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+Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer
+
+
+
+
+
+JACK AND JILL
+
+By Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+
+   To the schoolmates of ELLSWORTH DEVENS,
+   Whose lovely character will not soon be forgotten,
+   This Village Story is affectionately inscribed by their friend,
+
+   L.M.A.
+   1880
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+     Chapter I      The Catastrophe
+     Chapter II     Two Penitents
+     Chapter III    Ward No. I
+     Chapter IV     Ward No. 2
+     Chapter V      Secrets
+     Chapter VI     Surprises
+     Chapter VII    Jill's Mission
+     Chapter VIII   Merry and Molly
+     Chapter IX     The Debating Club
+     Chapter X      The Dramatic Club
+     Chapter XI     "Down Brakes"
+     Chapter XII    The Twenty-second of February
+     Chapter XIII   Jack Has a Mystery
+     Chapter XIV    And Jill Finds it out
+     Chapter XV     Saint Lucy
+     Chapter XVI    Up at Merry's
+     Chapter XVII   Down at Molly's
+     Chapter XVIII  May Baskets
+     Chapter XIX    Good Templars
+     Chapter XX     A Sweet Memory
+     Chapter XXI    Pebbly Beach
+     Chapter XXII   A Happy Day
+     Chapter XXIII  Cattle Show
+     Chapter XXIV   Down the River
+
+
+
+
+
+JACK AND JILL
+
+
+    Jack and Jill went up the hill
+    To coast with fun and laughter;
+    Jack fell down and broke his crown,
+    And Jill came tumbling after.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I. The Catastrophe
+
+
+"Clear the lulla!" was the general cry on a bright December afternoon,
+when all the boys and girls of Harmony Village were out enjoying the
+first good snow of the season. Up and down three long coasts they went
+as fast as legs and sleds could carry them. One smooth path led into the
+meadow, and here the little folk congregated; one swept across the pond,
+where skaters were darting about like water-bugs; and the third, from
+the very top of the steep hill, ended abruptly at a rail fence on the
+high bank above the road. There was a group of lads and lasses sitting
+or leaning on this fence to rest after an exciting race, and, as they
+reposed, they amused themselves with criticising their mates, still
+absorbed in this most delightful of out-door sports.
+
+"Here comes Frank Minot, looking as solemn as a judge," cried one, as
+a tall fellow of sixteen spun by, with a set look about the mouth and
+a keen sparkle of the eyes, fixed on the distant goal with a do-or-die
+expression.
+
+  "Here's Molly Loo
+  And little Boo!"
+
+sang out another; and down came a girl with flying hair, carrying a
+small boy behind her, so fat that his short legs stuck out from the
+sides, and his round face looked over her shoulder like a full moon.
+
+"There's Gus Burton; doesn't he go it?" and such a very long boy whizzed
+by, that it looked almost as if his heels were at the top of the hill
+when his head was at the bottom!
+
+"Hurrah for Ed Devlin!" and a general shout greeted a sweet-faced lad,
+with a laugh on his lips, a fine color on his brown cheek, and a gay
+word for every girl he passed.
+
+"Laura and Lotty keep to the safe coast into the meadow, and Molly Loo
+is the only girl that dares to try this long one to the pond. I wouldn't
+for the world; the ice can't be strong yet, though it is cold enough to
+freeze one's nose off," said a timid damsel, who sat hugging a post and
+screaming whenever a mischievous lad shook the fence.
+
+"No, she isn't; here's Jack and Jill going like fury."
+
+  "Clear the track
+  For jolly Jack!"
+
+sang the boys, who had rhymes and nicknames for nearly every one.
+
+Down came a gay red sled, bearing a boy who seemed all smile and
+sunshine, so white were his teeth, so golden was his hair, so bright
+and happy his whole air. Behind him clung a little gypsy of a girl, with
+black eyes and hair, cheeks as red as her hood, and a face full of fun
+and sparkle, as she waved Jack's blue tippet like a banner with one
+hand, and held on with the other.
+
+"Jill goes wherever Jack does, and he lets her. He's such a good-natured
+chap, he can't say 'No.'"
+
+"To a girl," slyly added one of the boys, who had wished to borrow the
+red sled, and had been politely refused because Jill wanted it.
+
+"He's the nicest boy in the world, for he never gets mad," said the
+timid young lady, recalling the many times Jack had shielded her from
+the terrors which beset her path to school, in the shape of cows, dogs,
+and boys who made faces and called her "'Fraid-cat."
+
+"He doesn't dare to get mad with Jill, for she'd take his head off
+in two minutes if he did," growled Joe Flint, still smarting from the
+rebuke Jill had given him for robbing the little ones of their safe
+coast because he fancied it.
+
+"She wouldn't! she's a dear! _You_ needn't sniff at her because she is
+poor. She's ever so much brighter than you are, or she wouldn't always
+be at the head of your class, old Joe," cried the girls, standing by
+their friend with a unanimity which proved what a favorite she was.
+
+Joe subsided with as scornful a curl to his nose as its chilly state
+permitted, and Merry Grant introduced a subject of general interest by
+asking abruptly,--
+
+"Who is going to the candy-scrape to-night?"
+
+"All of us. Frank invited the whole set, and we shall have a tip-top
+time. We always do at the Minots'," cried Sue, the timid trembler.
+
+"Jack said there was a barrel of molasses in the house, so there would
+be enough for all to eat and some to carry away. They know how to do
+things handsomely;" and the speaker licked his lips, as if already
+tasting the feast in store for him.
+
+"Mrs. Minot is a mother worth having," said Molly Loo, coming up with
+Boo on the sled; and she knew what it was to need a mother, for she had
+none, and tried to care for the little brother with maternal love and
+patience.
+
+"She is just as sweet as she can be!" declared Merry, enthusiastically.
+
+"Especially when she has a candy-scrape," said Joe, trying to be
+amiable, lest he should be left out of the party.
+
+Whereat they all laughed, and went gayly away for a farewell frolic, as
+the sun was setting and the keen wind nipped fingers and toes as well as
+noses.
+
+Down they went, one after another, on the various coasts,--solemn Frank,
+long Gus, gallant Ed, fly-away Molly Loo, pretty Laura and Lotty, grumpy
+Joe, sweet-faced Merry with Sue shrieking wildly behind her, gay Jack
+and gypsy Jill, always together,--one and all bubbling over with the
+innocent jollity born of healthful exercise. People passing in the road
+below looked up and smiled involuntarily at the red-cheeked lads and
+lasses, filling the frosty air with peals of laughter and cries of
+triumph as they flew by in every conceivable attitude; for the fun was
+at its height now, and the oldest and gravest observers felt a glow of
+pleasure as they looked, remembering their own young days.
+
+"Jack, take me down that coast. Joe said I wouldn't dare to do it, so I
+must," commanded Jill, as they paused for breath after the long trudge
+up hill. Jill, of course, was not her real name, but had been given
+because of her friendship with Jack, who so admired Janey Pecq's spirit
+and fun.
+
+"I guess I wouldn't. It is very bumpy and ends in a big drift; not half
+so nice as this one. Hop on and we'll have a good spin across the
+pond;" and Jack brought "Thunderbolt" round with a skilful swing and an
+engaging air that would have won obedience from anybody but wilful Jill.
+
+"It is very nice, but I won't be told I don't 'dare' by any boy in the
+world. If you are afraid, I'll go alone." And, before he could speak,
+she had snatched the rope from his hand, thrown herself upon the sled,
+and was off, helter-skelter, down the most dangerous coast on the
+hill-side.
+
+She did not get far, however; for, starting in a hurry, she did not
+guide her steed with care, and the red charger landed her in the snow
+half-way down, where she lay laughing till Jack came to pick her up.
+
+"If you _will_ go, I'll take you down all right. I'm not afraid, for
+I've done it a dozen times with the other fellows; but we gave it up
+because it is short and bad," he said, still good-natured, though a
+little hurt at the charge of cowardice; for Jack was as brave as a
+little lion, and with the best sort of bravery,--the courage to do
+right.
+
+"So it is; but I _must_ do it a few times, or Joe will plague me and
+spoil my fun to-night," answered Jill, shaking her skirts and rubbing
+her blue hands, wet and cold with the snow.
+
+"Here, put these on; I never use them. Keep them if they fit; I only
+carry them to please mother." And Jack pulled out a pair of red mittens
+with the air of a boy used to giving away.
+
+"They are lovely warm, and they do fit. Must be too small for your paws,
+so I'll knit you a new pair for Christmas, and make you wear them, too,"
+said Jill, putting on the mittens with a nod of thanks, and ending her
+speech with a stamp of her rubber boots to enforce her threat.
+
+Jack laughed, and up they trudged to the spot whence the three coasts
+diverged.
+
+"Now, which will you have?" he asked, with a warning look in the honest
+blue eyes which often unconsciously controlled naughty Jill against her
+will.
+
+"That one!" and the red mitten pointed firmly to the perilous path just
+tried.
+
+"You will do it?"
+
+"I will!"
+
+"Come on, then, and hold tight."
+
+Jack's smile was gone now, and he waited without a word while Jill
+tucked herself up, then took his place in front, and off they went on
+the brief, breathless trip straight into the drift by the fence below.
+
+"I don't see anything very awful in that. Come up and have another.
+Joe is watching us, and I'd like to show him that _we_ aren't afraid of
+anything," said Jill, with a defiant glance at a distant boy, who had
+paused to watch the descent.
+
+"It is a regular 'go-bang,' if that is what you like," answered Jack, as
+they plowed their way up again.
+
+"It is. You boys think girls like little mean coasts without any fun or
+danger in them, as if we couldn't be brave and strong as well as you.
+Give me three go-bangs and then we'll stop. My tumble doesn't count, so
+give me two more and then I'll be good."
+
+Jill took her seat as she spoke, and looked up with such a rosy,
+pleading face that Jack gave in at once, and down they went again,
+raising a cloud of glittering snow-dust as they reined up in fine style
+with their feet on the fence.
+
+"It's just splendid! Now, one more!" cried Jill, excited by the cheers
+of a sleighing party passing below.
+
+Proud of his skill, Jack marched back, resolved to make the third "go"
+the crowning achievement of the afternoon, while Jill pranced after him
+as lightly as if the big boots were the famous seven-leagued ones, and
+chattering about the candy-scrape and whether there would be nuts or
+not.
+
+So full were they of this important question, that they piled on
+hap-hazard, and started off still talking so busily that Jill forgot to
+hold tight and Jack to steer carefully. Alas, for the candy-scrape that
+never was to be! Alas, for poor "Thunderbolt" blindly setting forth
+on the last trip he ever made! And oh, alas, for Jack and Jill, who
+wilfully chose the wrong road and ended their fun for the winter! No
+one knew how it happened, but instead of landing in the drift, or at the
+fence, there was a great crash against the bars, a dreadful plunge off
+the steep bank, a sudden scattering of girl, boy, sled, fence, earth,
+and snow, all about the road, two cries, and then silence.
+
+"I knew they'd do it!" and, standing on the post where he had perched,
+Joe waved his arms and shouted: "Smash-up! Smash-up! Run! Run!" like a
+raven croaking over a battlefield when the fight was done.
+
+Down rushed boys and girls ready to laugh or cry, as the case might be,
+for accidents will happen on the best-regulated coasting-grounds. They
+found Jack sitting up looking about him with a queer, dazed expression,
+while an ugly cut on the forehead was bleeding in a way which sobered
+the boys and frightened the girls half out of their wits.
+
+"He's killed! He's killed!" wailed Sue, hiding her face and beginning to
+cry.
+
+"No, I'm not. I'll be all right when I get my breath. Where's Jill?"
+asked Jack, stoutly, though still too giddy to see straight.
+
+The group about him opened, and his comrade in misfortune was discovered
+lying quietly in the snow with all the pretty color shocked out of her
+face by the fall, and winking rapidly, as if half stunned. But no wounds
+appeared, and when asked if she was dead, she answered in a vague sort
+of way,--
+
+"I guess not. Is Jack hurt?"
+
+"Broken his head," croaked Joe, stepping aside, that she might behold
+the fallen hero vainly trying to look calm and cheerful with red drops
+running down his cheek and a lump on his forehead.
+
+Jill shut her eyes and waved the girls away, saying, faintly,--
+
+"Never mind me. Go and see to him."
+
+"Don't! I'm all right," and Jack tried to get up in order to prove that
+headers off a bank were mere trifles to him; but at the first movement
+of the left leg he uttered a sharp cry of pain, and would have fallen if
+Gus had not caught and gently laid him down.
+
+"What is it, old chap?" asked Frank, kneeling beside him, really alarmed
+now, the hurts seeming worse than mere bumps, which were common affairs
+among baseball players, and not worth much notice.
+
+"I lit on my head, but I guess I've broken my leg. Don't frighten
+mother," and Jack held fast to Frank's arm as he looked into the anxious
+face bent over him; for, though the elder tyrannized over the younger,
+the brothers loved one another dearly.
+
+"Lift his head, Frank, while I tie my handkerchief round to stop the
+bleeding," said a quiet voice, as Ed Devlin laid a handful of soft snow
+on the wound; and Jack's face brightened as he turned to thank the one
+big boy who never was rough with the small ones.
+
+"Better get him right home," advised Gus, who stood by looking on, with
+his little sisters Laura and Lotty clinging to him.
+
+"Take Jill, too, for it's my opinion she has broken her back. She can't
+stir one bit," announced Molly Loo, with a droll air of triumph, as if
+rather pleased than otherwise to have her patient hurt the worse; for
+Jack's wound was very effective, and Molly had a taste for the tragic.
+
+This cheerful statement was greeted with a wail from Susan and howls
+from Boo, who had earned that name from the ease with which, on all
+occasions, he could burst into a dismal roar without shedding a tear,
+and stop as suddenly as he began.
+
+"Oh, I am so sorry! It was my fault; I shouldn't have let her do it,"
+said Jack, distressfully.
+
+"It was all _my_ fault; I made him. If I'd broken every bone I've got,
+it would serve me right. Don't help me, anybody; I'm a wicked thing, and
+I deserve to lie here and freeze and starve and die!" cried Jill, piling
+up punishments in her remorseful anguish of mind and body.
+
+"But we want to help you, and we can settle about blame by and by,"
+whispered Merry with a kiss; for she adored dashing Jill, and never
+would own that she did wrong.
+
+"Here come the wood-sleds just in time. I'll cut away and tell one of
+them to hurry up." And, freeing himself from his sisters, Gus went off
+at a great pace, proving that the long legs carried a sensible head as
+well as a kind heart.
+
+As the first sled approached, an air of relief pervaded the agitated
+party, for it was driven by Mr. Grant, a big, benevolent-looking farmer,
+who surveyed the scene with the sympathetic interest of a man and a
+father.
+
+"Had a little accident, have you? Well, that's a pretty likely place for
+a spill. Tried it once myself and broke the bridge of my nose," he said,
+tapping that massive feature with a laugh which showed that fifty years
+of farming had not taken all the boy out of him. "Now then, let's see
+about this little chore, and lively, too, for it's late, and these
+parties ought to be housed," he added, throwing down his whip, pushing
+back his cap, and nodding at the wounded with a reassuring smile.
+
+"Jill first, please, sir," said Ed, the gentle squire of dames,
+spreading his overcoat on the sled as eagerly as ever Raleigh laid down
+his velvet cloak for a queen to walk upon.
+
+"All right. Just lay easy, my dear, and I won't hurt you a mite if I can
+help it."
+
+Careful as Mr. Grant was, Jill could have screamed with pain as he
+lifted her; but she set her lips and bore it with the courage of a
+little Indian; for all the lads were looking on, and Jill was proud to
+show that a girl could bear as much as a boy. She hid her face in the
+coat as soon as she was settled, to hide the tears that would come, and
+by the time Jack was placed beside her, she had quite a little cistern
+of salt water stored up in Ed's coat-pocket.
+
+Then the mournful procession set forth, Mr. Grant driving the oxen, the
+girls clustering about the interesting invalids on the sled, while the
+boys came behind like a guard of honor, leaving the hill deserted by
+all but Joe, who had returned to hover about the fatal fence, and poor
+"Thunderbolt," split asunder, lying on the bank to mark the spot where
+the great catastrophe occurred.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II. Two Penitents
+
+
+Jack and Jill never cared to say much about the night which followed
+the first coasting party of the season, for it was the saddest and the
+hardest their short lives had ever known. Jack suffered most in body;
+for the setting of the broken leg was such a painful job, that it wrung
+several sharp cries from him, and made Frank, who helped, quite weak
+and white with sympathy, when it was over. The wounded head ached
+dreadfully, and the poor boy felt as if bruised all over, for he had the
+worst of the fall. Dr. Whiting spoke cheerfully of the case, and made so
+light of broken legs, that Jack innocently asked if he should not be up
+in a week or so.
+
+"Well, no; it usually takes twenty-one days for bones to knit, and young
+ones make quick work of it," answered the doctor, with a last scientific
+tuck to the various bandages, which made Jack feel like a hapless
+chicken trussed for the spit.
+
+"Twenty-one days! Three whole weeks in bed! I shouldn't call that quick
+work," groaned the dismayed patient, whose experience of illness had
+been limited.
+
+"It is a forty days' job, young man, and you must make up your mind to
+bear it like a hero. We will do our best; but next time, look before
+you leap, and save your bones. Good-night; you'll feel better in the
+morning. No jigs, remember;" and off went the busy doctor for another
+look at Jill, who had been ordered to bed and left to rest till the
+other case was attended to.
+
+Any one would have thought Jack's plight much the worse, but the
+doctor looked more sober over Jill's hurt back than the boy's compound
+fractures; and the poor little girl had a very bad quarter of an hour
+while he was trying to discover the extent of the injury.
+
+"Keep her quiet, and time will show how much damage is done," was all
+he said in her hearing; but if she had known that he told Mrs. Pecq he
+feared serious consequences, she would not have wondered why her mother
+cried as she rubbed the numb limbs and placed the pillows so tenderly.
+
+Jill suffered most in her mind; for only a sharp stab of pain now and
+then reminded her of her body; but her remorseful little soul gave her
+no peace for thinking of Jack, whose bruises and breakages her lively
+fancy painted in the darkest colors.
+
+"Oh, don't be good to me, Mammy; I made him go, and now he's hurt
+dreadfully, and may die; and it is all my fault, and everybody ought to
+hate me," sobbed poor Jill, as a neighbor left the room after reporting
+in a minute manner how Jack screamed when his leg was set, and how Frank
+was found white as a sheet, with his head under the pump, while Gus
+restored the tone of his friend's nerves, by pumping as if the house was
+on fire.
+
+"Whist, my lass, and go to sleep. Take a sup of the good wine Mrs. Minot
+sent, for you are as cold as a clod, and it breaks my heart to see my
+Janey so."
+
+"I can't go to sleep; I don't see how Jack's mother could send me
+anything when I've half killed him. I want to be cold and ache and have
+horrid things done to me. Oh, if I ever get out of this bed I'll be the
+best girl in the world, to pay for this. See if I ain't!" and Jill
+gave such a decided nod that her tears flew all about the pillow like a
+shower.
+
+"You'd better begin at once, for you won't get out of that bed for a
+long while, I'm afraid, my lamb," sighed her mother, unable to conceal
+the anxiety that lay so heavy on her heart.
+
+"Am I hurt badly, Mammy?"
+
+"I fear it, lass."
+
+"I'm _glad_ of it; I ought to be worse than Jack, and I hope I am. I'll
+bear it well, and be good right away. Sing, Mammy, and I'll try to go to
+sleep to please you."
+
+Jill shut her eyes with sudden and unusual meekness, and before her
+mother had crooned half a dozen verses of an old ballad, the little
+black head lay still upon the pillow, and repentant Jill was fast asleep
+with a red mitten in her hand.
+
+Mrs. Pecq was an Englishwoman who had left Montreal at the death of her
+husband, a French Canadian, and had come to live in the tiny cottage
+which stood near Mrs. Minot's big house, separated only by an
+arbor-vitae hedge. A sad, silent person, who had seen better days, but
+said nothing about them, and earned her bread by sewing, nursing, work
+in the factory, or anything that came in her way, being anxious to
+educate her little girl. Now, as she sat beside the bed in the small,
+poor room, that hope almost died within her, for here was the child
+laid up for months, probably, and the one ambition and pleasure of the
+solitary woman's life was to see Janey Pecq's name over all the high
+marks in the school-reports she proudly brought home.
+
+"She'll win through, please Heaven, and I'll see my lass a gentlewoman
+yet, thanks to the good friend in yonder, who will never let her want
+for care," thought the poor soul, looking out into the gloom where a
+long ray of light streamed from the great house warm and comfortable
+upon the cottage, like the spirit of kindness which made the inmates
+friends and neighbors.
+
+Meantime, that other mother sat by her boy's bed as anxious but with
+better hope, for Mrs. Minot made trouble sweet and helpful by the way in
+which she bore it; and her boys were learning of her how to find silver
+linings to the clouds that must come into the bluest skies.
+
+Jack lay wide awake, with hot cheeks, and throbbing head, and all sorts
+of queer sensations in the broken leg. The soothing potion he had
+taken did not affect him yet, and he tried to beguile the weary time by
+wondering who came and went below. Gentle rings at the front door, and
+mysterious tappings at the back, had been going on all the evening; for
+the report of the accident had grown astonishingly in its travels, and
+at eight o'clock the general belief was that Jack had broken both legs,
+fractured his skull, and lay at the point of death, while Jill had
+dislocated one shoulder, and was bruised black and blue from top to
+toe. Such being the case, it is no wonder that anxious playmates and
+neighbors haunted the doorsteps of the two houses, and that offers of
+help poured in.
+
+Frank, having tied up the bell and put a notice in the lighted
+side-window, saying, "Go to the back door," sat in the parlor, supported
+by his chum, Gus, while Ed played softly on the piano, hoping to lull
+Jack to sleep. It did soothe him, for a very sweet friendship existed
+between the tall youth and the lad of thirteen. Ed went with the
+big fellows, but always had a kind word for the smaller boys; and
+affectionate Jack, never ashamed to show his love, was often seen with
+his arm round Ed's shoulder, as they sat together in the pleasant red
+parlors, where all the young people were welcome and Frank was king.
+
+"Is the pain any easier, my darling?" asked Mrs. Minot, leaning over the
+pillow, where the golden head lay quiet for a moment.
+
+"Not much. I forget it listening to the music. Dear old Ed is playing
+all my favorite tunes, and it is very nice. I guess he feels pretty
+sorry about me."
+
+"They all do. Frank could not talk of it. Gus wouldn't go home to tea,
+he was so anxious to do something for us. Joe brought back the bits of
+your poor sled, because he didn't like to leave them lying round for any
+one to carry off, he said, and you might like them to remember your fall
+by."
+
+Jack tried to laugh, but it was rather a failure, though he managed to
+say, cheerfully,--
+
+"That was good of old Joe. I wouldn't lend him 'Thunderbolt' for fear
+he'd hurt it. Couldn't have smashed it up better than I did, could he?
+Don't think I want any pieces to remind me of _that_ fall. I just wish
+you'd seen us, mother! It must have been a splendid spill to look at,
+any way."
+
+"No, thank you; I'd rather not even try to imagine my precious boy going
+heels over head down that dreadful hill. No more pranks of that sort for
+some time, Jacky;" and Mrs. Minot looked rather pleased on the whole to
+have her venturesome bird safe under her maternal wing.
+
+"No coasting till some time in January. What a fool I was to do it!
+Go-bangs always are dangerous, and that's the fun of the thing. Oh
+dear!"
+
+Jack threw his arms about and frowned darkly, but never said a word of
+the wilful little baggage who had led him into mischief; he was too much
+of a gentleman to tell on a girl, though it cost him an effort to hold
+his tongue, because Mamma's good opinion was very precious to him, and
+he longed to explain. She knew all about it, however, for Jill had been
+carried into the house reviling herself for the mishap, and even in the
+midst of her own anxiety for her boy, Mrs. Minot understood the state of
+the case without more words. So she now set his mind at rest by saying,
+quietly.
+
+"Foolish fun, as you see, dear. Another time, stand firm and help Jill
+to control her headstrong will. When you learn to yield less and she
+more, there will be no scrapes like this to try us all."
+
+"I'll remember, mother. I hate not to be obliging, but I guess it would
+have saved us lots of trouble if I'd said No in the beginning. I tried
+to, but she _would_ go. Poor Jill! I'll take better care of her next
+time. Is she very ill, Mamma?"
+
+"I can tell you better to-morrow. She does not suffer much, and we hope
+there is no great harm done."
+
+"I wish she had a nice place like this to be sick in. It must be very
+poky in those little rooms," said Jack, as his eye roved round the large
+chamber where he lay so cosey, warm, and pleasant, with the gay chintz
+curtains draping doors and windows, the rosy carpet, comfortable chairs,
+and a fire glowing in the grate.
+
+"I shall see that she suffers for nothing, so don't trouble your kind
+heart about her to-night, but try to sleep; that's what you need,"
+answered his mother, wetting the bandage on his forehead, and putting a
+cool hand on the flushed cheeks.
+
+Jack obediently closed his eyes and listened while the boys sang "The
+Sweet By and By," softening their rough young voices for his sake till
+the music was as soft as a lullaby. He lay so still his mother thought
+he was off, but presently a tear slipped out and rolled down the red
+cheek, wetting her hand as it passed.
+
+"My blessed boy, what is it?" she whispered, with a touch and a tone
+that only mothers have.
+
+The blue eyes opened wide, and Jack's own sunshiny smile broke through
+the tears that filled them as he said with a sniff,--
+
+"Everybody is so good to me I can't help making a noodle of myself.
+
+"You are not a noodle!" cried Mamma, resenting the epithet. "One of the
+sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are
+loved, how much kindness there is in the world, and how easily we can
+make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy.
+Don't forget that, little son."
+
+"Don't see how I can, with you to show me how nice it is. Kiss me
+good-night, and then 'I'll be good,' as Jill says."
+
+Nestling his head upon his mother's arm, Jack lay quiet till, lulled by
+the music of his mates, he drowsed away into the dreamless sleep which
+is Nurse Nature's healthiest soothing sirup for weary souls and bodies.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III. Ward No. 1
+
+
+For some days, nothing was seen and little was heard of the "dear
+sufferers," as the old ladies called them. But they were not forgotten;
+the first words uttered when any of the young people met were: "How is
+Jack?" "Seen Jill yet?" and all waited with impatience for the moment
+when they could be admitted to their favorite mates, more than ever
+objects of interest now.
+
+Meantime, the captives spent the first few days in sleep, pain, and
+trying to accept the hard fact that school and play were done with for
+months perhaps. But young spirits are wonderfully elastic and soon cheer
+up, and healthy young bodies heal fast, or easily adapt themselves to
+new conditions. So our invalids began to mend on the fourth day, and
+to drive their nurses distracted with efforts to amuse them, before the
+first week was over.
+
+The most successful attempt originated in Ward No. 1, as Mrs. Minot
+called Jack's apartment, and we will give our sympathizing readers some
+idea of this place, which became the stage whereon were enacted many
+varied and remarkable scenes.
+
+Each of the Minot boys had his own room, and there collected his own
+treasures and trophies, arranged to suit his convenience and taste.
+Frank's was full of books, maps, machinery, chemical messes, and
+geometrical drawings, which adorned the walls like intricate cobwebs.
+A big chair, where he read and studied with his heels higher than his
+head, a basket of apples for refreshment at all hours of the day or
+night, and an immense inkstand, in which several pens were always
+apparently bathing their feet, were the principal ornaments of his
+scholastic retreat.
+
+Jack's hobby was athletic sports, for he was bent on having a strong and
+active body for his happy little soul to live and enjoy itself in. So a
+severe simplicity reigned in his apartment; in summer, especially, for
+then his floor was bare, his windows were uncurtained, and the chairs
+uncushioned, the bed being as narrow and hard as Napoleon's. The only
+ornaments were dumbbells, whips, bats, rods, skates, boxing-gloves, a
+big bath-pan and a small library, consisting chiefly of books on games,
+horses, health, hunting, and travels. In winter his mother made things
+more comfortable by introducing rugs, curtains, and a fire. Jack,
+also, relented slightly in the severity of his training, occasionally
+indulging in the national buckwheat cake, instead of the prescribed
+oatmeal porridge, for breakfast, omitting his cold bath when the
+thermometer was below zero, and dancing at night, instead of running a
+given distance by day.
+
+Now, however, he was a helpless captive, given over to all sorts of
+coddling, laziness, and luxury, and there was a droll mixture of mirth
+and melancholy in his face, as he lay trussed up in bed, watching the
+comforts which had suddenly robbed his room of its Spartan simplicity.
+A delicious couch was there, with Frank reposing in its depths, half
+hidden under several folios which he was consulting for a history of the
+steam-engine, the subject of his next composition.
+
+A white-covered table stood near, with all manner of dainties set forth
+in a way to tempt the sternest principles. Vases of flowers bloomed on
+the chimney-piece,--gifts from anxious young ladies, left with their
+love. Frivolous story-books and picture-papers strewed the bed, now
+shrouded in effeminate chintz curtains, beneath which Jack lay like
+a wounded warrior in his tent. But the saddest sight for our crippled
+athlete was a glimpse, through a half-opened door, at the beloved
+dumb-bells, bats, balls, boxing-gloves, and snow-shoes, all piled
+ignominiously away in the bath-pan, mournfully recalling the fact that
+their day was over, now, at least for some time.
+
+He was about to groan dismally, when his eye fell on a sight which made
+him swallow the groan, and cough instead, as if it choked him a little.
+The sight was his mother's face, as she sat in a low chair rolling
+bandages, with a basket beside her in which were piles of old linen,
+lint, plaster, and other matters, needed for the dressing of wounds. As
+he looked, Jack remembered how steadily and tenderly she had stood by
+him all through the hard times just past, and how carefully she had
+bathed and dressed his wound each day in spite of the effort it cost her
+to give him pain or even see him suffer.
+
+"That's a better sort of strength than swinging twenty-pound dumb-bells
+or running races; I guess I'll try for that kind, too, and not howl or
+let her see me squirm when the doctor hurts," thought the boy, as he saw
+that gentle face so pale and tired with much watching and anxiety, yet
+so patient, serene, and cheerful, that it was like sunshine.
+
+"Lie down and take a good nap, mother dear, I feel first-rate, and Frank
+can see to me if I want anything. Do, now," he added, with a persuasive
+nod toward the couch, and a boyish relish in stirring up his lazy
+brother.
+
+After some urging, Mamma consented to go to her room for forty winks,
+leaving Jack in the care of Frank, begging him to be as quiet as
+possible if the dear boy wished to sleep, and to amuse him if he did
+not.
+
+Being worn out, Mrs. Minot lengthened her forty winks into a three
+hours' nap, and as the "dear boy" scorned repose, Mr. Frank had his
+hands full while on guard.
+
+"I'll read to you. Here's Watt, Arkwright, Fulton, and a lot of capital
+fellows, with pictures that will do your heart good. Have a bit, will
+you?" asked the new nurse, flapping the leaves invitingly.--for Frank
+had a passion for such things, and drew steam-engines all over his
+slate, as Tommy Traddles drew hosts of skeletons when low in his
+spirits.
+
+"I don't want any of your old boilers and stokers and whirligigs. I'm
+tired of reading, and want something regularly jolly," answered Jack,
+who had been chasing white buffaloes with "The Hunters of the West,"
+till he was a trifle tired and fractious.
+
+"Play cribbage, euchre, anything you like;" and Frank obligingly
+disinterred himself from under the folios, feeling that it _was_ hard
+for a fellow to lie flat a whole week.
+
+"No fun; just two of us. Wish school was over, so the boys would come
+in; doctor said I might see them now."
+
+"They'll be along by and by, and I'll hail them. Till then, what shall
+we do? I'm your man for anything, only put a name to it."
+
+"Just wish I had a telegraph or a telephone, so I could talk to Jill.
+Wouldn't it be fun to pipe across and get an answer!"
+
+"I'll make either you say;" and Frank looked as if trifles of that sort
+were to be had for the asking.
+
+"Could you, really?"
+
+"We'll start the telegraph first, then you can send things over if you
+like," said Frank, prudently proposing the surest experiment.
+
+"Go ahead, then. I'd like that, and so would Jill, for I know she wants
+to hear from me."
+
+"There's one trouble, though; I shall have to leave you alone for a few
+minutes while I rig up the ropes;" and Frank looked sober, for he was a
+faithful boy, and did not want to desert his post.
+
+"Oh, never mind; I won't want anything. If I do, I can pound for Ann."
+
+"And wake mother. I'll fix you a better way than that;" and, full
+of inventive genius, our young Edison spliced the poker to part of a
+fishing-rod in a jiffy, making a long-handled hook which reached across
+the room.
+
+"There's an arm for you; now hook away, and let's see how it works,"
+he said, handing over the instrument to Jack, who proceeded to show its
+unexpected capabilities by hooking the cloth off the table in attempting
+to get his handkerchief, catching Frank by the hair when fishing for a
+book, and breaking a pane of glass in trying to draw down the curtain.
+
+"It's so everlasting long, I can't manage it," laughed Jack, as it
+finally caught in his bed-hangings, and nearly pulled them, ring and
+all, down upon his head.
+
+"Let it alone, unless you need something very much, and don't bother
+about the glass. It's just what we want for the telegraph wire or
+rope to go through. Keep still, and I'll have the thing running in ten
+minutes;" and, delighted with the job, Frank hurried away, leaving Jack
+to compose a message to send as soon as it was possible.
+
+"What in the world is that flying across the Minots' yard,--a brown hen
+or a boy's kite?" exclaimed old Miss Hopkins, peering out of her window
+at the singular performances going on in her opposite neighbor's garden.
+
+First, Frank appeared with a hatchet and chopped a clear space in the
+hedge between his own house and the cottage; next, a clothes line was
+passed through this aperture and fastened somewhere on the other side;
+lastly, a small covered basket, slung on this rope, was seen hitching
+along, drawn either way by a set of strings; then, as if satisfied with
+his job, Frank retired, whistling "Hail Columbia."
+
+"It's those children at their pranks again. I thought broken bones
+wouldn't keep them out of mischief long," said the old lady, watching
+with great interest the mysterious basket travelling up and down the
+rope from the big house to the cottage.
+
+If she had seen what came and went over the wires of the "Great
+International Telegraph," she would have laughed till her spectacles
+flew off her Roman nose. A letter from Jack, with a large orange, went
+first, explaining the new enterprise:--
+
+"Dear Jill,--It's too bad you can't come over to see me. I am pretty
+well, but awful tired of keeping still. I want to see you ever so much.
+Frank has fixed us a telegraph, so we can write and send things. Won't
+it be jolly! I can't look out to see him do it; but, when you pull your
+string, my little bell rings, and I know a message is coming. I send you
+an orange. Do you like _gorver_ jelly? People send in lots of goodies,
+and we will go halves. Good-by.
+
+"Jack"
+
+Away went the basket, and in fifteen minutes it came back from the
+cottage with nothing in it but the orange.
+
+"Hullo! Is she mad?" asked Jack, as Frank brought the despatch for him
+to examine.
+
+But, at the first touch, the hollow peel opened, and out fell a letter,
+two gum-drops, and an owl made of a peanut, with round eyes drawn at the
+end where the stem formed a funny beak. Two bits of straw were the legs,
+and the face looked so like Dr. Whiting that both boys laughed at the
+sight.
+
+"That's so like Jill; she'd make fun if she was half dead. Let's see
+what she says;" and Jack read the little note, which showed a sad
+neglect of the spelling-book:--
+
+"Dear Jacky,--I can't stir and it's horrid. The telly graf is very nice
+and we will have fun with it. I never ate any _gorver_ jelly. The orange
+was first rate. Send me a book to read. All about bears and ships
+and crockydiles. The doctor was coming to see you, so I sent him the
+quickest way. Molly Loo says it is dreadful lonesome at school without
+us. Yours truly,
+
+"Jill"
+
+Jack immediately despatched the book and a sample of guava jelly, which
+unfortunately upset on the way, to the great detriment of "The Wild
+Beasts of Asia and Africa." Jill promptly responded with the loan of a
+tiny black kitten, who emerged spitting and scratching, to Jack's great
+delight; and he was cudgelling his brains as to how a fat white rabbit
+could be transported, when a shrill whistle from without saved Jill from
+that inconvenient offering.
+
+"It's the fellows; do you want to see them?" asked Frank, gazing down
+with calm superiority upon the three eager faces which looked up at him.
+
+"Guess I do!" and Jack promptly threw the kitten overboard, scorning to
+be seen by any manly eye amusing himself with such girlish toys.
+
+Bang! went the front door; tramp, tramp, tramp, came six booted feet up
+the stairs; and, as Frank threw wide the door, three large beings
+paused on the threshold to deliver the courteous "Hullo!" which is the
+established greeting among boys on all social occasions.
+
+"Come along, old fellows; I'm ever so glad to see you!" cried the
+invalid, with such energetic demonstrations of the arms that he looked
+as if about to fly or crow, like an excited young cockerel.
+
+"How are you, Major?"
+
+"Does the leg ache much, Jack?"
+
+"Mr. Phipps says you'll have to pay for the new rails."
+
+With these characteristic greetings, the gentlemen cast away their hats
+and sat down, all grinning cheerfully, and all with eyes irresistibly
+fixed upon the dainties, which proved too much for the politeness of
+ever-hungry boys.
+
+"Help yourselves," said Jack, with a hospitable wave. "All the dear old
+ladies in town have been sending in nice things, and I can't begin to
+eat them up. Lend a hand and clear away this lot, or we shall have to
+throw them out of the window. Bring on the doughnuts and the tarts and
+the shaky stuff in the entry closet, Frank, and let's have a lark."
+
+No sooner said than done. Gus took the tarts, Joe the doughnuts, Ed the
+jelly, and Frank suggested "spoons all round" for the Italian cream. A
+few trifles in the way of custard, fruit, and wafer biscuits were not
+worth mentioning; but every dish was soon emptied, and Jack said, as he
+surveyed the scene of devastation with great satisfaction,--
+
+"Call again to-morrow, gentlemen, and we will have another bout. Free
+lunches at 5 P.M. till further notice. Now tell me all the news."
+
+For half an hour, five tongues went like mill clappers, and there is no
+knowing when they would have stopped if the little bell had not suddenly
+rung with a violence that made them jump.
+
+"That's Jill; see what she wants, Frank;" and while his brother sent off
+the basket, Jack told about the new invention, and invited his mates to
+examine and admire.
+
+They did so, and shouted with merriment when the next despatch from Jill
+arrived. A pasteboard jumping-jack, with one leg done up in cotton-wool
+to preserve the likeness, and a great lump of molasses candy in a brown
+paper, with accompanying note:--
+
+"Dear Sir,--I saw the boys go in, and know you are having a nice time,
+so I send over the candy Molly Loo and Merry brought me. Mammy says I
+can't eat it, and it will all melt away if I keep it. Also a picture of
+Jack Minot, who will dance on one leg and waggle the other, and make you
+laugh. I wish I could come, too. Don't you hate grewel? I do.--In haste,
+
+"J.P."
+
+"Let's all send her a letter," proposed Jack, and out came pens,
+ink, paper, and the lamp, and every one fell to scribbling. A droll
+collection was the result, for Frank drew a picture of the fatal fall
+with broken rails flying in every direction, Jack with his head swollen
+to the size of a balloon, and Jill in two pieces, while the various boys
+and girls were hit off with a sly skill that gave Gus legs like a stork,
+Molly Loo hair several yards long, and Boo a series of visible howls
+coming out of an immense mouth in the shape of o's. The oxen were
+particularly good, for their horns branched like those of the moose, and
+Mr. Grant had a patriarchal beard which waved in the breeze as he bore
+the wounded girl to a sled very like a funeral pyre, the stakes being
+crowned with big mittens like torches.
+
+"You ought to be an artist. I never saw such a dabster as you are.
+That's the very moral of Joe, all in a bunch on the fence, with a blot
+to show how purple his nose was," said Gus, holding up the sketch for
+general criticism and admiration.
+
+"I'd rather have a red nose than legs like a grasshopper; so you needn't
+twit, Daddy," growled Joe, quite unconscious that a blot actually did
+adorn his nose, as he labored over a brief despatch.
+
+The boys enjoyed the joke, and one after the other read out his message
+to the captive lady:--
+
+"Dear Jill,--Sorry you ain't here. Great fun. Jack pretty lively. Laura
+and Lot would send love if they knew of the chance. Fly round and get
+well.
+
+"Gus"
+
+"Dear Gilliflower,--Hope you are pretty comfortable in your 'dungeon
+cell.' Would you like a serenade when the moon comes? Hope you will soon
+be up again, for we miss you very much. Shall be very happy to help in
+any way I can. Love to your mother. Your true friend,
+
+"E.D."
+
+"Miss Pecq.
+
+"_Dear Madam_,--I am happy to tell you that we are all well, and hope
+you are the same. I gave Jem Cox a licking because he went to your desk.
+You had better send for your books. You won't have to pay for the sled
+or the fence. Jack says he will see to it. We have been having a spread
+over here. First-rate things. I wouldn't mind breaking a leg, if I
+had such good grub and no chores to do. No more now, from yours, with
+esteem,
+
+"Joseph P. Flint"
+
+Joe thought that an elegant epistle, having copied portions of it from
+the "Letter Writer," and proudly read it off to the boys, who assured
+him that Jill would be much impressed.
+
+"Now, Jack, hurry up and let us send the lot off, for we must go,"
+said Gus, as Frank put the letters in the basket, and the clatter of
+tea-things was heard below.
+
+"I'm not going to show mine. It's private and you mustn't look,"
+answered Jack, patting down an envelope with such care that no one had a
+chance to peep.
+
+But Joe had seen the little note copied, and while the others were at
+the window working the telegraph he caught up the original, carelessly
+thrust by Jack under the pillow, and read it aloud before any one knew
+what he was about.
+
+"My Dear,--I wish I could send you some of my good times. As I can't, I
+send you much love, and I hope you will try and be patient as I am going
+to, for it was our fault, and we must not make a fuss now. Ain't mothers
+sweet? Mine is coming over to-morrow to see you and tell me how you are.
+This round thing is a kiss for good-night.
+
+"Your Jack"
+
+"Isn't that spoony? You'd better hide your face, I think. He's getting
+to be a regular mollycoddle, isn't he?" jeered Joe, as the boys laughed,
+and then grew sober, seeing Jack's head buried in the bedclothes, after
+sending a pillow at his tormentor.
+
+It nearly hit Mrs. Minot, coming in with her patient's tea on a tray,
+and at sight of her the guests hurriedly took leave, Joe nearly tumbling
+downstairs to escape from Frank, who would have followed, if his mother
+had not said quickly, "Stay, and tell me what is the matter."
+
+"Only teasing Jack a bit. Don't be mad, old boy, Joe didn't mean any
+harm, and it _was_ rather soft, now wasn't it?" asked Frank, trying to
+appease the wounded feelings of his brother.
+
+"I charged you not to worry him. Those boys were too much for the poor
+dear, and I ought not to have left him," said Mamma, as she vainly
+endeavored to find and caress the yellow head burrowed so far out of
+sight that nothing but one red ear was visible.
+
+"He liked it, and we got on capitally till Joe roughed him about Jill.
+Ah, Joe's getting it now! I thought Gus and Ed would do that little
+job for me," added Frank, running to the window as the sound of stifled
+cries and laughter reached him.
+
+The red ear heard also, and Jack popped up his head to ask, with
+interest,--
+
+"What are they doing to him?"
+
+"Rolling him in the snow, and he's howling like fun."
+
+"Serves him right," muttered Jack, with a frown. Then, as a wail arose
+suggestive of an unpleasant mixture of snow in the mouth and thumps on
+the back, he burst out laughing, and said, good-naturedly, "Go and stop
+them, Frank; I won't mind, only tell him it was a mean trick. Hurry! Gus
+is so strong he doesn't know how his pounding hurts."
+
+Off ran Frank, and Jack told his wrongs to his mother. She sympathized
+heartily, and saw no harm in the affectionate little note, which would
+please Jill, and help her to bear her trials patiently.
+
+"It isn't silly to be fond of her, is it? She is so nice and funny, and
+tries to be good, and likes me, and I won't be ashamed of my friends, if
+folks do laugh," protested Jack, with a rap of his teaspoon.
+
+"No, dear, it is quite kind and proper, and I'd rather have you play
+with a merry little girl than with rough boys till you are big enough
+to hold your own," answered Mamma, putting the cup to his lips that the
+reclining lad might take his broma without spilling.
+
+"Pooh! I don't mean that; I'm strong enough now to take care of myself,"
+cried Jack, stoutly. "I can thrash Joe any day, if I like. Just look
+at my arm; there's muscle for you!" and up went a sleeve, to the great
+danger of overturning the tray, as the boy proudly displayed his biceps
+and expanded his chest, both of which were very fine for a lad of his
+years. "If I'd been on my legs, he wouldn't have dared to insult me, and
+it was cowardly to hit a fellow when he was down."
+
+Mrs. Minot wanted to laugh at Jack's indignation, but the bell rang, and
+she had to go and pull in the basket, much amused at the new game.
+
+Burning to distinguish herself in the eyes of the big boys, Jill had
+sent over a tall, red flannel night-cap, which she had been making for
+some proposed Christmas plays, and added the following verse, for she
+was considered a gifted rhymester at the game parties:--
+
+  "When it comes night,
+  We put out the light.
+  Some blow with a puff,
+  Some turn down and snuff;
+  But neat folks prefer
+  A nice extinguis_her_.
+  So here I send you back
+  One to put on Mr. Jack."
+
+"Now, I call that regularly smart; not one of us could do it, and I just
+wish Joe was here to see it. I want to send once more, something good
+for tea; she hates gruel so;" and the last despatch which the Great
+International Telegraph carried that day was a baked apple and a warm
+muffin, with "J. M.'s best regards."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV. Ward No. 2.
+
+
+Things were not so gay in Ward No. 2, for Mrs. Pecq was very busy, and
+Jill had nothing to amuse her but flying visits from the girls, and such
+little plays as she could invent for herself in bed. Fortunately, she
+had a lively fancy, and so got on pretty well, till keeping still grew
+unbearable, and the active child ached in every limb to be up and out.
+That, however, was impossible, for the least attempt to sit or stand
+brought on the pain that took her breath away and made her glad to lie
+flat again. The doctor spoke cheerfully, but looked sober, and Mrs. Pecq
+began to fear that Janey was to be a <DW36> for life. She said nothing,
+but Jill's quick eyes saw an added trouble in the always anxious face,
+and it depressed her spirits, though she never guessed half the mischief
+the fall had done.
+
+The telegraph was a great comfort, and the two invalids kept up a lively
+correspondence, not to say traffic in light articles, for the Great
+International was the only aerial express in existence. But even this
+amusement flagged after a time; neither had much to tell, and when the
+daily health bulletins had been exchanged, messages gave out, and the
+basket's travels grew more and more infrequent. Neither could read all
+the time, games were soon used up, their mates were at school most of
+the day, and after a week or two the poor children began to get pale and
+fractious with the confinement, always so irksome to young people.
+
+"I do believe the child will fret herself into a fever, mem, and I'm
+clean distraught to know what to do for her. She never used to mind
+trifles, but now she frets about the oddest things, and I can't change
+them. This wall-paper is well enough, but she has taken a fancy that the
+spots on it look like spiders, and it makes her nervous. I've no other
+warm place to put her, and no money for a new paper. Poor lass! There
+are hard times before her, I'm fearing."
+
+Mrs. Pecq said this in a low voice to Mrs. Minot, who came in as often
+as she could, to see what her neighbor needed; for both mothers were
+anxious, and sympathy drew them to one another. While one woman talked,
+the other looked about the little room, not wondering in the least that
+Jill found it hard to be contented there. It was very neat, but so plain
+that there was not even a picture on the walls, nor an ornament upon the
+mantel, except the necessary clock, lamp, and match-box. The paper _was_
+ugly, being a deep buff with a brown figure that did look very like
+spiders sprawling over it, and might well make one nervous to look at
+day after day.
+
+Jill was asleep in the folding chair Dr. Whiting had sent, with a
+mattress to make it soft. The back could be raised or lowered at will;
+but only a few inches had been gained as yet, and the thin hair pillow
+was all she could bear. She looked very pretty as she lay, with dark
+lashes against the feverish cheeks, lips apart, and a cloud of curly
+black locks all about the face pillowed on one arm. She seemed like a
+brilliant little flower in that dull place,--for the French blood in her
+veins gave her a color, warmth, and grace which were very charming. Her
+natural love of beauty showed itself in many ways: a red ribbon had
+tied up her hair, a gay but faded shawl was thrown over the bed, and the
+gifts sent her were arranged with care upon the table by her side among
+her own few toys and treasures. There was something pathetic in this
+childish attempt to beautify the poor place, and Mrs. Minot's eyes were
+full as she looked at the tired woman, whose one joy and comfort lay
+there in such sad plight.
+
+"My dear soul, cheer up, and we will help one another through the hard
+times," she said, with a soft hand on the rough one, and a look that
+promised much.
+
+"Please God, we will, mem! With such good friends, I never should
+complain. I try not to do it, but it breaks my heart to see my little
+lass spoiled for life, most like;" and Mrs. Pecq pressed the kind hand
+with a despondent sigh.
+
+"We won't say, or even think, that, yet. Everything is possible to youth
+and health like Janey's. We must keep her happy, and time will do the
+rest, I'm sure. Let us begin at once, and have a surprise for her when
+she wakes."
+
+As she spoke, Mrs. Minot moved quietly about the room, pinning the pages
+of several illustrated papers against the wall at the foot of the bed,
+and placing to the best advantage the other comforts she had brought.
+
+"Keep up your heart, neighbor. I have an idea in my head which I think
+will help us all, if I can carry it out," she said, cheerily, as she
+went, leaving Mrs. Pecq to sew on Jack's new night-gowns, with swift
+fingers, and the grateful wish that she might work for these good
+friends forever.
+
+As if the whispering and rustling had disturbed her, Jill soon began to
+stir, and slowly opened the eyes which had closed so wearily on the
+dull December afternoon. The bare wall with its brown spiders no longer
+confronted her, but the  print of a little girl dancing to the
+tune her father was playing on a guitar, while a stately lady, with
+satin dress, ruff, and powder, stood looking on, well pleased. The
+quaint figure, in its belaced frock, quilted petticoat, and red-heeled
+shoes, seemed to come tripping toward her in such a life-like way,
+that she almost saw the curls blow back, heard the rustle of the rich
+brocade, and caught the sparkle of the little maid's bright eyes.
+
+"Oh, how pretty! Who sent them?" asked Jill, eagerly, as her eye glanced
+along the wall, seeing other new and interesting things beyond: an
+elephant-hunt, a ship in full sail, a horse-race, and a ball-room.
+
+"The good fairy who never comes empty-handed. Look round a bit and you
+will see more pretties all for you, my dearie;" and her mother pointed
+to a bunch of purple grapes in a green leaf plate, a knot of bright
+flowers pinned on the white curtain, and a gay little double gown across
+the foot of the bed.
+
+Jill clapped her hands, and was enjoying her new pleasures, when in came
+Merry and Molly Loo, with Boo, of course, trotting after her like a fat
+and amiable puppy. Then the good times began; the gown was put on, the
+fruit tasted, and the pictures were studied like famous works of art.
+
+"It's a splendid plan to cover up that hateful wall. I'd stick pictures
+all round and have a gallery. That reminds me! Up in the garret at our
+house is a box full of old fashion-books my aunt left. I often look at
+them on rainy days, and they are very funny. I'll go this minute and
+get every one. We can pin them up, or make paper dolls;" and away rushed
+Molly Loo, with the small brother waddling behind, for, when he lost
+sight of her, he was desolate indeed.
+
+The girls had fits of laughter over the queer costumes of years gone
+by, and put up a splendid procession of ladies in full skirts, towering
+hats, pointed slippers, powdered hair, simpering faces, and impossible
+waists.
+
+"I do think this bride is perfectly splendid, the long train and veil
+are _so_ sweet," said Jill, revelling in fine clothes as she turned from
+one plate to another.
+
+"I like the elephants best, and I'd give anything to go on a hunt like
+that!" cried Molly Loo, who rode cows, drove any horse she could get,
+had nine cats, and was not afraid of the biggest dog that ever barked.
+
+"I fancy 'The Dancing Lesson;' it is so sort of splendid, with the great
+windows, gold chairs, and fine folks. Oh, I would like to live in
+a castle with a father and mother like that," said Merry, who was
+romantic, and found the old farmhouse on the hill a sad trial to her
+high-flown ideas of elegance.
+
+"Now, that ship, setting out for some far-away place, is more to my
+mind. I weary for home now and then, and mean to see it again some
+day;" and Mrs. Pecq looked longingly at the English ship, though it was
+evidently outward bound. Then, as if reproaching herself for discontent,
+she added: "It looks like those I used to see going off to India with a
+load of missionaries. I came near going myself once, with a lady bound
+for Siam; but I went to Canada with her sister, and here I am."
+
+"I'd like to be a missionary and go where folks throw their babies to
+the crocodiles. I'd watch and fish them out, and have a school, and
+bring them up, and convert all the people till they knew better," said
+warm-hearted Molly Loo, who befriended every abused animal and forlorn
+child she met.
+
+"We needn't go to Africa to be missionaries; they have 'em nearer home
+and need 'em, too. In all the big cities there are a many, and they have
+their hands full with the poor, the wicked, and the helpless. One can
+find that sort of work anywhere, if one has a mind," said Mrs. Pecq.
+
+"I wish we had some to do here. I'd so like to go round with baskets
+of tea and rice, and give out tracts and talk to people. Wouldn't you,
+girls?" asked Molly, much taken with the new idea.
+
+"It would be rather nice to have a society all to ourselves, and have
+meetings and resolutions and things," answered Merry, who was fond of
+little ceremonies, and always went to the sewing circle with her mother.
+
+"We wouldn't let the boys come in. We'd have it a secret society, as
+they do their temperance lodge, and we'd have badges and pass-words
+and grips. It would be fun if we can only get some heathen to work at!"
+cried Jill, ready for fresh enterprises of every sort.
+
+"I can tell you someone to begin on right away," said her mother,
+nodding at her. "As wild a little savage as I'd wish to see. Take her
+in hand, and make a pretty-mannered lady of her. Begin at home, my lass,
+and you'll find missionary work enough for a while."
+
+"Now, Mammy, you mean me! Well, I will begin; and I'll be so good, folks
+won't know me. Being sick makes naughty children behave in story-books,
+I'll see if live ones can't;" and Jill put on such a sanctified face
+that the girls laughed and asked for their missions also, thinking they
+would be the same.
+
+"You, Merry, might do a deal at home helping mother, and setting the big
+brothers a good example. One little girl in a house can do pretty much
+as she will, especially if she has a mind to make plain things nice and
+comfortable, and not long for castles before she knows how to do her own
+tasks well," was the first unexpected reply.
+
+Merry , but took the reproof sweetly, resolving to do what she
+could, and surprised to find how many ways seemed open to her after a
+few minutes' thought.
+
+"Where shall I begin? I'm not afraid of a dozen crocodiles after Miss
+Bat;" and Molly Loo looked about her with a fierce air, having had
+practice in battles with the old lady who kept her father's house.
+
+"Well, dear, you haven't far to look for as nice a little heathen as
+you'd wish;" and Mrs. Pecq glanced at Boo, who sat on the floor staring
+hard at them, attracted by the dread word "crocodile." He had a cold and
+no handkerchief, his little hands were red with chilblains, his clothes
+shabby, he had untidy darns in the knees of his stockings, and a head of
+tight curls that evidently had not been combed for some time.
