can get before Father comes home."

"Really, Mother? Where are our bundles?" asked Amy, who was
a very literal young lady.

"Each of you told what your burden was just now, except Beth.
I rather think she hasn't got any," said her mother.

"Yes, I have. Mine is dishes and dusters, and envying girls
with nice pianos, and being afraid of people."

Beth's bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to
laugh, but nobody did, for it would have hurt her feelings very
much.

"Let us do it," said Meg thoughtfully. "It is only another
name for trying to be good, and the story may help us, for though