JackAndJill

ByLouisaMayAlcott

JACKANDJILL

ChapterI.TheCatastrophe

"Clear thelulla!"wasthegeneralcryonabrightDecemberafternoon,whenall the boys and girls ofHarmonyVillagewere out enjoying the first goodsnowoftheseason.Upanddownthreelongcoaststheywentasfastaslegsandsledscouldcarry them.Onesmoothpath led into themeadow,andherethe little folk congregated; one swept across the pond, where skaters weredartingaboutlikewater-bugs;andthethird,fromtheverytopofthesteephill,endedabruptlyata rail fenceon thehighbankabove the road.Therewasagroupofladsandlassessittingorleaningonthisfencetorestafteranexcitingrace, and, as they reposed, they amused themselves with criticising theirmates,stillabsorbedinthismostdelightfulofout-doorsports."HerecomesFrankMinot,lookingassolemnasajudge,"criedone,asatallfellowofsixteenspunby,withasetlookaboutthemouthandakeensparkleoftheeyes,fixedonthedistantgoalwithado-or-dieexpression."Here'sMollyLooAndlittleBoo!"

sangoutanother;anddowncameagirlwithflyinghair,carryingasmallboybehindher, so fat thathis short legs stuckout from the sides, andhis roundfacelookedoverhershoulderlikeafullmoon."There'sGusBurton;doesn'thegoit?"andsuchaverylongboywhizzedby,thatit lookedalmostasifhisheelswereatthetopofthehillwhenhisheadwasatthebottom!"HurrahforEdDevlin!"andageneralshoutgreetedasweet-facedlad,withalaughonhislips,afinecoloronhisbrowncheek,andagaywordforeverygirlhepassed."LauraandLottykeeptothesafecoastintothemeadow,andMollyLooistheonlygirlthatdarestotrythislongonetothepond.Iwouldn'tfortheworld;theicecan'tbestrongyet,thoughitiscoldenoughtofreezeone'snoseoff,"said a timid damsel, who sat hugging a post and screaming whenever amischievousladshookthefence."No,sheisn't;here'sJackandJillgoinglikefury.""ClearthetrackForjollyJack!"sangtheboys,whohadrhymesandnicknamesfornearlyeveryone.Downcameagayredsled,bearingaboywhoseemedallsmileandsunshine,sowhitewerehisteeth,sogoldenwashishair,sobrightandhappyhiswholeair.Behindhimclungalittlegypsyofagirl,withblackeyesandhair,cheeksasredasherhood,andafacefulloffunandsparkle,asshewavedJack'sbluetippetlikeabannerwithonehand,andheldonwiththeother."JillgoeswhereverJackdoes,andheletsher.He'ssuchagood-naturedchap,hecan'tsay'No.'""Toagirl," slyly addedoneof theboys,whohadwished toborrow the redsled,andhadbeenpolitelyrefusedbecauseJillwantedit."He'sthenicestboyintheworld,forhenevergetsmad,"saidthetimidyounglady, recalling themany times Jackhad shieldedher from the terrorswhichbesetherpathtoschool,intheshapeofcows,dogs,andboyswhomadefacesandcalledher"'Fraid-cat.""Hedoesn'tdaretogetmadwithJill,forshe'dtakehisheadoffintwominutesifhedid,"growledJoeFlint,stillsmartingfromtherebukeJillhadgivenhimforrobbingthelittleonesoftheirsafecoastbecausehefanciedit."Shewouldn't!she'sadear!Youneedn'tsniffatherbecausesheispoor.She'seversomuchbrighterthanyouare,orshewouldn'talwaysbeattheheadofyourclass,oldJoe,"criedthegirls,standingbytheirfriendwithaunanimitywhichprovedwhatafavoriteshewas.

Joe subsidedwithas scornful a curl tohisnoseas its chilly statepermitted,andMerryGrantintroducedasubjectofgeneralinterestbyaskingabruptly,—"Whoisgoingtothecandy-scrapeto-night?""Allofus.Frankinvitedthewholeset,andweshallhaveatip-toptime.WealwaysdoattheMinots',"criedSue,thetimidtrembler."Jack said there was a barrel of molasses in the house, so there would beenough for all to eat and some to carry away.Theyknowhow to do thingshandsomely;"andthespeakerlickedhislips,asifalreadytastingthefeastinstoreforhim."Mrs.Minotisamotherworthhaving,"saidMollyLoo,comingupwithBooonthesled;andsheknewwhatitwastoneedamother,forshehadnone,andtriedtocareforthelittlebrotherwithmaternalloveandpatience."Sheisjustassweetasshecanbe!"declaredMerry,enthusiastically."Especiallywhenshehasacandy-scrape,"saidJoe,tryingtobeamiable,lestheshouldbeleftoutoftheparty.Whereattheyalllaughed,andwentgaylyawayforafarewellfrolic,asthesunwassettingandthekeenwindnippedfingersandtoesaswellasnoses.Down they went, one after another, on the various coasts,—solemn Frank,longGus, gallant Ed, fly-awayMolly Loo, pretty Laura and Lotty, grumpyJoe, sweet-facedMerrywith Sue shriekingwildly behind her, gay Jack andgypsy Jill, always together,—one and all bubbling over with the innocentjollitybornofhealthfulexercise.Peoplepassingintheroadbelowlookedupandsmiled involuntarilyat thered-cheeked ladsand lasses, filling thefrostyair with peals of laughter and cries of triumph as they flew by in everyconceivable attitude; for the fun was at its height now, and the oldest andgravest observers felt a glowof pleasure as they looked, remembering theirownyoungdays."Jack,takemedownthatcoast.JoesaidIwouldn'tdaretodoit,soImust,"commandedJill,astheypausedforbreathafterthelongtrudgeuphill.Jill,ofcourse,wasnother realname,buthadbeengivenbecauseofher friendshipwithJack,whosoadmiredJaneyPecq'sspiritandfun."IguessIwouldn't.Itisverybumpyandendsinabigdrift;nothalfsoniceasthis one. Hop on and we'll have a good spin across the pond;" and Jackbrought "Thunderbolt" round with a skilful swing and an engaging air thatwouldhavewonobediencefromanybodybutwilfulJill."Itisverynice,butIwon'tbetoldIdon't'dare'byanyboyintheworld.Ifyouare afraid, I'll go alone."And, before he could speak, she had snatched theropefromhishand,thrownherselfuponthesled,andwasoff,helter-skelter,downthemostdangerouscoastonthehill-side.

She did not get far, however; for, starting in a hurry, she did not guide hersteedwith care, and the red charger landedher in the snowhalf-waydown,whereshelaylaughingtillJackcametopickherup."Ifyouwillgo, I'll takeyoudownall right. I'mnotafraid, for I'vedone itadozentimeswiththeotherfellows;butwegaveitupbecauseit isshortandbad," he said, still good-natured, though a little hurt at the charge ofcowardice; for Jack was as brave as a little lion, and with the best sort ofbravery,—thecouragetodoright."Soitis;butImustdoitafewtimes,orJoewillplaguemeandspoilmyfunto-night," answered Jill, shaking her skirts and rubbing her blue hands,wetandcoldwiththesnow."Here,puttheseon;Ineverusethem.Keepthemiftheyfit;Ionlycarrythemtopleasemother."AndJackpulledoutapairofredmittenswiththeairofaboyusedtogivingaway."Theyarelovelywarm,andtheydofit.Mustbetoosmallforyourpaws,soI'llknityouanewpairforChristmas,andmakeyouwearthem,too,"saidJill,putting on themittens with a nod of thanks, and ending her speech with astampofherrubberbootstoenforceherthreat.Jack laughed, and up they trudged to the spot whence the three coastsdiverged."Now,whichwillyouhave?"heasked,withawarninglookinthehonestblueeyeswhichoftenunconsciouslycontrollednaughtyJillagainstherwill."Thatone!"andtheredmittenpointedfirmlytotheperilouspathjusttried."Youwilldoit?""Iwill!""Comeon,then,andholdtight."Jack's smilewas gone now, and hewaitedwithout awordwhile Jill tuckedherself up, then took his place in front, and off they went on the brief,breathlesstripstraightintothedriftbythefencebelow."I don't see anything very awful in that. Come up and have another. Joe iswatchingus,andI'dliketoshowhimthatwearen'tafraidofanything,"saidJill, with a defiant glance at a distant boy, who had paused to watch thedescent."It is a regular 'go-bang,' if that is what you like," answered Jack, as theyplowedtheirwayupagain."Itis.Youboysthinkgirlslikelittlemeancoastswithoutanyfunordangerinthem,asifwecouldn'tbebraveandstrongaswellasyou.Givemethreego-bangsandthenwe'llstop.Mytumbledoesn'tcount,sogivemetwomoreand

thenI'llbegood."Jilltookherseatasshespoke,andlookedupwithsucharosy,pleadingfacethat Jack gave in at once, and down they went again, raising a cloud ofglitteringsnow-dustastheyreinedupinfinestylewiththeirfeetonthefence."It's just splendid! Now, one more!" cried Jill, excited by the cheers of asleighingpartypassingbelow.Proud of his skill, Jackmarched back, resolved tomake the third "go" thecrowningachievementoftheafternoon,whileJillprancedafterhimaslightlyasifthebigbootswerethefamousseven-leaguedones,andchatteringaboutthecandy-scrapeandwhethertherewouldbenutsornot.Sofullweretheyofthisimportantquestion,thattheypiledonhap-hazard,andstartedoffstilltalkingsobusilythatJillforgottoholdtightandJacktosteercarefully. Alas, for the candy-scrape that never was to be! Alas, for poor"Thunderbolt"blindlysettingforthonthelasttripheevermade!Andoh,alas,forJackandJill,whowilfullychose thewrongroadandended their funforthewinter!Nooneknewhowithappened,butinsteadoflandinginthedrift,oratthefence,therewasagreatcrashagainstthebars,adreadfulplungeoffthesteepbank,asuddenscatteringofgirl,boy,sled,fence,earth,andsnow,allabouttheroad,twocries,andthensilence."I knew they'd do it!" and, standing on the postwhere he had perched, Joewavedhisarmsandshouted:"Smash-up!Smash-up!Run!Run!"likearavencroakingoverabattlefieldwhenthefightwasdone.Downrushedboysandgirls ready to laughorcry,as thecasemightbe, foraccidentswillhappenonthebest-regulatedcoasting-grounds.TheyfoundJacksittinguplookingabouthimwithaqueer,dazedexpression,whileanuglycutontheforeheadwasbleedinginawaywhichsoberedtheboysandfrightenedthegirlshalfoutoftheirwits."He'skilled!He'skilled!"wailedSue,hidingherfaceandbeginningtocry."No,I'mnot.I'llbeallrightwhenIgetmybreath.Where'sJill?"askedJack,stoutly,thoughstilltoogiddytoseestraight.Thegroupabouthimopened,andhiscomradeinmisfortunewasdiscoveredlyingquietlyinthesnowwithalltheprettycolorshockedoutofherfacebythefall,andwinkingrapidly,asifhalfstunned.Butnowoundsappeared,andwhenaskedifshewasdead,sheansweredinavaguesortofway,—"Iguessnot.IsJackhurt?""Broken his head," croaked Joe, stepping aside, that she might behold thefallen hero vainly trying to look calm and cheerful with red drops runningdownhischeekandalumponhisforehead.

Jillshuthereyesandwavedthegirlsaway,saying,faintly,—"Nevermindme.Goandseetohim.""Don't!I'mallright,"andJacktriedtogetupinordertoprovethatheadersoffabankweremere trifles tohim;butat the firstmovementof the left legheutteredasharpcryofpain,andwouldhavefallenifGushadnotcaughtandgentlylaidhimdown."Whatisit,oldchap?"askedFrank,kneelingbesidehim,reallyalarmednow,thehurtsseemingworsethanmerebumps,whichwerecommonaffairsamongbaseballplayers,andnotworthmuchnotice."Ilitonmyhead,butIguessI'vebrokenmyleg.Don'tfrightenmother,"andJackheldfasttoFrank'sarmashelookedintotheanxiousfacebentoverhim;for, though the elder tyrannized over the younger, the brothers loved oneanotherdearly."Lifthishead,Frank,whileItiemyhandkerchiefroundtostopthebleeding,"saidaquietvoice,asEdDevlinlaidahandfulofsoftsnowonthewound;andJack's facebrightenedashe turned to thank theonebigboywhoneverwasroughwiththesmallones."Bettergethimrighthome,"advisedGus,whostoodbylookingon,withhislittlesistersLauraandLottyclingingtohim."TakeJill,too,forit'smyopinionshehasbrokenherback.Shecan'tstironebit," announcedMollyLoo,with a droll air of triumph, as if rather pleasedthanotherwisetohaveherpatienthurttheworse;forJack'swoundwasveryeffective,andMollyhadatasteforthetragic.Thischeerfulstatementwasgreetedwithawail fromSusanandhowlsfromBoo,whohadearnedthatnamefromtheeasewithwhich,onalloccasions,hecouldburstintoadismalroarwithoutsheddingatear,andstopassuddenlyashebegan."Oh,Iamsosorry!Itwasmyfault;Ishouldn'thaveletherdoit,"saidJack,distressfully."Itwasallmyfault; Imadehim. If I'dbrokeneveryboneI'vegot, itwouldservemeright.Don'thelpme,anybody;I'mawickedthing,andIdeservetoliehereandfreezeandstarveanddie!"criedJill,pilinguppunishmentsinherremorsefulanguishofmindandbody."But we want to help you, and we can settle about blame by and by,"whisperedMerrywithakiss;forsheadoreddashingJill,andneverwouldownthatshedidwrong."Herecomethewood-sledsjustintime.I'llcutawayandtelloneofthemtohurryup."And,freeinghimselffromhissisters,Guswentoffatagreatpace,

provingthatthelonglegscarriedasensibleheadaswellasakindheart.Asthefirstsledapproached,anairofreliefpervadedtheagitatedparty,foritwasdrivenbyMr.Grant,abig,benevolent-lookingfarmer,whosurveyedthescenewiththesympatheticinterestofamanandafather."Hada littleaccident,haveyou?Well, that'sapretty likelyplaceforaspill.Tried itoncemyselfandbroke thebridgeofmynose,"hesaid, tapping thatmassivefeaturewithalaughwhichshowedthatfiftyyearsoffarminghadnottakenall theboyoutofhim."Nowthen, let'sseeabout this littlechore,andlively, too, for it's late, and these parties ought to be housed," he added,throwingdownhiswhip,pushingbackhiscap,andnoddingat thewoundedwithareassuringsmile."Jill first, please, sir," said Ed, the gentle squire of dames, spreading hisovercoatonthesledaseagerlyaseverRaleighlaiddownhisvelvetcloakforaqueentowalkupon."Allright.Justlayeasy,mydear,andIwon'thurtyouamiteifIcanhelpit."CarefulasMr.Grantwas,Jillcouldhavescreamedwithpainasheliftedher;butshesether lipsandbore itwith thecourageofa littleIndian;forall thelads were looking on, and Jill was proud to show that a girl could bear asmuchasaboy.Shehidherfaceinthecoatassoonasshewassettled,tohidethetearsthatwouldcome,andbythetimeJackwasplacedbesideher,shehadquitealittlecisternofsaltwaterstoredupinEd'scoat-pocket.Thenthemournfulprocessionsetforth,Mr.Grantdrivingtheoxen,thegirlsclustering about the interesting invalids on the sled, while the boys camebehindlikeaguardofhonor,leavingthehilldesertedbyallbutJoe,whohadreturnedtohoveraboutthefatalfence,andpoor"Thunderbolt,"splitasunder,lyingonthebanktomarkthespotwherethegreatcatastropheoccurred.

ChapterII.TwoPenitents

JackandJillnevercaredtosaymuchaboutthenightwhichfollowedthefirstcoastingpartyoftheseason,foritwasthesaddestandthehardesttheirshortliveshadeverknown.Jacksufferedmostinbody;forthesettingofthebrokenlegwas such a painful job, that itwrung several sharp cries from him, andmadeFrank,whohelped,quiteweakandwhitewith sympathy,when itwasover.Thewoundedheadacheddreadfully,andthepoorboyfeltasifbruisedallover,forhehadtheworstofthefall.Dr.Whitingspokecheerfullyofthecase,andmadesolightofbrokenlegs,thatJackinnocentlyaskedifheshouldnotbeupinaweekorso.

"Well,no;itusuallytakestwenty-onedaysforbonestoknit,andyoungonesmakequickworkofit,"answeredthedoctor,withalastscientifictucktothevariousbandages,whichmadeJackfeellikeahaplesschickentrussedforthespit."Twenty-one days! Three whole weeks in bed! I shouldn't call that quickwork," groaned the dismayed patient, whose experience of illness had beenlimited."Itisafortydays'job,youngman,andyoumustmakeupyourmindtobearitlikeahero.Wewilldoourbest;butnexttime,lookbeforeyouleap,andsaveyourbones.Good-night;you'llfeelbetterinthemorning.Nojigs,remember;"andoffwentthebusydoctorforanotherlookatJill,whohadbeenorderedtobedandlefttoresttilltheothercasewasattendedto.Any one would have thought Jack's plight much the worse, but the doctorlookedmoresoberoverJill'shurtbackthantheboy'scompoundfractures;andthepoor littlegirlhadaverybadquarterof anhourwhilehewas trying todiscovertheextentoftheinjury."Keepherquiet,and timewillshowhowmuchdamage isdone,"wasallhesaid in her hearing; but if she had known that he toldMrs. Pecq he fearedseriousconsequences,shewouldnothavewonderedwhyhermothercriedassherubbedthenumblimbsandplacedthepillowssotenderly.Jill sufferedmost in hermind; for only a sharp stab of pain now and thenremindedherofherbody;butherremorsefullittlesoulgavehernopeaceforthinkingofJack,whosebruisesandbreakagesherlivelyfancypaintedinthedarkestcolors."Oh, don't be good to me, Mammy; I made him go, and now he's hurtdreadfully, andmaydie; and it is allmy fault, and everybodyought tohateme,"sobbedpoorJill,asaneighborlefttheroomafterreportinginaminutemannerhowJackscreamedwhenhis legwasset,andhowFrankwasfoundwhiteasasheet,withhisheadunderthepump,whileGusrestoredthetoneofhisfriend'snerves,bypumpingasifthehousewasonfire."Whist,mylass,andgotosleep.TakeasupofthegoodwineMrs.Minotsent,foryouareascoldasaclod,anditbreaksmyhearttoseemyJaneyso.""I can't go to sleep; I don't see how Jack'smother could sendme anythingwhenI'vehalfkilledhim.Iwant tobecoldandacheandhavehorridthingsdonetome.Oh,ifIevergetoutofthisbedI'llbethebestgirlintheworld,topayforthis.SeeifIain't!"andJillgavesuchadecidednodthathertearsflewallaboutthepillowlikeashower."You'dbetterbeginatonce,foryouwon'tgetoutofthatbedforalongwhile,I'mafraid,mylamb,"sighedhermother,unabletoconcealtheanxietythatlay

soheavyonherheart."AmIhurtbadly,Mammy?""Ifearit,lass.""I'mgladofit;IoughttobeworsethanJack,andIhopeIam.I'llbearitwell,and be good right away. Sing,Mammy, and I'll try to go to sleep to pleaseyou."Jill shuthereyeswithsuddenandunusualmeekness,andbeforehermotherhadcroonedhalfadozenversesofanoldballad,thelittleblackheadlaystillupon the pillow, and repentant Jill was fast asleepwith a redmitten in herhand.Mrs.Pecqwas anEnglishwomanwhohad leftMontreal at the death of herhusband,aFrenchCanadian,andhadcometo live in the tinycottagewhichstoodnearMrs.Minot'sbighouse,separatedonlybyanarbor-vitaehedge.Asad,silentperson,whohadseenbetterdays,butsaidnothingaboutthem,andearned her bread by sewing, nursing, work in the factory, or anything thatcame in her way, being anxious to educate her little girl. Now, as she satbesidethebedinthesmall,poorroom,thathopealmostdiedwithinher,forhere was the child laid up for months, probably, and the one ambition andpleasureofthesolitarywoman'slifewastoseeJaneyPecq'snameoverallthehighmarksintheschool-reportssheproudlybroughthome."She'llwin through,pleaseHeaven, and I'll seemy lass agentlewomanyet,thanks to the good friend in yonder,whowill never let herwant for care,"thought the poor soul, lookingout into the gloomwhere a long ray of lightstreamed from thegreathousewarmandcomfortableupon the cottage, likethespiritofkindnesswhichmadetheinmatesfriendsandneighbors.Meantime, thatothermother satbyherboy'sbedasanxiousbutwithbetterhope,forMrs.Minotmadetroublesweetandhelpfulbythewayinwhichshebore it; and her boyswere learning of her how to find silver linings to thecloudsthatmustcomeintothebluestskies.Jack laywide awake,with hot cheeks, and throbbing head, and all sorts ofqueersensationsinthebrokenleg.Thesoothingpotionhehadtakendidnotaffecthimyet,andhetriedtobeguilethewearytimebywonderingwhocameandwentbelow.Gentleringsatthefrontdoor,andmysterioustappingsattheback, had been going on all the evening; for the report of the accident hadgrownastonishinglyinits travels,andateighto'clockthegeneralbeliefwasthat Jack had broken both legs, fractured his skull, and lay at the point ofdeath,whileJillhaddislocatedoneshoulder,andwasbruisedblackandbluefromtopto toe.Suchbeingthecase, it isnowonder thatanxiousplaymatesandneighborshauntedthedoorstepsofthetwohouses,andthatoffersofhelppouredin.

Frank, having tied up the bell and put a notice in the lighted side-window,saying,"Gotothebackdoor,"satintheparlor,supportedbyhischum,Gus,whileEdplayedsoftlyonthepiano,hopingtolullJacktosleep.Itdidsoothehim,foraverysweetfriendshipexistedbetweenthetallyouthandtheladofthirteen. Edwentwith the big fellows, but always had a kindword for thesmaller boys; and affectionate Jack, never ashamed to show his love, wasoften seen with his arm round Ed's shoulder, as they sat together in thepleasantredparlors,wherealltheyoungpeoplewerewelcomeandFrankwasking."Is the pain any easier, my darling?" asked Mrs. Minot, leaning over thepillow,wherethegoldenheadlayquietforamoment."Notmuch. I forget it listening to themusic.DearoldEd is playing allmyfavoritetunes,anditisverynice.Iguesshefeelsprettysorryaboutme.""Theyalldo.Frankcouldnottalkofit.Guswouldn'tgohometotea,hewassoanxioustodosomethingforus.Joebroughtbackthebitsofyourpoorsled,becausehedidn't like to leave themlyingroundforanyone tocarryoff,hesaid,andyoumightlikethemtorememberyourfallby."Jack tried to laugh, but it was rather a failure, though he managed to say,cheerfully,—"ThatwasgoodofoldJoe.Iwouldn'tlendhim'Thunderbolt'forfearhe'dhurtit.Couldn'thavesmasheditupbetterthanIdid,couldhe?Don'tthinkIwantanypiecestoremindmeofthatfall.Ijustwishyou'dseenus,mother!Itmusthavebeenasplendidspilltolookat,anyway.""No,thankyou;I'drathernoteventrytoimaginemypreciousboygoingheelsoverheaddownthatdreadfulhill.Nomorepranksofthatsortforsometime,Jacky;" and Mrs. Minot looked rather pleased on the whole to have herventuresomebirdsafeunderhermaternalwing."NocoastingtillsometimeinJanuary.WhatafoolIwastodoit!Go-bangsalwaysaredangerous,andthat'sthefunofthething.Ohdear!"Jack threwhisarmsaboutand frowneddarkly,butnever saidawordof thewilful little baggagewho had led him intomischief; hewas toomuch of agentleman to tell on a girl, though it cost him an effort to hold his tongue,becauseMamma'sgoodopinionwasveryprecious tohim,andhe longed toexplain. She knew all about it, however, for Jill had been carried into thehouserevilingherselfforthemishap,andeveninthemidstofherownanxietyforherboy,Mrs.Minotunderstoodthestateofthecasewithoutmorewords.Soshenowsethismindatrestbysaying,quietly."Foolishfun,asyousee,dear.Anothertime,standfirmandhelpJilltocontrolherheadstrongwill.Whenyoulearntoyieldlessandshemore,therewillbe

noscrapeslikethistotryusall.""I'll remember,mother. I hate not to be obliging, but I guess itwould havesaveduslotsoftroubleifI'dsaidNointhebeginning.Itriedto,butshewouldgo.PoorJill!I'lltakebettercareofhernexttime.Issheveryill,Mamma?""Icantellyoubetterto-morrow.Shedoesnotsuffermuch,andwehopethereisnogreatharmdone.""Iwish shehadaniceplace like this tobe sick in. Itmustbeverypoky inthoselittlerooms,"saidJack,ashiseyerovedroundthelargechamberwherehelaysocosey,warm,andpleasant,withthegaychintzcurtainsdrapingdoorsandwindows, the rosy carpet, comfortable chairs, and a fire glowing in thegrate."Ishallseethatshesuffersfornothing,sodon'ttroubleyourkindheartabouther to-night, but try to sleep; that's what you need," answered his mother,wetting thebandageonhis forehead,andputtingacoolhandon theflushedcheeks.Jackobedientlyclosedhiseyesandlistenedwhiletheboyssang"TheSweetByandBy,"softeningtheirroughyoungvoicesforhissaketillthemusicwasassoftasalullaby.Helaysostillhismotherthoughthewasoff,butpresentlyatearslippedoutandrolleddowntheredcheek,wettingherhandasitpassed."Myblessedboy,whatisit?"shewhispered,withatouchandatonethatonlymothershave.Theblueeyesopenedwide,andJack'sownsunshinysmilebrokethroughthetearsthatfilledthemashesaidwithasniff,—"EverybodyissogoodtomeIcan'thelpmakinganoodleofmyself."Youarenotanoodle!"criedMamma,resentingtheepithet."Oneofthesweetthingsaboutpainandsorrowisthattheyshowushowwellweareloved,howmuchkindnessthereisintheworld,andhoweasilywecanmakeothershappyin the samewaywhen theyneedhelpandsympathy.Don't forget that, littleson.""Don'tseehowIcan,withyoutoshowmehowniceitis.Kissmegood-night,andthen'I'llbegood,'asJillsays."Nestlinghisheaduponhismother'sarm,Jacklayquiettill,lulledbythemusicof his mates, he drowsed away into the dreamless sleep which is NurseNature'shealthiestsoothingsirupforwearysoulsandbodies.

ChapterIII.WardNo.1

Forsomedays,nothingwasseenandlittlewasheardofthe"dearsufferers,"as the old ladies called them. But they were not forgotten; the first wordsutteredwhen any of the young peoplemetwere: "How is Jack?" "Seen Jillyet?" and all waited with impatience for the moment when they could beadmittedtotheirfavoritemates,morethaneverobjectsofinterestnow.Meantime, the captives spent the first fewdays in sleep, pain, and trying toacceptthehardfactthatschoolandplayweredonewithformonthsperhaps.But young spirits are wonderfully elastic and soon cheer up, and healthyyoungbodieshealfast,oreasilyadapt themselvestonewconditions.Soourinvalidsbegantomendonthefourthday,andtodrivetheirnursesdistractedwitheffortstoamusethem,beforethefirstweekwasover.Themostsuccessfulattemptoriginated inWardNo.1,asMrs.MinotcalledJack'sapartment,andwewillgiveoursympathizingreaderssomeideaofthisplace, which became the stage whereon were enacted many varied andremarkablescenes.Each of the Minot boys had his own room, and there collected his owntreasuresandtrophies,arrangedtosuithisconvenienceandtaste.Frank'swasfullofbooks,maps,machinery,chemicalmesses,andgeometricaldrawings,whichadornedthewallslikeintricatecobwebs.Abigchair,wherehereadandstudiedwithhisheelshigherthanhishead,abasketofapplesforrefreshmentat all hours of the day or night, and an immense inkstand, inwhich severalpenswerealwaysapparentlybathingtheirfeet,weretheprincipalornamentsofhisscholasticretreat.Jack'shobbywasathleticsports,forhewasbentonhavingastrongandactivebodyforhishappylittlesoultoliveandenjoyitselfin.Soaseveresimplicityreignedinhisapartment;insummer,especially,forthenhisfloorwasbare,hiswindows were uncurtained, and the chairs uncushioned, the bed being asnarrowandhardasNapoleon's.Theonlyornamentsweredumbbells,whips,bats,rods,skates,boxing-gloves,abigbath-panandasmalllibrary,consistingchieflyofbooksongames,horses,health,hunting,andtravels.Inwinterhismothermadethingsmorecomfortablebyintroducingrugs,curtains,andafire.Jack, also, relented slightly in the severity of his training, occasionallyindulging in the national buckwheat cake, instead of the prescribed oatmealporridge, for breakfast, omitting his cold bath when the thermometer wasbelowzero,anddancingatnight,insteadofrunningagivendistancebyday.Now,however,hewasahelplesscaptive,givenovertoallsortsofcoddling,laziness,andluxury,andtherewasadrollmixtureofmirthandmelancholyinhis face, as he lay trussed up in bed, watching the comforts which hadsuddenly robbed his room of its Spartan simplicity. A delicious couch wasthere,withFrankreposinginitsdepths,halfhiddenunderseveralfolioswhichhewas consulting for a history of the steam-engine, the subject of his next

composition.Awhite-coveredtablestoodnear,withallmannerofdaintiessetforthinawayto tempt the sternest principles. Vases of flowers bloomed on the chimney-piece,—giftsfromanxiousyoungladies,leftwiththeirlove.Frivolousstory-booksandpicture-papersstrewedthebed,nowshroudedineffeminatechintzcurtains,beneathwhich Jack lay likeawoundedwarrior inhis tent.But thesaddest sight for our crippled athlete was a glimpse, through a half-openeddoor, at thebeloveddumb-bells, bats, balls, boxing-gloves, and snow-shoes,allpiledignominiouslyawayinthebath-pan,mournfullyrecallingthefactthattheirdaywasover,now,atleastforsometime.Hewasabouttogroandismally,whenhiseyefellonasightwhichmadehimswallow thegroan,andcough instead,as if it chokedhima little.Thesightwashismother'sface,asshesatinalowchairrollingbandages,withabasketbeside her inwhichwere piles of old linen, lint, plaster, and othermatters,needed for the dressing of wounds. As he looked, Jack remembered howsteadilyandtenderlyshehadstoodbyhimallthroughthehardtimesjustpast,andhowcarefullyshehadbathedanddressedhiswoundeachdayinspiteoftheeffortitcosthertogivehimpainorevenseehimsuffer."That's a better sort of strength than swinging twenty-pound dumb-bells orrunningraces;IguessI'lltryforthatkind,too,andnothowlorletherseemesquirmwhenthedoctorhurts,"thoughttheboy,ashesawthatgentlefacesopale and tired with much watching and anxiety, yet so patient, serene, andcheerful,thatitwaslikesunshine."Liedownand takeagoodnap,motherdear, I feel first-rate,andFrankcansee to me if I want anything. Do, now," he added, with a persuasive nodtowardthecouch,andaboyishrelishinstirringuphislazybrother.After some urging, Mamma consented to go to her room for forty winks,leavingJackinthecareofFrank,begginghimtobeasquietaspossibleifthedearboywishedtosleep,andtoamusehimifhedidnot.Beingworn out,Mrs.Minot lengthened her forty winks into a three hours'nap,andasthe"dearboy"scornedrepose,Mr.Frankhadhishandsfullwhileonguard."I'llreadtoyou.Here'sWatt,Arkwright,Fulton,andalotofcapitalfellows,withpictures thatwill doyour heart good.Have a bit,will you?" asked thenewnurse, flapping the leaves invitingly.—forFrankhadapassion for suchthings, and drew steam-engines all over his slate, as TommyTraddles drewhostsofskeletonswhenlowinhisspirits."Idon'twantanyofyouroldboilersandstokersandwhirligigs. I'mtiredofreading, andwant something regularly jolly," answered Jack,who had beenchasingwhite buffaloeswith "TheHunters of theWest," till hewas a trifle

tiredandfractious."Play cribbage, euchre, anything you like;" andFrank obligingly disinterredhimselffromunderthefolios,feelingthatitwashardforafellowtolieflatawholeweek."No fun; just twoofus.Wish schoolwasover, so theboyswouldcome in;doctorsaidImightseethemnow.""They'llbealongbyandby,andI'llhailthem.Tillthen,whatshallwedo?I'myourmanforanything,onlyputanametoit.""JustwishIhadatelegraphoratelephone,soIcouldtalktoJill.Wouldn'titbefuntopipeacrossandgetananswer!""I'llmakeeitheryousay;"andFranklookedasiftriflesofthatsortweretobehadfortheasking."Couldyou,really?""We'llstartthetelegraphfirst,thenyoucansendthingsoverifyoulike,"saidFrank,prudentlyproposingthesurestexperiment."Goahead,then.I'dlikethat,andsowouldJill,forIknowshewantstohearfromme.""There'sonetrouble,though;Ishallhavetoleaveyoualoneforafewminuteswhile I rigup theropes;"andFrank lookedsober, forhewasa faithfulboy,anddidnotwanttodeserthispost."Oh,nevermind;Iwon'twantanything.IfIdo,IcanpoundforAnn.""Andwakemother.I'llfixyouabetterwaythanthat;"and,fullofinventivegenius,ouryoungEdisonsplicedthepokertopartofafishing-rodinajiffy,makingalong-handledhookwhichreachedacrosstheroom."There'sanarmforyou;nowhookaway,andlet'sseehowitworks,"hesaid,handingover the instrument to Jack,whoproceeded to show itsunexpectedcapabilities by hooking the cloth off the table in attempting to get hishandkerchief, catching Frank by the hair when fishing for a book, andbreakingapaneofglassintryingtodrawdownthecurtain."It'ssoeverlastinglong,Ican'tmanageit,"laughedJack,asitfinallycaughtinhisbed-hangings,andnearlypulledthem,ringandall,downuponhishead."Let it alone,unlessyouneed somethingverymuch, anddon'tbother abouttheglass.It'sjustwhatwewantforthetelegraphwireorropetogothrough.Keepstill,andI'llhavethethingrunningintenminutes;"and,delightedwiththe job, Frank hurried away, leaving Jack to compose amessage to send assoonasitwaspossible."WhatintheworldisthatflyingacrosstheMinots'yard,—abrownhenora

boy's kite?" exclaimed oldMissHopkins, peering out of herwindow at thesingularperformancesgoingoninheroppositeneighbor'sgarden.First,Frankappearedwithahatchetandchoppedaclearspace in thehedgebetween his own house and the cottage; next, a clothes line was passedthroughthisapertureandfastenedsomewhereontheotherside;lastly,asmallcoveredbasket,slungonthisrope,wasseenhitchingalong,drawneitherwaybya setof strings; then, as if satisfiedwithhis job,Frank retired,whistling"HailColumbia.""It'sthosechildrenattheirpranksagain.Ithoughtbrokenboneswouldn'tkeepthemoutofmischieflong,"saidtheoldlady,watchingwithgreatinterestthemysteriousbaskettravellingupanddowntheropefromthebighousetothecottage.Ifshehadseenwhatcameandwentoverthewiresofthe"GreatInternationalTelegraph," she would have laughed till her spectacles flew off her Romannose.A letter fromJack,witha largeorange,went first, explaining thenewenterprise:—"DearJill,—It'stoobadyoucan'tcomeovertoseeme.Iamprettywell,butawfultiredofkeepingstill.Iwanttoseeyoueversomuch.Frankhasfixedusatelegraph,sowecanwriteandsendthings.Won'titbejolly!Ican'tlookoutto see him do it; but, when you pull your string,my little bell rings, and Iknowamessage iscoming. I sendyouanorange.Doyou likegorver jelly?Peoplesendinlotsofgoodies,andwewillgohalves.Good-by."Jack"Awaywent thebasket, and in fifteenminutes it cameback from thecottagewithnothinginitbuttheorange."Hullo! Is shemad?" asked Jack, as Frank brought the despatch for him toexamine.But,atthefirsttouch,thehollowpeelopened,andoutfellaletter,twogum-drops,andanowlmadeofapeanut,withroundeyesdrawnattheendwherethestemformedafunnybeak.Twobitsofstrawwerethelegs,andthefacelookedsolikeDr.Whitingthatbothboyslaughedatthesight."That's so like Jill; she'dmake fun if shewas half dead.Let's seewhat shesays;"andJackreadthelittlenote,whichshowedasadneglectofthespelling-book:—"DearJacky,—Ican'tstirandit'shorrid.Thetellygrafisveryniceandwewillhavefunwithit.Ineverateanygorverjelly.Theorangewasfirstrate.Sendmeabooktoread.Allaboutbearsandshipsandcrockydiles.Thedoctorwascoming to see you, so I sent him the quickest way. Molly Loo says it isdreadfullonesomeatschoolwithoutus.Yourstruly,

"Jill"Jack immediately despatched the book and a sample of guava jelly, whichunfortunatelyupsetontheway,tothegreatdetrimentof"TheWildBeastsofAsiaandAfrica."Jillpromptlyrespondedwiththeloanofatinyblackkitten,who emerged spitting and scratching, to Jack's great delight; and he wascudgellinghisbrainsastohowafatwhiterabbitcouldbetransported,whenashrillwhistlefromwithoutsavedJillfromthatinconvenientoffering."It's the fellows;doyouwant to see them?"askedFrank,gazingdownwithcalmsuperiorityuponthethreeeagerfaceswhichlookedupathim."Guess I do!" and Jack promptly threw the kitten overboard, scorning to beseenbyanymanlyeyeamusinghimselfwithsuchgirlishtoys.Bang!went thefrontdoor; tramp, tramp, tramp,camesixbootedfeetupthestairs; and, as Frank threwwide the door, three large beings paused on thethreshold todeliver the courteous "Hullo!"which is the establishedgreetingamongboysonallsocialoccasions."Comealong,oldfellows;I'meversogladtoseeyou!"criedtheinvalid,withsuchenergeticdemonstrationsofthearmsthathelookedasifabouttoflyorcrow,likeanexcitedyoungcockerel."Howareyou,Major?""Doesthelegachemuch,Jack?""Mr.Phippssaysyou'llhavetopayforthenewrails."Withthesecharacteristicgreetings,thegentlemencastawaytheirhatsandsatdown, all grinning cheerfully, and all with eyes irresistibly fixed upon thedainties,whichprovedtoomuchforthepolitenessofever-hungryboys."Helpyourselves,"saidJack,withahospitablewave."Allthedearoldladiesin town have been sending in nice things, and I can't begin to eat themup.Lendahandandclearawaythislot,orweshallhavetothrowthemoutofthewindow.Bringonthedoughnutsandthetartsandtheshakystuffintheentrycloset,Frank,andlet'shavealark."Nosoonersaidthandone.Gustookthetarts,Joethedoughnuts,Edthejelly,andFranksuggested"spoonsallround"fortheItaliancream.Afewtriflesinthewayofcustard, fruit, andwaferbiscuitswerenotworthmentioning;butevery dish was soon emptied, and Jack said, as he surveyed the scene ofdevastationwithgreatsatisfaction,—"Call again to-morrow, gentlemen, and we will have another bout. Freelunchesat5P.M.tillfurthernotice.Nowtellmeallthenews."Forhalfanhour,fivetongueswentlikemillclappers,andthereisnoknowingwhentheywouldhavestoppedifthelittlebellhadnotsuddenlyrungwitha

violencethatmadethemjump."That's Jill; see what she wants, Frank;" and while his brother sent off thebasket, Jack told about thenew invention, and invitedhismates to examineandadmire.They did so, and shoutedwithmerrimentwhen the next despatch from Jillarrived.Apasteboard jumping-jack,with one leg doneup in cotton-wool topreserve the likeness,andagreat lumpofmolassescandyinabrownpaper,withaccompanyingnote:—"DearSir,—Isawtheboysgoin,andknowyouarehavinganicetime,soIsendover thecandyMollyLooandMerrybroughtme.MammysaysIcan'teatit,anditwillallmeltawayifIkeepit.AlsoapictureofJackMinot,whowill dance on one leg andwaggle the other, andmake you laugh. I wish Icouldcome,too.Don'tyouhategrewel?Ido.—Inhaste,"J.P.""Let'sallsendheraletter,"proposedJack,andoutcamepens,ink,paper,andthelamp,andeveryonefelltoscribbling.Adrollcollectionwastheresult,forFrank drew a picture of the fatal fall with broken rails flying in everydirection,Jackwithhisheadswollentothesizeofaballoon,andJill intwopieces,whilethevariousboysandgirlswerehitoffwithaslyskillthatgaveGuslegslikeastork,MollyLoohairseveralyardslong,andBooaseriesofvisiblehowlscomingoutofanimmensemouthintheshapeofo's.Theoxenwereparticularlygood,fortheirhornsbranchedlikethoseofthemoose,andMr.Granthadapatriarchalbeardwhichwaved in thebreezeashebore thewoundedgirltoasledverylikeafuneralpyre,thestakesbeingcrownedwithbigmittensliketorches."Youought tobeanartist. Ineversawsuchadabsterasyouare.That's theverymoralofJoe,allinabunchonthefence,withablottoshowhowpurplehis nose was," said Gus, holding up the sketch for general criticism andadmiration."I'd ratherhavea rednose than legs likeagrasshopper; soyouneedn't twit,Daddy,"growledJoe,quiteunconsciousthatablotactuallydidadornhisnose,ashelaboredoverabriefdespatch.Theboysenjoyedthejoke,andoneaftertheotherreadouthismessagetothecaptivelady:—"DearJill,—Sorryyouain'there.Greatfun.Jackprettylively.LauraandLotwouldsendloveiftheyknewofthechance.Flyroundandgetwell."Gus""DearGilliflower,—Hopeyou are pretty comfortable in your 'dungeon cell.'Wouldyoulikeaserenadewhenthemooncomes?Hopeyouwillsoonbeup

again,forwemissyouverymuch.ShallbeveryhappytohelpinanywayIcan.Lovetoyourmother.Yourtruefriend,"E.D.""MissPecq."DearMadam,—Iamhappytotellyouthatweareallwell,andhopeyouarethe same. I gave JemCoxa lickingbecausehewent toyourdesk.Youhadbetter send foryourbooks.Youwon'thave topay for the sledor the fence.Jacksayshewillseetoit.Wehavebeenhavingaspreadoverhere.First-ratethings.Iwouldn'tmindbreakingaleg,ifIhadsuchgoodgrubandnochorestodo.Nomorenow,fromyours,withesteem,"JosephP.Flint"Joe thought that an elegant epistle, having copied portions of it from the"LetterWriter,"andproudlyreaditofftotheboys,whoassuredhimthatJillwouldbemuchimpressed."Now,Jack,hurryupandletussendthelotoff,forwemustgo,"saidGus,asFrank put the letters in the basket, and the clatter of tea-things was heardbelow."I'm not going to show mine. It's private and you mustn't look," answeredJack, patting down an envelopewith such care that no one had a chance topeep.But Joe had seen the little note copied, and while the others were at thewindowworkingthetelegraphhecaughtuptheoriginal,carelesslythrustbyJack under the pillow, and read it aloud before any one knewwhat hewasabout."MyDear,—IwishIcouldsendyousomeofmygoodtimes.AsIcan't,Isendyoumuchlove,andIhopeyouwilltryandbepatientasIamgoingto,foritwasourfault,andwemustnotmakeafussnow.Ain'tmotherssweet?Mineiscomingoverto-morrowtoseeyouandtellmehowyouare.Thisroundthingisakissforgood-night."YourJack""Isn't that spoony?You'd better hide your face, I think.He's getting to be aregularmollycoddle,isn'the?"jeeredJoe,astheboyslaughed,andthengrewsober,seeingJack'sheadburiedinthebedclothes,aftersendingapillowathistormentor.ItnearlyhitMrs.Minot,cominginwithherpatient'steaonatray,andatsightof her the guests hurriedly took leave, Joe nearly tumbling downstairs toescape from Frank, who would have followed, if his mother had not saidquickly,"Stay,andtellmewhatisthematter."