+
+"Yes, I know he is, and I try to keep him decent, but I forget, and he
+hates to be fixed, and Miss Bat doesn't care, and father laughs when I
+talk about it."
+
+Poor Molly Loo looked much ashamed as she made excuses, trying at the
+same time to mend matters by seizing Boo and dusting him all over with
+her handkerchief, giving a pull at his hair as if ringing bells, and
+then dumping him down again with the despairing exclamation: "Yes, we're
+a pair of heathens, and there's no one to save us if I don't."
+
+That was true enough; for Molly's father was a busy man, careless of
+everything but his mills, Miss Bat was old and lazy, and felt as if
+she might take life easy after serving the motherless children for many
+years as well as she knew how. Molly was beginning to see how much amiss
+things were at home, and old enough to feel mortified, though, as yet,
+she had done nothing to mend the matter except be kind to the little
+boy.
+
+"You will, my dear," answered Mrs. Pecq, encouragingly, for she knew all
+about it. "Now you've each got a mission, let us see how well you will
+get on. Keep it secret, if you like, and report once a week. I'll be a
+member, and we'll do great things yet."
+
+"We won't begin till after Christmas; there is so much to do, we never
+shall have time for any more. Don't tell, and we'll start fair at New
+Year's, if not before," said Jill, taking the lead as usual. Then they
+went on with the gay ladies, who certainly were heathen enough in dress
+to be in sad need of conversion,--to common-sense at least.
+
+"I feel as if I was at a party," said Jill, after a pause occupied
+in surveying her gallery with great satisfaction, for dress was her
+delight, and here she had every conceivable style and color.
+
+"Talking of parties, isn't it too bad that we must give up our Christmas
+fun? Can't get on without you and Jack, so we are not going to do a
+thing, but just have our presents," said Merry, sadly, as they began to
+fit different heads and bodies together, to try droll effects.
+
+"I shall be all well in a fortnight, I know; but Jack won't, for it will
+take more than a month to mend his poor leg. May be they will have a
+dance in the boys' big room, and he can look on," suggested Jill, with
+a glance at the dancing damsel on the wall, for she dearly loved it, and
+never guessed how long it would be before her light feet would keep time
+to music again.
+
+"You'd better give Jack a hint about the party. Send over some smart
+ladies, and say they have come to his Christmas ball," proposed
+audacious Molly Loo, always ready for fun.
+
+So they put a preposterous green bonnet, top-heavy with plumes, on a
+little lady in yellow, who sat in a carriage; the lady beside her, in
+winter costume of velvet pelisse and ermine boa, was fitted to a bride's
+head with its orange flowers and veil, and these works of art were sent
+over to Jack, labelled "Miss Laura and Lotty Burton going to the Minots'
+Christmas ball,"--a piece of naughtiness on Jill's part, for she knew
+Jack liked the pretty sisters, whose gentle manners made her own wild
+ways seem all the more blamable.
+
+No answer came for a long time, and the girls had almost forgotten their
+joke in a game of Letters, when "Tingle, tangle!" went the bell, and the
+basket came in heavily laden. A roll of  papers was tied outside,
+and within was a box that rattled, a green and silver horn, a roll of
+narrow ribbons, a spool of strong thread, some large needles, and a note
+from Mrs. Minot:--
+
+"Dear Jill,--I think of having a Christmas tree so that our invalids can
+enjoy it, and all your elegant friends are cordially invited. Knowing
+that you would like to help, I send some paper for sugar-plum horns and
+some beads for necklaces. They will brighten the tree and please
+the girls for themselves or their dolls. Jack sends you a horn for a
+pattern, and will you make a ladder-necklace to show him how? Let me
+know if you need anything.
+
+"Yours in haste,
+
+"Anna Minot"
+
+"She knew what the child would like, bless her kind heart," said Mrs.
+Pecq to herself, and something brighter than the most silvery bead shone
+on Jack's shirt-sleeve, as she saw the rapture of Jill over the new work
+and the promised pleasure.
+
+Joyful cries greeted the opening of the box, for bunches of splendid
+large bugles appeared in all colors, and a lively discussion went on as
+to the best contrasts. Jill could not refuse to let her friends share
+the pretty work, and soon three necklaces glittered on three necks, as
+each admired her own choice.
+
+"I'd be willing to hurt my back dreadfully, if I could lie and do such
+lovely things all day," said Merry, as she reluctantly put down her
+needle at last, for home duties waited to be done, and looked more than
+ever distasteful after this new pleasure.
+
+"So would I! Oh, do you think Mrs. Minot will let you fill the horns
+when they are done? I'd love to help you then. Be sure you send for
+me!" cried Molly Loo, arching her neck like a proud pigeon to watch the
+glitter of her purple and gold necklace on her brown gown.
+
+"I'm afraid you couldn't be trusted, you love sweeties so, and I'm sure
+Boo couldn't. But I'll see about it," replied Jill, with a responsible
+air.
+
+The mention of the boy recalled him to their minds, and looking round
+they found him peacefully absorbed in polishing up the floor with
+Molly's pocket-handkerchief and oil from the little machine-can. Being
+torn from this congenial labor, he was carried off shining with grease
+and roaring lustily.
+
+But Jill did not mind her loneliness now, and sang like a happy canary
+while she threaded her sparkling beads, or hung the gay horns to dry,
+ready for their cargoes of sweets. So Mrs. Minot's recipe for sunshine
+proved successful, and mother-wit made the wintry day a bright and happy
+one for both the little prisoners.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V. Secrets
+
+
+There were a great many clubs in Harmony Village, but as we intend to
+interest ourselves with the affairs of the young folks only, we need
+not dwell upon the intellectual amusements of the elders. In summer, the
+boys devoted themselves to baseball, the girls to boating, and all got
+rosy, stout, and strong, in these healthful exercises. In winter,
+the lads had their debating club, the lasses a dramatic ditto. At
+the former, astonishing bursts of oratory were heard; at the latter,
+everything was boldly attempted, from Romeo and Juliet to Mother Goose's
+immortal melodies. The two clubs frequently met and mingled their
+attractions in a really entertaining manner, for the speakers made good
+actors, and the young actresses were most appreciative listeners to the
+eloquence of each budding Demosthenes.
+
+Great plans had been afoot for Christmas or New Year, but when the grand
+catastrophe put an end to the career of one of the best "spouters," and
+caused the retirement of the favorite "singing chambermaid," the affair
+was postponed till February, when Washington's birthday was always
+celebrated by the patriotic town, where the father of his country once
+put on his nightcap, or took off his boots, as that ubiquitous hero
+appears to have done in every part of the United States.
+
+Meantime the boys were studying Revolutionary characters, and the girls
+rehearsing such dramatic scenes as they thought most appropriate and
+effective for the 22d. In both of these attempts they were much helped
+by the sense and spirit of Ralph Evans, a youth of nineteen, who was
+a great favorite with the young folks, not only because he was a good,
+industrious fellow, who supported his grandmother, but also full of
+talent, fun, and ingenuity. It was no wonder every one who really knew
+him liked him, for he could turn his hand to anything, and loved to do
+it. If the girls were in despair about a fire-place when acting "The
+Cricket on the Hearth," he painted one, and put a gas-log in it that
+made the kettle really boil, to their great delight. If the boys found
+the interest of their club flagging, Ralph would convulse them by
+imitations of the "Member from Cranberry Centre," or fire them with
+speeches of famous statesmen. Charity fairs could not get on without
+him, and in the store where he worked he did many an ingenious job,
+which made him valued for his mechanical skill, as well as for his
+energy and integrity.
+
+Mrs. Minot liked to have him with her sons, because they also were to
+paddle their own canoes by and by, and she believed that, rich or poor,
+boys make better men for learning to use the talents they possess, not
+merely as ornaments, but tools with which to carve their own fortunes;
+and the best help toward this end is an example of faithful work, high
+aims, and honest living. So Ralph came often, and in times of trouble
+was a real rainy-day friend. Jack grew very fond of him during
+his imprisonment, for the good youth ran in every evening to get
+commissions, amuse the boy with droll accounts of the day's adventures,
+or invent lifts, bed-tables, and foot-rests for the impatient invalid.
+Frank found him a sure guide through the mechanical mysteries which he
+loved, and spent many a useful half-hour discussing cylinders, pistons,
+valves, and balance-wheels. Jill also came in for her share of care and
+comfort; the poor little back lay all the easier for the air-cushion
+Ralph got her, and the weary headaches found relief from the spray
+atomizer, which softly distilled its scented dew on the hot forehead
+till she fell asleep.
+
+Round the beds of Jack and Jill met and mingled the schoolmates of whom
+our story treats. Never, probably, did invalids have gayer times than
+our two, after a week of solitary confinement; for school gossip crept
+in, games could not be prevented, and Christmas secrets were concocted
+in those rooms till they were regular conspirators' dens, when they were
+not little Bedlams.
+
+After the horn and bead labors were over, the stringing of pop-corn on
+red, and cranberries on white, threads, came next, and Jack and Jill
+often looked like a new kind of spider in the pretty webs hung about
+them, till reeled off to bide their time in the Christmas closet. Paper
+flowers followed, and gay garlands and bouquets blossomed, regardless of
+the snow and frost without. Then there was a great scribbling of names,
+verses, and notes to accompany the steadily increasing store of odd
+parcels which were collected at the Minots', for gifts from every one
+were to ornament the tree, and contributions poured in as the day drew
+near.
+
+But the secret which most excited the young people was the deep mystery
+of certain proceedings at the Minot house. No one but Frank, Ralph,
+and Mamma knew what it was, and the two boys nearly drove the others
+distracted by the tantalizing way in which they hinted at joys to come,
+talked strangely about birds, went measuring round with foot-rules, and
+shut themselves up in the Boys' Den, as a certain large room was called.
+This seemed to be the centre of operations, but beyond the fact of
+the promised tree no ray of light was permitted to pass the jealously
+guarded doors. Strange men with paste-pots and ladders went in,
+furniture was dragged about, and all sorts of boyish lumber was sent
+up garret and down cellar. Mrs. Minot was seen pondering over heaps
+of green stuff, hammering was heard, singular bundles were smuggled
+upstairs, flowering plants betrayed their presence by whiffs of
+fragrance when the door was opened, and Mrs. Pecq was caught smiling all
+by herself in a back bedroom, which usually was shut up in winter.
+
+"They are going to have a play, after all, and that green stuff was the
+curtain," said Molly Loo, as the girls talked it over one day, when they
+sat with their backs turned to one another, putting last stitches in
+certain bits of work which had to be concealed from all eyes, though
+it was found convenient to ask one another's taste as to the color,
+materials, and sizes of these mysterious articles.
+
+"I think it is going to be a dance. I heard the boys doing their steps
+when I went in last evening to find out whether Jack liked blue or
+yellow best, so I could put the bow on his pen-wiper," declared Merry,
+knitting briskly away at the last of the pair of pretty white bed-socks
+she was making for Jill right under her inquisitive little nose.
+
+"They wouldn't have a party of that kind without Jack and me. It is only
+an extra nice tree, you see if it isn't," answered Jill from behind the
+pillows which made a temporary screen to hide the toilet mats she was
+preparing for all her friends.
+
+"Every one of you is wrong, and you'd better rest easy, for you won't
+find out the best part of it, try as you may." And Mrs. Pecq actually
+chuckled as she, too, worked away at some bits of muslin, with her back
+turned to the very unsocial-looking group.
+
+"Well, I don't care, we've got a secret all our own, and won't ever
+tell, will we?" cried Jill, falling back on the Home Missionary Society,
+though it was not yet begun.
+
+"Never!" answered the girls, and all took great comfort in the idea that
+one mystery would not be cleared up, even at Christmas.
+
+Jack gave up guessing, in despair, after he had suggested a new
+dining-room where he could eat with the family, a private school
+in which his lessons might go on with a tutor, or a theatre for the
+production of the farces in which he delighted.
+
+"It is going to be used to keep something in that you are very fond of,"
+said Mamma, taking pity on him at last.
+
+"Ducks?" asked Jack, with a half pleased, half puzzled air, not quite
+seeing where the water was to come from.
+
+Frank exploded at the idea, and added to the mystification by saying,--
+
+"There will be one little duck and one great donkey in it." Then,
+fearing he had told the secret, he ran off, quacking and braying
+derisively.
+
+"It is to be used for creatures that I, too, am fond of, and you know
+neither donkeys nor ducks are favorites of mine," said Mamma, with a
+demure expression, as she sat turning over old clothes for the bundles
+that always went to poor neighbors, with a little store of goodies, at
+this time of the year.
+
+"I know! I know! It is to be a new ward for more sick folks, isn't it,
+now?" cried Jack, with what he thought a great proof of shrewdness.
+
+"I don't see how I could attend to many more patients till this one is
+off my hands," answered Mamma, with a queer smile, adding quickly, as if
+she too was afraid of letting the cat out of the bag: "That reminds me
+of a Christmas I once spent among the hospitals and poor-houses of
+a great city with a good lady who, for thirty years, had made it her
+mission to see that these poor little souls had one merry day. We gave
+away two hundred dolls, several great boxes of candy and toys, besides
+gay pictures, and new clothes to orphan children, sick babies, and
+half-grown innocents. Ah, my boy, that was a day to remember all my
+life, to make me doubly grateful for my blessings, and very glad to
+serve the helpless and afflicted, as that dear woman did."
+
+The look and tone with which the last words were uttered effectually
+turned Jack's thoughts from the great secret, and started another small
+one, for he fell to planning what he would buy with his pocket-money to
+surprise the little Pats and Biddies who were to have no Christmas tree.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI. Surprises
+
+
+"Is it pleasant?" was the question Jill asked before she was fairly
+awake on Christmas morning.
+
+"Yes, dear; as bright as heart could wish. Now eat a bit, and then I'll
+make you nice for the day's pleasure. I only hope it won't be too much
+for you," answered Mrs. Pecq, bustling about, happy, yet anxious,
+for Jill was to be carried over to Mrs. Minot's, and it was her first
+attempt at going out since the accident.
+
+It seemed as if nine o'clock would never come, and Jill, with wraps all
+ready, lay waiting in a fever of impatience for the doctor's visit,
+as he wished to superintend the moving. At last he came, found all
+promising, and having bundled up his small patient, carried her, with
+Frank's help, in her chair-bed to the ox-sled, which was drawn to the
+next door, and Miss Jill landed in the Boys' Den before she had time to
+get either cold or tired. Mrs. Minot took her things off with a cordial
+welcome, but Jill never said a word, for, after one exclamation, she lay
+staring about her, dumb with surprise and delight at what she saw.
+
+The great room was entirely changed; for now it looked like a garden, or
+one of the fairy scenes children love, where in-doors and out-of-doors
+are pleasantly combined. The ceiling was pale blue, like the sky; the
+walls were covered with a paper like a rustic trellis, up which climbed
+morning-glories so naturally that the many- bells seemed dancing
+in the wind. Birds and butterflies flew among them, and here and there,
+through arches in the trellis, one seemed to look into a sunny summer
+world, contrasting curiously with the wintry landscape lying beyond the
+real windows, festooned with evergreen garlands, and curtained only by
+stands of living flowers. A green drugget covered the floor like grass,
+rustic chairs from the garden stood about, and in the middle of the room
+a handsome hemlock waited for its pretty burden. A Yule-log blazed on
+the wide hearth, and over the chimney-piece, framed in holly, shone the
+words that set all hearts to dancing, "Merry Christmas!"
+
+"Do you like it, dear? This is our surprise for you and Jack, and here
+we mean to have good times together," said Mrs. Minot, who had stood
+quietly enjoying the effect of her work.
+
+"Oh, it is so lovely I don't know what to say!" and Jill put up both
+arms, as words failed her, and grateful kisses were all she had to
+offer.
+
+"Can you suggest anything more to add to the pleasantness?" asked the
+gentle lady, holding the small hands in her own, and feeling well repaid
+by the child's delight.
+
+"Only Jack;" and Jill's laugh was good to hear, as she glanced up with
+merry, yet wistful eyes.
+
+"You are right. We'll have him in at once, or he will come hopping on
+one leg;" and away hurried his mother, laughing, too, for whistles,
+shouts, thumps, and violent demonstrations of all kinds had been heard
+from the room where Jack was raging with impatience, while he waited for
+his share of the surprise.
+
+Jill could hardly lie still when she heard the roll of another chair-bed
+coming down the hall, its passage enlivened with cries of "Starboard!
+Port! Easy now! Pull away!" from Ralph and Frank, as they steered the
+recumbent Columbus on his first voyage of discovery.
+
+"Well, I call that handsome!" was Jack's exclamation, when the full
+beauty of the scene burst upon his view. Then he forgot all about it and
+gave a whoop of pleasure, for there beside the fire was an eager face,
+two hands beckoning, and Jill's voice crying, joyfully,--
+
+"I'm here! I'm here! Oh, do come, quick!" Down the long room rattled the
+chair, Jack cheering all the way, and brought up beside the other one,
+as the long-parted friends exclaimed, with one accord,--
+
+"Isn't this jolly!"
+
+It certainly did look so, for Ralph and Frank danced a wild sort of
+fandango round the tree, Dr. Whiting stood and laughed, while the two
+mothers beamed from the door-way, and the children, not knowing whether
+to laugh or to cry, compromised the matter by clapping their hands and
+shouting, "Merry Christmas to everybody!" like a pair of little maniacs.
+
+Then they all sobered down, and the busy ones went off to the various
+duties of the day, leaving the young invalids to repose and enjoy
+themselves together.
+
+"How nice you look," said Jill, when they had duly admired the pretty
+room.
+
+"So do you," gallantly returned Jack, as he surveyed her with unusual
+interest.
+
+They did look very nice, though happiness was the principal beautifier.
+Jill wore a red wrapper, with the most brilliant of all the necklaces
+sparkling at her throat, over a nicely crimped frill her mother had made
+in honor of the day. All the curly black hair was gathered into a red
+net, and a pair of smart little moccasins covered the feet that had not
+stepped for many a weary day. Jack was not so gay, but had made himself
+as fine as circumstances would permit. A gray dressing-gown, with blue
+cuffs and collar, was very becoming to the blonde youth; an immaculate
+shirt, best studs, sleeve-buttons, blue tie, and handkerchief wet with
+cologne sticking out of the breast-pocket, gave an air of elegance in
+spite of the afghan spread over the lower portions of his manly form.
+The yellow hair was brushed till it shone, and being parted in the
+middle, to hide the black patch, made two engaging little "quirls" on
+his forehead. The summer tan had faded from his cheeks, but his eyes
+were as blue as the wintry sky, and nearly every white tooth was visible
+as he smiled on his partner in misfortune, saying cheerily,--
+
+"I'm ever so glad to see you again; guess we are over the worst of
+it now, and can have good times. Won't it be fun to stay here all the
+while, and amuse one another?"
+
+"Yes, indeed; but one day is so short! It will be stupider than ever
+when I go home to-night," answered Jill, looking about her with longing
+eyes.
+
+"But you are not going home to-night; you are to stay ever so long.
+Didn't Mamma tell you?"
+
+"No. Oh, how splendid! Am I really? Where will I sleep? What will Mammy
+do without me?" and Jill almost sat up, she was so delighted with the
+new surprise.
+
+"That room in there is all fixed for you. I made Frank tell me so much.
+Mamma said I might tell you, but I didn't think she would be able to
+hold in if she saw you first. Your mother is coming, too, and we are all
+going to have larks together till we are well."
+
+The splendor of this arrangement took Jill's breath away, and before
+she got it again, in came Frank and Ralph with two clothes-baskets of
+treasures to be hung upon the tree. While they wired on the candles the
+children asked questions, and found out all they wanted to know about
+the new plans and pleasures.
+
+"Who fixed all this?"
+
+"Mamma thought of it, and Ralph and I did it. He's the man for this sort
+of thing, you know. He proposed cutting out the arches and sticking on
+birds and butterflies just where they looked best. I put those canaries
+over there, they looked so well against the blue;" and Frank proudly
+pointed out some queer orange- fowls, looking as if they were
+having fits in the air, but very effective, nevertheless.
+
+"Your mother said you might call this the Bird Room. We caught a
+scarlet-tanager for you to begin with, didn't we, Jack?" and Ralph threw
+a _bon-bon_ at Jill, who looked very like a bright little bird in a warm
+nest.
+
+"Good for you! Yes, and we are going to keep her in this pretty cage
+till we can both fly off together. I say, Jill, where shall we be in our
+classes when we do get back?" and Jack's merry face fell at the thought.
+
+"At the foot, if we don't study and keep up. Doctor said I might study
+sometimes, if I'd lie still as long as he thought best, and Molly
+brought home my books, and Merry says she will come in every day and
+tell me where the lessons are. I don't mean to fall behind, if my
+backbone is cracked," said Jill, with a decided nod that made several
+black rings fly out of the net to dance on her forehead.
+
+"Frank said he'd pull me along in my Latin, but I've been lazy and
+haven't done a thing. Let's go at it and start fair for New Year,"
+proposed Jack, who did not love study as the bright girl did, but was
+ashamed to fall behind her in anything.
+
+"All right. They've been reviewing, so we can keep up when they begin,
+if we work next week, while the rest have a holiday. Oh, dear, I do miss
+school dreadfully;" and Jill sighed for the old desk, every blot and
+notch of which was dear to her.
+
+"There come our things, and pretty nice they look, too," said Jack; and
+his mother began to dress the tree, hanging up the gay horns, the gilded
+nuts, red and yellow apples and oranges, and festooning long strings
+of pop-corn and scarlet cranberries from bough to bough, with the
+glittering necklaces hung where the light would show their colors best.
+
+"I never saw such a splendid tree before. I'm glad we could help, though
+we were ill. Is it all done now?" asked Jill, when the last parcel was
+tied on and everybody stood back to admire the pretty sight.
+
+"One thing more. Hand me that box, Frank, and be very careful that you
+fasten this up firmly, Ralph," answered Mrs. Minot, as she took from its
+wrappings the waxen figure of a little child. The rosy limbs were very
+life-like, so was the smiling face under the locks of shining hair. Both
+plump arms were outspread as if to scatter blessings over all, and downy
+wings seemed to flutter from the dimpled shoulders, making an angel of
+the baby.
+
+"Is it St. Nicholas?" asked Jill, who had never seen that famous
+personage, and knew but little of Christmas festivities.
+
+"It is the Christ-child, whose birthday we are celebrating. I got the
+best I could find, for I like the idea better than old Santa Claus;
+though we _may_ have him, too," said Mamma, holding the little image so
+that both could see it well.
+
+"It looks like a real baby;" and Jack touched the rosy foot with the tip
+of his finger, as if expecting a crow from the half-open lips.
+
+"It reminds me of the saints in the chapel of the Sacred Heart in
+Montreal. One little St. John looked like this, only he had a lamb
+instead of wings," said Jill, stroking the flaxen hair, and wishing she
+dared ask for it to play with.
+
+"He is the children's saint to pray to, love, and imitate, for he never
+forgot them, but blessed and healed and taught them all his life. This
+is only a poor image of the holiest baby ever born, but I hope it will
+keep his memory in your minds all day, because this is the day for good
+resolutions, happy thoughts, and humble prayers, as well as play and
+gifts and feasting."
+
+While she spoke, Mrs. Minot, touching the little figure as tenderly as
+if it were alive, had tied a broad white ribbon round it, and, handing
+it to Ralph, bade him fasten it to the hook above the tree-top, where it
+seemed to float as if the downy wings supported it.
+
+Jack and Jill lay silently watching, with a sweet sort of soberness in
+their young faces, and for a moment the room was very still as all eyes
+looked up at the Blessed Child. The sunshine seemed to grow more
+golden as it flickered on the little head, the flames glanced about
+the glittering tree as if trying to climb and kiss the baby feet, and,
+without, a chime of bells rang sweetly, calling people to hear again the
+lovely story of the life begun on Christmas Day.
+
+Only a minute, but it did them good, and presently, when the pleasant
+work was over, and the workers gone, the boys to church, and Mamma to
+see about lunch for the invalids, Jack said, gravely, to Jill,--
+
+"I think we ought to be extra good, every one is so kind to us, and we
+are getting well, and going to have such capital times. Don't see how we
+can do anything else to show we are grateful."
+
+"It isn't easy to be good when one is sick," said Jill, thoughtfully.
+"I fret dreadfully, I get so tired of being still. I want to scream
+sometimes, but I don't, because it would scare Mammy, so I cry. Do you
+cry, Jack?"
+
+"Men never do. I want to tramp round when things bother me; but I can't,
+so I kick and say, 'Hang it!' and when I get very bad I pitch into
+Frank, and he lets me. I tell you, Jill, he's a good brother!" and Jack
+privately resolved then and there to invite Frank to take it out of him
+in any form he pleased as soon as health would permit.
+
+"I rather think we _shall_ grow good in this pretty place, for I don't
+see how we can be bad if we want to, it is all so nice and sort of pious
+here," said Jill, with her eyes on the angel over the tree.
+
+"A fellow can be awfully hungry, I know that. I didn't half eat
+breakfast, I was in such a hurry to see you, and know all about the
+secrets. Frank kept saying I couldn't guess, that you had come, and I
+never would be ready, till finally I got mad and fired an egg at him,
+and made no end of a mess."
+
+Jack and Jill went off into a gale of laughter at the idea of dignified
+Frank dodging the egg that smashed on the wall, leaving an indelible
+mark of Jack's besetting sin, impatience.
+
+Just then Mrs. Minot came in, well pleased to hear such pleasant sounds,
+and to see two merry faces, where usually one listless one met her
+anxious eyes.
+
+"The new medicine works well, neighbor," she said to Mrs. Pecq, who
+followed with the lunch tray.
+
+"Indeed it does, mem. I feel as if I'd taken a sup myself, I'm that easy
+in my mind."
+
+And she looked so, too, for she seemed to have left all her cares in the
+little house when she locked the door behind her, and now stood smiling
+with a clean apron on, so fresh and cheerful, that Jill hardly knew her
+own mother.
+
+"Things taste better when you have someone to eat with you," observed
+Jack, as they devoured sandwiches, and drank milk out of little mugs
+with rosebuds on them.
+
+"Don't eat too much, or you won't be ready for the next surprise," said
+his mother, when the plates were empty, and the last drop gone down
+throats dry with much chatter.
+
+"More surprises! Oh, what fun!" cried Jill. And all the rest of the
+morning, in the intervals of talk and play, they tried to guess what it
+could be.
+
+At two o'clock they found out, for dinner was served in the Bird Room,
+and the children revelled in the simple feast prepared for them. The
+two mothers kept the little bed-tables well supplied, and fed their
+nurslings like maternal birds, while Frank presided over the feast with
+great dignity, and ate a dinner which would have astonished Mamma, if
+she had not been too busy to observe how fast the mince pie vanished.
+
+"The girls said Christmas was spoiled because of us; but I don't think
+so, and they won't either, when they see this splendid place and know
+all about our nice plans," said Jill, luxuriously eating the nut-meats
+Jack picked out for her, as they lay in Eastern style at the festive
+board.
+
+"I call this broken bones made easy. I never had a better Christmas.
+Have a raisin? Here's a good fat one." And Jack made a long arm to
+Jill's mouth, which began to sing "Little Jack Horner" as an appropriate
+return.
+
+"It would have been a lonesome one to all of us, I'm thinking, but
+for your mother, boys. My duty and hearty thanks to you, mem," put in
+grateful Mrs. Pecq, bowing over her coffee-cup as she had seen ladies
+bow over their wine-glasses at dinner parties in Old England.
+
+"I rise to propose a health, Our Mothers." And Frank stood up with a
+goblet of water, for not even at Christmas time was wine seen on that
+table.
+
+"Hip, hip, hurrah!" called Jack, baptizing himself with a good sprinkle,
+as he waved his glass and drank the toast with a look that made his
+mother's eyes fill with happy tears.
+
+Jill threw her mother a kiss, feeling very grown up and elegant to be
+dining out in such style. Then they drank every one's health with much
+merriment, till Frank declared that Jack would float off on the deluge
+of water he splashed about in his enthusiasm, and Mamma proposed a rest
+after the merry-making.
+
+"Now the best fun is coming, and we have not long to wait," said the
+boy, when naps and rides about the room had whiled away the brief
+interval between dinner and dusk, for the evening entertainment was to
+be an early one, to suit the invalids' bedtime.
+
+"I hope the girls will like their things. I helped to choose them, and
+each has a nice present. I don't know mine, though, and I'm in a twitter
+to see it," said Jill, as they lay waiting for the fun to begin.
+
+"I do; I chose it, so I know you will like one of them, any way."
+
+"Have I got more than one?"
+
+"I guess you'll think so when they are handed down. The bell was going
+all day yesterday, and the girls kept bringing in bundles for you; I
+see seven now," and Jack rolled his eyes from one mysterious parcel to
+another hanging on the laden boughs.
+
+"I know something, too. That square bundle is what you want ever so
+much. I told Frank, and he got it for his present. It is all red and
+gold outside, and every sort of color inside; you'll hurrah when you see
+it. That roundish one is yours too; I made them," cried Jill, pointing
+to a flat package tied to the stem of the tree, and a neat little roll
+in which were the blue mittens that she had knit for him.
+
+"I can wait;" but the boy's eyes shone with eagerness, and he could not
+resist firing two or three pop-corns at it to see whether it was hard or
+soft.
+
+"That barking dog is for Boo, and the little yellow sled, so Molly can
+drag him to school, he always tumbles down so when it is slippery,"
+continued Jill, proud of her superior knowledge, as she showed a small
+spotted animal hanging by its tail, with a red tongue displayed as if
+about to taste the sweeties in the horn below.
+
+"Don't talk about sleds, for mercy's sake! I never want to see another,
+and you wouldn't, either, if you had to lie with a flat-iron tied to
+your ankle, as I do," said Jack, with a kick of the well leg and an
+ireful glance at the weight attached to the other that it might not
+contract while healing.
+
+"Well, I think plasters, and liniment, and rubbing, as bad as flat-irons
+any day. I don't believe you have ached half so much as I have, though
+it sounds worse to break legs than to sprain your back," protested Jill,
+eager to prove herself the greater sufferer, as invalids are apt to be.
+
+"I guess you wouldn't think so if you'd been pulled round as I was when
+they set my leg. Caesar, how it did hurt!" and Jack squirmed at the
+recollection of it.
+
+"You didn't faint away as I did when the doctor was finding out if my
+_vertebrums_ were hurt, so now!" cried Jill, bound to carry her point,
+though not at all clear what vertebrae were.
+
+"Pooh! Girls always faint. Men are braver, and I didn't faint a bit in
+spite of all that horrid agony."
+
+"You howled; Frank told me so. Doctor said _I_ was a brave girl, so
+you needn't brag, for you'll have to go on a crutch for a while. I know
+that."
+
+"You may have to use two of them for years, may be. I heard the doctor
+tell my mother so. I shall be up and about long before you will. Now
+then!"
+
+Both children were getting excited, for the various pleasures of the
+day had been rather too much for them, and there is no knowing but they
+would have added the sad surprise of a quarrel to the pleasant ones of
+the day, if a cheerful whistle had not been heard, as Ralph came in to
+light the candles and give the last artistic touches to the room.
+
+"Well, young folks, how goes it? Had a merry time so far?" he asked, as
+he fixed the steps and ran up with a lighted match in his hand.
+
+"Very nice, thank you," answered a prim little voice from the dusk
+below, for only the glow of the fire filled the room just then.
+
+Jack said nothing, and two red sulky faces were hidden in the dark,
+watching candle after candle sputter, brighten, and twinkle, till the
+trembling shadows began to flit away like imps afraid of the light.
+
+"Now he will see my face, and I know it is cross," thought Jill, as
+Ralph went round the last circle, leaving another line of sparks among
+the hemlock boughs.
+
+Jack thought the same, and had just got the frown smoothed out of his
+forehead, when Frank brought a fresh log, and a glorious blaze sprung
+up, filling every corner of the room, and dancing over the figures in
+the long chairs till they had to brighten whether they liked it or not.
+Presently the bell began to ring and gay voices to sound below: then
+Jill smiled in spite of herself as Molly Loo's usual cry of "Oh, dear,
+where _is_ that child?" reached her, and Jack could not help keeping
+time to the march Ed played, while Frank and Gus marshalled the
+procession.
+
+"Ready!" cried Mrs. Minot, at last, and up came the troop of eager lads
+and lasses, brave in holiday suits, with faces to match. A unanimous "O,
+o, o!" burst from twenty tongues, as the full splendor of the tree, the
+room, and its inmates, dawned upon them; for not only did the pretty
+Christ-child hover above, but Santa Claus himself stood below, fur-clad,
+white-bearded, and powdered with snow from the dredging-box.
+
+Ralph was a good actor, and, when the first raptures were over he
+distributed the presents with such droll speeches, jokes, and gambols,
+that the room rang with merriment, and passers-by paused to listen, sure
+that here, at least, Christmas was merry. It would be impossible to
+tell about all the gifts or the joy of the receivers, but every one
+was satisfied, and the king and queen of the revels so overwhelmed with
+little tokens of good-will, that their beds looked like booths at a
+fair. Jack beamed over the handsome postage-stamp book which had long
+been the desire of his heart, and Jill felt like a millionaire, with a
+silver fruit-knife, a pretty work-basket, and oh!--coals of fire on her
+head!--a ring from Jack.
+
+A simple little thing enough, with one tiny turquoise forget-me-not, but
+something like a dew-drop fell on it when no one was looking, and she
+longed to say, "I'm sorry I was cross; forgive me, Jack." But it could
+not be done then, so she turned to admire Merry's bed-shoes, the pots of
+<DW29>s, hyacinths, and geranium which Gus and his sisters sent for her
+window garden, Molly's queer Christmas pie, and the zither Ed promised
+to teach her how to play upon.
+
+The tree was soon stripped, and pop-corns strewed the floor as the
+children stood about picking them off the red threads when candy gave
+out, with an occasional cranberry by way of relish. Boo insisted on
+trying the new sled at once, and enlivened the trip by the squeaking
+of the spotted dog, the toot of a tin trumpet, and shouts of joy at the
+splendor of the turn-out.
+
+The girls all put on their necklaces, and danced about like fine ladies
+at a ball. The boys fell to comparing skates, balls, and cuff-buttons
+on the spot, while the little ones devoted all their energies to eating
+everything eatable they could lay their hands on.
+
+Games were played till nine o'clock, and then the party broke up, after
+they had taken hands round the tree and sung a song written by one whom
+you all know,--so faithfully and beautifully does she love and labor for
+children the world over.
+
+THE BLESSED DAY
+
+  "What shall little children bring
+    On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
+  What shall little children bring
+    On Christmas Day in the morning?
+  This shall little children bring
+    On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
+  Love and joy to Christ their king,
+    On Christmas Day in the morning!
+
+  "What shall little children sing
+    On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
+  What shall little children sing
+    On Christmas Day in the morning?
+  The grand old carols shall they sing
+    On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
+  With all their hearts, their offerings bring
+    On Christmas Day in the morning."
+
+Jack was carried off to bed in such haste that he had only time to call
+out, "Good-night!" before he was rolled away, gaping as he went. Jill
+soon found herself tucked up in the great white bed she was to share
+with her mother, and lay looking about the pleasant chamber, while Mrs.
+Pecq ran home for a minute to see that all was safe there for the night.
+
+After the merry din the house seemed very still, with only a light
+step now and then, the murmur of voices not far away, or the jingle of
+sleigh-bells from without, and the little girl rested easily among the
+pillows, thinking over the pleasures of the day, too wide-awake for
+sleep. There was no lamp in the chamber, but she could look into the
+pretty Bird Room, where the fire-light still shone on flowery walls,
+deserted tree, and Christ-child floating above the green. Jill's eyes
+wandered there and lingered till they were full of regretful tears,
+because the sight of the little angel recalled the words spoken when it
+was hung up, the good resolution she had taken then, and how soon it was
+broken.
+
+"I said I couldn't be bad in that lovely place, and I was a cross,
+ungrateful girl after all they've done for Mammy and me. Poor Jack _was_
+hurt the worst, and he _was_ brave, though he did scream. I wish I could
+go and tell him so, and hear him say, 'All right.' Oh, me, I've spoiled
+the day!"
+
+A great sob choked more words, and Jill was about to have a comfortable
+cry, when someone entered the other room, and she saw Frank doing
+something with a long cord and a thing that looked like a tiny drum.
+Quiet as a bright-eyed mouse, Jill peeped out wondering what it was, and
+suspecting mischief, for the boy was laughing to himself as he stretched
+the cord, and now and then bent over the little object in his hand,
+touching it with great care.
+
+"May be it's a torpedo to blow up and scare me; Jack likes to play
+tricks. Well, I'll scream loud when it goes off, so he will be satisfied
+that I'm dreadfully frightened," thought Jill, little dreaming what the
+last surprise of the day was to be.
+
+Presently a voice whispered,--
+
+"I say! Are you awake?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Any one there but you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Catch this, then. Hold it to your ear and see what you'll get."
+
+The little drum came flying in, and, catching it, Jill, with some
+hesitation, obeyed Frank's order. Judge of her amazement when she caught
+in broken whispers these touching words:--
+
+"Sorry I was cross. Forgive and forget. Start fair to-morrow. All right.
+Jack."
+
+Jill was so delighted with this handsome apology, that she could not
+reply for a moment, then steadied her voice, and answered back in her
+sweetest tone,--
+
+"I'm sorry, too. Never, never, will again. Feel much better now.
+Good-night, you dear old thing."
+
+Satisfied with the success of his telephone, Frank twitched back the
+drum and vanished, leaving Jill to lay her cheek upon the hand that
+wore the little ring and fall asleep, saying to herself, with a farewell
+glance at the children's saint, dimly seen in the soft gloom, "I will
+not forget. I will be good!"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII. Jill's Mission
+
+
+The good times began immediately, and very little studying was done that
+week in spite of the virtuous resolutions made by certain young persons
+on Christmas Day. But, dear me, how was it possible to settle down to
+lessons in the delightful Bird Room, with not only its own charms to
+distract one, but all the new gifts to enjoy, and a dozen calls a day to
+occupy one's time?
+
+"I guess we'd better wait till the others are at school, and just go in
+for fun this week," said Jack, who was in great spirits at the prospect
+of getting up, for the splints were off, and he hoped to be promoted to
+crutches very soon.
+
+"_I_ shall keep my Speller by me and take a look at it every day, for
+that is what I'm most backward in. But I intend to devote myself to you,
+Jack, and be real kind and useful. I've made a plan to do it, and I
+mean to carry it out, any way," answered Jill, who had begun to be a
+missionary, and felt that this was a field of labor where she could
+distinguish herself.
+
+"Here's a home mission all ready for you, and you can be paying your
+debts beside doing yourself good," Mrs. Pecq said to her in private,
+having found plenty to do herself.
+
+Now Jill made one great mistake at the outset--she forgot that she was
+the one to be converted to good manners and gentleness, and devoted
+her efforts to looking after Jack, finding it much easier to cure other
+people's faults than her own. Jack was a most engaging heathen, and
+needed very little instruction; therefore Jill thought her task would
+be an easy one. But three or four weeks of petting and play had rather
+demoralized both children, so Jill's Speller, though tucked under the
+sofa pillow every day, was seldom looked at, and Jack shirked his Latin
+shamefully. Both read all the story-books they could get, held daily
+levees in the Bird Room, and all their spare minutes were spent in
+teaching Snowdrop, the great Angora cat, to bring the ball when they
+dropped it in their game. So Saturday came, and both were rather the
+worse for so much idleness, since daily duties and studies are the
+wholesome bread which feeds the mind better than the dyspeptic plum-cake
+of sensational reading, or the unsubstantial _bon-bons_ of frivolous
+amusement.
+
+It was a stormy day, so they had few callers, and devoted themselves to
+arranging the album; for these books were all the rage just then, and
+boys met to compare, discuss, buy, sell, and "swap" stamps with as much
+interest as men on 'Change gamble in stocks. Jack had a nice little
+collection, and had been saving up pocket-money to buy a book in which
+to preserve his treasures. Now, thanks to Jill's timely suggestion,
+Frank had given him a fine one, and several friends had contributed a
+number of rare stamps to grace the large, inviting pages. Jill wielded
+the gum-brush and fitted on the little flaps, as her fingers were
+skilful at this nice work, and Jack put each stamp in its proper place
+with great rustling of leaves and comparing of marks. Returning, after a
+brief absence, Mrs. Minot beheld the countenances of the workers adorned
+with gay stamps, giving them a very curious appearance.
+
+"My dears! what new play have you got now? Are you wild Indians?
+or letters that have gone round the world before finding the right
+address?" she asked, laughing at the ridiculous sight, for both were as
+sober as judges and deeply absorbed in some doubtful specimen.
+
+"Oh, we just stuck them there to keep them safe; they get lost if we
+leave them lying round. It's very handy, for I can see in a minute what
+I want on Jill's face and she on mine, and put our fingers on the
+right chap at once," answered Jack, adding, with an anxious gaze at his
+friend's variegated countenance, "Where the dickens _is_ my New Granada?
+It's rare, and I wouldn't lose it for a dollar."
+
+"Why, there it is on your own nose. Don't you remember you put it there
+because you said mine was not big enough to hold it?" laughed Jill,
+tweaking a large orange square off the round nose of her neighbor,
+causing it to wrinkle up in a droll way, as the gum made the operation
+slightly painful.
+
+"So I did, and gave you Little Bolivar on yours. Now I'll have Alsace
+and Lorraine, 1870. There are seven of them, so hold still and see how
+you like it," returned Jack, picking the large, pale stamps one by one
+from Jill's forehead, which they crossed like a band.
+
+She bore it without flinching, saying to herself with a secret smile, as
+she glanced at the hot fire, which scorched her if she kept near enough
+to Jack to help him, "This really is being like a missionary, with a
+tattooed savage to look after. I have to suffer a little, as the good
+folks did who got speared and roasted sometimes; but I won't complain a
+bit, though my forehead smarts, my arms are tired, and one cheek is as
+red as fire."
+
+"The Roman States make a handsome page, don't they?" asked Jack, little
+dreaming of the part he was playing in Jill's mind. "Oh, I say, isn't
+Corea a beauty? I'm ever so proud of that;" and he gazed fondly on a big
+blue stamp, the sole ornament of one page.
+
+"I don't see why the Cape of Good Hope has pyramids. They ought to go in
+Egypt. The Sandwich Islands are all right, with heads of the black kings
+and queens on them," said Jill, feeling that they were very appropriate
+to her private play.
+
+"Turkey has crescents, Australia swans, and Spain women's heads, with
+black bars across them. Frank says it is because they keep women shut
+up so; but that was only his fun. I'd rather have a good, honest green
+United States, with Washington on it, or a blue one-center with old
+Franklin, than all their eagles and lions and kings and queens put
+together," added the democratic boy, with a disrespectful slap on a
+crowned head as he settled Heligoland in its place.
+
+"Why does Austria have Mercury on the stamp, I wonder? Do they wear
+helmets like that?" asked Jill, with the brush-handle in her mouth as
+she cut a fresh batch of flaps.
+
+"May be he was postman to the gods, so he is put on stamps now. The
+Prussians wear helmets, but they have spikes like the old Roman fellows.
+I like Prussians ever so much; they fight splendidly, and always beat.
+Austrians have a handsome uniform, though."
+
+"Talking of Romans reminds me that I have not heard your Latin for two
+days. Come, lazybones, brace up, and let us have it now. I've done my
+compo, and shall have just time before I go out for a tramp with Gus,"
+said Frank, putting by a neat page to dry, for he studied every day like
+a conscientious lad as he was.
+
+"Don't know it. Not going to try till next week. Grind away over your
+old Greek as much as you like, but don't bother me," answered Jack,
+frowning at the mere thought of the detested lesson.
+
+But Frank adored his Xenophon, and would not see his old friend,
+Caesar, neglected without an effort to defend him; so he confiscated the
+gum-pot, and effectually stopped the stamp business by whisking away at
+one fell swoop all that lay on Jill's table.
+
+"Now then, young man, you will quit this sort of nonsense and do your
+lesson, or you won't see these fellows again in a hurry. You asked me to
+hear you, and I'm going to do it; here's the book."
+
+Frank's tone was the dictatorial one, which Jack hated and always found
+hard to obey, especially when he knew he ought to do it. Usually, when
+his patience was tried, he strode about the room, or ran off for a race
+round the garden, coming back breathless, but good-tempered. Now both
+these vents for irritation were denied him, and he had fallen into
+the way of throwing things about in a pet. He longed to send Caesar
+to perpetual banishment in the fire blazing close by, but resisted the
+temptation, and answered honestly, though gruffly: "I know I did, but I
+don't see any use in pouncing on a fellow when he isn't ready. I haven't
+got my lesson, and don't mean to worry about it; so you may just give me
+back my things and go about your business."
+
+"I'll give you back a stamp for every perfect lesson you get, and you
+won't see them on any other terms;" and, thrusting the treasures into
+his pocket, Frank caught up his rubber boots, and went off swinging them
+like a pair of clubs, feeling that he would give a trifle to be able to
+use them on his lazy brother.
+
+At this high-handed proceeding, and the threat which accompanied it,
+Jack's patience gave out, and catching up Caesar, as he thought, sent
+him flying after the retreating tyrant with the defiant declaration,--
+
+"Keep them, then, and your old book, too! I won't look at it till you
+give all my stamps back and say you are sorry. So now!"
+
+It was all over before Mamma could interfere, or Jill do more than
+clutch and cling to the gum-brush. Frank vanished unharmed, but the poor
+book dashed against the wall to fall half open on the floor, its gay
+cover loosened, and its smooth leaves crushed by the blow.
+
+"It's the album! O Jack, how could you?" cried Jill, dismayed at sight
+of the precious book so maltreated by the owner.
+
+"Thought it was the other. Guess it isn't hurt much. Didn't mean to
+hit him, any way. He does provoke me so," muttered Jack, very red and
+shamefaced as his mother picked up the book and laid it silently on
+the table before him. He did not know what to do with himself, and was
+thankful for the stamps still left him, finding great relief in making
+faces as he plucked them one by one from his mortified countenance. Jill
+looked on, half glad, half sorry that her savage showed such signs of
+unconverted ferocity, and Mrs. Minot went on writing letters, wearing
+the grave look her sons found harder to bear than another person's
+scolding. No one spoke for a moment, and the silence was becoming
+awkward when Gus appeared in a rubber suit, bringing a book to Jack from
+Laura and a note to Jill from Lotty.
+
+"Look here, you just trundle me into my den, please, I'm going to have a
+nap, it's so dull to-day I don't feel like doing much," said Jack, when
+Gus had done his errands, trying to look as if he knew nothing about the
+fracas.
+
+Jack folded his arms and departed like a warrior borne from the
+battle-field, to be chaffed unmercifully for a "pepper-pot," while Gus
+made him comfortable in his own room.
+
+"I heard once of a boy who threw a fork at his brother and put his eye
+out. But he didn't mean to, and the brother forgave him, and he never
+did so any more," observed Jill, in a pensive tone, wishing to show that
+she felt all the dangers of impatience, but was sorry for the culprit.
+
+"Did the boy ever forgive himself?" asked Mrs. Minot.
+
+"No, 'm; I suppose not. But Jack didn't hit Frank, and feels real sorry,
+I know."
+
+"He might have, and hurt him very much. Our actions are in our own
+hands, but the consequences of them are not. Remember that, my dear, and
+think twice before you do anything."
+
+"Yes, 'm, I will;" and Jill composed herself to consider what
+missionaries usually did when the natives hurled tomahawks and
+boomerangs at one another, and defied the rulers of the land.
+
+Mrs. Minot wrote one page of a new letter, then stopped, pushed her
+papers about, thought a little, and finally got up, saying, as if she
+found it impossible to resist the yearning of her heart for the naughty
+boy,--
+
+"I am going to see if Jack is covered up, he is so helpless, and liable
+to take cold. Don't stir till I come back."
+
+"No, 'm, I won't."
+
+Away went the tender parent to find her son studying Caesar for dear
+life, and all the more amiable for the little gust which had blown away
+the temporary irritability. The brothers were often called "Thunder
+and Lightning," because Frank lowered and growled and was a good while
+clearing up, while Jack's temper came and went like a flash, and the air
+was all the clearer for the escape of dangerous electricity. Of course
+Mamma had to stop and deliver a little lecture, illustrated by sad tales
+of petulant boys, and punctuated with kisses which took off the edge of
+these afflicting narratives.
+
+Jill meantime meditated morally on the superiority of her own good
+temper over the hasty one of her dear playmate, and just when she was
+feeling unusually uplifted and secure, alas! like so many of us, she
+fell, in the most deplorable manner.
+
+Glancing about the room for something to do, she saw a sheet of paper
+lying exactly out of reach, where it had fluttered from the table
+unperceived. At first her eye rested on it as carelessly as it did on
+the stray stamp Frank had dropped; then, as if one thing suggested the
+other, she took it into her head that the paper was Frank's composition,
+or, better still, a note to Annette, for the two corresponded when
+absence or weather prevented the daily meeting at school.
+
+"Wouldn't it be fun to keep it till he gives back Jack's stamps? It
+would plague him so if it was a note, and I do believe it is, for
+compo's don't begin with two words on one side. I'll get it, and Jack
+and I will plan some way to pay him off, cross thing!"
+
+Forgetting her promise not to stir, also how dishonorable it was to read
+other people's letters, Jill caught up the long-handled hook, often in
+use now, and tried to pull the paper nearer. It would not come at once,
+for a seam in the carpet held it, and Jill feared to tear or crumple it
+if she was not very careful. The hook was rather heavy and long for
+her to manage, and Jack usually did the fishing, so she was not very
+skilful; and just as she was giving a particularly quick jerk, she lost
+her balance, fell off the sofa, and dropped the pole with a bang.
+
+"Oh, my back!" was all she could think or say as she felt the jar all
+through her little body, and a corresponding fear in her guilty little
+mind that someone would come and find out the double mischief she had
+been at. For a moment she lay quite still to recover from the shock,
+then as the pain passed she began to wonder how she should get back, and
+looked about her to see if she could do it alone. She thought she could,
+as the sofa was near and she had improved so much that she could sit
+up a little if the doctor would have let her. She was gathering herself
+together for the effort, when, within arm's reach now, she saw the
+tempting paper, and seized it with glee, for in spite of her predicament
+she did want to tease Frank. A glance showed that it was not the
+composition nor a note, but the beginning of a letter from Mrs. Minot to
+her sister, and Jill was about to lay it down when her own name caught
+her eye, and she could not resist reading it. Hard words to write of one
+so young, doubly hard to read, and impossible to forget.
+
+"Dear Lizzie,--Jack continues to do very well, and will soon be up
+again. But we begin to fear that the little girl is permanently injured
+in the back. She is here, and we do our best for her; but I never
+look at her without thinking of Lucinda Snow, who, you remember, was
+bedridden for twenty years, owing to a fall at fifteen. Poor little
+Janey does not know yet, and I hope"--There it ended, and "poor little
+Janey's" punishment for disobedience began that instant. She thought she
+was getting well because she did not suffer all the time, and every one
+spoke cheerfully about "by and by." Now she knew the truth, and shut her
+eyes with a shiver as she said, low, to herself,--
+
+"Twenty years! I couldn't bear it; oh, I couldn't bear it!"
+
+A very miserable Jill lay on the floor, and for a while did not care who
+came and found her; then the last words of the letter--"I hope"--seemed
+to shine across the blackness of the dreadful "twenty years" and cheer
+her up a bit, for despair never lives long in young hearts, and Jill was
+a brave child.
+
+"That is why Mammy sighs so when she dresses me, and every one is so
+good to me. Perhaps Mrs. Minot doesn't really know, after all. She was
+dreadfully scared about Jack, and he is getting well. I'd like to ask
+Doctor, but he might find out about the letter. Oh, dear, why didn't I
+keep still and let the horrid thing alone!"
+
+As she thought that, Jill pushed the paper away, pulled herself up, and
+with much painful effort managed to get back to her sofa, where she laid
+herself down with a groan, feeling as if the twenty years had already
+passed over her since she tumbled off.
+
+"I've told a lie, for I said I wouldn't stir. I've hurt my back, I've
+done a mean thing, and I've got paid for it. A nice missionary I am;
+I'd better begin at home, as Mammy told me to;" and Jill groaned again,
+remembering her mother's words. "Now I've got another secret to keep all
+alone, for I'd be ashamed to tell the girls. I guess I'll turn round and
+study my spelling; then no one will see my face."
+
+Jill looked the picture of a good, industrious child as she lay with her
+back to the large table, her book held so that nothing was to be seen
+but one cheek and a pair of lips moving busily. Fortunately, it is
+difficult for little sinners to act a part, and, even if the face is
+hidden, something in the body seems to betray the internal remorse and
+shame. Usually, Jill lay flat and still; now her back was bent in a
+peculiar way as she leaned over her book, and one foot wagged nervously,
+while on the visible cheek was a Spanish stamp with a woman's face
+looking through the black bars, very suggestively, if she had known it.
+How long the minutes seemed till some one came, and what a queer little
+jump her heart gave when Mrs. Minot's voice said, cheerfully, "Jack
+is all right, and, I declare, so is Jill. I really believe there is a
+telegraph still working somewhere between you two, and each knows what
+the other is about without words."
+
+"I didn't have any other book handy, so I thought I'd study awhile,"
+answered Jill, feeling that she deserved no praise for her seeming
+industry.
+
+She cast a sidelong glance as she spoke, and seeing that Mrs. Minot was
+looking for the letter, hid her face and lay so still she could hear the
+rustle of the paper as it was taken from the floor. It was well she did
+not also see the quick look the lady gave her as she turned the letter
+and found a red stamp sticking to the under side, for this unlucky
+little witness told the story.
+
+Mrs. Minot remembered having seen the stamp lying close to the sofa when
+she left the room, for she had had half a mind to take it to Jack, but
+did not, thinking Frank's plan had some advantages. She also recollected
+that a paper flew off the table, but being in haste she had not stopped
+to see what it was. Now, the stamp and the letter could hardly have come
+together without hands, for they lay a yard apart, and here, also, on
+the unwritten portion of the page, was the mark of a small green thumb.
+Jill had been winding wool for a stripe in her new afghan, and the green
+ball lay on her sofa. These signs suggested and confirmed what Mrs.
+Minot did not want to believe; so did the voice, attitude, and air of
+Jill, all very unlike her usual open, alert ways.
+
+The kind lady could easily forgive the reading of her letter since the
+girl had found such sad news there, but the dangers of disobedience were
+serious in her case, and a glance showed that she was suffering either
+in mind or body--perhaps both.
+
+"I will wait for her to tell me. She is an honest child, and the truth
+will soon come out," thought Mrs. Minot, as she took a clean sheet, and
+Jill tried to study.
+
+"Shall I hear your lesson, dear? Jack means to recite his like a good
+boy, so suppose you follow his example," she said, presently.
+
+"I don't know as I can say it, but I'll try."
+
+Jill did try, and got on bravely till she came to the word "permanent;"
+there she hesitated, remembering where she saw it last.
+
+"Do you know what that means?" asked her teacher, thinking to help her
+on by defining the word.
+
+"Always--for a great while--or something like that; doesn't it?"
+faltered Jill, with a tight feeling in her throat, and the color coming
+up, as she tried to speak easily, yet felt so shame-stricken she could
+not.
+
+"Are you in pain, my child? Never mind the lesson; tell me, and I'll do
+something for you."