"OnlyteasingJackabit.Don'tbemad,oldboy,Joedidn'tmeananyharm,anditwasrathersoft,nowwasn'tit?"askedFrank,tryingtoappeasethewoundedfeelingsofhisbrother."Ichargedyounottoworryhim.Thoseboysweretoomuchforthepoordear,andIoughtnot tohavelefthim,"saidMamma,asshevainlyendeavoredtofindandcaresstheyellowheadburrowedsofaroutofsightthatnothingbutoneredearwasvisible."Helikedit,andwegotoncapitallytillJoeroughedhimaboutJill.Ah,Joe'sgettingitnow!I thoughtGusandEdwoulddothat little jobforme,"addedFrank, running to the window as the sound of stifled cries and laughterreachedhim.Theredearheardalso,andJackpoppeduphisheadtoask,withinterest,—"Whataretheydoingtohim?""Rollinghiminthesnow,andhe'showlinglikefun.""Serves him right," muttered Jack, with a frown. Then, as a wail arosesuggestiveofanunpleasantmixtureofsnowinthemouthandthumpsontheback, he burst out laughing, and said, good-naturedly, "Go and stop them,Frank;Iwon'tmind,onlytellhimitwasameantrick.Hurry!Gusissostronghedoesn'tknowhowhispoundinghurts."Off ran Frank, and Jack told his wrongs to his mother. She sympathizedheartily, and sawnoharm in theaffectionate littlenote,whichwouldpleaseJill,andhelphertobearhertrialspatiently."Itisn'tsillytobefondofher,isit?Sheissoniceandfunny,andtriestobegood,andlikesme,andIwon'tbeashamedofmyfriends,iffolksdolaugh,"protestedJack,witharapofhisteaspoon."No,dear,itisquitekindandproper,andI'dratherhaveyouplaywithamerrylittle girl than with rough boys till you are big enough to hold your own,"answeredMamma,puttingthecuptohislipsthattherecliningladmighttakehisbromawithoutspilling."Pooh!Idon'tmeanthat;I'mstrongenoughnowtotakecareofmyself,"criedJack,stoutly."IcanthrashJoeanyday,ifIlike.Justlookatmyarm;there'smuscleforyou!"andupwentasleeve,tothegreatdangerofoverturningthetray,astheboyproudlydisplayedhisbicepsandexpandedhischest,bothofwhich were very fine for a lad of his years. "If I'd been on my legs, hewouldn'thavedaredtoinsultme,anditwascowardlytohitafellowwhenhewasdown."Mrs.Minotwanted to laughat Jack's indignation,but thebell rang,andshehadtogoandpullinthebasket,muchamusedatthenewgame.

Burningtodistinguishherselfintheeyesofthebigboys,Jillhadsentoveratall, red flannel night-cap, which she had been making for some proposedChristmas plays, and added the following verse, for she was considered agiftedrhymesteratthegameparties:—"Whenitcomesnight,Weputoutthelight.Someblowwithapuff,Someturndownandsnuff;ButneatfolkspreferAniceextinguisher.SohereIsendyoubackOnetoputonMr.Jack.""Now,Icallthatregularlysmart;notoneofuscoulddoit,andIjustwishJoewasheretoseeit.Iwanttosendoncemore,somethinggoodfortea;shehatesgruel so;" and the last despatch which the Great International Telegraphcarried that day was a baked apple and a warm muffin, with "J. M.'s bestregards."

ChapterIV.WardNo.2.

ThingswerenotsogayinWardNo.2,forMrs.Pecqwasverybusy,andJillhadnothingtoamuseherbutflyingvisitsfromthegirls,andsuchlittleplaysasshecouldinventforherselfinbed.Fortunately,shehadalivelyfancy,andsogotonprettywell, tillkeepingstillgrewunbearable,and theactivechildachedineverylimbtobeupandout.That,however,wasimpossible,fortheleastattempttositorstandbroughtonthepainthattookherbreathawayandmadehergladtolieflatagain.Thedoctorspokecheerfully,butlookedsober,andMrs.Pecqbegantofear thatJaneywas tobeacripplefor life.Shesaidnothing,butJill'squickeyessawanaddedtroubleinthealwaysanxiousface,anditdepressedherspirits,thoughsheneverguessedhalfthemischiefthefallhaddone.The telegraph was a great comfort, and the two invalids kept up a livelycorrespondence,not tosay traffic in lightarticles, for theGreat Internationalwas the only aerial express in existence. But even this amusement flaggedafteratime;neitherhadmuchtotell,andwhenthedailyhealthbulletinshadbeenexchanged,messagesgaveout, and thebasket's travelsgrewmoreandmore infrequent.Neither could read all the time, gameswere soonusedup,

theirmateswereatschoolmostoftheday,andafteraweekortwothepoorchildren began to get pale and fractious with the confinement, always soirksometoyoungpeople."I do believe the child will fret herself into a fever, mem, and I'm cleandistraughttoknowwhattodoforher.Sheneverusedtomindtrifles,butnowshefretsabouttheoddestthings,andIcan'tchangethem.Thiswall-paperiswellenough,butshehas takenafancy that thespotson it look likespiders,anditmakeshernervous.I'venootherwarmplacetoputher,andnomoneyforanewpaper.Poorlass!Therearehardtimesbeforeher,I'mfearing."Mrs.PecqsaidthisinalowvoicetoMrs.Minot,whocameinasoftenasshecould, toseewhatherneighborneeded; forbothmotherswereanxious,andsympathy drew them to one another. While one woman talked, the otherlookedaboutthelittleroom,notwonderingintheleastthatJillfoundithardtobecontentedthere.Itwasveryneat,butsoplainthattherewasnotevenapictureon thewalls,noranornamentupon themantel,except thenecessaryclock, lamp, and match-box. The paperwas ugly, being a deep buff with abrownfigurethatdidlookverylikespiderssprawlingoverit,andmightwellmakeonenervoustolookatdayafterday.Jillwas asleep in the folding chairDr.Whitinghad sent,with amattress tomake it soft. The back could be raised or lowered at will; but only a fewincheshadbeengainedasyet,andthethinhairpillowwasallshecouldbear.Shelookedveryprettyasshelay,withdarklashesagainstthefeverishcheeks,lipsapart,andacloudofcurlyblacklocksallaboutthefacepillowedononearm.Sheseemedlikeabrilliantlittleflowerinthatdullplace,—fortheFrenchblood in her veins gave her a color, warmth, and grace which were verycharming.Hernaturalloveofbeautyshoweditselfinmanyways:aredribbonhadtiedupherhair,agaybutfadedshawlwasthrownoverthebed,andthegifts sentherwerearrangedwithcareupon the tablebyher sideamongherown few toys and treasures. There was something pathetic in this childishattempt to beautify the poor place, andMrs.Minot's eyes were full as shelookedat the tiredwoman,whoseone joyandcomfort lay there insuchsadplight."My dear soul, cheer up, and we will help one another through the hardtimes,"shesaid,withasofthandontheroughone,andalookthatpromisedmuch."PleaseGod,wewill,mem!Withsuchgoodfriends,Inevershouldcomplain.I trynot todo it,but itbreaksmyheart toseemylittle lassspoiledfor life,mostlike;"andMrs.Pecqpressedthekindhandwithadespondentsigh."Wewon't say, or even think, that, yet. Everything is possible to youth andhealth like Janey's.Wemust keep her happy, and timewill do the rest, I'm

sure.Letusbeginatonce,andhaveasurpriseforherwhenshewakes."Asshespoke,Mrs.Minotmovedquietlyabouttheroom,pinningthepagesofseveralillustratedpapersagainstthewallatthefootofthebed,andplacingtothebestadvantagetheothercomfortsshehadbrought."Keepupyourheart,neighbor.IhaveanideainmyheadwhichI thinkwillhelpusall,ifIcancarryitout,"shesaid,cheerily,asshewent,leavingMrs.Pecq to sewon Jack's newnight-gowns,with swift fingers, and thegratefulwishthatshemightworkforthesegoodfriendsforever.Asifthewhisperingandrustlinghaddisturbedher,Jillsoonbegantostir,andslowly opened the eyeswhich had closed sowearily on the dullDecemberafternoon.Thebarewallwithitsbrownspidersnolongerconfrontedher,butthecoloredprintofalittlegirldancingtothetuneherfatherwasplayingonaguitar,whilea stately lady,with satindress, ruff, andpowder, stood lookingon,wellpleased.Thequaintfigure,initsbelacedfrock,quiltedpetticoat,andred-heeledshoes,seemedtocometrippingtowardherinsuchalife-likeway,thatshealmostsawthecurlsblowback,heardtherustleoftherichbrocade,andcaughtthesparkleofthelittlemaid'sbrighteyes."Oh, how pretty! Who sent them?" asked Jill, eagerly, as her eye glancedalong thewall, seeingothernewand interesting thingsbeyond:anelephant-hunt,ashipinfullsail,ahorse-race,andaball-room."Thegood fairywhonever comesempty-handed.Look roundabit andyouwill seemore pretties all for you,my dearie;" and hermother pointed to abunchofpurplegrapesinagreenleafplate,aknotofbrightflowerspinnedonthewhitecurtain,andagaylittledoublegownacrossthefootofthebed.Jill clapped her hands, and was enjoying her new pleasures, when in cameMerry andMollyLoo,withBoo, of course, trotting after her like a fat andamiable puppy. Then the good times began; the gownwas put on, the fruittasted,andthepictureswerestudiedlikefamousworksofart."It'sasplendidplantocoverupthathatefulwall. I'dstickpicturesall roundandhaveagallery.Thatremindsme!Upinthegarretatourhouseisaboxfullofoldfashion-booksmyauntleft.Ioftenlookatthemonrainydays,andtheyareveryfunny.I'llgothisminuteandgeteveryone.Wecanpinthemup,ormake paper dolls;" and away rushed Molly Loo, with the small brotherwaddlingbehind,for,whenhelostsightofher,hewasdesolateindeed.Thegirlshadfitsof laughterover thequeercostumesofyearsgoneby,andput up a splendid procession of ladies in full skirts, towering hats, pointedslippers,powderedhair,simperingfaces,andimpossiblewaists."I do think this bride is perfectly splendid, the long train and veil are sosweet," said Jill, revelling in fine clothes as she turned from one plate to

another."Iliketheelephantsbest,andI'dgiveanythingtogoonahuntlikethat!"criedMollyLoo,whorodecows,droveanyhorseshecouldget,hadninecats,andwasnotafraidofthebiggestdogthateverbarked."I fancy 'The Dancing Lesson;' it is so sort of splendid, with the greatwindows,goldchairs,andfinefolks.Oh,Iwouldliketoliveinacastlewithafatherandmotherlikethat,"saidMerry,whowasromantic,andfoundtheoldfarmhouseonthehillasadtrialtoherhigh-flownideasofelegance."Now, that ship, settingout for some far-awayplace, ismore tomymind. Iwearyforhomenowandthen,andmeantoseeitagainsomeday;"andMrs.Pecq looked longingly at theEnglish ship, though itwas evidently outwardbound.Then,asifreproachingherselffordiscontent,sheadded:"ItlookslikethoseIusedtoseegoingofftoIndiawithaloadofmissionaries.Icameneargoingmyselfonce,withaladyboundforSiam;butIwenttoCanadawithhersister,andhereIam.""I'd like to be a missionary and go where folks throw their babies to thecrocodiles.I'dwatchandfishthemout,andhaveaschool,andbringthemup,and convert all the people till they knew better," said warm-heartedMollyLoo,whobefriendedeveryabusedanimalandforlornchildshemet."Weneedn'tgo toAfrica tobemissionaries; theyhave 'emnearerhomeandneed'em,too.Inallthebigcitiesthereareamany,andtheyhavetheirhandsfullwiththepoor,thewicked,andthehelpless.Onecanfindthatsortofworkanywhere,ifonehasamind,"saidMrs.Pecq."Iwishwehadsometodohere.I'dsoliketogoroundwithbasketsofteaandrice,andgiveouttractsandtalktopeople.Wouldn'tyou,girls?"askedMolly,muchtakenwiththenewidea."Itwouldberathernicetohaveasocietyalltoourselves,andhavemeetingsand resolutions and things," answered Merry, who was fond of littleceremonies,andalwayswenttothesewingcirclewithhermother."Wewouldn't let theboyscome in.We'dhave ita secret society,as theydotheir temperance lodge, andwe'd have badges and pass-words and grips. Itwouldbefunifwecanonlygetsomeheathentoworkat!"criedJill,readyforfreshenterprisesofeverysort."Icantellyousomeonetobeginonrightaway,"saidhermother,noddingather."AswildalittlesavageasI'dwishtosee.Takeherinhand,andmakeapretty-mannered lady of her. Begin at home, my lass, and you'll findmissionaryworkenoughforawhile.""Now,Mammy,youmeanme!Well, Iwill begin; and I'll be sogood, folkswon'tknowme.Beingsickmakesnaughtychildrenbehaveinstory-books,I'll

see if live ones can't;" and Jill put on such a sanctified face that the girlslaughedandaskedfortheirmissionsalso,thinkingtheywouldbethesame."You,Merry, might do a deal at home helping mother, and setting the bigbrothersagoodexample.Onelittlegirlinahousecandoprettymuchasshewill,especially ifshehasamindtomakeplain thingsniceandcomfortable,andnotlongforcastlesbeforesheknowshowtodoherowntaskswell,"wasthefirstunexpectedreply.Merrycolored,but took thereproofsweetly, resolving todowhatshecould,andsurprisedtofindhowmanywaysseemedopentoherafterafewminutes'thought."WhereshallIbegin?I'mnotafraidofadozencrocodilesafterMissBat;"andMollyLoo looked about herwith a fierce air, havinghadpractice inbattleswiththeoldladywhokeptherfather'shouse."Well,dear,youhaven'tfartolookforasnicealittleheathenasyou'dwish;"andMrs. Pecq glanced at Boo, who sat on the floor staring hard at them,attractedby thedreadword"crocodile."Hehadacoldandnohandkerchief,his little hands were red with chilblains, his clothes shabby, he had untidydarnsinthekneesofhisstockings,andaheadoftightcurlsthatevidentlyhadnotbeencombedforsometime."Yes,Iknowheis,andItrytokeephimdecent,butIforget,andhehatestobefixed,andMissBatdoesn'tcare,andfatherlaughswhenItalkaboutit."PoorMolly Loo looked much ashamed as she made excuses, trying at thesametimetomendmattersbyseizingBooanddustinghimalloverwithherhandkerchief, giving a pull at his hair as if ringing bells, and then dumpinghim down again with the despairing exclamation: "Yes, we're a pair ofheathens,andthere'snoonetosaveusifIdon't."That was true enough; for Molly's father was a busy man, careless ofeverythingbuthismills,MissBatwasoldand lazy,andfeltas ifshemighttakelifeeasyafterservingthemotherlesschildrenformanyyearsaswellassheknewhow.Mollywasbeginning to seehowmuchamiss thingswere athome,andoldenoughtofeelmortified,though,asyet,shehaddonenothingtomendthematterexceptbekindtothelittleboy."You will, my dear," answeredMrs. Pecq, encouragingly, for she knew allaboutit."Nowyou'veeachgotamission,letusseehowwellyouwillgeton.Keepitsecret,ifyoulike,andreportonceaweek.I'llbeamember,andwe'lldogreatthingsyet.""Wewon'tbegin till afterChristmas; there is somuch todo,wenever shallhave time for anymore.Don't tell, andwe'll start fair atNewYear's, if notbefore," said Jill, taking the lead as usual. Then theywent onwith the gay

ladies, who certainly were heathen enough in dress to be in sad need ofconversion,—tocommon-senseatleast."IfeelasifIwasataparty,"saidJill,afterapauseoccupiedinsurveyinghergallery with great satisfaction, for dress was her delight, and here she hadeveryconceivablestyleandcolor."Talkingofparties, isn't it toobad thatwemustgiveupourChristmas fun?Can'tgetonwithoutyouandJack,sowearenotgoingtodoathing,butjusthaveourpresents,"saidMerry,sadly,astheybegantofitdifferentheadsandbodiestogether,totrydrolleffects."Ishallbeallwellinafortnight,Iknow;butJackwon't,foritwilltakemorethanamonthtomendhispoorleg.Maybetheywillhaveadanceintheboys'big room, and he can look on," suggested Jill,with a glance at the dancingdamsel on thewall, for she dearly loved it, and never guessed how long itwouldbebeforeherlightfeetwouldkeeptimetomusicagain."You'dbettergive Jackahint about theparty.Sendover somesmart ladies,and say they have come to his Christmas ball," proposed audaciousMollyLoo,alwaysreadyforfun.So they put a preposterous green bonnet, top-heavywith plumes, on a littleladyinyellow,whosatinacarriage;theladybesideher,inwintercostumeofvelvet pelisse and ermine boa, was fitted to a bride's head with its orangeflowersandveil,andtheseworksofartweresentovertoJack,labelled"MissLaura and Lotty Burton going to the Minots' Christmas ball,"—a piece ofnaughtiness on Jill's part, for she knew Jack liked the pretty sisters, whosegentlemannersmadeherownwildwaysseemallthemoreblamable.Noanswercameforalongtime,andthegirlshadalmostforgottentheirjokeinagameofLetters,when"Tingle,tangle!"wentthebell,andthebasketcameinheavilyladen.Arollofcoloredpaperswastiedoutside,andwithinwasaboxthat rattled,agreenandsilverhorn,a rollofnarrowribbons,aspoolofstrongthread,somelargeneedles,andanotefromMrs.Minot:—"DearJill,—IthinkofhavingaChristmastreesothatourinvalidscanenjoyit,andallyourelegantfriendsarecordiallyinvited.Knowingthatyouwouldliketohelp,Isendsomepaperforsugar-plumhornsandsomebeadsfornecklaces.Theywillbrighten the treeandplease thegirls for themselvesor theirdolls.Jacksendsyouahorn forapattern,andwillyoumakea ladder-necklace toshowhimhow?Letmeknowifyouneedanything."Yoursinhaste,"AnnaMinot""Sheknewwhatthechildwouldlike,blessherkindheart,"saidMrs.Pecqtoherself, and something brighter than the most silvery bead shone on Jack's

shirt-sleeve,asshesawtheraptureofJilloverthenewworkandthepromisedpleasure.Joyful cries greeted the opening of the box, for bunches of splendid largebugles appeared in all colors, and a livelydiscussionwenton as to thebestcontrasts.Jillcouldnotrefusetoletherfriendssharetheprettywork,andsoonthreenecklacesglitteredonthreenecks,aseachadmiredherownchoice."I'd bewilling tohurtmybackdreadfully, if I could lie anddo such lovelythingsallday,"saidMerry,asshereluctantlyputdownherneedleatlast,forhomedutieswaitedtobedone,andlookedmorethaneverdistastefulafterthisnewpleasure."SowouldI!Oh,doyouthinkMrs.Minotwillletyoufillthehornswhentheyaredone? I'd love tohelpyou then.Be sureyou send forme!" criedMollyLoo, archingherneck likeaproudpigeon towatch theglitterofherpurpleandgoldnecklaceonherbrowngown."I'm afraid you couldn't be trusted, you love sweeties so, and I'm sureBoocouldn't.ButI'llseeaboutit,"repliedJill,witharesponsibleair.Thementionof theboyrecalledhim to theirminds,and looking round theyfoundhimpeacefullyabsorbedinpolishingupthefloorwithMolly'spocket-handkerchief and oil from the little machine-can. Being torn from thiscongeniallabor,hewascarriedoffshiningwithgreaseandroaringlustily.ButJilldidnotmindherlonelinessnow,andsanglikeahappycanarywhileshethreadedhersparklingbeads,orhungthegayhornstodry,readyfortheircargoesofsweets.SoMrs.Minot'srecipeforsunshineprovedsuccessful,andmother-wit made the wintry day a bright and happy one for both the littleprisoners.

ChapterV.Secrets

There were a great many clubs in Harmony Village, but as we intend tointerestourselveswiththeaffairsoftheyoungfolksonly,weneednotdwellupontheintellectualamusementsof theelders.Insummer, theboysdevotedthemselvestobaseball,thegirlstoboating,andallgotrosy,stout,andstrong,in these healthful exercises. In winter, the lads had their debating club, thelasses a dramatic ditto. At the former, astonishing bursts of oratory wereheard;atthelatter,everythingwasboldlyattempted,fromRomeoandJuliettoMotherGoose'simmortalmelodies.Thetwoclubsfrequentlymetandmingledtheir attractions in a really entertainingmanner, for the speakersmadegoodactors, and the young actresses were most appreciative listeners to theeloquenceofeachbuddingDemosthenes.

Great plans had been afoot forChristmas orNewYear, butwhen the grandcatastropheputanendtothecareerofoneofthebest"spouters,"andcausedtheretirementofthefavorite"singingchambermaid,"theaffairwaspostponedtill February, when Washington's birthday was always celebrated by thepatriotic town,where the father of his country once put on his nightcap, ortookoffhisboots,asthatubiquitousheroappearstohavedoneineverypartoftheUnitedStates.Meantime the boys were studying Revolutionary characters, and the girlsrehearsing such dramatic scenes as they thought most appropriate andeffectiveforthe22d.InbothoftheseattemptstheyweremuchhelpedbythesenseandspiritofRalphEvans,ayouthofnineteen,whowasagreatfavoritewiththeyoungfolks,notonlybecausehewasagood,industriousfellow,whosupportedhisgrandmother,butalsofulloftalent,fun,andingenuity.Itwasnowondereveryonewhoreallyknewhimlikedhim,forhecouldturnhishandtoanything,andlovedtodoit.If thegirlswereindespairaboutafire-placewhenacting"TheCricketontheHearth,"hepaintedone,andputagas-loginitthatmadethekettlereallyboil,totheirgreatdelight.Iftheboysfoundtheinterestoftheirclubflagging,Ralphwouldconvulsethembyimitationsofthe"Member from Cranberry Centre," or fire them with speeches of famousstatesmen.Charityfairscouldnotgetonwithouthim,andinthestorewherehe worked he did many an ingenious job, which made him valued for hismechanicalskill,aswellasforhisenergyandintegrity.Mrs.Minotlikedtohavehimwithhersons,becausetheyalsoweretopaddletheir own canoes by andby, and she believed that, rich or poor, boysmakebetter men for learning to use the talents they possess, not merely asornaments,buttoolswithwhichtocarvetheirownfortunes;andthebesthelptowardthisendisanexampleoffaithfulwork,highaims,andhonestliving.SoRalphcameoften,andintimesoftroublewasarealrainy-dayfriend.Jackgrew very fond of him during his imprisonment, for the good youth ran ineveryevening togetcommissions,amuse theboywithdrollaccountsof theday's adventures, or invent lifts, bed-tables, and foot-rests for the impatientinvalid.Frankfoundhimasureguidethroughthemechanicalmysterieswhichhe loved, and spent many a useful half-hour discussing cylinders, pistons,valves,andbalance-wheels.Jillalsocameinforhershareofcareandcomfort;thepoorlittlebacklayalltheeasierfortheair-cushionRalphgother,andthewearyheadaches found relief from the sprayatomizer,whichsoftlydistilleditsscenteddewonthehotforeheadtillshefellasleep.RoundthebedsofJackandJillmetandmingledtheschoolmatesofwhomourstorytreats.Never,probably,didinvalidshavegayertimesthanourtwo,afteraweekofsolitaryconfinement;forschoolgossipcreptin,gamescouldnotbeprevented,andChristmassecretswereconcoctedinthoseroomstilltheywere

regularconspirators'dens,whentheywerenotlittleBedlams.Afterthehornandbeadlaborswereover,thestringingofpop-cornonred,andcranberriesonwhite,threads,camenext,andJackandJilloftenlookedlikeanewkindofspiderintheprettywebshungaboutthem,tillreeledofftobidetheir time in theChristmascloset.Paper flowers followed, andgaygarlandsandbouquetsblossomed,regardlessofthesnowandfrostwithout.Thentherewasagreatscribblingofnames,verses,andnotestoaccompanythesteadilyincreasingstoreofoddparcelswhichwerecollectedat theMinots', forgiftsfromeveryoneweretoornamentthetree,andcontributionspouredinasthedaydrewnear.ButthesecretwhichmostexcitedtheyoungpeoplewasthedeepmysteryofcertainproceedingsattheMinothouse.NoonebutFrank,Ralph,andMammaknewwhatitwas,andthetwoboysnearlydrovetheothersdistractedbythetantalizingway inwhich theyhintedat joys tocome, talked strangelyaboutbirds,wentmeasuring roundwith foot-rules, and shut themselves up in theBoys'Den,asacertainlargeroomwascalled.Thisseemedtobethecentreofoperations, but beyond the fact of the promised tree no ray of light waspermitted to pass the jealously guarded doors. Strangemenwith paste-potsand ladders went in, furniture was dragged about, and all sorts of boyishlumberwas sent upgarret anddowncellar.Mrs.Minotwas seenponderingover heaps of green stuff, hammering was heard, singular bundles weresmuggled upstairs, flowering plants betrayed their presence by whiffs offragrancewhenthedoorwasopened,andMrs.Pecqwascaughtsmilingallbyherselfinabackbedroom,whichusuallywasshutupinwinter."Theyaregoingtohaveaplay,afterall,andthatgreenstuffwasthecurtain,"saidMollyLoo,as thegirls talked itoveroneday,when theysatwith theirbacksturnedtooneanother,puttinglaststitchesincertainbitsofworkwhichhadtobeconcealedfromalleyes,thoughitwasfoundconvenienttoaskoneanother'stasteastothecolor,materials,andsizesofthesemysteriousarticles."I think it isgoing tobe adance. Iheard theboysdoing their stepswhen Iwent in lastevening to findoutwhetherJack likedblueoryellowbest, so Icouldputthebowonhispen-wiper,"declaredMerry,knittingbrisklyawayatthe last of the pair of pretty white bed-socks she wasmaking for Jill rightunderherinquisitivelittlenose."Theywouldn'thaveapartyof thatkindwithout Jackandme. It isonlyanextranicetree,youseeifitisn't,"answeredJillfrombehindthepillowswhichmadeatemporaryscreentohidethetoiletmatsshewaspreparingforallherfriends."Everyoneofyouiswrong,andyou'dbetterresteasy,foryouwon'tfindoutthebestpartof it, tryasyoumay."AndMrs.Pecqactuallychuckledasshe,

too,worked away at some bits ofmuslin,with her back turned to the veryunsocial-lookinggroup."Well, I don't care,we've got a secret all our own, andwon't ever tell,willwe?"cried Jill, fallingbackon theHomeMissionarySociety, though itwasnotyetbegun."Never!" answered the girls, and all took great comfort in the idea that onemysterywouldnotbeclearedup,evenatChristmas.Jackgaveupguessing,indespair,afterhehadsuggestedanewdining-roomwherehecouldeatwiththefamily,aprivateschoolinwhichhislessonsmightgoonwith a tutor, or a theatre for theproductionof the farces inwhichhedelighted."It isgoingtobeusedtokeepsomethingin thatyouareveryfondof,"saidMamma,takingpityonhimatlast."Ducks?" asked Jack,with a half pleased, half puzzled air, not quite seeingwherethewaterwastocomefrom.Frankexplodedattheidea,andaddedtothemystificationbysaying,—"Therewillbeonelittleduckandonegreatdonkeyinit."Then,fearinghehadtoldthesecret,heranoff,quackingandbrayingderisively."It is tobeused for creatures that I, too, am fondof, andyouknowneitherdonkeys nor ducks are favorites of mine," said Mamma, with a demureexpression,asshesatturningoveroldclothesforthebundlesthatalwayswenttopoorneighbors,withalittlestoreofgoodies,atthistimeoftheyear."Iknow! Iknow! It is tobeanewward formore sick folks, isn't it, now?"criedJack,withwhathethoughtagreatproofofshrewdness."Idon't seehowIcouldattend tomanymorepatients till thisone isoffmyhands," answeredMamma,with aqueer smile, addingquickly, as if she toowasafraidoflettingthecatoutofthebag:"ThatremindsmeofaChristmasIonce spent among thehospitals andpoor-housesof agreat citywith agoodladywho,forthirtyyears,hadmadeithermissiontoseethatthesepoorlittlesouls had one merry day. We gave away two hundred dolls, several greatboxes of candy and toys, besides gay pictures, and new clothes to orphanchildren,sickbabies,andhalf-growninnocents.Ah,myboy,thatwasadaytorememberallmylife,tomakemedoublygratefulformyblessings,andverygladtoservethehelplessandafflicted,asthatdearwomandid."The lookand tonewithwhich the lastwordswereutteredeffectually turnedJack'sthoughtsfromthegreatsecret,andstartedanothersmallone,forhefellto planningwhat hewould buywith his pocket-money to surprise the littlePatsandBiddieswhoweretohavenoChristmastree.

ChapterVI.Surprises

"Is it pleasant?"was the question Jill asked before shewas fairly awake onChristmasmorning."Yes,dear;asbrightasheartcouldwish.Noweatabit,andthenI'llmakeyounice for the day's pleasure. I only hope it won't be too much for you,"answeredMrs. Pecq, bustling about, happy, yet anxious, for Jill was to becarriedovertoMrs.Minot's,anditwasherfirstattemptatgoingoutsincetheaccident.Itseemedasifnineo'clockwouldnevercome,andJill,withwrapsallready,lay waiting in a fever of impatience for the doctor's visit, as he wished tosuperintend the moving. At last he came, found all promising, and havingbundleduphissmallpatient,carriedher,withFrank'shelp,inherchair-bedtothe ox-sled, whichwas drawn to the next door, andMiss Jill landed in theBoys'Denbeforeshehadtimetogeteithercoldortired.Mrs.Minottookherthings offwith a cordialwelcome, but Jill never said aword, for, after oneexclamation,shelaystaringabouther,dumbwithsurpriseanddelightatwhatshesaw.Thegreatroomwasentirelychanged;fornowitlookedlikeagarden,oroneof the fairy scenes children love, where in-doors and out-of-doors arepleasantlycombined.Theceilingwaspaleblue, like thesky; thewallswerecoveredwithapaperlikearustictrellis,upwhichclimbedmorning-gloriessonaturally that themany-coloredbellsseemeddancing in thewind.Birdsandbutterfliesflewamongthem,andhereandthere,througharchesinthetrellis,oneseemedtolookintoasunnysummerworld,contrastingcuriouslywiththewintry landscape lying beyond the real windows, festooned with evergreengarlands, and curtained only by stands of living flowers. A green druggetcoveredthefloorlikegrass,rusticchairsfromthegardenstoodabout,andinthemiddleof the roomahandsomehemlockwaited for itsprettyburden.AYule-log blazed on thewide hearth, and over the chimney-piece, framed inholly,shonethewordsthatsetallheartstodancing,"MerryChristmas!""Doyoulikeit,dear?ThisisoursurpriseforyouandJack,andherewemeantohavegoodtimestogether,"saidMrs.Minot,whohadstoodquietlyenjoyingtheeffectofherwork."Oh, it is so lovely Idon'tknowwhat tosay!"andJillputupbotharms,aswordsfailedher,andgratefulkisseswereallshehadtooffer."Canyousuggestanythingmoretoaddtothepleasantness?"askedthegentlelady,holdingthesmallhandsinherown,andfeelingwellrepaidbythechild'sdelight.

"OnlyJack;"andJill'slaughwasgoodtohear,assheglancedupwithmerry,yetwistfuleyes."You are right.We'll have him in at once, or hewill come hopping on oneleg;"andawayhurriedhismother,laughing,too,forwhistles,shouts,thumps,andviolentdemonstrationsofallkindshadbeenheardfromtheroomwhereJackwasragingwithimpatience,whilehewaitedforhisshareofthesurprise.Jillcouldhardlyliestillwhensheheardtherollofanotherchair-bedcomingdownthehall,itspassageenlivenedwithcriesof"Starboard!Port!Easynow!Pullaway!"fromRalphandFrank,as theysteered therecumbentColumbusonhisfirstvoyageofdiscovery."Well,Icallthathandsome!"wasJack'sexclamation,whenthefullbeautyofthesceneburstuponhisview.Thenheforgotallaboutitandgaveawhoopofpleasure,fortherebesidethefirewasaneagerface,twohandsbeckoning,andJill'svoicecrying,joyfully,—"I'm here! I'm here! Oh, do come, quick!" Down the long room rattled thechair, Jackcheeringall theway,andbroughtupbeside theotherone,as thelong-partedfriendsexclaimed,withoneaccord,—"Isn'tthisjolly!"Itcertainlydid lookso, forRalphandFrankdancedawildsortof fandangoroundthetree,Dr.Whitingstoodandlaughed,whilethetwomothersbeamedfromthedoor-way,andthechildren,notknowingwhethertolaughortocry,compromised the matter by clapping their hands and shouting, "MerryChristmastoeverybody!"likeapairoflittlemaniacs.Thentheyallsobereddown,andthebusyoneswentofftothevariousdutiesoftheday,leavingtheyounginvalidstoreposeandenjoythemselvestogether."Howniceyoulook,"saidJill,whentheyhaddulyadmiredtheprettyroom."Sodoyou,"gallantlyreturnedJack,ashesurveyedherwithunusualinterest.They did look very nice, though happiness was the principal beautifier. Jillworearedwrapper,withthemostbrilliantofallthenecklacessparklingatherthroat,overanicelycrimpedfrillhermotherhadmadeinhonoroftheday.Allthe curly black hair was gathered into a red net, and a pair of smart littlemoccasinscovered the feet thathadnotsteppedformanyawearyday.Jackwasnotsogay,buthadmadehimselfasfineascircumstanceswouldpermit.Agraydressing-gown,withbluecuffsandcollar,wasverybecoming to theblonde youth; an immaculate shirt, best studs, sleeve-buttons, blue tie, andhandkerchiefwetwithcolognestickingoutofthebreast-pocket,gaveanairofelegance in spite of the afghan spread over the lower portions of hismanlyform. The yellow hair was brushed till it shone, and being parted in themiddle, to hide the black patch, made two engaging little "quirls" on his

forehead. The summer tan had faded from his cheeks, but his eyeswere asblueasthewintrysky,andnearlyeverywhitetoothwasvisibleashesmiledonhispartnerinmisfortune,sayingcheerily,—"I'meversogladtoseeyouagain;guessweareovertheworstofitnow,andcanhavegoodtimes.Won'titbefuntostayhereallthewhile,andamuseoneanother?""Yes,indeed;butonedayissoshort!ItwillbestupiderthaneverwhenIgohometo-night,"answeredJill,lookingaboutherwithlongingeyes."But you are not going home to-night; you are to stay ever so long.Didn'tMammatellyou?""No.Oh,howsplendid!AmIreally?WherewillIsleep?WhatwillMammydowithoutme?" and Jill almost sat up, shewas so delightedwith the newsurprise."That room in there is all fixed for you. I made Frank tell me so much.MammasaidImighttellyou,butIdidn'tthinkshewouldbeabletoholdinifshesawyou first.Yourmother iscoming, too,andweareallgoing tohavelarkstogethertillwearewell."ThesplendorofthisarrangementtookJill'sbreathaway,andbeforeshegotitagain, in cameFrank andRalphwith two clothes-baskets of treasures to behung upon the tree. While they wired on the candles the children askedquestions, and found out all theywanted to know about the new plans andpleasures."Whofixedallthis?""Mamma thoughtof it, andRalphand Idid it.He's theman for this sortofthing,youknow.Heproposedcuttingoutthearchesandstickingonbirdsandbutterflies justwhere they looked best. I put those canaries over there, theylookedsowellagainst theblue;"andFrankproudlypointedout somequeerorange-colored fowls, lookingas if theywerehaving fits in theair,butveryeffective,nevertheless."Yourmother said youmight call this theBirdRoom.We caught a scarlet-tanagerforyoutobeginwith,didn'twe,Jack?"andRalphthrewabon-bonatJill,wholookedverylikeabrightlittlebirdinawarmnest."Goodforyou!Yes,andwearegoing tokeepher in thisprettycage tillwecanbothflyofftogether.Isay,Jill,whereshallwebeinourclasseswhenwedogetback?"andJack'smerryfacefellatthethought."At the foot, if we don't study and keep up. Doctor said I might studysometimes,ifI'dliestillaslongashethoughtbest,andMollybroughthomemybooks,andMerrysaysshewillcomeineverydayandtellmewherethelessonsare.Idon'tmeantofallbehind,ifmybackboneiscracked,"saidJill,

withadecidednodthatmadeseveralblackringsflyoutofthenettodanceonherforehead."Frank said he'd pullme along inmy Latin, but I've been lazy and haven'tdonea thing.Let'sgoat itandstart fair forNewYear,"proposedJack,whodidnotlovestudyasthebrightgirldid,butwasashamedtofallbehindherinanything."Allright.They'vebeenreviewing,sowecankeepupwhentheybegin,ifwework next week, while the rest have a holiday. Oh, dear, I domiss schooldreadfully;"andJillsighedfortheolddesk,everyblotandnotchofwhichwasdeartoher."There come our things, and pretty nice they look, too," said Jack; and hismotherbegantodressthetree,hangingupthegayhorns,thegildednuts,redandyellowapples andoranges, and festooning long stringsofpop-cornandscarlet cranberries from bough to bough,with the glittering necklaces hungwherethelightwouldshowtheircolorsbest."Ineversawsuchasplendidtreebefore.I'mgladwecouldhelp, thoughwewereill.Isitalldonenow?"askedJill,whenthelastparcelwastiedonandeverybodystoodbacktoadmiretheprettysight."Onethingmore.Handmethatbox,Frank,andbeverycarefulthatyoufastenthisupfirmly,Ralph,"answeredMrs.Minot,asshetookfromitswrappingsthewaxenfigureofa littlechild.The rosy limbswerevery life-like, sowasthe smiling face under the locks of shining hair. Both plump arms wereoutspreadasiftoscatterblessingsoverall,anddownywingsseemedtoflutterfromthedimpledshoulders,makinganangelofthebaby."IsitSt.Nicholas?"askedJill,whohadneverseenthatfamouspersonage,andknewbutlittleofChristmasfestivities."ItistheChrist-child,whosebirthdaywearecelebrating.IgotthebestIcouldfind,forIliketheideabetterthanoldSantaClaus;thoughwemayhavehim,too,"saidMamma,holdingthelittleimagesothatbothcouldseeitwell."It lookslikearealbaby;"andJacktouchedtherosyfootwiththetipofhisfinger,asifexpectingacrowfromthehalf-openlips."ItremindsmeofthesaintsinthechapeloftheSacredHeartinMontreal.OnelittleSt.Johnlookedlikethis,onlyhehadalambinsteadofwings,"saidJill,strokingtheflaxenhair,andwishingshedaredaskforittoplaywith."He is the children's saint to pray to, love, and imitate, for he never forgotthem,butblessedandhealedandtaughtthemallhislife.Thisisonlyapoorimageoftheholiestbabyeverborn,butIhopeitwillkeephismemoryinyourminds all day, because this is the day for good resolutions, happy thoughts,andhumbleprayers,aswellasplayandgiftsandfeasting."

Whileshespoke,Mrs.Minot,touchingthelittlefigureastenderlyasifitwerealive,had tiedabroadwhite ribbon round it, and,handing it toRalph,badehimfastenittothehookabovethetree-top,whereitseemedtofloatasifthedownywingssupportedit.Jack and Jill lay silently watching, with a sweet sort of soberness in theiryoungfaces,andforamomenttheroomwasverystillasalleyeslookedupattheBlessedChild.Thesunshineseemed togrowmoregoldenas it flickeredon the little head, the flamesglanced about theglittering tree as if trying toclimb and kiss the baby feet, and, without, a chime of bells rang sweetly,calling people to hear again the lovely story of the life begunonChristmasDay.Onlyaminute,but it did themgood, andpresently,when thepleasantworkwasover,andtheworkersgone,theboystochurch,andMammatoseeaboutlunchfortheinvalids,Jacksaid,gravely,toJill,—"I thinkwe ought to be extra good, every one is so kind to us, andwe aregettingwell,andgoingtohavesuchcapital times.Don'tseehowwecandoanythingelsetoshowwearegrateful.""It isn't easy to be good when one is sick," said Jill, thoughtfully. "I fretdreadfully,Igetsotiredofbeingstill.Iwanttoscreamsometimes,butIdon't,becauseitwouldscareMammy,soIcry.Doyoucry,Jack?""Menneverdo.Iwanttotramproundwhenthingsbotherme;butIcan't,soIkickandsay,'Hangit!'andwhenIgetverybadIpitchintoFrank,andheletsme.Itellyou,Jill,he'sagoodbrother!"andJackprivatelyresolvedthenandthere to inviteFrankto take itoutofhiminanyformhepleasedassoonashealthwouldpermit."Iratherthinkweshallgrowgoodinthisprettyplace,forIdon'tseehowwecanbebadifwewantto,itisallsoniceandsortofpioushere,"saidJill,withhereyesontheangeloverthetree."Afellowcanbeawfullyhungry,Iknowthat.Ididn'thalfeatbreakfast,Iwasinsuchahurrytoseeyou,andknowallaboutthesecrets.FrankkeptsayingIcouldn'tguess,thatyouhadcome,andIneverwouldbeready,tillfinallyIgotmadandfiredaneggathim,andmadenoendofamess."Jack and Jillwent off into a gale of laughter at the idea of dignified Frankdodgingtheeggthatsmashedonthewall,leavinganindeliblemarkofJack'sbesettingsin,impatience.JustthenMrs.Minotcamein,wellpleasedtohearsuchpleasantsounds,andtoseetwomerryfaces,whereusuallyonelistlessonemetheranxiouseyes."The new medicine works well, neighbor," she said to Mrs. Pecq, whofollowedwiththelunchtray.

"Indeeditdoes,mem.IfeelasifI'dtakenasupmyself,I'mthateasyinmymind."Andshe lookedso, too,forsheseemedtohaveleftallhercares in the littlehousewhen she locked the door behind her, and now stood smilingwith acleanapronon,sofreshandcheerful,thatJillhardlyknewherownmother."Thingstastebetterwhenyouhavesomeonetoeatwithyou,"observedJack,astheydevouredsandwiches,anddrankmilkoutoflittlemugswithrosebudsonthem."Don't eat toomuch, or youwon't be ready for the next surprise," said hismother,whentheplateswereempty,andthelastdropgonedownthroatsdrywithmuchchatter."Moresurprises!Oh,whatfun!"criedJill.Andalltherestofthemorning,intheintervalsoftalkandplay,theytriedtoguesswhatitcouldbe.At twoo'clock theyfoundout, fordinnerwasserved in theBirdRoom,andthechildrenrevelled in thesimplefeastpreparedfor them.The twomotherskept the little bed-tableswell supplied, and fed their nurslings likematernalbirds,whileFrankpresidedoverthefeastwithgreatdignity,andateadinnerwhichwouldhaveastonishedMamma,ifshehadnotbeentoobusytoobservehowfastthemincepievanished."ThegirlssaidChristmaswasspoiledbecauseofus;butIdon'tthinkso,andtheywon't either,when they see this splendidplace andknowall about ourniceplans,"saidJill,luxuriouslyeatingthenut-meatsJackpickedoutforher,astheylayinEasternstyleatthefestiveboard."I call thisbrokenbonesmadeeasy. IneverhadabetterChristmas.Havearaisin? Here's a good fat one." And Jack made a long arm to Jill's mouth,whichbegantosing"LittleJackHorner"asanappropriatereturn."Itwouldhavebeen a lonesomeone to all of us, I'm thinking, but for yourmother,boys.Mydutyandhearty thankstoyou,mem,"put ingratefulMrs.Pecq,bowingoverhercoffee-cupasshehadseenladiesbowovertheirwine-glassesatdinnerpartiesinOldEngland."Irisetoproposeahealth,OurMothers."AndFrankstoodupwithagobletofwater,fornotevenatChristmastimewaswineseenonthattable."Hip,hip,hurrah!"calledJack,baptizinghimselfwithagoodsprinkle,ashewavedhisglassanddrankthetoastwithalookthatmadehismother'seyesfillwithhappytears.Jillthrewhermotherakiss,feelingverygrownupandeleganttobediningoutin such style.Then they drank every one's healthwithmuchmerriment, tillFrankdeclared that Jackwould floatoffon thedelugeofwaterhe splashedaboutinhisenthusiasm,andMammaproposedarestafterthemerry-making.

"Now the best fun is coming, andwe have not long towait," said the boy,when naps and rides about the room had whiled away the brief intervalbetween dinner and dusk, for the evening entertainmentwas to be an earlyone,tosuittheinvalids'bedtime."Ihopethegirlswillliketheirthings.Ihelpedtochoosethem,andeachhasanicepresent.Idon'tknowmine,though,andI'minatwittertoseeit,"saidJill,astheylaywaitingforthefuntobegin."Ido;Ichoseit,soIknowyouwilllikeoneofthem,anyway.""HaveIgotmorethanone?""Iguessyou'll think sowhen theyarehandeddown.Thebellwasgoingalldayyesterday,andthegirlskeptbringinginbundlesforyou;Iseesevennow,"andJackrolledhiseyesfromonemysteriousparceltoanotherhangingontheladenboughs."Iknowsomething,too.Thatsquarebundleiswhatyouwanteversomuch.Itold Frank, and he got it for his present. It is all red and gold outside, andeverysortofcolorinside;you'llhurrahwhenyouseeit.Thatroundishoneisyourstoo;Imadethem,"criedJill,pointingtoaflatpackagetiedtothestemof the tree,andaneat little roll inwhichwere thebluemittens that shehadknitforhim."Icanwait;"buttheboy'seyesshonewitheagerness,andhecouldnotresistfiringtwoorthreepop-cornsatittoseewhetheritwashardorsoft."ThatbarkingdogisforBoo,andthelittleyellowsled,soMollycandraghimto school, he always tumbles down so when it is slippery," continued Jill,proud of her superior knowledge, as she showed a small spotted animalhangingbyitstail,witharedtonguedisplayedasifabouttotastethesweetiesinthehornbelow."Don'ttalkaboutsleds,formercy'ssake!Ineverwanttoseeanother,andyouwouldn't,either,ifyouhadtoliewithaflat-irontiedtoyourankle,asIdo,"said Jack, with a kick of the well leg and an ireful glance at the weightattachedtotheotherthatitmightnotcontractwhilehealing."Well,Ithinkplasters,andliniment,andrubbing,asbadasflat-ironsanyday.Idon'tbelieveyouhaveachedhalfsomuchasIhave,thoughitsoundsworsetobreak legs than tosprainyourback,"protestedJill,eager toproveherselfthegreatersufferer,asinvalidsareapttobe."Iguessyouwouldn'tthinksoifyou'dbeenpulledroundasIwaswhentheysetmyleg.Caesar,howitdidhurt!"andJacksquirmedattherecollectionofit."You didn't faint away as I did when the doctor was finding out if myvertebrumswerehurt,sonow!"criedJill,boundtocarryherpoint,thoughnot

atallclearwhatvertebraewere."Pooh!Girlsalwaysfaint.Menarebraver,andIdidn'tfaintabitinspiteofallthathorridagony.""Youhowled;Franktoldmeso.DoctorsaidIwasabravegirl,soyouneedn'tbrag,foryou'llhavetogoonacrutchforawhile.Iknowthat.""Youmayhavetousetwoof themforyears,maybe.Iheardthedoctor tellmymotherso.Ishallbeupandaboutlongbeforeyouwill.Nowthen!"Both childrenweregetting excited, for thevariouspleasures of thedayhadbeenrathertoomuchforthem,andthereisnoknowingbuttheywouldhaveaddedthesadsurpriseofaquarreltothepleasantonesoftheday,ifacheerfulwhistlehadnotbeenheard,asRalphcameintolightthecandlesandgivethelastartistictouchestotheroom."Well,young folks,howgoes it?Hadamerry timeso far?"heasked,ashefixedthestepsandranupwithalightedmatchinhishand."Verynice,thankyou,"answeredaprimlittlevoicefromtheduskbelow,foronlytheglowofthefirefilledtheroomjustthen.Jacksaidnothing,andtworedsulkyfaceswerehiddeninthedark,watchingcandleafter candle sputter,brighten, and twinkle, till the trembling shadowsbegantoflitawaylikeimpsafraidofthelight."Nowhewillseemyface,andIknowitiscross,"thoughtJill,asRalphwentround the last circle, leaving another line of sparks among the hemlockboughs.Jack thought the same, and had just got the frown smoothed out of hisforehead, 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 longchairstilltheyhadtobrightenwhethertheylikeditornot.Presentlythebellbegan to ring and gay voices to sound below: then Jill smiled in spite ofherself asMollyLoo'susual cryof "Oh,dear,where is that child?" reachedher,andJackcouldnothelpkeepingtimetothemarchEdplayed,whileFrankandGusmarshalledtheprocession."Ready!"criedMrs.Minot, at last, andupcame the troopofeager ladsandlasses, brave in holiday suits, with faces tomatch.A unanimous "O, o, o!"burst fromtwenty tongues,as thefullsplendorof the tree, theroom,and itsinmates, dawned upon them; for not only did the pretty Christ-child hoverabove, but Santa Claus himself stood below, fur-clad, white-bearded, andpowderedwithsnowfromthedredging-box.Ralphwasagoodactor,and,whenthefirstraptureswereoverhedistributedthepresentswithsuchdrollspeeches,jokes,andgambols,thattheroomrangwith merriment, and passers-by paused to listen, sure that here, at least,

Christmaswasmerry.Itwouldbeimpossibletotellaboutall thegiftsorthejoyofthereceivers,buteveryonewassatisfied,andthekingandqueenoftherevelssooverwhelmedwith little tokensofgood-will, that theirbeds lookedlike booths at a fair. Jack beamed over the handsome postage-stamp bookwhichhadlongbeenthedesireofhisheart,andJillfeltlikeamillionaire,withasilverfruit-knife,aprettywork-basket,andoh!—coalsoffireonherhead!—aringfromJack.A simple little thing enough, with one tiny turquoise forget-me-not, butsomethinglikeadew-dropfellonitwhennoonewaslooking,andshelongedtosay,"I'msorryIwascross;forgiveme,Jack."Butitcouldnotbedonethen,sosheturnedtoadmireMerry'sbed-shoes,thepotsofpansies,hyacinths,andgeraniumwhichGusandhissisterssentforherwindowgarden,Molly'squeerChristmaspie,andthezitherEdpromisedtoteachherhowtoplayupon.The treewas soon stripped, and pop-corns strewed the floor as the childrenstood about picking themoff the red threadswhen candygave out,with anoccasionalcranberrybywayofrelish.Booinsistedontryingthenewsledatonce,andenlivenedthetripbythesqueakingofthespotteddog,thetootofatintrumpet,andshoutsofjoyatthesplendoroftheturn-out.Thegirlsallputontheirnecklaces,anddancedaboutlikefineladiesataball.Theboys fell tocomparingskates,balls,andcuff-buttonson thespot,whilethelittleonesdevotedalltheirenergiestoeatingeverythingeatabletheycouldlaytheirhandson.Gameswereplayed tillnineo'clock, and then thepartybrokeup, after theyhadtakenhandsroundthetreeandsungasongwrittenbyonewhomyouallknow,—sofaithfullyandbeautifullydoessheloveandlaborforchildrentheworldover.THEBLESSEDDAY"WhatshalllittlechildrenbringOnChristmasDay,onChristmasDay?WhatshalllittlechildrenbringOnChristmasDayinthemorning?ThisshalllittlechildrenbringOnChristmasDay,onChristmasDay;LoveandjoytoChristtheirking,OnChristmasDayinthemorning!

"Whatshalllittlechildrensing

OnChristmasDay,onChristmasDay?WhatshalllittlechildrensingOnChristmasDayinthemorning?ThegrandoldcarolsshalltheysingOnChristmasDay,onChristmasDay;Withalltheirhearts,theirofferingsbringOnChristmasDayinthemorning."Jackwas carried off to bed in such haste that he had only time to call out,"Good-night!"beforehewasrolledaway,gapingashewent.Jillsoonfoundherselftuckedupinthegreatwhitebedshewastosharewithhermother,andlay looking about the pleasant chamber, while Mrs. Pecq ran home for aminutetoseethatallwassafethereforthenight.Afterthemerrydinthehouseseemedverystill,withonlyalightstepnowandthen, themurmur of voices not far away, or the jingle of sleigh-bells fromwithout,and the littlegirl restedeasilyamong thepillows, thinkingover thepleasures of the day, too wide-awake for sleep. There was no lamp in thechamber, but she could look into theprettyBirdRoom,where the fire-lightstillshoneonflowerywalls,desertedtree,andChrist-childfloatingabovethegreen. Jill's eyeswandered there and lingered till theywere full of regretfultears,because the sightof the littleangel recalled thewords spokenwhen itwas hung up, the good resolution she had taken then, and how soon itwasbroken."IsaidIcouldn'tbebadinthatlovelyplace,andIwasacross,ungratefulgirlafterallthey'vedoneforMammyandme.PoorJackwashurttheworst,andhewasbrave,thoughhedidscream.IwishIcouldgoandtellhimso,andhearhimsay,'Allright.'Oh,me,I'vespoiledtheday!"Agreatsobchokedmorewords,andJillwasabouttohaveacomfortablecry,when someone entered the other room, and she sawFrankdoing somethingwitha longcordanda thing that looked likea tinydrum.Quietasabright-eyedmouse,Jillpeepedoutwonderingwhatitwas,andsuspectingmischief,fortheboywaslaughingtohimselfashestretchedthecord,andnowandthenbentoverthelittleobjectinhishand,touchingitwithgreatcare."Maybeit'satorpedotoblowupandscareme;Jacklikestoplaytricks.Well,I'll scream loudwhen it goes off, so hewill be satisfied that I'm dreadfullyfrightened,"thoughtJill,littledreamingwhatthelastsurpriseofthedaywastobe.Presentlyavoicewhispered,—"Isay!Areyouawake?"

"Yes.""Anyonetherebutyou?""No.""Catchthis,then.Holdittoyourearandseewhatyou'llget."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 brokenwhispersthesetouchingwords:—"SorryIwascross.Forgiveandforget.Startfairto-morrow.Allright.Jack."Jillwassodelightedwiththishandsomeapology,thatshecouldnotreplyforamoment,thensteadiedhervoice,andansweredbackinhersweetesttone,—"I'm sorry, too.Never, never,will again.Feelmuchbetter now.Good-night,youdearoldthing."Satisfiedwiththesuccessofhistelephone,Franktwitchedbackthedrumandvanished,leavingJill tolayhercheekuponthehandthatworethelittleringandfallasleep,sayingtoherself,withafarewellglanceatthechildren'ssaint,dimlyseeninthesoftgloom,"Iwillnotforget.Iwillbegood!"

ChapterVII.Jill'sMission

The good times began immediately, and very little studying was done thatweek in spite of the virtuous resolutionsmade by certain young persons onChristmasDay.But,dearme,howwasitpossibletosettledowntolessonsinthedelightfulBirdRoom,withnotonlyitsowncharmstodistractone,butallthenewgiftstoenjoy,andadozencallsadaytooccupyone'stime?"Iguesswe'dbetterwaittilltheothersareatschool,andjustgoinforfunthisweek,"saidJack,whowasingreatspiritsattheprospectofgettingup,forthesplintswereoff,andhehopedtobepromotedtocrutchesverysoon."IshallkeepmySpellerbymeandtakealookatiteveryday,forthatiswhatI'mmostbackwardin.ButIintendtodevotemyselftoyou,Jack,andberealkindanduseful.I'vemadeaplantodoit,andImeantocarryitout,anyway,"answeredJill,whohadbeguntobeamissionary,andfeltthatthiswasafieldoflaborwhereshecoulddistinguishherself."Here'sahomemissionall readyforyou,andyoucanbepayingyourdebtsbesidedoingyourself good,"Mrs.Pecq said to her in private, having foundplentytodoherself.NowJillmadeonegreatmistakeattheoutset—sheforgotthatshewastheoneto be converted to goodmanners and gentleness, and devoted her efforts to

lookingafterJack,findingitmucheasiertocureotherpeople'sfaultsthanherown. Jackwas amost engaging heathen, and needed very little instruction;thereforeJillthoughthertaskwouldbeaneasyone.Butthreeorfourweeksof petting and play had rather demoralized both children, so Jill's Speller,though tucked under the sofa pillow every day, was seldom looked at, andJack shirked his Latin shamefully. Both read all the story-books they couldget,helddailyleveesintheBirdRoom,andalltheirspareminuteswerespentin teaching Snowdrop, the great Angora cat, to bring the ball when theydroppeditintheirgame.SoSaturdaycame,andbothwererathertheworseforso much idleness, since daily duties and studies are the wholesome breadwhich feeds the mind better than the dyspeptic plum-cake of sensationalreading,ortheunsubstantialbon-bonsoffrivolousamusement.It was a stormy day, so they had few callers, and devoted themselves toarrangingthealbum;forthesebookswerealltheragejustthen,andboysmettocompare,discuss,buy,sell,and"swap"stampswithasmuchinterestasmenon 'Changegamble in stocks. Jackhadanice little collection, andhadbeensaving up pocket-money to buy a book in which to preserve his treasures.Now, thanks toJill's timelysuggestion,Frankhadgivenhimafineone,andseveral friends had contributed a number of rare stamps to grace the large,invitingpages.Jillwieldedthegum-brushandfittedonthelittleflaps,asherfingerswere skilful at thisnicework, and Jackput each stamp in itsproperplacewithgreatrustlingofleavesandcomparingofmarks.Returning,afterabrief absence,Mrs.Minot beheld the countenances of the workers adornedwithgaystamps,givingthemaverycuriousappearance."Mydears!whatnewplayhaveyougotnow?AreyouwildIndians?orlettersthathavegoneroundtheworldbeforefindingtherightaddress?"sheasked,laughingat theridiculoussight, forbothwereassoberas judgesanddeeplyabsorbedinsomedoubtfulspecimen."Oh,wejuststuckthemtheretokeepthemsafe;theygetlostifweleavethemlyinground.It'sveryhandy,forIcanseeinaminutewhatIwantonJill'sfaceand she onmine, and put our fingers on the right chap at once," answeredJack, adding, with an anxious gaze at his friend's variegated countenance,"WherethedickensismyNewGranada?It'srare,andIwouldn'tloseitforadollar.""Why, there it is on your own nose. Don't you remember you put it therebecauseyousaidminewasnotbigenoughtoholdit?"laughedJill,tweakingalargeorangesquareoff theroundnoseofherneighbor,causingit towrinkleupinadrollway,asthegummadetheoperationslightlypainful."So I did, and gave you Little Bolivar on yours. Now I'll have Alsace andLorraine,1870.Therearesevenofthem,soholdstillandseehowyoulikeit,"returnedJack,pickingthelarge,palestampsonebyonefromJill'sforehead,

whichtheycrossedlikeaband.She bore it without flinching, saying to herself with a secret smile, as sheglancedatthehotfire,whichscorchedherifshekeptnearenoughtoJacktohelp him, "This really is being like amissionary, with a tattooed savage tolookafter.Ihavetosufferalittle,asthegoodfolksdidwhogotspearedandroastedsometimes;butIwon'tcomplainabit,thoughmyforeheadsmarts,myarmsaretired,andonecheekisasredasfire.""The Roman States make a handsome page, don't they?" asked Jack, littledreamingof the part hewas playing in Jill'smind. "Oh, I say, isn'tCorea abeauty?I'meversoproudofthat;"andhegazedfondlyonabigbluestamp,thesoleornamentofonepage."Idon'tseewhytheCapeofGoodHopehaspyramids.Theyought togo inEgypt.TheSandwichIslandsareallright,withheadsoftheblackkingsandqueens on them," said Jill, feeling that they were very appropriate to herprivateplay."Turkeyhascrescents,Australiaswans,andSpainwomen'sheads,withblackbarsacross them.Franksays it isbecause theykeepwomenshutupso;butthatwasonlyhisfun.I'dratherhaveagood,honestgreenUnitedStates,withWashingtononit,orablueone-centerwitholdFranklin,thanalltheireaglesandlionsandkingsandqueensputtogether,"addedthedemocraticboy,withadisrespectfulslaponacrownedheadashesettledHeligolandinitsplace."Why does Austria have Mercury on the stamp, I wonder? Do they wearhelmetslikethat?"askedJill,withthebrush-handleinhermouthasshecutafreshbatchofflaps."May be he was postman to the gods, so he is put on stamps now. ThePrussianswear helmets, but they have spikes like the oldRoman fellows. IlikePrussianseversomuch;theyfightsplendidly,andalwaysbeat.Austrianshaveahandsomeuniform,though.""TalkingofRomansremindsmethatIhavenotheardyourLatinfortwodays.Come,lazybones,braceup,andletushaveitnow.I'vedonemycompo,andshallhavejusttimebeforeIgooutforatrampwithGus,"saidFrank,puttingbyaneatpagetodry,forhestudiedeverydaylikeaconscientiousladashewas."Don't know it. Not going to try till next week. Grind away over your oldGreekasmuchasyoulike,butdon'tbotherme,"answeredJack,frowningatthemerethoughtofthedetestedlesson.But Frank adored his Xenophon, and would not see his old friend, Caesar,neglectedwithoutanefforttodefendhim;soheconfiscatedthegum-pot,andeffectuallystoppedthestampbusinessbywhiskingawayatonefellswoopall

thatlayonJill'stable."Nowthen,youngman,youwillquitthissortofnonsenseanddoyourlesson,oryouwon'tseethesefellowsagaininahurry.Youaskedmetohearyou,andI'mgoingtodoit;here'sthebook."Frank'stonewasthedictatorialone,whichJackhatedandalwaysfoundhardtoobey,especiallywhenheknewheoughttodoit.Usually,whenhispatiencewas 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 forirritationweredeniedhim,andhehadfallenintothewayofthrowingthingsabout inapet.He longed tosendCaesar toperpetualbanishment in the fireblazing closeby, but resisted the temptation, and answeredhonestly, thoughgruffly:"IknowIdid,butIdon'tseeanyuseinpouncingonafellowwhenheisn'tready.Ihaven'tgotmylesson,anddon'tmeantoworryaboutit;soyoumayjustgivemebackmythingsandgoaboutyourbusiness.""I'llgiveyoubackastampforeveryperfectlessonyouget,andyouwon'tseethemonanyother terms;"and, thrusting the treasures intohispocket,Frankcaughtuphis rubberboots,andwentoffswinging themlikeapairofclubs,feelingthathewouldgiveatrifletobeabletousethemonhislazybrother.At thishigh-handedproceeding, and the threatwhichaccompanied it, Jack'spatiencegaveout,andcatchingupCaesar,ashethought,senthimflyingaftertheretreatingtyrantwiththedefiantdeclaration,—"Keepthem,then,andyouroldbook,too!Iwon'tlookatittillyougiveallmystampsbackandsayyouaresorry.Sonow!"ItwasalloverbeforeMammacouldinterfere,orJilldomorethanclutchandclingtothegum-brush.Frankvanishedunharmed,but thepoorbookdashedagainstthewalltofallhalfopenonthefloor,itsgaycoverloosened,anditssmoothleavescrushedbytheblow."It's thealbum!OJack,howcouldyou?"criedJill,dismayedatsightof thepreciousbooksomaltreatedbytheowner."Thoughtitwastheother.Guessitisn'thurtmuch.Didn'tmeantohithim,anyway.Hedoesprovokemeso,"mutteredJack,veryredandshamefacedashismotherpickedupthebookandlaiditsilentlyonthetablebeforehim.Hedidnotknowwhat todowithhimself,andwas thankful for thestampsstill lefthim,findinggreatreliefinmakingfacesashepluckedthemonebyonefromhismortifiedcountenance.Jilllookedon,halfglad,halfsorrythathersavageshowedsuch signsofunconverted ferocity, andMrs.Minotwentonwritingletters, wearing the grave look her sons found harder to bear than anotherperson'sscolding.Noonespokeforamoment,andthesilencewasbecomingawkwardwhenGusappeared ina rubber suit,bringingabook toJack fromLauraandanotetoJillfromLotty.

"Lookhere,youjusttrundlemeintomyden,please,I'mgoingtohaveanap,it'ssodullto-dayIdon'tfeellikedoingmuch,"saidJack,whenGushaddonehiserrands,tryingtolookasifheknewnothingaboutthefracas.Jackfoldedhisarmsanddepartedlikeawarriorbornefromthebattle-field,tobechaffedunmercifullyfora"pepper-pot,"whileGusmadehimcomfortableinhisownroom."Iheardonceofaboywhothrewaforkathisbrotherandputhiseyeout.Buthedidn'tmeanto,andthebrotherforgavehim,andheneverdidsoanymore,"observedJill,inapensivetone,wishingtoshowthatshefeltallthedangersofimpatience,butwassorryfortheculprit."Didtheboyeverforgivehimself?"askedMrs.Minot."No,'m;Isupposenot.ButJackdidn'thitFrank,andfeelsrealsorry,Iknow.""Hemighthave,andhurthimverymuch.Ouractionsareinourownhands,but the consequences of them are not. Remember that, my dear, and thinktwicebeforeyoudoanything.""Yes, 'm, I will;" and Jill composed herself to consider what missionariesusually did when the natives hurled tomahawks and boomerangs at oneanother,anddefiedtherulersoftheland.Mrs.Minotwroteonepageofanew letter, thenstopped,pushedherpapersabout,thoughtalittle,andfinallygotup,saying,asifshefounditimpossibletoresisttheyearningofherheartforthenaughtyboy,—"IamgoingtoseeifJackiscoveredup,heissohelpless,andliabletotakecold.Don'tstirtillIcomeback.""No,'m,Iwon't."AwaywentthetenderparenttofindhersonstudyingCaesarfordearlife,andall themoreamiablefor the littlegustwhichhadblownawaythetemporaryirritability.Thebrotherswereoftencalled"ThunderandLightning,"becauseFrank lowered and growled andwas a goodwhile clearing up,while Jack'stemper came and went like a flash, and the air was all the clearer for theescapeofdangerouselectricity.OfcourseMammahad tostopanddeliveralittle lecture, illustrated by sad tales of petulant boys, and punctuated withkisseswhichtookofftheedgeoftheseafflictingnarratives.Jillmeantimemeditatedmorally on the superiority of her owngood temperover the hasty one of her dear playmate, and just when she was feelingunusuallyupliftedandsecure,alas! likesomanyofus, she fell, in themostdeplorablemanner.Glancingabouttheroomforsomethingtodo,shesawasheetofpaperlyingexactlyoutofreach,whereithadflutteredfromthetableunperceived.Atfirst

her eye rested on it as carelessly as it did on the stray stamp Frank haddropped;then,asifonethingsuggestedtheother,shetookitintoherheadthatthepaperwasFrank'scomposition,or,better still, anote toAnnette, for thetwo corresponded when absence or weather prevented the daily meeting atschool."Wouldn'titbefuntokeepittillhegivesbackJack'sstamps?Itwouldplaguehimsoifitwasanote,andIdobelieveitis,forcompo'sdon'tbeginwithtwowordsononeside.I'llgetit,andJackandIwillplansomewaytopayhimoff,crossthing!"Forgettingherpromisenottostir,alsohowdishonorableitwastoreadotherpeople's letters, Jill caught up the long-handledhook, often in usenow, andtried to pull the paper nearer. Itwould not come at once, for a seam in thecarpetheldit,andJillfearedtotearorcrumpleitifshewasnotverycareful.Thehookwasratherheavyandlongforhertomanage,andJackusuallydidthe fishing, so she was not very skilful; and just as she was giving aparticularlyquickjerk,shelostherbalance,felloffthesofa,anddroppedthepolewithabang."Oh,myback!"wasallshecouldthinkorsayasshefeltthejarallthroughherlittle body, and a corresponding fear in her guilty little mind that someonewouldcomeandfindoutthedoublemischiefshehadbeenat.Foramomentshelayquitestilltorecoverfromtheshock,thenasthepainpassedshebegantowonderhowsheshouldgetback,andlookedabouthertoseeifshecoulddoitalone.Shethoughtshecould,asthesofawasnearandshehadimprovedsomuchthatshecouldsitupalittleifthedoctorwouldhavelether.Shewasgathering herself together for the effort, when, within arm's reach now, shesawthetemptingpaper,andseizeditwithglee,forinspiteofherpredicamentshedidwanttoteaseFrank.Aglanceshowedthatitwasnotthecompositionnoranote,butthebeginningofaletterfromMrs.Minottohersister,andJillwasabout tolayitdownwhenherownnamecaughthereye,andshecouldnotresistreadingit.Hardwordstowriteofonesoyoung,doublyhardtoread,andimpossibletoforget."DearLizzie,—Jackcontinuestodoverywell,andwillsoonbeupagain.Butwebegintofear that the littlegirl ispermanently injuredin theback.Sheishere,andwedoourbestforher;butInever lookatherwithout thinkingofLucindaSnow,who,youremember,wasbedriddenfortwentyyears,owingtoa fall at fifteen. Poor little Janey does not knowyet, and I hope"—There itended, and "poor little Janey's" punishment for disobedience began thatinstant. She thought shewas gettingwell because she did not suffer all thetime, andeveryone spokecheerfullyabout "byandby."Nowsheknew thetruth,andshuthereyeswithashiverasshesaid,low,toherself,—"Twentyyears!Icouldn'tbearit;oh,Icouldn'tbearit!"