+
+The kind words, the soft hand on her hot cheek, and the pity in the eyes
+that looked at her, were too much for Jill. A sob came first, and then
+the truth, told with hidden face and tears that washed the blush away,
+and set free the honest little soul that could not hide its fault from
+such a friend.
+
+"I knew it all before, and was sure you would tell me, else you would
+not be the child I love and like to help so well."
+
+Then, while she soothed Jill's trouble, Mrs. Minot told her story and
+showed the letter, wishing to lessen, if possible, some part of the pain
+it had given.
+
+"Sly old stamp! To go and tell on me when I meant to own up, and get
+some credit if I could, after being so mean and bad," said Jill, smiling
+through her tears when she saw the tell-tale witnesses against her.
+
+"You had better stick it in your book to remind you of the bad
+consequences of disobedience, then perhaps _this_ lesson will leave a
+'permanent' impression on your mind and memory," answered Mrs. Minot,
+glad to see her natural gayety coming back, and hoping that she had
+forgotten the contents of the unfortunate letter. But she had not; and
+presently, when the sad affair had been talked over and forgiven, Jill
+asked, slowly, as she tried to put on a brave look,--
+
+"Please tell me about Lucinda Snow. If I am to be like her, I might as
+well know how she managed to bear it so long."
+
+"I'm sorry you ever heard of her, and yet perhaps it may help you to
+bear your trial, dear, which I hope will never be as heavy a one as
+hers. This Lucinda I knew for years, and though at first I thought her
+fate the saddest that could be, I came at last to see how happy she was
+in spite of her affliction, how good and useful and beloved."
+
+"Why, how could she be? What did she do?" cried Jill, forgetting her own
+troubles to look up with an open, eager face again.
+
+"She was so patient, other people were ashamed to complain of their
+small worries; so cheerful, that her own great one grew lighter; so
+industrious, that she made both money and friends by pretty things she
+worked and sold to her many visitors. And, best of all, so wise and
+sweet that she seemed to get good out of everything, and make her poor
+room a sort of chapel where people went for comfort, counsel, and an
+example of a pious life. So, you see, Lucinda was not so very miserable
+after all."
+
+"Well, if I could not be as I was, I'd like to be a woman like that.
+Only, I hope I shall not!" answered Jill, thoughtfully at first, then
+coming out so decidedly with the last words that it was evident the life
+of a bedridden saint was not at all to her mind.
+
+"So do I; and I mean to believe that you will not. Meantime, we can try
+to make the waiting as useful and pleasant as possible. This painful
+little back will be a sort of conscience to remind you of what you ought
+to do and leave undone, and so you can be learning obedience. Then,
+when the body is strong, it will have formed a good habit to make duty
+easier; and my Lucinda can be a sweet example, even while lying here, if
+she chooses."
+
+"Can I?" and Jill's eyes were full of softer tears as the comfortable,
+cheering words sank into her heart, to blossom slowly by and by into her
+life, for this was to be a long lesson, hard to learn, but very useful
+in the years to come.
+
+When the boys returned, after the Latin was recited and peace restored,
+Jack showed her a recovered stamp promptly paid by Frank, who was as
+just as he was severe, and Jill asked for the old red one, though
+she did not tell why she wanted it, nor show it put away in the
+spelling-book, a little seal upon a promise made to be kept.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII. Merry and Molly
+
+
+Now let us see how the other missionaries got on with their tasks.
+
+Farmer Grant was a thrifty, well-to-do man, anxious to give his children
+greater advantages than he had enjoyed, and to improve the fine place
+of which he was justly proud. Mrs. Grant was a notable housewife, as
+ambitious and industrious as her husband, but too busy to spend any time
+on the elegancies of life, though always ready to help the poor and sick
+like a good neighbor and Christian woman. The three sons--Tom, Dick,
+and Harry--were big fellows of seventeen, nineteen, and twenty-one;
+the first two on the farm, and the elder in a store just setting up for
+himself. Kind-hearted but rough-mannered youths, who loved Merry very
+much, but teased her sadly about her "fine lady airs," as they called
+her dainty ways and love of beauty.
+
+Merry was a thoughtful girl, full of innocent fancies, refined tastes,
+and romantic dreams, in which no one sympathized at home, though she was
+the pet of the family. It did seem, to an outsider, as if the delicate
+little creature had got there by mistake, for she looked very like a
+tea-rose in a field of clover and dandelions, whose highest aim in life
+was to feed cows and help make root beer.
+
+When the girls talked over the new society, it pleased Merry very much,
+and she decided not only to try and love work better, but to convert
+her family to a liking for pretty things, as she called her own more
+cultivated tastes.
+
+"I will begin at once, and show them that I don't mean to shirk my duty,
+though I do want to be nice," thought she, as she sat at supper one
+night and looked about her, planning her first move.
+
+Not a very cheering prospect for a lover of the beautiful, certainly,
+for the big kitchen, though as neat as wax, had nothing lovely in it,
+except a red geranium blooming at the window. Nor were the people all
+that could be desired, in some respects, as they sat about the table
+shovelling in pork and beans with their knives, drinking tea from their
+saucers, and laughing out with a hearty "Haw, haw," when anything amused
+them. Yet the boys were handsome, strong specimens, the farmer a hale,
+benevolent-looking man, the housewife a pleasant, sharp-eyed matron, who
+seemed to find comfort in looking often at the bright face at her elbow,
+with the broad forehead, clear eyes, sweet mouth, and quiet voice that
+came like music in among the loud masculine ones, or the quick, nervous
+tones of a woman always in a hurry.
+
+Merry's face was so thoughtful that evening that her father observed it,
+for, when at home, he watched her as one watches a kitten, glad to see
+anything so pretty, young, and happy, at its play.
+
+"Little daughter has got something on her mind, I mistrust. Come and
+tell father all about it," he said, with a sounding slap on his broad
+knee as he turned his chair from the table to the ugly stove, where
+three pairs of wet boots steamed underneath, and a great kettle of cider
+apple-sauce simmered above.
+
+"When I've helped clear up, I'll come and talk. Now, mother, you sit
+down and rest; Roxy and I can do everything," answered Merry, patting
+the old rocking-chair so invitingly that the tired woman could not
+resist, especially as watching the kettle gave her an excuse for
+obeying.
+
+"Well, I don't care if I do, for I've been on my feet since five
+o'clock. Be sure you cover things up, and shut the buttery door, and put
+the cat down cellar, and sift your meal. I'll see to the buckwheats last
+thing before I go to bed."
+
+Mrs. Grant subsided with her knitting, for her hands were never idle;
+Tom tilted his chair back against the wall and picked his teeth with
+his pen-knife; Dick got out a little pot of grease, to make the boots
+water-tight; and Harry sat down at the small table to look over his
+accounts, with an important air,--for every one occupied this room, and
+the work was done in the out-kitchen behind.
+
+Merry hated clearing up, but dutifully did every distasteful task, and
+kept her eye on careless Roxy till all was in order; then she gladly
+went to perch on her father's knee, seeing in all the faces about her
+the silent welcome they always wore for the "little one."
+
+"Yes, I do want something, but I know you will say it is silly," she
+began, as her father pinched her blooming cheek, with the wish that his
+peaches would ever look half as well.
+
+"Shouldn't wonder if it was a doll now;" and Mr. Grant stroked her head
+with an indulgent smile, as if she was about six instead of fifteen.
+
+"Why, father, you know I don't! I haven't played with dollies for years
+and years. No; I want to fix up my room pretty, like Jill's. I'll do it
+all myself, and only want a few things, for I don't expect it to look as
+nice as hers."
+
+Indignation gave Merry courage to state her wishes boldly, though she
+knew the boys would laugh. They did, and her mother said in a tone of
+surprise,--
+
+"Why, child, what more can you want? I'm sure your room is always as
+neat as a new pin, thanks to your bringing up, and I told you to have a
+fire there whenever you wanted to."
+
+"Let me have some old things out of the garret, and I'll show you what
+I want. It _is_ neat, but so bare and ugly I hate to be there. I do so
+love something pretty to look at!" and Merry gave a little shiver of
+disgust as she turned her eyes away from the large greasy boot Dick was
+holding up to be sure it was well lubricated all round.
+
+"So do I, and that's a fact. I couldn't get on without my pretty girl
+here, any way. Why, she touches up the old place better than a dozen
+flower-pots in full blow," said the farmer, as his eye went from the
+scarlet geranium to the bright young face so near his own.
+
+"I wish I had a dozen in the sitting-room window. Mother says they are
+not tidy, but I'd keep them neat, and I know you'd like it," broke in
+Merry, glad of the chance to get one of the long-desired wishes of her
+heart fulfilled.
+
+"I'll fetch you some next time I go over to Ballad's. Tell me what you
+want, and we'll have a posy bed somewhere round, see if we don't," said
+her father, dimly understanding what she wanted.
+
+"Now, if mother says I may fix my room, I shall be satisfied, and I'll
+do my chores without a bit of fuss, to show how grateful I am," said
+the girl, thanking her father with a kiss, and smiling at her mother so
+wistfully that the good woman could not refuse.
+
+"You may have anything you like out of the blue chest. There's a lot of
+things there that the moths got at after Grandma died, and I couldn't
+bear to throw or give 'em away. Trim up your room as you like, and mind
+you don't forget your part of the bargain," answered Mrs. Grant, seeing
+profit in the plan.
+
+"I won't; I'll work all the morning to-morrow, and in the afternoon I'll
+get ready to show you what I call a nice, pretty room," answered Merry,
+looking so pleased it seemed as if another flower had blossomed in the
+large bare kitchen.
+
+She kept her word, and the very stormy afternoon when Jill got into
+trouble, Merry was working busily at her little bower. In the blue chest
+she found a variety of treasures, and ignoring the moth holes, used them
+to the best advantage, trying to imitate the simple comfort with a touch
+of elegance which prevailed in Mrs. Minot's back bedroom.
+
+Three faded red-moreen curtains went up at the windows over the chilly
+paper shades, giving a pleasant glow to the bare walls. A red quilt with
+white stars, rather the worse for many washings, covered the bed, and a
+gay cloth the table, where a judicious arrangement of books and baskets
+concealed the spots. The little air-tight stove was banished, and a pair
+of ancient andirons shone in the fire-light. Grandma's last and largest
+braided rug lay on the hearth, and her brass candlesticks adorned the
+bureau, over the mirror of which was festooned a white muslin skirt,
+tied up with Merry's red sash. This piece of elegance gave the last
+touch to her room, she thought, and she was very proud of it, setting
+forth all her small store of trinkets in a large shell, with an empty
+scent bottle, and a clean tidy over the pincushion. On the walls she
+hung three old-fashioned pictures, which she ventured to borrow from
+the garret till better could be found. One a mourning piece, with a very
+tall lady weeping on an urn in a grove of willows, and two small boys in
+knee breeches and funny little square tails to their coats, looking like
+cherubs in large frills. The other was as good as a bonfire, being an
+eruption of Vesuvius, and very lurid indeed, for the Bay of Naples was
+boiling like a pot, the red sky raining rocks, and a few distracted
+people lying flat upon the shore. The third was a really pretty scene
+of children dancing round a May-pole, for though nearly a hundred years
+old, the little maids smiled and the boys pranced as gayly as if the
+flowers they carried were still alive and sweet.
+
+"Now I'll call them all to see, and say that it is pretty. Then I'll
+enjoy it, and come here when things look dismal and bare everywhere
+else," said Merry, when at last it was done. She had worked all the
+afternoon, and only finished at supper time, so the candles had to be
+lighted that the toilette might look its best, and impress the beholders
+with an idea of true elegance. Unfortunately, the fire smoked a little,
+and a window was set ajar to clear the room; an evil-disposed gust blew
+in, wafting the thin drapery within reach of the light, and when Merry
+threw open the door proudly thinking to display her success, she was
+horrified to find the room in a blaze, and half her labor all in vain.
+
+The conflagration was over in a minute, however, for the boys tore down
+the muslin and stamped out the fire with much laughter, while Mrs. Grant
+bewailed the damage to her carpet, and poor Merry took refuge in
+her father's arms, refusing to be comforted in spite of his kind
+commendation of "Grandma's fixins."
+
+The third little missionary had the hardest time of all, and her first
+efforts were not much more satisfactory nor successful than the others.
+Her father was away from morning till night, and then had his paper to
+read, books to keep, or "a man to see down town," so that, after a hasty
+word at tea, he saw no more of the children till another evening, as
+they were seldom up at his early breakfast. He thought they were well
+taken care of, for Miss Bathsheba Dawes was an energetic, middle-aged
+spinster when she came into the family, and had been there fifteen
+years, so he did not observe, what a woman would have seen at once, that
+Miss Bat was getting old and careless, and everything about the house
+was at sixes and sevens. She took good care of him, and thought she had
+done her duty if she got three comfortable meals, nursed the children
+when they were ill, and saw that the house did not burn up. So Maria
+Louisa and Napoleon Bonaparte got on as they could, without the tender
+cares of a mother. Molly had been a happy-go-lucky child, contented
+with her pets, her freedom, and little Boo to love; but now she was just
+beginning to see that they were not like other children, and to feel
+ashamed of it.
+
+"Papa is busy, but Miss Bat ought to see to us; she is paid for it,
+and goodness knows she has an easy time now, for if I ask her to do
+anything, she groans over her bones, and tells me young folks should
+wait on themselves. I take all the care of Boo off her hands, but I
+can't wash my own things, and he hasn't a decent trouser to his blessed
+little legs. I'd tell papa, but it wouldn't do any good; he'd only say,
+'Yes, child, yes, I'll attend to it,' and never do a thing."
+
+This used to be Molly's lament, when some especially trying event
+occurred, and if the girls were not there to condole with her, she would
+retire to the shed-chamber, call her nine cats about her, and, sitting
+in the old bushel basket, pull her hair about her ears, and scold all
+alone. The cats learned to understand this habit, and nobly did their
+best to dispel the gloom which now and then obscured the sunshine of
+their little mistress. Some of them would creep into her lap and purr
+till the comfortable sound soothed her irritation; the sedate elders sat
+at her feet blinking with such wise and sympathetic faces, that she felt
+as if half a dozen Solomons were giving her the sagest advice; while the
+kittens frisked about, cutting up their drollest capers till she laughed
+in spite of herself. When the laugh came, the worst of the fit was over,
+and she soon cheered up, dismissing the consolers with a pat all round,
+a feast of good things from Miss Bat's larder, and the usual speech:--
+
+"Well, dears, it's of no use to worry. I guess we shall get along
+somehow, if we don't fret."
+
+With which wise resolution, Molly would leave her retreat and freshen
+up her spirits by a row on the river or a romp with Boo, which always
+finished the case. Now, however, she was bound to try the new plan and
+do something toward reforming not only the boy's condition, but the
+disorder and discomfort of home.
+
+"I'll play it is Siam, and this the house of a native, and I'm come to
+show the folks how to live nicely. Miss Bat won't know what to make of
+it, and I can't tell her, so I shall get some fun out of it, any way,"
+thought Molly, as she surveyed the dining-room the day her mission
+began.
+
+The prospect was not cheering; and, if the natives of Siam live in such
+confusion, it is high time they were attended to. The breakfast-table
+still stood as it was left, with slops of coffee on the cloth; bits of
+bread, egg-shells, and potato-skins lay about, and one lonely sausage
+was cast away in the middle of a large platter. The furniture was dusty,
+stove untidy, and the carpet looked as if crumbs had been scattered to
+chickens who declined their breakfast. Boo was sitting on the sofa, with
+his arm through a hole in the cover, hunting for some lost treasure
+put away there for safe keeping, like a little magpie as he was. Molly
+fancied she washed and dressed him well enough; but to-day she seemed to
+see more clearly, and sighed as she thought of the hard job in store for
+her if she gave him the thorough washing he needed, and combed out that
+curly mop of hair.
+
+"I'll clear up first and do that by and by. I ought to have a nice
+little tub and good towels, like Mrs. Minot, and I will, too, if I buy
+them myself," she said, piling up cups with an energy that threatened
+destruction to handles.
+
+Miss Bat, who was trailing about the kitchen, with her head pinned up
+in a little plaid shawl, was so surprised by the demand for a pan of
+hot water and four clean towels, that she nearly dropped her snuff-box,
+chief comfort of her lazy soul.
+
+"What new whimsey now? Generally, the dishes stand round till I have
+time to pick 'em up, and you are off coasting or careering somewhere.
+Well, this tidy fit won't last long, so I may as well make the most of
+it," said Miss Bat, as she handed out the required articles, and then
+pushed her spectacles from the tip of her sharp nose to her sharper
+black eyes for a good look at the girl who stood primly before her, with
+a clean apron on and her hair braided up instead of flying wildly about
+her shoulders.
+
+"Umph!" was all the comment that Miss Bat made on this unusual neatness,
+and she went on scraping her saucepans, while Molly returned to her
+work, very well pleased with the effect of her first step, for she felt
+that the bewilderment of Miss Bat would be a constant inspiration to
+fresh efforts.
+
+An hour of hard work produced an agreeable change in the abode of
+the native, for the table was cleared, room swept and dusted, fire
+brightened, and the holes in the sofa-covering were pinned up till time
+could be found to mend them. To be sure, rolls of lint lay in corners,
+smears of ashes were on the stove hearth, and dust still lurked on
+chair rounds and table legs. But too much must not be expected of a
+new convert, so the young missionary sat down to rest, well pleased and
+ready for another attempt as soon as she could decide in what direction
+it should be made. She quailed before Boo as she looked at the
+unconscious innocent peacefully playing with the spotted dog, now bereft
+of his tail, and the lone sausage with which he was attempting to feed
+the hungry animal, whose red mouth always gaped for more.
+
+"It will be an awful job, and he is so happy I won't plague him yet.
+Guess I'll go and put my room to rights first, and pick up some clean
+clothes to put on him, if he is alive after I get through with him,"
+thought Molly, foreseeing a stormy passage for the boy, who hated a bath
+as much as some people hate a trip across the Atlantic.
+
+Up she went, and finding the fire out felt discouraged, thought she
+would rest a little more, so retired under the blankets to read one of
+the Christmas books. The dinner-bell rang while she was still wandering
+happily in "Nelly's Silver Mine," and she ran down to find that Boo had
+laid out a railroad all across her neat room, using bits of coal for
+sleepers and books for rails, over which he was dragging the yellow sled
+laden with a dismayed kitten, the tailless dog, and the remains of the
+sausage, evidently on its way to the tomb, for Boo took bites at it now
+and then, no other lunch being offered him.
+
+"Oh dear! why can't boys play without making such a mess," sighed Molly,
+picking up the feathers from the duster with which Boo had been trying
+to make a "cocky-doo" of the hapless dog. "I'll wash him right after
+dinner, and that will keep him out of mischief for a while," she
+thought, as the young engineer unsuspiciously proceeded to ornament his
+already crocky countenance with squash, cranberry sauce, and gravy, till
+he looked more like a Fiji chief in full war-paint than a Christian boy.
+
+"I want two pails of hot water, please, Miss Bat, and the big tub," said
+Molly, as the ancient handmaid emptied her fourth cup of tea, for she
+dined with the family, and enjoyed her own good cooking in its prime.
+
+"What are you going to wash now?"
+
+"Boo--I'm sure he needs it enough;" and Molly could not help laughing as
+the victim added to his brilliant appearance by smearing the colors
+all together with a rub of two grimy hands, making a fine "Turner" of
+himself.
+
+"Now, Maria Louisa Bemis, you ain't going to cut up no capers with that
+child! The idea of a hot bath in the middle of the day, and him full
+of dinner, and croupy into the bargain! Wet a corner of a towel at the
+kettle-spout and polish him off if you like, but you won't risk his life
+in no bath-tubs this cold day."
+
+Miss Bat's word was law in some things, so Molly had to submit, and took
+Boo away, saying, loftily, as she left the room,--
+
+"I shall ask father, and do it to-night, for I will _not_ have my
+brother look like a pig."
+
+"My patience! how the Siamese do leave their things round," she
+exclaimed, as she surveyed her room after making up the fire and
+polishing off Boo. "I'll put things in order, and then mend up my rags,
+if I can find my thimble. Now, let me see;" and she went to exploring
+her closet, bureau, and table, finding such disorder everywhere that her
+courage nearly gave out.
+
+She had clothes enough, but all needed care; even her best dress had two
+buttons off, and her Sunday hat but one string. Shoes, skirts, books,
+and toys lay about, and her drawers were a perfect chaos of soiled
+ruffles, odd gloves, old ribbons, boot lacings, and bits of paper.
+
+"Oh, my heart, what a muddle! Mrs. Minot wouldn't think much of me if
+she could see that," said Molly, recalling how that lady once said she
+could judge a good deal of a little girl's character and habits by a
+peep at her top drawer, and went on, with great success, to guess how
+each of the school-mates kept her drawer.
+
+"Come, missionary, clear up, and don't let me find such a glory-hole
+again, or I'll report you to the society," said Molly, tipping the whole
+drawer-full out upon the bed, and beguiling the tiresome job by keeping
+up the new play.
+
+Twilight came before it was done, and a great pile of things loomed up
+on her table, with no visible means of repair,--for Molly's work-basket
+was full of nuts, and her thimble down a hole in the shed-floor, where
+the cats had dropped it in their play.
+
+"I'll ask Bat for hooks and tape, and papa for some money to buy
+scissors and things, for I don't know where mine are. Glad I can't do
+any more now! Being neat is such hard work!" and Molly threw herself
+down on the rug beside the old wooden cradle in which Boo was blissfully
+rocking, with a cargo of toys aboard.
+
+She watched her time, and as soon as her father had done supper, she
+hastened to say, before he got to his desk,--
+
+"Please, papa, I want a dollar to get some brass buttons and things to
+fix Boo's clothes with. He wore a hole in his new trousers coasting
+down the Kembles' steps. And can't I wash him? He needs it, and Miss Bat
+won't let me have a tub."
+
+"Certainly, child, certainly; do what you like, only don't keep me. I
+must be off, or I shall miss Jackson, and he's the man I want;" and,
+throwing down two dollars instead of one, Mr. Bemis hurried away, with a
+vague impression that Boo had swallowed a dozen brass buttons, and Miss
+Bat had been coasting somewhere in a bath-pan; but catching Jackson was
+important, so he did not stop to investigate.
+
+Armed with the paternal permission, Molly carried her point, and oh,
+what a dreadful evening poor Boo spent! First, he was decoyed upstairs
+an hour too soon, then put in a tub by main force and sternly scrubbed,
+in spite of shrieks that brought Miss Bat to the locked door to condole
+with the sufferer, scold the scrubber, and depart, darkly prophesying
+croup before morning.
+
+"He always howls when he is washed; but I shall do it, since you
+won't, and he must get used to it. I will not have people tell me he's
+neglected, if I can help it," cried Molly, working away with tears in
+her eyes--for it was as hard for her as for Boo; but she meant to be
+thorough for once in her life, no matter what happened.
+
+When the worst was over, she coaxed him with candy and stories till the
+long task of combing out the curls was safely done; then, in the clean
+night-gown with a blue button newly sewed on, she laid him in bed, worn
+out, but sweet as a rose.
+
+"Now, say your prayers, darling, and go to sleep with the nice red
+blanket all tucked round so you won't get cold," said Molly, rather
+doubtful of the effect of the wet head.
+
+"No, I won't! Going to sleep _now!_" and Boo shut his eyes wearily,
+feeling that his late trials had not left him in a prayerful mood.
+
+"Then you'll be a real little heathen, as Mrs. Pecq called you, and
+I don't know what I shall do with you," said Molly, longing to cuddle
+rather than scold the little fellow, whose soul needed looking after as
+well as his body.
+
+"No, no; I won't be a heevin! I don't want to be frowed to the
+trockindiles. I will say my prayers! oh, I will!" and, rising in
+his bed, Boo did so, with the devotion of an infant Samuel, for he
+remembered the talk when the society was formed.
+
+Molly thought her labors were over for that night, and soon went to bed,
+tired with her first attempts. But toward morning she was wakened by the
+hoarse breathing of the boy, and was forced to patter away to Miss Bat's
+room, humbly asking for the squills, and confessing that the prophecy
+had come to pass.
+
+"I knew it! Bring the child to me, and don't fret. I'll see to him, and
+next time you do as I say," was the consoling welcome she received as
+the old lady popped up a sleepy but anxious face in a large flannel cap,
+and shook the bottle with the air of a general who had routed the foe
+before and meant to do it again.
+
+Leaving her little responsibility in Miss Bat's arms, Molly retired
+to wet her pillow with a few remorseful tears, and to fall asleep,
+wondering if real missionaries ever killed their pupils in the process
+of conversion.
+
+So the girls all failed in the beginning; but they did not give up, and
+succeeded better next time, as we shall see.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX. The Debating Club
+
+
+"Look here, old man, we ought to have a meeting. Holidays are over, and
+we must brace up and attend to business," said Frank to Gus, as they
+strolled out of the schoolyard one afternoon in January, apparently
+absorbed in conversation, but in reality waiting for a blue cloud and a
+scarlet feather to appear on the steps.
+
+"All right. When, where, and what?" asked Gus, who was a man of few
+words.
+
+"To-night, our house, subject, 'Shall girls go to college with us?'
+Mother said we had better be making up our minds, because every one is
+talking about it, and we shall have to be on one side or the other,
+so we may as well settle it now," answered Frank, for there was an
+impression among the members that all vexed questions would be much
+helped by the united eloquence and wisdom of the club.
+
+"Very good; I'll pass the word and be there. Hullo, Neddy! The D.C.
+meets to-night, at Minot's, seven sharp. Co-ed, &c.," added Gus, losing
+no time, as a third boy came briskly round the corner, with a little bag
+in his hand.
+
+"I'll come. Got home an hour earlier to-night, and thought I'd look
+you up as I went by," responded Ed Devlin, as he took possession of the
+third post, with a glance toward the schoolhouse to see if a seal-skin
+cap, with a long, yellow braid depending therefrom, was anywhere in
+sight.
+
+"Very good of you, I'm sure," said Gus, ironically, not a bit deceived
+by this polite attention.
+
+"The longest way round is sometimes the shortest way home, hey, Ed?" and
+Frank gave him a playful poke that nearly sent him off his perch.
+
+Then they all laughed at some joke of their own, and Gus added, "No
+girls coming to hear us to-night. Don't think it, my son.
+
+"More's the pity," and Ed shook his head regretfully over the downfall
+of his hopes.
+
+"Can't help it; the other fellows say they spoil the fun, so we have
+to give in, sometimes, for the sake of peace and quietness. Don't
+mind having them a bit myself," said Frank, in such a tone of cheerful
+resignation that they laughed again, for the "Triangle," as the three
+chums were called, always made merry music.
+
+"We must have a game party next week. The girls like that, and so do
+I," candidly observed Gus, whose pleasant parlors were the scene of many
+such frolics.
+
+"And so do your sisters and your cousins and your aunts," hummed Ed,
+for Gus was often called Admiral because he really did possess three
+sisters, two cousins, and four aunts, besides mother and grandmother,
+all living in the big house together.
+
+The boys promptly joined in the popular chorus, and other voices all
+about the yard took it up, for the "Pinafore" epidemic raged fearfully
+in Harmony Village that winter.
+
+"How's business?" asked Gus, when the song ended, for Ed had not
+returned to school in the autumn, but had gone into a store in the city.
+
+"Dull; things will look up toward spring, they say. I get on well
+enough, but I miss you fellows dreadfully;" and Ed put a hand on the
+broad shoulder of each friend, as if he longed to be a school-boy again.
+
+"Better give it up and go to college with me next year," said Frank, who
+was preparing for Boston University, while Gus fitted for Harvard.
+
+"No; I've chosen business, and I mean to stick to it, so don't you
+unsettle my mind. Have you practised that March?" asked Ed, turning to a
+gayer subject, for he had his little troubles, but always looked on the
+bright side of things.
+
+"Skating is so good, I don't get much time. Come early, and we'll have a
+turn at it."
+
+"I will. Must run home now."
+
+"Pretty cold loafing here."
+
+"Mail is in by this time."
+
+And with these artless excuses the three boys leaped off the posts, as
+if one spring moved them, as a group of girls came chattering down the
+path. The blue cloud floated away beside Frank, the scarlet feather
+marched off with the Admiral, while the fur cap nodded to the gray hat
+as two happy faces smiled at each other.
+
+The same thing often happened, for twice a-day the streets were full
+of young couples walking to and from school together, smiled at by the
+elders, and laughed at by the less susceptible boys and girls, who went
+alone or trooped along in noisy groups. The prudent mothers had tried to
+stop this guileless custom, but found it very difficult, as the fathers
+usually sympathized with their sons, and dismissed the matter with the
+comfortable phrase, "Never mind; boys will be boys." "Not forever,"
+returned the anxious mammas, seeing the tall lads daily grow more manly,
+and the pretty daughters fast learning to look demure when certain names
+were mentioned.
+
+It could not be stopped without great parental sternness and the danger
+of deceit, for co-education will go on outside of school if not inside,
+and the safest way is to let sentiment and study go hand in hand, with
+teachers and parents to direct and explain the great lesson all are
+the better for learning soon or late. So the elders had to give in,
+acknowledging that this sudden readiness to go to school was a comfort,
+that the new sort of gentle emulation worked wonders in lazy girls and
+boys, and that watching these "primrose friendships" bud, blossom,
+and die painless deaths, gave a little touch of romance to their own
+work-a-day lives.
+
+"On the whole I'd rather have my sons walking, playing, and studying
+with bright, well-mannered girls, than always knocking about with rough
+boys," said Mrs. Minot at one of the Mothers' Meetings, where the good
+ladies met to talk over their children, and help one another to do their
+duty by them.
+
+"I find that Gus is more gentle with his sisters since Juliet took him
+in hand, for he wants to stand well with her, and they report him if he
+troubles them. I really see no harm in the little friendship, though I
+never had any such when I was a girl," said Mrs. Burton, who adored her
+one boy and was his confidante.
+
+"My Merry seems to be contented with her brothers so far, but I
+shouldn't wonder if I had my hands full by and by," added Mrs. Grant,
+who already foresaw that her sweet little daughter would be sought after
+as soon as she should lengthen her skirts and turn up her bonny brown
+hair.
+
+Molly Loo had no mother to say a word for her, but she settled matters
+for herself by holding fast to Merry, and declaring that she would have
+no escort but faithful Boo.
+
+It is necessary to dwell a moment upon this new amusement, because it
+was not peculiar to Harmony Village, but appears everywhere as naturally
+as the game parties and croquet which have taken the place of the
+husking frolics and apple-bees of olden times, and it is impossible to
+dodge the subject if one attempts to write of boys and girls as they
+really are nowadays.
+
+"Here, my hero, see how you like this. If it suits, you will be ready to
+march as soon as the doctor gives the word," said Ralph, coming into the
+Bird Room that evening with a neat little crutch under his arm.
+
+"Ha, ha, that looks fine! I'd like to try it right off, but I won't till
+I get leave. Did you make it yourself, Ral?" asked Jack, handling it
+with delight, as he sat bolt upright, with his leg on a rest, for he was
+getting on capitally now.
+
+"Mostly. Rather a neat job, I flatter myself."
+
+"I should say so. What a clever fellow you are! Any new inventions
+lately?" asked Frank, coming up to examine and admire.
+
+"Only an anti-snoring machine and an elbow-pad," answered Ralph, with a
+twinkle in his eye, as if reminded of something funny.
+
+"Go on, and tell about them. I never heard of an anti-snorer. Jack
+better have one," said Frank, interested at once.
+
+"Well, a rich old lady kept her family awake with that lively music, so
+she sent to Shirtman and Codleff for something to stop it. They thought
+it was a good joke, and told me to see what I could do. I thought it
+over, and got up the nicest little affair you ever saw. It went over the
+mouth, and had a tube to fit the ear, so when the lady snored she woke
+herself up and stopped it. It suited exactly. I think of taking out a
+patent," concluded Ralph, joining in the boys' laugh at the droll idea.
+
+"What was the pad?" asked Frank, returning to the small model of an
+engine he was making.
+
+"Oh, that was a mere trifle for a man who had a tender elbow-joint and
+wanted something to protect it. I made a little pad to fit on, and his
+crazy-bone was safe."
+
+"I planned to have you make me a new leg if this one was spoilt," said
+Jack, sure that his friend could invent anything under the sun.
+
+"I'd do my best for you. I made a hand for a fellow once, and that
+got me my place, you know," answered Ralph, who thought little of such
+mechanical trifles, and longed to be painting portraits or modelling
+busts, being an artist as well as an inventor.
+
+Here Gus, Ed, and several other boys came in, and the conversation
+became general. Grif, Chick, and Brickbat were three young gentlemen
+whose own respectable names were usually ignored, and they cheerfully
+answered to these nicknames.
+
+As the clock struck seven, Frank, who ruled the club with a rod of iron
+when Chairman, took his place behind the study table. Seats stood about
+it, and a large, shabby book lay before Gus, who was Secretary, and kept
+the records with a lavish expenditure of ink, to judge by the blots. The
+members took their seats, and nearly all tilted back their chairs and
+put their hands in their pockets, to keep them out of mischief; for, as
+every one knows, it is impossible for two lads to be near each other
+and refrain from tickling or pinching. Frank gave three raps with an old
+croquet-mallet set on a short handle, and with much dignity opened the
+meeting.
+
+"Gentlemen, the business of the club will be attended to, and then
+we will discuss the question, 'Shall girls go to our colleges?' The
+Secretary will now read the report of the last meeting."
+
+Clearing his throat, Gus read the following brief and elegant report:--
+
+"Club met, December 18th, at the house of G. Burton, Esq. Subject: 'Is
+summer or winter best fun?' A lively pow-wow. About evenly divided.
+J. Flint fined five cents for disrespect to the Chair. A collection of
+forty cents taken up to pay for breaking a pane of glass during a free
+fight of the members on the door-step. E. Devlin was chosen Secretary
+for the coming year, and a new book contributed by the Chairman."
+
+"That's all."
+
+"Is there any other business before the meeting?" asked Frank, as the
+reader closed the old book with a slam and shoved the new one across the
+table.
+
+Ed rose, and glancing about him with an appealing look, said, as if sure
+his proposition would not be well received, "I wish to propose the name
+of a new member. Bob Walker wants to join, and I think we ought to let
+him. He is trying to behave well, and I am sure we could help him. Can't
+we?"
+
+All the boys looked sober, and Joe, otherwise Brickbat, said, bluntly,
+"I won't. He's a bad lot, and we don't want any such here. Let him go
+with chaps of his own sort."
+
+"That is just what I want to keep him from! He's a good-hearted boy
+enough, only no one looks after him; so he gets into scrapes, as we
+should, if we were in his place, I dare say. He wants to come here, and
+would be so proud if he was let in, I know he'd behave. Come now, let's
+give him a chance," and Ed looked at Gus and Frank, sure that if they
+stood by him he should carry his point.
+
+But Gus shook his head, as if doubtful of the wisdom of the plan, and
+Frank said gravely: "You know we made the rule that the number should
+never be over eight, and we cannot break it."
+
+"You needn't. I can't be here half the time, so I will resign and let
+Bob have my place," began Ed, but he was silenced by shouts of "No, no,
+you shan't!" "We won't let you off!" "Club would go to smash, if you
+back out!"
+
+"Let him have my place; I'm the youngest, and you won't miss me," cried
+Jack, bound to stand by Ed at all costs.
+
+"We might do that," said Frank, who did object to small boys, though
+willing to admit this particular one.
+
+"Better make a new rule to have ten members, and admit both Bob and Tom
+Grant," said Ralph, whereat Grif grinned and Joe scowled, for one lad
+liked Merry's big brother and the other did not.
+
+"That's a good idea! Put it to vote," said Gus, too kind-hearted to shut
+the door on any one.
+
+"First I want to ask if all you fellows are ready to stand by Bob, out
+of the club as well as in, for it won't do much good to be kind to him
+here and cut him at school and in the street," said Ed, heartily in
+earnest about the matter.
+
+"I will!" cried Jack, ready to follow where his beloved friend led, and
+the others nodded, unwilling to be outdone by the youngest member.
+
+"Good! With all of us to lend a hand, we can do a great deal; and I tell
+you, boys, it is time, if we want to keep poor Bob straight. We all turn
+our backs on him, so he loafs round the tavern, and goes with fellows
+we don't care to know. But he isn't bad yet, and we can keep him up, I'm
+sure, if we just try. I hope to get him into the Lodge, and that will be
+half the battle, won't it, Frank?" added Ed, sure that this suggestion
+would have weight with the honorable Chairman.
+
+"Bring him along; I'm with you!" answered Frank, making up his mind at
+once, for he had joined the Temperance Lodge four years ago, and already
+six boys had followed his example.
+
+"He is learning to smoke, but we'll make him drop it before it leads
+to worse. You can help him there, Admiral, if you only will," added Ed,
+giving a grateful look at one friend, and turning to the other.
+
+"I'm your man;" and Gus looked as if he knew what he promised, for he
+had given up smoking to oblige his father, and kept his word like a
+hero.
+
+"You other fellows can do a good deal by just being kind and not
+twitting him with old scrapes, and I'll do anything I can for you all
+to pay for this;" and Ed sat down with a beaming smile, feeling that his
+cause was won.
+
+The vote was taken, and all hands went up, for even surly Joe gave in;
+so Bob and Tom were duly elected, and proved their gratitude for the
+honor done them by becoming worthy members of the club. It was only
+boys' play now, but the kind heart and pure instincts of one lad showed
+the others how to lend a helping hand to a comrade in danger, and win
+him away from temptation to the safer pastimes of their more guarded
+lives.
+
+Well pleased with themselves--for every genuine act or word, no matter
+how trifling it seems, leaves a sweet and strengthening influence
+behind--the members settled down to the debate, which was never very
+long, and often only an excuse for fun of all sorts.
+
+"Ralph, Gus, and Ed are for, and Brickbat, Grif, and Chick against, I
+suppose?" said Frank, surveying his company like a general preparing for
+battle.
+
+"No, sir! I believe in co-everything!" cried Chick, a mild youth, who
+loyally escorted a chosen damsel home from school every day.
+
+A laugh greeted this bold declaration, and Chick sat down, red but firm.
+
+"I'll speak for two since the Chairman can't, and Jack won't go against
+those who pet him most to death," said Joe, who, not being a favorite
+with the girls, considered them a nuisance and lost no opportunity of
+telling them so.
+
+"Fire away, then, since you are up;" commanded Frank.
+
+"Well," began Joe, feeling too late how much he had undertaken, "I don't
+know a great deal about it, and I don't care, but I do _not_ believe in
+having girls at college. They don't belong there, nobody wants 'em, and
+they'd better be at home darning their stockings."
+
+"Yours, too," put in Ralph, who had heard that argument so often he was
+tired of it.
+
+"Of course; that's what girls are for. I don't mind 'em at school,
+but I'd just as soon they had a room to themselves. We should get on
+better."
+
+"_You_ would if Mabel wasn't in your class and always ahead of you,"
+observed Ed, whose friend was a fine scholar, and he very proud of the
+fact.
+
+"Look here, if you fellows keep interrupting, I won't sit down for half
+an hour," said Joe, well knowing that eloquence was not his gift, but
+bound to have his say out.
+
+Deep silence reigned, for that threat quelled the most impatient member,
+and Joe prosed on, using all the arguments he had ever heard, and
+paying off several old scores by sly hits of a personal nature, as older
+orators often do.
+
+"It is clear to my mind that boys would get on better without any
+girls fooling round. As for their being as smart as we are, it is all
+nonsense, for some of 'em cry over their lessons every day, or go home
+with headaches, or get mad and scold all recess, because something
+'isn't fair.' No, sir; girls ain't meant to know much, and they can't.
+Wise folks say so and I believe 'em. Haven't got any sisters myself, and
+I don't want any, for they don't seem to amount to much, according to
+those who do have 'em."
+
+Groans from Gus and Ed greeted the closing remarks of the ungallant Joe,
+who sat down, feeling that he had made somebody squirm. Up jumped Grif,
+the delight of whose life was practical jokes, which amiable weakness
+made him the terror of the girls, though they had no other fault to find
+with the merry lad.
+
+"Mr. Chairman, the ground I take is this: girls have not the strength to
+go to college with us. They couldn't row a race, go on a lark, or take
+care of themselves, as we do. They are all well enough at home, and I
+like them at parties, but for real fun and go I wouldn't give a cent for
+them," began Grif, whose views of a collegiate life were confined to the
+enjoyments rather than the studies of that festive period. "I have tried
+them, and they can't stand anything. They scream if you tell them there
+is a mouse in the room, and run if they see a big dog. I just put a
+cockroach in Molly's desk one day, and when she opened it she jumped as
+if she was shot."
+
+So did the gentlemen of the club, for at that moment half-a-dozen
+fire-crackers exploded under the chair Grif had left, and flew wildly
+about the room. Order was with difficulty restored, the mischievous
+party summarily chastised and commanded to hold his tongue, under
+penalty of ejectment from the room if he spoke again. Firmly grasping
+that red and unruly member, Grif composed himself to listen, with his
+nose in the air and his eyes shining like black beads.
+
+Ed was always the peace-maker, and now, when he rose with his engaging
+smile, his voice fell like oil upon the troubled waters, and his bright
+face was full of the becoming bashfulness which afflicts youths of
+seventeen when touching upon such subjects of newly acquired interest as
+girls and their pleasant but perplexing ways.
+
+"It seems to me we have hardly considered the matter enough to be able
+to say much. But I think that school would be awfully dry and dismal
+without--ahem!--any young ladies to make it nice. I wouldn't give a pin
+to go if there was only a crowd of fellows, though I like a good game
+as well as any man. I pity any boy who has no sisters," continued Ed,
+warming up as he thought of his own, who loved him dearly, as well they
+might, for a better brother never lived. "Home wouldn't be worth having
+without them to look after a fellow, to keep him out of scrapes, help
+him with his lessons, and make things jolly for his friends. I tell you
+we can't do without girls, and I'm not ashamed to say that I think the
+more we see of them, and try to be like them in many ways, the better
+men we shall be by and by."
+
+"Hear! hear!" cried Frank, in his deepest tone, for he heartily agreed
+to that, having talked the matter over with his mother, and received
+much light upon things which should always be set right in young heads
+and hearts. And who can do this so wisely and well as mothers, if they
+only will?
+
+Feeling that his sentiments had been approved, and he need not be
+ashamed of the honest color in his cheeks, Ed sat down amid the applause
+of his side, especially of Jack, who pounded so vigorously with his
+crutch that Mrs. Pecq popped in her head to see if anything was wanted.
+
+"No, thank you, ma'am, we were only cheering Ed," said Gus, now upon
+his legs, and rather at a loss what to say till Mrs. Pecq's appearance
+suggested an idea, and he seized upon it.
+
+"My honored friend has spoken so well that I have little to add. I agree
+with him, and if you want an example of what girls _can_ do, why, look
+at Jill. She's young, I know, but a first-rate scholar for her age. As
+for pluck, she is as brave as a boy, and almost as smart at running,
+rowing, and so on. Of course, she can't play ball--no girl can; their
+arms are not made right to throw--but she can catch remarkably well.
+I'll say that for her. Now, if she and Mabel--and--and--some others I
+could name, are so clever and strong at the beginning, I don't see why
+they shouldn't keep up and go along with us all through. I'm willing,
+and will do what I can to help other fellows' sisters as I'd like to
+have them help mine. And I'll punch their heads if they don't;" and Gus
+subsided, assured, by a burst of applause, that his manly way of stating
+the case met with general approval.
+
+"We shall be happy to hear from our senior member if he will honor us
+with a few remarks," said Frank, with a bow to Ralph.
+
+No one ever knew whom he would choose to personate, for he never spoke
+in his own character. Now he rose slowly, put one hand in his bosom, and
+fixing his eye sternly on Grif, who was doing something suspicious with
+a pin, gave them a touch of Sergeant Buzfuz, from the Pickwick trial,
+thinking that the debate was not likely to throw much light on the
+subject under discussion. In the midst of this appeal to "Me lud and
+gentlemen of the jury," he suddenly paused, smoothed his hair down upon
+his forehead, rolled up his eyes, and folding his hands, droned out Mr.
+Chadband's sermon on Peace, delivered over poor Jo, and ending with the
+famous lines:--
+
+  "Oh, running stream of sparkling joy,
+  To be a glorious human boy!"
+
+Then, setting his hair erect with one comprehensive sweep, he caught up
+his coat-skirts over his arm, and, assuming a parliamentary attitude,
+burst into a comical medley, composed of extracts from Jefferson Brick's
+and Lafayette Kettle's speeches, and Elijah Pogram's Defiance, from
+"Martin Chuzzlewit." Gazing at Gus, who was convulsed with suppressed
+merriment, he thundered forth:--
+
+"In the name of our common country, sir, in the name of that righteous
+cause in which we are jined, and in the name of the star-spangled
+banner, I thank you for your eloquent and categorical remarks. You, sir,
+are a model of a man fresh from Natur's mould. A true-born child of
+this free hemisphere; verdant as the mountains of our land; bright and
+flowin' as our mineral Licks; unspiled by fashion as air our boundless
+perearers. Rough you may be; so air our Barrs. Wild you may be; so air
+our Buffalers. But, sir, you air a Child of Freedom, and your proud
+answer to the Tyrant is, that your bright home is in the Settin' Sun.
+And, sir, if any man denies this fact, though it be the British Lion
+himself, I defy him. Let me have him here!"--smiting the table, and
+causing the inkstand to skip--"here, upon this sacred altar! Here, upon
+the ancestral ashes cemented with the glorious blood poured out like
+water on the plains of Chickabiddy Lick. Alone I dare that Lion, and
+tell him that Freedom's hand once twisted in his mane, he rolls a corse
+before me, and the Eagles of the Great Republic scream, Ha, ha!"
+
+By this time the boys were rolling about in fits of laughter; even sober
+Frank was red and breathless, and Jack lay back, feebly squealing, as he
+could laugh no more. In a moment Ralph was as meek as a Quaker, and
+sat looking about him with a mildly astonished air, as if inquiring the
+cause of such unseemly mirth. A knock at the door produced a lull, and
+in came a maid with apples.
+
+"Time's up; fall to and make yourselves comfortable," was the summary
+way in which the club was released from its sterner duties and permitted
+to unbend its mighty mind for a social half-hour, chiefly devoted to
+whist, with an Indian war-dance as a closing ceremony.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X. The Dramatic Club
+
+
+While Jack was hopping gayly about on his crutches, poor Jill was
+feeling the effects of her second fall, and instead of sitting up, as
+she hoped to do after six weeks of rest, she was ordered to lie on a
+board for two hours each day. Not an easy penance, by any means, for the
+board was very hard, and she could do nothing while she lay there, as it
+did not <DW72> enough to permit her to read without great fatigue of both
+eyes and hands. So the little martyr spent her first hour of trial in
+sobbing, the second in singing, for just as her mother and Mrs. Minot
+were deciding in despair that neither she nor they could bear it, Jill
+suddenly broke out into a merry chorus she used to hear her father
+sing:--
+
+  "Faut jouer le mirliton,
+  Faut jouer le mirlitir,
+  Faut jouer le mirliter,
+  Mir--li--ton."
+
+The sound of the brave little voice was very comforting to the two
+mothers hovering about her, and Jack said, with a look of mingled pity
+and admiration, as he brandished his crutch over the imaginary foes,--
+
+"That's right! Sing away, and we'll play you are an Indian captive being
+tormented by your enemies, and too proud to complain. I'll watch the
+clock, and the minute time is up I'll rush in and rescue you."
+
+Jill laughed, but the fancy pleased her, and she straightened herself
+out under the gay afghan, while she sang, in a plaintive voice, another
+little French song her father taught her:--
+
+  "J'avais une colombe blanche,
+  J'avais un blanc petit pigeon,
+  Tous deux volaient, de branche en branche,
+  Jusqu'au faite de mon dongeon:
+  Mais comme un coup de vent d'automne,
+  S'est abattu la, l'epervier,
+  Et ma colombe si mignonne
+  Ne revient plus au colombier."
+
+"My poor Jean had a fine voice, and always hoped the child would take
+after him. It would break his heart to see her lying there trying to
+cheer her pain with the songs he used to sing her to sleep with," said
+Mrs. Pecq, sadly.
+
+"She really has a great deal of talent, and when she is able she shall
+have some lessons, for music is a comfort and a pleasure, sick or well,"
+answered Mrs. Minot, who had often admired the fresh voice, with its
+pretty accent.
+
+Here Jill began the Canadian boat-song, with great vigor, as if bound to
+play her part of Indian victim with spirit, and not disgrace herself by
+any more crying. All knew the air, and joined in, especially Jack, who
+came out strong on the "Row, brothers, row," but ended in a squeak on a
+high note, so drolly, that the rest broke down. So the hour that began
+with tears ended with music and laughter, and a new pleasure to think of
+for the future.
+
+After that day Jill exerted all her fortitude, for she liked to have the
+boys call her brave and admire the cheerful way in which she endured two
+hours of discomfort. She found she could use her zither as it lay upon
+her breast, and every day the pretty music began at a certain hour, and
+all in the house soon learned to love and listen for it. Even the old
+cook set open her kitchen door, saying pitifully, "Poor darlint, hear
+how purty she's singin', wid the pain, on that crewel boord. It's a
+little saint, she is. May her bed above be aisy!"
+
+Frank would lift her gently on and off, with a kind word that comforted
+her immensely, and gentle Ed would come and teach her new bits of music,
+while the other fellows were frolicking below. Ralph added his share to
+her amusement, for he asked leave to model her head in clay, and set up
+his work in a corner, coming to pat, scrape, and mould whenever he had
+a spare minute, amusing her by his lively chat, and showing her how to
+shape birds, rabbits, and queer faces in the soft clay, when the songs
+were all sung and her fingers tired of the zither.
+
+The girls sympathized very heartily with her new trial, and brought
+all manner of gifts to cheer her captivity. Merry and Molly made a
+gay screen by pasting pictures on the black cambric which covered the
+folding frame that stood before her to keep the draughts from her as she
+lay on her board. Bright birds and flowers, figures and animals, covered
+one side, and on the other they put mottoes, bits of poetry, anecdotes,
+and short stories, so that Jill could lie and look or read without the
+trouble of holding a book. It was not all done at once, but grew slowly,
+and was a source of instruction as well as amusement to them all, as
+they read carefully, that they might make good selections.
+
+But the thing that pleased Jill most was something Jack did, for he gave
+up going to school, and stayed at home nearly a fortnight after he might
+have gone, all for her sake. The day the doctor said he might try it
+if he would be very careful, he was in great spirits, and limped about,
+looking up his books, and planning how he would astonish his mates by
+the rapidity of his recovery. When he sat down to rest he remembered
+Jill, who had been lying quietly behind the screen, while he talked with
+his mother, busy putting fresh covers on the books.
+
+"She is so still, I guess she is asleep," thought Jack, peeping round
+the corner.
+
+No, not asleep, but lying with her eyes fixed on the sunny window,
+beyond which the bright winter world sparkled after a fresh snow-fall.
+The jingle of sleigh-bells could be heard, the laughter of boys and
+girls on their way to school, all the pleasant stir of a new day of
+happy work and play for the rest of the world, more lonely, quiet, and
+wearisome than ever to her since her friend and fellow-prisoner was set
+free and going to leave her.
+
+Jack understood that patient, wistful look, and, without a word, went
+back to his seat, staring at the fire so soberly, that his mother
+presently asked: "What are you thinking of so busily, with that pucker
+in your forehead?"
+
+"I've about made up my mind that I won't go to school just yet,"
+answered Jack, slowly lifting his head, for it cost him something to
+give up the long-expected pleasure.
+
+"Why not?" and Mrs. Minot looked much surprised, till Jack pointed to
+the screen, and, making a sad face to express Jill's anguish, answered
+in a cheerful tone, "Well, I'm not sure that it is best. Doctor did not
+want me to go, but said I might because I teased. I shall be sure to
+come to grief, and then every one will say, 'I told you so,' and that is
+so provoking. I'd rather keep still a week longer. Hadn't I better?"
+
+His mother smiled and nodded as she said, sewing away at much-abused old
+Caesar, as if she loved him, "Do as you think best, dear. I always want
+you at home, but I don't wonder you are rather tired of it after this
+long confinement."
+
+"I say, Jill, should I be in your way if I didn't go to school till the
+first of February?" called Jack, laughing to himself at the absurdity of
+the question.
+
+"Not much!" answered a glad voice from behind the screen, and he knew
+the sorrowful eyes were shining with delight, though he could not see
+them.
+
+"Well, I guess I may as well, and get quite firm on my legs before I
+start. Another week or so will bring me up if I study hard, so I shall
+not lose my time. I'll tackle my Latin as soon as it's ready, mother."
+
+Jack got a hearty kiss with the neatly covered book, and Mamma loved him
+for the little sacrifice more than if he had won a prize at school. He
+did get a reward, for, in five minutes from the time he decided, Jill
+was singing like a bobolink, and such a medley of merry music came from
+behind the screen, that it was a regular morning concert. She did not
+know then that he stayed for her sake, but she found it out soon after,
+and when the time came did as much for him, as we shall see.
+
+It proved a wise decision, for the last part of January was so stormy
+Jack could not have gone half the time. So, while the snow drifted, and
+bitter winds raged, he sat snugly at home amusing Jill, and getting on
+bravely with his lessons, for Frank took great pains with him to show
+his approbation of the little kindness, and, somehow, the memory of it
+seemed to make even the detested Latin easier.
+
+With February fair weather set in, and Jack marched happily away to
+school, with Jill's new mittens on his hands, Mamma nodding from the
+door-step, and Frank ready to give him a lift on the new sled, if the
+way proved too long or too rough.
+
+"I shall not have time to miss him now, for we are to be very busy
+getting ready for the Twenty-second. The Dramatic Club meets to-night,
+and would like to come here, if they may, so I can help?" said Jill, as
+Mrs. Minot came up, expecting to find her rather low in her mind.
+
+"Certainly; and I have a basket of old finery I looked up for the club
+when I was rummaging out bits of silk for your blue quilt," answered
+the good lady, who had set up a new employment to beguile the hours of
+Jack's absence.
+
+When the girls arrived, that evening, they found Mrs. Chairwoman
+surrounded by a strew of theatrical properties, enjoying herself very
+much. All brought such contributions as they could muster, and all were
+eager about a certain tableau which was to be the gem of the whole, they
+thought. Jill, of course, was not expected to take any part, but her
+taste was good, so all consulted her as they showed their old silks,
+laces, and flowers, asking who should be this, and who that. All wanted
+to be the "Sleeping Beauty," for that was the chosen scene, with the
+slumbering court about the princess, and the prince in the act of
+awakening her. Jack was to be the hero, brave in his mother's velvet
+cape, red boots, and a real sword, while the other boys were to have
+parts of more or less splendor.
+
+"Mabel should be the Beauty, because her hair is so lovely," said
+Juliet, who was quite satisfied with her own part of the Queen.
+
+"No, Merry ought to have it, as she is the prettiest, and has that
+splendid veil to wear," answered Molly, who was to be the maid of honor,
+cuffing the little page, Boo.
+
+"I don't care a bit, but my feather would be fine for the Princess, and
+I don't know as Emma would like to have me lend it to any one else,"
+said Annette, waving a long white plume over her head, with girlish
+delight in its grace.
+
+"I should think the white silk dress, the veil, and the feather ought to
+go together, with the scarlet crape shawl and these pearls. That would
+be sweet, and just what princesses really wear," advised Jill, who was
+stringing a quantity of old Roman pearls.
+
+"We all want to wear the nice things, so let us draw lots. Wouldn't
+that be the fairest way?" asked Merry, looking like a rosy little bride,
+under a great piece of illusion, which had done duty in many plays.
+
+"The Prince is light, so the Princess must be darkish. We ought to
+choose the girl who will look best, as it is a picture. I heard Miss
+Delano say so, when the ladies got up the tableaux, last winter, and
+every one wanted to be Cleopatra," said Jill decidedly.
+
+"You choose, and then if we can't agree we will draw lots," proposed
+Susy, who, being plain, knew there was little hope of her getting a
+chance in any other way.
+
+So all stood in a row, and Jill, from her sofa, surveyed them
+critically, feeling that the one Jack would really prefer was not among
+the number.
+
+"I choose that one, for Juliet wants to be Queen, Molly would make
+faces, and the others are too big or too light," pronounced Jill,
+pointing to Merry, who looked pleased, while Mabel's face darkened, and
+Susy gave a disdainful sniff.
+
+"You'd better draw lots, and then there will be no fuss. Ju and I
+are out of the fight, but you three can try, and let this settle the
+matter," said Molly, handing Jill a long strip of paper.
+
+All agreed to let it be so, and when the bits were ready drew in turn.
+This time fate was evidently on Merry's side, and no one grumbled when
+she showed the longest paper.
+
+"Go and dress, then come back, and we'll plan how we are to be placed
+before we call up the boys," commanded Jill, who was manager, since she
+could be nothing else.
+
+The girls retired to the bedroom and began to "rig up," as they called
+it; but discontent still lurked among them, and showed itself in sharp
+words, envious looks, and disobliging acts.
+
+"Am I to have the white silk and the feather?" asked Merry, delighted
+with the silvery shimmer of the one and the graceful droop of the other,
+though both were rather shabby.
+
+"You can use your own dress. I don't see why you should have
+everything," answered Susy, who was at the mirror, putting a wreath of
+scarlet flowers on her red head, bound to be gay since she could not be
+pretty.
+
+"I think I'd better keep the plume, as I haven't anything else that is
+nice, and I'm afraid Emma wouldn't like me to lend it," added Annette,
+who was disappointed that Mabel was not to be the Beauty.
+
+"_I_ don't intend to act at all!" declared Mabel, beginning to braid up
+her hair with a jerk, out of humor with the whole affair.
+
+"_I_ think you are a set of cross, selfish girls to back out and keep
+your nice things just because you can't _all_ have the best part.
+I'm ashamed of you!" scolded Molly, standing by Merry, who was sadly
+surveying her mother's old purple silk, which looked like brown in the
+evening.
+
+"I'm going to have Miss Delano's red brocade for the Queen, and I shall
+ask her for the yellow-satin dress for Merry when I go to get mine, and
+tell her how mean you are," said Juliet, frowning under her gilt-paper
+crown as she swept about in a red table-cloth for train till the brocade
+arrived.
+
+"Perhaps you'd like to have Mabel cut her hair off, so Merry can have
+that, too?" cried Susy, with whom hair was a tender point.
+
+"Light hair isn't wanted, so Ju will have to give hers, or you'd better
+borrow Miss Bat's frisette," added Mabel, with a scornful laugh.
+
+"I just wish Miss Bat was here to give you girls a good shaking. Do let
+someone else have a chance at the glass, you peacock!" exclaimed Molly
+Loo, pushing Susy aside to arrange her own blue turban, out of which she
+plucked the pink pompon to give Merry.
+
+"Don't quarrel about me. I shall do well enough, and the scarlet shawl
+will hide my ugly dress," said Merry, from the corner, where she sat
+waiting for her turn at the mirror.
+
+As she spoke of the shawl her eye went in search of it, and something
+that she saw in the other room put her own disappointment out of her
+head. Jill lay there all alone, rather tired with the lively chatter,
+and the effort it cost her not to repine at being shut out from the
+great delight of dressing up and acting.
+
+Her eyes were closed, her net was off, and all the pretty black curls
+lay about her shoulders as one hand idly pulled them out, while the
+other rested on the red shawl, as if she loved its glowing color and
+soft texture. She was humming to herself the little song of the dove and
+the donjon, and something in the plaintive voice, the solitary figure,
+went straight to Merry's gentle heart.
+
+"Poor Jilly can't have any of the fun," was the first thought; then came
+a second, that made Merry start and smile, and in a minute whisper
+so that all but Jill could hear her, "Girls, I'm not going to be the
+Princess. But I've thought of a splendid one!"
+
+"Who?" asked the rest, staring at one another, much surprised by this
+sudden announcement.
+
+"Hush! Speak low, or you will spoil it all. Look in the Bird Room, and
+tell me if that isn't a prettier Princess than I could make?"
+
+They all looked, but no one spoke, and Merry added, with sweet
+eagerness, "It is the only thing poor Jill can be, and it would make
+her so happy; Jack would like it, and it would please every one, I know.
+Perhaps she will never walk again, so we ought to be very good to her,
+poor dear."
+
+The last words, whispered with a little quiver in the voice, settled
+the matter better than hours of talking, for girls are tender-hearted
+creatures, and not one of these but would have gladly given all the
+pretty things she owned to see Jill dancing about well and strong again.
+Like a ray of sunshine the kind thought touched and brightened every
+face; envy, impatience, vanity, and discontent flew away like imps at
+the coming of the good fairy, and with one accord they all cried,--
+
+"It will be lovely; let us go and tell her!"
+
+Forgetting their own adornment, out they trooped after Merry, who ran
+to the sofa, saying, with a smile which was reflected in all the other
+faces, "Jill, dear, we have chosen another Princess, and I know you'll
+like her."
+
+"Who is it?" asked Jill, languidly, opening her eyes without the least
+suspicion of the truth.
+
+"I'll show you;" and taking the cherished veil from her own head, Merry
+dropped it like a soft cloud over Jill; Annette added the long plume,
+Susy laid the white silk dress about her, while Juliet and Mabel lifted
+the scarlet shawl to spread it over the foot of the sofa, and Molly tore
+the last ornament from her turban, a silver star, to shine on Jill's
+breast. Then they all took hands and danced round the couch, singing, as
+they laughed at her astonishment, "There she is! There she is! Princess
+Jill as fine as you please!
+
+"Do you really mean it? But can I? Is it fair? How sweet of you! Come
+here and let me hug you all!" cried Jill, in a rapture at the surprise,
+and the pretty way in which it was done.
+
+The grand scene on the Twenty-second was very fine, indeed; but the
+little tableau of that minute was infinitely better, though no one saw
+it, as Jill tried to gather them all in her arms, for that nosegay of
+girlish faces was the sweeter, because each one had sacrificed her own
+little vanity to please a friend, and her joy was reflected in the eyes
+that sparkled round the happy Princess.
+
+"Oh, you dear, kind things, to think of me and give me all your best
+clothes! I never shall forget it, and I'll do anything for you. Yes!
+I'll write and ask Mrs. Piper to lend us her ermine cloak for the king.
+See if I don't!"
+
+Shrieks of delight hailed this noble offer, for no one had dared to
+borrow the much-coveted mantle, but all agreed that the old lady would
+not refuse Jill. It was astonishing how smoothly everything went
+after this, for each was eager to help, admire, and suggest, in the
+friendliest way; and when all were dressed, the boys found a party
+of very gay ladies waiting for them round the couch, where lay the
+brightest little Princess ever seen.
+
+"Oh, Jack, I'm to act! Wasn't it dear of the girls to choose me? Don't
+they look lovely? Aren't you glad?" cried Jill, as the lads stared and
+the lasses blushed and smiled, well pleased at the frank admiration the
+boyish faces showed.
+
+"I guess I am! You are a set of trumps, and we'll give you a first-class
+spread after the play to pay for it. Won't we, fellows?" answered
+Jack, much gratified, and feeling that now he could act his own part
+capitally.
+
+"We will. It was a handsome thing to do, and we think well of you for
+it. Hey, Gus?" and Frank nodded approvingly at all, though he looked
+only at Annette.
+
+"As king of this crowd, I call it to order," said Gus, retiring to the
+throne, where Juliet sat laughing in her red table-cloth.
+
+"We'll have 'The Fair One with Golden Locks' next time; I promise you
+that," whispered Ed to Mabel, whose shining hair streamed over her blue
+dress like a mantle of gold- silk.
+
+"Girls are pretty nice things, aren't they? Kind of 'em to take Jill
+in. Don't Molly look fine, though?" and Grif's black eyes twinkled as he
+planned to pin her skirts to Merry's at the first opportunity.
+
+"Susy looks as gay as a feather-duster. I like her. She never snubs a
+fellow," said Joe, much impressed with the splendor of the court ladies.
+
+The boys' costumes were not yet ready, but they posed well, and all had
+a merry time, ending with a game of blind-man's-buff, in which every one
+caught the right person in the most singular way, and all agreed as they
+went home in the moonlight that it had been an unusually jolly meeting.
+
+So the fairy play woke the sleeping beauty that lies in all of us, and
+makes us lovely when we rouse it with a kiss of unselfish good-will,
+for, though the girls did not know it then, they had adorned themselves
+with pearls more precious than the waxen ones they decked their Princess
+in.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI. "Down Brakes"
+
+
+The greatest people have their weak points, and the best-behaved boys
+now and then yield to temptation and get into trouble, as everybody
+knows. Frank was considered a remarkably well-bred and proper lad, and
+rather prided himself on his good reputation, for he never got into
+scrapes like the other fellows. Well, hardly ever, for we must confess
+that at rare intervals his besetting sin overcame his prudence, and he
+proved himself an erring, human boy. Steam-engines had been his idols
+for years, and they alone could lure him from the path of virtue. Once,
+in trying to investigate the mechanism of a toy specimen, which had its
+little boiler and ran about whistling and puffing in the most delightful
+way, he nearly set the house afire by the sparks that dropped on the
+straw carpet. Another time, in trying experiments with the kitchen
+tea-kettle, he blew himself up, and the scars of that explosion he still
+carried on his hands.
+
+He was long past such childish amusements now, but his favorite haunt
+was the engine-house of the new railroad, where he observed the habits
+of his pets with never-failing interest, and cultivated the good-will
+of stokers and brakemen till they allowed him many liberties, and were
+rather flattered by the admiration expressed for their iron horses by a
+young gentleman who liked them better even than his Greek and Latin.
+
+There was not much business doing on this road as yet, and the two
+cars of the passenger-trains were often nearly empty, though full
+freight-trains rolled from the factory to the main road, of which this
+was only a branch. So things went on in a leisurely manner, which gave
+Frank many opportunities of pursuing his favorite pastime. He soon knew
+all about No. 11, his pet engine, and had several rides on it with Bill,
+the engineer, so that he felt at home there, and privately resolved that
+when he was a rich man he would have a road of his own, and run trains
+as often as he liked.
+
+Gus took less interest than his friend in the study of steam, but
+usually accompanied him when he went over after school to disport
+himself in the engine-house, interview the stoker, or see if there was
+anything new in the way of brakes.
+
+One afternoon they found No. 11 on the side-track, puffing away as if
+enjoying a quiet smoke before starting. No cars were attached, and no
+driver was to be seen, for Bill was off with the other men behind the
+station-house, helping the expressman, whose horse had backed down a
+bank and upset the wagon.
+
+"Good chance for a look at the old lady," said Frank, speaking of the
+engine as Bill did, and jumping aboard with great satisfaction, followed
+by Gus.
+
+"I'd give ten dollars if I could run her up to the bend and back," he
+added, fondly touching the bright brass knobs and glancing at the fire
+with a critical eye.
+
+"You couldn't do it alone," answered Gus, sitting down on the grimy
+little perch, willing to indulge his mate's amiable weakness.
+
+"Give me leave to try? Steam is up, and I could do it as easy as not;"
+and Frank put his hand on the throttle-valve, as if daring Gus to give
+the word.
+
+"Fire up and make her hum!" laughed Gus, quoting Bill's frequent order
+to his mate, but with no idea of being obeyed.
+
+"All right; I'll just roll her up to the switch and back again.
+I've often done it with Bill;" and Frank cautiously opened the
+throttle-valve, threw back the lever, and the great thing moved with a
+throb and a puff.
+
+"Steady, old fellow, or you'll come to grief. Here, don't open that!"
+shouted Gus, for just at that moment Joe appeared at the switch, looking
+ready for mischief.
+
+"Wish he would; no train for twenty minutes, and we could run up to
+the bend as well as not," said Frank, getting excited with the sense of
+power, as the monster obeyed his hand so entirely that it was impossible
+to resist prolonging the delight.
+
+"By George, he has! Stop her! Back her! Hold on, Frank!" cried Gus, as
+Joe, only catching the words "Open that!" obeyed, without the least idea
+that they would dare to leave the siding.
+
+But they did, for Frank rather lost his head for a minute, and out upon
+the main track rolled No. 11 as quietly as a well-trained horse taking a
+familiar road.
+
+"Now you've done it! I'll give you a good thrashing when I get back!"
+roared Gus, shaking his fist at Joe, who stood staring, half-pleased,
+half-scared, at what he had done.
+
+"Are you really going to try it?" asked Gus, as they glided on with
+increasing speed, and he, too, felt the charm of such a novel adventure,
+though the consequences bid fair to be serious.
+
+"Yes, I am," answered Frank, with the grim look he always wore when his
+strong will got the upper hand. "Bill will give it to us, any way, so we
+may as well have our fun out. If you are afraid, I'll slow down and you
+can jump off," and his brown eyes sparkled with the double delight of
+getting his heart's desire and astonishing his friend at the same time
+by his skill and coolness.
+
+"Go ahead. I'll jump when you do;" and Gus calmly sat down again,
+bound in honor to stand by his mate till the smash came, though rather
+dismayed at the audacity of the prank.
+
+"Don't you call this just splendid?" exclaimed Frank, as they rolled
+along over the crossing, past the bridge, toward the curve, a mile from
+the station.
+
+"Not bad. They are yelling like mad after us. Better go back, if you
+can," said Gus, who was anxiously peering out, and, in spite of his
+efforts to seem at ease, not enjoying the trip a particle.
+
+"Let them yell. I started to go to the curve, and I'll do it if it costs
+me a hundred dollars. No danger; there's no train under twenty minutes,
+I tell you," and Frank pulled out his watch. But the sun was in his
+eyes, and he did not see clearly, or he would have discovered that it
+was later than he thought.
+
+On they went, and were just rounding the bend when a shrill whistle in
+front startled both boys, and drove the color out of their cheeks.
+
+"It's the factory train!" cried Gus, in a husky tone, as he sprang to
+his feet.
+
+"No; it's the five-forty on the other road," answered Frank, with a
+queer thrill all through him at the thought of what might happen if it
+was not. Both looked straight ahead as the last tree glided by, and the
+long track lay before them, with the freight train slowly coming down.
+For an instant, the boys stood as if paralyzed.
+
+"Jump!" said Gus, looking at the steep bank on one side and the river on
+the other, undecided which to try.
+
+"Sit still!" commanded Frank, collecting his wits, as he gave a warning
+whistle to <DW44> the on-coming train, while he reversed the engine and
+went back faster than he came.
+
+A crowd of angry men was waiting for them, and Bill stood at the open
+switch in a towering passion as No. 11 returned to her place unharmed,
+but bearing two pale and frightened boys, who stepped slowly and
+silently down, without a word to say for themselves, while the freight
+train rumbled by on the main track.
+
+Frank and Gus never had a very clear idea as to what occurred during the
+next few minutes, but vaguely remembered being well shaken, sworn at,
+questioned, threatened with direful penalties, and finally ordered off
+the premises forever by the wrathful depot-master. Joe was nowhere to be
+seen, and as the two culprits walked away, trying to go steadily, while
+their heads spun round, and all the strength seemed to have departed
+from their legs, Frank said, in an exhausted tone,--
+
+"Come down to the boat-house and rest a minute."
+
+Both were glad to get out of sight, and dropped upon the steps red,
+rumpled, and breathless, after the late exciting scene. Gus generously
+forebore to speak, though he felt that he was the least to blame;
+and Frank, after eating a bit of snow to moisten his dry lips, said,
+handsomely,--
+
+"Now, don't you worry, old man. I'll pay the damages, for it was my
+fault. Joe will dodge, but I won't, so make your mind easy.
+
+"We sha'n't hear the last of this in a hurry," responded Gus, relieved,
+yet anxious, as he thought of the reprimand his father would give him.
+
+"I hope mother won't hear of it till I tell her quietly myself. She will
+be so frightened, and think I'm surely smashed up, if she is told in a
+hurry;" and Frank gave a shiver, as all the danger he had run came over
+him suddenly.
+
+"I thought we were done for when we saw that train. Guess we should have
+been if you had not had your wits about you. I always said you were a
+cool one;" and Gus patted Frank's back with a look of great admiration,
+for, now that it was all over, he considered it a very remarkable
+performance.
+
+"Which do you suppose it will be, fine or imprisonment?" asked Frank,
+after sitting in a despondent attitude for a moment.
+
+"Shouldn't wonder if it was both. Running off with an engine is no joke,
+you know."
+
+"What did possess me to be such a fool?" groaned Frank, repenting, all
+too late, of yielding to the temptation which assailed him.
+
+"Bear up, old fellow, I'll stand by you; and if the worst comes, I'll
+call as often as the rules of the prison allow," said Gus, consolingly,
+as he gave his afflicted friend an arm, and they walked away, both
+feeling that they were marked men from that day forth.
+
+Meantime, Joe, as soon as he recovered from the shock of seeing the
+boys actually go off, ran away, as fast as his legs could carry him, to
+prepare Mrs. Minot for the loss of her son; for the idea of their
+coming safely back never occurred to him, his knowledge of engines being
+limited. A loud ring at the bell brought Mrs. Pecq, who was guarding the
+house, while Mrs. Minot entertained a parlor full of company.
+
+"Frank's run off with No. 11, and he'll be killed sure. Thought I'd come
+up and tell you," stammered Joe, all out of breath and looking wild.
+
+He got no further, for Mrs. Pecq clapped one hand over his mouth, caught
+him by the collar with the other, and hustled him into the ante-room
+before any one else could hear the bad news.
+
+"Tell me all about it, and don't shout. What's come to the boy?" she
+demanded, in a tone that reduced Joe to a whisper at once.
+
+"Go right back and see what has happened to him, then come and tell me
+quietly. I'll wait for you here. I wouldn't have his mother startled for
+the world," said the good soul, when she knew all.
+
+"Oh, I dar'sn't! I opened the switch as they told me to, and Bill will
+half kill me when he knows it!" cried Joe, in a panic, as the awful
+consequences of his deed rose before him, showing both boys mortally
+injured and several trains wrecked.
+
+"Then take yourself off home and hold your tongue. I'll watch the door,
+for I won't have any more ridiculous boys tearing in to disturb my
+lady."
+
+Mrs. Pecq often called this good neighbor "my lady" when speaking of
+her, for Mrs. Minot was a true gentlewoman, and much pleasanter to live
+with than the titled mistress had been.
+
+Joe scudded away as if the constable was after him, and presently Frank
+was seen slowly approaching with an unusually sober face and a pair of
+very dirty hands.
+
+"Thank heaven, he's safe!" and, softly opening the door, Mrs. Pecq
+actually hustled the young master into the ante-room as unceremoniously
+as she had hustled Joe.
+
+"I beg pardon, but the parlor is full of company, and that fool of a Joe
+came roaring in with a cock-and-bull story that gave me quite a turn.
+What is it, Mr. Frank?" she asked eagerly, seeing that something was
+amiss.
+
+He told her in a few words, and she was much relieved to find that no
+harm had been done.
+
+"Ah, the danger is to come," said Frank, darkly, as he went away to wash
+his hands and prepare to relate his misdeeds.
+
+It was a very bad quarter of an hour for the poor fellow, who so seldom
+had any grave faults to confess; but he did it manfully, and his mother
+was so grateful for the safety of her boy that she found it difficult to
+be severe enough, and contented herself with forbidding any more visits
+to the too charming No. 11.
+
+"What do you suppose will be done to me?" asked Frank, on whom the idea
+of imprisonment had made a deep impression.
+
+"I don't know, dear, but I shall go over to see Mr. Burton right after
+tea. He will tell us what to do and what to expect. Gus must not suffer
+for your fault."
+
+"He'll come off clear enough, but Joe must take his share, for if he
+hadn't opened that confounded switch, no harm would have been done. But
+when I saw the way clear, I actually couldn't resist going ahead," said
+Frank, getting excited again at the memory of that blissful moment when
+he started the engine.
+
+Here Jack came hurrying in, having heard the news, and refused to
+believe it from any lips but Frank's. When he could no longer doubt, he
+was so much impressed with the daring of the deed that he had nothing
+but admiration for his brother, till a sudden thought made him clap his
+hands and exclaim exultingly,--
+
+"His runaway beats mine all hollow, and now he can't crow over me! Won't
+that be a comfort? The good boy has got into a scrape. Hooray!"
+
+This was such a droll way of taking it, that they had to laugh; and
+Frank took his humiliation so meekly that Jack soon fell to comforting
+him, instead of crowing over him.
+
+Jill thought it a most interesting event; and, when Frank and his mother
+went over to consult Mr. Burton, she and Jack planned out for the dear
+culprit a dramatic trial which would have convulsed the soberest of
+judges. His sentence was ten years' imprisonment, and such heavy fines
+that the family would have been reduced to beggary but for the sums made
+by Jill's fancy work and Jack's success as a champion pedestrian.
+
+They found such comfort and amusement in this sensational programme that
+they were rather disappointed when Frank returned, reporting that a fine
+would probably be all the penalty exacted, as no harm had been done,
+and he and Gus were such respectable boys. What would happen to Joe, he
+could not tell, but he thought a good whipping ought to be added to his
+share.
+
+Of course, the affair made a stir in the little world of children; and
+when Frank went to school, feeling that his character for good behavior
+was forever damaged, he found himself a lion, and was in danger of being
+spoiled by the admiration of his comrades, who pointed him out with
+pride as "the fellow who ran off with a steam-engine."
+
+But an interview with Judge Kemble, a fine of twenty-five dollars, and
+lectures from all the grown people of his acquaintance, prevented him
+from regarding his escapade as a feat to boast of. He discovered, also,
+how fickle a thing is public favor, for very soon those who had praised
+began to tease, and it took all his courage, patience, and pride to
+carry him through the next week or two. The lads were never tired of
+alluding to No. 11, giving shrill whistles in his ear, asking if his
+watch was right, and drawing locomotives on the blackboard whenever they
+got a chance.
+
+The girls, too, had sly nods and smiles, hints and jokes of a milder
+sort, which made him color and fume, and once lose his dignity entirely.
+Molly Loo, who dearly loved to torment the big boys, and dared attack
+even solemn Frank, left one of Boo's old tin trains on the door-step,
+directed to "Conductor Minot," who, I regret to say, could not refrain
+from kicking it into the street, and slamming the door with a bang
+that shook the house. Shrieks of laughter from wicked Molly and her
+coadjutor, Grif, greeted this explosion of wrath, which did no good,
+however, for half an hour later the same cars, all in a heap, were on
+the steps again, with two headless dolls tumbling out of the cab, and
+the dilapidated engine labelled, "No. 11 after the collision."
+
+No one ever saw that ruin again, and for days Frank was utterly
+unconscious of Molly's existence, as propriety forbade his having it out
+with her as he had with Grif. Then Annette made peace between them, and
+the approach of the Twenty-second gave the wags something else to think
+of.
+
+But it was long before Frank forgot that costly prank; for he was a
+thoughtful boy, who honestly wanted to be good; so he remembered this
+episode humbly, and whenever he felt the approach of temptation he made
+the strong will master it, saying to himself "Down brakes!" thus saving
+the precious freight he carried from many of the accidents which befall
+us when we try to run our trains without orders, and so often wreck
+ourselves as well as others.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XII. The Twenty-Second of February
+
+
+Of course, the young ladies and gentlemen had a ball on the evening of
+that day, but the boys and girls were full of excitement about their
+"Scenes from the Life of Washington and other brilliant tableaux,"
+as the programme announced. The Bird Room was the theatre, being very
+large, with four doors conveniently placed. Ralph was in his element,
+putting up a little stage, drilling boys, arranging groups, and uniting
+in himself carpenter, scene-painter, manager, and gas man. Mrs. Minot
+permitted the house to be turned topsy-turvy, and Mrs. Pecq flew about,
+lending a hand everywhere. Jill was costumer, with help from Miss
+Delano, who did not care for balls, and kindly took charge of the girls.
+Jack printed tickets, programmes, and placards of the most imposing
+sort, and the work went gayly on till all was ready.
+
+When the evening came, the Bird Room presented a fine appearance. One
+end was curtained off with red drapery; and real footlights, with tin
+shades, gave a truly theatrical air to the little stage. Rows of chairs,
+filled with mammas and little people, occupied the rest of the space.
+The hall and Frank's room were full of amused papas, uncles, and old
+gentlemen whose patriotism brought them out in spite of rheumatism.
+There was a great rustling of skirts, fluttering of fans, and much
+lively chat, till a bell rang and the orchestra struck up.
+
+Yes, there really was an orchestra, for Ed declared that the national
+airs _must_ be played, or the whole thing would be a failure. So he had
+exerted himself to collect all the musical talent he could find, a horn,
+a fiddle, and a flute, with drum and fife for the martial scenes. Ed
+looked more beaming than ever, as he waved his baton and led off with
+Yankee Doodle as a safe beginning, for every one knew that. It was fun
+to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a big drum, and old Mr. Munson,
+who had been a fifer all his days, blow till he was as red as a lobster,
+while every one kept time to the music which put them all in good
+spirits for the opening scene.
+
+Up went the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared, then a stately
+gentleman in small clothes, cocked hat, gray wig, and an imposing cane,
+came slowly walking in. It was Gus, who had been unanimously chosen not
+only for Washington but for the father of the hero also, that the family
+traits of long legs and a somewhat massive nose might be preserved.
+
+"Ahem! My trees are doing finely," observed Mr. W., senior, strolling
+along with his hands behind him, casting satisfied glances at the
+dwarf orange, oleander, abutilon, and little pine that represented his
+orchard.
+
+Suddenly he starts, pauses, frowns, and, after examining the latter
+shrub, which displayed several hacks in its stem and a broken limb with
+six red-velvet cherries hanging on it, he gave a thump with his cane
+that made the little ones jump, and cried out,--
+
+"Can it have been my son?"
+
+He evidently thought it _was_, for he called, in tones of thunder,--
+
+"George! George Washington, come hither this moment!"
+
+Great suspense on the part of the audience, then a general burst of
+laughter as Boo trotted in, a perfect miniature of his honored parent,
+knee breeches, cocked hat, shoe buckles and all. He was so fat that the
+little tails of his coat stuck out in the drollest way, his chubby legs
+could hardly carry the big buckles, and the rosy face displayed, when
+he took his hat off with a dutiful bow, was so solemn, the real George
+could not have looked more anxious when he gave the immortal answer.
+
+"Sirrah, did you cut that tree?" demanded the papa, with another rap
+of the cane, and such a frown that poor Boo looked dismayed, till Molly
+whispered, "Put your hand up, dear." Then he remembered his part, and,
+putting one finger in his mouth, looked down at his square-toed shoes,
+the image of a shame-stricken boy.
+
+"My son, do not deceive me. If you have done this deed I shall chastise
+you, for it is my duty not to spare the rod, lest I spoil the child. But
+if you lie about it you disgrace the name of Washington forever."
+
+This appeal seemed to convulse George with inward agony, for he squirmed
+most effectively as he drew from his pocket a toy hatchet, which would
+not have cut a straw, then looking straight up into the awe-inspiring
+countenance of his parent, he bravely lisped,--
+
+"Papa, I tannot tell a lie. I did tut it with my little hanchet."
+
+"Noble boy--come to my arms! I had rather you spoilt _all_ my cherry
+trees than tell one lie!" cried the delighted gentleman, catching his
+son in an embrace so close that the fat legs kicked convulsively, and
+the little coat-tails waved in the breeze, while cane and hatchet fell
+with a dramatic bang.
+
+The curtain descended on this affecting tableau; but the audience called
+out both Washingtons, and they came, hand in hand, bowing with the
+cocked hats pressed to their breasts, the elder smiling blandly, while
+the younger, still flushed by his exertions, nodded to his friends,
+asking, with engaging frankness, "Wasn't it nice?"
+
+The next was a marine piece, for a boat was seen, surrounded by
+tumultuous waves of blue cambric, and rowed by a party of stalwart men
+in regimentals, who with difficulty kept their seats, for the boat was
+only a painted board, and they sat on boxes or stools behind it. But few
+marked the rowers, for in their midst, tall, straight, and steadfast as
+a mast, stood one figure in a cloak, with folded arms, high boots, and,
+under the turned-up hat, a noble countenance, stern with indomitable
+courage. A sword glittered at his side, and a banner waved over him, but
+his eye was fixed on the distant shore, and he was evidently unconscious
+of the roaring billows, the blocks of ice, the discouragement of his
+men, or the danger and death that might await him. Napoleon crossing
+the Alps was not half so sublime, and with one voice the audience cried,
+"Washington crossing the Delaware!" while the band burst forth with,
+"See, the conquering hero comes!" all out of tune, but bound to play it
+or die in the attempt.
+
+It would have been very successful if, all of a sudden, one of the
+rowers had not "caught a crab" with disastrous consequences. The oars
+were not moving, but a veteran, who looked very much like Joe, dropped
+the one he held, and in trying to turn and pummel the black-eyed warrior
+behind him, he tumbled off his seat, upsetting two other men, and
+pulling the painted boat upon them as they lay kicking in the cambric
+deep. Shouts of laughter greeted this mishap, but George Washington
+never stirred. Grasping the banner, he stood firm when all else went
+down in the general wreck, and the icy waves engulfed his gallant crew,
+leaving him erect amid a chaos of wildly tossing boots, entangled oars,
+and red-faced victims. Such god-like dignity could not fail to impress
+the frivolous crowd of laughers, and the curtain fell amid a round of
+applause for him alone.
+
+"Quite exciting, wasn't it? Didn't know Gus had so much presence of
+mind," said Mr. Burton, well pleased with his boy.
+
+"If we did not know that Washington died in his bed, December 14, 1799,
+I should fear that we'd seen the last of him in that shipwreck," laughed
+an old gentleman, proud of his memory for dates.
+
+Much confusion reigned behind the scenes; Ralph was heard scolding, and
+Joe set every one off again by explaining, audibly, that Grif tickled
+him, and he couldn't stand it. A pretty, old-fashioned picture of the
+"Daughters of Liberty" followed, for the girls were determined to do
+honor to the brave and patient women who so nobly bore their part in the
+struggle, yet are usually forgotten when those days are celebrated. The
+damsels were charming in the big caps, flowered gowns, and high-heeled
+shoes of their great-grandmothers, as they sat about a spider-legged
+table talking over the tax, and pledging themselves to drink no more
+tea till it was taken off. Molly was on her feet proposing, "Liberty
+forever, and down with all tyrants," to judge from her flashing eyes
+as she held her egg-shell cup aloft, while the others lifted theirs to
+drink the toast, and Merry, as hostess, sat with her hand on an antique
+teapot, labelled "Sage," ready to fill again when the patriotic ladies
+were ready for a second "dish."
+
+This was much applauded, and the curtain went up again, for the proud
+parents enjoyed seeing their pretty girls in the faded finery of a
+hundred years ago. The band played "Auld Lang Syne," as a gentle hint
+that our fore-mothers should be remembered as well as the fore-fathers.
+
+It was evident that something very martial was to follow, for a great
+tramping, clashing, and flying about took place behind the scenes
+while the tea-party was going on. After some delay, "The Surrender of
+Cornwallis" was presented in the most superb manner, as you can believe
+when I tell you that the stage was actually lined with a glittering
+array of Washington and his generals, Lafayette, Kosciusko, Rochambeau
+and the rest, all in astonishing uniforms, with swords which were
+evidently the pride of their lives. Fife and drum struck up a march, and
+in came Cornwallis, much cast down but full of manly resignation, as he
+surrendered his sword, and stood aside with averted eyes while his army
+marched past, piling their arms at the hero's feet.
+
+This scene was the delight of the boys, for the rifles of Company F had
+been secured, and at least a dozen soldiers kept filing in and out in
+British uniform till Washington's august legs were hidden by the heaps
+of arms rattled down before him. The martial music, the steady
+tramp, and the patriotic memories awakened, caused this scene to be
+enthusiastically encored, and the boys would have gone on marching till
+midnight if Ralph had not peremptorily ordered down the curtain and
+cleared the stage for the next tableau.
+
+This had been artfully slipped in between two brilliant ones, to show
+that the Father of his Country had to pay a high price for his glory.
+The darkened stage represented what seemed to be a camp in a snow-storm,
+and a very forlorn camp, too; for on "the cold, cold ground" (a reckless
+display of cotton batting) lay ragged soldiers, sleeping without
+blankets, their worn-out boots turned up pathetically, and no sign of
+food or fire to be seen. A very shabby sentinel, with feet bound in
+bloody cloths, and his face as pale as chalk could make it, gnawed a dry
+crust as he kept his watch in the wintry night.
+
+A tent at the back of the stage showed a solitary figure sitting on a
+log of wood, poring over the map spread upon his knee, by the light of
+one candle stuck in a bottle. There could be no doubt who this was, for
+the buff-and-blue coat, the legs, the nose, the attitude, all betrayed
+the great George laboring to save his country, in spite of privations,
+discouragements, and dangers which would have daunted any other man.
+
+"Valley Forge," said someone, and the room was very still as old and
+young looked silently at this little picture of a great and noble
+struggle in one of its dark hours. The crust, the wounded feet, the
+rags, the snow, the loneliness, the indomitable courage and endurance of
+these men touched the hearts of all, for the mimic scene grew real for
+a moment; and, when a child's voice broke the silence, asking pitifully,
+"Oh, mamma, was it truly as dreadful as that?" a general outburst
+answered, as if every one wanted to cheer up the brave fellows and bid
+them fight on, for victory was surely coming.
+
+In the next scene it did come, and "Washington at Trenton" was prettily
+done. An arch of flowers crossed the stage, with the motto, "The
+Defender of the Mothers will be the Preserver of the Daughters;" and,
+as the hero with his generals advanced on one side, a troop of girls, in
+old-fashioned muslin frocks, came to scatter flowers before him, singing
+the song of long ago:--
+
+  "Welcome, mighty chief, once more
+  Welcome to this grateful shore;
+  Now no mercenary foe
+  Aims again the fatal blow,--
+  Aims at thee the fatal blow.
+
+  "Virgins fair and matrons grave,
+  Those thy conquering arm did save,
+  Build for thee triumphal bowers;
+  Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers,--
+  Strew your hero's way with flowers."
+
+And they did, singing with all their hearts as they flung artificial
+roses and lilies at the feet of the great men, who bowed with benign
+grace. Jack, who did Lafayette with a limp, covered himself with glory
+by picking up one of the bouquets and pressing it to his heart with all
+the gallantry of a Frenchman; and when Washington lifted the smallest
+of the maids and kissed her, the audience cheered. Couldn't help it, you
+know, it was so pretty and inspiring.
+
+The Washington Family, after the famous picture, came next, with Annette
+as the serene and sensible Martha, in a very becoming cap. The General
+was in uniform, there being no time to change, but his attitude was
+quite correct, and the Custis boy and girl displayed the wide sash and
+ruffled collar with historic fidelity. The band played "Home," and every
+one agreed that it was "Sweet!"
+
+"Now I don't see what more they can have except the death-bed, and
+that would be rather out of place in this gay company," said the old
+gentleman to Mr. Burton, as he mopped his heated face after pounding so
+heartily he nearly knocked the ferule off his cane.
+
+"No; they gave that up, for my boy wouldn't wear a night-gown in public.
+I can't tell secrets, but I think they have got a very clever little
+finale for the first part--a pretty compliment to one person and
+a pleasant surprise to all," answered Mr. Burton, who was in great
+spirits, being fond of theatricals and very justly proud of his
+children, for the little girls had been among the Trenton maids, and the
+mimic General had kissed his own small sister, Nelly, very tenderly.
+
+A great deal of interest was felt as to what this surprise was to be,
+and a general "Oh!" greeted the "Minute Man," standing motionless upon
+his pedestal. It was Frank, and Ralph had done his best to have the
+figure as perfect as possible, for the maker of the original had been a
+good friend to him; and, while the young sculptor was dancing gayly at
+the ball, this copy of his work was doing him honor among the
+children. Frank looked it very well, for his firm-set mouth was full of
+resolution, his eyes shone keen and courageous under the three-cornered
+hat, and the muscles stood out upon the bare arm that clutched the old
+gun. Even the buttons on the gaiters seemed to flash defiance, as the
+sturdy legs took the first step from the furrow toward the bridge where
+the young farmer became a hero when he "fired the shot heard 'round the
+world."
+
+"That _is_ splendid!" "As like to the original as flesh can be to
+bronze." "How still he stands!" "He'll fight when the time comes, and
+die hard, won't he?" "Hush! You make the statue blush!" These very
+audible remarks certainly did, for the color rose visibly as the modest
+lad heard himself praised, though he saw but one face in all the crowd,
+his mother's, far back, but full of love and pride, as she looked up at
+her young minute man waiting for the battle which often calls us when we
+least expect it, and for which she had done her best to make him ready.
+
+If there had been any danger of Frank being puffed up by the success of
+his statue, it was counteracted by irrepressible Grif, who, just at the
+most interesting moment, when all were gazing silently, gave a whistle,
+followed by a "Choo, choo, choo!" and "All aboard!" so naturally that no
+one could mistake the joke, especially as another laughing voice added,
+"Now, then, No. 11!" which brought down the house and the curtain too.
+
+Frank was so angry, it was very difficult to keep him on his perch for
+the last scene of all. He submitted, however, rather than spoil the
+grand finale, hoping that its beauty would efface that ill-timed
+pleasantry from the public mind. So, when the agreeable clamor of hands
+and voices called for a repetition, the Minute Man reappeared, grimmer
+than before. But not alone, for grouped all about his pedestal were
+Washington and his generals, the matrons and maids, with a background of
+troops shouldering arms, Grif and Joe doing such rash things with their
+muskets, that more than one hero received a poke in his august back.
+Before the full richness of this picture had been taken in, Ed gave a
+rap, and all burst out with "Hail Columbia," in such an inspiring style
+that it was impossible for the audience to refrain from joining, which
+they did, all standing and all singing with a heartiness that made the
+walls ring. The fife shrilled, the horn blew sweet and clear, the fiddle
+was nearly drowned by the energetic boom of the drum, and out into
+the starry night, through open windows, rolled the song that stirs the
+coldest heart with patriotic warmth and tunes every voice to music.
+
+"'America!' We must have 'America!' Pipe up, Ed, this is too good to end
+without one song more," cried Mr. Burton, who had been singing like
+a trumpet; and, hardly waiting to get their breath, off they all went
+again with the national hymn, singing as they never had sung it before,
+for somehow the little scenes they had just acted or beheld seemed
+to show how much this dear America of ours had cost in more than one
+revolution, how full of courage, energy, and virtue it was in spite of
+all its faults, and what a privilege, as well as duty, it was for each
+to do his part toward its safety and its honor in the present, as did
+those brave men and women in the past.
+
+So the "Scenes from the Life of Washington" were a great success, and,
+when the songs were over, people were glad of a brief recess while they
+had raptures, and refreshed themselves with lemonade.
+
+The girls had kept the secret of who the "Princess" was to be, and,
+when the curtain rose, a hum of surprise and pleasure greeted the pretty
+group. Jill lay asleep in all her splendor, the bonny "Prince" just
+lifting the veil to wake her with a kiss, and all about them the court
+in its nap of a hundred years. The "King" and "Queen" dozing comfortably
+on the throne; the maids of honor, like a garland of nodding flowers,
+about the couch; the little page, unconscious of the blow about to fall,
+and the fool dreaming, with his mouth wide open.
+
+It was so pretty, people did not tire of looking, till Jack's lame leg
+began to tremble, and he whispered: "Drop her or I shall pitch." Down
+went the curtain; but it rose in a moment, and there was the court after
+the awakening: the "King" and "Queen" looking about them with sleepy
+dignity, the maids in various attitudes of surprise, the fool grinning
+from ear to ear, and the "Princess" holding out her hand to the
+"Prince," as if glad to welcome the right lover when he came at last.
+
+Molly got the laugh this time, for she could not resist giving poor
+Boo the cuff which had been hanging over him so long. She gave it
+with unconscious energy, and Boo cried "Ow!" so naturally that all the
+children were delighted and wanted it repeated. But Boo declined, and
+the scenes which followed were found quite as much to their taste,
+having been expressly prepared for the little people.
+
+Mother Goose's Reception was really very funny, for Ralph was the old
+lady, and had hired a representation of the immortal bird from a real
+theatre for this occasion. There they stood, the dame in her pointed
+hat, red petticoat, cap, and cane, with the noble fowl, a good deal
+larger than life, beside her, and Grif inside, enjoying himself
+immensely as he flapped the wings, moved the yellow legs, and waved the
+long neck about, while unearthly quacks issued from the bill. That was a
+great surprise for the children, and they got up in their seats to gaze
+their fill, many of them firmly believing that they actually beheld the
+blessed old woman who wrote the nursery songs they loved so well.
+
+Then in came, one after another, the best of the characters she has made
+famous, while a voice behind the scenes sang the proper rhyme as each
+made their manners to the interesting pair. "Mistress Mary," and
+her "pretty maids all in a row," passed by to their places in the
+background; "King Cole" and his "fiddlers three" made a goodly show; so
+did the royal couple, who followed the great pie borne before them, with
+the "four-and-twenty blackbirds" popping their heads out in the most
+delightful way. Little "Bo-Peep" led a woolly lamb and wept over its
+lost tail, for not a sign of one appeared on the poor thing. "Simple
+Simon" followed the pie-man, gloating over his wares with the drollest
+antics. The little wife came trundling by in a wheelbarrow and was not
+upset; neither was the lady with "rings on her fingers and bells on her
+toes," as she cantered along on a rocking-horse. "Bobby Shafto's" yellow
+hair shone finely as he led in the maid whom he came back from sea
+to marry. "Miss Muffet," bowl in hand, ran away from an immense black
+spider, which waggled its long legs in a way so life-like that some of
+the children shook in their little shoes. The beggars who came to town
+were out in full force, "rags, tags, and velvet gowns," quite true to
+life. "Boy Blue" rubbed his eyes, with hay sticking in his hair, and
+tooted on a tin horn as if bound to get the cows out of the corn. Molly,
+with a long-handled frying-pan, made a capital "Queen," in a tucked-up
+gown, checked apron, and high crown, to good "King Arthur," who, very
+properly, did not appear after stealing the barley-meal, which might be
+seen in the pan tied up in a pudding, like a cannon-ball, ready to fry.
+
+But Tobias, Molly's black cat, covered himself with glory by the spirit
+with which he acted his part in,
+
+  "Sing, sing, what shall I sing?
+  The cat's run away with the pudding-bag string."
+
+First he was led across the stage on his hind legs, looking very fierce
+and indignant, with a long tape trailing behind him; and, being set
+free at the proper moment, he gave one bound over the four-and-twenty
+blackbirds who happened to be in the way, and dashed off as if an
+enraged cook had actually been after him, straight downstairs to the
+coal-bin, where he sat glaring in the dark, till the fun was over.
+
+When all the characters had filed in and stood in two long rows, music
+struck up and they danced, "All the way to Boston," a simple but lively
+affair, which gave each a chance to show his or her costume as they
+pranced down the middle and up outside.
+
+Such a funny medley as it was, for there went fat "King Cole" with the
+most ragged of the beggar-maids. "Mistress Mary," in her pretty blue
+dress, tripped along with "Simple Simon" staring about him like a
+blockhead. The fine lady left her horse to dance with "Bobby Shafto"
+till every bell on her slippers tinkled its tongue out. "Bo-Peep" and
+a jolly fiddler skipped gayly up and down. "Miss Muffet" took the big
+spider for her partner, and made his many legs fly about in the wildest
+way. The little wife got out of the wheelbarrow to help "Boy Blue"
+along, and Molly, with the frying-pan over her shoulder, led off
+splendidly when it was "Grand right and left."
+
+But the old lady and her goose were the best of all, for the dame's
+shoe-buckles cut the most astonishing pigeon-wings, and to see that
+mammoth bird waddle down the middle with its wings half open, its long
+neck bridling, and its yellow legs in the first position as it curtsied
+to its partner, was a sight to remember, it was so intensely funny.
+
+The merry old gentleman laughed till he cried; Mr. Burton split his
+gloves, he applauded so enthusiastically; while the children beat
+the dust out of the carpet hopping up and down, as they cried: "Do it
+again!" "We want it all over!" when the curtain went down at last on the
+flushed and panting party, Mother G---- bowing, with her hat all awry,
+and the goose doing a double shuffle as if it did not know how to leave
+off.
+
+But they could not "do it all over again," for it was growing late, and
+the people felt that they certainly had received their money's worth
+that evening.
+
+So it all ended merrily, and when the guests departed the boys cleared
+the room like magic, and the promised supper to the actors was served in
+handsome style. Jack and Jill were at one end, Mrs. Goose and her bird
+at the other, and all between was a comical collection of military
+heroes, fairy characters, and nursery celebrities. All felt the need of
+refreshment after their labors, and swept over the table like a flight
+of locusts, leaving devastation behind. But they had earned their fun:
+and much innocent jollity prevailed, while a few lingering papas and
+mammas watched the revel from afar, and had not the heart to order these
+noble beings home till even the Father of his Country declared "that
+he'd had a perfectly splendid time, but couldn't keep his eyes open
+another minute," and very wisely retired to replace the immortal cocked
+hat with a night-cap.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII. Jack Has a Mystery
+
+
+"What is the matter? Does your head ache?" asked Jill, one evening in
+March, observing that Jack sat with his head in his hands, an attitude
+which, with him, meant either pain or perplexity.
+
+"No; but I'm bothered. I want some money, and I don't see how I can earn
+it," he answered, tumbling his hair about, and frowning darkly at the
+fire.
+
+"How much?" and Jill's ready hand went to the pocket where her little
+purse lay, for she felt rich with several presents lately made her.
+
+"Two seventy-five. No, thank you, I won't borrow."
+
+"What is it for?"
+
+"Can't tell."
+
+"Why, I thought you told me everything."
+
+"Sorry, but I can't this time. Don't you worry; I shall think of
+something."
+
+"Couldn't your mother help?"
+
+"Don't wish to ask her."
+
+"Why! can't _she_ know?"
+
+"Nobody can."
+
+"How queer! Is it a scrape, Jack?" asked Jill, looking as curious as a
+magpie.
+
+"It is likely to be, if I can't get out of it this week, somehow."
+
+"Well, I don't see how I can help if I'm not to know anything;" and Jill
+seemed rather hurt.
+
+"You can just stop asking questions, and tell me how a fellow can earn
+some money. That would help. I've got one dollar, but I must have some
+more;" and Jack looked worried as he fingered the little gold dollar on
+his watch-guard.
+
+"Oh, do you mean to use that?"
+
+"Yes, I do; a man must pay his debts if he sells all he has to do it,"
+said Jack sternly.
+
+"Dear me; it must be something very serious." And Jill lay quite still
+for five minutes, thinking over all the ways in which Jack ever did earn
+money, for Mrs. Minot liked to have her boys work, and paid them in some
+way for all they did.
+
+"Is there any wood to saw?" she asked presently, being very anxious to
+help.
+
+"All done."
+
+"Paths to shovel?"
+
+"No snow."
+
+"Lawn to rake, then?"
+
+"Not time for that yet."
+
+"Catalogue of books?"
+
+"Frank got that job."
+
+"Copy those letters for your mother?"
+
+"Take me too long. Must have my money Friday, if possible."
+
+"I don't see what we can do, then. It is too early or too late for
+everything, and you won't borrow."
+
+"Not of you. No, nor of any one else, if I can possibly help it. I've
+promised to do this myself, and I will;" and Jack wagged his head
+resolutely.
+
+"Couldn't you do something with the printing-press? Do me some cards,
+and then, perhaps, the other girls will want some," said Jill, as a
+forlorn hope.
+
+"Just the thing! What a goose I was not to think of it. I'll rig the old
+machine up at once." And, starting from his seat, Jack dived into the
+big closet, dragged out the little press, and fell to oiling, dusting,
+and putting it in order, like one relieved of a great anxiety.
+
+"Give me the types; I'll sort them and set up my name, so you can begin
+as soon as you are ready. You know what a help I was when we did the
+programmes. I'm almost sure the girls _will_ want cards, and I know
+your mother would like some more tags," said Jill, briskly rattling the
+letters into the different compartments, while Jack inked the rollers
+and hunted up his big apron, whistling the while with recovered spirits.
+
+A dozen neat cards were soon printed, and Jill insisted on paying six
+cents for them, as earning was not borrowing. A few odd tags were found
+and done for Mamma, who immediately ordered four dozen at six cents a
+dozen, though she was not told why there was such a pressing call for
+money.
+
+Jack's monthly half-dollar had been spent the first week,--twenty-five
+cents for a concert, ten paid a fine for keeping a book too long from
+the library, ten more to have his knife ground, and five in candy, for
+he dearly loved sweeties, and was under bonds to Mamma not to spend
+more than five cents a month on these unwholesome temptations. She never
+asked the boys what they did with their money, but expected them to
+keep account in the little books she gave them; and, now and then, they
+showed the neat pages with pardonable pride, though she often laughed at
+the queer items.
+
+All that evening Jack & Co. worked busily, for when Frank came in he
+good-naturedly ordered some pale-pink cards for Annette, and ran to the
+store to choose the right shade, and buy some packages for the young
+printer also.
+
+"What _do_ you suppose he is in such a pucker for?" whispered Jill, as
+she set up the new name, to Frank, who sat close by, with one eye on his
+book and one on her.
+
+"Oh, some notion. He's a queer chap; but I guess it isn't much of a
+scrape, or I should know it. He's so good-natured he's always promising
+to do things for people, and has too much pluck to give up when he finds
+he can't. Let him alone, and it will all come out soon enough," answered
+Frank, who laughed at his brother, but loved him none the less for the
+tender heart that often got the better of his young head.
+
+But for once Frank was mistaken; the mystery did not come out, and Jack
+worked like a beaver all that week, as orders poured in when Jill and
+Annette showed their elegant cards; for, as everybody knows, if one girl
+has a new thing all the rest must, whether it is a bow on the top of
+her head, a peculiar sort of pencil, or the latest kind of chewing-gum.
+Little play did the poor fellow get, for every spare minute was spent
+at the press, and no invitation could tempt him away, so much in earnest
+was our honest little Franklin about paying his debt. Jill helped all
+she could, and cheered his labors with her encouragement, remembering
+how he stayed at home for her.
+
+"It is real good of you to lend a hand, and I'm ever so much obliged,"
+said Jack, as the last order was struck off, and the drawer of the
+type-box held a pile of shining five and ten cent pieces, with two or
+three quarters.
+
+"I love to; only it would be nicer if I knew what we were working for,"
+she said demurely, as she scattered type for the last time; and seeing
+that Jack was both tired and grateful, hoped to get a hint of the
+secret.
+
+"I want to tell you, dreadfully; but I can't, because I've promised."
+
+"What, never?"
+
+"Never!" and Jack looked as firm as a rock.
+
+"Then I shall find out, for _I_ haven't promised."
+
+"You can't."
+
+"See if I don't!"
+
+"You are sharp, but you won't guess this. It's a tremendous secret, and
+nobody will tell it."
+
+"You'll tell it yourself. You always do."
+
+"I won't tell this. It would be mean."
+
+"Wait and see; I can get anything out of you if I try;" and Jill
+laughed, knowing her power well, for Jack found it very hard to keep a
+secret from her.
+
+"Don't try; please don't! It wouldn't be right, and you don't want to
+make me do a dishonorable thing for your sake, I know."
+
+Jack looked so distressed that Jill promised not to _make_ him tell,
+though she held herself free to find out in other ways, if she could.
+
+Thus relieved, Jack trudged off to school on Friday with the two dollars
+and seventy-five cents jingling in his pocket, though the dear gold coin
+had to be sacrificed to make up the sum. He did his lessons badly that
+day, was late at recess in the afternoon, and, as soon as school was
+over, departed in his rubber boots "to take a walk," he said, though the
+roads were in a bad state with a spring thaw. Nothing was seen of him
+till after tea-time, when he came limping in, very dirty and tired,
+but with a reposeful expression, which betrayed that a load was off his
+mind. Frank was busy about his own affairs and paid little attention to
+him, but Jill was on tenter-hooks to know where he had been, yet dared
+not ask the question.
+
+"Merry's brother wants some cards. He liked hers so much he wishes to
+make his lady-love a present. Here's the name;" and Jill held up the
+order from Harry Grant, who was to be married in the autumn.
+
+"Must wait till next week. I'm too tired to do a thing to-night, and I
+hate the sight of that old press," answered Jack, laying himself down
+upon the rug as if every joint ached.
+
+"What made you take such a long walk? You look as tired as if you'd been
+ten miles," said Jill, hoping to discover the length of the trip.
+
+"Had to. Four or five miles isn't much, only my leg bothered me;" and
+Jack gave the ailing member a slap, as if he had found it much in his
+way that day; for, though he had given up the crutches long ago, he
+rather missed their support sometimes. Then, with a great yawn, he
+stretched himself out to bask in the blaze, pillowing his head on his
+arms.
+
+"Dear old thing, he looks all used up; I won't plague him with talking;"
+and Jill began to sing, as she often did in the twilight.
+
+By the time the first song ended a gentle snore was heard, and Jack lay
+fast asleep, worn out with the busy week and the walk, which had been
+longer and harder than any one guessed. Jill took up her knitting and
+worked quietly by firelight, still wondering and guessing what the
+secret could be; for she had not much to amuse her, and little things
+were very interesting if connected with her friends. Presently Jack
+rolled over and began to mutter in his sleep, as he often did when too
+weary for sound slumber. Jill paid no attention till he uttered a name
+which made her prick up her ears and listen to the broken sentences
+which followed. Only a few words, but she dropped her work, saying to
+herself,--
+
+"I do believe he is talking about the secret. Now I shall find out, and
+he _will_ tell me himself, as I said he would."
+
+Much pleased, she leaned and listened, but could make no sense of the
+confused babble about "heavy boots;" "All right, old fellow;" "Jerry's
+off;" and "The ink is too thick."
+
+The slam of the front door woke Jack, and he pulled himself up,
+declaring that he believed he had been having a nap.
+
+"I wish you'd have another," said Jill, greatly disappointed at the loss
+of the intelligence she seemed to be so near getting.
+
+"Floor is too hard for tired bones. Guess I'll go to bed and get rested
+up for Monday. I've worked like fury this week, so next I'm going in for
+fun;" and, little dreaming what hard times were in store for him, Jack
+went off to enjoy his warm bath and welcome bed, where he was soon
+sleeping with the serene look of one whose dreams were happy, whose
+conscience was at rest.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I have a few words to say to you before you go," said Mr. Acton,
+pausing with his hand on the bell, Monday afternoon, when the hour came
+for dismissing school.
+
+The bustle of putting away books and preparing for as rapid a departure
+as propriety allowed, subsided suddenly, and the boys and girls sat as
+still as mice, while the hearts of such as had been guilty of any small
+sins began to beat fast.