AverymiserableJilllayonthefloor,andforawhiledidnotcarewhocameand foundher; then the lastwordsof the letter—"Ihope"—seemed to shineacrosstheblacknessofthedreadful"twentyyears"andcheerherupabit,fordespairneverliveslonginyounghearts,andJillwasabravechild."ThatiswhyMammysighssowhenshedressesme,andeveryoneissogoodtome.PerhapsMrs.Minotdoesn't reallyknow,afterall.ShewasdreadfullyscaredaboutJack,andheisgettingwell.I'dliketoaskDoctor,buthemightfind out about the letter.Oh, dear,why didn't I keep still and let the horridthingalone!"As she thought that, Jill pushed thepaper away, pulledherself up, andwithmuchpainful effortmanaged toget back toher sofa,where she laidherselfdownwithagroan,feelingasifthetwentyyearshadalreadypassedoverhersinceshetumbledoff."I'vetoldalie,forIsaidIwouldn'tstir.I'vehurtmyback,I'vedoneameanthing,andI'vegotpaidforit.AnicemissionaryIam;I'dbetterbeginathome,as Mammy told me to;" and Jill groaned again, remembering her mother'swords. "NowI'vegotanother secret tokeepallalone, for I'dbeashamed totellthegirls.IguessI'llturnroundandstudymyspelling;thennoonewillseemyface."Jilllookedthepictureofagood,industriouschildasshelaywithherbacktothelargetable,herbookheldsothatnothingwastobeseenbutonecheekandapairoflipsmovingbusily.Fortunately,itisdifficultforlittlesinnerstoactapart,and,evenifthefaceishidden,somethinginthebodyseemstobetraytheinternalremorseandshame.Usually,Jill layflatandstill;nowherbackwasbent in a peculiar way as she leaned over her book, and one foot waggednervously,while on the visible cheekwas a Spanish stampwith awoman'sface looking through the black bars, very suggestively, if she had known it.Howlongtheminutesseemedtillsomeonecame,andwhataqueerlittlejumpherheartgavewhenMrs.Minot'svoicesaid,cheerfully,"Jackisallright,and,I declare, so is Jill. I really believe there is a telegraph still workingsomewherebetweenyoutwo,andeachknowswhattheotherisaboutwithoutwords.""Ididn'thaveanyotherbookhandy,soIthoughtI'dstudyawhile,"answeredJill,feelingthatshedeservednopraiseforherseemingindustry.She cast a sidelong glance as she spoke, and seeing that Mrs. Minot waslookingfortheletter,hidherfaceandlaysostillshecouldheartherustleofthepaperas itwas takenfromthefloor. Itwaswellshedidnotalsosee thequick look the ladygaveher as she turned the letter and found a red stampstickingtotheunderside,forthisunluckylittlewitnesstoldthestory.Mrs.Minot rememberedhavingseen thestamp lyingclose to thesofawhen

shelefttheroom,forshehadhadhalfamindtotakeit toJack,butdidnot,thinkingFrank'splanhadsomeadvantages.Shealsorecollectedthatapaperflewoffthetable,butbeinginhasteshehadnotstoppedtoseewhatitwas.Now,thestampandthelettercouldhardlyhavecometogetherwithouthands,fortheylayayardapart,andhere,also,ontheunwrittenportionofthepage,wasthemarkofasmallgreenthumb.Jillhadbeenwindingwoolforastripeinhernewafghan,andthegreenball layonhersofa.Thesesignssuggestedand confirmed whatMrs.Minot did not want to believe; so did the voice,attitude,andairofJill,allveryunlikeherusualopen,alertways.Thekindladycouldeasilyforgivethereadingofherlettersincethegirlhadfoundsuchsadnewsthere,butthedangersofdisobediencewereseriousinhercase, and a glance showed that shewas suffering either inmind or body—perhapsboth."Iwillwaitforhertotellme.Sheisanhonestchild,andthetruthwillsooncome out," thoughtMrs.Minot, as she took a clean sheet, and Jill tried tostudy."Shall Ihearyour lesson,dear?Jackmeans to recitehis likeagoodboy,sosupposeyoufollowhisexample,"shesaid,presently."Idon'tknowasIcansayit,butI'lltry."Jilldidtry,andgotonbravelytillshecametotheword"permanent;"thereshehesitated,rememberingwhereshesawitlast."Doyouknowwhatthatmeans?"askedherteacher,thinkingtohelpheronbydefiningtheword."Always—foragreatwhile—orsomethinglikethat;doesn'tit?"falteredJill,withatightfeelinginherthroat,andthecolorcomingup,asshetriedtospeakeasily,yetfeltsoshame-strickenshecouldnot."Are you in pain, my child? Never mind the lesson; tell me, and I'll dosomethingforyou."Thekindwords,thesofthandonherhotcheek,andthepityintheeyesthatlookedather,weretoomuchforJill.Asobcamefirst,andthenthetruth,toldwithhiddenfaceandtearsthatwashedtheblushaway,andsetfreethehonestlittlesoulthatcouldnothideitsfaultfromsuchafriend."Iknewitallbefore,andwassureyouwouldtellme,elseyouwouldnotbethechildIloveandliketohelpsowell."Then,whileshesoothedJill's trouble,Mrs.Minot toldherstoryandshowedtheletter,wishingtolessen,ifpossible,somepartofthepainithadgiven."Slyoldstamp!TogoandtellonmewhenImeanttoownup,andgetsomecredit ifIcould,afterbeingsomeanandbad,"saidJill,smilingthroughher

tearswhenshesawthetell-talewitnessesagainsther."Youhadbetterstickitinyourbooktoremindyouofthebadconsequencesofdisobedience,thenperhapsthislessonwillleavea'permanent'impressiononyourmindandmemory,"answeredMrs.Minot,gladtoseehernaturalgayetycomingback,andhopingthatshehadforgottenthecontentsoftheunfortunateletter.Butshehadnot;andpresently,whenthesadaffairhadbeentalkedoverandforgiven,Jillasked,slowly,asshetriedtoputonabravelook,—"Please tellme aboutLucindaSnow. If I am tobe likeher, Imight aswellknowhowshemanagedtobearitsolong.""I'msorryyoueverheardofher,andyetperhapsitmayhelpyoutobearyourtrial,dear,whichIhopewillneverbeasheavyaoneashers.ThisLucindaIknewforyears,andthoughatfirstIthoughtherfatethesaddestthatcouldbe,Icameat last toseehowhappyshewas inspiteofheraffliction,howgoodandusefulandbeloved.""Why, how could she be?What did she do?" cried Jill, forgetting her owntroublestolookupwithanopen,eagerfaceagain."Shewas so patient, other peoplewere ashamed to complain of their smallworries;socheerful,thatherowngreatonegrewlighter;soindustrious,thatshemadebothmoneyandfriendsbyprettythingssheworkedandsoldtohermanyvisitors.And,bestofall,sowiseandsweetthatsheseemedtogetgoodoutofeverything,andmakeherpoorroomasortofchapelwherepeoplewentforcomfort,counsel,andanexampleofapiouslife.So,yousee,Lucindawasnotsoverymiserableafterall.""Well,ifIcouldnotbeasIwas,I'dliketobeawomanlikethat.Only,IhopeIshall not!" answered Jill, thoughtfully at first, then comingout so decidedlywiththelastwordsthatitwasevidentthelifeofabedriddensaintwasnotatalltohermind."Sodo I; and Imean to believe that youwill not.Meantime,we can try tomake thewaiting as useful andpleasant as possible.This painful little backwillbeasortofconsciencetoremindyouofwhatyououghttodoandleaveundone,andsoyoucanbelearningobedience.Then,whenthebodyisstrong,itwillhaveformedagoodhabittomakedutyeasier;andmyLucindacanbeasweetexample,evenwhilelyinghere,ifshechooses.""CanI?"andJill'seyeswerefullofsofter tearsas thecomfortable,cheeringwordssankintoherheart, toblossomslowlybyandbyintoherlife,forthiswastobealonglesson,hardtolearn,butveryusefulintheyearstocome.Whentheboysreturned,after theLatinwasrecitedandpeacerestored,JackshowedherarecoveredstamppromptlypaidbyFrank,whowasasjustashewassevere,andJillaskedfortheoldredone,thoughshedidnottellwhyshe

wanted it, nor show it put away in the spelling-book, a little seal upon apromisemadetobekept.

ChapterVIII.MerryandMolly

Nowletusseehowtheothermissionariesgotonwiththeirtasks.Farmer Grant was a thrifty, well-to-do man, anxious to give his childrengreater advantages than he had enjoyed, and to improve the fine place ofwhichhewasjustlyproud.Mrs.Grantwasanotablehousewife,asambitiousand industrious as her husband, but too busy to spend any time on theeleganciesoflife, thoughalwaysreadytohelpthepoorandsicklikeagoodneighborandChristianwoman.Thethreesons—Tom,Dick,andHarry—werebigfellowsofseventeen,nineteen,andtwenty-one;thefirsttwoonthefarm,and the elder in a store just setting up for himself.Kind-hearted but rough-manneredyouths,wholovedMerryverymuch,butteasedhersadlyabouther"fineladyairs,"astheycalledherdaintywaysandloveofbeauty.Merry was a thoughtful girl, full of innocent fancies, refined tastes, andromanticdreams, inwhichnoonesympathizedathome, thoughshewasthepetof the family. Itdidseem, toanoutsider,as if thedelicate littlecreaturehadgottherebymistake,forshelookedverylikeatea-roseinafieldofcloverand dandelions,whose highest aim in lifewas to feed cows and helpmakerootbeer.Whenthegirlstalkedoverthenewsociety,itpleasedMerryverymuch,andshedecidednotonlytotryandloveworkbetter,buttoconvertherfamilytoalikingforprettythings,asshecalledherownmorecultivatedtastes."I will begin at once, and show them that I don't mean to shirk my duty,thoughIdowanttobenice,"thoughtshe,asshesatatsupperonenightandlookedabouther,planningherfirstmove.Notaverycheeringprospectforaloverofthebeautiful,certainly,forthebigkitchen,thoughasneataswax,hadnothinglovelyinit,exceptaredgeraniumblooming at the window. Nor were the people all that could be desired, insome respects, as they satabout the table shovelling inporkandbeanswiththeir knives, drinking tea from their saucers, and laughingoutwith ahearty"Haw, haw," when anything amused them. Yet the boys were handsome,strongspecimens,thefarmerahale,benevolent-lookingman,thehousewifeapleasant,sharp-eyedmatron,whoseemedtofindcomfort inlookingoftenatthebrightfaceatherelbow,withthebroadforehead,cleareyes,sweetmouth,andquietvoicethatcamelikemusicinamongtheloudmasculineones,orthequick,nervoustonesofawomanalwaysinahurry.

Merry's facewas so thoughtful that evening that her father observed it, for,whenathome,hewatchedherasonewatchesakitten,gladtoseeanythingsopretty,young,andhappy,atitsplay."Little daughter has got something on her mind, I mistrust. Come and tellfather all about it," he said, with a sounding slap on his broad knee as heturnedhischairfromthetabletotheuglystove,wherethreepairsofwetbootssteamedunderneath,andagreatkettleofciderapple-saucesimmeredabove."WhenI'vehelpedclearup,I'llcomeandtalk.Now,mother,yousitdownandrest;RoxyandIcandoeverything,"answeredMerry,pattingtheoldrocking-chair so invitingly that the tired woman could not resist, especially aswatchingthekettlegaveheranexcuseforobeying."Well,Idon'tcareifIdo,forI'vebeenonmyfeetsincefiveo'clock.Besureyoucoverthingsup,andshutthebutterydoor,andputthecatdowncellar,andsiftyourmeal.I'llseetothebuckwheatslastthingbeforeIgotobed."Mrs. Grant subsided with her knitting, for her hands were never idle; Tomtiltedhischairbackagainst thewallandpickedhis teethwithhispen-knife;Dickgotoutalittlepotofgrease,tomakethebootswater-tight;andHarrysatdownatthesmalltabletolookoverhisaccounts,withanimportantair,—forevery one occupied this room, and the work was done in the out-kitchenbehind.Merryhatedclearingup,butdutifullydideverydistastefultask,andkepthereyeoncarelessRoxytillallwasinorder;thenshegladlywenttoperchonherfather'sknee,seeinginallthefacesaboutherthesilentwelcometheyalwaysworeforthe"littleone.""Yes,Idowantsomething,butIknowyouwillsayitissilly,"shebegan,asherfatherpinchedherbloomingcheek,withthewishthathispeacheswouldeverlookhalfaswell."Shouldn'twonderifitwasadollnow;"andMr.Grantstrokedherheadwithanindulgentsmile,asifshewasaboutsixinsteadoffifteen."Why, father, you know I don't! I haven't playedwith dollies for years andyears.No;Iwanttofixupmyroompretty,likeJill's.I'lldoitallmyself,andonlywantafewthings,forIdon'texpectittolookasniceashers."IndignationgaveMerrycourage tostateherwishesboldly, thoughsheknewtheboyswouldlaugh.Theydid,andhermothersaidinatoneofsurprise,—"Why,child,whatmorecanyouwant?I'msureyourroomisalwaysasneatasa new pin, thanks to your bringing up, and I told you to have a fire therewheneveryouwantedto.""Letmehavesomeoldthingsoutofthegarret,andI'llshowyouwhatIwant.Itisneat,butsobareanduglyIhatetobethere.Idosolovesomethingpretty

to lookat!" andMerrygave a little shiverofdisgust as she turnedher eyesawayfromthe largegreasybootDickwasholdinguptobesure itwaswelllubricatedallround."SodoI,and that'sa fact. Icouldn'tgetonwithoutmyprettygirlhere,anyway.Why,shetouchesuptheoldplacebetterthanadozenflower-potsinfullblow,"saidthefarmer,ashiseyewentfromthescarletgeraniumtothebrightyoungfacesonearhisown."Iwish Ihadadozen in the sitting-roomwindow.Mother says theyarenottidy,butI'dkeepthemneat,andIknowyou'dlikeit,"brokeinMerry,gladofthechancetogetoneofthelong-desiredwishesofherheartfulfilled."I'll fetchyousomenext timeIgoover toBallad's.Tellmewhatyouwant,andwe'llhaveaposybedsomewhereround,seeifwedon't,"saidherfather,dimlyunderstandingwhatshewanted."Now, ifmothersaysImayfixmyroom,Ishallbesatisfied,andI'lldomychoreswithoutabitoffuss,toshowhowgratefulIam,"saidthegirl,thankingher fatherwith a kiss, and smiling at hermother sowistfully that the goodwomancouldnotrefuse."Youmayhaveanythingyoulikeoutofthebluechest.There'salotofthingstherethatthemothsgotatafterGrandmadied,andIcouldn'tbeartothroworgive'emaway.Trimupyourroomasyoulike,andmindyoudon'tforgetyourpartofthebargain,"answeredMrs.Grant,seeingprofitintheplan."I won't; I'll work all the morning to-morrow, and in the afternoon I'll getreadytoshowyouwhatIcallanice,prettyroom,"answeredMerry,lookingso pleased it seemed as if another flower had blossomed in the large barekitchen.Shekeptherword,andtheverystormyafternoonwhenJillgot into trouble,Merrywasworkingbusily at her little bower. In the blue chest she found avariety of treasures, and ignoring the moth holes, used them to the bestadvantage,tryingtoimitatethesimplecomfortwithatouchofelegancewhichprevailedinMrs.Minot'sbackbedroom.Threefadedred-moreencurtainswentupatthewindowsoverthechillypapershades,givingapleasantglowtothebarewalls.Aredquiltwithwhitestars,rather the worse for many washings, covered the bed, and a gay cloth thetable, where a judicious arrangement of books and baskets concealed thespots.The little air-tight stovewas banished, and a pair of ancient andironsshone in the fire-light. Grandma's last and largest braided rug lay on thehearth, and her brass candlesticks adorned the bureau, over the mirror ofwhichwasfestoonedawhitemuslinskirt,tiedupwithMerry'sredsash.Thispieceofelegancegave the last touch toher room, she thought, andshewasveryproudof it, setting forth all her small store of trinkets in a large shell,

withanemptyscentbottle,andacleantidyoverthepincushion.Onthewallsshehungthreeold-fashionedpictures,whichsheventuredtoborrowfromthegarret tillbettercouldbefound.Oneamourningpiece,withaverytall ladyweepingonanurninagroveofwillows,andtwosmallboysinkneebreechesandfunnylittlesquaretailstotheircoats,lookinglikecherubsinlargefrills.Theotherwasasgoodasabonfire,beinganeruptionofVesuvius,andveryluridindeed,fortheBayofNapleswasboilinglikeapot,theredskyrainingrocks,andafewdistractedpeoplelyingflatupontheshore.ThethirdwasareallyprettysceneofchildrendancingroundaMay-pole,forthoughnearlyahundredyearsold,thelittlemaidssmiledandtheboysprancedasgaylyasiftheflowerstheycarriedwerestillaliveandsweet."NowI'llcall themall tosee,andsaythat it ispretty.ThenI'llenjoyit,andcome herewhen things look dismal and bare everywhere else," saidMerry,whenatlastitwasdone.Shehadworkedalltheafternoon,andonlyfinishedatsuppertime,sothecandleshadtobelightedthatthetoilettemightlookitsbest,andimpress thebeholderswithanideaof trueelegance.Unfortunately,thefiresmokedalittle,andawindowwassetajartocleartheroom;anevil-disposedgustblewin,waftingthethindraperywithinreachofthelight,andwhenMerrythrewopenthedoorproudlythinkingtodisplayhersuccess,shewashorrifiedtofindtheroominablaze,andhalfherlaborallinvain.Theconflagrationwasoverinaminute,however,fortheboystoredownthemuslin and stamped out the fire with much laughter, while Mrs. Grantbewailedthedamagetohercarpet,andpoorMerrytookrefugeinherfather'sarms, refusing to be comforted in spite of his kind commendation of"Grandma'sfixins."Thethirdlittlemissionaryhadthehardesttimeofall,andherfirsteffortswerenot much more satisfactory nor successful than the others. Her father wasawayfrommorningtillnight,andthenhadhispapertoread,bookstokeep,or"amantoseedowntown,"sothat,afterahastywordattea,hesawnomoreof the children till another evening, as they were seldom up at his earlybreakfast.Hethoughttheywerewelltakencareof,forMissBathshebaDaweswasanenergetic,middle-agedspinsterwhenshecameintothefamily,andhadbeentherefifteenyears,sohedidnotobserve,whatawomanwouldhaveseenatonce,thatMissBatwasgettingoldandcareless,andeverythingaboutthehousewasatsixesandsevens.Shetookgoodcareofhim,andthoughtshehaddone her duty if she got three comfortablemeals, nursed the childrenwhentheywere ill, and saw that thehousedidnotburnup.SoMariaLouisa andNapoleon Bonaparte got on as they could, without the tender cares of amother.Mollyhadbeenahappy-go-luckychild,contentedwithherpets,herfreedom, and littleBoo to love; but now shewas just beginning to see thattheywerenotlikeotherchildren,andtofeelashamedofit.

"Papaisbusy,butMissBatoughttoseetous;sheispaidforit,andgoodnessknowsshehasaneasy timenow, for if Iaskher todoanything,shegroansoverherbones,andtellsmeyoungfolksshouldwaitonthemselves.ItakeallthecareofBoooffherhands,butIcan'twashmyownthings,andhehasn'tadecent trouser to his blessed little legs. I'd tell papa, but itwouldn't do anygood;he'donlysay,'Yes,child,yes,I'llattendtoit,'andneverdoathing."ThisusedtobeMolly'slament,whensomeespeciallytryingeventoccurred,andifthegirlswerenottheretocondolewithher,shewouldretiretotheshed-chamber,callherninecatsabouther,and,sittingintheoldbushelbasket,pullherhairaboutherears,andscoldallalone.Thecatslearnedtounderstandthishabit, and nobly did their best to dispel the gloom which now and thenobscuredthesunshineoftheirlittlemistress.Someofthemwouldcreepintoher lap andpurr till the comfortable sound soothedher irritation; the sedateelderssatatherfeetblinkingwithsuchwiseandsympatheticfaces, thatshefeltasifhalfadozenSolomonsweregivingherthesagestadvice;whilethekittensfriskedabout,cuttinguptheirdrollestcaperstillshelaughedinspiteofherself.When the laugh came, the worst of the fit was over, and she sooncheered up, dismissing the consolers with a pat all round, a feast of goodthingsfromMissBat'slarder,andtheusualspeech:—"Well,dears,it'sofnousetoworry.Iguessweshallgetalongsomehow,ifwedon'tfret."Withwhichwiseresolution,Mollywouldleaveherretreatandfreshenupherspiritsbya rowon the riverora rompwithBoo,whichalways finished thecase. Now, however, she was bound to try the new plan and do somethingtowardreformingnotonlytheboy'scondition,butthedisorderanddiscomfortofhome."I'llplayitisSiam,andthisthehouseofanative,andI'mcometoshowthefolkshowtolivenicely.MissBatwon'tknowwhattomakeofit,andIcan'ttell her, so I shall get some fun out of it, anyway," thoughtMolly, as shesurveyedthedining-roomthedayhermissionbegan.The prospect was not cheering; and, if the natives of Siam live in suchconfusion,itishightimetheywereattendedto.Thebreakfast-tablestillstoodasitwasleft,withslopsofcoffeeonthecloth;bitsofbread,egg-shells,andpotato-skinslayabout,andonelonelysausagewascastawayinthemiddleofalargeplatter.Thefurniturewasdusty,stoveuntidy,andthecarpetlookedasif crumbs had been scattered to chickenswho declined their breakfast. Boowassittingonthesofa,withhisarmthroughaholeinthecover,huntingforsomelost treasureputawaythereforsafekeeping, likea littlemagpieashewas.Mollyfanciedshewashedanddressedhimwellenough;butto-daysheseemedtoseemoreclearly,andsighedasshethoughtofthehardjobinstoreforherifshegavehimthethoroughwashingheneeded,andcombedoutthat

curlymopofhair."I'llclearupfirstanddothatbyandby.Ioughttohaveanicelittletubandgoodtowels,likeMrs.Minot,andIwill,too,ifIbuythemmyself,"shesaid,pilingupcupswithanenergythatthreateneddestructiontohandles.MissBat,whowas trailing about the kitchen,with her head pinnedup in alittleplaidshawl,wassosurprisedbythedemandforapanofhotwaterandfourcleantowels,thatshenearlydroppedhersnuff-box,chiefcomfortofherlazysoul."Whatnewwhimseynow?Generally,thedishesstandroundtillIhavetimetopick'emup,andyouareoffcoastingorcareeringsomewhere.Well,thistidyfitwon'tlastlong,soImayaswellmakethemostofit,"saidMissBat,asshehandedouttherequiredarticles,andthenpushedherspectaclesfromthetipofhersharpnosetohersharperblackeyesforagoodlookatthegirlwhostoodprimly before her,with a clean apron on and her hair braided up instead offlyingwildlyabouthershoulders."Umph!"wasall thecomment thatMissBatmadeon thisunusualneatness,and shewent on scraping her saucepans,whileMolly returned to herwork,very well pleased with the effect of her first step, for she felt that thebewildermentofMissBatwouldbeaconstantinspirationtofreshefforts.An hour of hard work produced an agreeable change in the abode of thenative,forthetablewascleared,roomsweptanddusted,firebrightened,andtheholesinthesofa-coveringwerepinneduptilltimecouldbefoundtomendthem.Tobesure,rollsoflintlayincorners,smearsofasheswereonthestovehearth,andduststilllurkedonchairroundsandtablelegs.Buttoomuchmustnotbeexpectedofanewconvert,so theyoungmissionarysatdowntorest,wellpleasedandreadyforanotherattemptassoonasshecoulddecideinwhatdirection it should be made. She quailed before Boo as she looked at theunconscious innocentpeacefullyplayingwith thespotteddog,nowbereftofhistail,andthelonesausagewithwhichhewasattemptingtofeedthehungryanimal,whoseredmouthalwaysgapedformore."Itwillbeanawfuljob,andheissohappyIwon'tplaguehimyet.GuessI'llgoandputmyroomtorightsfirst,andpickupsomecleanclothestoputonhim, ifhe isaliveafter Iget throughwithhim," thoughtMolly, foreseeingastormypassagefortheboy,whohatedabathasmuchassomepeoplehateatripacrosstheAtlantic.Upshewent,andfindingthefireoutfeltdiscouraged,thoughtshewouldrestalittlemore,soretiredundertheblanketstoreadoneoftheChristmasbooks.Thedinner-bellrangwhileshewasstillwanderinghappilyin"Nelly'sSilverMine,"andsherandowntofindthatBoohadlaidoutarailroadallacrossherneat room,usingbitsofcoal forsleepersandbooks for rails,overwhichhe

wasdragging theyellow sled ladenwith adismayedkitten, the taillessdog,andtheremainsofthesausage,evidentlyonitswaytothetomb,forBootookbitesatitnowandthen,nootherlunchbeingofferedhim."Ohdear!why can't boysplaywithoutmaking such amess," sighedMolly,picking up the feathers from the dusterwithwhichBoo had been trying tomakea"cocky-doo"ofthehaplessdog."I'llwashhimrightafterdinner,andthat will keep him out of mischief for a while," she thought, as the youngengineer unsuspiciously proceeded to ornament his already crockycountenancewithsquash,cranberrysauce,andgravy,tillhelookedmorelikeaFijichiefinfullwar-paintthanaChristianboy."Iwanttwopailsofhotwater,please,MissBat,andthebigtub,"saidMolly,astheancienthandmaidemptiedherfourthcupoftea,forshedinedwiththefamily,andenjoyedherowngoodcookinginitsprime."Whatareyougoingtowashnow?""Boo—I'msureheneedsitenough;"andMollycouldnothelplaughingasthevictim added to his brilliant appearance by smearing the colors all togetherwitharuboftwogrimyhands,makingafine"Turner"ofhimself."Now,MariaLouisaBemis,youain'tgoingtocutupnocaperswiththatchild!The ideaof ahotbath in themiddleof theday, andhim fullofdinner, andcroupyintothebargain!Wetacornerofatowelatthekettle-spoutandpolishhimoffifyoulike,butyouwon'triskhislifeinnobath-tubsthiscoldday."MissBat'swordwas law in some things, soMolly had to submit, and tookBooaway,saying,loftily,asshelefttheroom,—"Ishallaskfather,anddoitto-night,forIwillnothavemybrotherlooklikeapig.""Mypatience!howtheSiamesedo leave their thingsround,"sheexclaimed,asshesurveyedherroomaftermakingupthefireandpolishingoffBoo."I'llputthingsinorder,andthenmendupmyrags,ifIcanfindmythimble.Now,letmesee;"andshewent toexploringhercloset,bureau,and table, findingsuchdisordereverywherethathercouragenearlygaveout.She had clothes enough, but all needed care; even her best dress had twobuttonsoff,andherSundayhatbutonestring.Shoes,skirts,books,andtoyslayabout,andherdrawerswereaperfectchaosofsoiledruffles,oddgloves,oldribbons,bootlacings,andbitsofpaper."Oh,myheart,whatamuddle!Mrs.Minotwouldn'tthinkmuchofmeifshecouldseethat,"saidMolly,recallinghowthatladyoncesaidshecouldjudgeagooddealofalittlegirl'scharacterandhabitsbyapeepathertopdrawer,andwenton,withgreatsuccess, toguesshoweachof theschool-mateskeptherdrawer.

"Come,missionary,clearup,anddon'tletmefindsuchaglory-holeagain,orI'll report you to the society," saidMolly, tipping thewhole drawer-full outuponthebed,andbeguilingthetiresomejobbykeepingupthenewplay.Twilightcamebeforeitwasdone,andagreatpileofthingsloomeduponhertable,withnovisiblemeansof repair,—forMolly'swork-basketwas full ofnuts, and her thimble down a hole in the shed-floor, where the cats haddroppeditintheirplay."I'llaskBatforhooksandtape,andpapaforsomemoneytobuyscissorsandthings,forIdon'tknowwheremineare.GladIcan'tdoanymorenow!Beingneatissuchhardwork!"andMollythrewherselfdownontherugbesidetheoldwoodencradleinwhichBoowasblissfullyrocking,withacargooftoysaboard.Shewatchedhertime,andassoonasherfatherhaddonesupper,shehastenedtosay,beforehegottohisdesk,—"Please,papa,IwantadollartogetsomebrassbuttonsandthingstofixBoo'sclotheswith.HeworeaholeinhisnewtrouserscoastingdowntheKembles'steps.Andcan't Iwashhim?Heneeds it,andMissBatwon't letmehaveatub.""Certainly, child, certainly;dowhatyou like,onlydon'tkeepme. Imustbeoff,orIshallmissJackson,andhe'sthemanIwant;"and,throwingdowntwodollarsinsteadofone,Mr.Bemishurriedaway,withavagueimpressionthatBoo had swallowed a dozen brass buttons, andMissBat had been coastingsomewhereinabath-pan;butcatchingJacksonwasimportant,sohedidnotstoptoinvestigate.Armedwiththepaternalpermission,Mollycarriedherpoint,andoh,whatadreadfuleveningpoorBoospent!First,hewasdecoyedupstairsanhourtoosoon,thenputinatubbymainforceandsternlyscrubbed,inspiteofshrieksthatbroughtMissBattothelockeddoortocondolewiththesufferer,scoldthescrubber,anddepart,darklyprophesyingcroupbeforemorning."Healwayshowlswhenheiswashed;butIshalldoit,sinceyouwon't,andhemustgetusedtoit.Iwillnothavepeopletellmehe'sneglected,ifIcanhelpit,"criedMolly,workingawaywithtears inhereyes—foritwasashardforheras forBoo;but shemeant tobe thorough foronce inher life,nomatterwhathappened.Whentheworstwasover,shecoaxedhimwithcandyandstoriestillthelongtaskofcombingoutthecurlswassafelydone;then,inthecleannight-gownwithabluebuttonnewlysewedon,shelaidhiminbed,wornout,butsweetasarose."Now,sayyourprayers,darling,andgotosleepwiththeniceredblanketall

tuckedroundsoyouwon'tgetcold,"saidMolly,ratherdoubtfuloftheeffectofthewethead."No,Iwon't!Goingtosleepnow!"andBooshuthiseyeswearily,feelingthathislatetrialshadnotlefthiminaprayerfulmood."Thenyou'llbeareallittleheathen,asMrs.Pecqcalledyou,andIdon'tknowwhatIshalldowithyou,"saidMolly,longingtocuddleratherthanscoldthelittlefellow,whosesoulneededlookingafteraswellashisbody."No,no;Iwon'tbeaheevin!Idon'twant tobefrowedtothetrockindiles.Iwillsaymyprayers!oh, Iwill!"and, rising inhisbed,Boodidso,with thedevotion of an infant Samuel, for he remembered the talkwhen the societywasformed.Mollythoughtherlaborswereoverforthatnight,andsoonwenttobed,tiredwithher first attempts.But towardmorning shewaswakenedby thehoarsebreathing of the boy, and was forced to patter away to Miss Bat's room,humblyaskingfor thesquills,andconfessingthat theprophecyhadcometopass."Iknewit!Bringthechildtome,anddon'tfret.I'llseetohim,andnexttimeyou do as I say," was the consoling welcome she received as the old ladypopped up a sleepy but anxious face in a large flannel cap, and shook thebottlewiththeairofageneralwhohadroutedthefoebeforeandmeanttodoitagain.Leavingher little responsibility inMissBat's arms,Molly retired towetherpillow with a few remorseful tears, and to fall asleep, wondering if realmissionarieseverkilledtheirpupilsintheprocessofconversion.Sothegirlsallfailedinthebeginning;buttheydidnotgiveup,andsucceededbetternexttime,asweshallsee.

ChapterIX.TheDebatingClub

"Lookhere,oldman,weoughttohaveameeting.Holidaysareover,andwemustbraceupandattendtobusiness,"saidFranktoGus,astheystrolledoutof the schoolyard one afternoon in January, apparently absorbed inconversation, but in realitywaiting for a blue cloud and a scarlet feather toappearonthesteps."Allright.When,where,andwhat?"askedGus,whowasamanoffewwords."To-night,ourhouse,subject, 'Shallgirlsgotocollegewithus?'Mothersaidwehadbetterbemakingupourminds,becauseeveryoneistalkingaboutit,andweshallhavetobeononesideor theother,sowemayaswellsettle it

now,"answeredFrank,for therewasanimpressionamongthemembers thatall vexed questions would be much helped by the united eloquence andwisdomoftheclub."Verygood;I'llpassthewordandbethere.Hullo,Neddy!TheD.C.meetsto-night, atMinot's, seven sharp.Co-ed,&c.," addedGus, losingno time, as athirdboycamebrisklyroundthecorner,withalittlebaginhishand."I'llcome.Gothomeanhourearlierto-night,andthoughtI'dlookyouupasIwentby,"respondedEdDevlin,ashetookpossessionofthethirdpost,withaglance toward the schoolhouse to see if a seal-skincap,witha long,yellowbraiddependingtherefrom,wasanywhereinsight."Verygoodofyou, I'msure,"saidGus, ironically,notabitdeceivedby thispoliteattention."The longestway round is sometimes theshortestwayhome,hey,Ed?"andFrankgavehimaplayfulpokethatnearlysenthimoffhisperch.Then they all laughed at some joke of their own, andGus added, "Nogirlscomingtohearusto-night.Don'tthinkit,myson."More'sthepity,"andEdshookhisheadregretfullyoverthedownfallofhishopes."Can'thelpit;theotherfellowssaytheyspoilthefun,sowehavetogivein,sometimes,forthesakeofpeaceandquietness.Don'tmindhavingthemabitmyself," saidFrank, in sucha toneofcheerful resignation that they laughedagain,forthe"Triangle,"asthethreechumswerecalled,alwaysmademerrymusic."Wemust have a game party next week. The girls like that, and so do I,"candidlyobservedGus,whosepleasantparlorswere thesceneofmanysuchfrolics."And sodoyour sisters andyour cousins andyour aunts," hummedEd, forGuswasoftencalledAdmiralbecausehereallydidpossessthreesisters,twocousins,andfouraunts,besidesmotherandgrandmother,alllivinginthebighousetogether.Theboyspromptlyjoinedinthepopularchorus,andothervoicesallabouttheyard took it up, for the "Pinafore" epidemic raged fearfully in HarmonyVillagethatwinter."How'sbusiness?"askedGus,whenthesongended,forEdhadnotreturnedtoschoolintheautumn,buthadgoneintoastoreinthecity."Dull;thingswilllookuptowardspring,theysay.Igetonwellenough,butImissyoufellowsdreadfully;"andEdputahandonthebroadshoulderofeachfriend,asifhelongedtobeaschool-boyagain.

"Bettergiveitupandgotocollegewithmenextyear,"saidFrank,whowaspreparingforBostonUniversity,whileGusfittedforHarvard."No;I'vechosenbusiness,andImeantosticktoit,sodon'tyouunsettlemymind.HaveyoupractisedthatMarch?"askedEd,turningtoagayersubject,forhehadhislittletroubles,butalwayslookedonthebrightsideofthings."Skatingissogood,Idon'tgetmuchtime.Comeearly,andwe'llhaveaturnatit.""Iwill.Mustrunhomenow.""Prettycoldloafinghere.""Mailisinbythistime."Andwith theseartless excuses the threeboys leapedoff theposts, as ifonespringmoved them, as agroupofgirls camechatteringdown thepath.ThebluecloudfloatedawaybesideFrank,thescarletfeathermarchedoffwiththeAdmiral,whilethefurcapnoddedtothegrayhatastwohappyfacessmiledateachother.Thesamethingoftenhappened,fortwicea-daythestreetswerefullofyoungcouples walking to and from school together, smiled at by the elders, andlaughedatbythelesssusceptibleboysandgirls,whowentaloneor troopedalong in noisy groups. The prudentmothers had tried to stop this guilelesscustom, but found it very difficult, as the fathers usually sympathized withtheir sons, and dismissed the matter with the comfortable phrase, "Nevermind;boyswillbeboys.""Notforever,"returnedtheanxiousmammas,seeingthetallladsdailygrowmoremanly,andtheprettydaughtersfastlearningtolookdemurewhencertainnameswerementioned.It could not be stopped without great parental sternness and the danger ofdeceit, for co-education will go on outside of school if not inside, and thesafestway is to let sentiment and studygo hand in hand,with teachers andparentstodirectandexplainthegreatlessonallarethebetterforlearningsoonorlate.Sotheeldershadtogivein,acknowledgingthatthissuddenreadinesstogo toschoolwasacomfort, that thenewsortofgentleemulationworkedwondersinlazygirlsandboys,andthatwatchingthese"primrosefriendships"bud,blossom,anddiepainlessdeaths,gavealittletouchofromancetotheirownwork-a-daylives."On thewhole I'd rather havemy sonswalking, playing, and studyingwithbright, well-mannered girls, than always knocking about with rough boys,"saidMrs.MinotatoneoftheMothers'Meetings,wherethegoodladiesmettotalkovertheirchildren,andhelponeanothertodotheirdutybythem."IfindthatGusismoregentlewithhissisterssinceJuliettookhiminhand,forhewantstostandwellwithher,andtheyreporthimifhetroublesthem.I

reallyseenoharminthelittlefriendship,thoughIneverhadanysuchwhenIwasagirl,"saidMrs.Burton,whoadoredheroneboyandwashisconfidante."MyMerry seems to be contented with her brothers so far, but I shouldn'twonder if I hadmy hands full by and by," addedMrs. Grant, who alreadyforesaw that her sweet little daughterwould be sought after as soon as sheshouldlengthenherskirtsandturnupherbonnybrownhair.MollyLoohadnomother to say aword for her, but she settledmatters forherselfbyholdingfasttoMerry,anddeclaringthatshewouldhavenoescortbutfaithfulBoo.It isnecessary todwellamomentuponthisnewamusement,because itwasnotpeculiar toHarmonyVillage,butappearseverywhereasnaturallyas thegamepartiesandcroquetwhichhavetakentheplaceofthehuskingfrolicsandapple-bees of olden times, and it is impossible to dodge the subject if oneattemptstowriteofboysandgirlsastheyreallyarenowadays."Here,myhero,seehowyoulikethis.Ifitsuits,youwillbereadytomarchassoonas thedoctorgives theword," saidRalph, coming into theBirdRoomthateveningwithaneatlittlecrutchunderhisarm."Ha,ha,thatlooksfine!I'dliketotryitrightoff,butIwon'ttillIgetleave.Didyoumakeityourself,Ral?"askedJack,handlingitwithdelight,ashesatboltupright,withhislegonarest,forhewasgettingoncapitallynow."Mostly.Ratheraneatjob,Iflattermyself.""Ishouldsayso.Whatacleverfellowyouare!Anynewinventionslately?"askedFrank,cominguptoexamineandadmire."Only an anti-snoringmachine and an elbow-pad," answered Ralph, with atwinkleinhiseye,asifremindedofsomethingfunny."Goon,andtellaboutthem.Ineverheardofananti-snorer.Jackbetterhaveone,"saidFrank,interestedatonce."Well,aricholdladykeptherfamilyawakewiththatlivelymusic,soshesenttoShirtmanandCodleffforsomethingtostopit.Theythoughtitwasagoodjoke, and toldme to seewhat I could do. I thought it over, and got up thenicestlittleaffairyoueversaw.Itwentoverthemouth,andhadatubetofittheear,sowhentheladysnoredshewokeherselfupandstoppedit.Itsuitedexactly.Ithinkoftakingoutapatent,"concludedRalph,joiningintheboys'laughatthedrollidea."Whatwasthepad?"askedFrank,returningtothesmallmodelofanenginehewasmaking."Oh,thatwasameretrifleforamanwhohadatenderelbow-jointandwantedsomething toprotect it. Imadea littlepad to fiton,andhiscrazy-bonewas

safe.""Iplannedtohaveyoumakemeanewlegifthisonewasspoilt,"saidJack,surethathisfriendcouldinventanythingunderthesun."I'ddomybestforyou.Imadeahandforafellowonce,andthatgotmemyplace, you know," answered Ralph, who thought little of such mechanicaltrifles,andlongedtobepaintingportraitsormodellingbusts,beinganartistaswellasaninventor.HereGus,Ed,andseveralotherboyscame in,and theconversationbecamegeneral. Grif, Chick, and Brickbat were three young gentlemenwhose ownrespectablenameswereusuallyignored,andtheycheerfullyansweredtothesenicknames.Astheclockstruckseven,Frank,whoruledtheclubwitharodofironwhenChairman, tookhis placebehind the study table.Seats stood about it, and alarge, shabbybook laybeforeGus,whowasSecretary,andkept the recordswithalavishexpenditureofink,tojudgebytheblots.Thememberstooktheirseats,andnearlyalltiltedbacktheirchairsandputtheirhandsintheirpockets,tokeepthemoutofmischief;for,aseveryoneknows,itisimpossiblefortwolads tobenear eachother and refrain from ticklingorpinching.Frankgavethree rapswith an old croquet-mallet set on a short handle, andwithmuchdignityopenedthemeeting."Gentlemen, the business of the club will be attended to, and thenwewilldiscuss thequestion, 'Shallgirlsgo toourcolleges?'TheSecretarywillnowreadthereportofthelastmeeting."Clearinghisthroat,Gusreadthefollowingbriefandelegantreport:—"Club met, December 18th, at the house of G. Burton, Esq. Subject: 'Issummerorwinterbestfun?'Alivelypow-wow.Aboutevenlydivided.J.FlintfinedfivecentsfordisrespecttotheChair.Acollectionoffortycentstakenuptopayforbreakingapaneofglassduringafreefightofthemembersonthedoor-step. E. Devlin was chosen Secretary for the coming year, and a newbookcontributedbytheChairman.""That'sall.""Is thereanyotherbusinessbefore themeeting?"askedFrank,as the readerclosedtheoldbookwithaslamandshovedthenewoneacrossthetable.Ed rose, andglancingabouthimwithanappealing look, said, as if surehispropositionwouldnotbewellreceived,"Iwishtoproposethenameofanewmember. BobWalkerwants to join, and I thinkwe ought to let him.He istryingtobehavewell,andIamsurewecouldhelphim.Can'twe?"Alltheboyslookedsober,andJoe,otherwiseBrickbat,said,bluntly,"Iwon't.He'sabadlot,andwedon'twantanysuchhere.Lethimgowithchapsofhis

ownsort.""ThatisjustwhatIwanttokeephimfrom!He'sagood-heartedboyenough,onlynoonelooksafterhim;sohegetsintoscrapes,asweshould,ifwewereinhisplace,Idaresay.Hewantstocomehere,andwouldbesoproudifhewaslet in, Iknowhe'dbehave.Comenow, let'sgivehimachance,"andEdlookedatGusandFrank, sure that if they stoodbyhimhe shouldcarryhispoint.ButGusshookhishead,asifdoubtfulofthewisdomoftheplan,andFranksaidgravely: "Youknowwemade the rule that thenumber shouldneverbeovereight,andwecannotbreakit.""Youneedn't.Ican'tbeherehalfthetime,soIwillresignandletBobhavemyplace,"beganEd,buthewassilencedbyshoutsof"No,no,youshan't!""Wewon'tletyouoff!""Clubwouldgotosmash,ifyoubackout!""Lethimhavemyplace;I'mtheyoungest,andyouwon'tmissme,"criedJack,boundtostandbyEdatallcosts."Wemightdothat,"saidFrank,whodidobjecttosmallboys,thoughwillingtoadmitthisparticularone."Bettermakeanewruletohavetenmembers,andadmitbothBobandTomGrant," saidRalph,whereatGrifgrinnedand Joe scowled, forone lad likedMerry'sbigbrotherandtheotherdidnot."That'sagoodidea!Putittovote,"saidGus,tookind-heartedtoshutthedooronanyone."FirstIwanttoaskifallyoufellowsarereadytostandbyBob,outoftheclubaswellasin,foritwon'tdomuchgoodtobekindtohimhereandcuthimatschoolandinthestreet,"saidEd,heartilyinearnestaboutthematter."I will!" cried Jack, ready to follow where his beloved friend led, and theothersnodded,unwillingtobeoutdonebytheyoungestmember."Good!Withallofustolendahand,wecandoagreatdeal;andItellyou,boys,itistime,ifwewanttokeeppoorBobstraight.Weallturnourbacksonhim,soheloafsroundthetavern,andgoeswithfellowswedon'tcaretoknow.Butheisn'tbadyet,andwecankeephimup,I'msure,ifwejusttry.IhopetogethimintotheLodge,andthatwillbehalfthebattle,won'tit,Frank?"addedEd,surethatthissuggestionwouldhaveweightwiththehonorableChairman."Bring him along; I'm with you!" answered Frank, making up his mind atonce,forhehadjoinedtheTemperanceLodgefouryearsago,andalreadysixboyshadfollowedhisexample."Heislearningtosmoke,butwe'llmakehimdropitbeforeitleadstoworse.Youcanhelphimthere,Admiral,ifyouonlywill,"addedEd,givingagrateful

lookatonefriend,andturningtotheother."I'myourman;"andGuslookedasifheknewwhathepromised,forhehadgivenupsmokingtoobligehisfather,andkepthiswordlikeahero."Youotherfellowscandoagooddealbyjustbeingkindandnottwittinghimwitholdscrapes,andI'lldoanythingIcanforyoualltopayforthis;"andEdsatdownwithabeamingsmile,feelingthathiscausewaswon.Thevotewastaken,andallhandswentup,forevensurlyJoegavein;soBobandTomweredulyelected,andprovedtheirgratitudeforthehonordonethembybecomingworthymembersoftheclub.Itwasonlyboys'playnow,butthekind heart and pure instincts of one lad showed the others how to lend ahelpinghand toacomrade indanger,andwinhimaway from temptation tothesaferpastimesoftheirmoreguardedlives.Wellpleasedwiththemselves—foreverygenuineactorword,nomatterhowtrifling it seems, leaves a sweet and strengthening influence behind—themembers settled down to the debate,whichwas never very long, and oftenonlyanexcuseforfunofallsorts."Ralph, Gus, and Ed are for, and Brickbat, Grif, and Chick against, Isuppose?" said Frank, surveying his company like a general preparing forbattle."No,sir! Ibelieve inco-everything!"criedChick,amildyouth,wholoyallyescortedachosendamselhomefromschooleveryday.Alaughgreetedthisbolddeclaration,andChicksatdown,redbutfirm."I'llspeakfor twosince theChairmancan't,andJackwon'tgoagainst thosewhopethimmosttodeath,"saidJoe,who,notbeingafavoritewiththegirls,consideredthemanuisanceandlostnoopportunityoftellingthemso."Fireaway,then,sinceyouareup;"commandedFrank."Well,"beganJoe,feelingtoolatehowmuchhehadundertaken,"Idon'tknowagreatdealabout it,and Idon'tcare,but Idonotbelieve inhavinggirlsatcollege. They don't belong there, nobodywants 'em, and they'd better be athomedarningtheirstockings.""Yours,too,"putinRalph,whohadheardthatargumentsooftenhewastiredofit."Ofcourse;that'swhatgirlsarefor.Idon'tmind'ematschool,butI'djustassoontheyhadaroomtothemselves.Weshouldgetonbetter.""YouwouldifMabelwasn'tinyourclassandalwaysaheadofyou,"observedEd,whosefriendwasafinescholar,andheveryproudofthefact."Look here, if you fellows keep interrupting, I won't sit down for half anhour," said Joe,well knowing that eloquencewas not his gift, but bound to

havehissayout.Deepsilencereigned,forthatthreatquelledthemostimpatientmember,andJoe prosed on, using all the arguments he had ever heard, and paying offseveraloldscoresbyslyhitsofapersonalnature,asolderoratorsoftendo."Itiscleartomymindthatboyswouldgetonbetterwithoutanygirlsfoolinground.Asfortheirbeingassmartasweare,itisallnonsense,forsomeof'emcryovertheirlessonseveryday,orgohomewithheadaches,orgetmadandscoldallrecess,becausesomething'isn'tfair.'No,sir;girlsain'tmeanttoknowmuch, and they can't.Wise folks say so and I believe 'em.Haven't got anysistersmyself,andIdon'twantany, for theydon't seemtoamount tomuch,accordingtothosewhodohave'em."GroansfromGusandEdgreetedtheclosingremarksoftheungallantJoe,whosat down, feeling that he hadmade somebody squirm.Up jumpedGrif, thedelightofwhoselifewaspracticaljokes,whichamiableweaknessmadehimtheterrorofthegirls,thoughtheyhadnootherfaulttofindwiththemerrylad."Mr.Chairman, thegroundI take is this:girlshavenot thestrength togo tocollege with us. They couldn't row a race, go on a lark, or take care ofthemselves, aswedo.Theyare allwell enoughathome, and I like thematparties,but for real funandgoIwouldn'tgiveacentfor them,"beganGrif,whoseviewsofacollegiate lifewereconfinedto theenjoymentsrather thanthe studies of that festive period. "I have tried them, and they can't standanything.Theyscreamifyoutellthemthereisamouseintheroom,andruniftheyseeabigdog.IjustputacockroachinMolly'sdeskoneday,andwhensheopeneditshejumpedasifshewasshot."Sodidthegentlemenoftheclub,foratthatmomenthalf-a-dozenfire-crackersexplodedunderthechairGrifhadleft,andflewwildlyabouttheroom.Orderwaswith difficulty restored, themischievous party summarily chastised andcommandedtoholdhistongue,underpenaltyofejectmentfromtheroomifhespoke again. Firmly grasping that red and unruly member, Grif composedhimselftolisten,withhisnoseintheairandhiseyesshininglikeblackbeads.Edwas always the peace-maker, and now,when he rosewith his engagingsmile,hisvoicefelllikeoiluponthetroubledwaters,andhisbrightfacewasfull of the becoming bashfulness which afflicts youths of seventeen whentouching upon such subjects of newly acquired interest as girls and theirpleasantbutperplexingways."Itseemstomewehavehardlyconsideredthematterenoughtobeabletosaymuch. But I think that school would be awfully dry and dismal without—ahem!—anyyoungladiestomakeitnice.Iwouldn'tgiveapintogoiftherewasonlyacrowdoffellows,thoughIlikeagoodgameaswellasanyman.Ipityanyboywhohasnosisters,"continuedEd,warmingupashethoughtof

hisown,wholovedhimdearly,aswelltheymight,forabetterbrotherneverlived."Homewouldn'tbeworthhavingwithoutthemtolookafterafellow,tokeephimoutofscrapes,helphimwithhislessons,andmakethingsjollyforhisfriends.Itellyouwecan'tdowithoutgirls,andI'mnotashamedtosaythatI think themoreweseeof them,and try tobe like them inmanyways, thebettermenweshallbebyandby.""Hear!hear!"criedFrank, inhisdeepest tone, forheheartilyagreed to that,havingtalkedthematteroverwithhismother,andreceivedmuchlightuponthingswhichshouldalwaysbesetrightinyoungheadsandhearts.Andwhocandothissowiselyandwellasmothers,iftheyonlywill?Feelingthathissentimentshadbeenapproved,andheneednotbeashamedofthe honest color in his cheeks, Ed sat down amid the applause of his side,especiallyofJack,whopoundedsovigorouslywithhiscrutchthatMrs.Pecqpoppedinherheadtoseeifanythingwaswanted."No,thankyou,ma'am,wewereonlycheeringEd,"saidGus,nowuponhislegs,andratheratalosswhattosaytillMrs.Pecq'sappearancesuggestedanidea,andheseizeduponit."Myhonoredfriendhasspokensowell thatIhavelittletoadd.Iagreewithhim,andifyouwantanexampleofwhatgirlscando,why,lookatJill.She'syoung,Iknow,butafirst-ratescholarforherage.Asforpluck,sheisasbraveasaboy, andalmost as smart at running, rowing, and soon.Ofcourse, shecan'tplayball—nogirlcan; theirarmsarenotmaderight tothrow—butshecancatchremarkablywell.I'llsaythatforher.Now,ifsheandMabel—and—and—someothers Icouldname,aresocleverandstrongat thebeginning, Idon't seewhy they shouldn't keep up and go alongwith us all through. I'mwilling,andwilldowhatIcantohelpotherfellows'sistersasI'dliketohavethemhelpmine.AndI'llpunchtheirheads if theydon't;"andGussubsided,assured,byaburstofapplause,thathismanlywayofstatingthecasemetwithgeneralapproval."Weshallbehappytohearfromourseniormemberifhewillhonoruswithafewremarks,"saidFrank,withabowtoRalph.Nooneeverknewwhomhewouldchoosetopersonate,forheneverspokeinhisowncharacter.Nowheroseslowly,putonehandinhisbosom,andfixinghiseyesternlyonGrif,whowasdoingsomethingsuspiciouswithapin,gavethem a touch of SergeantBuzfuz, from the Pickwick trial, thinking that thedebatewasnotlikelytothrowmuchlightonthesubjectunderdiscussion.Inthemidstof thisappeal to "Me ludandgentlemenof the jury,"he suddenlypaused, smoothed his hair down upon his forehead, rolled up his eyes, andfoldinghishands,dronedoutMr.Chadband'ssermononPeace,deliveredoverpoorJo,andendingwiththefamouslines:—

"Oh,runningstreamofsparklingjoy,Tobeaglorioushumanboy!"Then,settinghishairerectwithonecomprehensivesweep,hecaughtuphiscoat-skirtsoverhisarm,and,assumingaparliamentaryattitude,burst intoacomicalmedley, composed of extracts from Jefferson Brick's and LafayetteKettle's speeches, andElijah Pogram'sDefiance, from "MartinChuzzlewit."GazingatGus,whowasconvulsedwithsuppressedmerriment,hethunderedforth:—"Inthenameofourcommoncountry,sir,inthenameofthatrighteouscauseinwhichwearejined,andinthenameofthestar-spangledbanner,Ithankyouforyoureloquentandcategoricalremarks.You,sir,areamodelofamanfreshfromNatur'smould.Atrue-bornchildofthisfreehemisphere;verdantasthemountains of our land; bright and flowin' as ourmineralLicks; unspiledbyfashionasairourboundlessperearers.Roughyoumaybe; soairourBarrs.Wildyoumaybe;soairourBuffalers.But,sir,youairaChildofFreedom,andyourproudanswertotheTyrantis,thatyourbrighthomeisintheSettin'Sun. And, sir, if any man denies this fact, though it be the British Lionhimself,Idefyhim.Letmehavehimhere!"—smitingthetable,andcausingthe inkstand to skip—"here, upon this sacred altar!Here, upon the ancestralashescementedwiththegloriousbloodpouredoutlikewaterontheplainsofChickabiddyLick.Alone Idare thatLion, and tellhim thatFreedom'shandonce twisted in hismane, he rolls a corse beforeme, and theEagles of theGreatRepublicscream,Ha,ha!"Bythistimetheboyswererollingaboutinfitsoflaughter;evensoberFrankwasredandbreathless,andJacklayback,feeblysquealing,ashecouldlaughnomore.InamomentRalphwasasmeekasaQuaker,andsatlookingabouthimwithamildlyastonishedair, as if inquiring thecauseof suchunseemlymirth.Aknockatthedoorproducedalull,andincameamaidwithapples."Time'sup;falltoandmakeyourselvescomfortable,"wasthesummarywayinwhichtheclubwasreleasedfromitssternerdutiesandpermittedtounbenditsmightymindforasocialhalf-hour,chieflydevotedtowhist,withanIndianwar-danceasaclosingceremony.

ChapterX.TheDramaticClub

WhileJackwashoppinggaylyaboutonhiscrutches,poorJillwasfeelingtheeffectsofhersecondfall,andinsteadofsittingup,asshehopedtodoaftersixweeksofrest,shewasorderedtolieonaboardfortwohourseachday.Notaneasypenance,byanymeans, for theboardwasveryhard,andshecoulddo

nothingwhile she lay there,as itdidnot slopeenough topermither to readwithoutgreatfatigueofbotheyesandhands.Sothelittlemartyrspentherfirsthouroftrialinsobbing,thesecondinsinging,forjustashermotherandMrs.Minot were deciding in despair that neither she nor they could bear it, Jillsuddenlybrokeoutintoamerrychorussheusedtohearherfathersing:—"Fautjouerlemirliton,Fautjouerlemirlitir,Fautjouerlemirliter,Mir—li—ton."The soundof thebrave little voicewasvery comforting to the twomothershoveringabouther,andJacksaid,withalookofmingledpityandadmiration,ashebrandishedhiscrutchovertheimaginaryfoes,—"That's right! Sing away, and we'll play you are an Indian captive beingtormentedbyyourenemies,and tooproud tocomplain. I'llwatch theclock,andtheminutetimeisupI'llrushinandrescueyou."Jilllaughed,butthefancypleasedher,andshestraightenedherselfoutunderthegayafghan,whileshesang,inaplaintivevoice,anotherlittleFrenchsongherfathertaughther:—"J'avaisunecolombeblanche,J'avaisunblancpetitpigeon,Tousdeuxvolaient,debrancheenbranche,Jusqu'aufaîtedemondongeon:Maiscommeuncoupdeventd'automne,S'estabattulà,l'épervier,EtmacolombesimignonneNerevientplusaucolombier.""MypoorJeanhadafinevoice,andalwayshopedthechildwouldtakeafterhim. Itwouldbreakhisheart to seeher lying there trying to cheerherpainwiththesongsheusedtosinghertosleepwith,"saidMrs.Pecq,sadly."Shereallyhasagreatdealoftalent,andwhensheisablesheshallhavesomelessons, formusic is acomfort andapleasure, sickorwell," answeredMrs.Minot,whohadoftenadmiredthefreshvoice,withitsprettyaccent.HereJillbegantheCanadianboat-song,withgreatvigor,asifboundtoplayher part of Indian victim with spirit, and not disgrace herself by anymorecrying.Allknewtheair,andjoinedin,especiallyJack,whocameoutstrongonthe"Row,brothers,row,"butendedinasqueakonahighnote,sodrolly,

thattherestbrokedown.Sothehourthatbeganwithtearsendedwithmusicandlaughter,andanewpleasuretothinkofforthefuture.AfterthatdayJillexertedallherfortitude,forshelikedtohavetheboyscallher brave and admire the cheerful way in which she endured two hours ofdiscomfort.Shefoundshecoulduseherzitherasit layuponherbreast,andeverydaytheprettymusicbeganatacertainhour,andallinthehousesoonlearnedtoloveandlistenforit.Eventheoldcooksetopenherkitchendoor,sayingpitifully, "Poordarlint, hearhowpurty she's singin',wid thepain,onthatcrewelboord.It'salittlesaint,sheis.Mayherbedabovebeaisy!"Frankwould lifthergentlyonandoff,withakindword thatcomfortedherimmensely,andgentleEdwouldcomeandteachhernewbitsofmusic,whilethe other fellows were frolicking below. Ralph added his share to heramusement,forheaskedleavetomodelherheadinclay,andsetuphisworkinacorner,comingtopat,scrape,andmouldwheneverhehadaspareminute,amusingherbyhis livelychat,andshowingherhowtoshapebirds,rabbits,andqueerfacesinthesoftclay,whenthesongswereallsungandherfingerstiredofthezither.Thegirlssympathizedveryheartilywithhernewtrial,andbroughtallmannerofgiftstocheerhercaptivity.MerryandMollymadeagayscreenbypastingpictures on the black cambric which covered the folding frame that stoodbeforehertokeepthedraughtsfromherasshelayonherboard.Brightbirdsandflowers,figuresandanimals,coveredoneside,andontheothertheyputmottoes,bitsofpoetry,anecdotes,andshortstories,sothatJillcouldlieandlookorreadwithoutthetroubleofholdingabook.Itwasnotalldoneatonce,butgrewslowly,andwasasourceofinstructionaswellasamusementtothemall,astheyreadcarefully,thattheymightmakegoodselections.But the thing thatpleased Jillmostwas something Jackdid, forhegaveupgoing to school, and stayed at home nearly a fortnight after hemight havegone,allforhersake.Thedaythedoctorsaidhemighttryitifhewouldbeverycareful,hewasingreatspirits,andlimpedabout,lookinguphisbooks,andplanninghowhewouldastonishhismatesbytherapidityofhisrecovery.When he sat down to rest he remembered Jill, who had been lying quietlybehindthescreen,whilehetalkedwithhismother,busyputtingfreshcoversonthebooks."Sheissostill,Iguesssheisasleep,"thoughtJack,peepingroundthecorner.No, not asleep, but lyingwith her eyes fixedon the sunnywindow, beyondwhich thebrightwinterworldsparkledaftera freshsnow-fall.The jingleofsleigh-bells could be heard, the laughter of boys and girls on their way toschool,allthepleasantstirofanewdayofhappyworkandplayfortherestoftheworld,morelonely,quiet,andwearisomethanevertohersinceherfriend

andfellow-prisonerwassetfreeandgoingtoleaveher.Jackunderstoodthatpatient,wistfullook,and,withoutaword,wentbacktohisseat,staringatthefiresosoberly,thathismotherpresentlyasked:"Whatareyouthinkingofsobusily,withthatpuckerinyourforehead?""I've aboutmade upmymind that Iwon't go to school just yet," answeredJack, slowly liftinghis head, for it cost him something to giveup the long-expectedpleasure."Whynot?" andMrs.Minot lookedmuch surprised, till Jack pointed to thescreen,and,makingasadfacetoexpressJill'sanguish,answeredinacheerfultone,"Well,I'mnotsurethatitisbest.Doctordidnotwantmetogo,butsaidImightbecause I teased. I shallbe sure to come togrief, and theneveryonewillsay, 'I toldyouso,'andthat issoprovoking.I'dratherkeepstillaweeklonger.Hadn'tIbetter?"Hismothersmiledandnoddedasshesaid,sewingawayatmuch-abusedoldCaesar,asifshelovedhim,"Doasyouthinkbest,dear.Ialwayswantyouathome,butIdon'twonderyouarerathertiredofitafterthislongconfinement.""I say, Jill, should I be in yourway if I didn't go to school till the first ofFebruary?"calledJack,laughingtohimselfattheabsurdityofthequestion."Notmuch!"answeredagladvoicefrombehindthescreen,andheknewthesorrowfuleyeswereshiningwithdelight,thoughhecouldnotseethem."Well, I guess Imay aswell, and get quite firm onmy legs before I start.Anotherweekor sowillbringmeup if I studyhard, so I shallnot losemytime.I'lltacklemyLatinassoonasit'sready,mother."Jackgotaheartykisswith theneatlycoveredbook,andMammalovedhimforthelittlesacrificemorethanifhehadwonaprizeatschool.Hedidgetareward,for, infiveminutesfromthetimehedecided,Jillwassinginglikeabobolink, and such amedley ofmerrymusic came from behind the screen,thatitwasaregularmorningconcert.Shedidnotknowthenthathestayedforhersake,butshefounditoutsoonafter,andwhenthetimecamedidasmuchforhim,asweshallsee.Itprovedawisedecision,forthelastpartofJanuarywassostormyJackcouldnothavegonehalfthetime.So,whilethesnowdrifted,andbitterwindsraged,hesatsnuglyathomeamusingJill,andgettingonbravelywithhislessons,forFranktookgreatpainswithhimtoshowhisapprobationofthelittlekindness,and, somehow, the memory of it seemed to make even the detested Latineasier.WithFebruaryfairweathersetin,andJackmarchedhappilyawaytoschool,withJill'snewmittensonhishands,Mammanoddingfromthedoor-step,andFrankreadytogivehimaliftonthenewsled,ifthewayprovedtoolongor

toorough."I shall not have time tomiss him now, forwe are to be very busy gettingready for theTwenty-second.TheDramaticClubmeets to-night, andwouldliketocomehere, if theymay,soIcanhelp?"saidJill,asMrs.Minotcameup,expectingtofindherratherlowinhermind."Certainly;andIhaveabasketofoldfineryIlookedupfortheclubwhenIwasrummagingoutbitsofsilkforyourbluequilt,"answeredthegoodlady,whohadsetupanewemploymenttobeguilethehoursofJack'sabsence.Whenthegirlsarrived,thatevening,theyfoundMrs.Chairwomansurroundedby a strew of theatrical properties, enjoying herself verymuch.All broughtsuch contributions as they couldmuster, and all were eager about a certaintableauwhichwas tobe thegemof thewhole, they thought. Jill, of course,wasnotexpectedtotakeanypart,buthertastewasgood,soallconsultedherastheyshowedtheiroldsilks,laces,andflowers,askingwhoshouldbethis,andwhothat.Allwantedtobethe"SleepingBeauty,"forthatwasthechosenscene,withtheslumberingcourtabouttheprincess,andtheprinceintheactofawakeningher.Jackwastobethehero,braveinhismother'svelvetcape,redboots,andarealsword,whiletheotherboysweretohavepartsofmoreorlesssplendor."MabelshouldbetheBeauty,becauseherhair issolovely,"saidJuliet,whowasquitesatisfiedwithherownpartoftheQueen."No,Merryoughttohaveit,assheistheprettiest,andhasthatsplendidveiltowear," answeredMolly,whowas to be themaid of honor, cuffing the littlepage,Boo."Idon'tcareabit,butmyfeatherwouldbefinefor thePrincess,andIdon'tknowasEmmawouldliketohavemelendittoanyoneelse,"saidAnnette,wavingalongwhiteplumeoverherhead,withgirlishdelightinitsgrace."I should think the white silk dress, the veil, and the feather ought to gotogether,withthescarletcrapeshawlandthesepearls.Thatwouldbesweet,and just what princesses really wear," advised Jill, who was stringing aquantityofoldRomanpearls."Weallwanttowearthenicethings,soletusdrawlots.Wouldn'tthatbethefairestway?"askedMerry,lookinglikearosylittlebride,underagreatpieceofillusion,whichhaddonedutyinmanyplays."ThePrinceislight,sothePrincessmustbedarkish.Weoughttochoosethegirlwhowilllookbest,asitisapicture.IheardMissDelanosayso,whentheladiesgotupthetableaux,lastwinter,andeveryonewantedtobeCleopatra,"saidJilldecidedly."You choose, and then ifwe can't agreewewill draw lots," proposedSusy,

who, being plain, knew therewas little hope of her getting a chance in anyotherway.Soallstoodinarow,andJill,fromhersofa,surveyedthemcritically,feelingthattheoneJackwouldreallypreferwasnotamongthenumber."Ichoosethatone,forJulietwantstobeQueen,Mollywouldmakefaces,andtheothers are toobigor too light," pronounced Jill, pointing toMerry,wholookedpleased,whileMabel'sfacedarkened,andSusygaveadisdainfulsniff."You'dbetterdrawlots,andthentherewillbenofuss.JuandIareoutofthefight,butyouthreecantry,andletthissettlethematter,"saidMolly,handingJillalongstripofpaper.Allagreedtoletitbeso,andwhenthebitswerereadydrewinturn.ThistimefatewasevidentlyonMerry'sside,andnoonegrumbledwhensheshowedthelongestpaper."Goanddress,thencomeback,andwe'llplanhowwearetobeplacedbeforewecalluptheboys,"commandedJill,whowasmanager,sinceshecouldbenothingelse.Thegirls retired to thebedroomandbegan to"rigup,"as theycalled it;butdiscontentstilllurkedamongthem,andshoweditselfinsharpwords,enviouslooks,anddisobligingacts."AmItohavethewhitesilkandthefeather?"askedMerry,delightedwiththesilvery shimmerof theoneand thegracefuldroopof theother, thoughbothwererathershabby."Youcanuseyourowndress. Idon't seewhyyoushouldhaveeverything,"answeredSusy,whowasatthemirror,puttingawreathofscarletflowersonherredhead,boundtobegaysinceshecouldnotbepretty."IthinkI'dbetterkeeptheplume,asIhaven'tanythingelsethat isnice,andI'm afraid Emma wouldn't like me to lend it," added Annette, who wasdisappointedthatMabelwasnottobetheBeauty."Idon't intend to act at all!"declaredMabel, beginning tobraidupherhairwithajerk,outofhumorwiththewholeaffair."I think you are a set of cross, selfish girls to back out and keep your nicethings just because you can't all have the best part. I'm ashamed of you!"scoldedMolly,standingbyMerry,whowassadlysurveyinghermother'soldpurplesilk,whichlookedlikebrownintheevening."I'mgoing tohaveMissDelano's redbrocadefor theQueen,andIshallaskher for theyellow-satindress forMerrywhen Igo togetmine, and tellherhowmeanyou are," said Juliet, frowningunder her gilt-paper crownas shesweptaboutinaredtable-clothfortraintillthebrocadearrived.

"Perhapsyou'd like to haveMabel cut her hair off, soMerry canhave that,too?"criedSusy,withwhomhairwasatenderpoint."Lighthair isn'twanted,soJuwillhave togivehers,oryou'dbetterborrowMissBat'sfrisette,"addedMabel,withascornfullaugh."I just wish Miss Bat was here to give you girls a good shaking. Do letsomeoneelsehaveachanceattheglass,youpeacock!"exclaimedMollyLoo,pushingSusyasidetoarrangeherownblueturban,outofwhichshepluckedthepinkpompontogiveMerry."Don't quarrel aboutme. I shall dowell enough, and the scarlet shawlwillhidemyuglydress,"saidMerry,fromthecorner,whereshesatwaitingforherturnatthemirror.Asshespokeoftheshawlhereyewentinsearchofit,andsomethingthatshesaw in the other roomput her own disappointment out of her head. Jill laythereallalone,rathertiredwiththelivelychatter,andtheeffortitcosthernottorepineatbeingshutoutfromthegreatdelightofdressingupandacting.Hereyeswereclosed,hernetwasoff,andalltheprettyblackcurlslayabouthershouldersasonehandidlypulledthemout,whiletheotherrestedontheredshawl,asifsheloveditsglowingcolorandsofttexture.Shewashummingto herself the little song of the dove and the donjon, and something in theplaintivevoice,thesolitaryfigure,wentstraighttoMerry'sgentleheart."Poor Jilly can't have any of the fun," was the first thought; then came asecond, thatmadeMerrystartandsmile,andinaminutewhisperso thatallbut Jill could hear her, "Girls, I'm not going to be the Princess. But I'vethoughtofasplendidone!""Who?"askedtherest,staringatoneanother,muchsurprisedbythissuddenannouncement."Hush!Speaklow,oryouwillspoilitall.LookintheBirdRoom,andtellmeifthatisn'taprettierPrincessthanIcouldmake?"Theyalllooked,butnoonespoke,andMerryadded,withsweeteagerness,"ItistheonlythingpoorJillcanbe,anditwouldmakehersohappy;Jackwouldlike it, and itwould please every one, I know. Perhaps shewill neverwalkagain,soweoughttobeverygoodtoher,poordear."Thelastwords,whisperedwitha littlequiver in thevoice,settledthematterbetterthanhoursoftalking,forgirlsaretender-heartedcreatures,andnotoneofthesebutwouldhavegladlygivenalltheprettythingssheownedtoseeJilldancingaboutwellandstrongagain.Likearayofsunshinethekindthoughttouched and brightened every face; envy, impatience, vanity, and discontentflewawaylikeimpsatthecomingofthegoodfairy,andwithoneaccordtheyallcried,—

"Itwillbelovely;letusgoandtellher!"Forgettingtheirownadornment,outtheytroopedafterMerry,whorantothesofa,saying,withasmilewhichwasreflectedinalltheotherfaces,"Jill,dear,wehavechosenanotherPrincess,andIknowyou'lllikeher.""Whoisit?"askedJill,languidly,openinghereyeswithouttheleastsuspicionofthetruth."I'll show you;" and taking the cherished veil from her own head, MerrydroppeditlikeasoftcloudoverJill;Annetteaddedthelongplume,Susylaidthewhitesilkdressabouther,whileJulietandMabelliftedthescarletshawltospreaditoverthefootofthesofa,andMollytorethelastornamentfromherturban, a silver star, to shine on Jill's breast. Then they all took hands anddancedroundthecouch,singing,astheylaughedatherastonishment,"Theresheis!Theresheis!PrincessJillasfineasyouplease!"Doyoureallymeanit?ButcanI?Isitfair?Howsweetofyou!Comehereandletmehugyouall!"criedJill, inaraptureatthesurprise,andtheprettywayinwhichitwasdone.The grand scene on the Twenty-secondwas very fine, indeed; but the littletableauofthatminutewasinfinitelybetter,thoughnoonesawit,asJilltriedto gather them all in her arms, for that nosegay of girlish faces was thesweeter, because each one had sacrificed her own little vanity to please afriend, and her joywas reflected in the eyes that sparkled round the happyPrincess."Oh,youdear,kindthings,tothinkofmeandgivemeallyourbestclothes!Inevershallforgetit,andI'lldoanythingforyou.Yes!I'llwriteandaskMrs.Pipertolendushererminecloakfortheking.SeeifIdon't!"Shrieksofdelighthailedthisnobleoffer,fornoonehaddaredtoborrowthemuch-covetedmantle,butallagreedthattheoldladywouldnotrefuseJill.Itwasastonishinghowsmoothlyeverythingwentafterthis,foreachwaseagertohelp,admire,andsuggest,inthefriendliestway;andwhenallweredressed,theboysfoundapartyofverygay ladieswaitingfor themround thecouch,wherelaythebrightestlittlePrincesseverseen."Oh,Jack,I'mtoact!Wasn'titdearofthegirlstochooseme?Don'ttheylooklovely?Aren'tyouglad?"criedJill,as the ladsstaredandthe lassesblushedandsmiled,wellpleasedatthefrankadmirationtheboyishfacesshowed."IguessIam!Youareasetoftrumps,andwe'llgiveyouafirst-classspreadaftertheplaytopayforit.Won'twe,fellows?"answeredJack,muchgratified,andfeelingthatnowhecouldacthisownpartcapitally."Wewill.Itwasahandsomethingtodo,andwethinkwellofyouforit.Hey,Gus?"andFranknoddedapprovinglyatall,thoughhelookedonlyatAnnette.

"As king of this crowd, I call it to order," said Gus, retiring to the throne,whereJulietsatlaughinginherredtable-cloth."We'llhave'TheFairOnewithGoldenLocks'nexttime;Ipromiseyouthat,"whisperedEdtoMabel,whoseshininghairstreamedoverherbluedresslikeamantleofgold-coloredsilk."Girls are pretty nice things, aren't they? Kind of 'em to take Jill in. Don'tMollylookfine,though?"andGrif'sblackeyestwinkledasheplannedtopinherskirtstoMerry'satthefirstopportunity."Susy looksasgayasa feather-duster. I likeher.Sheneversnubsa fellow,"saidJoe,muchimpressedwiththesplendorofthecourtladies.The boys' costumeswere not yet ready, but they posedwell, and all had amerry time, ending with a game of blind-man's-buff, in which every onecaughttherightpersoninthemostsingularway,andallagreedastheywenthomeinthemoonlightthatithadbeenanunusuallyjollymeeting.Sothefairyplaywokethesleepingbeautythatliesinallofus,andmakesuslovelywhenwerouseitwithakissofunselfishgood-will,for,thoughthegirlsdidnotknowitthen,theyhadadornedthemselveswithpearlsmorepreciousthanthewaxenonestheydeckedtheirPrincessin.

ChapterXI."DownBrakes"

The greatest people have theirweak points, and the best-behaved boys nowandthenyieldtotemptationandgetintotrouble,aseverybodyknows.Frankwas considered a remarkably well-bred and proper lad, and rather pridedhimself on his good reputation, for he never got into scrapes like the otherfellows. Well, hardly ever, for we must confess that at rare intervals hisbesettingsinovercamehisprudence,andheprovedhimselfanerring,humanboy.Steam-engineshadbeenhisidolsforyears,andtheyalonecouldlurehimfromthepathofvirtue.Once,intryingtoinvestigatethemechanismofatoyspecimen,whichhaditslittleboilerandranaboutwhistlingandpuffinginthemostdelightfulway,henearlyset thehouseafirebythesparksthatdroppedonthestrawcarpet.Anothertime,intryingexperimentswiththekitchentea-kettle,heblewhimselfup,and thescarsof thatexplosionhestillcarriedonhishands.Hewas longpast suchchildishamusementsnow,buthis favoritehauntwastheengine-houseofthenewrailroad,whereheobservedthehabitsofhispetswith never-failing interest, and cultivated the good-will of stokers andbrakementilltheyallowedhimmanyliberties,andwereratherflatteredbytheadmiration expressed for their iron horses by a young gentlemanwho liked

thembettereventhanhisGreekandLatin.Therewasnotmuchbusinessdoingonthisroadasyet,andthetwocarsofthepassenger-trainswereoftennearlyempty,thoughfullfreight-trainsrolledfromthefactorytothemainroad,ofwhichthiswasonlyabranch.Sothingswentoninaleisurelymanner,whichgaveFrankmanyopportunitiesofpursuinghisfavorite pastime. He soon knew all about No. 11, his pet engine, and hadseveral rideson itwithBill, the engineer, so that he felt at home there, andprivatelyresolved thatwhenhewasarichmanhewouldhavearoadofhisown,andruntrainsasoftenasheliked.Gus took less interest than his friend in the study of steam, but usuallyaccompanied himwhen he went over after school to disport himself in theengine-house,interviewthestoker,orseeiftherewasanythingnewinthewayofbrakes.One afternoon they found No. 11 on the side-track, puffing away as ifenjoyingaquietsmokebeforestarting.Nocarswereattached,andnodriverwastobeseen,forBillwasoffwiththeothermenbehindthestation-house,helpingtheexpressman,whosehorsehadbackeddownabankandupsetthewagon."Goodchanceforalookattheoldlady,"saidFrank,speakingoftheengineasBilldid,andjumpingaboardwithgreatsatisfaction,followedbyGus."I'd give ten dollars if I could run her up to the bend and back," he added,fondlytouchingthebrightbrassknobsandglancingatthefirewithacriticaleye."You couldn't do it alone," answered Gus, sitting down on the grimy littleperch,willingtoindulgehismate'samiableweakness."Giveme leave to try? Steam is up, and I could do it as easy as not;" andFrankputhishandonthethrottle-valve,asifdaringGustogivetheword."Fireupandmakeherhum!"laughedGus,quotingBill'sfrequentordertohismate,butwithnoideaofbeingobeyed."Allright;I'lljustrollheruptotheswitchandbackagain.I'veoftendoneitwith Bill;" and Frank cautiously opened the throttle-valve, threw back thelever,andthegreatthingmovedwithathrobandapuff."Steady, old fellow, or you'll come to grief.Here, don't open that!" shoutedGus, for just at that moment Joe appeared at the switch, looking ready formischief."Wishhewould;notrainfortwentyminutes,andwecouldrunuptothebendaswell as not," said Frank, getting excitedwith the sense of power, as themonsterobeyedhishandsoentirelythatitwasimpossibletoresistprolongingthedelight.

"ByGeorge,hehas!Stopher!Backher!Holdon,Frank!"criedGus,asJoe,onlycatchingthewords"Openthat!"obeyed,withouttheleastideathattheywoulddaretoleavethesiding.Buttheydid,forFrankratherlosthisheadforaminute,andoutuponthemaintrackrolledNo.11asquietlyasawell-trainedhorsetakingafamiliarroad."Nowyou'vedoneit!I'llgiveyouagoodthrashingwhenIgetback!"roaredGus, shaking his fist at Joe, who stood staring, half-pleased, half-scared, atwhathehaddone."Areyoureallygoingtotryit?"askedGus,astheyglidedonwithincreasingspeed, and he, too, felt the charm of such a novel adventure, though theconsequencesbidfairtobeserious."Yes, I am," answered Frank,with the grim look he alwaysworewhen hisstrongwillgottheupperhand."Billwillgiveittous,anyway,sowemayaswellhaveourfunout.Ifyouareafraid,I'llslowdownandyoucanjumpoff,"and his brown eyes sparkled with the double delight of getting his heart'sdesireandastonishinghisfriendatthesametimebyhisskillandcoolness."Goahead.I'lljumpwhenyoudo;"andGuscalmlysatdownagain,boundinhonortostandbyhismatetillthesmashcame,thoughratherdismayedattheaudacityoftheprank."Don'tyoucallthisjustsplendid?"exclaimedFrank,astheyrolledalongoverthecrossing,pastthebridge,towardthecurve,amilefromthestation."Notbad.Theyareyellinglikemadafterus.Bettergoback,ifyoucan,"saidGus,whowas anxiously peering out, and, in spite of his efforts to seem atease,notenjoyingthetripaparticle."Let them yell. I started to go to the curve, and I'll do it if it costs me ahundreddollars.Nodanger;there'snotrainundertwentyminutes,Itellyou,"andFrankpulledouthiswatch.Butthesunwasinhiseyes,andhedidnotseeclearly,orhewouldhavediscoveredthatitwaslaterthanhethought.Ontheywent,andwerejustroundingthebendwhenashrillwhistleinfrontstartledbothboys,anddrovethecoloroutoftheircheeks."It'sthefactorytrain!"criedGus,inahuskytone,ashesprangtohisfeet."No;it'sthefive-fortyontheotherroad,"answeredFrank,withaqueerthrillallthroughhimatthethoughtofwhatmighthappenifitwasnot.Bothlookedstraight aheadas the last treeglidedby, and the long track laybefore them,withthefreighttrainslowlycomingdown.Foraninstant,theboysstoodasifparalyzed."Jump!"saidGus,lookingatthesteepbankononesideandtheriverontheother,undecidedwhichtotry.