+
+"You remember that we had some trouble last winter about keeping the
+boys away from the saloon, and that a rule was made forbidding any
+pupil to go to town during recess?" began Mr. Acton, who, being a
+conscientious man as well as an excellent teacher, felt that he was
+responsible for the children in school hours, and did his best to aid
+parents in guarding them from the few temptations which beset them in
+a country town. A certain attractive little shop, where confectionery,
+baseballs, stationery, and picture papers were sold, was a favorite
+loafing place for some of the boys till the rule forbidding it was made,
+because in the rear of the shop was a beer and billiard saloon. A wise
+rule, for the picture papers were not always of the best sort; cigars
+were to be had; idle fellows hung about there, and some of the lads, who
+wanted to be thought manly, ventured to pass the green baize door "just
+to look on."
+
+A murmur answered the teacher's question, and he continued, "You all
+know that the rule was broken several times, and I told you the next
+offender would be publicly reprimanded, as private punishments had no
+effect. I am sorry to say that the time has come, and the offender is a
+boy whom I trusted entirely. It grieves me to do this, but I must keep
+my promise, and hope the example will have a good effect."
+
+Mr. Acton paused, as if he found it hard to go on, and the boys looked
+at one another with inquiring eyes, for their teacher seldom punished,
+and when he did, it was a very solemn thing. Several of these anxious
+glances fell upon Joe, who was very red and sat whittling a pencil as if
+he dared not lift his eyes.
+
+"He's the chap. Won't he catch it?" whispered Gus to Frank, for both
+owed him a grudge.
+
+"The boy who broke the rule last Friday, at afternoon recess, will come
+to the desk," said Mr. Acton in his most impressive manner.
+
+If a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would hardly have caused
+a greater surprise than the sight of Jack Minot walking slowly down the
+aisle, with a wrathful flash in the eyes he turned on Joe as he passed
+him.
+
+"Now, Minot, let us have this over as soon as possible, for I do not
+like it any better than you do, and I am sure there is some mistake. I'm
+told you went to the shop on Friday. Is it true?" asked Mr. Acton very
+gently, for he liked Jack and seldom had to correct him in any way.
+
+"Yes, sir;" and Jack looked up as if proud to show that he was not
+afraid to tell the truth as far as he could.
+
+"To buy something?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"To meet someone?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Was it Jerry Shannon?"
+
+No answer, but Jack's fists doubled up of themselves as he shot another
+fiery glance at Joe, whose face burned as if it scorched him.
+
+"I am told it was; also that you were seen to go into the saloon with
+him. Did you?" and Mr. Acton looked so sure that it was a mistake that
+it cost Jack a great effort to say, slowly,--
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Quite a thrill pervaded the school at this confession, for Jerry was one
+of the wild fellows the boys all shunned, and to have any dealings with
+him was considered a very disgraceful thing.
+
+"Did you play?"
+
+"No, sir. I can't."
+
+"Drink beer?"
+
+"I belong to the Lodge;" and Jack stood as erect as any little soldier
+who ever marched under a temperance banner, and fought for the cause
+none are too young nor too old to help along.
+
+"I was sure of that. Then what took you there, my boy?"
+
+The question was so kindly put that Jack forgot himself an instant, and
+blurted out,--
+
+"I only went to pay him some money, sir."
+
+"Ah, how much?"
+
+"Two seventy-five," muttered Jack, as red as a cherry at not being able
+to keep a secret better.
+
+"Too much for a lad like you to owe such a fellow as Jerry. How came
+it?" And Mr. Acton looked disturbed.
+
+Jack opened his lips to speak, but shut them again, and stood looking
+down with a little quiver about the mouth that showed how much it cost
+him to be silent.
+
+"Does any one beside Jerry know of this?"
+
+"One other fellow," after a pause.
+
+"Yes, I understand;" and Mr. Acton's eye glanced at Joe with a look that
+seemed to say, "I wish he'd held his tongue."
+
+A queer smile flitted over Jack's face, for Joe was not the "other
+fellow," and knew very little about it, excepting what he had seen when
+he was sent on an errand by Mr. Acton on Friday.
+
+"I wish you would explain the matter, John, for I am sure it is better
+than it seems, and it would be very hard to punish you when you don't
+deserve it."
+
+"But I do deserve it; I've broken the rule, and I ought to be punished,"
+said Jack, as if a good whipping would be easier to bear than this
+public cross-examination.
+
+"And you can't explain, or even say you are sorry or ashamed?" asked Mr.
+Acton, hoping to surprise another fact out of the boy.
+
+"No, sir; I can't; I'm not ashamed; I'm not sorry, and I'd do it again
+to-morrow if I had to," cried Jack, losing patience, and looking as if
+he would not bear much more.
+
+A groan from the boys greeted this bare-faced declaration, and Susy
+quite shivered at the idea of having taken two bites out of the apple of
+such a hardened desperado.
+
+"Think it over till to-morrow, and perhaps you will change your mind.
+Remember that this is the last week of the month, and reports are
+given out next Friday," said Mr. Acton, knowing how much the boy prided
+himself on always having good ones to show his mother.
+
+Poor Jack turned scarlet and bit his lips to keep them still, for he had
+forgotten this when he plunged into the affair which was likely to cost
+him dear. Then the color faded away, the boyish face grew steady, and
+the honest eyes looked up at his teacher as he said very low, but all
+heard him, the room was so still,--
+
+"It isn't as bad as it looks, sir, but I can't say any more. No one is
+to blame but me; and I couldn't help breaking the rule, for Jerry was
+going away, I had only that time, and I'd promised to pay up, so I did."
+
+Mr. Acton believed every word he said, and regretted that they had not
+been able to have it out privately, but he, too, must keep his promise
+and punish the offender, whoever he was.
+
+"Very well, you will lose your recess for a week, and this month's
+report will be the first one in which behavior does not get the highest
+mark. You may go; and I wish it understood that Master Minot is not to
+be troubled with questions till he chooses to set this matter right."
+
+Then the bell rang, the children trooped out, Mr. Acton went off without
+another word, and Jack was left alone to put up his books and hide a
+few tears that would come because Frank turned his eyes away from the
+imploring look cast upon him as the culprit came down from the platform,
+a disgraced boy.
+
+Elder brothers are apt to be a little hard on younger ones, so it is not
+surprising that Frank, who was an eminently proper boy, was much cut up
+when Jack publicly confessed to dealings with Jerry, leaving it to be
+supposed that the worst half of the story remained untold. He felt it
+his duty, therefore, to collar poor Jack when he came out, and talk to
+him all the way home, like a judge bent on getting at the truth by main
+force. A kind word would have been very comforting, but the scolding
+was too much for Jack's temper, so he turned dogged and would not say a
+word, though Frank threatened not to speak to him for a week.
+
+At tea-time both boys were very silent, one looking grim, the other
+excited. Frank stared sternly at his brother across the table, and no
+amount of marmalade sweetened or softened that reproachful look. Jack
+defiantly crunched his toast, with occasional slashes at the butter,
+as if he must vent the pent-up emotions which half distracted him. Of
+course, their mother saw that something was amiss, but did not allude to
+it, hoping that the cloud would blow over as so many did if left alone.
+But this one did not, and when both refused cake, this sure sign of
+unusual perturbation made her anxious to know the cause. As soon as tea
+was over, Jack retired with gloomy dignity to his own room, and Frank,
+casting away the paper he had been pretending to read, burst out with
+the whole story. Mrs. Minot was as much surprised as he, but not angry,
+because, like most mothers, she was sure that her sons could not do
+anything very bad.
+
+"I will speak to him; my boy won't refuse to give _me_ some
+explanation," she said, when Frank had freed his mind with as much
+warmth as if Jack had broken all the ten commandments.
+
+"He will. You often call me obstinate, but he is as pig-headed as a
+mule; Joe only knows what he saw, old tell-tale! and Jerry has left
+town, or I'd have it out of him. Make Jack own up, whether he can or
+not. Little donkey!" stormed Frank, who hated rowdies and could not
+forgive his brother for being seen with one.
+
+"My dear, all boys do foolish things sometimes, even the wisest and best
+behaved, so don't be hard on the poor child. He has got into trouble,
+I've no doubt, but it cannot be very bad, and he earned the money to pay
+for his prank, whatever it was."
+
+Mrs. Minot left the room as she spoke, and Frank cooled down as if her
+words had been a shower-bath, for he remembered his own costly escapade,
+and how kindly both his mother and Jack had stood by him on that trying
+occasion. So, feeling rather remorseful, he went off to talk it over
+with Gus, leaving Jill in a fever of curiosity, for Merry and Molly
+had dropped in on their way home to break the blow to her, and Frank
+declined to discuss it with her, after mildly stating that Jack was "a
+ninny," in his opinion.
+
+"Well, I know one thing," said Jill confidentially to Snow-ball, when
+they were left alone together, "if every one else is scolding him I
+won't say a word. It's so mean to crow over people when they are down,
+and I'm sure he hasn't done anything to be ashamed of, though he won't
+tell."
+
+Snow-ball seemed to agree to this, for he went and sat down by Jack's
+slippers waiting for him on the hearth, and Jill thought that a very
+touching proof of affectionate fidelity to the little master who ruled
+them both.
+
+When he came, it was evident that he had found it harder to refuse his
+mother than all the rest. But she trusted him in spite of appearances,
+and that was such a comfort! For poor Jack's heart was very full, and he
+longed to tell the whole story, but he would not break his promise,
+and so kept silence bravely. Jill asked no questions, affecting to be
+anxious for the games they always played together in the evening, but
+while they played, though the lips were sealed, the bright eyes said as
+plainly as words, "I trust you," and Jack was very grateful.
+
+It was well he had something to cheer him up at home, for he got little
+peace at school. He bore the grave looks of Mr. Acton meekly, took the
+boys' jokes good-naturedly, and withstood the artful teasing of the
+girls with patient silence. But it was very hard for the social,
+affectionate fellow to bear the general distrust, for he had been such a
+favorite he felt the change keenly.
+
+But the thing that tried him most was the knowledge that his report
+would not be what it usually was. It was always a happy moment when he
+showed it to his mother, and saw her eye brighten as it fell on the 99
+or 100, for she cared more for good behavior than for perfect lessons.
+Mr. Acton once said that Frank Minot's moral influence in the school was
+unusual, and Jack never forgot her pride and delight as she told them
+what Frank himself had not known till then. It was Jack's ambition to
+have the same said of him, for he was not much of a scholar, and he
+had tried hard since he went back to school to get good records in that
+respect at least. Now here was a dreadful downfall, tardy marks, bad
+company, broken rules, and something too wrong to tell, apparently.
+
+"Well, I deserve a good report, and that's a comfort, though nobody
+believes it," he said to himself, trying to keep up his spirits, as the
+slow week went by, and no word from him had cleared up the mystery.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV. And Jill Finds It Out
+
+
+Jill worried about it more than he did, for she was a faithful little
+friend, and it was a great trial to have Jack even suspected of doing
+anything wrong. School is a child's world while he is there, and its
+small affairs are very important to him, so Jill felt that the one thing
+to be done was to clear away the cloud about her dear boy, and restore
+him to public favor.
+
+"Ed will be here Saturday night and may be he will find out, for Jack
+tells him everything. I do hate to have him hectored so, for I know he
+is, though he's too proud to complain," she said, on Thursday evening,
+when Frank told her some joke played upon his brother that day.
+
+"I let him alone, but I see that he isn't badgered too much. That's all
+I can do. If Ed had only come home last Saturday it might have done
+some good, but now it will be too late; for the reports are given out
+to-morrow, you know," answered Frank, feeling a little jealous of Ed's
+influence over Jack, though his own would have been as great if he had
+been as gentle.
+
+"Has Jerry come back?" asked Jill, who kept all her questions for Frank,
+because she seldom alluded to the tender subject when with Jack.
+
+"No, he's off for the summer. Got a place somewhere. Hope he'll stay
+there and let Bob alone."
+
+"Where is Bob now? I don't hear much about him lately," said Jill, who
+was constantly on the lookout for "the other fellow," since it was not
+Joe.
+
+"Oh, he went to Captain Skinner's the first of March, chores round, and
+goes to school up there. Captain is strict, and won't let Bob come to
+town, except Sundays; but he don't mind it much, for he likes horses,
+has nice grub, and the Hill fellows are good chaps for him to be with.
+So he's all right, if he only behaves."
+
+"How far is it to Captain Skinner's?" asked Jill suddenly, having
+listened, with her sharp eyes on Frank, as he tinkered away at his
+model, since he was forbidden all other indulgence in his beloved
+pastime.
+
+"It's four miles to Hill District, but the Captain lives this side of
+the school-house. About three from here, I should say."
+
+"How long would it take a boy to walk up there?" went on the questioner,
+with a new idea in her head.
+
+"Depends on how much of a walkist he is."
+
+"Suppose he was lame and it was sloshy, and he made a call and came
+back. How long would that take?" asked Jill impatiently.
+
+"Well, in that case, I should say two or three hours. But it's
+impossible to tell exactly, unless you know how lame the fellow was, and
+how long a call he made," said Frank, who liked to be accurate.
+
+"Jack couldn't do it in less, could he?"
+
+"He used to run up that hilly road for a breather, and think nothing of
+it. It would be a long job for him now, poor little chap, for his leg
+often troubles him, though he hates to own it."
+
+Jill lay back and laughed, a happy little laugh, as if she was pleased
+about something, and Frank looked over his shoulder to ask questions in
+his turn.
+
+"What are you laughing at?"
+
+"Can't tell."
+
+"Why do you want to know about Hill District? Are you going there?"
+
+"Wish I could! I'd soon have it out of him."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Never mind. Please push up my table. I must write a letter, and I want
+you to post it for me to-night, and never say a word till I give you
+leave."
+
+"Oh, now _you_ are going to have secrets and be mysterious, and get into
+a mess, are you?" and Frank looked down at her with a suspicious air,
+though he was intensely curious to know what she was about.
+
+"Go away till I'm done. You will have to see the outside, but you can't
+know the inside till the answer comes;" and propping herself up, Jill
+wrote the following note, with some hesitation at the beginning and end,
+for she did not know the gentleman she was addressing, except by sight,
+and it was rather awkward:--
+
+"Robert Walker.
+
+"Dear Sir, I want to ask if Jack Minot came to see you last Friday
+afternoon. He got into trouble being seen with Jerry Shannon. He paid
+him some money. Jack won't tell, and Mr. Acton talked to him about it
+before all the school. We feel bad, because we think Jack did not do
+wrong. I don't know as you have anything to do with it, but I thought
+I'd ask. Please answer quick. Respectfully yours,
+
+"Jane Pecq"
+
+To make sure that her despatch was not tampered with, Jill put a great
+splash of red sealing-wax on it, which gave it a very official look, and
+much impressed Bob when he received it.
+
+"There! Go and post it, and don't let any one see or know about it," she
+said, handing it over to Frank, who left his work with unusual alacrity
+to do her errand. When his eye fell on the address, he laughed, and said
+in a teasing way,--
+
+"Are you and Bob such good friends that you correspond? What will Jack
+say?"
+
+"Don't know, and don't care! Be good, now, and let's have a little
+secret as well as other folks. I'll tell you all about it when he
+answers," said Jill in her most coaxing tone.
+
+"Suppose he doesn't?"
+
+"Then I shall send you up to see him. I _must_ know something, and I
+want to do it myself, if I can."
+
+"Look here; what are you after? I do believe you think----" Frank got
+no farther, for Jill gave a little scream, and stopped him by crying
+eagerly, "Don't say it out loud! I really do believe it may be, and I'm
+going to find out."
+
+"What made you think of him?" and Frank looked thoughtfully at the
+letter, as if turning carefully over in his mind the idea that Jill's
+quick wits had jumped at.
+
+"Come here and I'll tell you."
+
+Holding him by one button, she whispered something in his ear that made
+him exclaim, with a look at the rug,--
+
+"No! did he? I declare I shouldn't wonder! It would be just like the
+dear old blunder-head."
+
+"I never thought of it till you told me where Bob was, and then it all
+sort of burst upon me in one minute!" cried Jill, waving her arms about
+to express the intellectual explosion which had thrown light upon the
+mystery, like sky-rockets in a dark night.
+
+"You are as bright as a button. No time to lose; I'm off;" and off he
+was, splashing through the mud to post the letter, on the back of which
+he added, to make the thing sure, "Hurry up. F.M."
+
+Both felt rather guilty next day, but enjoyed themselves very much
+nevertheless, and kept chuckling over the mine they were making under
+Jack's unconscious feet. They hardly expected an answer at noon, as the
+Hill people were not very eager for their mail, but at night Jill was
+sure of a letter, and to her great delight it came. Jack brought it
+himself, which added to the fun, and while she eagerly read it he sat
+calmly poring over the latest number of his own private and particular
+"Youth's Companion."
+
+Bob was not a "complete letter-writer" by any means, and with great
+labor and much ink had produced the following brief but highly
+satisfactory epistle. Not knowing how to address his fair correspondent
+he let it alone, and went at once to the point in the frankest possible
+way:--
+
+"Jack did come up Friday. Sorry he got into a mess. It was real kind of
+him, and I shall pay him back soon. Jack paid Jerry for me and I made
+him promise not to tell. Jerry said he'd come here and make a row if I
+didn't cash up. I was afraid I'd lose the place if he did, for the Capt.
+is awful strict. If Jack don't tell now, I will. I ain't mean. Glad you
+wrote.
+
+"R.O.W."
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Jill, waving the letter over her head in great triumph.
+"Call everybody and read it out," she added, as Frank snatched it, and
+ran for his mother, seeing at a glance that the news was good. Jill
+was so afraid she should tell before the others came that she burst out
+singing "Pretty Bobby Shafto" at the top of her voice, to Jack's great
+disgust, for he considered the song very personal, as he _was_ rather
+fond of "combing down his yellow hair," and Jill often plagued him by
+singing it when he came in with the golden quirls very smooth and nice
+to hide the scar on his forehead.
+
+In about five minutes the door flew open and in came Mamma, making
+straight for bewildered Jack, who thought the family had gone crazy when
+his parent caught him in her arms, saying tenderly,--
+
+"My good, generous boy! I knew he was right all the time!" while Frank
+worked his hand up and down like a pump-handle, exclaiming heartily,--
+
+"You're a trump, sir, and I'm proud of you!" Jill meantime calling out,
+in wild delight,--
+
+"I told you so! I told you so! I did find out; ha, ha, I did!"
+
+"Come, I say! What's the matter? I'm all right. Don't squeeze the breath
+out of me, please," expostulated Jack, looking so startled and innocent,
+as he struggled feebly, that they all laughed, and this plaintive
+protest caused him to be released. But the next proceeding did not
+enlighten him much, for Frank kept waving a very inky paper before him
+and ordering him to read it, while Mamma made a charge at Jill, as if it
+was absolutely necessary to hug somebody.
+
+"Hullo!" said Jack, when he got the letter into his own hand and
+read it. "Now who put Bob up to this? Nobody had any business to
+interfere--but it's mighty good of him, anyway," he added, as the
+anxious lines in his round face smoothed themselves away, while a smile
+of relief told how hard it had been for him to keep his word.
+
+"I did!" cried Jill, clapping her hands, and looking so happy that he
+could not have scolded her if he had wanted to.
+
+"Who told you he was in the scrape?" demanded Jack, in a hurry to know
+all about it now the seal was taken off his own lips.
+
+"You did;" and Jill's face twinkled with naughty satisfaction, for this
+was the best fun of all.
+
+"I didn't! When? Where? It's a joke!"
+
+"You did," cried Jill, pointing to the rug. "You went to sleep there
+after the long walk, and talked in your sleep about 'Bob' and 'All
+right, old boy,' and ever so much gibberish. I didn't think about it
+then, but when I heard that Bob was up there I thought may be he knew
+something about it, and last night I wrote and asked him, and that's the
+answer, and now it _is_ all right, and you are the best boy that ever
+was, and I'm so glad!"
+
+Here Jill paused, all out of breath, and Frank said, with an approving
+pat on the head,--
+
+"It won't do to have such a sharp young person round if we are going to
+have secrets. You'd make a good detective, miss."
+
+"Catch me taking naps before people again;" and Jack looked rather
+crestfallen that his own words had set "Fine Ear" on the track. "Never
+mind, I didn't _mean_ to tell, though I just ached to do it all the
+time, so I haven't broken my word. I'm glad you all know, but you
+needn't let it get out, for Bob is a good fellow, and it might make
+trouble for him," added Jack, anxious lest his gain should be the
+other's loss.
+
+"I shall tell Mr. Acton myself, and the Captain, also, for I'm not going
+to have my son suspected of wrong-doing when he has only tried to help a
+friend, and borne enough for his sake," said Mamma, much excited by this
+discovery of generous fidelity in her boy; though when one came to look
+at it calmly, one saw that it might have been done in a wiser way.
+
+"Now, please, don't make a fuss about it; that would be most as bad as
+having every one down on me. I can stand your praising me, but I won't
+be patted on the head by anybody else;" and Jack assumed a manly air,
+though his face was full of genuine boyish pleasure at being set right
+in the eyes of those he loved.
+
+"I'll be discreet, dear, but you owe it to yourself, as well as Bob, to
+have the truth known. Both have behaved well, and no harm will come to
+him, I am sure. I'll see to that myself," said Mrs. Minot, in a tone
+that set Jack's mind at rest on that point.
+
+"Now do tell all about it," cried Jill, who was pining to know the whole
+story, and felt as if she had earned the right to hear it.
+
+"Oh, it wasn't much. We promised Ed to stand by Bob, so I did as well
+as I knew how;" and Jack seemed to think that was about all there was to
+say.
+
+"I never saw such a fellow for keeping a promise! You stick to it
+through thick and thin, no matter how silly or hard it is. You remember,
+mother, last summer, how you told him not to go in a boat and he
+promised, the day we went on the picnic. We rode up, but the horse ran
+off home, so we had to come back by way of the river, all but Jack, and
+he walked every step of five miles because he wouldn't go near a boat,
+though Mr. Burton was there to take care of him. I call that rather
+overdoing the matter;" and Frank looked as if he thought moderation even
+in virtue a good thing.
+
+"And I call it a fine sample of entire obedience. He obeyed orders, and
+that is what we all must do, without always seeing why, or daring to
+use our own judgment. It is a great safeguard to Jack, and a very great
+comfort to me; for I know that if he promises he will keep his word,
+no matter what it costs him," said Mamma warmly, as she tumbled up
+the quirls with an irrepressible caress, remembering how the boy came
+wearily in after all the others, without seeming for a moment to think
+that he could have done anything else.
+
+"Like Casabianca!" cried Jill, much impressed, for obedience was her
+hardest trial.
+
+"I think he was a fool to burn up," said Frank, bound not to give in.
+
+"I don't. It's a splendid piece, and every one likes to speak it, and
+it was true, and it wouldn't be in all the books if he was a fool. Grown
+people know what is good," declared Jill, who liked heroic actions, and
+was always hoping for a chance to distinguish herself in that way.
+
+"You admire 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' and glow all over as
+you thunder it out. Yet they went gallantly to their death rather than
+disobey orders. A mistake, perhaps, but it makes us thrill to hear of
+it; and the same spirit keeps my Jack true as steel when once his word
+is passed, or he thinks it is his duty. Don't be laughed out of it, my
+son, for faithfulness in little things fits one for heroism when the
+great trials come. One's conscience can hardly be too tender when honor
+and honesty are concerned."
+
+"You are right, mother, and I am wrong. I beg your pardon, Jack, and you
+sha'n't get ahead of me next time."
+
+Frank made his mother a little bow, gave his brother a shake of the
+hand, and nodded to Jill, as if anxious to show that he was not too
+proud to own up when he made a mistake.
+
+"Please tell on, Jack. This is very nice, but I do want to know all
+about the other," said Jill, after a short pause.
+
+"Let me see. Oh, I saw Bob at church, and he looked rather blue; so,
+after Sunday School, I asked what the matter was. He said Jerry bothered
+him for some money he lent him at different times when they were loafing
+round together, before we took him up. He wouldn't get any wages for
+some time. The Captain keeps him short on purpose, I guess, and won't
+let him come down town except on Sundays. He didn't want any one to know
+about it, for fear he'd lose his place. So I promised I wouldn't tell.
+Then I was afraid Jerry would go and make a fuss, and Bob would run off,
+or do something desperate, being worried, and I said I'd pay it for him,
+if I could. So he went home pretty jolly, and I scratched 'round for the
+money. Got it, too, and wasn't I glad?"
+
+Jack paused to rub his hands, and Frank said, with more than usual
+respect,
+
+"Couldn't you get hold of Jerry in any other place, and out of school
+time? That did the mischief, thanks to Joe. I thrashed him, Jill--did I
+mention it?"
+
+"I couldn't get all my money till Friday morning, and I knew Jerry was
+off at night. I looked for him before school, and at noon, but couldn't
+find him, so afternoon recess was my last chance. I was bound to do it
+and I didn't mean to break the rule, but Jerry was just going into the
+shop, so I pelted after him, and as it was private business we went to
+the billiard-room. I declare I never was so relieved as when I handed
+over that money, and made him say it was all right, and he wouldn't go
+near Bob. He's off, so my mind is easy, and Bob will be so grateful I
+can keep him steady, perhaps. That will be worth two seventy-five, I
+think," said Jack heartily.
+
+"You should have come to me," began Frank.
+
+"And got laughed at--no, thank you," interrupted Jack, recollecting
+several philanthropic little enterprises which were nipped in the bud
+for want of co-operation.
+
+"To me, then," said his mother. "It would have saved so much trouble."
+
+"I thought of it, but Bob didn't want the big fellows to know for fear
+they'd be down on him, so I thought he might not like me to tell grown
+people. I don't mind the fuss now, and Bob is as kind as he can be.
+Wanted to give me his big knife, but I wouldn't take it. I'd rather have
+this," and Jack put the letter in his pocket with a slap outside, as if
+it warmed the cockles of his heart to have it there.
+
+"Well, it seems rather like a tempest in a teapot, now it is all over,
+but I do admire your pluck, little boy, in holding out so well when
+every one was scolding at you, and you in the right all the time," said
+Frank, glad to praise, now that he honestly could, after his wholesale
+condemnation.
+
+"That is what pulled me through, I suppose. I used to think if I _had_
+done anything wrong, that I couldn't stand the snubbing a day. I should
+have told right off, and had it over. Now, I guess I'll have a good
+report if you do tell Mr. Acton," said Jack, looking at his mother so
+wistfully, that she resolved to slip away that very evening, and make
+sure that the thing was done.
+
+"That will make you happier than anything else, won't it?" asked Jill,
+eager to have him rewarded after his trials.
+
+"There's one thing I like better, though I'd be very sorry to lose my
+report. It's the fun of telling Ed I tried to do as he wanted us to, and
+seeing how pleased he'll be," added Jack, rather bashfully, for the boys
+laughed at him sometimes for his love of this friend.
+
+"I know he won't be any happier about it than someone else, who stood
+by you all through, and set her bright wits to work till the trouble was
+all cleared away," said Mrs. Minot, looking at Jill's contented face, as
+she lay smiling on them all.
+
+Jack understood, and, hopping across the room, gave both the thin hands
+a hearty shake; then, not finding any words quite cordial enough in
+which to thank this faithful little sister, he stooped down and kissed
+her gratefully.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XV. Saint Lucy
+
+
+Saturday was a busy and a happy time to Jack, for in the morning Mr.
+Acton came to see him, having heard the story overnight, and promised
+to keep Bob's secret while giving Jack an acquittal as public as the
+reprimand had been. Then he asked for the report which Jack had bravely
+received the day before and put away without showing to anybody.
+
+"There is one mistake here which we must rectify," said Mr. Acton, as
+he crossed out the low figures under the word "Behavior," and put the
+much-desired 100 there.
+
+"But I did break the rule, sir," said Jack, though his face glowed with
+pleasure, for Mamma was looking on.
+
+"I overlook that as I should your breaking into my house if you saw it
+was on fire. You ran to save a friend, and I wish I could tell those
+fellows why you were there. It would do them good. I am not going to
+praise you, John, but I did believe you in spite of appearances, and
+I am glad to have for a pupil a boy who loves his neighbor better than
+himself."
+
+Then, having shaken hands heartily, Mr. Acton went away, and Jack
+flew off to have rejoicings with Jill, who sat up on her sofa, without
+knowing it, so eager was she to hear all about the call.
+
+In the afternoon Jack drove his mother to the Captain's, confiding to
+her on the way what a hard time he had when he went before, and how
+nothing but the thought of cheering Bob kept him up when he slipped and
+hurt his knee, and his boot sprung a leak, and the wind came up very
+cold, and the hill seemed an endless mountain of mud and snow.
+
+Mrs. Minot had such a gentle way of putting things that she would have
+won over a much harder man than the strict old Captain, who heard the
+story with interest, and was much pleased with the boys' efforts to keep
+Bob straight. That young person dodged away into the barn with Jack, and
+only appeared at the last minute to shove a bag of chestnuts into the
+chaise. But he got a few kind words that did him good, from Mrs. Minot
+and the Captain, and from that day felt himself under bonds to behave
+well if he would keep their confidence.
+
+"I shall give Jill the nuts; and I wish I had something she wanted very,
+very much, for I do think she ought to be rewarded for getting me out of
+the mess," said Jack, as they drove happily home again.
+
+"I hope to have something in a day or two that _will_ delight her very
+much. I will say no more now, but keep my little secret and let it be a
+surprise to all by and by," answered his mother, looking as if she had
+not much doubt about the matter.
+
+"That will be jolly. You are welcome to your secret, Mamma. I've had
+enough of them for one while;" and Jack shrugged his broad shoulders as
+if a burden had been taken off.
+
+In the evening Ed came, and Jack was quite satisfied when he saw how
+pleased his friend was at what he had done.
+
+"I never meant you should take so much trouble, only be kind to Bob,"
+said Ed, who did not know how strong his influence was, nor what a sweet
+example of quiet well-doing his own life was to all his mates.
+
+"I wished to be really useful; not just to talk about it and do nothing.
+That isn't your way, and I want to be like you," answered Jack, with
+such affectionate sincerity that Ed could not help believing him, though
+he modestly declined the compliment by saying, as he began to play
+softly, "Better than I am, I hope. I don't amount to much."
+
+"Yes, you do! and if any one says you don't I'll shake him. I can't tell
+what it is, only you always look so happy and contented--sort of sweet
+and shiny," said Jack, as he stroked the smooth brown head, rather at a
+loss to describe the unusually fresh and sunny expression of Ed's face,
+which was always cheerful, yet had a certain thoughtfulness that made it
+very attractive to both young and old.
+
+"Soap makes him shiny; I never saw such a fellow to wash and brush," put
+in Frank, as he came up with one of the pieces of music he and Ed were
+fond of practising together.
+
+"I don't mean that!" said Jack indignantly. "I wash and brush till you
+call me a dandy, but I don't have the same look--it seems to come from
+the inside, somehow, as if he was always jolly and clean and good in his
+mind, you know."
+
+"Born so," said Frank, rumbling away in the bass with a pair of hands
+that would have been the better for some of the above-mentioned soap,
+for he did not love to do much in the washing and brushing line.
+
+"I suppose that's it. Well, I like it, and I shall keep on trying, for
+being loved by every one is about the nicest thing in the world. Isn't
+it, Ed?" asked Jack, with a gentle tweak of the ear as he put a question
+which he knew would get no answer, for Ed was so modest he could not see
+wherein he differed from other boys, nor believe that the sunshine he
+saw in other faces was only the reflection from his own.
+
+Sunday evening Mrs. Minot sat by the fire, planning how she should tell
+some good news she had been saving up all day. Mrs. Pecq knew it, and
+seemed so delighted that she went about smiling as if she did not know
+what trouble meant, and could not do enough for the family. She was
+downstairs now, seeing that the clothes were properly prepared for the
+wash, so there was no one in the Bird Room but Mamma and the children.
+Frank was reading up all he could find about some Biblical hero
+mentioned in the day's sermon; Jill lay where she had lain for nearly
+four long months, and though her face was pale and thin with the
+confinement, there was an expression on it now sweeter even than health.
+Jack sat on the rug beside her, looking at a white carnation through the
+magnifying glass, while she was enjoying the perfume of a red one as she
+talked to him.
+
+"If you look at the white petals you'll see that they sparkle like
+marble, and go winding a long way down to the middle of the flower
+where it grows sort of rosy; and in among the small, curly leaves, like
+fringed curtains, you can see the little green fairy sitting all alone.
+Your mother showed me that, and I think it is very pretty. I call it a
+'fairy,' but it is really where the seeds are hidden and the sweet smell
+comes from."
+
+Jill spoke softly lest she should disturb the others, and, as she turned
+to push up her pillow, she saw Mrs. Minot looking at her with a smile
+she did not understand.
+
+"Did you speak, 'm?" she asked, smiling back again, without in the least
+knowing why.
+
+"No, dear. I was listening and thinking what a pretty little story one
+could make out of your fairy living alone down there, and only known by
+her perfume."
+
+"Tell it, Mamma. It is time for our story, and that would be a nice one,
+I guess," said Jack, who was as fond of stories as when he sat in his
+mother's lap and chuckled over the hero of the beanstalk.
+
+"We don't have fairy tales on Sunday, you know," began Jill regretfully.
+
+"Call it a parable, and have a moral to it, then it will be all right,"
+put in Frank, as he shut his big book, having found what he wanted.
+
+"I like stories about saints, and the good and wonderful things they
+did," said Jill, who enjoyed the wise and interesting bits Mrs. Minot
+often found for her in grown-up books, for Jill had thoughtful times,
+and asked questions which showed that she was growing fast in mind if
+not in body.
+
+"This is a true story; but I will disguise it a little, and call it 'The
+Miracle of Saint Lucy,'" began Mrs. Minot, seeing a way to tell her good
+news and amuse the children likewise.
+
+Frank retired to the easy-chair, that he might sleep if the tale should
+prove too childish for him. Jill settled herself among her cushions, and
+Jack lay flat upon the rug, with his feet up, so that he could admire
+his red slippers and rest his knee, which ached.
+
+"Once upon a time there was a queen who had two princes."
+
+"Wasn't there a princess?" asked Jack, interested at once.
+
+"No; and it was a great sorrow to the queen that she had no little
+daughter, for the sons were growing up, and she was often very lonely.
+
+"Like Snowdrop's mother," whispered Jill.
+
+"Now, don't keep interrupting, children, or we never shall get on," said
+Frank, more anxious to hear about the boys that were than the girl that
+was not.
+
+"One day, when the princes were out--ahem! we'll say hunting--they found
+a little damsel lying on the snow, half dead with cold, they thought.
+She was the child of a poor woman who lived in the forest--a wild little
+thing, always dancing and singing about; as hard to catch as a squirrel,
+and so fearless she would climb the highest trees, leap broad brooks, or
+jump off the steep rocks to show her courage. The boys carried her home
+to the palace, and the queen was glad to have her. She had fallen and
+hurt herself, so she lay in bed week after week, with her mother to take
+care of her--"
+
+"That's you," whispered Jack, throwing the white carnation at Jill, and
+she threw back the red one, with her finger on her lips, for the tale
+was very interesting now.
+
+"She did not suffer much after a time, but she scolded and cried, and
+could not be resigned, because she was a prisoner. The queen tried to
+help her, but she could not do much; the princes were kind, but they had
+their books and plays, and were away a good deal. Some friends she had
+came often to see her, but still she beat her wings against the bars,
+like a wild bird in a cage, and soon her spirits were all gone, and it
+was sad to see her."
+
+"Where was your Saint Lucy? I thought it was about her," asked Jack,
+who did not like to have Jill's past troubles dwelt upon, since his were
+not.
+
+"She is coming. Saints are not born--they are made after many trials and
+tribulations," answered his mother, looking at the fire as if it
+helped her to spin her little story. "Well, the poor child used to sing
+sometimes to while away the long hours--sad songs mostly, and one among
+them which the queen taught her was 'Sweet Patience, Come.'
+
+"This she used to sing a great deal after a while, never dreaming that
+Patience was an angel who could hear and obey. But it was so; and one
+night, when the girl had lulled herself to sleep with that song, the
+angel came. Nobody saw the lovely spirit with tender eyes, and a voice
+that was like balm. No one heard the rustle of wings as she hovered over
+the little bed and touched the lips, the eyes, the hands of the sleeper,
+and then flew away, leaving three gifts behind. The girl did not know
+why, but after that night the songs grew gayer, there seemed to be more
+sunshine everywhere her eyes looked, and her hands were never tired of
+helping others in various pretty, useful, or pleasant ways. Slowly the
+wild bird ceased to beat against the bars, but sat in its cage and made
+music for all in the palace, till the queen could not do without it,
+the poor mother cheered up, and the princes called the girl their
+nightingale."
+
+"Was that the miracle?" asked Jack, forgetting all about his slippers,
+as he watched Jill's eyes brighten and the color come up in her white
+cheeks.
+
+"That was the miracle, and Patience can work far greater ones if you
+will let her."
+
+"And the girl's name was Lucy?"
+
+"Yes; they did not call her a saint then, but she was trying to be as
+cheerful as a certain good woman she had heard of, and so the queen had
+that name for her, though she did not let her know it for a long time."
+
+"That's not bad for a Sunday story, but there might have been more
+about the princes, seems to me," was Frank's criticism, as Jill lay
+very still, trying to hide her face behind the carnation, for she had
+no words to tell how touched and pleased she was to find that her little
+efforts to be good had been seen, remembered, and now rewarded in this
+way.
+
+"There is more."
+
+"Then the story isn't done?" cried Jack.
+
+"Oh dear, no; the most interesting things are to come, if you can wait
+for them."
+
+"Yes, I see, this is the moral part. Now keep still, and let us have
+the rest," commanded Frank, while the others composed themselves for the
+sequel, suspecting that it was rather nice, because Mamma's sober face
+changed, and her eyes laughed as they looked at the fire.
+
+"The elder prince was very fond of driving dragons, for the people of
+that country used these fiery monsters as horses."
+
+"And got run away with, didn't he?" laughed Jack, adding, with great
+interest, "What did the other fellow do?"
+
+"He went about fighting other people's battles, helping the poor, and
+trying to do good. But he lacked judgment, so he often got into trouble,
+and was in such a hurry that he did not always stop to find out the
+wisest way. As when he gave away his best coat to a beggar boy, instead
+of the old one which he intended to give."
+
+"I say, that isn't fair, mother! Neither of them was new, and the boy
+needed the best more than I did, and I wore the old one all winter,
+didn't I?" asked Jack, who had rather exulted over Frank, and was now
+taken down himself.
+
+"Yes, you did, my dear; and it was not an easy thing for my dandiprat to
+do. Now listen, and I'll tell you how they both learned to be wiser. The
+elder prince soon found that the big dragons were too much for him, and
+set about training his own little one, who now and then ran away with
+him. Its name was Will, a good servant, but a bad master; so he learned
+to control it, and in time this gave him great power over himself, and
+fitted him to be a king over others."
+
+"Thank you, mother; I'll remember my part of the moral. Now give Jack
+his," said Frank, who liked the dragon episode, as he had been wrestling
+with his own of late, and found it hard to manage.
+
+"He had a fine example before him in a friend, and he followed it more
+reasonably till he grew able to use wisely one of the best and noblest
+gifts of God--benevolence."
+
+"Now tell about the girl. Was there more to that part of the story?"
+asked Jack, well pleased with his moral, as it took Ed in likewise.
+
+"That is the best of all, but it seems as if I never should get to it.
+After Patience made Lucy sweet and cheerful, she began to have a curious
+power over those about her, and to work little miracles herself, though
+she did not know it. The queen learned to love her so dearly she could
+not let her go; she cheered up all her friends when they came with their
+small troubles; the princes found bright eyes, willing hands, and a kind
+heart always at their service, and felt, without quite knowing why, that
+it was good for them to have a gentle little creature to care for; so
+they softened their rough manners, loud voices, and careless ways, for
+her sake, and when it was proposed to take her away to her own home they
+could not give her up, but said she must stay longer, didn't they?"
+
+"I'd like to see them saying anything else," said Frank, while Jack sat
+up to demand fiercely,--
+
+"Who talks about taking Jill away?"
+
+"Lucy's mother thought she ought to go, and said so, but the queen told
+her how much good it did them all to have her there, and begged the
+dear woman to let her little cottage and come and be housekeeper in the
+palace, for the queen was getting lazy, and liked to sit and read, and
+talk and sew with Lucy, better than to look after things."
+
+"And she said she would?" cried Jill, clasping her hands in her anxiety,
+for she had learned to love her cage now.
+
+"Yes." Mrs. Minot had no time to say more, for one of the red slippers
+flew up in the air, and Jack had to clap both hands over his mouth to
+suppress the "hurrah!" that nearly escaped. Frank said, "That's good!"
+and nodded with his most cordial smile at Jill who pulled herself up
+with cheeks now as rosy as the red carnation, and a little catch in her
+breath as she said to herself,--
+
+"It's too lovely to be true."
+
+"That's a first-rate end to a very good story," began Jack, with grave
+decision, as he put on his slipper and sat up to pat Jill's hand,
+wishing it was not quite so like a little claw.
+
+"That's not the end;" and Mamma's eyes laughed more than ever as three
+astonished faces turned to her, and three voices cried out,--
+
+"Still more?"
+
+"The very best of all. You must know that, while Lucy was busy for
+others, she was not forgotten, and when she was expecting to lie on her
+bed through the summer, plans were being made for all sorts of pleasant
+changes. First of all, she was to have a nice little brace to support
+the back which was growing better every day; then, as the warm weather
+came on, she was to go out, or lie on the piazza; and by and by, when
+school was done, she was to go with the queen and the princes for a
+month or two down to the sea-side, where fresh air and salt water were
+to build her up in the most delightful way. There, now! isn't that the
+best ending of all?" and Mamma paused to read her answer in the bright
+faces of two of the listeners, for Jill hid hers in the pillow, and lay
+quite still, as if it was too much for her.
+
+"That will be regularly splendid! I'll row you all about--boating is so
+much easier than riding, and I like it on salt water," said Frank, going
+to sit on the arm of the sofa, quite excited by the charms of the new
+plan.
+
+"And I'll teach you to swim, and roll you over the beach, and get
+sea-weed and shells, and no end of nice things, and we'll all come home
+as strong as lions," added Jack, scrambling up as if about to set off at
+once.
+
+"The doctor says you have been doing finely of late, and the brace will
+come to-morrow, and the first really mild day you are to have a breath
+of fresh air. Won't that be good?" asked Mrs. Minot, hoping her story
+had not been too interesting.
+
+"Is she crying?" said Jack, much concerned as he patted the pillow in
+his most soothing way, while Frank lifted one curl after another to see
+what was hidden underneath.
+
+Not tears, for two eyes sparkled behind the fingers, then the hands
+came down like clouds from before the sun, and Jill's face shone out so
+bright and happy it did one's heart good to see it.
+
+"I'm not crying," she said with a laugh which was fuller of blithe music
+than any song she sung. "But it was so splendid, it sort of took my
+breath away for a minute. I thought I wasn't any better, and never
+should be, and I made up my mind I wouldn't ask, it would be so hard for
+any one to tell me so. Now I see why the doctor made me stand up, and
+told me to get my baskets ready to go a-Maying. I thought he was in fun;
+did he really mean I could go?" asked Jill, expecting too much, for a
+word of encouragement made her as hopeful as she had been despondent
+before.
+
+"No, dear, not so soon as that. It will be months, probably, before you
+can walk and run, as you used to; but they will soon pass. You needn't
+mind about May-day; it is always too cold for flowers, and you will
+find more here among your own plants, than on the hills, to fill your
+baskets," answered Mrs. Minot, hastening to suggest something pleasant
+to beguile the time of probation.
+
+"I can wait. Months are not years, and if I'm truly getting well,
+everything will seem beautiful and easy to me," said Jill, laying
+herself down again, with the patient look she had learned to wear, and
+gathering up the scattered carnations to enjoy their spicy breath, as if
+the fairies hidden there had taught her some of their sweet secrets.
+
+"Dear little girl, it has been a long, hard trial for you, but it is
+coming to an end, and I think you will find that it has not been time
+wasted, I don't want you to be a saint quite yet, but I am sure a
+gentler Jill will rise up from that sofa than the one who lay down there
+in December."
+
+"How could I help growing better, when you were so good to me?" cried
+Jill, putting up both arms, as Mrs. Minot went to take Frank's place,
+and he retired to the fire, there to stand surveying the scene with calm
+approval.
+
+"You have done quite as much for us; so we are even. I proved that to
+your mother, and she is going to let the little house and take care of
+the big one for me, while I borrow you to keep me happy and make the
+boys gentle and kind. That is the bargain, and we get the best of it,"
+said Mrs. Minot, looking well pleased, while Jack added, "That's so!"
+and Frank observed with an air of conviction, "We couldn't get on
+without Jill, possibly."
+
+"Can I do all that? I didn't know I was of any use. I only tried to be
+good and grateful, for there didn't seem to be anything else I could
+do," said Jill, wondering why they were all so fond of her.
+
+"No real trying is ever in vain. It is like the spring rain, and flowers
+are sure to follow in good time. The three gifts Patience gave Saint
+Lucy were courage, cheerfulness, and love, and with these one can work
+the sweetest miracles in the world, as you see," and Mrs. Minot pointed
+to the pretty room and its happy inmates.
+
+"Am I really the least bit like that good Lucinda? I tried to be, but I
+didn't think I was," asked Jill softly.
+
+"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."
+
+"Yes, mother."
+
+A cheerful voice gave the three answers, but it cost Merry an effort to
+keep it so, for she had certain little plans of her own which made the
+work before her unusually distasteful. Saturday always was a trying day,
+for, though she liked to see rooms in order, she hated to sweep, as no
+speck escaped Mrs. Grant's eye, and only the good old-fashioned broom,
+wielded by a pair of strong arms, was allowed. Baking was another trial:
+she loved good bread and delicate pastry, but did not enjoy burning her
+face over a hot stove, daubing her hands with dough, or spending hours
+rolling out cookies for the boys; while a "boiled dinner" was her
+especial horror, as it was not elegant, and the washing of vegetables
+was a job she always shirked when she could.
+
+However, having made up her mind to do her work without complaint, she
+ran upstairs to put on her dust-cap, trying to look as if sweeping was
+the joy of her life.
+
+"It is such a lovely day, I did want to rake my garden, and have a walk
+with Molly, and finish my book so I can get another," she said with a
+sigh, as she leaned out of the open window for a breath of the unusually
+mild air.
+
+Down in the ten-acre lot the boys were carting and spreading loam; out
+in the barn her father was getting his plows ready; over the hill rose
+the smoke of the distant factory, and the river that turned the wheels
+was gliding through the meadows, where soon the blackbirds would be
+singing. Old Bess pawed the ground, eager to be off; the gray hens
+were scratching busily all about the yard; even the green things in the
+garden were pushing through the brown earth, softened by April rains,
+and there was a shimmer of sunshine over the wide landscape that made
+every familiar object beautiful with hints of spring, and the activity
+it brings.
+
+Something made the old nursery hymn come into Merry's head, and humming
+to herself,
+
+  "In works of labor or of skill
+  I would be busy too,"
+
+she tied on her cap, shouldered her broom, and fell to work so
+energetically that she soon swept her way through the chambers, down the
+front stairs to the parlor door, leaving freshness and order behind her
+as she went.
+
+She always groaned when she entered that apartment, and got out of it
+again as soon as possible, for it was, like most country parlors, a prim
+and chilly place, with little beauty and no comfort. Black horse-hair
+furniture, very slippery and hard, stood against the wall; the table had
+its gift books, albums, worsted mat and ugly lamp; the mantel-piece its
+china vases, pink shells, and clock that never went; the gay carpet was
+kept distressingly bright by closed shutters six days out of the seven,
+and a general air of go-to-meeting solemnity pervaded the room. Merry
+longed to make it pretty and pleasant, but her mother would allow of no
+change there, so the girl gave up her dreams of rugs and hangings, fine
+pictures and tasteful ornaments, and dutifully aired, dusted, and shut
+up this awful apartment once a week, privately resolving that, if she
+ever had a parlor of her own, it should not be as dismal as a tomb.
+
+The dining-room was a very different place, for here Merry had been
+allowed to do as she liked, yet so gradual had been the change, that she
+would have found it difficult to tell how it came about. It seemed to
+begin with the flowers, for her father kept his word about the "posy
+pots," and got enough to make quite a little conservatory in the
+bay-window, which was sufficiently large for three rows all round, and
+hanging-baskets overhead. Being discouraged by her first failure, Merry
+gave up trying to have things nice everywhere, and contented herself
+with making that one nook so pretty that the boys called it her
+"bower." Even busy Mrs. Grant owned that plants were not so messy as she
+expected, and the farmer was never tired of watching "little daughter"
+as she sat at work there, with her low chair and table full of books.
+
+The lamp helped, also, for Merry set up her own, and kept it so well
+trimmed that it burned clear and bright, shining on the green arch of
+ivy overhead, and on the nasturtium vines framing the old glass, and
+peeping at their gay little faces, and at the pretty young girl, so
+pleasantly that first her father came to read his paper by it, then her
+mother slipped in to rest on the lounge in the corner, and finally the
+boys hovered about the door as if the "settin'-room" had grown more
+attractive than the kitchen.
+
+But the open fire did more than anything else to win and hold them all,
+as it seldom fails to do when the black demon of an airtight stove is
+banished from the hearth. After the room was cleaned till it shone,
+Merry begged to have the brass andirons put in, and offered to keep them
+as bright as gold if her mother would consent. So the great logs were
+kindled, and the flames went dancing up the chimney as if glad to be set
+free from their prison. It changed the whole room like magic, and no
+one could resist the desire to enjoy its cheery comfort. The farmer's
+three-cornered leathern chair soon stood on one side, and mother's
+rocker on the other, as they toasted their feet and dozed or chatted in
+the pleasant warmth.
+
+The boys' slippers were always ready on the hearth; and when the big
+boots were once off, they naturally settled down about the table, where
+the tall lamp, with its pretty shade of pressed autumn leaves, burned
+brightly, and the books and papers lay ready to their hands instead of
+being tucked out of sight in the closet. They were beginning to see
+that "Merry's notions" had some sense in them, since they were made
+comfortable, and good-naturedly took some pains to please her in various
+ways. Tom brushed his hair and washed his hands nicely before he came
+to table. Dick tried to lower his boisterous laughter, and Harry never
+smoked in the sitting-room. Even Roxy expressed her pleasure in seeing
+"things kind of spruced up," and Merry's gentle treatment of the
+hard-working drudge won her heart entirely.
+
+The girl was thinking of these changes as she watered her flowers,
+dusted the furniture, and laid the fire ready for kindling; and, when
+all was done, she stood a minute to enjoy the pleasant room, full of
+spring sunshine, fresh air, and exquisite order. It seemed to give her
+heart for more distasteful labors, and she fell to work at the pies as
+cheerfully as if she liked it.
+
+Mrs. Grant was flying about the kitchen, getting the loaves of brown and
+white bread ready for the big oven. Roxy's voice came up from the cellar
+singing "Bounding Billows," with a swashing and scrubbing accompaniment
+which suggested that she was actually enjoying a "life on the ocean
+wave." Merry, in her neat cap and apron, stood smiling over her work
+as she deftly rolled and clipped, filled and covered, finding a certain
+sort of pleasure in doing it well, and adding interest to it by crimping
+the crust, making pretty devices with strips of paste and star-shaped
+prickings of the fork.
+
+"Good-will giveth skill," says the proverb, and even particular Mrs.
+Grant was satisfied when she paused to examine the pastry with her
+experienced eye.
+
+"You are a handy child and a credit to your bringing up, though I do say
+it. Those are as pretty pies as I'd wish to eat, if they bake well, and
+there's no reason why they shouldn't."
+
+"May I make some tarts or rabbits of these bits? The boys like them,
+and I enjoy modelling this sort of thing," said Merry, who was trying to
+mould a bird, as she had seen Ralph do with clay to amuse Jill while the
+bust was going on.
+
+"No, dear; there's no time for knick-knacks to-day. The beets ought to
+be on this minute. Run and get 'em, and be sure you scrape the carrots
+well."
+
+Poor Merry put away the delicate task she was just beginning to like,
+and taking a pan went down cellar, wishing vegetables could be grown
+without earth, for she hated to put her hands in dirty water. A word of
+praise to Roxy made that grateful scrubber leave her work to poke about
+in the root-cellar, choosing "sech as was pretty much of a muchness,
+else they wouldn't bile even;" so Merry was spared that part of the
+job, and went up to scrape and wash without complaint, since it was for
+father. She was repaid at noon by the relish with which he enjoyed his
+dinner, for Merry tried to make even a boiled dish pretty by arranging
+the beets, carrots, turnips, and potatoes in contrasting colors, with
+the beef hidden under the cabbage leaves.
+
+"Now, I'll rest and read for an hour, then I'll rake my garden, or run
+down town to see Molly and get some seeds," she thought to herself, as
+she put away the spoons and glasses, which she liked to wash, that they
+might always be clear and bright.
+
+"If you've done all your own mending, there's a heap of socks to be
+looked over. Then I'll show you about darning the tablecloths. I do hate
+to have a stitch of work left over till Monday," said Mrs. Grant, who
+never took naps, and prided herself on sitting down to her needle at 3
+P.M. every day.
+
+"Yes, mother;" and Merry went slowly upstairs, feeling that a part of
+Saturday ought to be a holiday after books and work all the week. As she
+braided up her hair, her eye fell upon the reflection of her own face
+in the glass. Not a happy nor a pretty one just then, and Merry was so
+unaccustomed to seeing any other, that involuntarily the frown smoothed
+itself out, the eyes lost their weary look, the drooping lips curved
+into a smile, and, leaning her elbows on the bureau, she shook her head
+at herself, saying, half aloud, as she glanced at Ivanhoe lying near,--
+
+"You needn't look so cross and ugly just because you can't have what you
+want. Sweeping, baking, and darning are not so bad as being plagued
+with lovers and carried off and burnt at the stake, so I won't envy poor
+Rebecca her jewels and curls and romantic times, but make the best of my
+own."
+
+Then she laughed, and the bright face came back into the mirror, looking
+like an old friend, and Merry went on dressing with care, for she
+took pleasure in her own little charms, and felt a sense of comfort in
+knowing that she could always have one pretty thing to look at if she
+kept her own face serene and sweet. It certainly looked so as it bent
+over the pile of big socks half an hour later, and brightened with each
+that was laid aside. Her mother saw it, and, guessing why such wistful
+glances went from clock to window, kindly shortened the task of
+table-cloth darning by doing a good bit herself, before putting it into
+Merry's hands.
+
+She was a good and loving mother in spite of her strict ways, and knew
+that it was better for her romantic daughter to be learning all the
+housewifery lessons she could teach her, than to be reading novels,
+writing verses, or philandering about with her head full of girlish
+fancies, quite innocent in themselves, but not the stuff to live on.
+So she wisely taught the hands that preferred to pick flowers, trim up
+rooms and mould birds, to work well with needle, broom, and rolling-pin;
+put a receipt-book before the eyes that loved to laugh and weep over
+tender tales, and kept the young head and heart safe and happy with
+wholesome duties, useful studies, and such harmless pleasures as girls
+should love, instead of letting them waste their freshness in vague
+longings, idle dreams, and frivolous pastimes.
+
+But it was often hard to thwart the docile child, and lately she had
+seemed to be growing up so fast that her mother began to feel a new sort
+of tenderness for this sweet daughter, who was almost ready to take
+upon herself the cares, as well as triumphs and delights, of maidenhood.
+Something in the droop of the brown head, and the quick motion of the
+busy hand with a little burn on it, made it difficult for Mrs. Grant
+to keep Merry at work that day, and her eye watched the clock almost as
+impatiently as the girl's, for she liked to see the young face brighten
+when the hour of release came.