"Sitstill!"commandedFrank,collectinghiswits,ashegaveawarningwhistleto retard the on-coming train, while he reversed the engine and went backfasterthanhecame.Acrowdofangrymenwaswaitingforthem,andBillstoodattheopenswitchina toweringpassionasNo.11returned toherplaceunharmed,butbearingtwopaleandfrightenedboys,whosteppedslowlyandsilentlydown,withoutawordtosayforthemselves,whilethefreighttrainrumbledbyonthemaintrack.FrankandGusneverhadaveryclearideaastowhatoccurredduringthenextfew minutes, but vaguely remembered being well shaken, sworn at,questioned, threatened with direful penalties, and finally ordered off thepremises foreverby thewrathfuldepot-master. Joewasnowhere tobe seen,andas the twoculpritswalkedaway, trying togosteadily,while theirheadsspun round, and all the strength seemed to have departed from their legs,Franksaid,inanexhaustedtone,—"Comedowntotheboat-houseandrestaminute."Bothweregladtogetoutofsight,anddroppeduponthestepsred,rumpled,andbreathless,afterthelateexcitingscene.Gusgenerouslyforeboretospeak,thoughhefelt thathewastheleasttoblame;andFrank,aftereatingabitofsnowtomoistenhisdrylips,said,handsomely,—"Now,don'tyouworry,oldman.I'llpaythedamages,foritwasmyfault.Joewilldodge,butIwon't,somakeyourmindeasy."We sha'n't hear the last of this in a hurry," responded Gus, relieved, yetanxious,ashethoughtofthereprimandhisfatherwouldgivehim."I hopemotherwon't hear of it till I tell her quietlymyself. Shewill be sofrightened, and think I'm surely smashed up, if she is told in a hurry;" andFrankgaveashiver,asallthedangerhehadruncameoverhimsuddenly."I thoughtweweredoneforwhenwesaw that train.Guessweshouldhavebeen ifyouhadnothadyourwitsaboutyou. Ialwayssaidyouwereacoolone;"andGuspattedFrank'sbackwitha lookofgreatadmiration, for,nowthatitwasallover,heconsidereditaveryremarkableperformance."Whichdoyousupposeitwillbe,fineorimprisonment?"askedFrank,aftersittinginadespondentattitudeforamoment."Shouldn'twonderifitwasboth.Runningoffwithanengineisnojoke,youknow.""What did possessme to be such a fool?" groanedFrank, repenting, all toolate,ofyieldingtothetemptationwhichassailedhim."Bearup,oldfellow,I'llstandbyyou;andiftheworstcomes,I'llcallasoften

astherulesoftheprisonallow,"saidGus,consolingly,ashegavehisafflictedfriendanarm,andtheywalkedaway,bothfeelingthattheyweremarkedmenfromthatdayforth.Meantime, Joe, as soon as he recovered from the shock of seeing the boysactuallygooff,ranaway,asfastashislegscouldcarryhim,toprepareMrs.Minotfor the lossofherson; for the ideaof theircomingsafelybackneveroccurred tohim,hisknowledgeof enginesbeing limited.A loud ringat thebell brought Mrs. Pecq, who was guarding the house, while Mrs. Minotentertainedaparlorfullofcompany."Frank'srunoffwithNo.11,andhe'llbekilledsure.ThoughtI'dcomeupandtellyou,"stammeredJoe,alloutofbreathandlookingwild.Hegotnofurther,forMrs.Pecqclappedonehandoverhismouth,caughthimbythecollarwiththeother,andhustledhimintotheante-roombeforeanyoneelsecouldhearthebadnews."Tellmeallaboutit,anddon'tshout.What'scometotheboy?"shedemanded,inatonethatreducedJoetoawhisperatonce."Go right back and see what has happened to him, then come and tell mequietly. I'll wait for you here. I wouldn't have his mother startled for theworld,"saidthegoodsoul,whensheknewall."Oh,Idar'sn't!Iopenedtheswitchas theytoldmeto,andBillwillhalfkillmewhenheknowsit!"criedJoe,inapanic,astheawfulconsequencesofhisdeedrosebeforehim,showingbothboysmortally injuredandseveral trainswrecked."Thentakeyourselfoffhomeandholdyourtongue.I'llwatchthedoor,forIwon'thaveanymoreridiculousboystearingintodisturbmylady."Mrs.Pecqoftencalledthisgoodneighbor"mylady"whenspeakingofher,forMrs.Minotwasatruegentlewoman,andmuchpleasantertolivewiththanthetitledmistresshadbeen.Joescuddedawayasiftheconstablewasafterhim,andpresentlyFrankwasseenslowlyapproachingwithanunusuallysoberfaceandapairofverydirtyhands."Thank heaven, he's safe!" and, softly opening the door,Mrs. Pecq actuallyhustled theyoungmaster into the ante-roomasunceremoniously as shehadhustledJoe."Ibegpardon,but theparlor isfullofcompany,andthatfoolofaJoecameroaringinwithacock-and-bullstorythatgavemequiteaturn.Whatisit,Mr.Frank?"sheaskedeagerly,seeingthatsomethingwasamiss.Hetoldher inafewwords,andshewasmuchrelievedtofindthatnoharm

hadbeendone."Ah,thedangeristocome,"saidFrank,darkly,ashewentawaytowashhishandsandpreparetorelatehismisdeeds.Itwasaverybadquarterofanhourforthepoorfellow,whososeldomhadany grave faults to confess; but he did it manfully, and his mother was sograteful for the safety of her boy that she found it difficult to be severeenough, and contented herself with forbidding any more visits to the toocharmingNo.11."Whatdoyousupposewillbedonetome?"askedFrank,onwhomtheideaofimprisonmenthadmadeadeepimpression."Idon'tknow,dear,but I shallgoover toseeMr.Burton rightafter tea.Hewilltelluswhattodoandwhattoexpect.Gusmustnotsufferforyourfault.""He'll come off clear enough, but Joe must take his share, for if he hadn'topenedthatconfoundedswitch,noharmwouldhavebeendone.ButwhenIsawthewayclear,Iactuallycouldn'tresistgoingahead,"saidFrank,gettingexcited again at the memory of that blissful moment when he started theengine.HereJackcamehurryingin,havingheardthenews,andrefusedtobelieveitfromany lipsbutFrank's.Whenhecouldno longerdoubt,hewas somuchimpressedwiththedaringofthedeedthathehadnothingbutadmirationforhis brother, till a sudden thought made him clap his hands and exclaimexultingly,—"His runawaybeatsmineallhollow,andnowhecan't crowoverme!Won'tthatbeacomfort?Thegoodboyhasgotintoascrape.Hooray!"Thiswassuchadrollwayoftakingit,thattheyhadtolaugh;andFranktookhis humiliation someekly that Jack soon fell to comforting him, instead ofcrowingoverhim.Jillthoughtitamostinterestingevent;and,whenFrankandhismotherwentover to consultMr. Burton, she and Jack planned out for the dear culprit adramatic trial which would have convulsed the soberest of judges. Hissentencewas ten years' imprisonment, and such heavy fines that the familywould have been reduced to beggary but for the sumsmade by Jill's fancyworkandJack'ssuccessasachampionpedestrian.Theyfoundsuchcomfortandamusement in thissensationalprogrammethattheywereratherdisappointedwhenFrankreturned,reportingthatafinewouldprobablybeallthepenaltyexacted,asnoharmhadbeendone,andheandGusweresuchrespectableboys.WhatwouldhappentoJoe,hecouldnottell,buthethoughtagoodwhippingoughttobeaddedtohisshare.Ofcourse,theaffairmadeastirinthelittleworldofchildren;andwhenFrank

went to school, feeling that his character for good behavior was foreverdamaged,hefoundhimselfalion,andwasindangerofbeingspoiledbytheadmiration of his comrades,who pointed him outwith pride as "the fellowwhoranoffwithasteam-engine."But an interview with Judge Kemble, a fine of twenty-five dollars, andlectures from all the grownpeople of his acquaintance, prevented him fromregardinghisescapadeasafeattoboastof.Hediscovered,also,howfickleathingispublicfavor,forverysoonthosewhohadpraisedbegantotease,andittookallhiscourage,patience,andpridetocarryhimthroughthenextweekortwo.TheladswerenevertiredofalludingtoNo.11,givingshrillwhistlesin his ear, asking if his watch was right, and drawing locomotives on theblackboardwhenevertheygotachance.Thegirls,too,hadslynodsandsmiles,hintsandjokesofamildersort,whichmadehimcolorandfume,andoncelosehisdignityentirely.MollyLoo,whodearlylovedtotormentthebigboys,anddaredattackevensolemnFrank,leftone ofBoo's old tin trains on the door-step, directed to "ConductorMinot,"who, I regret to say, could not refrain from kicking it into the street, andslammingthedoorwithabangthatshookthehouse.ShrieksoflaughterfromwickedMollyandhercoadjutor,Grif,greetedthisexplosionofwrath,whichdidnogood,however,forhalfanhourlaterthesamecars,allinaheap,wereon the stepsagain,with twoheadlessdolls tumblingoutof thecab, and thedilapidatedenginelabelled,"No.11afterthecollision."Nooneeversawthatruinagain,andfordaysFrankwasutterlyunconsciousofMolly'sexistence,asproprietyforbadehishavingitoutwithherashehadwithGrif.ThenAnnettemadepeacebetween them,and theapproachof theTwenty-secondgavethewagssomethingelsetothinkof.ButitwaslongbeforeFrankforgotthatcostlyprank;forhewasathoughtfulboy,whohonestlywantedtobegood;soherememberedthisepisodehumbly,and whenever he felt the approach of temptation he made the strong willmasterit,sayingtohimself"Downbrakes!"thussavingthepreciousfreighthecarried frommany of the accidentswhich befall uswhenwe try to run ourtrainswithoutorders,andsooftenwreckourselvesaswellasothers.

ChapterXII.TheTwenty-SecondofFebruary

Ofcourse, theyoung ladiesandgentlemenhadaballon theeveningof thatday,but theboysandgirlswere fullofexcitementabout their"Scenes fromthe Life of Washington and other brilliant tableaux," as the programmeannounced.TheBirdRoomwasthetheatre,beingverylarge,withfourdoors

conveniently placed. Ralph was in his element, putting up a little stage,drilling boys, arranging groups, and uniting in himself carpenter, scene-painter,manager,andgasman.Mrs.Minotpermitted thehouse tobe turnedtopsy-turvy, andMrs. Pecq flew about, lending a hand everywhere. Jillwascostumer,withhelpfromMissDelano,whodidnotcareforballs,andkindlytookchargeofthegirls.Jackprintedtickets,programmes,andplacardsofthemostimposingsort,andtheworkwentgaylyontillallwasready.Whentheeveningcame,theBirdRoompresentedafineappearance.Oneendwascurtainedoffwithreddrapery;andrealfootlights,withtinshades,gaveatrulytheatricalairtothelittlestage.Rowsofchairs,filledwithmammasandlittlepeople,occupied the restof thespace.ThehallandFrank's roomwerefull of amused papas, uncles, and old gentlemen whose patriotism broughtthemoutinspiteofrheumatism.Therewasagreatrustlingofskirts,flutteringoffans,andmuchlivelychat,tillabellrangandtheorchestrastruckup.Yes,therereallywasanorchestra,forEddeclaredthatthenationalairsmustbeplayed,orthewholethingwouldbeafailure.Sohehadexertedhimselftocollectall themusicaltalenthecouldfind,ahorn,afiddle,andaflute,withdrumandfifeforthemartialscenes.Edlookedmorebeamingthanever,ashewavedhisbatonandledoffwithYankeeDoodleasasafebeginning,foreveryone knew that. It was fun to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a bigdrum,andoldMr.Munson,whohadbeenafiferallhisdays,blowtillhewasasredasalobster,whileeveryonekepttimetothemusicwhichputthemallingoodspiritsfortheopeningscene.Up went the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared, then a statelygentlemaninsmallclothes,cockedhat,graywig,andanimposingcane,cameslowlywalkingin.ItwasGus,whohadbeenunanimouslychosennotonlyforWashingtonbut for the fatherof thehero also, that the family traits of longlegsandasomewhatmassivenosemightbepreserved."Ahem!My trees aredoing finely," observedMr.W., senior, strolling alongwith his hands behind him, casting satisfied glances at the dwarf orange,oleander,abutilon,andlittlepinethatrepresentedhisorchard.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 thumpwith his cane thatmade thelittleonesjump,andcriedout,—"Canithavebeenmyson?"Heevidentlythoughtitwas,forhecalled,intonesofthunder,—"George!GeorgeWashington,comehitherthismoment!"Greatsuspenseonthepartoftheaudience,thenageneralburstoflaughteras

Boo trotted in, a perfect miniature of his honored parent, knee breeches,cockedhat,shoebucklesandall.Hewassofatthatthelittletailsofhiscoatstuck out in the drollest way, his chubby legs could hardly carry the bigbuckles,and therosyfacedisplayed,whenhe tookhishatoffwithadutifulbow, was so solemn, the real George could not have looked more anxiouswhenhegavetheimmortalanswer."Sirrah, did you cut that tree?" demanded the papa,with another rap of thecane,andsuchafrownthatpoorBoolookeddismayed,tillMollywhispered,"Put your hand up, dear." Then he remembered his part, and, putting onefinger in his mouth, looked down at his square-toed shoes, the image of ashame-strickenboy."Myson,donotdeceiveme.IfyouhavedonethisdeedIshallchastiseyou,foritismydutynottosparetherod,lestIspoilthechild.ButifyoulieaboutityoudisgracethenameofWashingtonforever."Thisappeal seemed toconvulseGeorgewith inwardagony, forhesquirmedmost effectivelyashedrew fromhispocket a toyhatchet,whichwouldnothavecutastraw,thenlookingstraightupintotheawe-inspiringcountenanceofhisparent,hebravelylisped,—"Papa,Itannottellalie.Ididtutitwithmylittlehanchet.""Noble boy—come tomy arms! I had rather you spoilt allmy cherry treesthan tell one lie!" cried the delighted gentleman, catching his son in anembracesoclosethatthefatlegskickedconvulsively,andthelittlecoat-tailswavedinthebreeze,whilecaneandhatchetfellwithadramaticbang.The curtain descended on this affecting tableau; but the audience called outbothWashingtons,andtheycame,handinhand,bowingwiththecockedhatspressed to their breasts, the elder smiling blandly, while the younger, stillflushed by his exertions, nodded to his friends, asking, with engagingfrankness,"Wasn'titnice?"Thenextwasamarinepiece,foraboatwasseen,surroundedbytumultuouswavesofbluecambric,androwedbyapartyofstalwartmeninregimentals,whowithdifficultykepttheirseats,fortheboatwasonlyapaintedboard,andtheysatonboxesorstoolsbehindit.Butfewmarkedtherowers,forintheirmidst,tall,straight,andsteadfastasamast,stoodonefigureinacloak,withfolded arms, highboots, and, under the turned-uphat, a noble countenance,sternwith indomitable courage. A sword glittered at his side, and a bannerwaved over him, but his eye was fixed on the distant shore, and he wasevidently unconscious of the roaring billows, the blocks of ice, thediscouragement of his men, or the danger and death that might await him.Napoleoncrossing theAlpswasnothalfsosublime,andwithonevoice theaudience cried, "Washington crossing the Delaware!" while the band burst

forthwith, "See, the conquering hero comes!" all out of tune, but bound toplayitordieintheattempt.Itwouldhavebeenverysuccessfulif,allofasudden,oneoftherowershadnot"caughtacrab"withdisastrousconsequences.Theoarswerenotmoving,butaveteran,wholookedverymuchlikeJoe,droppedtheoneheheld,andintryingtoturnandpummeltheblack-eyedwarriorbehindhim,hetumbledoffhisseat,upsettingtwoothermen,andpullingthepaintedboatuponthemastheylaykickinginthecambricdeep.Shoutsoflaughtergreetedthismishap,butGeorgeWashingtonneverstirred.Graspingthebanner,hestoodfirmwhenall else went down in the general wreck, and the icy waves engulfed hisgallantcrew,leavinghimerectamidachaosofwildlytossingboots,entangledoars,andred-facedvictims.Suchgod-likedignitycouldnotfailtoimpressthefrivolouscrowdoflaughers,andthecurtainfellamidaroundofapplauseforhimalone."Quiteexciting,wasn't it?Didn'tknowGushadsomuchpresenceofmind,"saidMr.Burton,wellpleasedwithhisboy."Ifwedidnotknow thatWashingtondied inhisbed,December14,1799, Ishouldfear thatwe'dseenthe lastofhimin thatshipwreck," laughedanoldgentleman,proudofhismemoryfordates.Muchconfusionreignedbehindthescenes;Ralphwasheardscolding,andJoeset everyoneoff againbyexplaining, audibly, thatGrif tickledhim,andhecouldn'tstandit.Apretty,old-fashionedpictureofthe"DaughtersofLiberty"followed, for thegirlsweredetermined todohonor to thebraveandpatientwomenwhosonoblyboretheirpartinthestruggle,yetareusuallyforgottenwhenthosedaysarecelebrated.Thedamselswerecharmingin thebigcaps,flowered gowns, and high-heeled shoes of their great-grandmothers, as theysataboutaspider-leggedtabletalkingoverthetax,andpledgingthemselvestodrink no more tea till it was taken off. Molly was on her feet proposing,"Libertyforever,anddownwithalltyrants,"tojudgefromherflashingeyesassheheldheregg-shellcupaloft,whiletheothersliftedtheirstodrinkthetoast,andMerry,ashostess,satwithherhandonanantiqueteapot,labelled"Sage,"readytofillagainwhenthepatrioticladieswerereadyforasecond"dish."Thiswasmuchapplauded,andthecurtainwentupagain,fortheproudparentsenjoyed 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-mothersshouldberememberedaswellasthefore-fathers.Itwasevidentthatsomethingverymartialwastofollow,foragreattramping,clashing, and flying about took place behind the sceneswhile the tea-partywasgoingon.Aftersomedelay,"TheSurrenderofCornwallis"waspresentedinthemostsuperbmanner,asyoucanbelievewhenI tellyouthat thestage

was actually lined with a glittering array of Washington and his generals,Lafayette,Kosciusko,Rochambeauand the rest, all in astonishinguniforms,with swords which were evidently the pride of their lives. Fife and drumstruckupamarch,andincameCornwallis,muchcastdownbutfullofmanlyresignation, as he surrendered his sword, and stood asidewith averted eyeswhilehisarmymarchedpast,pilingtheirarmsatthehero'sfeet.Thisscenewasthedelightoftheboys,fortheriflesofCompanyFhadbeensecured,andatleastadozensoldierskeptfilinginandoutinBritishuniformtillWashington'saugust legswerehiddenby theheapsofarmsrattleddownbeforehim.Themartialmusic, thesteady tramp,and thepatrioticmemoriesawakened, caused this scene to be enthusiastically encored, and the boyswould have gone on marching till midnight if Ralph had not peremptorilyordereddownthecurtainandclearedthestageforthenexttableau.Thishadbeenartfullyslippedinbetweentwobrilliantones,toshowthattheFatherofhisCountryhadtopayahighpriceforhisglory.Thedarkenedstagerepresentedwhat seemed to be a camp in a snow-storm, and a very forlorncamp,too;foron"thecold,coldground"(arecklessdisplayofcottonbatting)layraggedsoldiers,sleepingwithoutblankets,theirworn-outbootsturneduppathetically, and no sign of food or fire to be seen.Avery shabby sentinel,withfeetboundinbloodycloths,andhisfaceaspaleaschalkcouldmakeit,gnawedadrycrustashekepthiswatchinthewintrynight.A tent at the back of the stage showed a solitary figure sitting on a log ofwood,poringover themapspreaduponhisknee,by the lightofonecandlestuckinabottle.Therecouldbenodoubtwhothiswas,forthebuff-and-bluecoat,thelegs,thenose,theattitude,allbetrayedthegreatGeorgelaboringtosavehis country, in spiteofprivations, discouragements, anddangerswhichwouldhavedauntedanyotherman."ValleyForge,"saidsomeone,and theroomwasverystillasoldandyounglookedsilentlyatthislittlepictureofagreatandnoblestruggleinoneofitsdarkhours.Thecrust,thewoundedfeet,therags,thesnow,theloneliness,theindomitablecourageandenduranceofthesementouchedtheheartsofall,forthemimicscenegrewrealforamoment;and,whenachild'svoicebrokethesilence, asking pitifully, "Oh, mamma, was it truly as dreadful as that?" ageneral outburst answered, as if every one wanted to cheer up the bravefellowsandbidthemfighton,forvictorywassurelycoming.Inthenextsceneitdidcome,and"WashingtonatTrenton"wasprettilydone.An arch of flowers crossed the stage,with themotto, "TheDefender of theMothers will be the Preserver of the Daughters;" and, as the hero with hisgeneralsadvancedononeside,atroopofgirls,inold-fashionedmuslinfrocks,cametoscatterflowersbeforehim,singingthesongoflongago:—

"Welcome,mightychief,oncemoreWelcometothisgratefulshore;NownomercenaryfoeAimsagainthefatalblow,—Aimsattheethefatalblow.

"Virginsfairandmatronsgrave,Thosethyconqueringarmdidsave,Buildfortheetriumphalbowers;Strew,yefair,hiswaywithflowers,—Strewyourhero'swaywithflowers."And they did, singingwith all their hearts as they flung artificial roses andliliesatthefeetofthegreatmen,whobowedwithbenigngrace.Jack,whodidLafayettewith a limp, covered himselfwith glory by picking up one of thebouquetsandpressingittohisheartwithallthegallantryofaFrenchman;andwhenWashingtonliftedthesmallestofthemaidsandkissedher,theaudiencecheered.Couldn'thelpit,youknow,itwassoprettyandinspiring.TheWashingtonFamily,afterthefamouspicture,camenext,withAnnetteasthesereneandsensibleMartha,inaverybecomingcap.TheGeneralwasinuniform,therebeingnotimetochange,buthisattitudewasquitecorrect,andtheCustisboyandgirldisplayedthewidesashandruffledcollarwithhistoricfidelity.Thebandplayed"Home,"andeveryoneagreedthatitwas"Sweet!""Now I don't see what more they can have except the death-bed, and thatwouldberatheroutofplaceinthisgaycompany,"saidtheoldgentlemantoMr.Burton,ashemoppedhisheatedfaceafterpoundingsoheartilyhenearlyknockedtheferuleoffhiscane."No; theygave thatup, formyboywouldn'twearanight-gown inpublic. Ican'ttellsecrets,butIthinktheyhavegotaverycleverlittlefinaleforthefirstpart—a pretty compliment to one person and a pleasant surprise to all,"answeredMr.Burton,whowas ingreatspirits,beingfondof theatricalsandvery justly proud of his children, for the little girls had been among theTrentonmaids,andthemimicGeneralhadkissedhisownsmallsister,Nelly,verytenderly.A great deal of interest was felt as to what this surprise was to be, and ageneral "Oh!" greeted the "Minute Man," standing motionless upon hispedestal. It was Frank, and Ralph had done his best to have the figure asperfect as possible, for themaker of the original had been a good friend tohim;and,whiletheyoungsculptorwasdancinggaylyattheball,thiscopyof

hisworkwasdoinghimhonoramongthechildren.Franklookeditverywell,for his firm-set mouth was full of resolution, his eyes shone keen andcourageousunderthethree-corneredhat,andthemusclesstoodoutuponthebarearmthatclutchedtheoldgun.Eventhebuttonsonthegaitersseemedtoflashdefiance,asthesturdylegstookthefirststepfromthefurrowtowardthebridgewheretheyoungfarmerbecameaherowhenhe"firedtheshotheard'roundtheworld.""That issplendid!""Aslike to theoriginalasfleshcanbetobronze.""Howstill he stands!" "He'll fightwhen the time comes, and die hard,won't he?""Hush!Youmakethestatueblush!"Theseveryaudibleremarkscertainlydid,for thecolorrosevisiblyas themodest ladheardhimselfpraised, thoughhesawbutonefaceinallthecrowd,hismother's,farback,butfullofloveandpride,asshelookedupatheryoungminutemanwaitingforthebattlewhichoftencallsuswhenweleastexpectit,andforwhichshehaddoneherbesttomakehimready.If therehadbeenanydangerofFrankbeingpuffedupby thesuccessofhisstatue, it was counteracted by irrepressible Grif, who, just at the mostinterestingmoment,whenallweregazingsilently,gaveawhistle,followedbya "Choo, choo, choo!" and "All aboard!" so naturally that no one couldmistakethejoke,especiallyasanotherlaughingvoiceadded,"Now,then,No.11!"whichbroughtdownthehouseandthecurtaintoo.Frankwassoangry,itwasverydifficulttokeephimonhisperchforthelastsceneofall.Hesubmitted,however,ratherthanspoilthegrandfinale,hopingthatitsbeautywouldeffacethatill-timedpleasantryfromthepublicmind.So,when the agreeable clamor of hands and voices called for a repetition, theMinuteManreappeared,grimmerthanbefore.Butnotalone,forgroupedallabouthispedestalwereWashingtonandhisgenerals,thematronsandmaids,withabackgroundof troopsshoulderingarms,GrifandJoedoingsuchrashthings with their muskets, that more than one hero received a poke in hisaugustback.Beforethefullrichnessofthispicturehadbeentakenin,Edgavearap,andallburstoutwith"HailColumbia,"insuchaninspiringstylethatitwas impossible for the audience to refrain from joining,which they did, allstandingandall singingwith aheartiness thatmade thewalls ring.The fifeshrilled,thehornblewsweetandclear,thefiddlewasnearlydrownedbytheenergetic boom of the drum, and out into the starry night, through openwindows,rolledthesongthatstirsthecoldestheartwithpatrioticwarmthandtuneseveryvoicetomusic."'America!' We must have 'America!' Pipe up, Ed, this is too good to endwithout one song more," cried Mr. Burton, who had been singing like atrumpet;and,hardlywaiting toget theirbreath,off theyallwentagainwiththenationalhymn,singingastheyneverhadsungitbefore,forsomehowthe

littlescenestheyhadjustactedorbeheldseemedtoshowhowmuchthisdearAmericaofourshadcost inmore thanone revolution,how full of courage,energy,andvirtueitwasinspiteofallitsfaults,andwhataprivilege,aswellas duty, itwas for each todohis part toward its safety and its honor in thepresent,asdidthosebravemenandwomeninthepast.Sothe"ScenesfromtheLifeofWashington"wereagreatsuccess,and,whenthe songs were over, people were glad of a brief recess while they hadraptures,andrefreshedthemselveswithlemonade.Thegirlshadkeptthesecretofwhothe"Princess"wastobe,and,whenthecurtainrose,ahumofsurpriseandpleasuregreetedtheprettygroup.Jill layasleepinallhersplendor,thebonny"Prince"justliftingtheveiltowakeherwith a kiss, and all about them the court in its napof a hundredyears.The"King" and "Queen" dozing comfortably on the throne; themaids of honor,likeagarlandofnoddingflowers,aboutthecouch;thelittlepage,unconsciousoftheblowabouttofall,andthefooldreaming,withhismouthwideopen.Itwas sopretty, peopledidnot tireof looking, till Jack's lame legbegan totremble,andhewhispered:"DropherorIshallpitch."Downwentthecurtain;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 invarious attitudes of surprise, the fool grinning from ear to ear, and the"Princess"holdingoutherhandtothe"Prince,"asifgladtowelcometherightloverwhenhecameatlast.Mollygotthelaughthistime,forshecouldnotresistgivingpoorBoothecuffwhich had been hanging over him so long. She gave it with unconsciousenergy,andBoocried"Ow!"sonaturallythatallthechildrenweredelightedandwanteditrepeated.ButBoodeclined,andthesceneswhichfollowedwerefoundquiteasmuchtotheirtaste,havingbeenexpresslypreparedforthelittlepeople.MotherGoose'sReceptionwasreallyveryfunny,forRalphwastheoldlady,andhadhiredarepresentationoftheimmortalbirdfromarealtheatreforthisoccasion.Theretheystood,thedameinherpointedhat,redpetticoat,cap,andcane,with the noble fowl, a gooddeal larger than life, beside her, andGrifinside,enjoyinghimselfimmenselyasheflappedthewings,movedtheyellowlegs,andwavedthelongneckabout,whileunearthlyquacksissuedfromthebill.Thatwasagreatsurpriseforthechildren,andtheygotupintheirseatstogaze their fill, many of them firmly believing that they actually beheld theblessedoldwomanwhowrotethenurserysongstheylovedsowell.Then in came, one after another, the best of the characters she has madefamous,whileavoicebehindthescenessangtheproperrhymeaseachmadetheirmannerstotheinterestingpair."MistressMary,"andher"prettymaidsall

in a row,"passedby to theirplaces in thebackground; "KingCole" andhis"fiddlers three"madeagoodlyshow;sodid the royalcouple,who followedthe great pie borne before them, with the "four-and-twenty blackbirds"popping their heads out in the most delightful way. Little "Bo-Peep" led awoollylambandweptoveritslosttail,fornotasignofoneappearedonthepoor thing. "Simple Simon" followed the pie-man, gloating over his wareswith the drollest antics. The littlewife came trundling by in awheelbarrowandwasnotupset;neitherwastheladywith"ringsonherfingersandbellsonhertoes,"asshecanteredalongonarocking-horse."BobbyShafto's"yellowhairshonefinelyasheledinthemaidwhomhecamebackfromseatomarry."MissMuffet,"bowlinhand,ranawayfromanimmenseblackspider,whichwaggleditslonglegsinawaysolife-likethatsomeofthechildrenshookintheirlittleshoes.Thebeggarswhocametotownwereoutinfullforce,"rags,tags,andvelvetgowns,"quite true to life."BoyBlue"rubbedhiseyes,withhaystickinginhishair,andtootedonatinhornasifboundtogetthecowsoutofthecorn.Molly,withalong-handledfrying-pan,madeacapital"Queen,"ina tucked-up gown, checked apron, and high crown, to good "KingArthur,"who,veryproperly,didnotappearafterstealingthebarley-meal,whichmightbeseeninthepantiedupinapudding,likeacannon-ball,readytofry.ButTobias,Molly's black cat, covered himselfwith glory by the spiritwithwhichheactedhispartin,"Sing,sing,whatshallIsing?Thecat'srunawaywiththepudding-bagstring."First he was led across the stage on his hind legs, looking very fierce andindignant, with a long tape trailing behind him; and, being set free at thepropermoment,hegaveoneboundoverthefour-and-twentyblackbirdswhohappenedtobeintheway,anddashedoffasifanenragedcookhadactuallybeenafterhim,straightdownstairstothecoal-bin,wherehesatglaringinthedark,tillthefunwasover.Whenallthecharactershadfiledinandstoodintwolongrows,musicstruckupandtheydanced,"AllthewaytoBoston,"asimplebutlivelyaffair,whichgave each a chance to show his or her costume as they pranced down themiddleandupoutside.Suchafunnymedleyasitwas,fortherewentfat"KingCole"withthemostraggedofthebeggar-maids."MistressMary,"inherprettybluedress,trippedalongwith"SimpleSimon"staringabouthimlikeablockhead.Thefineladyleft her horse to dance with "Bobby Shafto" till every bell on her slipperstinkled its tongue out. "Bo-Peep" and a jolly fiddler skipped gayly up anddown."MissMuffet"tookthebigspiderforherpartner,andmadehismanylegsflyaboutinthewildestway.Thelittlewifegotoutofthewheelbarrowto

help"BoyBlue"along,andMolly,withthefrying-panoverhershoulder,ledoffsplendidlywhenitwas"Grandrightandleft."But the old lady and her goose were the best of all, for the dame's shoe-bucklescutthemostastonishingpigeon-wings,andtoseethatmammothbirdwaddledownthemiddlewithitswingshalfopen,itslongneckbridling,anditsyellowlegsinthefirstpositionas itcurtsiedtoitspartner,wasasight toremember,itwassointenselyfunny.Themerryoldgentlemanlaughedtillhecried;Mr.Burtonsplithisgloves,heapplaudedsoenthusiastically;whilethechildrenbeatthedustoutofthecarpethopping up and down, as they cried: "Do it again!" "Wewant it all over!"whenthecurtainwentdownatlastontheflushedandpantingparty,MotherG——bowing,withherhatallawry,andthegoosedoingadoubleshuffleasifitdidnotknowhowtoleaveoff.But they could not "do it all over again," for it was growing late, and thepeoplefeltthattheycertainlyhadreceivedtheirmoney'sworththatevening.So it all endedmerrily, and when the guests departed the boys cleared theroom like magic, and the promised supper to the actors was served inhandsomestyle.JackandJillwereatoneend,Mrs.Gooseandherbirdattheother, and all between was a comical collection of military heroes, fairycharacters,andnurserycelebrities.Allfelttheneedofrefreshmentaftertheirlabors, and swept over the table like a flight of locusts, leaving devastationbehind. But they had earned their fun: andmuch innocent jollity prevailed,whileafewlingeringpapasandmammaswatchedtherevelfromafar,andhadnot the heart to order these noble beings home till even the Father of hisCountrydeclared"thathe'dhadaperfectlysplendidtime,butcouldn'tkeephiseyes open anotherminute," and verywisely retired to replace the immortalcockedhatwithanight-cap.

ChapterXIII.JackHasaMystery

"Whatisthematter?Doesyourheadache?"askedJill,oneeveninginMarch,observingthatJacksatwithhisheadinhishands,anattitudewhich,withhim,meanteitherpainorperplexity."No;butI'mbothered.Iwantsomemoney,andIdon'tseehowIcanearnit,"heanswered,tumblinghishairabout,andfrowningdarklyatthefire."Howmuch?"andJill's readyhandwent to thepocketwhereher littlepurselay,forshefeltrichwithseveralpresentslatelymadeher."Twoseventy-five.No,thankyou,Iwon'tborrow."

"Whatisitfor?""Can'ttell.""Why,Ithoughtyoutoldmeeverything.""Sorry,butIcan'tthistime.Don'tyouworry;Ishallthinkofsomething.""Couldn'tyourmotherhelp?""Don'twishtoaskher.""Why!can'tsheknow?""Nobodycan.""Howqueer!Isitascrape,Jack?"askedJill,lookingascuriousasamagpie."Itislikelytobe,ifIcan'tgetoutofitthisweek,somehow.""Well,Idon'tseehowIcanhelpifI'mnottoknowanything;"andJillseemedratherhurt."Youcanjuststopaskingquestions,andtellmehowafellowcanearnsomemoney.Thatwouldhelp.I'vegotonedollar,butImusthavesomemore;"andJacklookedworriedashefingeredthelittlegolddollaronhiswatch-guard."Oh,doyoumeantousethat?""Yes,Ido;amanmustpayhisdebtsifhesellsallhehastodoit,"saidJacksternly."Dearme;itmustbesomethingveryserious."AndJilllayquitestillforfiveminutes, thinking over all theways inwhich Jack ever did earnmoney, forMrs.Minot liked tohaveherboyswork,andpaid theminsomewayforalltheydid."Isthereanywoodtosaw?"sheaskedpresently,beingveryanxioustohelp."Alldone.""Pathstoshovel?""Nosnow.""Lawntorake,then?""Nottimeforthatyet.""Catalogueofbooks?""Frankgotthatjob.""Copythoselettersforyourmother?""Takemetoolong.MusthavemymoneyFriday,ifpossible.""Idon'tseewhatwecando,then.Itistooearlyortoolateforeverything,andyouwon'tborrow."