+
+"What next?" asked Merry, as the last stitch was set, and she stifled a
+sigh on hearing the clock strike four, for the sun was getting low, and
+the lovely afternoon going fast.
+
+"One more job, if you are not too tired for it. I want the receipt for
+diet drink Miss Dawes promised me; would you like to run down and get it
+for me, dear?"
+
+"Yes, mother!" and that answer was as blithe as a robin's chirp, for
+that was just where Merry wanted to go.
+
+Away went thimble and scissors, and in five minutes away went Merry,
+skipping down the hill without a care in the world, for a happy heart
+sat singing within, and everything seemed full of beauty.
+
+She had a capital time with Molly, called on Jill, did her shopping in
+the village, and had just turned to walk up the hill, when Ralph Evans
+came tramping along behind her, looking so pleased and proud about
+something that she could not help asking what it was, for they were
+great friends, and Merry thought that to be an artist was the most
+glorious career a man could choose.
+
+"I know you've got some good news," she said, looking up at him as he
+touched his hat and fell into step with her, seeming more contented than
+before.
+
+"I have, and was just coming up to tell you, for I was sure you would be
+glad. It is only a hope, a chance, but it is so splendid I feel as if I
+must shout and dance, or fly over a fence or two, to let off steam."
+
+"Do tell me, quick; have you got an order?" asked Merry, full of
+interest at once, for artistic vicissitudes were very romantic, and she
+liked to hear about them.
+
+"I may go abroad in the autumn."
+
+"Oh, how lovely!"
+
+"Isn't it? David German is going to spend a year in Rome, to finish a
+statue, and wants me to go along. Grandma is willing, as cousin Maria
+wants her for a long visit, so everything looks promising and I really
+think I may go."
+
+"Won't it cost a great deal?" asked Merry, who, in spite of her little
+elegancies, had a good deal of her thrifty mother's common sense.
+
+"Yes; and I've got to earn it. But I can--I know I can, for I've saved
+some, and I shall work like ten beavers all summer. I won't borrow if
+I can help it, but I know someone who would lend me five hundred if I
+wanted it;" and Ralph looked as eager and secure as if the earning of
+twice that sum was a mere trifle when all the longing of his life was
+put into his daily tasks.
+
+"I wish I had it to give you. It must be so splendid to feel that you
+can do great things if you only have the chance. And to travel, and see
+all the lovely pictures and statues, and people and places in Italy. How
+happy you must be!" and Merry's eyes had the wistful look they always
+wore when she dreamed dreams of the world she loved to live in.
+
+"I am--so happy that I'm afraid it never will happen. If I do go, I'll
+write and tell you all about the fine sights, and how I get on. Would
+you like me to?" asked Ralph, beginning enthusiastically and ending
+rather bashfully, for he admired Merry very much, and was not quite sure
+how this proposal would be received.
+
+"Indeed I should! I'd feel so grand to have letters from Paris and
+Rome, and you'd have so much to tell it would be almost as good as going
+myself," she said, looking off into the daffodil sky, as they paused
+a minute on the hill-top to get breath, for both had walked as fast as
+they talked.
+
+"And will you answer the letters?" asked Ralph, watching the innocent
+face, which looked unusually kind and beautiful to him in that soft
+light.
+
+"Why, yes; I'd love to, only I shall not have anything interesting to
+say. What can I write about?" and Merry smiled as she thought how dull
+her letters would sound after the exciting details his would doubtless
+give.
+
+"Write about yourself, and all the rest of the people I know. Grandma
+will be gone, and I shall want to hear how you get on." Ralph looked
+very anxious indeed to hear, and Merry promised she would tell all
+about the other people, adding, as she turned from the evening peace and
+loveliness to the house, whence came the clatter of milk-pans and the
+smell of cooking,--
+
+"I never should have anything very nice to tell about myself, for I
+don't do interesting things as you do, and you wouldn't care to hear
+about school, and sewing, and messing round at home."
+
+Merry gave a disdainful little sniff at the savory perfume of ham which
+saluted them, and paused with her hand on the gate, as if she found it
+pleasanter out there than in the house. Ralph seemed to agree with her,
+for, leaning on the gate, he lingered to say, with real sympathy in his
+tone and something else in his face, "Yes, I should; so you write and
+tell me all about it. I didn't know you had any worries, for you always
+seemed like one of the happiest people in the world, with so many to pet
+and care for you, and plenty of money, and nothing very hard or hateful
+to do. You'd think you were well off if you knew as much about poverty
+and work and never getting what you want, as I do."
+
+"You bear your worries so well that nobody knows you have them. I ought
+not to complain, and I won't, for I do have all I need. I'm so glad you
+are going to get what you want at last;" and Merry held out her hand to
+say good-night, with so much pleasure in her face that Ralph could not
+make up his mind to go just yet.
+
+"I shall have to scratch round in a lively way before I do get it, for
+David says a fellow can't live on less than four or five hundred a year,
+even living as poor artists have to, in garrets and on crusts. I don't
+mind as long as Grandma is all right. She is away to-night, or I should
+not be here," he added, as if some excuse was necessary. Merry needed no
+hint, for her tender heart was touched by the vision of her friend in
+a garret, and she suddenly rejoiced that there was ham and eggs for
+supper, so that he might be well fed once, at least, before he went away
+to feed on artistic crusts.
+
+"Being here, come in and spend the evening. The boys will like to hear
+the news, and so will father. Do, now."
+
+It was impossible to refuse the invitation he had been longing for, and
+in they went to the great delight of Roxy, who instantly retired to the
+pantry, smiling significantly, and brought out the most elaborate pie in
+honor of the occasion. Merry touched up the table, and put a little vase
+of flowers in the middle to redeem the vulgarity of doughnuts. Of course
+the boys upset it, but as there was company nothing was said, and Ralph
+devoured his supper with the appetite of a hungry boy, while watching
+Merry eat bread and cream out of an old-fashioned silver porringer, and
+thinking it the sweetest sight he ever beheld.
+
+Then the young people gathered about the table, full of the new plans,
+and the elders listened as they rested after the week's work. A pleasant
+evening, for they all liked Ralph, but as the parents watched Merry
+sitting among the great lads like a little queen among her subjects,
+half unconscious as yet of the power in her hands, they nodded to one
+another, and then shook their heads as if they said,--
+
+"I'm afraid the time is coming, mother."
+
+"No danger as long as she don't know it, father."
+
+At nine the boys went off to the barn, the farmer to wind up the
+eight-day clock, and the housewife to see how the baked beans and Indian
+pudding for to-morrow were getting on in the oven. Ralph took up his hat
+to go, saying as he looked at the shade on the tall student lamp,--
+
+"What a good light that gives! I can see it as I go home every night,
+and it burns up here like a beacon. I always look for it, and it hardly
+ever fails to be burning. Sort of cheers up the way, you know, when I'm
+tired or low in my mind."
+
+"Then I'm very glad I got it. I liked the shape, but the boys laughed
+at it as they did at my bulrushes in a ginger-jar over there. I'd been
+reading about 'household art,' and I thought I'd try a little," answered
+Merry, laughing at her own whims.
+
+"You've got a better sort of household art, I think, for you make people
+happy and places pretty, without fussing over it. This room is ever so
+much improved every time I come, though I hardly see what it is except
+the flowers," said Ralph, looking from the girl to the tall calla that
+bent its white cup above her as if to pour its dew upon her head.
+
+"Isn't that lovely? I tried to draw it--the shape was so graceful I
+wanted to keep it. But I couldn't. Isn't it a pity such beautiful things
+won't last forever?" and Merry looked regretfully at the half-faded one
+that grew beside the fresh blossom.
+
+"I can keep it for you. It would look well in plaster. May I?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Thank you, I should like that very much. Take the real one as a
+model--please do; there are more coming, and this will brighten up your
+room for a day or two."
+
+As she spoke, Merry cut the stem, and, adding two or three of the great
+green leaves, put the handsome flower in his hand with so much good-will
+that he felt as if he had received a very precious gift. Then he said
+good-night so gratefully that Merry's hand quite tingled with the grasp
+of his, and went away, often looking backward through the darkness to
+where the light burned brightly on the hill-top--the beacon kindled by
+an unconscious Hero for a young Leander swimming gallantly against wind
+and tide toward the goal of his ambition.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII. Down at Molly's
+
+
+"Now, my dears, I've something very curious to tell you, so listen
+quietly and then I'll give you your dinners," said Molly, addressing the
+nine cats who came trooping after her as she went into the shed-chamber
+with a bowl of milk and a plate of scraps in her hands. She had taught
+them to behave well at meals, so, though their eyes glared and their
+tails quivered with impatience, they obeyed; and when she put the food
+on a high shelf and retired to the big basket, the four old cats sat
+demurely down before her, while the five kits scrambled after her and
+tumbled into her lap, as if hoping to hasten the desired feast by their
+innocent gambols.
+
+Granny, Tobias, Mortification, and Molasses were the elders. Granny, a
+gray old puss, was the mother and grandmother of all the rest. Tobias
+was her eldest son, and Mortification his brother, so named because he
+had lost his tail, which affliction depressed his spirits and cast a
+blight over his young life. Molasses was a yellow cat, the mamma of four
+of the kits, the fifth being Granny's latest darling. Toddlekins, the
+little aunt, was the image of her mother, and very sedate even at that
+early age; Miss Muffet, so called from her dread of spiders, was a timid
+black and white kit; Beauty, a pretty Maltese, with a serene little face
+and pink nose; Ragbag, a funny thing, every color that a cat could be;
+and Scamp, who well deserved his name, for he was the plague of Miss
+Bat's life, and Molly's especial pet.
+
+He was now perched on her shoulder, and, as she talked, kept peeping
+into her face or biting her ear in the most impertinent way, while the
+others sprawled in her lap or promenaded round the basket rim.
+
+"My friends, something very remarkable has happened: Miss Bat is
+cleaning house!" and, having made this announcement, Molly leaned back
+to see how the cats received it, for she insisted that they understood
+all she said to them.
+
+Tobias stared, Mortification lay down as if it was too much for him,
+Molasses beat her tail on the floor as if whipping a dusty carpet, and
+Granny began to purr approvingly. The giddy kits paid no attention, as
+they did not know what house-cleaning meant, happy little dears!
+
+"I thought you'd like it, Granny, for you are a decent cat, and know
+what is proper," continued Molly, leaning down to stroke the old puss,
+who blinked affectionately at her. "I can't imagine what put it into
+Miss Bat's head. I never said a word, and gave up groaning over the
+clutter, as I couldn't mend it. I just took care of Boo and myself, and
+left her to be as untidy as she pleased, and she is a regular old----"
+
+Here Scamp put his paw on her lips because he saw them moving, but it
+seemed as if it was to check the disrespectful word just coming out.
+
+"Well, I won't call names; but what shall I do when I see everything in
+confusion, and she won't let me clear up?" asked Molly, looking round at
+Scamp, who promptly put the little paw on her eyelid, as if the roll of
+the blue ball underneath amused him.
+
+"Shut my eyes to it, you mean? I do all I can, but it is hard, when I
+wish to be nice, and do try; don't I?" asked Molly. But Scamp was ready
+for her, and began to comb her hair with both paws as he stood on his
+hind legs to work so busily that Molly laughed and pulled him down,
+saying, as she cuddled the sly kit.
+
+"You sharp little thing! I know my hair is not neat now, for I've been
+chasing Boo round the garden to wash him for school. Then Miss Bat threw
+the parlor carpet out of the window, and I was so surprised I had to run
+and tell you. Now, what had we better do about it?"
+
+The cats all winked at her, but no one had any advice to offer, except
+Tobias, who walked to the shelf, and, looking up, uttered a deep,
+suggestive yowl, which said as plainly as words, "Dinner first and
+discussion afterward."
+
+"Very well, don't scramble," said Molly, getting up to feed her pets.
+First the kits, who rushed at the bowl and thrust their heads in,
+lapping as if for a wager; then the cats, who each went to one of the
+four piles of scraps laid round at intervals and placidly ate their
+meat; while Molly retired to the basket, to ponder over the phenomena
+taking place in the house.
+
+She could not imagine what had started the old lady. It was not the
+example of her neighbors, who had beaten carpets and scrubbed paint
+every spring for years without exciting her to any greater exertion
+than cleaning a few windows and having a man to clear away the rubbish
+displayed when the snow melted. Molly never guessed that her own efforts
+were at the bottom of the change, or knew that a few words not meant for
+her ear had shamed Miss Bat into action. Coming home from prayer-meeting
+one dark night, she trotted along behind two old ladies who were
+gossiping in loud voices, as one was rather deaf, and Miss Bat was both
+pleased and troubled to hear herself unduly praised.
+
+"I always said Sister Dawes meant well; but she's getting into years,
+and the care of two children is a good deal for her, with her cooking
+and her rheumatiz. I don't deny she did neglect 'em for a spell, but
+she does well by 'em now, and I wouldn't wish to see better-appearing
+children."
+
+"You've no idee how improved Molly is. She came in to see my girls, and
+brought her sewing-work, shirts for the boy, and done it as neat and
+capable as you'd wish to see. She always was a smart child, but dreadful
+careless," said the other old lady, evidently much impressed by the
+change in harum-scarum Molly Loo.
+
+"Being over to Mis Minot's so much has been good for her, and up to Mis
+Grant's. Girls catch neat ways as quick as they do untidy ones, and them
+wild little tykes often turn out smart women."
+
+"Sister Dawes _has_ done well by them children, and I hope Mr. Bemis
+sees it. He ought to give her something comfortable to live on when she
+can't do for him any longer. He can well afford it."
+
+"I haven't a doubt he will. He's a lavish man when he starts to do a
+thing, but dreadful unobserving, else he'd have seen to matters long
+ago. Them children was town-talk last fall, and I used to feel as if it
+was my bounden duty to speak to Miss Dawes. But I never did, fearing I
+might speak too plain, and hurt her feelings."
+
+"You've spoken plain enough now, and I'm beholden to you, though you'll
+never know it," said Miss Bat to herself, as she slipped into her own
+gate, while the gossips trudged on quite unconscious of the listener
+behind them.
+
+Miss Bat was a worthy old soul in the main, only, like so many of us,
+she needed rousing up to her duty. She had got the rousing now, and
+it did her good, for she could not bear to be praised when she had not
+deserved it. She had watched Molly's efforts with lazy interest, and
+when the girl gave up meddling with her affairs, as she called the
+housekeeping, Miss Bat ceased to oppose her, and let her scrub Boo, mend
+clothes, and brush her hair as much as she liked. So Molly had worked
+along without any help from her, running in to Mrs. Pecq for advice, to
+Merry for comfort, or Mrs. Minot for the higher kind of help one often
+needs so much. Now Miss Bat found that she was getting the credit and
+the praise belonging to other people, and it stirred her up to try and
+deserve a part at least.
+
+"Molly don't want any help about her work or the boy: it's too late for
+that; but if this house don't get a spring cleaning that will make it
+shine, my name ain't Bathsheba Dawes," said the old lady, as she
+put away her bonnet that night, and laid energetic plans for a grand
+revolution, inspired thereto not only by shame, but by the hint that
+"Mr. Bemis was a lavish man," as no one knew better than she.
+
+Molly's amazement next day at seeing carpets fly out of window, ancient
+cobwebs come down, and long-undisturbed closets routed out to the great
+dismay of moths and mice, has been already confided to the cats, and as
+she sat there watching them lap and gnaw, she said to herself,--
+
+"I don't understand it, but as she never says much to me about my
+affairs, I won't take any notice till she gets through, then I'll admire
+everything all I can. It is so pleasant to be praised after you've been
+trying hard."
+
+She might well say that, for she got very little herself, and her trials
+had been many, her efforts not always successful, and her reward seemed
+a long way off. Poor Boo could have sympathized with her, for he had
+suffered much persecution from his small schoolmates when he appeared
+with large gray patches on the little brown trousers, where he had worn
+them out coasting down those too fascinating steps. As he could not
+see the patches himself, he fancied them invisible, and came home much
+afflicted by the jeers of his friends. Then Molly tried to make him a
+new pair out of a sack of her own; but she cut both sides for the same
+leg, so one was wrong side out. Fondly hoping no one would observe it,
+she sewed bright buttons wherever they could be put, and sent confiding
+Boo away in a pair of blue trousers, which were absurdly hunchy behind
+and buttony before. He came home heart-broken and muddy, having been
+accidentally tipped into a mud-puddle by two bad boys who felt that such
+tailoring was an insult to mankind. That roused Molly's spirit, and she
+begged her father to take the boy and have him properly fitted out,
+as he was old enough now to be well-dressed, and she wouldn't have him
+tormented. His attention being called to the trousers, Mr. Bemis had a
+good laugh over them, and then got Boo a suit which caused him to be the
+admired of all observers, and to feel as proud as a little peacock.
+
+Cheered by this success, Molly undertook a set of small shirts, and
+stitched away bravely, though her own summer clothes were in a sad
+state, and for the first time in her life she cared about what she
+should wear.
+
+"I must ask Merry, and may be father will let me go with her and her
+mother when they do their shopping, instead of leaving it to Miss
+Bat, who dresses me like an old woman. Merry knows what is pretty and
+becoming: I don't," thought Molly, meditating in the bushel basket, with
+her eyes on her snuff- gown and the dark purple bow at the end of
+the long braid Muffet had been playing with.
+
+Molly was beginning to see that even so small a matter as the choice of
+colors made a difference in one's appearance, and to wonder why Merry
+always took such pains to have a blue tie for the gray dress, a rosy one
+for the brown, and gloves that matched her bonnet ribbons. Merry never
+wore a locket outside her sack, a gay bow in her hair and soiled cuffs,
+a smart hat and the braid worn off her skirts. She was exquisitely neat
+and simple, yet always looked well-dressed and pretty; for her love of
+beauty taught her what all girls should learn as soon as they begin
+to care for appearances--that neatness and simplicity are their best
+ornaments, that good habits are better than fine clothes, and the most
+elegant manners are the kindest.
+
+All these thoughts were dancing through Molly's head, and when she left
+her cats, after a general romp in which even decorous Granny allowed her
+family to play leap-frog over her respectable back, she had made up
+her mind not to have yellow ribbons on her summer hat if she got a pink
+muslin as she had planned, but to finish off Boo's last shirt before she
+went shopping with Merry.
+
+It rained that evening, and Mr. Bemis had a headache, so he threw
+himself down upon the lounge after tea for a nap, with his silk
+handkerchief spread over his face. He did get a nap, and when he waked
+he lay for a time drowsily listening to the patter of the rain, and
+another sound which was even more soothing. Putting back a corner of the
+handkerchief to learn what it was, he saw Molly sitting by the fire with
+Boo in her lap, rocking and humming as she warmed his little bare feet,
+having learned to guard against croup by attending to the damp shoes
+and socks before going to bed. Boo lay with his round face turned up to
+hers, stroking her cheek while the sleepy blue eyes blinked lovingly at
+her as she sang her lullaby with a motherly patience sweet to see. They
+made a pretty little picture, and Mr. Bemis looked at it with pleasure,
+having a leisure moment in which to discover, as all parents do sooner
+or later, that his children were growing up.
+
+"Molly is getting to be quite a woman, and very like her mother,"
+thought papa, wiping the eye that peeped, for he had been fond of the
+pretty wife who died when Boo was born. "Sad loss to them, poor things!
+But Miss Bat seems to have done well by them. Molly is much improved,
+and the boy looks finely. She's a good soul, after all;" and Mr. Bemis
+began to think he had been hasty when he half made up his mind to get
+a new housekeeper, feeling that burnt steak, weak coffee, and ragged
+wristbands were sure signs that Miss Bat's days of usefulness were over.
+
+Molly was singing the lullaby her mother used to sing to her, and her
+father listened to it silently till Boo was carried away too sleepy for
+anything but bed. When she came back she sat down to her work, fancying
+her father still asleep. She had a crimson bow at her throat and one on
+the newly braided hair, her cuffs were clean, and a white apron hid the
+shabbiness of the old dress. She looked like a thrifty little housewife
+as she sat with her basket beside her full of neat white rolls, her
+spools set forth, and a new pair of scissors shining on the table. There
+was a sort of charm in watching the busy needle flash to and fro, the
+anxious pucker of the forehead as she looked to see if the stitches were
+even, and the expression of intense relief upon her face as she surveyed
+the finished button-hole with girlish satisfaction. Her father was wide
+awake and looking at her, thinking, as he did so,--
+
+"Really the old lady has worked well to change my tomboy into that nice
+little girl: I wonder how she did it." Then he gave a yawn, pulled off
+the handkerchief, and said aloud, "What are you making, Molly?" for it
+struck him that sewing was a new amusement.
+
+"Shirts for Boo, sir. Four, and this is the last," she answered, with
+pardonable pride, as she held it up and nodded toward the pile in her
+basket.
+
+"Isn't that a new notion? I thought Miss Bat did the sewing," said Mr.
+Bemis, as he smiled at the funny little garment, it looked so like Boo
+himself.
+
+"No, sir; only yours. I do mine and Boo's. At least, I'm learning how,
+and Mrs. Pecq says I get on nicely," answered Molly, threading her
+needle and making a knot in her most capable way.
+
+"I suppose it is time you did learn, for you are getting to be a great
+girl, and all women should know how to make and mend. You must take a
+stitch for me now and then: Miss Bat's eyes are not what they were,
+I find;" and Mr. Bemis looked at his frayed wristband, as if he
+particularly felt the need of a stitch just then.
+
+"I'd love to, and I guess I could. I can mend gloves; Merry taught me,
+so I'd better begin on them, if you have any," said Molly, much pleased
+at being able to do anything for her father, and still more so at being
+asked.
+
+"There's something to start with;" and he threw her a pair, with nearly
+every finger ripped.
+
+Molly shook her head over them, but got out her gray silk and fell to
+work, glad to show how well she could sew.
+
+"What are you smiling about?" asked her father, after a little pause,
+for his head felt better, and it amused him to question Molly.
+
+"I was thinking about my summer clothes. I must get them before long,
+and I'd like to go with Mrs. Grant and learn how to shop, if you are
+willing."
+
+"I thought Miss Bat did that for you."
+
+"She always has, but she gets ugly, cheap things that I don't like. I
+think I am old enough to choose myself, if there is someone to tell me
+about prices and the goodness of the stuff. Merry does; and she is only
+a few months older than I am."
+
+"How old are you, child?" asked her father, feeling as if he had lost
+his reckoning.
+
+"Fifteen in August;" and Molly looked very proud of the fact.
+
+"So you are! Bless my heart, how the time goes! Well, get what you
+please; if I'm to have a young lady here, I'd like to have her prettily
+dressed. It won't offend Miss Bat, will it?"
+
+Molly's eyes sparkled, but she gave a little shrug as she answered, "She
+won't care. She never troubles herself about me if I let her alone.
+
+"Hey? what? Not trouble herself? If _she_ doesn't, who does?" and Mr.
+Bemis sat up as if this discovery was more surprising than the other.
+
+"I take care of myself and Boo, and she looks after you. The house goes
+any way."
+
+"I should think so! I nearly broke my neck over the parlor sofa in the
+hall to-night. What is it there for?"
+
+Molly laughed. "That's the joke, sir, Miss Bat is cleaning house, and
+I'm sure it needs cleaning, for it is years since it was properly done.
+I thought you might have told her to."
+
+"I've said nothing. Don't like house-cleaning well enough to suggest it.
+I did think the hall was rather dirty when I dropped my coat and took it
+up covered with lint. Is she going to upset the whole place?" asked Mr.
+Bemis, looking alarmed at the prospect.
+
+"I hope so, for I really am ashamed when people come, to have them see
+the dust and cobwebs, and old carpets and dirty windows," said Molly,
+with a sigh, though she never had cared a bit till lately.
+
+"Why don't you dust round a little, then? No time to spare from the
+books and play?"
+
+"I tried, father, but Miss Bat didn't like it, and it was too hard for
+me alone. If things were once in nice order, I think I could keep them
+so; for I do want to be neat, and I'm learning as fast as I can."
+
+"It is high time someone took hold, if matters are left as you say. I've
+just been thinking what a clever woman Miss Bat was, to make such a tidy
+little girl out of what I used to hear called the greatest tomboy in
+town, and wondering what I could give the old lady. Now I find _you_ are
+the one to be thanked, and it is a very pleasant surprise to me."
+
+"Give her the present, please; I'm satisfied, if you like what I've
+done. It isn't much, and I didn't know as you would ever observe any
+difference. But I did try, and now I guess I'm really getting on," said
+Molly, sewing away with a bright color in her cheeks, for she, too,
+found it a pleasant surprise to be praised after many failures and few
+successes.
+
+"You certainly are, my dear. I'll wait till the house-cleaning is
+over, and then, if we are all alive, I'll see about Miss Bat's reward.
+Meantime, you go with Mrs. Grant and get whatever you and the boy need,
+and send the bills to me;" and Mr. Bemis lighted a cigar, as if that
+matter was settled.
+
+"Oh, thank you, sir! That will be splendid. Merry always has pretty
+things, and I know you will like me when I get fixed," said Molly,
+smoothing down her apron, with a little air.
+
+"Seems to me you look very well as you are. Isn't that a pretty enough
+frock?" asked Mr. Bemis, quite unconscious that his own unusual interest
+in his daughter's affairs made her look so bright and winsome.
+
+"This? Why, father, I've worn it all winter, and it's _frightfully_
+ugly, and almost in rags. I asked you for a new one a month ago, and you
+said you'd 'see about it'; but you didn't, so I patched this up as well
+as I could;" and Molly showed her elbows, feeling that such masculine
+blindness as this deserved a mild reproof.
+
+"Too bad! Well, go and get half a dozen pretty muslin and gingham
+things, and be as gay as a butterfly, to make up for it," laughed her
+father, really touched by the patches and Molly's resignation to the
+unreliable "I'll see about it," which he recognized as a household word.
+
+Molly clapped her hands, old gloves and all, exclaiming, with girlish
+delight, "How nice it will seem to have a plenty of new, neat dresses
+all at once, and be like other girls! Miss Bat always talks about
+economy, and has no more taste than a--caterpillar." Molly meant to say
+"cat," but remembering her pets, spared them the insult.
+
+"I think I can afford to dress my girl as well as Grant does his. Get
+a new hat and coat, child, and any little notions you fancy. Miss Bat's
+economy isn't the sort I like;" and Mr. Bemis looked at his wristbands
+again, as if he could sympathize with Molly's elbows.
+
+"At this rate, I shall have more clothes than I know what to do with,
+after being a rag-bag," thought the girl, in great glee, as she bravely
+stitched away at the worst glove, while her father smoked silently for a
+while, feeling that several little matters had escaped his eye which he
+really ought to "see about."
+
+Presently he went to his desk, but not to bury himself in business
+papers, as usual, for, after rummaging in several drawers, he took out
+a small bunch of keys, and sat looking at them with an expression only
+seen on his face when he looked up at the portrait of a dark-eyed woman
+hanging in his room. He was a very busy man, but he had a tender place
+in his heart for his children; and when a look, a few words, a moment's
+reflection, called his attention to the fact that his little girl was
+growing up, he found both pride and pleasure in the thought that this
+young daughter was trying to fill her mother's place, and be a comfort
+to him, if he would let her.
+
+"Molly, my dear, here is something for you," he said; and when she stood
+beside him, added, as he put the keys into her hand, keeping both in his
+own for a minute,--
+
+"Those are the keys to your mother's things. I always meant you to have
+them, when you were old enough to use or care for them. I think you'll
+fancy this better than any other present, for you are a good child, and
+very like her."
+
+Something seemed to get into his throat there, and Molly put her arm
+round his neck, saying, with a little choke in her own voice, "Thank
+you, father, I'd rather have this than anything else in the world, and
+I'll try to be more like her every day, for your sake."
+
+He kissed her, then said, as he began to stir his papers about, "I
+must write some letters. Run off to bed, child. Good-night, my dear,
+good-night."
+
+Seeing that he wanted to be alone, Molly slipped away, feeling that she
+had received a very precious gift; for she remembered the dear, dead
+mother, and had often longed to possess the relics laid away in the one
+room where order reigned and Miss Bat had no power to meddle. As she
+slowly undressed, she was not thinking of the pretty new gowns in which
+she was to be "as gay as a butterfly," but of the half-worn garments
+waiting for her hands to unfold with a tender touch; and when she fell
+asleep, with the keys under her pillow and her arms round Boo, a few
+happy tears on her cheeks seemed to show that, in trying to do the duty
+which lay nearest her, she had earned a very sweet reward.
+
+So the little missionaries succeeded better in their second attempt than
+in their first; for, though still very far from being perfect girls,
+each was slowly learning, in her own way, one of the three lessons all
+are the better for knowing--that cheerfulness can change misfortune into
+love and friends; that in ordering one's self aright one helps others to
+do the same; and that the power of finding beauty in the humblest things
+makes home happy and life lovely.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVIII. May Baskets
+
+
+Spring was late that year, but to Jill it seemed the loveliest she had
+ever known, for hope was growing green and strong in her own little
+heart, and all the world looked beautiful. With the help of the brace
+she could sit up for a short time every day, and when the air was mild
+enough she was warmly wrapped and allowed to look out at the open window
+into the garden, where the gold and purple crocuses were coming bravely
+up, and the snowdrops nodded their delicate heads as if calling to
+her,--
+
+"Good day, little sister, come out and play with us, for winter is over
+and spring is here."
+
+"I wish I could!" thought Jill, as the soft wind kissed a tinge of color
+into her pale cheeks. "Never mind, they have been shut up in a darker
+place than I for months, and had no fun at all; I won't fret, but think
+about July and the seashore while I work."
+
+The job now in hand was May baskets, for it was the custom of the
+children to hang them on the doors of their friends the night before
+May-day; and the girls had agreed to supply baskets if the boys would
+hunt for flowers, much the harder task of the two. Jill had more leisure
+as well as taste and skill than the other girls, so she amused herself
+with making a goodly store of pretty baskets of all shapes, sizes, and
+colors, quite confident that they would be filled, though not a flower
+had shown its head except a few hardy dandelions, and here and there a
+small cluster of saxifrage.
+
+The violets would not open their blue eyes till the sunshine was warmer,
+the columbines refused to dance with the boisterous east wind, the ferns
+kept themselves rolled up in their brown flannel jackets, and little
+Hepatica, with many another spring beauty, hid away in the woods, afraid
+to venture out, in spite of the eager welcome awaiting them. But the
+birds had come, punctual as ever, and the bluejays were screaming in
+the orchard, robins were perking up their heads and tails as they went
+house-hunting, purple finches in their little red hoods were feasting
+on the spruce buds, and the faithful chip birds chirped gayly on the
+grapevine trellis where they had lived all winter, warming their little
+gray breasts against the southern side of the house when the sun shone,
+and hiding under the evergreen boughs when the snow fell.
+
+"That tree is a sort of bird's hotel," said Jill, looking out at the
+tall spruce before her window, every spray now tipped with a soft green.
+"They all go there to sleep and eat, and it has room for every one. It
+is green when other trees die, the wind can't break it, and the snow
+only makes it look prettier. It sings to me, and nods as if it knew I
+loved it."
+
+"We might call it 'The Holly Tree Inn,' as some of the cheap
+eating-houses for poor people are called in the city, as my holly bush
+grows at its foot for a sign. You can be the landlady, and feed your
+feathery customers every day, till the hard times are over," said Mrs.
+Minot, glad to see the child's enjoyment of the outer world from which
+she had been shut so long.
+
+Jill liked the fancy, and gladly strewed crumbs on the window ledge
+for the chippies, who came confidingly to eat almost from her hand.
+She threw out grain for the handsome jays, the jaunty robins, and the
+neighbors' doves, who came with soft flight to trip about on their pink
+feet, arching their shining necks as they cooed and pecked. Carrots
+and cabbage-leaves also flew out of the window for the marauding gray
+rabbit, last of all Jack's half-dozen, who led him a weary life of it
+because they would _not_ stay in the Bunny-house, but undermined the
+garden with their burrows, ate the neighbors' plants, and refused to
+be caught till all but one ran away, to Jack's great relief. This old
+fellow camped out for the winter, and seemed to get on very well among
+the cats and the hens, who shared their stores with him, and he might
+be seen at all hours of the day and night scampering about the place, or
+kicking up his heels by moonlight, for he was a desperate poacher.
+
+Jill took great delight in her pretty pensioners, who soon learned to
+love "The Holly Tree Inn," and to feel that the Bird Room held a caged
+comrade; for, when it was too cold or wet to open the windows, the doves
+came and tapped at the pane, the chippies sat on the ledge in plump
+little bunches as if she were their sunshine, the jays called her in
+their shrill voices to ring the dinner-bell, and the robins tilted on
+the spruce boughs where lunch was always to be had.
+
+The first of May came on Sunday, so all the celebrating must be done on
+Saturday, which happily proved fair, though too chilly for muslin gowns,
+paper garlands, and picnics on damp grass. Being a holiday, the boys
+decided to devote the morning to ball and the afternoon to the flower
+hunt, while the girls finished the baskets; and in the evening our
+particular seven were to meet at the Minots to fill them, ready for the
+closing frolic of hanging on door-handles, ringing bells, and running
+away.
+
+"Now I must do my Maying, for there will be no more sunshine, and I want
+to pick my flowers before it is dark. Come, Mammy, you go too," said
+Jill, as the last sunbeams shone in at the western window where her
+hyacinths stood that no fostering ray might be lost.
+
+It was rather pathetic to see the once merry girl who used to be the
+life of the wood-parties now carefully lifting herself from the couch,
+and, leaning on her mother's strong arm, slowly take the half-dozen
+steps that made up her little expedition. But she was happy, and stood
+smiling out at old Bun skipping down the walk, the gold-edged clouds
+that drew apart so that a sunbeam might give her a good-night kiss as
+she gathered her long-cherished daisies, primroses, and hyacinths to
+fill the pretty basket in her hand.
+
+"Who is it for, my dearie?" asked her mother, standing behind her as
+a prop, while the thin fingers did their work so willingly that not a
+flower was left.
+
+"For My Lady, of course. Who else would I give my posies to, when I love
+them so well?" answered Jill, who thought no name too fine for their
+best friend.
+
+"I fancied it would be for Master Jack," said her mother, wishing the
+excursion to be a cheerful one.
+
+"I've another for him, but _she_ must have the prettiest. He is going to
+hang it for me, and ring and run away, and she won't know who it's from
+till she sees this. She will remember it, for I've been turning and
+tending it ever so long, to make it bloom to-day. Isn't it a beauty?"
+and Jill held up her finest hyacinth, which seemed to ring its pale
+pink bells as if glad to carry its sweet message from a grateful little
+heart.
+
+"Indeed it is; and you are right to give your best to her. Come away
+now, you must not stand any longer. Come and rest while I fetch a dish
+to put the flowers in till you want them;" and Mrs. Pecq turned her
+round with her small Maying safely done.
+
+"I didn't think I'd ever be able to do even so much, and here I am
+walking and sitting up, and going to drive some day. Isn't it nice that
+I'm not to be a poor Lucinda after all?" and Jill drew a long sigh of
+relief that six months instead of twenty years would probably be the end
+of her captivity.
+
+"Yes, thank Heaven! I don't think I _could_ have borne that;" and the
+mother took Jill in her arms as if she were a baby, holding her close
+for a minute, and laying her down with a tender kiss that made the arms
+cling about her neck as her little girl returned it heartily, for all
+sorts of new, sweet feelings seemed to be budding in both, born of great
+joy and thankfulness.
+
+Then Mrs. Pecq hurried away to see about tea for the hungry boys, and
+Jill watched the pleasant twilight deepen as she lay singing to herself
+one of the songs her friend taught her because it fitted her so well.
+
+  "A little bird I am,
+  Shut from the fields of air,
+  And in my cage I sit and sing
+  To Him who placed me there:
+  Well pleased a prisoner to be,
+  Because, my God, it pleases Thee!
+
+  "Naught have I else to do;
+  I sing the whole day long;
+  And He whom most I love to please
+  Doth listen to my song,
+  He caught and bound my wandering wing,
+  But still He bends to hear me sing."
+
+"Now we are ready for you, so bring on your flowers," said Molly to the
+boys, as she and Merry added their store of baskets to the gay show Jill
+had set forth on the long table ready for the evening's work.
+
+"They wouldn't let me see one, but I guess they have had good luck,
+they look so jolly," answered Jill, looking at Gus, Frank, and Jack, who
+stood laughing, each with a large basket in his hands.
+
+"Fair to middling. Just look in and see;" with which cheerful remark Gus
+tipped up his basket and displayed a few bits of green at the bottom.
+
+"I did better. Now, don't all scream at once over these beauties;" and
+Frank shook out some evergreen sprigs, half a dozen saxifrages, and two
+or three forlorn violets with hardly any stems.
+
+"I don't brag, but here's the best of all the three," chuckled Jack,
+producing a bunch of feathery carrot-tops, with a few half-shut
+dandelions trying to look brave and gay.
+
+"Oh, boys, is that all?"
+
+"What _shall_ we do?"
+
+"We've only a few house-flowers, and all those baskets to fill," cried
+the girls, in despair; for Merry's contribution had been small, and
+Molly had only a handful of artificial flowers "to fill up," she said.
+
+"It isn't our fault: it is the late spring. We can't make flowers, can
+we?" asked Frank, in a tone of calm resignation.
+
+"Couldn't you buy some, then?" said Molly, smoothing her crumpled
+morning-glories, with a sigh.
+
+"Who ever heard of a fellow having any money left the last day of the
+month?" demanded Gus, severely.
+
+"Or girls either. I spent all mine in ribbon and paper for my baskets,
+and now they are of no use. It's a shame!" lamented Jill, while Merry
+began to thin out her full baskets to fill the empty ones.
+
+"Hold on!" cried Frank, relenting. "Now, Jack, make their minds easy
+before they begin to weep and wail."
+
+"Left the box outside. You tell while I go for it;" and Jack bolted, as
+if afraid the young ladies might be too demonstrative when the tale was
+told.
+
+"Tell away," said Frank, modestly passing the story along to Gus, who
+made short work of it.
+
+"We rampaged all over the country, and got only that small mess of
+greens. Knew you'd be disgusted, and sat down to see what we could do.
+Then Jack piped up, and said he'd show us a place where we could get
+a plenty. 'Come on,' said we, and after leading us a nice tramp, he
+brought us out at Morse's greenhouse. So we got a few on tick, as we had
+but four cents among us, and there you are. Pretty clever of the little
+chap, wasn't it?"
+
+A chorus of delight greeted Jack as he popped his head in, was promptly
+seized by his elders and walked up to the table, where the box was
+opened, displaying gay posies enough to fill most of the baskets if
+distributed with great economy and much green.
+
+"You are the dearest boy that ever was!" began Jill, with her nose
+luxuriously buried in the box, though the flowers were more remarkable
+for color than perfume.
+
+"No, I'm not; there's a much dearer one coming upstairs now, and he's
+got something that will make you howl for joy," said Jack, ignoring his
+own prowess as Ed came in with a bigger box, looking as if he had done
+nothing but go a Maying all his days.
+
+"Don't believe it!" cried Jill, hugging her own treasure jealously.
+"It's only another joke. I won't look," said Molly, still struggling to
+make her cambric roses bloom again.
+
+"I know what it is! Oh, how sweet!" added Merry, sniffing, as Ed set the
+box before her, saying pleasantly,--
+
+"You shall see first, because you had faith."
+
+Up went the cover, and a whiff of the freshest fragrance regaled the
+seven eager noses bent to inhale it, as a general murmur of pleasure
+greeted the nest of great, rosy mayflowers that lay before them.
+
+"The dear things, how lovely they are!" and Merry looked as if greeting
+her cousins, so blooming and sweet was her own face.
+
+Molly pushed her dingy garlands away, ashamed of such poor attempts
+beside these perfect works of nature, and Jill stretched out her hand
+involuntarily, as she said, forgetting her exotics, "Give me just one to
+smell of, it is so woodsy and delicious."
+
+"Here you are, plenty for all. Real Pilgrim Fathers, right from
+Plymouth. One of our fellows lives there, and I told him to bring me a
+good lot; so he did, and you can do what you like with them," explained
+Ed, passing round bunches and shaking the rest in a mossy pile upon the
+table.
+
+"Ed always gets ahead of us in doing the right thing at the right time.
+Hope you've got some first-class baskets ready for him," said Gus,
+refreshing the Washingtonian nose with a pink blossom or two.
+
+"Not much danger of _his_ being forgotten," answered Molly; and
+every one laughed, for Ed was much beloved by all the girls, and his
+door-steps always bloomed like a flower-bed on May eve.
+
+"Now we must fly round and fill up. Come, boys, sort out the green and
+hand us the flowers as we want them. Then we must direct them, and, by
+the time that is done, you can go and leave them," said Jill, setting
+all to work.
+
+"Ed must choose his baskets first. These are ours; but any of those you
+can have;" and Molly pointed to a detachment of gay baskets, set apart
+from those already partly filled.
+
+Ed chose a blue one, and Merry filled it with the rosiest may-flowers,
+knowing that it was to hang on Mabel's door-handle.
+
+The others did the same, and the pretty work went on, with much fun,
+till all were filled, and ready for the names or notes.
+
+"Let us have poetry, as we can't get wild flowers. That will be rather
+fine," proposed Jill, who liked jingles.
+
+All had had some practice at the game parties, and pencils went briskly
+for a few minutes, while silence reigned, as the poets racked their
+brains for rhymes, and stared at the blooming array before them for
+inspiration.
+
+"Oh, dear! I can't find a word to rhyme to 'geranium,'" sighed Molly,
+pulling her braid, as if to pump the well of her fancy dry.
+
+"Cranium," said Frank, who was getting on bravely with "Annette" and
+"violet."
+
+"That is elegant!" and Molly scribbled away in great glee, for her poems
+were always funny ones.
+
+"How do you spell _anemoly_--the wild flower, I mean?" asked Jill, who
+was trying to compose a very appropriate piece for her best basket, and
+found it easier to feel love and gratitude than to put them into verse.
+
+"Anemone; do spell it properly, or you'll get laughed at," answered Gus,
+wildly struggling to make his lines express great ardor, without being
+"too spoony," as he expressed it.
+
+"No, I shouldn't. This person never laughs at other persons' mistakes,
+as some persons do," replied Jill, with dignity.
+
+Jack was desperately chewing his pencil, for he could not get on at
+all; but Ed had evidently prepared his poem, for his paper was half full
+already, and Merry was smiling as she wrote a friendly line or two for
+Ralph's basket, as she feared he would be forgotten, and knew he loved
+kindness even more than he did beauty.
+
+"Now let's read them," proposed Molly, who loved to laugh even at
+herself.
+
+The boys politely declined, and scrambled their notes into the chosen
+baskets in great haste; but the girls were less bashful. Jill was
+invited to begin, and gave her little piece, with the pink hyacinth
+basket before her, to illustrate her poem.
+
+  "TO MY LADY
+
+  "There are no flowers in the fields,
+  No green leaves on the tree,
+  No columbines, no violets,
+  No sweet anemone.
+  So I have gathered from my pots
+  All that I have to fill
+  The basket that I hang to-night,
+  With heaps of love from Jill."
+
+"That's perfectly sweet! Mine isn't; but I meant it to be funny," said
+Molly, as if there could be any doubt about the following ditty:--
+
+  "Dear Grif,
+  Here is a whiff
+  Of beautiful spring flowers;
+  The big red rose
+  Is for your nose,
+  As toward the sky it towers.
+
+  "Oh, do not frown
+  Upon this crown
+  Of green pinks and blue geranium
+  But think of me
+  When this you see,
+  And put it on your cranium."
+
+"O Molly, you will never hear the last of that if Grif gets it," said
+Jill, as the applause subsided, for the boys pronounced it "tip-top."
+
+"Don't care, he gets the worst of it any way, for there is a pin in that
+rose, and if he goes to smell the mayflowers underneath he will find a
+thorn to pay for the tack he put in my rubber boot. I know he will play
+me some joke to-night, and I mean to be first if I can," answered Molly,
+settling the artificial wreath round the orange- canoe which held
+her effusion.
+
+"Now, Merry, read yours: you always have sweet poems;" and Jill folded
+her hands to listen with pleasure to something sentimental.
+
+"I can't read the poems in some of mine, because they are for you; but
+this little verse you can hear, if you like: I'm going to give that
+basket to Ralph. He said he should hang one for his grandmother, and I
+thought that was so nice of him, I'd love to surprise him with one all
+to himself. He's always so good to us;" and Merry looked so innocently
+earnest that no one smiled at her kind thought or the unconscious
+paraphrase she had made of a famous stanza in her own "little verse."
+
+  "To one who teaches me
+  The sweetness and the beauty
+  Of doing faithfully
+  And cheerfully my duty."
+
+"He will like that, and know who sent it, for none of us have pretty
+pink paper but you, or write such an elegant hand," said Molly, admiring
+the delicate white basket shaped like a lily, with the flowers inside
+and the note hidden among them, all daintily tied up with the palest
+blush- ribbon.
+
+"Well, that's no harm. He likes pretty things as much as I do, and I
+made my basket like a flower because I gave him one of my callas, he
+admired the shape so much;" and Merry smiled as she remembered how
+pleased Ralph looked as he went away carrying the lovely thing.
+
+"I think it would be a good plan to hang some baskets on the doors of
+other people who don't expect or often have any. I'll do it if you can
+spare some of these, we have so many. Give me only one, and let the
+others go to old Mrs. Tucker, and the little Irish girl who has been
+sick so long, and lame Neddy, and Daddy Munson. It would please and
+surprise them so. Will we?" asked Ed, in that persuasive voice of his.
+
+All agreed at once, and several people were made very happy by a bit of
+spring left at their doors by the May elves who haunted the town that
+night playing all sorts of pranks. Such a twanging of bells and
+rapping of knockers; such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll
+collisions as boys came racing round corners, or girls ran into
+one another's arms as they crept up and down steps on the sly; such
+laughing, whistling, flying about of flowers and friendly feeling--it
+was almost a pity that May-day did not come oftener.
+
+Molly got home late, and found that Grif had been before her, after all;
+for she stumbled over a market-basket at her door, and on taking it
+in found a mammoth nosegay of purple and white cabbages, her favorite
+vegetable. Even Miss Bat laughed at the funny sight, and Molly resolved
+to get Ralph to carve her a bouquet out of carrots, beets, and turnips
+for next time, as Grif would never think of that.
+
+Merry ran up the garden-walk alone, for Frank left her at the gate,
+and was fumbling for the latch when she felt something hanging there.
+Opening the door carefully, she found it gay with offerings from her
+mates; and among them was one long quiver-shaped basket of birch bark,
+with something heavy under the green leaves that lay at the top. Lifting
+these, a slender bas-relief of a calla lily in plaster appeared, with
+this couplet slipped into the blue cord by which it was to hang:--
+
+  "That mercy you to others show
+  That Mercy Grant to me."
+
+"How lovely! and this one will never fade, but always be a pleasure
+hanging there. Now, I really have something beautiful all my own," said
+Merry to herself as she ran up to hang the pretty thing on the dark
+wainscot of her room, where the graceful curve of its pointed leaves and
+the depth of its white cup would be a joy to her eyes as long as they
+lasted.
+
+"I wonder what that means," and Merry read over the lines again, while
+a soft color came into her cheeks and a little smile of girlish pleasure
+began to dimple round her lips; for she was so romantic, this touch
+of sentiment showed her that her friendship was more valued than she
+dreamed. But she only said, "How glad I am I remembered him, and how
+surprised he will be to see mayflowers in return for the lily."
+
+He was, and worked away more happily and bravely for the thought of
+the little friend whose eyes would daily fall on the white flower which
+always reminded him of her.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIX. Good Templars
+
+
+"Hi there! Bell's rung! Get up, lazy-bones!" called Frank from his room
+as the clock struck six one bright morning, and a great creaking and
+stamping proclaimed that he was astir.
+
+"All right, I'm coming," responded a drowsy voice, and Jack turned over
+as if to obey; but there the effort ended, and he was off again, for
+growing lads are hard to rouse, as many a mother knows to her sorrow.
+
+Frank made a beginning on his own toilet, and then took a look at his
+brother, for the stillness was suspicious.
+
+"I thought so! He told me to wake him, and I guess this will do it;"
+and, filling his great sponge with water, Frank stalked into the next
+room and stood over the unconscious victim like a stern executioner,
+glad to unite business with pleasure in this agreeable manner.
+
+A woman would have relented and tried some milder means, for when his
+broad shoulders and stout limbs were hidden, Jack looked very young and
+innocent in his sleep. Even Frank paused a moment to look at the round,
+rosy face, the curly eyelashes, half-open mouth, and the peaceful
+expression of a dreaming baby. "I _must_ do it, or he won't be ready for
+breakfast," said the Spartan brother, and down came the sponge, cold,
+wet, and choky, as it was briskly rubbed to and fro regardless of every
+obstacle.
+
+"Come, I say! That's not fair! Leave me alone!" sputtered Jack, hitting
+out so vigorously that the sponge flew across the room, and Frank fell
+back to laugh at the indignant sufferer.
+
+"I promised to wake you, and you believe in keeping promises, so I'm
+doing my best to get you up."
+
+"Well, you needn't pour a quart of water down a fellow's neck, and
+rub his nose off, need you? I'm awake, so take your old sponge and go
+along," growled Jack, with one eye open and a mighty gape.
+
+"See that you keep so, then, or I'll come and give you another sort of a
+rouser," said Frank, retiring well-pleased with his success.
+
+"I shall have one good stretch, if I like. It is strengthening to the
+muscles, and I'm as stiff as a board with all that football yesterday,"
+murmured Jack, lying down for one delicious moment. He shut the open eye
+to enjoy it thoroughly, and forgot the stretch altogether, for the bed
+was warm, the pillow soft, and a half-finished dream still hung about
+his drowsy brain. Who does not know the fatal charm of that stolen
+moment--for once yield to it, and one is lost.
+
+Jack was miles away "in the twinkling of a bedpost," and the pleasing
+dream seemed about to return, when a ruthless hand tore off the clothes,
+swept him out of bed, and he really did awake to find himself standing
+in the middle of his bath-pan with both windows open, and Frank about to
+pour a pail of water over him.
+
+"Hold on! Yah, how cold the water is! Why, I thought I _was_ up;" and,
+hopping out, Jack rubbed his eyes and looked about with such a genuine
+surprise that Frank put down the pail, feeling that the deluge would not
+be needed this time.
+
+"You are now, and I'll see that you keep so," he said, as he stripped
+the bed and carried off the pillows.
+
+"I don't care. What a jolly day!" and Jack took a little promenade to
+finish the rousing process.
+
+"You'd better hurry up, or you won't get your chores done before
+breakfast. No time for a 'go as you please' now," said Frank; and both
+boys laughed, for it was an old joke of theirs, and rather funny.
+
+Going up to bed one night expecting to find Jack asleep, Frank
+discovered him tramping round and round the room airily attired in
+a towel, and so dizzy with his brisk revolutions that as his brother
+looked he tumbled over and lay panting like a fallen gladiator.
+
+"What on earth are you about?"
+
+"Playing Rowell. Walking for the belt, and I've got it too," laughed
+Jack, pointing to an old gilt chandelier chain hanging on the bedpost.
+
+"You little noodle, you'd better revolve into bed before you lose your
+head entirely. I never saw such a fellow for taking himself off his
+legs."
+
+"Well, if I didn't exercise, do you suppose I should be able to do
+that--or that?" cried Jack, turning a somersault and striking a fine
+attitude as he came up, flattering himself that he was the model of a
+youthful athlete.
+
+"You look more like a clothes-pin than a Hercules," was the crushing
+reply of this unsympathetic brother, and Jack meekly retired with a bad
+headache.
+
+"I don't do such silly things now: I'm as broad across the shoulders as
+you are, and twice as strong on my pins, thanks to my gymnastics. Bet
+you a cent I'll be dressed first, though you have got the start,"
+said Jack, knowing that Frank always had a protracted wrestle with his
+collar-buttons, which gave his adversary a great advantage over him.
+
+"Done!" answered Frank, and at it they went. A wild scramble was heard
+in Jack's room, and a steady tramp in the other as Frank worked away at
+the stiff collar and the unaccommodating button till every finger ached.
+A clashing of boots followed, while Jack whistled "Polly Hopkins," and
+Frank declaimed in his deepest voice,
+
+"Arma virumque cano, Trojae qui primus ab oris Italiam, fato profugus,
+Laviniaque venit litora."
+
+Hair-brushes came next, and here Frank got ahead, for Jack's thick crop
+would stand straight up on the crown, and only a good wetting and a
+steady brush would make it lie down.
+
+"Play away, No. 2," called out Frank as he put on his vest, while Jack
+was still at it with a pair of the stiffest brushes procurable for
+money.
+
+"Hold hard, No. 11, and don't forget your teeth," answered Jack, who had
+done his.
+
+Frank took a hasty rub and whisked on his coat, while Jack was picking
+up the various treasures which had flown out of his pockets as he caught
+up his roundabout.
+
+"Ready! I'll trouble you for a cent, sonny;" and Frank held out his hand
+as he appeared equipped for the day.
+
+"You haven't hung up your night-gown, nor aired the bed, nor opened
+the windows. That's part of the dressing; mother said so. I've got you
+there, for you did all that for me, except this," and Jack threw his
+gown over a chair with a triumphant flourish as Frank turned back to
+leave his room in the order which they had been taught was one of the
+signs of a good bringing-up in boys as well as girls.
+
+"Ready! I'll trouble _you_ for a cent, old man;" and Jack held out his
+hand, with a chuckle.
+
+He got the money and a good clap beside; then they retired to the shed
+to black their boots, after which Frank filled the woodboxes and Jack
+split kindlings, till the daily allowance was ready. Both went at their
+lessons for half an hour, Jack scowling over his algebra in the sofa
+corner, while Frank, with his elbows on and his legs round the little
+stand which held his books, seemed to be having a wrestling-match with
+Herodotus.
+
+When the bell rang they were glad to drop the lessons and fall upon
+their breakfast with the appetite of wolves, especially Jack, who
+sequestered oatmeal and milk with such rapidity that one would have
+thought he had a leathern bag hidden somewhere to slip it into, like his
+famous namesake when he breakfasted with the giant.
+
+"I declare I don't see what he does with it! He really ought not to
+'gobble' so, mother," said Frank, who was eating with great deliberation
+and propriety.
+
+"Never you mind, old quiddle. I'm so hungry I could tuck away a bushel,"
+answered Jack, emptying a glass of milk and holding out his plate for
+more mush, regardless of his white moustache.
+
+"Temperance in all things is wise, in speech as well as eating and
+drinking--remember that, boys," said Mamma from behind the urn.
+
+"That reminds me! We promised to do the 'Observer' this week, and here
+it is Tuesday and I haven't done a thing: have you?" asked Frank.
+
+"Never thought of it. We must look up some bits at noon instead of
+playing. Dare say Jill has got some: she always saves all she finds for
+me."
+
+"I have one or two good items, and can do any copying there may be. But
+I think if you undertake the paper you should give some time and labor
+to make it good," said Mamma, who was used to this state of affairs,
+and often edited the little sheet read every week at the Lodge. The boys
+seldom missed going, but the busy lady was often unable to be there, so
+helped with the paper as her share of the labor.
+
+"Yes, we ought, but somehow we don't seem to get up much steam about it
+lately. If more people belonged, and we could have a grand time now and
+then, it would be jolly;" and Jack sighed at the lack of interest felt
+by outsiders in the loyal little Lodge which went on year after year
+kept up by the faithful few.