"Notofyou.No,norofanyoneelse,ifIcanpossiblyhelpit.I'vepromisedtodothismyself,andIwill;"andJackwaggedhisheadresolutely."Couldn'tyoudosomethingwiththeprinting-press?Domesomecards,andthen,perhaps,theothergirlswillwantsome,"saidJill,asaforlornhope."Justthething!WhatagooseIwasnottothinkofit.I'llrigtheoldmachineupatonce."And,startingfromhisseat,Jackdivedintothebigcloset,draggedoutthelittlepress,andfelltooiling,dusting,andputtingitinorder,likeonerelievedofagreatanxiety."Giveme the types; I'll sort themandsetupmyname, soyoucanbeginassoon as you are ready. You know what a help I was when we did theprogrammes. I'm almost sure the girls will want cards, and I know yourmotherwould like somemore tags," said Jill,briskly rattling the letters intothedifferentcompartments,whileJackinkedtherollersandhunteduphisbigapron,whistlingthewhilewithrecoveredspirits.Adozenneatcardsweresoonprinted,andJillinsistedonpayingsixcentsforthem,asearningwasnotborrowing.AfewoddtagswerefoundanddoneforMamma,whoimmediatelyorderedfourdozenatsixcentsadozen,thoughshewasnottoldwhytherewassuchapressingcallformoney.Jack'smonthly half-dollar hadbeen spent the firstweek,—twenty-five centsforaconcert,tenpaidafineforkeepingabooktoolongfromthelibrary,tenmoretohavehisknifeground,andfiveincandy,forhedearlylovedsweeties,andwasunderbondstoMammanottospendmorethanfivecentsamonthontheseunwholesometemptations.Sheneveraskedtheboyswhattheydidwiththeirmoney,but expected them tokeepaccount in the littlebooks shegavethem;and,nowandthen,theyshowedtheneatpageswithpardonablepride,thoughsheoftenlaughedatthequeeritems.AllthateveningJack&Co.workedbusily,forwhenFrankcameinhegood-naturedly ordered some pale-pink cards forAnnette, and ran to the store tochoosetherightshade,andbuysomepackagesfortheyoungprinteralso."Whatdoyousupposeheisinsuchapuckerfor?"whisperedJill,asshesetupthenewname,toFrank,whosatcloseby,withoneeyeonhisbookandoneonher."Oh,somenotion.He'saqueerchap;butIguessitisn'tmuchofascrape,orIshouldknowit.He'ssogood-naturedhe'salwayspromising todo thingsforpeople, andhas toomuchpluck to give upwhenhe finds he can't.Let himalone,anditwillallcomeoutsoonenough,"answeredFrank,wholaughedathisbrother,butlovedhimnonethelessforthetenderheartthatoftengotthebetterofhisyounghead.But for once Frank wasmistaken; themystery did not come out, and Jack

workedlikeabeaverallthatweek,asorderspouredinwhenJillandAnnetteshowed their elegant cards; for, as everybody knows, if one girl has a newthingalltherestmust,whetherit isabowonthetopofherhead,apeculiarsort of pencil, or the latest kind of chewing-gum. Little play did the poorfellow get, for every spareminutewas spent at the press, and no invitationcouldtempthimaway,somuchinearnestwasourhonestlittleFranklinaboutpaying his debt. Jill helped all she could, and cheered his labors with herencouragement,rememberinghowhestayedathomeforher."It is real good of you to lend a hand, and I'm ever somuch obliged," saidJack,as the lastorderwas struckoff, and thedrawerof the type-boxheldapileofshiningfiveandtencentpieces,withtwoorthreequarters."I love to;only itwouldbenicer if Iknewwhatwewereworking for," shesaiddemurely,asshescatteredtypeforthelasttime;andseeingthatJackwasbothtiredandgrateful,hopedtogetahintofthesecret."Iwanttotellyou,dreadfully;butIcan't,becauseI'vepromised.""What,never?""Never!"andJacklookedasfirmasarock."ThenIshallfindout,forIhaven'tpromised.""Youcan't.""SeeifIdon't!""Youaresharp,butyouwon'tguessthis.It'satremendoussecret,andnobodywilltellit.""You'lltellityourself.Youalwaysdo.""Iwon'ttellthis.Itwouldbemean.""Wait and see; I can get anything out of you if I try;" and Jill laughed,knowingherpowerwell,forJackfounditveryhardtokeepasecretfromher."Don'ttry;pleasedon't!Itwouldn'tberight,andyoudon'twanttomakemedoadishonorablethingforyoursake,Iknow."JacklookedsodistressedthatJillpromisednot tomakehimtell, thoughsheheldherselffreetofindoutinotherways,ifshecould.Thusrelieved,Jacktrudgedoff toschoolonFridaywith thetwodollarsandseventy-fivecentsjinglinginhispocket,thoughthedeargoldcoinhadtobesacrificedtomakeupthesum.Hedidhislessonsbadlythatday,waslateatrecessintheafternoon,and,assoonasschoolwasover,departedinhisrubberboots "to take awalk,"he said, though the roadswere in abad statewith aspring thaw. Nothing was seen of him till after tea-time, when he camelimping in, very dirty and tired, but with a reposeful expression, which

betrayed thata loadwasoffhismind.Frankwasbusyabouthisownaffairsandpaidlittleattentiontohim,butJillwasontenter-hookstoknowwherehehadbeen,yetdarednotaskthequestion."Merry'sbrotherwantssomecards.Helikedherssomuchhewishestomakehislady-loveapresent.Here'sthename;"andJillhelduptheorderfromHarryGrant,whowastobemarriedintheautumn."Mustwait tillnextweek.I'mtootiredtodoa thingto-night,andIhate thesightofthatoldpress,"answeredJack,layinghimselfdownupontherugasifeveryjointached."Whatmadeyoutakesuchalongwalk?Youlookastiredasifyou'dbeentenmiles,"saidJill,hopingtodiscoverthelengthofthetrip."Had to.Fouror fivemiles isn'tmuch,onlymy legbotheredme;"andJackgavetheailingmemberaslap,asifhehadfounditmuchinhiswaythatday;for, though he had given up the crutches long ago, he rather missed theirsupportsometimes.Then,withagreatyawn,hestretchedhimselfouttobaskintheblaze,pillowinghisheadonhisarms."Dearoldthing,helooksallusedup;Iwon'tplaguehimwithtalking;"andJillbegantosing,assheoftendidinthetwilight.By the time the first songendedagentle snorewasheard,andJack lay fastasleep,wornoutwiththebusyweekandthewalk,whichhadbeenlongerandharderthananyoneguessed.Jill tookupherknittingandworkedquietlybyfirelight,stillwonderingandguessingwhatthesecretcouldbe;forshehadnotmuch to amuseher, and little thingswerevery interesting if connectedwithherfriends.PresentlyJackrolledoverandbegantomutterinhissleep,asheoften did when too weary for sound slumber. Jill paid no attention till heuttered a name which made her prick up her ears and listen to the brokensentences which followed. Only a few words, but she dropped her work,sayingtoherself,—"Idobelieveheistalkingaboutthesecret.NowIshallfindout,andhewilltellmehimself,asIsaidhewould."Much pleased, she leaned and listened, but could make no sense of theconfusedbabbleabout"heavyboots;""Allright,oldfellow;""Jerry'soff;"and"Theinkistoothick."TheslamofthefrontdoorwokeJack,andhepulledhimselfup,declaringthathebelievedhehadbeenhavinganap."Iwishyou'dhaveanother," said Jill, greatlydisappointedat the lossof theintelligencesheseemedtobesoneargetting."Floor is toohard for tiredbones.Guess I'llgo tobedandget restedup forMonday.I'veworkedlikefurythisweek,sonextI'mgoinginforfun;"and,

littledreamingwhathardtimeswereinstoreforhim,Jackwentofftoenjoyhiswarmbathandwelcomebed,wherehewassoonsleepingwiththeserenelookofonewhosedreamswerehappy,whoseconsciencewasatrest.

"I have a fewwords to say to youbefore yougo," saidMr.Acton, pausingwith his hand on the bell, Monday afternoon, when the hour came fordismissingschool.The bustle of putting away books and preparing for as rapid a departure aspropriety allowed, subsided suddenly, and the boys and girls sat as still asmice,while theheartsofsuchashadbeenguiltyofanysmallsinsbegan tobeatfast."Yourememberthatwehadsometroublelastwinteraboutkeepingtheboysawayfromthesaloon,andthatarulewasmadeforbiddinganypupiltogototown during recess?" beganMr. Acton, who, being a conscientiousman aswell as an excellent teacher, felt that hewas responsible for the children inschoolhours, anddidhisbest toaidparents inguarding themfrom the fewtemptations which beset them in a country town. A certain attractive littleshop,whereconfectionery,baseballs,stationery,andpicturepapersweresold,wasafavoriteloafingplaceforsomeoftheboystilltheruleforbiddingitwasmade,becauseintherearof theshopwasabeerandbilliardsaloon.Awiserule,forthepicturepaperswerenotalwaysofthebestsort;cigarsweretobehad; idle fellowshungabout there, and someof the lads,whowanted tobethoughtmanly,venturedtopassthegreenbaizedoor"justtolookon."Amurmuransweredtheteacher'squestion,andhecontinued,"Youallknowthattherulewasbrokenseveraltimes,andItoldyouthenextoffenderwouldbepubliclyreprimanded,asprivatepunishmentshadnoeffect.Iamsorrytosaythatthetimehascome,andtheoffenderisaboywhomItrustedentirely.Itgrievesmetodo this,but Imustkeepmypromise,andhope theexamplewillhaveagoodeffect."Mr.Actonpaused,asifhefoundithardtogoon,andtheboyslookedatoneanotherwith inquiringeyes, for their teacher seldompunished,andwhenhedid,itwasaverysolemnthing.SeveraloftheseanxiousglancesfelluponJoe,whowasveryredandsatwhittlingapencilasifhedarednotlifthiseyes."He'sthechap.Won'thecatchit?"whisperedGustoFrank,forbothowedhimagrudge."TheboywhobroketherulelastFriday,atafternoonrecess,willcometothedesk,"saidMr.Actoninhismostimpressivemanner.If a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would hardly have caused agreater surprise than thesightof JackMinotwalkingslowlydown theaisle,withawrathfulflashintheeyesheturnedonJoeashepassedhim.

"Now,Minot,letushavethisoverassoonaspossible,forIdonotlikeitanybetterthanyoudo,andIamsurethereissomemistake.I'mtoldyouwenttotheshoponFriday.Isittrue?"askedMr.Actonverygently,forhelikedJackandseldomhadtocorrecthiminanyway."Yes,sir;"andJacklookedupasifproudtoshowthathewasnotafraidtotellthetruthasfarashecould."Tobuysomething?""No,sir.""Tomeetsomeone?""Yes,sir.""WasitJerryShannon?"Noanswer,butJack'sfistsdoubledupofthemselvesasheshotanotherfieryglanceatJoe,whosefaceburnedasifitscorchedhim."Iamtolditwas;alsothatyouwereseentogointothesaloonwithhim.Didyou?"andMr.Acton lookedsosure that itwasamistake that itcostJackagreatefforttosay,slowly,—"Yes,sir."Quiteathrillpervadedtheschoolatthisconfession,forJerrywasoneofthewild fellows the boys all shunned, and to have any dealings with himwasconsideredaverydisgracefulthing."Didyouplay?""No,sir.Ican't.""Drinkbeer?""IbelongtotheLodge;"andJackstoodaserectasanylittlesoldierwhoevermarched under a temperance banner, and fought for the cause none are tooyoungnortoooldtohelpalong."Iwassureofthat.Thenwhattookyouthere,myboy?"ThequestionwassokindlyputthatJackforgothimselfaninstant,andblurtedout,—"Ionlywenttopayhimsomemoney,sir.""Ah,howmuch?""Twoseventy-five,"mutteredJack,asredasacherryatnotbeingabletokeepasecretbetter."Toomuch for a lad likeyou toowe sucha fellowas Jerry.Howcame it?"AndMr.Actonlookeddisturbed.

Jackopenedhis lips to speak,but shut themagain, and stood lookingdownwithalittlequiveraboutthemouththatshowedhowmuchitcosthimtobesilent."DoesanyonebesideJerryknowofthis?""Oneotherfellow,"afterapause."Yes, I understand;" and Mr. Acton's eye glanced at Joe with a look thatseemedtosay,"Iwishhe'dheldhistongue."AqueersmileflittedoverJack'sface,forJoewasnotthe"otherfellow,"andknewverylittleaboutit,exceptingwhathehadseenwhenhewassentonanerrandbyMr.ActononFriday."Iwishyouwouldexplain thematter, John, for I amsure it isbetter than itseems,anditwouldbeveryhardtopunishyouwhenyoudon'tdeserveit.""But I dodeserve it; I'vebroken the rule, and I ought tobepunished," saidJack, as if a goodwhippingwould be easier to bear than this public cross-examination."And you can't explain, or even say you are sorry or ashamed?" askedMr.Acton,hopingtosurpriseanotherfactoutoftheboy."No,sir;Ican't;I'mnotashamed;I'mnotsorry,andI'ddoitagainto-morrowif Ihad to,"criedJack, losingpatience,and lookingas ifhewouldnotbearmuchmore.A groan from the boys greeted this bare-faced declaration, and Susy quiteshivered at the idea of having taken two bites out of the apple of such ahardeneddesperado."Think it over till to-morrow, and perhaps you will change your mind.Remember that this is the lastweekof themonth,and reportsaregivenoutnextFriday,"saidMr.Acton,knowinghowmuch theboypridedhimselfonalwayshavinggoodonestoshowhismother.PoorJackturnedscarletandbithislipstokeepthemstill,forhehadforgottenthiswhenheplungedintotheaffairwhichwaslikelytocosthimdear.Thenthecolorfadedaway,theboyishfacegrewsteady,andthehonesteyeslookedupathisteacherashesaidverylow,butallheardhim,theroomwassostill,—"Itisn'tasbadasitlooks,sir,butIcan'tsayanymore.Nooneistoblamebutme;andIcouldn'thelpbreakingtherule,forJerrywasgoingaway,Ihadonlythattime,andI'dpromisedtopayup,soIdid."Mr.Actonbelievedeverywordhesaid,andregrettedthat theyhadnotbeenabletohaveitoutprivately,buthe,too,mustkeephispromiseandpunishtheoffender,whoeverhewas.

"Verywell,youwillloseyourrecessforaweek,andthismonth'sreportwillbethefirstoneinwhichbehaviordoesnotgetthehighestmark.Youmaygo;andIwishitunderstoodthatMasterMinotisnottobetroubledwithquestionstillhechoosestosetthismatterright."Then the bell rang, the children trooped out, Mr. Acton went off withoutanotherword,andJackwasleftalonetoputuphisbooksandhideafewtearsthatwouldcomebecauseFrankturnedhiseyesawayfromtheimploringlookcastuponhimastheculpritcamedownfromtheplatform,adisgracedboy.Elderbrothersareapttobealittlehardonyoungerones,soitisnotsurprisingthat Frank,whowas an eminently proper boy,wasmuch cut upwhen Jackpublicly confessed to dealingswith Jerry, leaving it to be supposed that theworsthalfofthestoryremaineduntold.Hefeltithisduty,therefore,tocollarpoorJackwhenhecameout,andtalktohimall thewayhome, likea judgebentongettingatthetruthbymainforce.Akindwordwouldhavebeenverycomforting, but the scolding was too much for Jack's temper, so he turneddogged andwould not say aword, thoughFrank threatened not to speak tohimforaweek.At tea-timebothboyswerevery silent, one lookinggrim, theother excited.Frank stared sternly at his brother across the table, and no amount ofmarmalade sweetened or softened that reproachful look. Jack defiantlycrunchedhistoast,withoccasionalslashesatthebutter,asifhemustventthepent-upemotionswhichhalfdistractedhim.Ofcourse,theirmothersawthatsomethingwas amiss, but did not allude to it, hoping that the cloudwouldblowoveras somanydid if leftalone.But thisonedidnot,andwhenbothrefusedcake,thissuresignofunusualperturbationmadeheranxioustoknowthe cause.As soon as teawas over, Jack retiredwith gloomydignity to hisownroom,andFrank,castingawaythepaperhehadbeenpretendingtoread,burstoutwith thewholestory.Mrs.Minotwasasmuchsurprisedashe,butnotangry,because,likemostmothers,shewassurethathersonscouldnotdoanythingverybad."Iwillspeaktohim;myboywon'trefusetogivemesomeexplanation,"shesaid, when Frank had freed his mind with as much warmth as if Jack hadbrokenallthetencommandments."Hewill.Youoftencallmeobstinate,butheisaspig-headedasamule;Joeonlyknowswhathesaw,oldtell-tale!andJerryhaslefttown,orI'dhaveitoutof him.Make Jack ownup,whether he can or not.Little donkey!" stormedFrank, who hated rowdies and could not forgive his brother for being seenwithone."My dear, all boys do foolish things sometimes, even the wisest and bestbehaved,sodon'tbehardon thepoorchild.Hehasgot into trouble, I'veno

doubt,butitcannotbeverybad,andheearnedthemoneytopayforhisprank,whateveritwas."Mrs.Minotlefttheroomasshespoke,andFrankcooleddownasifherwordshadbeenashower-bath,forherememberedhisowncostlyescapade,andhowkindlybothhismotherandJackhadstoodbyhimonthattryingoccasion.So,feelingratherremorseful,hewentofftotalkitoverwithGus,leavingJillinafeverofcuriosity,forMerryandMollyhaddroppedinontheirwayhometobreaktheblowtoher,andFrankdeclinedtodiscuss itwithher,aftermildlystatingthatJackwas"aninny,"inhisopinion."Well,Iknowonething,"saidJillconfidentiallytoSnow-ball,whentheywereleftalonetogether,"ifeveryoneelseisscoldinghimIwon'tsayaword.It'ssomean tocrowoverpeoplewhen theyaredown,and I'msurehehasn'tdoneanythingtobeashamedof,thoughhewon'ttell."Snow-ballseemedtoagreetothis,forhewentandsatdownbyJack'sslipperswaiting forhimon thehearth,andJill thought thatavery touchingproofofaffectionatefidelitytothelittlemasterwhoruledthemboth.Whenhecame,itwasevidentthathehadfoundithardertorefusehismotherthanalltherest.Butshetrustedhiminspiteofappearances,andthatwassuchacomfort!ForpoorJack'sheartwasveryfull,andhelongedtotellthewholestory, but hewould not break his promise, and so kept silence bravely. Jillaskednoquestions,affectingtobeanxiousforthegamestheyalwaysplayedtogetherintheevening,butwhiletheyplayed,thoughthelipsweresealed,thebrighteyessaidasplainlyaswords,"Itrustyou,"andJackwasverygrateful.Itwaswellhehadsomethingtocheerhimupathome,forhegotlittlepeaceatschool.He bore the grave looks ofMr.Actonmeekly, took the boys' jokesgood-naturedly, and withstood the artful teasing of the girls with patientsilence. But it was very hard for the social, affectionate fellow to bear thegeneraldistrust,forhehadbeensuchafavoritehefeltthechangekeenly.Butthethingthattriedhimmostwastheknowledgethathisreportwouldnotbewhatitusuallywas.Itwasalwaysahappymomentwhenheshowedittohismother,andsawhereyebrightenasitfellonthe99or100,forshecaredmore for good behavior than for perfect lessons. Mr. Acton once said thatFrank Minot's moral influence in the school was unusual, and Jack neverforgot her pride and delight as she told them what Frank himself had notknown till then. ItwasJack'sambition tohave the samesaidofhim, forhewasnotmuchofascholar,andhehadtriedhardsincehewentbacktoschooltogetgoodrecordsinthatrespectatleast.Nowherewasadreadfuldownfall,tardy marks, bad company, broken rules, and something too wrong to tell,apparently."Well, Ideserveagoodreport,and that'sacomfort, thoughnobodybelieves

it,"hesaidtohimself,tryingtokeepuphisspirits,astheslowweekwentby,andnowordfromhimhadclearedupthemystery.

ChapterXIV.AndJillFindsItOut

Jillworriedaboutitmorethanhedid,forshewasafaithfullittlefriend,anditwasagreattrialtohaveJackevensuspectedofdoinganythingwrong.Schoolisachild'sworldwhileheisthere,anditssmallaffairsareveryimportanttohim,soJillfeltthattheonethingtobedonewastoclearawaythecloudaboutherdearboy,andrestorehimtopublicfavor."EdwillbehereSaturdaynightandmaybehewillfindout,forJacktellshimeverything.Idohatetohavehimhectoredso,forIknowheis,thoughhe'stooproudtocomplain,"shesaid,onThursdayevening,whenFranktoldhersomejokeplayeduponhisbrotherthatday."Ilethimalone,butIseethatheisn'tbadgeredtoomuch.That'sallIcando.IfEdhadonlycomehomelastSaturday itmighthavedonesomegood,butnow itwill be too late; for the reports aregivenout to-morrow,youknow,"answeredFrank,feelingalittlejealousofEd'sinfluenceoverJack,thoughhisownwouldhavebeenasgreatifhehadbeenasgentle."Has Jerry come back?" asked Jill, who kept all her questions for Frank,becausesheseldomalludedtothetendersubjectwhenwithJack."No,he'soffforthesummer.Gotaplacesomewhere.Hopehe'llstaythereandletBobalone.""Where isBobnow?Idon'thearmuchabouthimlately,"saidJill,whowasconstantlyonthelookoutfor"theotherfellow,"sinceitwasnotJoe."Oh,hewenttoCaptainSkinner'sthefirstofMarch,choresround,andgoestoschool up there. Captain is strict, and won't let Bob come to town, exceptSundays;buthedon'tminditmuch,forhelikeshorses,hasnicegrub,andtheHill fellows are good chaps for him to bewith. So he's all right, if he onlybehaves.""HowfarisittoCaptainSkinner's?"askedJillsuddenly,havinglistened,withher sharp eyes on Frank, as he tinkered away at his model, since he wasforbiddenallotherindulgenceinhisbelovedpastime."It's fourmiles toHillDistrict,but theCaptain lives this sideof the school-house.Aboutthreefromhere,Ishouldsay.""Howlongwouldittakeaboytowalkupthere?"wentonthequestioner,withanewideainherhead.

"Dependsonhowmuchofawalkistheis.""Supposehewaslameanditwassloshy,andhemadeacallandcameback.Howlongwouldthattake?"askedJillimpatiently."Well,inthatcase,Ishouldsaytwoorthreehours.Butit'simpossibletotellexactly, unless youknowhow lame the fellowwas, andhow long a call hemade,"saidFrank,wholikedtobeaccurate."Jackcouldn'tdoitinless,couldhe?""Heused to run up that hilly road for a breather, and thinknothingof it. Itwouldbea long job forhimnow,poor littlechap, forhis legoften troubleshim,thoughhehatestoownit."Jill lay back and laughed, a happy little laugh, as if shewas pleased aboutsomething,andFranklookedoverhisshouldertoaskquestionsinhisturn."Whatareyoulaughingat?""Can'ttell.""WhydoyouwanttoknowaboutHillDistrict?Areyougoingthere?""WishIcould!I'dsoonhaveitoutofhim.""Who?""Nevermind.Pleasepushupmytable.Imustwritealetter,andIwantyoutopostitformeto-night,andneversayawordtillIgiveyouleave.""Oh, now you are going to have secrets and be mysterious, and get into amess,areyou?"andFranklookeddownatherwithasuspiciousair,thoughhewasintenselycurioustoknowwhatshewasabout."GoawaytillI'mdone.Youwillhavetoseetheoutside,butyoucan'tknowthe inside till the answer comes;" and propping herself up, Jill wrote thefollowingnote,withsomehesitationatthebeginningandend,forshedidnotknow the gentleman shewas addressing, except by sight, and it was ratherawkward:—"RobertWalker."DearSir,IwanttoaskifJackMinotcametoseeyoulastFridayafternoon.HegotintotroublebeingseenwithJerryShannon.Hepaidhimsomemoney.Jackwon'ttell,andMr.Actontalkedtohimaboutitbeforealltheschool.Wefeelbad,becausewethinkJackdidnotdowrong.Idon'tknowasyouhaveanythingtodowithit,butIthoughtI'dask.Pleaseanswerquick.Respectfullyyours,"JanePecq"Tomakesurethatherdespatchwasnottamperedwith,Jillputagreatsplashof red sealing-wax on it, which gave it a very official look, and much

impressedBobwhenhereceivedit."There!Goandpostit,anddon'tletanyoneseeorknowaboutit,"shesaid,handing it over to Frank,who left hisworkwith unusual alacrity to do hererrand.When his eye fell on the address, he laughed, and said in a teasingway,—"Are you and Bob such good friends that you correspond?What will Jacksay?""Don'tknow,anddon'tcare!Begood,now,andlet'shavealittlesecretaswellasotherfolks.I'lltellyouallaboutitwhenheanswers,"saidJillinhermostcoaxingtone."Supposehedoesn't?""ThenIshallsendyouuptoseehim.Imustknowsomething,andIwanttodoitmyself,ifIcan.""Look here; what are you after? I do believe you think——" Frank got nofarther,forJillgavealittlescream,andstoppedhimbycryingeagerly,"Don'tsayitoutloud!Ireallydobelieveitmaybe,andI'mgoingtofindout.""Whatmadeyouthinkofhim?"andFranklookedthoughtfullyattheletter,asifturningcarefullyoverinhismindtheideathatJill'squickwitshadjumpedat."ComehereandI'lltellyou."Holdinghimbyonebutton,shewhisperedsomethinginhisearthatmadehimexclaim,withalookattherug,—"No!didhe?Ideclare Ishouldn'twonder! Itwouldbe just like thedearoldblunder-head.""Inever thoughtof it tillyoutoldmewhereBobwas,andthenitallsortofburstuponmeinoneminute!"criedJill,wavingherarmsabouttoexpresstheintellectual explosion which had thrown light upon the mystery, like sky-rocketsinadarknight."You are as bright as a button. No time to lose; I'm off;" and off he was,splashingthroughthemudtoposttheletter,onthebackofwhichheadded,tomakethethingsure,"Hurryup.F.M."Both felt rather guilty next day, but enjoyed themselves very muchnevertheless,andkeptchucklingovertheminetheyweremakingunderJack'sunconsciousfeet.Theyhardlyexpectedanansweratnoon,astheHillpeoplewerenotveryeagerfortheirmail,butatnightJillwassureofaletter,andtohergreatdelightitcame.Jackbroughtithimself,whichaddedtothefun,andwhile she eagerly read it he sat calmlyporingover the latest number of hisownprivateandparticular"Youth'sCompanion."

Bobwasnota"completeletter-writer"byanymeans,andwithgreatlaborandmuchinkhadproducedthefollowingbriefbuthighlysatisfactoryepistle.Notknowing how to address his fair correspondent he let it alone, andwent atoncetothepointinthefrankestpossibleway:—"JackdidcomeupFriday.Sorryhegotintoamess.Itwasrealkindofhim,andIshallpayhimbacksoon.JackpaidJerryformeandImadehimpromisenottotell.Jerrysaidhe'dcomehereandmakearowifIdidn'tcashup.IwasafraidI'dlosetheplaceifhedid,fortheCapt.isawfulstrict.IfJackdon'ttellnow,Iwill.Iain'tmean.Gladyouwrote."R.O.W.""Hurrah!" cried Jill,waving the letter over her head in great triumph. "Calleverybodyand read it out," she added, asFrank snatched it, and ran for hismother, seeing at a glance that the news was good. Jill was so afraid sheshould tell before the others came that she burst out singing "Pretty BobbyShafto"at the topofhervoice, toJack'sgreatdisgust, forheconsidered thesongverypersonal,ashewasratherfondof"combingdownhisyellowhair,"and Jill often plagued him by singing it when he came in with the goldenquirlsverysmoothandnicetohidethescaronhisforehead.In about five minutes the door flew open and in came Mamma, makingstraightforbewilderedJack,whothoughtthefamilyhadgonecrazywhenhisparentcaughthiminherarms,sayingtenderly,—"My good, generous boy! I knew he was right all the time!" while Frankworkedhishandupanddownlikeapump-handle,exclaimingheartily,—"You'reatrump,sir,andI'mproudofyou!"Jillmeantimecallingout,inwilddelight,—"Itoldyouso!Itoldyouso!Ididfindout;ha,ha,Idid!""Come,Isay!What'sthematter?I'mallright.Don'tsqueezethebreathoutofme, please," expostulated Jack, looking so startled and innocent, as hestruggledfeebly,thattheyalllaughed,andthisplaintiveprotestcausedhimtobe released.But thenext proceedingdidnot enlightenhimmuch, forFrankkeptwavingaveryinkypaperbeforehimandorderinghimtoreadit,whileMamma made a charge at Jill, as if it was absolutely necessary to hugsomebody."Hullo!"saidJack,whenhegottheletterintohisownhandandreadit."NowwhoputBobuptothis?Nobodyhadanybusinesstointerfere—butit'smightygood of him, anyway," he added, as the anxious lines in his round facesmoothedthemselvesaway,whileasmileofrelieftoldhowhardithadbeenforhimtokeephisword."Idid!"criedJill,clappingherhands,andlookingsohappythathecouldnot

havescoldedherifhehadwantedto."Whotoldyouhewasinthescrape?"demandedJack,inahurrytoknowallaboutitnowthesealwastakenoffhisownlips."Youdid;"andJill'sfacetwinkledwithnaughtysatisfaction,forthiswasthebestfunofall."Ididn't!When?Where?It'sajoke!""You did," cried Jill, pointing to the rug. "Youwent to sleep there after thelongwalk, and talked inyour sleep about 'Bob' and 'All right, oldboy,' andeversomuchgibberish.Ididn'tthinkaboutitthen,butwhenIheardthatBobwasup there I thoughtmaybeheknewsomethingabout it, and lastnight Iwroteandaskedhim,andthat'stheanswer,andnowitisallright,andyouarethebestboythateverwas,andI'msoglad!"HereJillpaused,alloutofbreath,andFranksaid,withanapprovingpatonthehead,—"Itwon'tdotohavesuchasharpyoungpersonroundifwearegoingtohavesecrets.You'dmakeagooddetective,miss.""Catchmetakingnapsbeforepeopleagain;"andJacklookedrathercrestfallenthathisownwordshadset"FineEar"onthetrack."Nevermind,Ididn'tmeantotell,thoughIjustachedtodoitallthetime,soIhaven'tbrokenmyword.I'mgladyouallknow,butyouneedn'tletitgetout,forBobisagoodfellow,anditmightmaketroubleforhim,"addedJack,anxiouslesthisgainshouldbetheother'sloss."IshalltellMr.Actonmyself,andtheCaptain,also,forI'mnotgoingtohavemysonsuspectedofwrong-doingwhenhehasonlytriedtohelpafriend,andborneenoughforhissake,"saidMamma,muchexcitedby thisdiscoveryofgenerousfidelityinherboy;thoughwhenonecametolookatitcalmly,onesawthatitmighthavebeendoneinawiserway."Now,please,don'tmakeafussaboutit;thatwouldbemostasbadashavingeveryonedownonme.Icanstandyourpraisingme,butIwon'tbepattedontheheadbyanybodyelse;"andJackassumedamanlyair,thoughhisfacewasfullofgenuineboyishpleasureatbeingsetrightintheeyesofthoseheloved."I'llbediscreet,dear,butyouoweit toyourself,aswellasBob,tohavethetruthknown.Bothhavebehavedwell, andnoharmwill come to him, I amsure.I'llseetothatmyself,"saidMrs.Minot,inatonethatsetJack'smindatrestonthatpoint."Nowdotellallaboutit,"criedJill,whowaspiningtoknowthewholestory,andfeltasifshehadearnedtherighttohearit."Oh, itwasn'tmuch.WepromisedEd tostandbyBob,so Ididaswellas I

knewhow;"andJackseemedtothinkthatwasaboutalltherewastosay."Ineversawsuchafellowforkeepingapromise!Yousticktoitthroughthickandthin,nomatterhowsillyorharditis.Youremember,mother,lastsummer,howyoutoldhimnottogoinaboatandhepromised,thedaywewentonthepicnic.Werodeup,but thehorse ranoffhome,sowehad tocomebackbywayoftheriver,allbutJack,andhewalkedeverystepoffivemilesbecausehewouldn'tgonearaboat,thoughMr.Burtonwastheretotakecareofhim.Icall that rather overdoing the matter;" and Frank looked as if he thoughtmoderationeveninvirtueagoodthing."AndIcallitafinesampleofentireobedience.Heobeyedorders,andthatiswhatwe allmust do,without always seeingwhy, or daring to use our ownjudgment.ItisagreatsafeguardtoJack,andaverygreatcomforttome;forIknowthatifhepromiseshewillkeephisword,nomatterwhatitcostshim,"saidMammawarmly,asshetumbledupthequirlswithanirrepressiblecaress,remembering how the boy came wearily in after all the others, withoutseemingforamomenttothinkthathecouldhavedoneanythingelse."LikeCasabianca!"criedJill,muchimpressed,forobediencewasherhardesttrial."Ithinkhewasafooltoburnup,"saidFrank,boundnottogivein."Idon't.It'sasplendidpiece,andeveryonelikestospeakit,anditwastrue,anditwouldn'tbeinallthebooksifhewasafool.Grownpeopleknowwhatisgood,"declaredJill,wholikedheroicactions,andwasalwayshopingforachancetodistinguishherselfinthatway."You admire 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' and glow all over as youthunderitout.Yettheywentgallantlytotheirdeathratherthandisobeyorders.Amistake, perhaps, but itmakes us thrill to hear of it; and the same spiritkeepsmyJacktrueassteelwhenoncehiswordispassed,orhethinksitishisduty.Don'tbelaughedoutofit,myson,forfaithfulnessinlittlethingsfitsonefor heroismwhen the great trials come.One's conscience can hardly be tootenderwhenhonorandhonestyareconcerned.""You are right, mother, and I amwrong. I beg your pardon, Jack, and yousha'n'tgetaheadofmenexttime."Frankmadehismotheralittlebow,gavehisbrotherashakeofthehand,andnoddedtoJill,asifanxioustoshowthathewasnottooproudtoownupwhenhemadeamistake."Please tell on, Jack.This is verynice, but I dowant toknowall about theother,"saidJill,afterashortpause."Letme see.Oh, I sawBob at church, and he looked rather blue; so, afterSundaySchool,Iaskedwhat thematterwas.HesaidJerrybotheredhimfor

some money he lent him at different times when they were loafing roundtogether,beforewe tookhimup.Hewouldn'tgetanywages for some time.The Captain keeps him short on purpose, I guess, and won't let him comedowntownexceptonSundays.Hedidn'twantanyonetoknowaboutit,forfearhe'dlosehisplace.SoIpromisedIwouldn'ttell.ThenIwasafraidJerrywouldgoandmakeafuss,andBobwouldrunoff,ordosomethingdesperate,beingworried,andIsaidI'dpayitforhim,ifIcould.Sohewenthomeprettyjolly,andIscratched'roundforthemoney.Gotit,too,andwasn'tIglad?"Jackpausedtorubhishands,andFranksaid,withmorethanusualrespect,"Couldn't you get hold of Jerry in any other place, and out of school time?Thatdidthemischief,thankstoJoe.Ithrashedhim,Jill—didImentionit?""Icouldn'tgetallmymoneytillFridaymorning,andIknewJerrywasoffatnight. I lookedforhimbeforeschool,andatnoon,butcouldn't findhim,soafternoonrecesswasmylastchance.IwasboundtodoitandIdidn'tmeantobreaktherule,butJerrywasjustgoingintotheshop,soIpeltedafterhim,andasitwasprivatebusinesswewenttothebilliard-room.IdeclareIneverwasso relievedaswhen Ihandedover thatmoney, andmadehimsay itwasallright,andhewouldn'tgonearBob.He'soff,somymindiseasy,andBobwillbesogratefulIcankeephimsteady,perhaps.Thatwillbeworthtwoseventy-five,Ithink,"saidJackheartily."Youshouldhavecometome,"beganFrank."And got laughed at—no, thank you," interrupted Jack, recollecting severalphilanthropic littleenterpriseswhichwerenipped in thebudforwantofco-operation."Tome,then,"saidhismother."Itwouldhavesavedsomuchtrouble.""Ithoughtofit,butBobdidn'twantthebigfellowstoknowforfearthey'dbedownonhim,soIthoughthemightnotlikemetotellgrownpeople.Idon'tmindthefussnow,andBobisaskindashecanbe.Wantedtogivemehisbigknife,butIwouldn'ttakeit.I'dratherhavethis,"andJackputtheletterinhispocketwithaslapoutside,asifitwarmedthecocklesofhishearttohaveitthere."Well, it seems rather like a tempest in a teapot,now it is all over,but I doadmire your pluck, little boy, in holding out so well when every one wasscoldingatyou,andyouintherightallthetime,"saidFrank,gladtopraise,nowthathehonestlycould,afterhiswholesalecondemnation."That is what pulled me through, I suppose. I used to think if I had doneanythingwrong, that I couldn't stand the snubbingaday. I shouldhave toldrightoff,andhaditover.Now,IguessI'llhaveagoodreportifyoudotellMr.Acton,"saidJack,lookingathismothersowistfully,thatsheresolvedtoslip

awaythatveryevening,andmakesurethatthethingwasdone."Thatwillmakeyouhappierthananythingelse,won'tit?"askedJill,eagertohavehimrewardedafterhistrials."There'sonethingIlikebetter,thoughI'dbeverysorrytolosemyreport.It'sthefunoftellingEdItriedtodoashewantedusto,andseeinghowpleasedhe'llbe,"addedJack,ratherbashfully,fortheboyslaughedathimsometimesforhisloveofthisfriend."Iknowhewon'tbeanyhappieraboutitthansomeoneelse,whostoodbyyouall through, and set her bright wits to work till the trouble was all clearedaway,"saidMrs.Minot,lookingatJill'scontentedface,asshelaysmilingonthemall.Jack understood, and, hopping across the room, gave both the thin hands ahearty shake; then, not finding anywords quite cordial enough inwhich tothankthisfaithfullittlesister,hestoopeddownandkissedhergratefully.