+
+"I remember when in this very town we used to have a Cold Water Army,
+and in the summer turn out with processions, banners, and bands of music
+to march about, and end with a picnic, songs, and speeches in some grove
+or hall. Nearly all the children belonged to it, and the parents also,
+and we had fine times here twenty-five or thirty years ago."
+
+"It didn't do much good, seems to me, for people still drink, and we
+haven't a decent hotel in the place," said Frank, as his mother sat
+looking out of the window as if she saw again the pleasant sight of old
+and young working together against the great enemy of home peace and
+safety.
+
+"Oh yes, it did, my dear; for to this day many of those children are
+true to their pledge. One little girl was, I am sure, and now has two
+big boys to fight for the reform she has upheld all her life. The
+town is better than it was in those days, and if we each do our part
+faithfully, it will improve yet more. Every boy and girl who joins is
+one gained, perhaps, and your example is the best temperance lecture you
+can give. Hold fast, and don't mind if it isn't 'jolly': it is _right_,
+and that should be enough for us."
+
+Mamma spoke warmly, for she heartily believed in young people's guarding
+against this dangerous vice before it became a temptation, and hoped
+her boys would never break the pledge they had taken; for, young as they
+were, they were old enough to see its worth, feel its wisdom, and pride
+themselves on the promise which was fast growing into a principle.
+Jack's face brightened as he listened, and Frank said, with the steady
+look which made his face manly,--
+
+"It shall be. Now I'll tell you what I was going to keep as a surprise
+till to-night, for I wanted to have my secret as well as other folks.
+Ed and I went up to see Bob, Sunday, and he said he'd join the Lodge, if
+they'd have him. I'm going to propose him to-night."
+
+"Good! good!" cried Jack, joyfully, and Mrs. Minot clapped her hands,
+for every new member was rejoiced over by the good people, who were not
+discouraged by ridicule, indifference, or opposition.
+
+"We've got him now, for no one will object, and it is just the thing for
+him. He wants to belong somewhere, he says, and he'll enjoy the fun, and
+the good things will help him, and we will look after him. The Captain
+was so pleased, and you ought to have seen Ed's face when Bob said, 'I'm
+ready, if you'll have me.'"
+
+Frank's own face was beaming, and Jack forgot to "gobble," he was so
+interested in the new convert, while Mamma said, as she threw down her
+napkin and took up the newspaper,--
+
+"We must not forget our 'Observer,' but have a good one tonight in honor
+of the occasion. There may be something here. Come home early at noon,
+and I'll help you get your paper ready."
+
+"I'll be here, but if you want Frank, you'd better tell him not to
+dawdle over Annette's gate half an hour," began Jack, who could not
+resist teasing his dignified brother about one of the few foolish things
+he was fond of doing.
+
+"Do you want your nose pulled?" demanded Frank, who never would stand
+joking on that tender point from his brother.
+
+"No, I don't; and if I did, you couldn't do it;" with which taunt he was
+off and Frank after him, having made a futile dive at the impertinent
+little nose which was turned up at him and his sweetheart.
+
+"Boys, boys, not through the parlor!" implored Mamma, resigned to
+skirmishes, but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots
+pranced about the table and then went thundering down the hall, through
+the kitchen where the fat cook cheered them on, and Mary, the maid,
+tried to head off Frank as Jack rushed out into the garden. But the
+pursuer ducked under her arm and gave chase with all speed. Then there
+was a glorious race all over the place; for both were good runners, and,
+being as full of spring vigor as frisky calves, they did astonishing
+things in the way of leaping fences, dodging round corners, and making
+good time down the wide walks.
+
+But Jack's leg was not quite strong yet, and he felt that his round nose
+was in danger of a vengeful tweak as his breath began to give out and
+Frank's long arms drew nearer and nearer to the threatened feature. Just
+when he was about to give up and meet his fate like a man, old Bunny,
+who had been much excited by the race, came scampering across the path
+with such a droll skip into the air and shake of the hind legs that
+Frank had to dodge to avoid stepping on him, and to laugh in spite of
+himself. This momentary check gave Jack a chance to bolt up the back
+stairs and take refuge in the Bird Room, from the window of which Jill
+had been watching the race with great interest.
+
+No romping was allowed there, so a truce was made by locking little
+fingers, and both sat down to get their breath.
+
+"I am to go on the piazza, for an hour, by and by, Doctor said. Would
+you mind carrying me down before you go to school, you do it so nicely,
+I'm not a bit afraid," said Jill, as eager for the little change as if
+it had been a long and varied journey.
+
+"Yes, indeed! Come on, Princess," answered Jack, glad to see her so well
+and happy.
+
+The boys made an arm-chair, and away she went, for a pleasant day
+downstairs. She thanked Frank with a posy for his buttonhole, well
+knowing that it would soon pass into other hands, and he departed to
+join Annette. Having told Jill about Bob, and set her to work on the
+"Observer," Jack kissed his mother, and went whistling down the street,
+a gay little bachelor, with a nod and smile for all he met, and no
+turned-up hat or jaunty turban bobbing along beside him to delay his
+steps or trouble his peace of mind.
+
+At noon they worked on their paper, which was a collection of items,
+cut from other papers, concerning temperance, a few anecdotes, a bit of
+poetry, a story, and, if possible, an original article by the editor.
+Many hands make light work, and nothing remained but a little copying,
+which Jill promised to do before night. So the boys had time for a game
+of football after school in the afternoon, which they much enjoyed. As
+they sat resting on the posts, Gus said,--
+
+"Uncle Fred says he will give us a hay-cart ride to-night, as it is
+moony, and after it you are all to come to our house and have games.
+
+"Can't do it," answered Frank, sadly.
+
+"Lodge," groaned Jack, for both considered a drive in the cart, where
+they all sat in a merry bunch among the hay, one of the joys of life,
+and much regretted that a prior engagement would prevent their sharing
+in it.
+
+"That's a pity! I forgot it was Tuesday, and can't put it off, as I've
+asked all the rest. Give up your old Lodge and come along," said Gus,
+who had not joined yet.
+
+"We might for once, perhaps, but I don't like to"--began Jack,
+hesitating.
+
+"_I_ won't. Who's to propose Bob if we don't? I want to go awfully; but
+I wouldn't disappoint Bob for a good deal, now he is willing to come."
+And Frank sprang off his post as if anxious to flee temptation, for it
+_was_ very pleasant to go singing, up hill and down dale, in the spring
+moonlight, with--well, the fellows of his set.
+
+"Nor Ed, I forgot that. No, we can't go. We want to be Good Templars,
+and we mustn't shirk," added Jack, following his brother.
+
+"Better come. Can't put it off. Lots of fun," called Gus, disappointed
+at losing two of his favorite mates.
+
+But the boys did not turn back, and as they went steadily away they felt
+that they _were_ doing their little part in the good work, and making
+their small sacrifices, like faithful members.
+
+They got their reward, however, for at home they found Mr. Chauncey, a
+good and great man, from England, who had known their grandfather, and
+was an honored friend of the family. The boys loved to hear him talk,
+and all tea-time listened with interest to the conversation, for Mr.
+Chauncey was a reformer as well as a famous clergyman, and it was like
+inspiring music to hear him tell about the world's work, and the brave
+men and women who were carrying it on. Eager to show that they had, at
+least, begun, the boys told him about their Lodge, and were immensely
+pleased when their guest took from his pocket-book a worn paper, proving
+that he too was a Good Templar, and belonged to the same army as they
+did. Nor was that all, for when they reluctantly excused themselves,
+Mr. Chauncey gave each a hearty "grip," and said, holding their hands in
+his, as he smiled at the young faces looking up at him with so much love
+and honor in them,--
+
+"Tell the brothers and sisters that if I can serve them in any way while
+here, to command me. I will give them a lecture at their Lodge or in
+public, whichever they like; and I wish you God-speed, dear boys."
+
+Two prouder lads never walked the streets than Frank and Jack as they
+hurried away, nearly forgetting the poor little paper in their haste to
+tell the good news; for it was seldom that such an offer was made the
+Lodge, and they felt the honor done them as bearers of it.
+
+As the secrets of the association cannot be divulged to the uninitiated,
+we can only say that there was great rejoicing over the new member, for
+Bob was unanimously welcomed, and much gratitude both felt and expressed
+for Mr. Chauncey's interest in this small division of the grand army;
+for these good folk met with little sympathy from the great people of
+the town, and it was very cheering to have a well-known and much-beloved
+man say a word for them. All agreed that the lecture should be public,
+that others might share the pleasure with them, and perhaps be converted
+by a higher eloquence than any they possessed.
+
+So the services that night were unusually full of spirit and good cheer;
+for all felt the influence of a friendly word, the beauty of a fine
+example. The paper was much applauded, the songs were very hearty, and
+when Frank, whose turn it was to be chaplain, read the closing prayer,
+every one felt that they had much to give thanks for, since one more had
+joined them, and the work was slowly getting on with unexpected helpers
+sent to lend a hand. The lights shone out from the little hall across
+the street, the music reached the ears of passers-by, and the busy hum
+of voices up there told how faithfully some, at least, of the villagers
+tried to make the town a safer place for their boys to grow up in,
+though the tavern still had its private bar and the saloon-door stood
+open to invite them in.
+
+There are many such quiet lodges, and in them many young people learning
+as these lads were learning something of the duty they owed their
+neighbors as well as themselves, and being fitted to become good men
+and sober citizens by practising and preaching the law and gospel of
+temperance.
+
+The next night Mr. Chauncey lectured, and the town turned out to hear
+the distinguished man, who not only told them of the crime and misery
+produced by this terrible vice which afflicted both England and America,
+but of the great crusade against it going on everywhere, and the need of
+courage, patience, hard work, and much faith, that in time it might
+be overcome. Strong and cheerful words that all liked to hear and many
+heartily believed, especially the young Templars, whose boyish fancies
+were won by the idea of fighting as knights of old did in the famous
+crusades they read about in their splendid new young folks' edition of
+Froissart.
+
+"We can't pitch into people as the Red Cross fellows did, but we can
+smash rum-jugs when we get the chance, and stand by our flag as our men
+did in the war," said Frank, with sparkling eyes, as they went home in
+the moonlight arm in arm, keeping step behind Mr. Chauncey, who led the
+way with their mother on his arm, a martial figure though a minister,
+and a good captain to follow, as the boys felt after hearing his
+stirring words.
+
+"Let's try and get up a company of boys like those mother told us about,
+and show people that we mean what we say. I'll be color-bearer, and you
+may drill us as much as you like. A real Cold Water Army, with flags
+flying, and drums, and all sorts of larks," said Jack, much excited, and
+taking a dramatic view of the matter.
+
+"We'll see about it. Something ought to be done, and perhaps we shall be
+the men to do it when the time comes," answered Frank, feeling ready to
+shoulder a musket or be a minute-man in good earnest.
+
+Boyish talk and enthusiasm, but it was of the right sort; and when time
+and training had fitted them to bear arms, these young knights would be
+worthy to put on the red cross and ride away to help right the wrongs
+and slay the dragons that afflict the world.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XX. A Sweet Memory
+
+
+Now the lovely June days had come, everything began to look really
+summer-like; school would soon be over, and the young people were
+joyfully preparing for the long vacation.
+
+"We are all going up to Bethlehem. We take the seashore one year and the
+mountains the next. Better come along," said Gus, as the boys lay on
+the grass after beating the Lincolns at one of the first matches of the
+season.
+
+"Can't; we are off to Pebbly Beach the second week in July. Our invalids
+need sea air. That one looks delicate, doesn't he?" asked Frank, giving
+Jack a slight rap with his bat as that young gentleman lay in his usual
+attitude admiring the blue hose and russet shoes which adorned his
+sturdy limbs.
+
+"Stop that, Captain! You needn't talk about invalids, when you know
+mother says you are not to look at a book for a month because you
+have studied yourself thin and headachy. I'm all right;" and Jack gave
+himself a sounding slap on the chest, where shone the white star of the
+H.B.B.C.
+
+"Hear the little cockerel crow! you just wait till you get into the
+college class, and see if you don't have to study like fun," said Gus,
+with unruffled composure, for he was going to Harvard next year, and
+felt himself already a Senior.
+
+"Never shall; I don't want any of your old colleges. I'm going into
+business as soon as I can. Ed says I may be his book-keeper, if I am
+ready when he starts for himself. That is much jollier than grinding
+away for four years, and then having to grind ever so many more at a
+profession," said Jack, examining with interest the various knocks and
+bruises with which much ball-playing had adorned his hands.
+
+"Much you know about it. Just as well you don't mean to try, for it
+would take a mighty long pull and strong pull to get you in. Business
+would suit you better, and you and Ed would make a capital partnership.
+Devlin, Minot, & Co. sounds well, hey, Gus?"
+
+"Very, but they are such good-natured chaps, they'd never get rich.
+By the way, Ed came home at noon to-day sick. I met him, and he looked
+regularly knocked up," answered Gus, in a sober tone.
+
+"I told him he'd better not go down Monday, for he wasn't well Saturday,
+and couldn't come to sing Sunday evening, you remember. I must go right
+round and see what the matter is;" and Jack jumped up, with an anxious
+face.
+
+"Let him alone till to-morrow. He won't want any one fussing over him
+now. We are going for a pull; come along and steer," said Frank, for
+the sunset promised to be fine, and the boys liked a brisk row in their
+newly painted boat, the "Rhodora."
+
+"Go ahead and get ready, I'll just cut round and ask at the door. It
+will seem kind, and I must know how Ed is. Won't be long;" and Jack was
+off at his best pace.
+
+The others were waiting impatiently when he came back with slower steps
+and a more anxious face.
+
+"How is the old fellow?" called Frank from the boat, while Gus stood
+leaning on an oar in a nautical attitude.
+
+"Pretty sick. Had the doctor. May have a fever. I didn't go in, but Ed
+sent his love, and wanted to know who beat," answered Jack, stepping to
+his place, glad to rest and cool himself.
+
+"Guess he'll be all right in a day or two;" and Gus pushed off, leaving
+all care behind.
+
+"Hope he won't have typhoid--that's no joke, I tell you," said Frank,
+who knew all about it, and did not care to repeat the experience.
+
+"He's worked too hard. He's so faithful he does more than his share, and
+gets tired out. Mother asked him to come down and see us when he has his
+vacation; we are going to have high old times fishing and boating. Up or
+down?" asked Jack, as they glided out into the river.
+
+Gus looked both ways, and seeing another boat with a glimpse of red in
+it just going round the bend, answered, with decision, "Up, of course.
+Don't we always pull to the bridge?"
+
+"Not when the girls are going down," laughed Jack, who had recognized
+Juliet's scarlet boating-suit as he glanced over his shoulder.
+
+"Mind what you are about, and don't gabble," commanded Captain Frank, as
+the crew bent to their oars and the slender boat cut through the water
+leaving a long furrow trembling behind.
+
+"Oh, ah! I see! There is a blue jacket as well as a red one, so it's all
+right.
+
+  "Lady Queen Anne, she sits in the sun,
+  As white as a lily, as brown as a bun,"
+
+sung Jack, recovering his spirits, and wishing Jill was there too.
+
+"Do you want a ducking?" sternly demanded Gus, anxious to preserve
+discipline.
+
+"Shouldn't mind, its so warm."
+
+But Jack said no more, and soon the "Rhodora" was alongside the "Water
+Witch," exchanging greetings in the most amiable manner.
+
+"Pity this boat won't hold four. We'd put Jack in yours, and take you
+girls a nice spin up to the Hemlocks," said Frank, whose idea of bliss
+was floating down the river with Annette as coxswain.
+
+"You'd better come in here, this will hold four, and we are tired of
+rowing," returned the "Water Witch," so invitingly that Gus could not
+resist.
+
+"I don't think it is safe to put four in there. You'd better change
+places with Annette, Gus, and then we shall be ship-shape," said Frank,
+answering a telegram from the eyes that matched the blue jacket.
+
+"Wouldn't it be _more_ ship-shape still if you put me ashore at Grif's
+landing? I can take his boat, or wait till you come back. Don't care
+what I do," said Jack, feeling himself sadly in the way.
+
+The good-natured offer being accepted with thanks, the changes were
+made, and, leaving him behind, the two boats went gayly up the river. He
+really did not care what he did, so sat in Grif's boat awhile watching
+the red sky, the shining stream, and the low green meadows, where the
+blackbirds were singing as if they too had met their little sweethearts
+and were happy.
+
+Jack remembered that quiet half-hour long afterward, because what
+followed seemed to impress it on his memory. As he sat enjoying the
+scene, he very naturally thought about Ed; for the face of the sister
+whom he saw was very anxious, and the word "fever" recalled the hard
+times when Frank was ill, particularly the night it was thought the boy
+would not live till dawn, and Jack cried himself to sleep, wondering how
+he ever could get on without his brother. Ed was almost as dear to him,
+and the thought that he was suffering destroyed Jack's pleasure for
+a little while. But, fortunately, young people do not know how to be
+anxious very long, so our boy soon cheered up, thinking about the late
+match between the Stars and the Lincolns, and after a good rest went
+whistling home, with a handful of mint for Mrs. Pecq, and played games
+with Jill as merrily as if there was no such thing as care in the world.
+
+Next day Ed was worse, and for a week the answer was the same, when Jack
+crept to the back door with his eager question.
+
+Others came also, for the dear boy lying upstairs had friends
+everywhere, and older neighbors thought of him even more anxiously and
+tenderly than his mates. It was not fever, but some swifter trouble, for
+when Saturday night came, Ed had gone home to a longer and more peaceful
+Sabbath than any he had ever known in this world.
+
+Jack had been there in the afternoon, and a kind message had come down
+to him that his friend was not suffering so much, and he had gone away,
+hoping, in his boyish ignorance, that all danger was over. An hour later
+he was reading in the parlor, having no heart for play, when Frank came
+in with a look upon his face which would have prepared Jack for the news
+if he had seen it. But he did not look up, and Frank found it so hard to
+speak, that he lingered a moment at the piano, as he often did when
+he came home. It stood open, and on the rack was the "Jolly Brothers'
+Galop," which he had been learning to play with Ed. Big boy as he was,
+the sudden thought that never again would they sit shoulder to shoulder,
+thundering the marches or singing the songs both liked so well, made his
+eyes fill as he laid away the music, and shut the instrument, feeling as
+if he never wanted to touch it again. Then he went and sat down beside
+Jack with an arm round his neck, trying to steady his voice by a natural
+question before he told the heavy news.
+
+"What are you reading, Jacky?"
+
+The unusual caress, the very gentle tone, made Jack look up, and the
+minute he saw Frank's face he knew the truth.
+
+"Is Ed----?" he could not say the hard word, and Frank could only answer
+by a nod as he winked fast, for the tears would come. Jack said no more,
+but as the book dropped from his knee he hid his face in the sofa-pillow
+and lay quite still, not crying, but trying to make it seem true that
+his dear Ed had gone away for ever. He could not do it, and presently
+turned his head a little to say, in a despairing tone,--
+
+"I don't see what I _shall_ do without him!"
+
+"I know it's hard for you. It is for all of us."
+
+"You've got Gus, but now I haven't anybody. Ed was always so good to
+me!" and with the name so many tender recollections came, that poor Jack
+broke down in spite of his manful attempts to smother the sobs in the
+red pillow.
+
+There was an unconscious reproach in the words, Frank thought; for
+he was not as gentle as Ed, and he did not wonder that Jack loved and
+mourned for the lost friend like a brother.
+
+"You've got me. I'll be good to you; cry if you want to, I don't mind."
+
+There was such a sympathetic choke in Frank's voice that Jack felt
+comforted at once, and when he had had his cry out, which was very soon,
+he let Frank pull him up with a bear-like but affectionate hug, and sat
+leaning on him as they talked about their loss, both feeling that there
+might have been a greater one, and resolving to love one another very
+much hereafter.
+
+Mrs. Minot often called Frank the "father-boy," because he was now the
+head of the house, and a sober, reliable fellow for his years. Usually
+he did not show much affection except to her, for, as he once said, "I
+shall never be too old to kiss my mother," and she often wished that he
+had a little sister, to bring out the softer side of his character. He
+domineered over Jack and laughed at his affectionate little ways, but
+now when trouble came, he was as kind and patient as a girl; and
+when Mamma came in, having heard the news, she found her "father-boy"
+comforting his brother so well that she slipped away without a word,
+leaving them to learn one of the sweet lessons sorrow teaches--to lean
+on one another, and let each trial bring them closer together.
+
+It is often said that there should be no death or grief in children's
+stories. It is not wise to dwell on the dark and sad side of these
+things; but they have also a bright and lovely side, and since even the
+youngest, dearest, and most guarded child cannot escape some knowledge
+of the great mystery, is it not well to teach them in simple, cheerful
+ways that affection sweetens sorrow, and a lovely life can make death
+beautiful? I think so, therefore try to tell the last scene in the
+history of a boy who really lived and really left behind him a memory so
+precious that it will not be soon forgotten by those who knew and loved
+him. For the influence of this short life was felt by many, and even
+this brief record of it may do for other children what the reality did
+for those who still lay flowers on his grave, and try to be "as good as
+Eddy."
+
+Few would have thought that the death of a quiet lad of seventeen
+would have been so widely felt, so sincerely mourned; but virtue, like
+sunshine, works its own sweet miracles, and when it was known that never
+again would the bright face be seen in the village streets, the cheery
+voice heard, the loving heart felt in any of the little acts which so
+endeared Ed Devlin to those about him, it seemed as if young and old
+grieved alike for so much promise cut off in its spring-time. This was
+proved at the funeral, for, though it took place at the busy hour of a
+busy day, men left their affairs, women their households, young people
+their studies and their play, and gave an hour to show their affection,
+respect, and sympathy for those who had lost so much.
+
+The girls had trimmed the church with all the sweetest flowers they
+could find, and garlands of lilies of the valley robbed the casket of
+its mournful look. The boys had brought fresh boughs to make the grave
+a green bed for their comrade's last sleep. Now they were all gathered
+together, and it was a touching sight to see the rows of young faces
+sobered and saddened by their first look at sorrow. The girls sobbed,
+and the boys set their lips tightly as their glances fell upon the
+lilies under which the familiar face lay full of solemn peace. Tears
+dimmed older eyes when the hymn the dead boy loved was sung, and the
+pastor told with how much pride and pleasure he had watched the gracious
+growth of this young parishioner since he first met the lad of twelve
+and was attracted by the shining face, the pleasant manners. Dutiful
+and loving; ready to help; patient to bear and forbear; eager to excel;
+faithful to the smallest task, yet full of high ambitions; and, better
+still, possessing the childlike piety that can trust and believe, wait
+and hope. Good and happy--the two things we all long for and so few of
+us truly are. This he was, and this single fact was the best eulogy his
+pastor could pronounce over the beloved youth gone to a nobler manhood
+whose promise left so sweet a memory behind.
+
+As the young people looked, listened, and took in the scene, they felt
+as if some mysterious power had changed their playmate from a creature
+like themselves into a sort of saint or hero for them to look up to, and
+imitate if they could. "What has he done, to be so loved, praised, and
+mourned?" they thought, with a tender sort of wonder; and the answer
+seemed to come to them as never before, for never had they been brought
+so near the solemn truth of life and death. "It was not what he did but
+what he was that made him so beloved. All that was sweet and noble in
+him still lives; for goodness is the only thing we can take with us when
+we die, the only thing that can comfort those we leave behind, and help
+us to meet again hereafter."
+
+This feeling was in many hearts when they went away to lay him, with
+prayer and music, under the budding oak that leaned over his grave,
+a fit emblem of the young life just beginning its new spring. As the
+children did their part, the beauty of the summer day soothed their
+sorrow, and something of the soft brightness of the June sunshine seemed
+to gild their thoughts, as it gilded the flower-strewn mound they left
+behind. The true and touching words spoken cheered as well as impressed
+them, and made them feel that their friend was not lost but gone on
+into a higher class of the great school whose Master is eternal love
+and wisdom. So the tears soon dried, and the young faces looked up like
+flowers after rain. But the heaven-sent shower sank into the earth, and
+they were the stronger, sweeter for it, more eager to make life brave
+and beautiful, because death had gently shown them what it should be.
+
+When the boys came home they found their mother already returned, and
+Jill upon the parlor sofa listening to her account of the funeral with
+the same quiet, hopeful look which their own faces wore; for somehow the
+sadness seemed to have gone, and a sort of Sunday peace remained.
+
+"I'm glad it was all so sweet and pleasant. Come and rest, you look
+so tired;" and Jill held out her hands to greet them--a crumpled
+handkerchief in one and a little bunch of fading lilies in the other.
+
+Jack sat down in the low chair beside her and leaned his head against
+the arm of the sofa, for he was tired. But Frank walked slowly up and
+down the long rooms with a serious yet serene look on his face, for he
+felt as if he had learned something that day, and would always be the
+better for it. Presently he said, stopping before his mother, who leaned
+in the easy-chair looking up at the picture of her boys' father,--
+
+"I should like to have just such things said about me when I die."
+
+"So should I, if I deserved them as Ed did!" cried Jack, earnestly.
+
+"You may if you try. I should be proud to hear them, and if they were
+true, they would comfort me more than anything else. I am glad you see
+the lovely side of sorrow, and are learning the lesson such losses teach
+us," answered their mother, who believed in teaching young people to
+face trouble bravely, and find the silver lining in the clouds that come
+to all of us.
+
+"I never thought much about it before, but now dying doesn't seem
+dreadful at all--only solemn and beautiful. Somehow everybody seems to
+love everybody else more for it, and try to be kind and good and pious.
+I can't say what I mean, but you know, mother;" and Frank went pacing
+on again with the bright look his eyes always wore when he listened to
+music or read of some noble action.
+
+"That's what Merry said when she and Molly came in on their way home.
+But Molly felt dreadfully, and so did Mabel. She brought me these
+flowers to press, for we are all going to keep some to remember dear Ed
+by," said Jill, carefully smoothing out the little bells as she laid the
+lilies in her hymn-book, for she too had had a thoughtful hour while she
+lay alone, imagining all that went on in the church, and shedding a few
+tender tears over the friend who was always so kind to her.
+
+"I don't want anything to remember him by. I was so fond of him, I
+couldn't forget if I tried. I know I ought not to say it, but I _don't_
+see why God let him die," said Jack, with a quiver in his voice, for his
+loving heart could not help aching still.
+
+"No, dear, we cannot see or know many things that grieve us very much,
+but we _can_ trust that it is right, and try to believe that all is
+meant for our good. That is what faith means, and without it we are
+miserable. When you were little, you were afraid of the dark, but if I
+spoke or touched you, then you were sure all was well, and fell asleep
+holding my hand. God is wiser and stronger than any father or mother,
+so hold fast to Him, and you will have no doubt or fear, however dark it
+seems."
+
+"As you do," said Jack, going to sit on the arm of Mamma's chair, with
+his cheek to hers, willing to trust as she bade him, but glad to hold
+fast the living hand that had led and comforted him all his life.
+
+"Ed used to say to me when I fretted about getting well, and thought
+nobody cared for me, which was very naughty, 'Don't be troubled, God
+won't forget you; and if you must be lame, He will make you able to
+bear it,'" said Jill, softly, her quick little mind all alive with new
+thoughts and feelings.
+
+"He believed it, and that's why he liked that hymn so much. I'm glad
+they sung it to-day," said Frank, bringing his heavy dictionary to lay
+on the book where the flowers were pressing.
+
+"Oh, thank you! Could you play that tune for me? I didn't hear it, and
+I'd love to, if you are willing," asked Jill.
+
+"I didn't think I ever should want to play again, but I do. Will you
+sing it for her, mother? I'm afraid I shall break down if I try alone."
+
+"We will all sing, music is good for us now," said Mamma; and in rather
+broken voices they did sing Ed's favorite words:--
+
+  "Not a sparrow falleth but its God doth know,
+  Just as when his mandate lays a monarch low;
+  Not a leaflet moveth, but its God doth see,
+  Think not, then, O mortal, God forgetteth thee.
+  Far more precious surely than the birds that fly
+  Is a Father's image to a Father's eye.
+  E'en thy hairs are numbered; trust Him full and free,
+  Cast thy cares before Him, He will comfort thee;
+  For the God that planted in thy breast a soul,
+  On his sacred tables doth thy name enroll.
+  Cheer thine heart, then, mortal, never faithless be,
+  He that marks the sparrows will remember thee."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXI. Pebbly Beach
+
+
+"Now, Mr. Jack, it is a moral impossibility to get all those things into
+one trunk, and you mustn't ask it of me," said Mrs. Pecq, in a tone of
+despair, as she surveyed the heap of treasures she was expected to pack
+for the boys.
+
+"Never mind the clothes, we only want a boating-suit apiece. Mamma can
+put a few collars in her trunk for us; but these necessary things _must_
+go," answered Jack, adding his target and air-pistol to the pile of
+bats, fishing-tackle, games, and a choice collection of shabby balls.
+
+"Those are the necessaries and clothes the luxuries, are they? Why don't
+you add a velocipede, wheelbarrow, and printing-press, my dear?" asked
+Mrs. Pecq, while Jill turned up her nose at "boys' rubbish."
+
+"Wish I could. Dare say we shall want them. Women don't know what
+fellows need, and always must put in a lot of stiff shirts and clean
+handkerchiefs and clothes-brushes and pots of cold cream. We are going
+to rough it, and don't want any fuss and feathers," said Jack, beginning
+to pack the precious balls in his rubber boots, and strap them up with
+the umbrellas, rods, and bats, seeing that there was no hope of a place
+in the trunk.
+
+Here Frank came in with two big books, saying calmly, "Just slip these
+in somewhere, we shall need them."
+
+"But you are not to study at all, so you won't want those great
+dictionaries," cried Jill, busily packing her new travelling-basket with
+all sorts of little rolls, bags, and boxes.
+
+"They are not dics, but my Encyclopedia. We shall want to know heaps
+of things, and this tells about everything. With those books, and a
+microscope and a telescope, you could travel round the world, and learn
+all you wanted to. Can't possibly get on without them," said Frank,
+fondly patting his favorite work.
+
+"My patience! What queer cattle boys are!" exclaimed Mrs. Pecq, while
+they all laughed. "It can't be done, Mr. Frank; all the boxes are brim
+full, and you'll have to leave those fat books behind, for there's no
+place anywhere."
+
+"Then I'll carry them myself;" and Frank tucked one under each arm, with
+a determined air, which settled the matter.
+
+"I suppose you'll study cockleology instead of boating, and read up
+on polywogs while we play tennis, or go poking round with your old
+spy-glass instead of having a jolly good time," said Jack, hauling away
+on the strap till all was taut and ship-shape with the bundle.
+
+"Tadpoles don't live in salt water, my son, and if you mean conchology,
+you'd better say so. I shall play as much as I wish, and when I want to
+know about any new or curious thing, I shall consult my Cyclo, instead
+of bothering other people with questions, or giving it up like a dunce;"
+with which crushing reply Frank departed, leaving Jill to pack and
+unpack her treasures a dozen times, and Jack to dance jigs on the lids
+of the trunks till they would shut.
+
+A very happy party set off the next day, leaving Mrs. Pecq waving her
+apron on the steps. Mrs. Minot carried the lunch, Jack his precious
+bundle with trifles dropping out by the way, and Jill felt very elegant
+bearing her new basket with red worsted cherries bobbing on the outside.
+Frank actually did take the Encyclopedia, done up in the roll of shawls,
+and whenever the others wondered about anything--tides, lighthouses,
+towns, or natural productions--he brought forth one of the books and
+triumphantly read therefrom, to the great merriment, if not edification,
+of his party.
+
+A very short trip by rail and the rest of the journey by boat, to Jill's
+great contentment, for she hated to be shut up; and while the lads roved
+here and there she sat under the awning, too happy to talk. But Mrs.
+Minot watched with real satisfaction how the fresh wind blew the color
+back into the pale cheeks, how the eyes shone and the heart filled with
+delight at seeing the lovely world again, and being able to take a share
+in its active pleasures.
+
+The Willows was a long, low house close to the beach, and as full as a
+beehive of pleasant people, all intent on having a good time. A great
+many children were swarming about, and Jill found it impossible to sleep
+after her journey, there was such a lively clatter of tongues on the
+piazzas, and so many feet going to and fro in the halls. She lay down
+obediently while Mrs. Minot settled matters in the two airy rooms and
+gave her some dinner, but she kept popping up her head to look out of
+the window to see what she could see. Just opposite stood an artist's
+cottage and studio, with all manner of charming galleries, towers,
+steps, and even a sort of drawbridge to pull up when the painter wished
+to be left in peace. He was absent now, and the visitors took possession
+of this fine play-place. Children were racing up and down the galleries,
+ladies sitting in the tower, boys disporting themselves on the roof, and
+young gentlemen preparing for theatricals in the large studio.
+
+"What fun I'll have over there," thought Jill, watching the merry scene
+with intense interest, and wondering if the little girls she saw were as
+nice as Molly and Merry.
+
+Then there were glimpses of the sea beyond the green bank where a path
+wound along to the beach, whence came the cool dash of waves, and now
+and then the glimmer of a passing sail.
+
+"Oh, when can I go out? It looks _so_ lovely, I can't wait long," she
+said, looking as eager as a little gull shut up in a cage and pining for
+its home on the wide ocean.
+
+"As soon as it is a little cooler, dear, I'm getting ready for our trip,
+but we must be careful and not do too much at once. 'Slow and sure' is
+our motto," answered Mrs. Minot, busily collecting the camp-stools, the
+shawls, the air-cushions, and the big parasols.
+
+"I'll be good, only do let me have my sailor-hat to wear, and my new
+suit. I'm not a bit tired, and I do want to be like other folks right
+off," said Jill, who had been improving rapidly of late, and felt much
+elated at being able to drive out nearly every day, to walk a little,
+and sit up some hours without any pain or fatigue.
+
+To gratify her, the blue flannel suit with its white trimming was put
+on, and Mamma was just buttoning the stout boots when Jack thundered at
+the door, and burst in with all sorts of glorious news.
+
+"Do come out, mother, it's perfectly splendid on the beach! I've found
+a nice place for Jill to sit, and it's only a step. Lots of capital
+fellows here; one has a bicycle, and is going to teach us to ride. No
+end of fun up at the hotel, and every one seems glad to see us. Two
+ladies asked about Jill, and one of the girls has got some shells all
+ready for her, Gerty Somebody, and her mother is so pretty and jolly,
+I like her ever so much. They sit at our table, and Wally is the
+boy, younger than I am, but very pleasant. Bacon is the fellow in
+knickerbockers; just wish you could see what stout legs he's got! Cox
+is the chap for me, though: we are going fishing to-morrow. He's got a
+sweet-looking mother, and a sister for you, Jill. Now, then, _do_ come
+on, I'll take the traps."
+
+Off they went, and Jill thought that very short walk to the shore the
+most delightful she ever took; for people smiled at the little invalid
+as she went slowly by leaning on Mrs. Minot's arm, while Jack pranced in
+front, doing the honors, as if he owned the whole Atlantic. A new world
+opened to her eyes as they came out upon the pebbly beach full of people
+enjoying their afternoon promenade. Jill save one rapturous "Oh!" and
+then sat on her stool, forgetting everything but the beautiful blue
+ocean rolling away to meet the sky, with nothing to break the wide
+expanse but a sail here and there, a point of rocks on one hand, the
+little pier on the other, and white gulls skimming by on their wide
+wings.
+
+While she sat enjoying herself, Jack showed his mother the place he had
+found, and a very nice one it was. Just under the green bank lay an old
+boat propped up with some big stones. A willow drooped over it, the tide
+rippled up within a few yards of it, and a fine view of the waves could
+be seen as they dashed over the rocks at the point.
+
+"Isn't it a good cubby-house? Ben Cox and I fixed it for Jill, and she
+can have it for hers. Put her cushions and things there on the sand the
+children have thrown in--that will make it soft; then these seats will
+do for tables; and up in the bow I'm going to have that old rusty tin
+boiler full of salt-water, so she can put seaweed and crabs and all
+sorts of chaps in it for an aquarium, you know," explained Jack, greatly
+interested in establishing his family comfortably before he left them.
+
+"There couldn't be a nicer place, and it is very kind of you to get it
+ready. Spread the shawls and settle Jill, then you needn't think of us
+any more, but go and scramble with Frank. I see him over there with his
+spy-glass and some pleasant-looking boys," said Mamma, bustling about in
+great spirits.
+
+So the red cushions were placed, the plaids laid, and the little
+work-basket set upon the seat, all ready for Jill, who was charmed with
+her nest, and cuddled down under the big parasol, declaring she would
+keep house there every day.
+
+Even the old boiler pleased her, and Jack raced over the beach to begin
+his search for inhabitants for the new aquarium, leaving Jill to make
+friends with some pretty babies digging in the sand, while Mamma sat on
+the camp-stool and talked with a friend from Harmony Village.
+
+It seemed as if there could not be anything more delightful than to lie
+there lulled by the sound of the sea, watching the sunset and listening
+to the pleasant babble of little voices close by. But when they went to
+tea in the great hall, with six tables full of merry people, and half a
+dozen maids flying about, Jill thought that was even better, because it
+was so new to her. Gerty and Wally nodded to her, and their pretty mamma
+was so kind and so gay, that Jill could not feel bashful after the first
+few minutes, and soon looked about her, sure of seeing friendly faces
+everywhere. Frank and Jack ate as if the salt air had already improved
+their appetites, and talked about Bacon and Cox as if they had been
+bosom friends for years. Mamma was as happy as they, for her friend,
+Mrs. Hammond, sat close by; and this rosy lady, who had been a
+physician, cheered her up by predicting that Jill would soon be running
+about as well as ever.
+
+But the best of all was in the evening, when the elder people gathered
+in the parlors and played Twenty Questions, while the children looked
+on for an hour before going to bed, much amused at the sight of grown
+people laughing, squabbling, dodging, and joking as if they had all
+become young again; for, as every one knows, it is impossible to help
+lively skirmishes when that game is played. Jill lay in the sofa corner
+enjoying it all immensely; for she never saw anything so droll, and
+found it capital fun to help guess the thing, or try to puzzle the
+opposite side. Her quick wits and bright face attracted people, and
+in the pauses of the sport she held quite a levee, for everybody was
+interested in the little invalid. The girls shyly made friends in their
+own way, the mammas told thrilling tales of the accidents their darlings
+had survived, several gentlemen kindly offered their boats, and the
+boys, with the best intentions in life, suggested strolls of two or
+three miles to Rafe's Chasm and Norman's Woe, or invited her to tennis
+and archery, as if violent exercise was the cure for all human ills. She
+was very grateful, and reluctantly went away to bed, declaring, when she
+got upstairs, that these new friends were the dearest people she ever
+met, and the Willows the most delightful place in the whole world.
+
+Next day a new life began for the young folks--a very healthy, happy
+life; and all threw themselves into it so heartily, that it was
+impossible to help getting great good from it, for these summer weeks,
+if well spent, work miracles in tired bodies and souls. Frank took a
+fancy to the bicycle boy, and, being able to hire one of the breakneck
+articles, soon learned to ride it; and the two might be seen wildly
+working their long legs on certain smooth stretches of road, or getting
+up their muscle rowing about the bay till they were almost as brown and
+nautical in appearance and language as the fishermen who lived in nooks
+and corners along the shore.
+
+Jack struck up a great friendship with the sturdy Bacon and the
+agreeable Cox: the latter, being about his own age, was his especial
+favorite; and they soon were called Box and Cox by the other fellows,
+which did not annoy them a bit, as both had played parts in that
+immortal farce. They had capital times fishing, scrambling over the
+rocks, playing ball and tennis, and rainy days they took possession of
+the studio opposite, drew up the portcullis, and gallantly defended
+the castle, which some of the others besieged with old umbrellas for
+shields, bats for battering-rams, and bunches of burrs for cannon-balls.
+Great larks went on over there, while the girls applauded from the
+piazza or chamber-windows, and made a gay flag for the victors to
+display from the tower when the fight was over.
+
+But Jill had the best time of all, for each day brought increasing
+strength and spirits, and she improved so fast it was hard to believe
+that she was the same girl who lay so long almost helpless in the Bird
+Room at home. Such lively letters as she sent her mother, all about her
+new friends, her fine sails, drives, and little walks; the good times
+she had in the evening, the lovely things people gave her, and she was
+learning to make with shells and sea-weed, and what splendid fun it was
+to keep house in a boat.
+
+This last amusement soon grew quite absorbing, and her "cubby," as she
+called it, rapidly became a pretty grotto, where she lived like a little
+mermaid, daily loving more and more the beauty of the wonderful sea.
+Finding the boat too sunny at times, the boys cut long willow boughs and
+arched them over the seats, laying hemlock branches across till a green
+roof made it cool and shady inside. There Jill sat or lay among
+her cushions reading, trying to sketch, sorting shells, drying gay
+sea-weeds, or watching her crabs, jelly-fish, and anemones in the old
+boiler, now buried in sand and edged about with moss from the woods.
+
+Nobody disturbed her treasures, but kindly added to them, and often when
+she went to her nest she found fruit or flowers, books or bon-bons, laid
+ready for her. Every one pitied and liked the bright little girl who
+could not run and frisk with the rest, who was so patient and cheerful
+after her long confinement, ready to help others, and so grateful
+for any small favor. She found now that the weary months had not been
+wasted, and was very happy to discover in herself a new sort of strength
+and sweetness that was not only a comfort to her, but made those about
+her love and trust her. The songs she had learned attracted the babies,
+who would leave their play to peep at her and listen when she sung over
+her work. Passers-by paused to hear the blithe voice of the bird in the
+green cage, and other invalids, strolling on the beach, would take heart
+when they saw the child so happy in spite of her great trial.
+
+The boys kept all their marine curiosities for her, and were always
+ready to take her a row or a sail, as the bay was safe and that sort
+of travelling suited her better than driving. But the girls had capital
+times together, and it did Jill good to see another sort from those she
+knew at home. She had been so much petted of late, that she was getting
+rather vain of her small accomplishments, and being with strangers
+richer, better bred and educated than herself, made her more humble in
+some things, while it showed her the worth of such virtues as she could
+honestly claim. Mamie Cox took her to drive in the fine carriage of her
+mamma, and Jill was much impressed by the fact that Mamie was not a bit
+proud about it, and did not put on any airs, though she had a maid to
+take care of her. Gerty wore pretty costumes, and came down with pink
+and blue ribbons in her hair that Jill envied very much; yet Gerty liked
+her curls, and longed to have some, while her mother, "the lady from
+Philadelphia," as they called her, was so kind and gay that Jill quite
+adored her, and always felt as if sunshine had come into the room when
+she entered. Two little sisters were very interesting to her, and made
+her long for one of her own when she saw them going about together and
+heard them talk of their pleasant home, where the great silk factories
+were. But they invited her to come and see the wonderful cocoons, and
+taught her to knot pretty gray fringe on a cushion, which delighted her,
+being so new and easy. There were several other nice little lasses, and
+they all gathered about Jill with the sweet sympathy children are so
+quick to show toward those in pain or misfortune. She thought they would
+not care for a poor little girl like herself, yet here she was the queen
+of the troupe, and this discovery touched and pleased her very much.
+
+In the morning they camped round the boat on the stones with books, gay
+work, and merry chatter, till bathing-time. Then the beach was full of
+life and fun, for every one looked so droll in the flannel suits, it was
+hard to believe that the neat ladies and respectable gentlemen who
+went into the little houses could be the same persons as the queer,
+short-skirted women with old hats tied down, and bareheaded, barefooted
+men in old suits, who came skipping over the sand to disport themselves
+in the sea in the most undignified ways. The boys raced about, looking
+like circus-tumblers, and the babies were regular little cupids, running
+away from the waves that tried to kiss their flying feet.
+
+Some of the young ladies and girls were famous swimmers, and looked very
+pretty in their bright red and blue costumes, with loose hair and gay
+stockings, as they danced into the water and floated away as fearlessly
+as real mermaidens. Jill had her quiet dip and good rubbing each fine
+day, and then lay upon the warm sand watching the pranks of the others,
+and longing to run and dive and shout and tumble with the rest. Now that
+she was among the well and active, it seemed harder to be patient than
+when shut up and unable to stir. She felt so much better, and had so
+little pain to remind her of past troubles, it was almost impossible to
+help forgetting the poor back and letting her recovered spirits run away
+with her. If Mrs. Minot had not kept good watch, she would have been
+off more than once, so eager was she to be "like other girls" again, so
+difficult was it to keep the restless feet quietly folded among the red
+cushions.
+
+One day she did yield to temptation, and took a little voyage which
+might have been her last, owing to the carelessness of those whom she
+trusted. It was a good lesson, and made her as meek as a lamb during the
+rest of her stay. Mrs. Minot drove to Gloucester one afternoon, leaving
+Jill safely established after her nap in the boat, with Gerty and Mamie
+making lace beside her.
+
+"Don't try to walk or run about, my dear. Sit on the piazza if you get
+tired of this, and amuse yourself quietly till I come back. I'll not
+forget the worsted and the canvas," said Mamma, peeping over the bank
+for a last word as she waited for the omnibus to come along.
+
+"Oh, _don't_ forget the Gibraltars!" cried Jill, popping her head out of
+the green roof.
+
+"Nor the bananas, please!" added Gerty, looking round one end.
+
+"Nor the pink and blue ribbon to tie our shell-baskets," called Mamie,
+nearly tumbling into the aquarium at the other end.
+
+Mrs. Minot laughed, and promised, and rumbled away, leaving Jill to an
+experience which she never forgot.
+
+For half an hour the little girls worked busily, then the boys came for
+Gerty and Mamie to go to the Chasm with a party of friends who were
+to leave next day. Off they went, and Jill felt very lonely as the gay
+voices died away. Every one had gone somewhere, and only little Harry
+Hammond and his maid were on the beach. Two or three sand-pipers ran
+about among the pebbles, and Jill envied them their nimble legs so much,
+that she could not resist getting up to take a few steps. She longed to
+run straight away over the firm, smooth sand, and feel again the delight
+of swift motion; but she dared not try it, and stood leaning on her tall
+parasol with her book in her hand, when Frank, Jack, and the bicycle boy
+came rowing lazily along and hailed her.
+
+"Come for a sail, Jill? Take you anywhere you like," called Jack,
+touched by the lonely figure on the beach.
+
+"I'd love to go, if you will row. Mamma made me promise not to go
+sailing without a man to take care of me. Would it spoil your fun to
+have me?" answered Jill, eagerly.
+
+"Not a bit; come out on the big stones and we'll take you aboard," said
+Frank, as they steered to the place where she could embark the easiest.
+
+"All the rest are gone to the Chasm. I wanted to go, because I've never
+seen it; but, of course, I had to give it up, as I do most of the fun;"
+and Jill sat down with an impatient sigh.
+
+"We'll row you round there. Can't land, but you can see the place and
+shout to the others, if that will be any comfort to you," proposed
+Frank, as they pulled away round the pier.
+
+"Oh, yes, that would be lovely!" and Jill smiled at Jack, who was
+steering, for she found it impossible to be dismal now with the fresh
+wind blowing in her face, the blue waves slapping against the boat, and
+three good-natured lads ready to gratify her wishes.
+
+Away they went, laughing and talking gayly till they came to Goodwin's
+Rocks, where an unusual number of people were to be seen though the tide
+was going out, and no white spray was dashing high into the air to make
+a sight worth seeing.
+
+"What do you suppose they are about? Never saw such a lot of folks at
+this time. Shouldn't wonder if something had happened. I say, put me
+ashore, and I'll cut up and see," said the bicycle boy, who was of an
+inquiring turn.
+
+"I'll go with you," said Frank; "it won't take but a minute, and I'd
+like to discover what it is. May be something we ought to know about."
+
+So the boys pulled round into a quiet nook, and the two elder ones
+scrambled up the rocks, to disappear in the crowd. Five, ten, fifteen
+minutes passed, and they did not return. Jack grew impatient, so did
+Jill, and bade him run up and bring them back. Glad to know what kept
+them, Jack departed, to be swallowed up in his turn, for not a sign of
+a boy did she see after that; and, having vainly strained her eyes to
+discover the attraction which held them, she gave it up, lay down on
+their jackets, and began to read.
+
+Then the treacherous tide, as it ebbed lower and lower down the beach,
+began to lure the boat away; for it was not fastened, and when lightened
+of its load was an easy prize to the hungry sea, always ready to steal
+all it can. Jill knew nothing of this, for her story was dull, the
+gentle motion proved soothing, and before she knew it she was asleep.
+Little by little the runaway boat slid farther from the shore, and
+presently was floating out to sea with its drowsy freight, while the
+careless boys, unconscious of the time they were wasting, lingered
+to see group after group photographed by the enterprising man who had
+trundled his camera to the rocks.
+
+In the midst of a dream about home, Jill was roused by a loud shout,
+and, starting up so suddenly that the sun-umbrella went overboard, she
+found herself sailing off alone, while the distracted lads roared and
+beckoned vainly from the cove. The oars lay at their feet, where they
+left them; and the poor child was quite helpless, for she could not
+manage the sail, and even the parasol, with which she might have paddled
+a little, had gone down with all sail set. For a minute, Jill was so
+frightened that she could only look about her with a scared face, and
+wonder if drowning was a very disagreeable thing. Then the sight of the
+bicycle boy struggling with Jack, who seemed inclined to swim after her,
+and Frank shouting wildly, "Hold on! Come back!" made her laugh in spite
+of her fear, it was so comical, and their distress so much greater than
+hers, since it was their own carelessness which caused the trouble.
+
+"I can't come back! There's nothing to hold on to! You didn't fasten
+me, and now I don't know where I'm going!" cried Jill, looking from the
+shore to the treacherous sea that was gently carrying her away.
+
+"Keep cool! We'll get a boat and come after you," roared Frank, before
+he followed Jack, who had collected his wits and was tearing up the
+rocks like a chamois hunter.
+
+The bicycle boy calmly sat down to keep his eye on the runaway,
+calling out from time to time such cheering remarks as "All aboard for
+Liverpool! Give my love to Victoria! Luff and bear away when you come
+to Halifax! If you are hard up for provisions, you'll find an apple and
+some bait in my coat-pocket," and other directions for a comfortable
+voyage, till his voice was lost in the distance as a stronger current
+bore her swiftly away and the big waves began to tumble and splash.
+
+At first Jill had laughed at his efforts to keep up her spirits, but
+when the boat floated round a point of rock that shut in the cove, she
+felt all alone, and sat quite still, wondering what would become of her.
+She turned her back to the sea and looked at the dear, safe land, which
+never had seemed so green and beautiful before. Up on the hill rustled
+the wood through which the happy party were wandering to the Chasm.
+On the rocks she still saw the crowd all busy with their own affairs,
+unconscious of her danger. Here and there artists were sketching
+in picturesque spots, and in one place an old gentleman sat fishing
+peacefully. Jill called and waved her handkerchief, but he never looked
+up, and an ugly little dog barked at her in what seemed to her a most
+cruel way.
+
+"Nobody sees or hears or cares, and those horrid boys will never catch
+up!" she cried in despair, as the boat began to rock more and more, and
+the loud swash of water dashing in and out of the Chasm drew nearer and
+nearer. Holding on now with both hands she turned and looked straight
+before her, pale and shivering, while her eyes tried to see some sign of
+hope among the steep cliffs that rose up on the left. No one was there,
+though usually at this hour they were full of visitors, and it was time
+for the walkers to have arrived.
+
+"I wonder if Gerty and Mamie will be sorry if I'm drowned," thought
+Jill, remembering the poor girl who had been lost in the Chasm not long
+ago. Her lively fancy pictured the grief of her friends at her loss; but
+that did not help or comfort her now, and as her anxious gaze wandered
+along the shore, she said aloud, in a pensive tone,--
+
+"Perhaps I shall be wrecked on Norman's Woe, and somebody will make
+poetry about me. It would be pretty to read, but I don't want to die
+that way. Oh, why did I come! Why didn't I stay safe and comfortable in
+my own boat?"
+
+At the thought a sob rose, and poor Jill laid her head down on her lap
+to cry with all her heart, feeling very helpless, small, and forsaken
+alone there on the great sea. In the midst of her tears came the
+thought, "When people are in danger, they ask God to save them;" and,
+slipping down upon her knees, she said her prayer as she had never said
+it before, for when human help seems gone we turn to Him as naturally as
+lost children cry to their father, and feel sure that he will hear and
+answer them.
+
+After that she felt better, and wiped away the drops that blinded her,
+to look out again like a shipwrecked mariner watching for a sail. And
+there it was! Close by, coming swiftly on with a man behind it, a sturdy
+brown fisher, busy with his lobster-pots, and quite unconscious how like
+an angel he looked to the helpless little girl in the rudderless boat.
+
+"Hi! hi! Oh, please do stop and get me! I'm lost, no oars, nobody to
+fix the sail! Oh, oh! please come!" screamed Jill, waving her hat
+frantically as the other boat skimmed by and the man stared at her as if
+she really was a mermaid with a fishy tail.
+
+"Keep still! I'll come about and fetch you!" he called out; and Jill
+obeyed, sitting like a little image of faith, till with a good deal of
+shifting and flapping of the sail, the other boat came alongside and
+took her in tow.
+
+A few words told the story, and in five minutes she was sitting snugly
+tucked up watching an unpleasant mass of lobsters flap about dangerously
+near her toes, while the boat bounded over the waves with a delightful
+motion, and every instant brought her nearer home. She did not say much,
+but felt a good deal; and when they met two boats coming to meet her,
+manned by very anxious crews of men and boys, she was so pale and quiet
+that Jack was quite bowed down with remorse, and Frank nearly pitched
+the bicycle boy overboard because he gayly asked Jill how she left her
+friends in England. There was great rejoicing over her, for the people
+on the rocks had heard of her loss, and ran about like ants when their
+hill is disturbed. Of course half a dozen amiable souls posted off to
+the Willows to tell the family that the little girl was drowned, so that
+when the rescuers appeared quite a crowd was assembled on the beach
+to welcome her. But Jill felt so used up with her own share of the
+excitement that she was glad to be carried to the house by Frank and
+Jack, and laid upon her bed, where Mrs. Hammond soon restored her with
+sugar-coated pills, and words even sweeter and more soothing.
+
+Other people, busied with their own pleasures, forgot all about it by
+the next day; but Jill remembered that hour long afterward, both awake
+and asleep, for her dreams were troubled, and she often started up
+imploring someone to save her. Then she would recall the moment when,
+feeling most helpless, she had asked for help, and it had come as
+quickly as if that tearful little cry had been heard and answered,
+though her voice had been drowned by the dash of the waves that seemed
+ready to devour her. This made a deep impression on her, and a sense of
+childlike faith in the Father of all began to grow up within her; for
+in that lonely voyage, short as it was, she had found a very precious
+treasure to keep for ever, to lean on, and to love during the longer
+voyage which all must take before we reach our home.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXII. A Happy Day
+
+
+"Oh dear! Only a week more, and then we must go back. Don't you hate the
+thoughts of it?" said Jack, as he was giving Jill her early walk on the
+beach one August morning.
+
+"Yes, it will be dreadful to leave Gerty and Mamie and all the nice
+people. But I'm so much better I won't have to be shut up again, even if
+I don't go to school. How I long to see Merry and Molly. Dear things, if
+it wasn't for them I should hate going home more than you do," answered
+Jill, stepping along quite briskly, and finding it very hard to resist
+breaking into a skip or a run, she felt so well and gay.
+
+"Wish they could be here to-day to see the fun," said Jack, for it was
+the anniversary of the founding of the place, and the people celebrated
+it by all sorts of festivity.
+
+"I did want to ask Molly, but your mother is so good to me I couldn't
+find courage to do it. Mammy told me not to ask for a thing, and I'm
+sure I don't get a chance. I feel just as if I was your truly born
+sister, Jack."
+
+"That's all right, I'm glad you do," answered Jack, comfortably, though
+his mind seemed a little absent and his eyes twinkled when she spoke of
+Molly. "Now, you sit in the cubby-house, and keep quiet till the boat
+comes in. Then the fun will begin, and you must be fresh and ready to
+enjoy it. Don't run off, now, I shall want to know where to find you by
+and by."
+
+"No more running off, thank you. I'll stay here till you come, and
+finish this box for Molly; she has a birthday this week, and I've
+written to ask what day, so I can send it right up and surprise her."
+
+Jack's eyes twinkled more than ever as he helped Jill settle herself in
+the boat, and then with a whoop he tore over the beach, as if practising
+for the race which was to come off in the afternoon.
+
+Jill was so busy with her work that time went quickly, and the early
+boat came in just as the last pink shell was stuck in its place. Putting
+the box in the sun to dry, she leaned out of her nook to watch the gay
+parties land, and go streaming up the pier along the road that went
+behind the bank that sheltered her. Flocks of children were running
+about on the sand, and presently strangers appeared, eager to see and
+enjoy all the delights of this gala-day.
+
+"There's a fat little boy who looks ever so much like Boo," said Jill
+to herself, watching the people and hoping they would not come and find
+her, since she had promised to stay till Jack returned.
+
+The fat little boy was staring about him in a blissful sort of maze,
+holding a wooden shovel in one hand and the skirts of a young girl with
+the other. Her back was turned to Jill, but something in the long
+brown braid with a fly-away blue bow hanging down her back looked very
+familiar to Jill. So did the gray suit and the Japanese umbrella; but
+the hat was strange, and while she was thinking how natural the boots
+looked, the girl turned round.
+
+"Why, how much she looks like Molly! It can't be--yes, it might, I do
+believe it _is_!" cried Jill, starting up and hardly daring to trust her
+own eyes.
+
+As she came out of her nest and showed herself, there could be no doubt
+about the other girl, for she gave one shout and came racing over the
+beach with both arms out, while her hat blew off unheeded, and the gay
+umbrella flew away, to the great delight of all the little people except
+Boo, who was upset by his sister's impetuous rush, and lay upon his
+back howling. Molly did not do all the running, though, and Jill got her
+wish, for, never stopping to think of herself, she was off at once, and
+met her friend half-way with an answering cry. It was a pretty sight to
+see them run into one another's arms and hug and kiss and talk and skip
+in such a state of girlish joy they never cared who saw or laughed at
+their innocent raptures.
+
+"You darling dear! where did you come from?" cried Jill, holding Molly
+by both shoulders, and shaking her a little to be sure she was real.
+
+"Mrs. Minot sent for us to spend a week. You look so well, I can't
+believe my eyes!" answered Molly, patting Jill's cheeks and kissing them
+over and over, as if to make sure the bright color would not come off.
+
+"A week? How splendid! Oh, I've such heaps to tell and show you; come
+right over to my cubby and see how lovely it is," said Jill, forgetting
+everybody else in her delight at getting Molly.
+
+"I must get poor Boo, and my hat and umbrella, I left them all behind me
+when I saw you," laughed Molly, looking back.
+
+But Mrs. Minot and Jack had consoled Boo and collected the scattered
+property, so the girls went on arm in arm, and had a fine time before
+any one had the heart to disturb them. Molly was charmed with the boat,
+and Jill very glad the box was done in season. Both had so much to
+tell and hear and plan, that they would have sat there for ever if
+bathing-time had not come, and the beach suddenly looked like a bed of
+red and yellow tulips, for every one took a dip, and the strangers added
+much to the fun.
+
+Molly could swim like a duck, and quite covered herself with glory by
+diving off the pier. Jack undertook to teach Boo, who was a promising
+pupil, being so plump that he could not sink if he tried. Jill was soon
+through, and lay on the sand enjoying the antics of the bathers till she
+was so faint with laughter she was glad to hear the dinner-horn and do
+the honors of the Willows to Molly, whose room was next hers.
+
+Boat-races came first in the afternoon, and the girls watched them,
+sitting luxuriously in the nest, with the ladies and children close by.
+The sailing-matches were very pretty to see; but Molly and Jill were
+more interested in the rowing, for Frank and the bicycle boy pulled one
+boat, and the friends felt that this one must win. It did, though the
+race was not very exciting nor the prize of great worth; but the boys
+and girls were satisfied, and Jack was much exalted, for he always told
+Frank he could do great things if he would only drop books and "go in on
+his muscle."
+
+Foot-races followed, and, burning to distinguish himself also, Jack
+insisted on trying, though his mother warned him that the weak leg might
+be harmed, and he had his own doubts about it, as he was all out of
+practice. However, he took his place with a handkerchief tied round his
+head, red shirt and stockings, and his sleeves rolled up as if he meant
+business. Jill and Molly could not sit still during this race, and stood
+on the bank quite trembling with excitement as the half-dozen runners
+stood in a line at the starting-post waiting for the word "Go!"
+
+Off they went at last over the smooth beach to the pole with the flag
+at the further end, and every one watched them with mingled interest
+and merriment, for they were a droll set, and the running not at all
+scientific with most of them. One young fisherman with big boots over
+his trousers started off at a great pace, pounding along in the most
+dogged way, while a little chap in a tight bathing-suit with very thin
+legs skimmed by him, looking so like a sand-piper it was impossible to
+help laughing at both. Jack's former training stood him in good stead
+now; for he went to work in professional style, and kept a steady trot
+till the flagpole had been passed, then he put on his speed and shot
+ahead of all the rest, several of whom broke down and gave up. But Cox
+and Bacon held on gallantly; and soon it was evident that the sturdy
+legs in the knickerbockers were gaining fast, for Jack gave his ankle an
+ugly wrench on a round pebble, and the weak knee began to fail. He
+did his best, however, and quite a breeze of enthusiasm stirred the
+spectators as the three boys came down the course like mettlesome
+horses, panting, pale, or purple, but each bound to win at any cost.
+
+"Now, Bacon!" "Go it, Minot!" "Hit him up, Cox!" "Jack's ahead!" "No, he
+isn't!" "Here they come!" "Bacon's done it!" shouted the other boys, and
+they were right; Bacon had won, for the gray legs came in just half a
+yard ahead of the red ones, and Minot tumbled into his brother's arms
+with hardly breath enough left to gasp out, good-humoredly, "All right,
+I'm glad he beat!"
+
+Then the victor was congratulated and borne off by his friends to
+refresh himself, while the lookers-on scattered to see a game of tennis
+and the shooting of the Archery Club up at the hotel. Jack was soon
+rested, and, making light of his defeat, insisted on taking the girls to
+see the fun. So they drove up in the old omnibus, and enjoyed the pretty
+sight very much; for the young ladies were in uniform, and the broad
+green ribbons over the white dresses, the gay quivers, long bows, and
+big targets, made a lively scene. The shooting was good; a handsome
+damsel got the prize of a dozen arrows, and every one clapped in the
+most enthusiastic manner.
+
+Molly and Jill did not care about tennis, so they went home to rest
+and dress for the evening, because to their minds the dancing, the
+illumination, and the fireworks were the best fun of all. Jill's white
+bunting with cherry ribbons was very becoming, and the lively feet in
+the new slippers patted the floor impatiently as the sound of dance
+music came down to the Willows after tea, and the other girls waltzed on
+the wide piazza because they could not keep still.
+
+"No dancing for me, but Molly must have a good time. You'll see that she
+does, won't you, boys?" said Jill, who knew that her share of the fun
+would be lying on a settee and watching the rest enjoy her favorite
+pastime.
+
+Frank and Jack promised, and kept their word handsomely; for there was
+plenty of room in the great dancing-hall at the hotel, and the band in
+the pavilion played such inspiring music that, as the bicycle boy said,
+"Every one who had a leg couldn't help shaking it." Molly was twirled
+about to her heart's content, and flew hither and thither like a blue
+butterfly; for all the lads liked her, and she kept running up to tell
+Jill the funny things they said and did.
+
+As night darkened from all the houses in the valley, on the cliffs and
+along the shore lights shone and sparkled; for every one decorated with
+gay lanterns, and several yachts in the bay strung  lamps about
+the little vessels, making a pretty picture on the quiet sea. Jill
+thought she had never seen anything so like fairy-land, and felt very
+like one in a dream as she drove slowly up and down with Mamie, Gerty,
+Molly, and Mrs. Cox in the carriage, so that she might see it all
+without too much fatigue. It was very lovely; and when rockets began
+to whizz, filling the air with golden rain, a shower of  stars,
+fiery dragons, or glittering wheels, the girls could only shriek with
+delight, and beg to stay a little longer each time the prudent lady
+proposed going home.
+
+It had to be at last; but Molly and Jill comforted themselves by a long
+talk in bed, for it was impossible to sleep with glares of light coming
+every few minutes, flocks of people talking and tramping by in the road,
+and bursts of music floating down to them as the older but not wiser
+revellers kept up the merriment till a late hour. They dropped off at
+last; but Jill had the nightmare, and Molly was waked up by a violent
+jerking of her braid as Jill tried to tow her along, dreaming she was a
+boat.
+
+They were too sleepy to laugh much then, but next morning they made
+merry over it, and went to breakfast with such happy faces that all the
+young folks pronounced Jill's friend a most delightful girl. What a good
+time Molly did have that week! Other people were going to leave also,
+and therefore much picnicking, boating, and driving was crowded into
+the last days. Clambakes on the shore, charades in the studio,
+sewing-parties at the boat, evening frolics in the big dining-room,
+farewell calls, gifts, and invitations, all sorts of plans for next
+summer, and vows of eternal friendship exchanged between people who
+would soon forget each other. It was very pleasant, till poor Boo
+innocently added to the excitement by poisoning a few of his neighbors
+with a bad lobster.
+
+The ambitious little soul pined to catch one of these mysterious but
+lovely red creatures, and spent days fishing on the beach, investigating
+holes and corners, and tagging after the old man who supplied the house.
+One day after a high wind he found several "lobs" washed up on the
+beach, and, though disappointed at their color, he picked out a big one,
+and set off to show his prize to Molly. Half-way home he met the old
+man on his way with a basket of fish, and being tired of lugging his
+contribution laid it with the others, meaning to explain later. No one
+saw him do it, as the old man was busy with his pipe; and Boo ran back
+to get more dear lobs, leaving his treasure to go into the kettle and
+appear at supper, by which time he had forgotten all about it.
+
+Fortunately none of the children ate any, but several older people were
+made ill, and quite a panic prevailed that night as one after the other
+called up the doctor, who was boarding close by; and good Mrs. Grey,
+the hostess, ran about with hot flannels, bottles of medicine, and
+distracted messages from room to room. All were comfortable by morning,
+but the friends of the sufferers lay in wait for the old fisherman,
+and gave him a good scolding for his carelessness. The poor man was
+protesting his innocence when Boo, who was passing by, looked into the
+basket, and asked what had become of his lob. A few questions brought
+the truth to light, and a general laugh put every one in good humor,
+when poor Boo mildly said, by way of explanation,--
+
+"I fought I was helpin' Mrs. Dray, and I did want to see the dreen lob
+come out all red when she boiled him. But I fordot, and I don't fink
+I'll ever find such a nice big one any more."
+
+"For our sakes, I hope you won't, my dear," said Mrs. Hammond, who had
+been nursing one of the sufferers.
+
+"It's lucky we are going home to-morrow, or that child would be the
+death of himself and everybody else. He is perfectly crazy about fish,
+and I've pulled him out of that old lobster-pot on the beach a dozen
+times," groaned Molly, much afflicted by the mishaps of her young
+charge.
+
+There was a great breaking up next day, and the old omnibus went off to
+the station with Bacon hanging on behind, the bicycle boy and his
+iron whirligig atop, and heads popping out of all the windows for last
+good-byes. Our party and the Hammonds were going by boat, and were all
+ready to start for the pier when Boo and little Harry were missing.
+Molly, the maid, and both boys ran different ways to find them; and all
+sorts of dreadful suggestions were being made when shouts of laughter
+were heard from the beach, and the truants appeared, proudly dragging
+in Harry's little wagon a dead devil-fish, as the natives call that ugly
+thing which looks like a magnified tadpole--all head and no body.
+
+"We've dot him!" called the innocents, tugging up their prize with such
+solemn satisfaction it was impossible to help laughing.
+
+"I always wanted to tatch a whale, and this is a baby one, I fink. A boy
+said, when they wanted to die they comed on the sand and did it, and we
+saw this one go dead just now. Ain't he pretty?" asked Boo, displaying
+the immense mouth with fond pride, while his friend flapped the tail.
+
+"What are you going to do with him?" said Mrs. Hammond, regarding her
+infant as if she often asked herself the same question about her boy.
+
+"Wap him up in a paper and tate him home to pay wid," answered Harry,
+with such confidence in his big blue eyes that it was very hard to
+disappoint his hopes and tell him the treasure must be left behind.
+
+Wails of despair burst from both children as the hard-hearted boys
+tipped out the little whale, and hustled the indignant fishermen on
+board the boat, which had been whistling for them impatiently. Boo
+recovered his spirits first, and gulping down a sob that nearly shook
+his hat off, consoled his companion in affliction and convulsed his
+friends by taking from his pocket several little crabs, the remains of
+a jelly-fish, and such a collection of pebbles that Frank understood why
+he found the fat boy such a burden when he shouldered him, kicking and
+howling, in the late run to the boat. These delicate toys healed the
+wounds of Boo and Harry, and they were soon happily walking the little
+"trabs" about inside a stone wall of their own building, while the
+others rested after their exertions, and laid plans for coming to the
+Willows another year, as people usually did who had once tasted the
+wholesome delights and cordial hospitality of this charming place.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIII. Cattle Show
+
+
+The children were not the only ones who had learned something at
+Pebbly Beach. Mrs. Minot had talked a good deal with some very superior
+persons, and received light upon various subjects which had much
+interested or perplexed her. While the ladies worked or walked together,
+they naturally spoke oftenest and most earnestly about their children,
+and each contributed her experience. Mrs. Hammond, who had been a
+physician for many years, was wise in the care of healthy little bodies,
+and the cure of sick ones. Mrs. Channing, who had read, travelled, and
+observed much in the cause of education, had many useful hints about
+the training of young minds and hearts. Several teachers reported their
+trials, and all the mothers were eager to know how to bring up their
+boys and girls to be healthy, happy, useful men and women.
+
+As young people do not care for such discussions, we will not describe
+them, but as the impression they made upon one of the mammas affected
+our hero and heroine, we must mention the changes which took place in
+their life when they all got home again.
+
+"School begins to-morrow. Oh, dear!" sighed Jack, as he looked up his
+books in the Bird Room, a day or two after their return.
+
+"Don't you want to go? I long to, but don't believe I shall. I saw our
+mothers talking to the doctor last night, but I haven't dared to ask
+what they decided," said Jill, affectionately eying the long-unused
+books in her little library.
+
+"I've had such a jolly good time, that I hate to be shut up all day
+worse than ever. Don't you, Frank?" asked Jack, with a vengeful slap at
+the arithmetic which was the torment of his life.
+
+"Well, I confess I don't hanker for school as much as I expected. I'd
+rather take a spin on the old bicycle. Our roads are so good, it is a
+great temptation to hire a machine, and astonish the natives. That's
+what comes of idleness. So brace up, my boy, and go to work, for
+vacation is over," answered Frank, gravely regarding the tall pile of
+books before him, as if trying to welcome his old friends, or tyrants,
+rather, for they ruled him with a rod of iron when he once gave himself
+up to them.
+
+"Ah, but vacation is not over, my dears," said Mrs. Minot, hearing the
+last words as she came in prepared to surprise her family.
+
+"Glad of it. How much longer is it to be?" asked Jack, hoping for a week
+at least.
+
+"Two or three years for some of you."
+
+"What?" cried all three, in utter astonishment, as they stared at Mamma,
+who could not help smiling, though she was very much in earnest.
+
+"For the next two or three years I intend to cultivate my boys' bodies,
+and let their minds rest a good deal, from books at least. There is
+plenty to learn outside of school-houses, and I don't mean to shut you
+up just when you most need all the air and exercise you can get. Good
+health, good principles, and a good education are the three blessings
+I ask for you, and I am going to make sure of the first, as a firm
+foundation for the other two."
+
+"But, mother, what becomes of college?" asked Frank, rather disturbed at
+this change of base.
+
+"Put it off for a year, and see if you are not better fitted for it then
+than now."
+
+"But I am already fitted: I've worked like a tiger all this year, and
+I'm sure I shall pass."
+
+"Ready in one way, but not in another. That hard work is no preparation
+for four years of still harder study. It has cost you these round
+shoulders, many a headache, and consumed hours when you had far better
+have been on the river or in the fields. I cannot have you break down,
+as so many boys do, or pull through at the cost of ill-health afterward.
+Eighteen is young enough to begin the steady grind, if you have a strong
+constitution to keep pace with the eager mind. Sixteen is too young to
+send even my good boy out into the world, just when he most needs his
+mother's care to help him be the man she hopes to see him."
+
+Mrs. Minot laid her hand on his shoulder as she spoke, looking so fond
+and proud that it was impossible to rebel, though some of his most
+cherished plans were spoilt.
+
+"Other fellows go at my age, and I was rather pleased to be ready at
+sixteen," he began. But she added, quickly,--
+
+"They go, but how do they come out? Many lose health of body, and many
+what is more precious still, moral strength, because too young and
+ignorant to withstand temptations of all sorts. The best part of
+education does not come from books, and the good principles I value more
+than either of the other things are to be carefully watched over till
+firmly fixed; then you may face the world, and come to no real harm.
+Trust me, dear, I do it for your sake; so bear the disappointment
+bravely, and in the end I think you will say I'm right."
+
+"I'll do my best; but I don't see what is to become of us if we don't go
+to school. You will get tired of it first," said Frank, trying to set
+a good example to the others, who were looking much impressed and
+interested.
+
+"No danger of that, for I never sent my children to school to get rid of
+them, and now that they are old enough to be companions, I want them
+at home more than ever. There are to be some lessons, however, for busy
+minds must be fed, but not crammed; so you boys will go and recite at
+certain hours such things as seem most important. But there is to be
+no studying at night, no shutting up all the best hours of the day, no
+hurry and fret of getting on fast, or skimming over the surface of many
+studies without learning any thoroughly."
+
+"So I say!" cried Jack, pleased with the new idea, for he never did love
+books. "I do hate to be driven so I don't half understand, because there
+is no time to have things explained. School is good fun as far as
+play goes; but I don't see the sense of making a fellow learn eighty
+questions in geography one day, and forget them the next.
+
+"What is to become of me, please?" asked Jill, meekly.
+
+"You and Molly are to have lessons here. I was a teacher when I was
+young, you know, and liked it, so I shall be school-ma'am, and leave my
+house-keeping in better hands than mine. I always thought that mothers
+should teach their girls during these years, and vary their studies to
+suit the growing creatures as only mothers can.
+
+"That will be splendid! Will Molly's father let her come?" cried Jill,
+feeling quite reconciled to staying at home, if her friend was to be
+with her.
+
+"He likes the plan very much, for Molly is growing fast, and needs a
+sort of care that Miss Dawes cannot give her. I am not a hard mistress,
+and I hope you will find my school a pleasant one."
+
+"I know I shall; and I'm not disappointed, because I was pretty sure I
+couldn't go to the old school again, when I heard the doctor say I must
+be very careful for a long time. I thought he meant months; but if it
+must be years, I can bear it, for I've been happy this last one though
+I was sick," said Jill, glad to show that it had not been wasted time by
+being cheerful and patient now.
+
+"That's my good girl!" and Mrs. Minot stroked the curly black head as if
+it was her own little daughter's. "You have done so well, I want you to
+go on improving, for care now will save you pain and disappointment by
+and by. You all have got a capital start during these six weeks, so it
+is a good time to begin my experiment. If it does not work well, we will
+go back to school and college next spring."
+
+"Hurrah for Mamma and the long vacation!" cried Jack, catching up two
+big books and whirling them round like clubs, as if to get his muscles
+in order at once.
+
+"Now I shall have time to go to the Gymnasium and straighten out my
+back," said Frank, who was growing so tall he needed more breadth to
+make his height symmetrical.
+
+"And to ride horseback. I am going to hire old Jane and get out the
+little phaeton, so we can all enjoy the fine weather while it lasts.
+Molly and I can drive Jill, and you can take turns in the saddle when
+you are tired of ball and boating. Exercise of all sorts is one of the
+lessons we are to learn," said Mrs. Minot, suggesting all the pleasant
+things she could to sweeten the pill for her pupils, two of whom did
+love their books, not being old enough to know that even an excellent
+thing may be overdone.
+
+"Won't that be gay? I'll get down the saddle to-day, so we can begin
+right off. Lem rides, and we can go together. Hope old Jane will like it
+as well as I shall," said Jack, who had found a new friend in a pleasant
+lad lately come to town.
+
+"You must see that she does, for you boys are to take care of her. We
+will put the barn in order, and you can decide which shall be hostler
+and which gardener, for I don't intend to hire labor on the place any
+more. Our estate is not a large one, and it will be excellent work for
+you, my men."
+
+"All right! I'll see to Jane. I love horses," said Jack, well pleased
+with the prospect.
+
+"My horse won't need much care. I prefer a bicycle to a beast, so I'll
+get in the squashes, pick the apples, and cover the strawberry bed when
+it is time," added Frank, who had enjoyed the free life at Pebbly Beach
+so much that he was willing to prolong it.
+
+"You may put me in a hen-coop, and keep me there a year, if you like.
+I won't fret, for I'm sure you know what is best for me," said Jill,
+gayly, as she looked up at the good friend who had done so much for her.
+
+"I'm not sure that I won't put you in a pretty cage and send you to
+Cattle Show, as a sample of what we can do in the way of taming a wild
+bird till it is nearly as meek as a dove," answered Mrs. Minot, much
+gratified at the amiability of her flock.
+
+"I don't see why there should not be an exhibition of children, and
+prizes for the good and pretty ones, as well as for fat pigs, fine
+horses, or handsome fruit and flowers--I don't mean a baby show, but
+boys and girls, so people can see what the prospect is of a good crop
+for the next generation," said Frank, glancing toward the tower of the
+building where the yearly Agricultural Fair was soon to be held.
+
+"Years ago, there was a pretty custom here of collecting all the schools
+together in the spring, and having a festival at the Town Hall. Each
+school showed its best pupils, and the parents looked on at the blooming
+flower show. It was a pity it was ever given up, for the schools have
+never been so good as then, nor the interest in them so great;" and Mrs.
+Minot wondered, as many people do, why farmers seem to care more for
+their cattle and crops than for their children, willingly spending large
+sums on big barns and costly experiments, while the school-houses are
+shabby and inconvenient, and the cheapest teachers preferred.
+
+"Ralph is going to send my bust. He asked if he might, and mother said
+Yes. Mr. German thinks it very good, and I hope other people will," said
+Jill, nodding toward the little plaster head that smiled down from its
+bracket with her own merry look.
+
+"I could send my model; it is nearly done. Ralph told me it was a clever
+piece of work, and he knows," added Frank, quite taken with the idea of
+exhibiting his skill in mechanics.
+
+"And I could send my star bedquilt! They always have things of that kind
+at Cattle Show;" and Jill began to rummage in the closet for the pride
+of her heart, burning to display it to an admiring world.
+
+"I haven't got anything. Can't sew rags together; or make baby engines,
+and I have no live-stock--yes, I have too! There's old Bun. I'll send
+him, for the fun of it; he really is a curiosity, for he is the biggest
+one I ever saw, and hopping into the lime has made his fur such a queer
+color, he looks like a new sort of rabbit. I'll catch and shut him up
+before he gets wild again;" and off rushed Jack to lure unsuspecting
+old Bun, who had grown tame during their absence, into the cage which he
+detested.
+
+They all laughed at his ardor, but the fancy pleased them; and as Mamma
+saw no reason why their little works of art should not be sent, Frank
+fell to work on his model, and Jill resolved to finish her quilt at
+once, while Mrs. Minot went off to see Mr. Acton about the hours and
+studies for the boys.
+
+In a week or two, the young people were almost resigned to the loss of
+school, for they found themselves delightfully fresh for the few lessons
+they did have, and not weary of play, since it took many useful forms.
+Old Jane not only carried them all to ride, but gave Jack plenty of work
+keeping her premises in nice order. Frank mourned privately over the
+delay of college, but found a solace in his whirligig and the Gymnasium,
+where he set himself to developing a chest to match the big head above,
+which head no longer ached with eight or ten hours of study. Harvesting
+beans and raking up leaves seemed to have a soothing effect upon his
+nerves, for now he fell asleep at once instead of thumping his pillow
+with vexation because his brain would go on working at difficult
+problems and passages when he wanted it to stop.
+
+Jill and Molly drove away in the little phaeton every fair morning over
+the sunny hills and through the changing woods, filling their hands with
+asters and golden-rod, their lungs with the pure, invigorating air, and
+their heads with all manner of sweet and happy fancies and feelings born
+of the wholesome influences about them. People shook their heads, and
+said it was wasting time; but the rosy-faced girls were content to trust
+those wiser than themselves, and found their new school very pleasant.
+They read aloud a good deal, rapidly acquiring one of the rarest and
+most beautiful accomplishments; for they could stop and ask questions as
+they went along, so that they understood what they read, which is half
+the secret. A thousand things came up as they sewed together in the
+afternoon, and the eager minds received much general information in an
+easy and well-ordered way. Physiology was one of the favorite studies,
+and Mrs. Hammond often came in to give them a little lecture, teaching
+them to understand the wonders of their own systems, and how to keep
+them in order--a lesson of far more importance just then than Greek or
+Latin, for girls are the future mothers, nurses, teachers, of the race,
+and should feel how much depends on them. Merry could not resist the
+attractions of the friendly circle, and soon persuaded her mother to let
+her do as they did; so she got more exercise and less study, which was
+just what the delicate girl needed.
+
+The first of the new ideas seemed to prosper, and the second, though
+suggested in joke, was carried out in earnest, for the other young
+people were seized with a strong desire to send something to the
+Fair. In fact, all sorts of queer articles were proposed, and much fun
+prevailed, especially among the boys, who ransacked their gardens for
+mammoth vegetables, sighed for five-legged calves, blue roses, or
+any other natural curiosity by means of which they might distinguish
+themselves. Ralph was the only one who had anything really worth
+sending; for though Frank's model seemed quite perfect, it obstinately
+refused to go, and at the last moment blew up with a report like a
+pop-gun. So it was laid away for repairs, and its disappointed maker
+devoted his energies to helping Jack keep Bun in order; for that
+indomitable animal got out of every prison they put him in, and led Jack
+a dreadful life during that last week. At all hours of the day and night
+that distracted boy would start up, crying, "There he is again!" and
+dart out to give chase and capture the villain now grown too fat to run
+as he once did.
+
+The very night before the Fair, Frank was wakened by a chilly draught,
+and, getting up to see where it came from, found Jack's door open and
+bed empty, while the vision of a white ghost flitting about the garden
+suggested a midnight rush after old Bun. Frank watched laughingly,
+till poor Jack came toward the house with the gentleman in gray kicking
+lustily in his arms, and then whispered in a sepulchral tone,--
+
+"Put him in the old refrigerator, he can't get out of that."
+
+Blessing him for the suggestion, the exhausted hunter shut up his victim
+in the new cell, and found it a safe one, for Bun could not burrow
+through a sheet of zinc, or climb up the smooth walls.
+
+Jill's quilt was a very elaborate piece of work, being bright blue with
+little white stars all over it; this she finished nicely, and felt sure
+no patient old lady could outdo it. Merry decided to send butter, for
+she had been helping her mother in the dairy that summer, and rather
+liked the light part of the labor. She knew it would please her very
+much if she chose that instead of wild flowers, so she practised
+moulding the yellow pats into pretty shapes, that it might please both
+eye and taste.
+
+Molly declared she would have a little pen, and put Boo in it, as the
+prize fat boy--a threat which so alarmed the innocent that he ran away,
+and was found two or three miles from home, asleep under the wall,
+with two seed-cakes and a pair of socks done up in a bundle. Being with
+difficulty convinced that it was a joke, he consented to return to his
+family, but was evidently suspicious, till Molly decided to send her
+cats, and set about preparing them for exhibition. The Minots' deserted
+Bunny-house was rather large; but as cats cannot be packed as closely as
+much-enduring sheep, Molly borrowed this desirable family mansion, and
+put her darlings into it, where they soon settled down, and appeared
+to enjoy their new residence. It had been scrubbed up and painted red,
+cushions and plates put in, and two American flags adorned the roof.
+Being barred all round, a fine view of the Happy Family could be had,
+now twelve in number, as Molasses had lately added three white kits to
+the varied collection.
+
+The girls thought this would be the most interesting spectacle of all,
+and Grif proposed to give some of the cats extra tails, to increase
+their charms, especially poor Mortification, who would appreciate the
+honor of two, after having none for so long. But Molly declined, and
+Grif looked about him for some attractive animal to exhibit, so that he
+too might go in free and come to honor, perhaps.
+
+A young lady in the town owned a donkey, a small, gray beast, who
+insisted on tripping along the sidewalks and bumping her rider against
+the walls as she paused to browse at her own sweet will, regardless of
+blows or cries, till ready to move on. Expressing great admiration for
+this rare animal, Grif obtained leave to display the charms of Graciosa
+at the Fair. Little did she guess the dark designs entertained against
+her dignity, and happily she was not as sensitive to ridicule as a less
+humble-minded animal, so she went willingly with her new friend, and
+enjoyed the combing and trimming up which she received at his hands,
+while he prepared for the great occasion.
+
+When the morning of September 28th arrived, the town was all astir,
+and the Fair ground a lively scene. The air was full of the lowing of
+cattle, the tramp of horses, squealing of indignant pigs, and clatter of
+tongues, as people and animals streamed in at the great gate and found
+their proper places. Our young folks were in a high state of excitement,
+as they rumbled away with their treasures in a hay-cart. The Bunny-house
+might have been a cage of tigers, so rampant were the cats at this
+new move. Old Bun, in a small box, brooded over the insult of the
+refrigerator, and looked as fierce as a rabbit could. Gus had a coop of
+rare fowls, who clucked wildly all the way, while Ralph, with the bust
+in his arms, stood up in front, and Jill and Molly bore the precious
+bedquilt, as they sat behind.
+
+These objects of interest were soon arranged, and the girls went to
+admire Merry's golden butter cups among the green leaves, under which
+lay the ice that kept the pretty flowers fresh. The boys were down
+below, where the cackling was very loud, but not loud enough to drown
+the sonorous bray which suddenly startled them as much as it did the
+horses outside. A shout of laughter followed, and away went the lads, to
+see what the fun was, while the girls ran out on the balcony, as someone
+said, "It's that rogue of a Grif with some new joke."
+
+It certainly was, and, to judge from the peals of merriment, the joke
+was a good one. In at the gate came a two-headed donkey, ridden by Grif,
+in great spirits at his success, for the gate-keeper laughed so he never
+thought to ask for toll. A train of boys followed him across the ground,
+lost in admiration of the animal and the cleverness of her rider. Among
+the stage properties of the Dramatic Club was the old ass's head once
+used in some tableaux from "Midsummer Night's Dream." This Grif
+had mended up, and fastened by means of straps and a collar to poor
+Graciosa's neck, hiding his work with a red cloth over her back. One eye
+was gone, but the other still opened and shut, and the long ears wagged
+by means of strings, which he slyly managed with the bridle, so the
+artificial head looked almost as natural as the real one. The funniest
+thing of all was the innocent air of Graciosa, and the mildly inquiring
+expression with which she now and then turned to look at or to smell of
+the new ornament as if she recognized a friend's face, yet was perplexed
+by its want of animation. She vented her feelings in a bray, which Grif
+imitated, convulsing all hearers by the sound as well as by the wink
+the one eye gave, and the droll waggle of one erect ear, while the other
+pointed straight forward.
+
+The girls laughed so at the ridiculous sight that they nearly fell
+over the railing, and the boys were in ecstasies, especially when
+Grif, emboldened by his success, trotted briskly round the race-course,
+followed by the cheers of the crowd. Excited by the noise, Graciosa did
+her best, till the false head, loosened by the rapid motion, slipped
+round under her nose, causing her to stop so suddenly that Grif flew
+off, alighting on his own head with a violence which would have killed
+any other boy. Sobered by his downfall, he declined to mount again, but
+led his steed to repose in a shed, while he rejoined his friends, who
+were waiting impatiently to congratulate him on his latest and best
+prank.
+
+The Committee went their rounds soon after, and, when the doors were
+again opened, every one hurried to see if their articles had received a
+premium. A card lay on the butter cups, and Mrs. Grant was full of pride
+because _her_ butter always took a prize, and this proved that Merry was
+walking in her mother's steps, in this direction at least. Another card
+swung from the blue quilt, for the kindly judges knew who made it, and
+were glad to please the little girl, though several others as curious
+but not so pretty hung near by. The cats were admired, but, as they were
+not among the animals usually exhibited, there was no prize awarded. Gus
+hoped his hens would get one; but somebody else outdid him, to the great
+indignation of Laura and Lotty, who had fed the white biddies faithfully
+for months. Jack was sure his rabbit was the biggest there, and went
+eagerly to look for his premium. But neither card nor Bun were to be
+seen, for the old rascal had escaped for the last time, and was never
+seen again; which was a great comfort to Jack, who was heartily tired of
+him.
+
+Ralph's bust was the best of all, for not only did it get a prize, and
+was much admired, but a lady, who found Jill and Merry rejoicing over
+it, was so pleased with the truth and grace of the little head, that she
+asked about the artist, and whether he would do one of her own child,
+who was so delicate she feared he might not live long.
+
+Merry gladly told the story of her ambitious friend, and went to find
+him, that he might secure the order. While she was gone, Jill took up
+the tale, gratefully telling how kind he had been to her, how patiently
+he worked and waited, and how much he longed to go abroad. Fortunately
+the lady was rich and generous, as well as fond of art, and being
+pleased with the bust, and interested in the young sculptor, gave him
+the order when he came, and filled his soul with joy by adding, that, if
+it suited her when done, it should be put into marble. She lived in the
+city, and Ralph soon arranged his work so that he could give up his noon
+hour, and go to model the child; for every penny he could earn or save
+now was very precious, as he still hoped to go abroad.
+
+The girls were so delighted with this good fortune, that they did not
+stay for the races, but went home to tell the happy news, leaving the
+boys to care for the cats, and enjoy the various matches to come off
+that day.
+
+"I'm so glad I tried to look pleasant when I was lying on the board
+while Ralph did my head, for the pleasantness got into the clay face,
+and that made the lady like it," said Jill, as she lay resting on the
+sofa.
+
+"I always thought it was a dear, bright little face, but now I love and
+admire it more than ever," cried Merry, kissing it gratefully, as she
+remembered the help and pleasure it had given Ralph.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIV. Down the River
+
+
+A fortnight later, the boys were picking apples one golden October
+afternoon, and the girls were hurrying to finish their work, that they
+might go and help the harvesters. It was six weeks now since the new
+school began, and they had learned to like it very much, though they
+found that it was not all play, by any means. But lessons, exercise, and
+various sorts of housework made an agreeable change, and they felt that
+they were learning things which would be useful to them all their lives.
+They had been making underclothes for themselves, and each had several
+neatly finished garments cut, fitted, and sewed by herself, and trimmed
+with the pretty tatting Jill made in such quantities while she lay on
+her sofa.
+
+Now they were completing new dressing sacks, and had enjoyed this job
+very much, as each chose her own material, and suited her own taste
+in the making. Jill's was white, with tiny scarlet leaves all over
+it, trimmed with red braid and buttons so like checkerberries she was
+tempted to eat them. Molly's was gay, with bouquets of every sort of
+flower, scalloped all round, and adorned with six buttons, each of a
+different color, which she thought the last touch of elegance. Merry's,
+though the simplest, was the daintiest of the three, being pale blue,
+trimmed with delicate edging, and beautifully made.
+
+Mrs. Minot had been reading from Miss Strickland's "Queens of England"
+while the girls worked, and an illustrated Shakspeare lay open on the
+table, as well as several fine photographs of historical places for them
+to look at as they went along. The hour was over now, the teacher gone,
+and the pupils setting the last stitches as they talked over the lesson,
+which had interested them exceedingly.
+
+"I really believe I have got Henry's six wives into my head right at
+last. Two Annes, three Katherines, and one Jane. Now I've seen where
+they lived and heard their stories, I quite feel as if I knew them,"
+said Merry, shaking the threads off her work before she folded it up to
+carry home.
+
+  "'King Henry the Eighth to six spouses was wedded,
+  One died, one survived, two divorced, two beheaded,'
+
+was all I knew about them before. Poor things, what a bad time they did
+have," added Jill, patting down the red braid, which would pucker a bit
+at the corners.
+
+"Katherine Parr had the best of it, because she outlived the old tyrant
+and so kept her head on," said Molly, winding the thread round her
+last button, as if bound to fasten it on so firmly that nothing should
+decapitate that.
+
+"I used to think I'd like to be a queen or a great lady, and wear velvet
+and jewels, and live in a palace, but now I don't care much for that
+sort of splendor. I like to make things pretty at home, and know that
+they all depend on me, and love me very much. Queens are not happy, and
+I am," said Merry, pausing to look at Anne Hathaway's cottage as she put
+up the picture, and to wonder if it was very pleasant to have a famous
+man for one's husband.
+
+"I guess your missionarying has done you good; mine has, and I'm getting
+to have things my own way more and more every day. Miss Bat is so
+amiable, I hardly know her, and father tells her to ask Miss Molly when
+she goes to him for orders. Isn't that fun?" laughed Molly, in high
+glee, at the agreeable change. "I like it ever so much, but I don't want
+to stay so all my days. I mean to travel, and just as soon as I can
+I shall take Boo and go all round the world, and see everything," she
+added, waving her gay sack, as if it were the flag she was about to nail
+to the masthead of her ship.
+
+"Well, I should like to be famous in some way, and have people admire
+me very much. I'd like to act, or dance, or sing, or be what I heard the
+ladies at Pebbly Beach call a 'queen of society.' But I don't expect to
+be anything, and I'm not going to worry I shall _not_ be a Lucinda, so
+I ought to be contented and happy all my life," said Jill, who was very
+ambitious in spite of the newly acquired meekness, which was all the
+more becoming because her natural liveliness often broke out like
+sunshine through a veil of light clouds.
+
+If the three girls could have looked forward ten years they would have
+been surprised to see how different a fate was theirs from the one each
+had chosen, and how happy each was in the place she was called to fill.
+Merry was not making the old farmhouse pretty, but living in Italy, with
+a young sculptor for her husband, and beauty such as she never dreamed
+of all about her. Molly was not travelling round the world, but
+contentedly keeping house for her father and still watching over Boo,
+who was becoming her pride and joy as well as care. Neither was Jill
+a famous woman, but a very happy and useful one, with the two mothers
+leaning on her as they grew old, the young men better for her influence
+over them, many friends to love and honor her, and a charming home,
+where she was queen by right of her cheery spirit, grateful heart, and
+unfailing devotion to those who had made her what she was.
+
+If any curious reader, not content with this peep into futurity,
+asks, "Did Molly and Jill ever marry?" we must reply, for the sake
+of peace--Molly remained a merry spinster all her days, one of the
+independent, brave, and busy creatures of whom there is such need in the
+world to help take care of other peoples' wives and children, and do the
+many useful jobs that the married folk have no time for. Jill certainly
+did wear a white veil on the day she was twenty-five and called her
+husband Jack. Further than that we cannot go, except to say that
+this leap did not end in a catastrophe, like the first one they took
+together.
+
+That day, however, they never dreamed of what was in store for them, but
+chattered away as they cleared up the room, and then ran off ready for
+play, feeling that they had earned it by work well done. They found the
+lads just finishing, with Boo to help by picking up the windfalls for
+the cider-heap, after he had amused himself by putting about a bushel
+down the various holes old Bun had left behind him. Jack was risking
+his neck climbing in the most dangerous places, while Frank, with a
+long-handled apple-picker, nipped off the finest fruit with care, both
+enjoying the pleasant task and feeling proud of the handsome red and
+yellow piles all about the little orchard. Merry and Molly caught up
+baskets and fell to work with all their might, leaving Jill to sit upon
+a stool and sort the early apples ready to use at once, looking up now
+and then to nod and smile at her mother who watched her from the window,
+rejoicing to see her lass so well and happy.
+
+It was such a lovely day, they all felt its cheerful influence; for the
+sun shone bright and warm, the air was full of an invigorating freshness
+which soon made the girls' faces look like rosy apples, and their
+spirits as gay as if they had been stealing sips of new cider through
+a straw. Jack whistled like a blackbird as he swung and bumped about,
+Frank orated and joked, Merry and Molly ran races to see who would
+fill and empty fastest, and Jill sung to Boo, who reposed in a barrel,
+exhausted with his labors.
+
+"These are the last of the pleasant days, and we ought to make the most
+of them. Let's have one more picnic before the frost spoils the leaves,"
+said Merry, resting a minute at the gate to look down the street, which
+was a glorified sort of avenue, with brilliant maples lining the way and
+carpeting the ground with crimson and gold.
+
+"Oh, yes! Go down the river once more and have supper on the Island. I
+couldn't go to some of your picnics, and I do long for a last good time
+before winter shuts me up again," cried Jill, eager to harvest all the
+sunshine she could, for she was not yet quite her old self again.
+
+"I'm your man, if the other fellows agree. We can't barrel these up for
+a while, so to-morrow will be a holiday for us. Better make sure of the
+day while you can, this weather can't last long;" and Frank shook his
+head like one on intimate terms with Old Prob.
+
+"Don't worry about those high ones, Jack. Give a shake and come down and
+plan about the party," called Molly, throwing up a big Baldwin with what
+seemed a remarkably good aim, for a shower of apples followed, and a boy
+came tumbling earthward to catch on the lowest bough and swing down like
+a caterpillar, exclaiming, as he landed,--
+
+"I'm glad that job is done! I've rasped every knuckle I've got and worn
+out the knees of my pants. Nice little crop though, isn't it?"
+
+"It will be nicer if this young man does not bite every apple he
+touches. Hi there! Stop it, Boo," commanded Frank, as he caught his
+young assistant putting his small teeth into the best ones, to see if
+they were sweet or sour.
+
+Molly set the barrel up on end, and that took the boy out of the reach
+of mischief, so he retired from view and peeped through a crack as he
+ate his fifth pearmain, regardless of consequences.
+
+"Gus will be at home to-morrow. He always comes up early on Saturday,
+you know. We can't get on without him," said Frank, who missed his mate
+very much, for Gus had entered college, and so far did not like it as
+much as he had expected.
+
+"Or Ralph; he is very busy every spare minute on the little boy's bust,
+which is getting on nicely, he says; but he will be able to come home
+in time for supper, I think," added Merry, remembering the absent, as
+usual.
+
+"I'll ask the girls on my way home, and all meet at two o'clock for a
+good row while it's warm. What shall I bring?" asked Molly, wondering if
+Miss Bat's amiability would extend to making goodies in the midst of her
+usual Saturday's baking.
+
+"You bring coffee and the big pot and some buttered crackers. I'll see
+to the pie and cake, and the other girls can have anything else they
+like," answered Merry, glad and proud that she could provide the party
+with her own inviting handiwork.
+
+"I'll take my zither, so we can have music as we sail, and Grif will
+bring his violin, and Ralph can imitate a banjo so that you'd be sure he
+had one. I do hope it will be fine, it is so splendid to go round like
+other folks and enjoy myself," cried Jill, with a little bounce of
+satisfaction at the prospect of a row and ramble.
+
+"Come along, then, and make sure of the girls," said Merry, catching up
+her roll of work, for the harvesting was done.
+
+Molly put her sack on as the easiest way of carrying it, and,
+extricating Boo, they went off, accompanied by the boys, "to make sure
+of the fellows" also, leaving Jill to sit among the apples, singing and
+sorting like a thrifty little housewife.
+
+Next day eleven young people met at the appointed place, basket in hand.
+Ralph could not come till later, for he was working now as he never
+worked before. They were a merry flock, for the mellow autumn day was
+even brighter and clearer than yesterday, and the river looked its
+loveliest, winding away under the sombre hemlocks, or through the
+fairyland the gay woods made on either side. Two large boats and two
+small ones held them all, and away they went, first up through the three
+bridges and round the bend, then, turning, they floated down to the
+green island, where a grove of oaks rustled their sere leaves and the
+squirrels were still gathering acorns. Here they often met to keep their
+summer revels, and here they now spread their feast on the flat rock
+which needed no cloth beside its own gray lichens. The girls trimmed
+each dish with bright leaves, and made the supper look like a banquet
+for the elves, while the boys built a fire in the nook where ashes and
+blackened stones told of many a rustic meal. The big tin coffee-pot
+was not so romantic, but more successful than a kettle slung on three
+sticks, gypsy fashion; so they did not risk a downfall, but set the
+water boiling, and soon filled the air with the agreeable perfume
+associated in their minds with picnics, as most of them never tasted the
+fascinating stuff at any other time, being the worst children can drink.
+
+Frank was cook, Gus helped cut bread and cake, Jack and Grif brought
+wood, while Bob Walker took Joe's place and made himself generally
+useful, as the other gentleman never did, and so was quite out of favor
+lately.
+
+All was ready at last, and they were just deciding to sit down without
+Ralph, when a shout told them he was coming, and down the river skimmed
+a wherry at such a rate the boys wondered whom he had been racing with.
+
+"Something has happened, and he is coming to tell us," said Jill, who
+sat where she could see his eager face.
+
+"Nothing bad, or he wouldn't smile so. He is glad of a good row and a
+little fun after working so hard all the week;" and Merry shook a red
+napkin as a welcoming signal.
+
+Something certainly had happened, and a very happy something it must be,
+they all thought, as Ralph came on with flashing oars, and leaping out
+as the boat touched the shore, ran up the <DW72>, waving his hat, and
+calling in a glad voice, sure of sympathy in his delight,--
+
+"Good news! good news! Hurrah for Rome, next month!"
+
+The young folks forgot their supper for a moment, to congratulate him on
+his happy prospect, and hear all about it, while the leaves rustled as
+if echoing the kind words, and the squirrels sat up aloft, wondering
+what all the pleasant clamor was about.
+
+"Yes, I'm really going in November. German asked me to go with him
+to-day, and if there is any little hitch in my getting off, he'll lend a
+hand, and I--I'll black his boots, wet his clay, and run his errands the
+rest of my life to pay for this!" cried Ralph, in a burst of gratitude;
+for, independent as he was, the kindness of this successful friend to a
+deserving comrade touched and won his heart.
+
+"I call that a handsome thing to do!" said Frank, warmly, for noble
+actions always pleased him. "I heard my mother say that making good or
+useful men was the best sort of sculpture, so I think David German may
+be proud of this piece of work, whether the big statue succeeds or not."
+
+"I'm very glad, old fellow. When I run over for my trip four years from
+now, I'll look you up, and see how you are getting on," said Gus, with a
+hearty shake of the hand; and the younger lads grinned cheerfully,
+even while they wondered where the fun was in shaping clay and chipping
+marble.
+
+"Shall you stay four years?" asked Merry's soft voice, while a wistful
+look came into her happy eyes.
+
+"Ten, if I can," answered Ralph, decidedly, feeling as if a long
+lifetime would be all too short for the immortal work he meant to do.
+"I've got so much to learn, that I shall do whatever David thinks best
+for me at first, and when I _can_ go alone, I shall just shut myself up
+and forget that there is any world outside my den."
+
+"Do write and tell us how you get on now and then; I like to hear about
+other people's good times while I'm waiting for my own," said Molly, too
+much interested to observe that Grif was sticking burrs up and down her
+braids.
+
+"Of course I shall write to some of you, but you mustn't expect any
+great things for years yet. People don't grow famous in a hurry, and it
+takes a deal of hard work even to earn your bread and butter, as you'll
+find if you ever try it," answered Ralph, sobering down a little as he
+remembered the long and steady effort it had taken to get even so far.
+
+"Speaking of bread and butter reminds me that we'd better eat ours
+before the coffee gets quite cold," said Annette, for Merry seemed to
+have forgotten that she had been chosen to play matron, as she was the
+oldest.
+
+The boys seconded the motion, and for a few minutes supper was the
+all-absorbing topic, as the cups went round and the goodies vanished
+rapidly, accompanied by the usual mishaps which make picnic meals such
+fun. Ralph's health was drunk with all sorts of good wishes; and such
+splendid prophecies were made, that he would have far surpassed Michael
+Angelo, if they could have come true. Grif gave him an order on the spot
+for a full-length statue of himself, and stood up to show the imposing
+attitude in which he wished to be taken, but unfortunately slipped
+and fell forward with one hand in the custard pie, the other clutching
+wildly at the coffee-pot, which inhospitably burnt his fingers.
+
+"I think I grasp the idea, and will be sure to remember not to make
+your hair blow one way and the tails of your coat another, as a certain
+sculptor made those of a famous man," laughed Ralph, as the fallen hero
+scrambled up, amidst general merriment.
+
+"Will the little bust be done before you go?" asked Jill, anxiously,
+feeling a personal interest in the success of that order.
+
+"Yes: I've been hard at it every spare minute I could get, and have a
+fortnight more. It suits Mrs. Lennox, and she will pay well for it, so
+I shall have something to start with, though I haven't been able to save
+much. I'm to thank you for that, and I shall send you the first pretty
+thing I get hold of," answered Ralph, looking gratefully at the bright
+face, which grew still brighter as Jill exclaimed,--
+
+"I do feel _so_ proud to know a real artist, and have my bust done by
+him. I only wish _I_ could pay for it as Mrs. Lennox does; but I haven't
+any money, and you don't need the sort of things I can make," she added,
+shaking her head, as she thought over knit slippers, wall-pockets, and
+crochet in all its forms, as offerings to her departing friend.
+
+"You can write often, and tell me all about everybody, for I shall want
+to know, and people will soon forget me when I'm gone," said Ralph,
+looking at Merry, who was making a garland of yellow leaves for Juliet's
+black hair.
+
+Jill promised, and kept her word; but the longest letters went from the
+farm-house on the hill, though no one knew the fact till long afterward.
+Merry said nothing now, but she smiled, with a pretty color in her
+cheeks, and was very much absorbed in her work, while the talk went on.
+
+"I wish I was twenty, and going to seek my fortune, as you are," said
+Jack; and the other boys agreed with him, for something in Ralph's new
+plans and purposes roused the manly spirit in all of them, reminding
+them that playtime would soon be over, and the great world before them,
+where to choose.
+
+"It is easy enough to say what you'd like; but the trouble is, you have
+to take what you can get, and make the best of it," said Gus, whose own
+views were rather vague as yet.
+
+"No you don't, always; you can _make_ things go as you want them, if you
+only try hard enough, and walk right over whatever stands in the way. I
+don't mean to give up my plans for any man; but, if I live, I'll carry
+them out--you see if I don't;" and Frank gave the rock where he lay a
+blow with his fist, that sent the acorns flying all about.
+
+One of them hit Jack, and he said, sorrowfully, as he held it in his
+hand so carefully it was evident he had some association with it,--
+
+"Ed used to say that, and he had some splendid plans, but they didn't
+come to anything."
+
+"Perhaps they did; who can tell? Do your best while you live, and I
+don't believe anything good is lost, whether we have it a long or a
+short time," said Ralph, who knew what a help and comfort high hopes
+were, and how they led to better things, if worthily cherished.
+
+"A great many acorns are wasted, I suppose; but some of them sprout and
+grow, and make splendid trees," added Merry, feeling more than she knew
+how to express, as she looked up at the oaks overhead.
+
+Only seven of the party were sitting on the knoll now, for the rest had
+gone to wash the dishes and pack the baskets down by the boats. Jack and
+Jill, with the three elder boys, were in a little group, and as Merry
+spoke, Gus said to Frank,--
+
+"Did you plant yours?"
+
+"Yes, on the lawn, and I mean it shall come up if I can make it,"
+answered Frank, gravely.
+
+"I put mine where I can see it from the window, and not forget to water
+and take care of it," added Jack, still turning the pretty brown acorn
+to and fro as if he loved it.
+
+"What do they mean?" whispered Merry to Jill, who was leaning against
+her knee to rest.
+
+"The boys were walking in the Cemetery last Sunday, as they often do,
+and when they came to Ed's grave, the place was all covered with little
+acorns from the tree that grows on the bank. They each took up some as
+they stood talking, and Jack said he should plant his, for he loved Ed
+very much, you know. The others said they would, too; and I hope the
+trees will grow, though we don't need anything to remember him by,"
+answered Jill, in a low tone, thinking of the pressed flowers the girls
+kept for his sake.
+
+The boys heard her, but no one spoke for a moment as they sat looking
+across the river toward the hill where the pines whispered their
+lullabies and pointed heavenward, steadfast and green, all the year
+round. None of them could express the thought that was in their minds as
+Jill told the little story; but the act and the feeling that prompted it
+were perhaps as beautiful an assurance as could have been given that
+the dear dead boy's example had not been wasted, for the planting of the
+acorns was a symbol of the desire budding in those young hearts to
+be what he might have been, and to make their lives nobler for the
+knowledge and the love of him.
+
+"It seems as if a great deal had happened this year," said Merry, in a
+pensive tone, for this quiet talk just suited her mood.
+
+"So I say, for there's been a Declaration of Independence and a
+Revolution in our house, and I'm commander-in-chief now; and don't I
+like it!" cried Molly, complacently surveying the neat new uniform she
+wore of her own choosing.
+
+"I feel as if I never learned so much in my life as I have since last
+December, and yet I never did so little," added Jill, wondering why the
+months of weariness and pain did not seem more dreadful to her.
+
+"Well, pitching on my head seems to have given me a good shaking up,
+somehow, and I mean to do great things next year in better ways than
+breaking my bones coasting," said Jack, with a manly air.
+
+"I feel like a Siamese twin without his mate now you are gone, but I'm
+under orders for a while, and mean to do my best. Guess it won't be
+lost time;" and Frank nodded at Gus, who nodded back with the slightly
+superior expression all Freshmen wear.
+
+"Hope you won't find it so. My work is all cut out for me, and I intend
+to go in and win, though it is more of a grind than you fellows know."
+
+"I'm sure I have everything to be grateful for. It won't be plain
+sailing--I don't expect it; but, if I live, I'll do something to be
+proud of," said Ralph, squaring his shoulders as if to meet and conquer
+all obstacles as he looked into the glowing west, which was not fairer
+than his ambitious dreams.
+
+Here we will say good-by to these girls and boys of ours as they sit
+together in the sunshine talking over a year that was to be for ever
+memorable to them, not because of any very remarkable events, but
+because they were just beginning to look about them as they stepped out
+of childhood into youth, and some of the experiences of the past months
+had set them to thinking, taught them to see the use and beauty of the
+small duties, joys, and sorrows which make up our lives, and inspired
+them to resolve that the coming year should be braver and brighter than
+the last.
+
+There are many such boys and girls, full of high hopes, lovely
+possibilities, and earnest plans, pausing a moment before they push
+their little boats from the safe shore. Let those who launch them see
+to it that they have good health to man the oars, good education for
+ballast, and good principles as pilots to guide them as they voyage down
+an ever-widening river to the sea.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack and Jill, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+*** 
\ No newline at end of file