ChapterXV.SaintLucy

SaturdaywasabusyandahappytimetoJack,forinthemorningMr.Actoncametoseehim,havingheardthestoryovernight,andpromisedtokeepBob'ssecret while giving Jack an acquittal as public as the reprimand had been.ThenheaskedforthereportwhichJackhadbravelyreceivedthedaybeforeandputawaywithoutshowingtoanybody."There is one mistake here which we must rectify," said Mr. Acton, as hecrossed out the low figures under the word "Behavior," and put the much-desired100there."ButIdidbreaktherule,sir,"saidJack,thoughhisfaceglowedwithpleasure,forMammawaslookingon."IoverlookthatasIshouldyourbreakingintomyhouseifyousawitwasonfire.Youran tosavea friend,andIwish Icould tell those fellowswhyyouwerethere.Itwoulddothemgood.Iamnotgoingtopraiseyou,John,butIdidbelieveyouinspiteofappearances,andIamgladtohaveforapupilaboywholoveshisneighborbetterthanhimself."Then,havingshakenhandsheartily,Mr.Actonwentaway,andJackflewoffto have rejoicingswith Jill,who sat up on her sofa,without knowing it, soeagerwasshetohearallaboutthecall.IntheafternoonJackdrovehismothertotheCaptain's,confidingtoheronthewaywhatahardtimehehadwhenhewentbefore,andhownothingbutthethoughtofcheeringBobkepthimupwhenheslippedandhurthisknee,and

hisbootsprungaleak,andthewindcameupverycold,andthehillseemedanendlessmountainofmudandsnow.Mrs.MinothadsuchagentlewayofputtingthingsthatshewouldhavewonoveramuchhardermanthanthestrictoldCaptain,whoheardthestorywithinterest, and wasmuch pleased with the boys' efforts to keep Bob straight.ThatyoungpersondodgedawayintothebarnwithJack,andonlyappearedatthe lastminute toshoveabagofchestnuts into thechaise.Buthegotafewkindwordsthatdidhimgood,fromMrs.MinotandtheCaptain,andfromthatdayfelthimselfunderbondstobehavewellifhewouldkeeptheirconfidence."IshallgiveJill thenuts;andIwish Ihadsomethingshewantedvery,verymuch,forIdothinksheoughttoberewardedforgettingmeoutofthemess,"saidJack,astheydrovehappilyhomeagain."Ihopetohavesomethinginadayortwothatwilldelightherverymuch.Iwillsaynomorenow,butkeepmylittlesecretandletitbeasurprisetoallbyandby,"answeredhismother,lookingasifshehadnotmuchdoubtaboutthematter."Thatwillbejolly.Youarewelcometoyoursecret,Mamma.I'vehadenoughofthemforonewhile;"andJackshruggedhisbroadshouldersasifaburdenhadbeentakenoff.In the evening Ed came, and Jack was quite satisfied when he saw howpleasedhisfriendwasatwhathehaddone."Inevermeantyoushould takesomuch trouble,onlybekind toBob,"saidEd, who did not know how strong his influence was, nor what a sweetexampleofquietwell-doinghisownlifewastoallhismates."Iwishedtobereallyuseful;notjusttotalkaboutitanddonothing.Thatisn'tyourway,and Iwant tobe likeyou,"answeredJack,with suchaffectionatesincerity thatEdcouldnothelpbelievinghim, thoughhemodestlydeclinedthe compliment by saying, as he began to play softly, "Better than I am, Ihope.Idon'tamounttomuch.""Yes,youdo!andifanyonesaysyoudon'tI'llshakehim.Ican'ttellwhatitis,onlyyoualwayslooksohappyandcontented—sortofsweetandshiny,"saidJack, as he stroked the smooth brown head, rather at a loss to describe theunusuallyfreshandsunnyexpressionofEd'sface,whichwasalwayscheerful,yethadacertainthoughtfulnessthatmadeitveryattractivetobothyoungandold."Soapmakeshimshiny;Ineversawsuchafellowtowashandbrush,"putinFrank,ashecameupwithoneofthepiecesofmusicheandEdwerefondofpractisingtogether."Idon'tmeanthat!"saidJackindignantly."Iwashandbrushtillyoucallmea

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, youknow.""Born so," said Frank, rumbling away in the basswith a pair of hands thatwouldhavebeenthebetterforsomeoftheabove-mentionedsoap,forhedidnotlovetodomuchinthewashingandbrushingline."Isupposethat'sit.Well,Ilikeit,andIshallkeepontrying,forbeinglovedbyeveryoneisabout thenicest thingintheworld.Isn't it,Ed?"askedJack,withagentletweakoftheearasheputaquestionwhichheknewwouldgetnoanswer, forEdwassomodesthecouldnotseewhereinhediffered fromotherboys,norbelieve that thesunshinehesaw inother faceswasonly thereflectionfromhisown.SundayeveningMrs.Minotsatbythefire,planninghowsheshouldtellsomegoodnewsshehadbeensavingupallday.Mrs.Pecqknewit,andseemedsodelighted that she went about smiling as if she did not know what troublemeant, and could not do enough for the family. She was downstairs now,seeing that theclotheswereproperlypreparedfor thewash,so therewasnooneintheBirdRoombutMammaandthechildren.FrankwasreadingupallhecouldfindaboutsomeBiblicalheromentionedintheday'ssermon;Jilllaywhereshehadlainfornearlyfourlongmonths,andthoughherfacewaspaleandthinwiththeconfinement,therewasanexpressiononitnowsweetereventhan health. Jack sat on the rug beside her, looking at a white carnationthroughthemagnifyingglass,whileshewasenjoyingtheperfumeofaredoneasshetalkedtohim."Ifyoulookatthewhitepetalsyou'llseethattheysparklelikemarble,andgowindingalongwaydowntothemiddleoftheflowerwhereitgrowssortofrosy;andinamongthesmall,curlyleaves,likefringedcurtains,youcanseethelittlegreenfairysittingallalone.Yourmothershowedmethat,andIthinkitisverypretty.Icallita'fairy,'butitisreallywheretheseedsarehiddenandthesweetsmellcomesfrom."Jillspokesoftlylestsheshoulddisturbtheothers,and,assheturnedtopushup her pillow, she sawMrs.Minot looking at herwith a smile she did notunderstand."Did you speak, 'm?" she asked, smiling back again, without in the leastknowingwhy."No, dear. I was listening and thinking what a pretty little story one couldmake out of your fairy living alone down there, and only known by herperfume.""Tell it, Mamma. It is time for our story, and that would be a nice one, Iguess,"saidJack,whowasasfondofstoriesaswhenhesatinhismother'slap

andchuckledovertheheroofthebeanstalk."Wedon'thavefairytalesonSunday,youknow,"beganJillregretfully."Callitaparable,andhaveamoraltoit,thenitwillbeallright,"putinFrank,asheshuthisbigbook,havingfoundwhathewanted."Ilikestoriesaboutsaints,andthegoodandwonderfulthingstheydid,"saidJill,whoenjoyedthewiseandinterestingbitsMrs.Minotoftenfoundforheringrown-upbooks, forJillhad thoughtful times,andaskedquestionswhichshowedthatshewasgrowingfastinmindifnotinbody."This isa truestory;butIwilldisguise ita little,andcall it 'TheMiracleofSaintLucy,'"beganMrs.Minot,seeingawaytotellhergoodnewsandamusethechildrenlikewise.Frankretiredtotheeasy-chair,thathemightsleepifthetaleshouldprovetoochildishforhim.Jillsettledherselfamonghercushions,andJacklayflatupontherug,withhisfeetup,sothathecouldadmirehisredslippersandresthisknee,whichached."Onceuponatimetherewasaqueenwhohadtwoprinces.""Wasn'tthereaprincess?"askedJack,interestedatonce."No;anditwasagreatsorrowtothequeenthatshehadnolittledaughter,forthesonsweregrowingup,andshewasoftenverylonely."LikeSnowdrop'smother,"whisperedJill."Now,don'tkeepinterrupting,children,orwenevershallgeton,"saidFrank,moreanxioustohearabouttheboysthatwerethanthegirlthatwasnot."Oneday,whentheprinceswereout—ahem!we'llsayhunting—theyfoundalittledamsellyingonthesnow,halfdeadwithcold,theythought.Shewasthechild of a poor womanwho lived in the forest—awild little thing, alwaysdancingandsingingabout;ashardtocatchasasquirrel,andsofearlessshewouldclimbthehighesttrees,leapbroadbrooks,orjumpoffthesteeprockstoshowhercourage.Theboyscarriedherhometothepalace,andthequeenwasgladtohaveher.Shehadfallenandhurtherself,soshelayinbedweekafterweek,withhermothertotakecareofher—""That's you," whispered Jack, throwing the white carnation at Jill, and shethrew back the red one, with her finger on her lips, for the tale was veryinterestingnow."Shedidnotsuffermuchafteratime,butshescoldedandcried,andcouldnotberesigned,becauseshewasaprisoner.Thequeentriedtohelpher,butshecouldnotdomuch;theprinceswerekind,buttheyhadtheirbooksandplays,andwereawayagooddeal.Somefriendsshehadcameoftentoseeher,butstillshebeatherwingsagainst thebars, likeawildbird inacage,andsoon

herspiritswereallgone,anditwassadtoseeher.""WherewasyourSaintLucy?Ithoughtitwasabouther,"askedJack,whodidnotliketohaveJill'spasttroublesdweltupon,sincehiswerenot."She is coming. Saints are not born—they are made after many trials andtribulations,"answeredhismother,lookingatthefireasifithelpedhertospinherlittlestory."Well,thepoorchildusedtosingsometimestowhileawaythelonghours—sadsongsmostly,andoneamong themwhich thequeen taughtherwas'SweetPatience,Come.'"Thissheusedtosingagreatdealafterawhile,neverdreamingthatPatiencewasanangelwhocouldhearandobey.Butitwasso;andonenight,whenthegirlhadlulledherselftosleepwiththatsong,theangelcame.Nobodysawthelovelyspiritwithtendereyes,andavoicethatwaslikebalm.Nooneheardtherustle of wings as she hovered over the little bed and touched the lips, theeyes,thehandsofthesleeper,andthenflewaway,leavingthreegiftsbehind.The girl did not knowwhy, but after that night the songs grewgayer, thereseemedtobemoresunshineeverywherehereyeslooked,andherhandswerenevertiredofhelpingothersinvariouspretty,useful,orpleasantways.Slowlythe wild bird ceased to beat against the bars, but sat in its cage and mademusic for all in the palace, till the queen could not dowithout it, the poormothercheeredup,andtheprincescalledthegirltheirnightingale.""Was that the miracle?" asked Jack, forgetting all about his slippers, as hewatchedJill'seyesbrightenandthecolorcomeupinherwhitecheeks."Thatwasthemiracle,andPatiencecanworkfargreateronesifyouwilllether.""Andthegirl'snamewasLucy?""Yes;theydidnotcallherasaintthen,butshewastryingtobeascheerfulasacertaingoodwomanshehadheardof,andsothequeenhadthatnameforher,thoughshedidnotletherknowitforalongtime.""That'snotbadforaSundaystory,buttheremighthavebeenmoreabouttheprinces, seems tome,"was Frank's criticism, as Jill lay very still, trying tohideherfacebehindthecarnation,forshehadnowordstotellhowtouchedandpleased shewas to find that her little efforts tobegoodhadbeen seen,remembered,andnowrewardedinthisway."Thereismore.""Thenthestoryisn'tdone?"criedJack."Oh dear, no; the most interesting things are to come, if you can wait forthem.""Yes, I see, this is themoral part.Nowkeep still, and let us have the rest,"

commanded Frank, while the others composed themselves for the sequel,suspectingthatitwasrathernice,becauseMamma'ssoberfacechanged,andhereyeslaughedastheylookedatthefire."The elder prince was very fond of driving dragons, for the people of thatcountryusedthesefierymonstersashorses.""Andgotrunawaywith,didn'the?"laughedJack,adding,withgreatinterest,"Whatdidtheotherfellowdo?""Hewentaboutfightingotherpeople'sbattles,helpingthepoor,andtryingtodogood.Buthelackedjudgment,soheoftengotintotrouble,andwasinsucha hurry that he did not always stop to find out thewisestway.Aswhenhegave away his best coat to a beggar boy, instead of the old one which heintendedtogive.""Isay,thatisn'tfair,mother!Neitherofthemwasnew,andtheboyneededthebestmorethanIdid,andIworetheoldoneallwinter,didn'tI?"askedJack,whohadratherexultedoverFrank,andwasnowtakendownhimself."Yes,youdid,mydear;anditwasnotaneasythingformydandiprattodo.Now listen, and I'll tell you how they both learned to be wiser. The elderprincesoonfoundthatthebigdragonsweretoomuchforhim,andsetabouttraininghisownlittleone,whonowandthenranawaywithhim.ItsnamewasWill,agoodservant,butabadmaster;sohelearnedtocontrolit,andintimethis gave him great power over himself, and fitted him to be a king overothers.""Thankyou,mother;I'llremembermypartofthemoral.NowgiveJackhis,"saidFrank,who liked thedragonepisode,ashehadbeenwrestlingwithhisownoflate,andfoundithardtomanage."He had a fine example before him in a friend, and he followed it morereasonablytillhegrewabletousewiselyoneofthebestandnoblestgiftsofGod—benevolence.""Nowtellaboutthegirl.Wastheremoretothatpartofthestory?"askedJack,wellpleasedwithhismoral,asittookEdinlikewise."Thatisthebestofall,butitseemsasifInevershouldgettoit.AfterPatiencemadeLucysweetandcheerful,shebegantohaveacuriouspoweroverthoseabouther,andtoworklittlemiraclesherself,thoughshedidnotknowit.Thequeenlearnedtolovehersodearlyshecouldnotlethergo;shecheeredupallherfriendswhentheycamewiththeirsmalltroubles;theprincesfoundbrighteyes,willinghands,andakindheartalwaysattheirservice,andfelt,withoutquiteknowingwhy,thatitwasgoodforthemtohaveagentlelittlecreaturetocarefor;sotheysoftenedtheirroughmanners,loudvoices,andcarelessways,forhersake,andwhenitwasproposedtotakeherawaytoherownhomethey

couldnotgiveherup,butsaidshemuststaylonger,didn'tthey?""I'd like to see themsaying anything else," saidFrank,while Jack sat up todemandfiercely,—"WhotalksabouttakingJillaway?""Lucy'smother thought sheought togo, and said so,but thequeen toldherhowmuchgooditdidthemalltohaveherthere,andbeggedthedearwomanto let her little cottage and come and be housekeeper in the palace, for thequeenwasgettinglazy,andlikedtositandread,andtalkandsewwithLucy,betterthantolookafterthings.""Andshesaidshewould?"criedJill,claspingherhandsinheranxiety,forshehadlearnedtolovehercagenow."Yes."Mrs.Minothadnotimetosaymore,foroneoftheredslippersflewupin the air, and Jack had to clap both hands over hismouth to suppress the"hurrah!"thatnearlyescaped.Franksaid,"That'sgood!"andnoddedwithhismostcordialsmileatJillwhopulledherselfupwithcheeksnowasrosyastheredcarnation,andalittlecatchinherbreathasshesaidtoherself,—"It'stoolovelytobetrue.""That'safirst-rateendtoaverygoodstory,"beganJack,withgravedecision,asheputonhisslipperandsatuptopatJill'shand,wishingitwasnotquitesolikealittleclaw."That's not the end;" and Mamma's eyes laughed more than ever as threeastonishedfacesturnedtoher,andthreevoicescriedout,—"Stillmore?""Theverybestofall.Youmustknow that,whileLucywasbusy forothers,shewasnotforgotten,andwhenshewasexpectingtolieonherbedthroughthesummer,planswerebeingmadeforallsortsofpleasantchanges.Firstofall,shewastohaveanicelittlebracetosupportthebackwhichwasgrowingbettereveryday;then,asthewarmweathercameon,shewastogoout,orlieonthepiazza;andbyandby,whenschoolwasdone,shewastogowiththequeenandtheprincesforamonthortwodowntothesea-side,wherefreshairand saltwaterwere tobuildherup in themostdelightfulway.There,now!isn'tthatthebestendingofall?"andMammapausedtoreadheranswerinthebrightfacesoftwoofthelisteners,forJillhidhersinthepillow,andlayquitestill,asifitwastoomuchforher."Thatwillbe regularly splendid! I'll rowyouall about—boating is somucheasierthanriding,andI likeitonsaltwater,"saidFrank,goingtositonthearmofthesofa,quiteexcitedbythecharmsofthenewplan."AndI'llteachyoutoswim,androllyouoverthebeach,andgetsea-weedand

shells,andnoendofnicethings,andwe'llallcomehomeasstrongaslions,"addedJack,scramblingupasifabouttosetoffatonce."Thedoctorsaysyouhavebeendoingfinelyoflate,andthebracewillcometo-morrow,andthefirstreallymilddayyouaretohaveabreathoffreshair.Won't that be good?" askedMrs.Minot, hoping her story had not been toointeresting."Isshecrying?"saidJack,muchconcernedashepattedthepillowinhismostsoothingway,whileFrankliftedonecurlafteranothertoseewhatwashiddenunderneath.Nottears,fortwoeyessparkledbehindthefingers,thenthehandscamedownlikecloudsfrombeforethesun,andJill'sfaceshoneoutsobrightandhappyitdidone'sheartgoodtoseeit."I'mnotcrying,"shesaidwithalaughwhichwasfullerofblithemusicthananysongshesung."Butitwassosplendid,itsortoftookmybreathawayforaminute.IthoughtIwasn'tanybetter,andnevershouldbe,andImadeupmymindIwouldn'task,itwouldbesohardforanyonetotellmeso.NowIseewhythedoctormademestandup,andtoldmetogetmybasketsreadytogoa-Maying.Ithoughthewasinfun;didhereallymeanIcouldgo?"askedJill,expectingtoomuch,forawordofencouragementmadeherashopefulasshehadbeendespondentbefore."No, dear, not so soon as that. It will bemonths, probably, before you canwalkandrun,asyouusedto;buttheywillsoonpass.Youneedn'tmindaboutMay-day;itisalwaystoocoldforflowers,andyouwillfindmorehereamongyourownplants,thanonthehills,tofillyourbaskets,"answeredMrs.Minot,hasteningtosuggestsomethingpleasanttobeguilethetimeofprobation."Icanwait.Monthsarenotyears,andifI'mtrulygettingwell,everythingwillseembeautifulandeasytome,"saidJill,layingherselfdownagain,withthepatientlookshehadlearnedtowear,andgatheringupthescatteredcarnationstoenjoytheirspicybreath,asifthefairieshiddentherehadtaughthersomeoftheirsweetsecrets."Dear littlegirl, ithasbeena long,hard trial foryou,but it iscoming toanend,andIthinkyouwillfindthatithasnotbeentimewasted,Idon'twantyoutobeasaintquiteyet,butIamsureagentlerJillwillriseupfromthatsofathantheonewholaydownthereinDecember.""HowcouldIhelpgrowingbetter,whenyouweresogoodtome?"criedJill,puttingupbotharms,asMrs.MinotwenttotakeFrank'splace,andheretiredtothefire,theretostandsurveyingthescenewithcalmapproval."Youhavedonequiteasmuch forus; soweareeven. Iproved that toyourmother,andsheisgoingtoletthelittlehouseandtakecareofthebigonefor

me,whileIborrowyoutokeepmehappyandmaketheboysgentleandkind.Thatisthebargain,andwegetthebestofit,"saidMrs.Minot,lookingwellpleased, while Jack added, "That's so!" and Frank observed with an air ofconviction,"Wecouldn'tgetonwithoutJill,possibly.""CanIdoallthat?Ididn'tknowIwasofanyuse.Ionlytriedtobegoodandgrateful, for there didn't seem to be anything else I could do," said Jill,wonderingwhytheywereallsofondofher."Norealtryingiseverinvain.Itislikethespringrain,andflowersaresuretofollowingoodtime.ThethreegiftsPatiencegaveSaintLucywerecourage,cheerfulness,andlove,andwiththeseonecanworkthesweetestmiraclesinthe world, as you see," andMrs.Minot pointed to the pretty room and itshappyinmates."Am I really the least bit like that goodLucinda? I tried to be, but I didn'tthinkIwas,"askedJillsoftly."Youareverylikeherinallwaysbutone.Shedidnotgetwell,andyouwill."Ashortanswer,butitsatisfiedJilltoherheart'score,andthatnight,whenshelay inbed,she thought toherself:"Howcurious it is that I'vebeenasortofmissionarywithoutknowingit!Theyallloveandthankme,andwon'tletmego,soIsupposeImusthavedonesomething,butIdon'tknowwhat,excepttryingtobegoodandpleasant."Thatwas thesecret,andJill founditout justwhenitwasmostgratefulasarewardforpastefforts,mosthelpfulasanencouragementtowardtheconstantwell-doing which canmake even a little girl a joy and comfort to all whoknowandloveher.

ChapterXVI.UpatMerry's

"Nowflyround,child,andgetyoursweepingdoneupsmartandearly.""Yes,mother.""Ishallwantyoutohelpmeaboutthebaking,byandby.""Yes,mother.""Roxyiscleaningthecellar-closets,soyou'llhavetogetthevegetablesreadyfordinner.Fatherwantsaboileddish,andIshallbesobusyIcan'tseetoit.""Yes,mother."Acheerfulvoicegavethethreeanswers,butitcostMerryanefforttokeepitso,forshehadcertainlittleplansofherownwhichmadetheworkbeforeherunusuallydistasteful.Saturdayalwayswasatryingday,for,thoughsheliked

toseerooms inorder,shehated tosweep,asnospeckescapedMrs.Grant'seye,andonlythegoodold-fashionedbroom,wieldedbyapairofstrongarms,was allowed. Baking was another trial: she loved good bread and delicatepastry,butdidnotenjoyburningherfaceoverahotstove,daubingherhandswithdough,orspendinghoursrollingoutcookiesfortheboys;whilea"boileddinner" was her especial horror, as it was not elegant, and the washing ofvegetableswasajobshealwaysshirkedwhenshecould.However,havingmadeuphermindtodoherworkwithoutcomplaint,sheranupstairstoputonherdust-cap,tryingtolookasifsweepingwasthejoyofherlife."It issuchalovelyday,Ididwanttorakemygarden,andhaveawalkwithMolly,andfinishmybooksoIcangetanother,"shesaidwithasigh,assheleanedoutoftheopenwindowforabreathoftheunusuallymildair.Downintheten-acrelottheboyswerecartingandspreadingloam;outinthebarnherfatherwasgettinghisplowsready;overthehillrosethesmokeofthedistant factory, and the river that turned thewheelswas gliding through themeadows,where soon theblackbirdswouldbe singing.OldBesspawed theground, eager to be off; the gray hens were scratching busily all about theyard; even the green things in the garden were pushing through the brownearth,softenedbyAprilrains,andtherewasashimmerofsunshineoverthewidelandscapethatmadeeveryfamiliarobjectbeautifulwithhintsofspring,andtheactivityitbrings.SomethingmadetheoldnurseryhymncomeintoMerry'shead,andhummingtoherself,"InworksoflabororofskillIwouldbebusytoo,"she tiedonhercap, shoulderedherbroom,and fell toworksoenergeticallythatshesoonsweptherwaythroughthechambers,downthefrontstairstotheparlordoor,leavingfreshnessandorderbehindherasshewent.Shealwaysgroanedwhensheenteredthatapartment,andgotoutofitagainassoonaspossible,foritwas,likemostcountryparlors,aprimandchillyplace,withlittlebeautyandnocomfort.Blackhorse-hairfurniture,veryslipperyandhard,stoodagainstthewall;thetablehaditsgiftbooks,albums,worstedmatand ugly lamp; themantel-piece its china vases, pink shells, and clock thatneverwent;thegaycarpetwaskeptdistressinglybrightbyclosedshutterssixdaysoutoftheseven,andageneralairofgo-to-meetingsolemnitypervadedtheroom.Merrylongedtomakeitprettyandpleasant,buthermotherwouldallowofnochangethere,sothegirlgaveupherdreamsofrugsandhangings,finepicturesand tastefulornaments, anddutifullyaired,dusted,andshutupthisawfulapartmentonceaweek,privately resolving that, if sheeverhada

parlorofherown,itshouldnotbeasdismalasatomb.Thedining-roomwasaverydifferentplace,forhereMerryhadbeenallowedtodoas she liked,yet sogradualhadbeen thechange, that shewouldhavefounditdifficulttotellhowitcameabout.Itseemedtobeginwiththeflowers,forher fatherkepthisword about the "posypots," andgot enough tomakequitealittleconservatoryinthebay-window,whichwassufficientlylargeforthreerowsallround,andhanging-basketsoverhead.Beingdiscouragedbyherfirst failure, Merry gave up trying to have things nice everywhere, andcontentedherselfwithmaking thatonenooksopretty that theboyscalled ither "bower."EvenbusyMrs.Grantowned thatplantswerenot somessyassheexpected,andthefarmerwasnevertiredofwatching"littledaughter"asshesatatworkthere,withherlowchairandtablefullofbooks.Thelamphelped,also,forMerrysetupherown,andkeptitsowelltrimmedthatitburnedclearandbright,shiningonthegreenarchofivyoverhead,andon thenasturtiumvines framing theoldglass,andpeepingat theirgay littlefaces,andat theprettyyounggirl, sopleasantly that firsther fathercame toreadhis paper by it, thenhermother slipped in to rest on the lounge in thecorner,andfinallytheboyshoveredaboutthedoorasifthe"settin'-room"hadgrownmoreattractivethanthekitchen.Buttheopenfiredidmorethananythingelsetowinandholdthemall,asitseldomfailstodowhentheblackdemonofanairtightstoveisbanishedfromthehearth.Aftertheroomwascleanedtillitshone,Merrybeggedtohavethebrassandironsputin,andofferedtokeepthemasbrightasgoldifhermotherwouldconsent.So thegreat logswerekindled,and theflameswentdancingupthechimneyasifgladtobesetfreefromtheirprison.Itchangedthewholeroom like magic, and no one could resist the desire to enjoy its cheerycomfort. 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 orchattedinthepleasantwarmth.Theboys' slipperswerealways readyon thehearth;andwhen thebigbootswereonceoff,theynaturallysettleddownaboutthetable,wherethetalllamp,withitsprettyshadeofpressedautumnleaves,burnedbrightly,andthebooksandpaperslayreadytotheirhandsinsteadofbeingtuckedoutofsightinthecloset.Theywerebeginningtoseethat"Merry'snotions"hadsomesenseinthem,sincetheyweremadecomfortable,andgood-naturedlytooksomepainsto please her in various ways. Tom brushed his hair andwashed his handsnicelybeforehecametotable.Dicktriedtolowerhisboisterouslaughter,andHarryneversmokedinthesitting-room.EvenRoxyexpressedherpleasureinseeing"thingskindofsprucedup,"andMerry'sgentletreatmentofthehard-workingdrudgewonherheartentirely.Thegirlwasthinkingofthesechangesasshewateredherflowers,dustedthe

furniture, and laid the fire ready for kindling; and, when all was done, shestoodaminute toenjoy thepleasant room, fullofspringsunshine, freshair,andexquisiteorder.Itseemedtogiveherheartformoredistastefullabors,andshefelltoworkatthepiesascheerfullyasifshelikedit.Mrs.Grantwasflyingaboutthekitchen,gettingtheloavesofbrownandwhitebread ready for the big oven.Roxy's voice cameup from the cellar singing"Bounding Billows," with a swashing and scrubbing accompaniment whichsuggestedthatshewasactuallyenjoyinga"lifeontheoceanwave."Merry,inherneatcapandapron,stoodsmilingoverherworkasshedeftlyrolledandclipped,filledandcovered,findingacertainsortofpleasureindoingitwell,and adding interest to it by crimping the crust, making pretty devices withstripsofpasteandstar-shapedprickingsofthefork."Good-willgivethskill,"saystheproverb,andevenparticularMrs.Grantwassatisfiedwhenshepausedtoexaminethepastrywithherexperiencedeye."Youareahandychildandacredit toyourbringingup, though Ido say it.Those are as pretty pies as I'dwish to eat, if theybakewell, and there's noreasonwhytheyshouldn't.""May Imake some tarts or rabbits of these bits?The boys like them, and Ienjoymodelling this sort of thing," saidMerry,whowas trying tomould abird,asshehadseenRalphdowithclaytoamuseJillwhilethebustwasgoingon."No,dear; there'sno timeforknick-knacks to-day.Thebeetsought tobeonthisminute.Runandget'em,andbesureyouscrapethecarrotswell."PoorMerry put away the delicate task she was just beginning to like, andtaking a panwent down cellar, wishing vegetables could be grownwithoutearth,forshehatedtoputherhandsindirtywater.AwordofpraisetoRoxymade that grateful scrubber leave herwork to poke about in the root-cellar,choosing "sech as was pretty much of a muchness, else they wouldn't bileeven;" soMerrywas spared that part of the job, andwent up to scrape andwashwithoutcomplaint,sinceitwasforfather.Shewasrepaidatnoonbytherelishwithwhichheenjoyedhisdinner,forMerrytriedtomakeevenaboileddishprettybyarrangingthebeets,carrots,turnips,andpotatoesincontrastingcolors,withthebeefhiddenunderthecabbageleaves."Now,I'llrestandreadforanhour,thenI'llrakemygarden,orrundowntowntoseeMollyandgetsomeseeds,"shethoughttoherself,assheputawaythespoonsandglasses,whichshelikedtowash,thattheymightalwaysbeclearandbright."If you'vedone all your ownmending, there's a heapof socks to be lookedover. Then I'll show you about darning the tablecloths. I do hate to have astitchofwork leftover tillMonday,"saidMrs.Grant,whonever tooknaps,

andpridedherselfonsittingdowntoherneedleat3P.M.everyday."Yes,mother;"andMerrywentslowlyupstairs,feelingthatapartofSaturdayoughttobeaholidayafterbooksandworkalltheweek.Asshebraidedupherhair,hereyefelluponthereflectionofherownfaceintheglass.Notahappynor a pretty one just then, and Merry was so unaccustomed to seeing anyother, that involuntarily the frown smoothed itself out, the eyes lost theirwearylook,thedroopinglipscurvedintoasmile,and,leaningherelbowsonthebureau,sheshookherheadatherself,saying,halfaloud,assheglancedatIvanhoelyingnear,—"You needn't look so cross and ugly just because you can't have what youwant. Sweeping, baking, and darning are not so bad as being plaguedwithloversandcarriedoffandburntatthestake,soIwon'tenvypoorRebeccaherjewelsandcurlsandromantictimes,butmakethebestofmyown."Thenshelaughed,andthebrightfacecamebackintothemirror,lookinglikeanoldfriend,andMerrywentondressingwithcare,forshetookpleasureinherownlittlecharms,andfeltasenseofcomfort inknowing thatshecouldalwayshaveonepretty thing to lookat if shekeptherown face sereneandsweet.Itcertainlylookedsoasitbentoverthepileofbigsockshalfanhourlater, and brightenedwith each thatwas laid aside.Hermother saw it, and,guessing why such wistful glances went from clock to window, kindlyshortened the taskof table-clothdarningbydoingagoodbitherself, beforeputtingitintoMerry'shands.Shewasagoodandlovingmotherinspiteofherstrictways,andknewthatitwasbetterforherromanticdaughtertobelearningallthehousewiferylessonsshecouldteachher,thantobereadingnovels,writingverses,orphilanderingaboutwithherhead fullofgirlish fancies,quite innocent in themselves,butnotthestufftoliveon.Soshewiselytaughtthehandsthatpreferredtopickflowers,trimuproomsandmouldbirds,toworkwellwithneedle,broom,androlling-pin; put a receipt-bookbefore the eyes that loved to laughandweepover tender tales, and kept the young head and heart safe and happy withwholesomeduties,usefulstudies,andsuchharmlesspleasuresasgirlsshouldlove, instead of letting them waste their freshness in vague longings, idledreams,andfrivolouspastimes.Butitwasoftenhardtothwartthedocilechild,andlatelyshehadseemedtobegrowingupsofast thathermotherbegantofeelanewsortoftendernessforthissweetdaughter,whowasalmostreadytotakeuponherselfthecares,aswellas triumphsanddelights,ofmaidenhood.Something in thedroopofthebrownhead,andthequickmotionofthebusyhandwithalittleburnonit,made itdifficult forMrs.Grant tokeepMerryatwork thatday,andhereyewatchedtheclockalmostas impatientlyas thegirl's, forshelikedtosee theyoungfacebrightenwhenthehourofreleasecame.

"Whatnext?"askedMerry,asthelaststitchwasset,andshestifledasighonhearing the clock strike four, for the sun was getting low, and the lovelyafternoongoingfast."Onemorejob,ifyouarenottootiredforit.IwantthereceiptfordietdrinkMiss Dawes promised me; would you like to run down and get it for me,dear?""Yes,mother!"and thatanswerwasasblitheasa robin'schirp, for thatwasjustwhereMerrywantedtogo.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 satsingingwithin,andeverythingseemedfullofbeauty.She had a capital time with Molly, called on Jill, did her shopping in thevillage, and had just turned to walk up the hill, when Ralph Evans cametrampingalongbehindher,lookingsopleasedandproudaboutsomethingthatshecouldnothelpaskingwhatitwas,fortheyweregreatfriends,andMerrythoughtthattobeanartistwasthemostgloriouscareeramancouldchoose."I know you've got some good news," she said, looking up at him as hetouched his hat and fell into step with her, seeming more contented thanbefore."Ihave,andwasjustcominguptotellyou,forIwassureyouwouldbeglad.It isonlyahope,achance,but it issosplendidIfeelas ifImustshoutanddance,orflyoverafenceortwo,toletoffsteam.""Do tellme, quick; have yougot an order?" askedMerry, full of interest atonce,forartisticvicissitudeswereveryromantic,andshelikedtohearaboutthem."Imaygoabroadintheautumn.""Oh,howlovely!""Isn't it?DavidGermanisgoingtospendayear inRome,tofinishastatue,andwantsmetogoalong.Grandmaiswilling,ascousinMariawantsherforalongvisit,soeverythinglookspromisingandIreallythinkImaygo.""Won'titcostagreatdeal?"askedMerry,who,inspiteofherlittleelegancies,hadagooddealofherthriftymother'scommonsense."Yes;andI'vegottoearnit.ButIcan—IknowIcan,forI'vesavedsome,andIshallworkliketenbeaversallsummer.Iwon'tborrowifIcanhelpit,butIknow someonewhowould lendme five hundred if Iwanted it;" andRalphlookedaseagerandsecureasiftheearningoftwicethatsumwasameretriflewhenallthelongingofhislifewasputintohisdailytasks."IwishIhadittogiveyou.Itmustbesosplendidtofeelthatyoucandogreat

things if you only have the chance. And to travel, and see all the lovelypicturesandstatues,andpeopleandplacesinItaly.Howhappyyoumustbe!"andMerry's eyes had thewistful look they alwaysworewhen she dreameddreamsoftheworldshelovedtolivein."Iam—sohappythatI'mafraiditneverwillhappen.IfIdogo,I'llwriteandtellyouall about the fine sights, andhowIgeton.Wouldyou likeme to?"asked Ralph, beginning enthusiastically and ending rather bashfully, for headmiredMerryverymuch,andwasnotquitesurehowthisproposalwouldbereceived."IndeedIshould!I'dfeelsogrand tohave letters fromParisandRome,andyou'dhavesomuchtotell itwouldbealmostasgoodasgoingmyself,"shesaid,lookingoffintothedaffodilsky,astheypausedaminuteonthehill-toptogetbreath,forbothhadwalkedasfastastheytalked."Andwillyouanswer the letters?"askedRalph,watching the innocent face,whichlookedunusuallykindandbeautifultohiminthatsoftlight."Why,yes;I'dloveto,onlyIshallnothaveanythinginterestingtosay.Whatcan I write about?" and Merry smiled as she thought how dull her letterswouldsoundaftertheexcitingdetailshiswoulddoubtlessgive."Writeaboutyourself,andalltherestofthepeopleIknow.Grandmawillbegone, and I shallwant tohearhowyouget on."Ralph lookedvery anxiousindeedtohear,andMerrypromisedshewouldtellallabouttheotherpeople,adding, as she turned from the evening peace and loveliness to the house,whencecametheclatterofmilk-pansandthesmellofcooking,—"I never should have anything very nice to tell aboutmyself, for I don't dointerestingthingsasyoudo,andyouwouldn'tcaretohearaboutschool,andsewing,andmessingroundathome."Merrygaveadisdainfullittlesniffatthesavoryperfumeofhamwhichsalutedthem,andpausedwithherhandonthegate,asifshefounditpleasanteroutthere than in thehouse.Ralph seemed to agreewithher, for, leaningon thegate,helingeredtosay,withrealsympathyinhistoneandsomethingelseinhisface,"Yes,Ishould;soyouwriteandtellmeallaboutit.Ididn'tknowyouhadanyworries,foryoualwaysseemedlikeoneofthehappiestpeopleintheworld,withsomanytopetandcareforyou,andplentyofmoney,andnothingveryhardorhatefultodo.You'dthinkyouwerewelloffifyouknewasmuchaboutpovertyandworkandnevergettingwhatyouwant,asIdo.""Youbearyourworriessowellthatnobodyknowsyouhavethem.Ioughtnottocomplain,andIwon't,forIdohaveallIneed.I'msogladyouaregoingtogetwhat youwant at last;" andMerryheldout her hand to saygood-night,withsomuchpleasureinherfacethatRalphcouldnotmakeuphismindtogojustyet.

"IshallhavetoscratchroundinalivelywaybeforeIdogetit,forDavidsaysafellowcan'tliveonlessthanfourorfivehundredayear,evenlivingaspoorartistshaveto,ingarretsandoncrusts.Idon'tmindaslongasGrandmaisallright. She is away to-night, or I should not be here," he added, as if someexcusewasnecessary.Merryneedednohint,forhertenderheartwastouchedbythevisionofherfriendinagarret,andshesuddenlyrejoicedthattherewashamandeggsforsupper,sothathemightbewellfedonce,atleast,beforehewentawaytofeedonartisticcrusts."Beinghere, come in and spend the evening.Theboyswill like to hear thenews,andsowillfather.Do,now."Itwasimpossibletorefusetheinvitationhehadbeenlongingfor,andintheywenttothegreatdelightofRoxy,whoinstantlyretiredtothepantry,smilingsignificantly,andbroughtoutthemostelaboratepieinhonoroftheoccasion.Merry touchedup the table,andputa littlevaseof flowers in themiddle toredeem thevulgarityofdoughnuts.Ofcourse theboysupset it, but as therewas company nothing was said, and Ralph devoured his supper with theappetiteofahungryboy,whilewatchingMerryeatbreadandcreamoutofanold-fashioned silver porringer, and thinking it the sweetest sight he everbeheld.Thentheyoungpeoplegatheredaboutthetable,fullofthenewplans,andtheelders listened as they rested after theweek'swork.A pleasant evening, fortheyalllikedRalph,butastheparentswatchedMerrysittingamongthegreatlads like a little queen among her subjects, half unconscious as yet of thepowerinherhands,theynoddedtooneanother,andthenshooktheirheadsasiftheysaid,—"I'mafraidthetimeiscoming,mother.""Nodangeraslongasshedon'tknowit,father."At nine the boyswent off to the barn, the farmer towind up the eight-dayclock,andthehousewifetoseehowthebakedbeansandIndianpuddingforto-morrowweregettingonintheoven.Ralphtookuphishattogo,sayingashelookedattheshadeonthetallstudentlamp,—"What agood light that gives! I can see it as I gohomeeverynight, and itburnsupherelikeabeacon.Ialwayslookforit,andithardlyeverfailstobeburning.Sortof cheersup theway,youknow,when I'm tiredor low inmymind.""Then I'mveryglad Igot it. I liked the shape,but theboys laughedat it asthey did at my bulrushes in a ginger-jar over there. I'd been reading about'householdart,'andIthoughtI'dtryalittle,"answeredMerry,laughingatherownwhims.

"You'vegotabettersortofhouseholdart,Ithink,foryoumakepeoplehappyandplacespretty,withoutfussingoverit.Thisroomiseversomuchimprovedevery time I come, though I hardly seewhat it is except the flowers," saidRalph,lookingfromthegirltothetallcallathatbentitswhitecupaboveherasiftopouritsdewuponherhead."Isn't that lovely? I tried to draw it—the shapewas so graceful Iwanted tokeepit.ButIcouldn't.Isn'titapitysuchbeautifulthingswon'tlastforever?"andMerrylookedregretfullyatthehalf-fadedonethatgrewbesidethefreshblossom."Icankeepitforyou.Itwouldlookwellinplaster.MayI?"askedRalph."Thank you, I should like that verymuch. Take the real one as amodel—pleasedo; therearemorecoming,and thiswillbrightenupyour roomforadayortwo."Asshespoke,Merrycutthestem,and,addingtwoorthreeofthegreatgreenleaves,put thehandsomeflower inhishandwithsomuchgood-will thathefelt as if he had received a very precious gift. Then he said good-night sogratefullythatMerry'shandquitetingledwiththegraspofhis,andwentaway,often looking backward through the darkness to where the light burnedbrightly on the hill-top—the beacon kindled by an unconscious Hero for ayoungLeanderswimminggallantlyagainstwindandtidetowardthegoalofhisambition.

ChapterXVII.DownatMolly's

"Now,mydears,I'vesomethingverycurioustotellyou,solistenquietlyandthenI'llgiveyouyourdinners,"saidMolly,addressingtheninecatswhocametroopingafterherasshewentintotheshed-chamberwithabowlofmilkandaplateofscrapsinherhands.Shehadtaughtthemtobehavewellatmeals,so,thoughtheireyesglaredandtheirtailsquiveredwithimpatience,theyobeyed;andwhensheput the foodonahigh shelf and retired to thebigbasket, thefouroldcatssatdemurelydownbeforeher,whilethefivekitsscrambledafterherandtumbledintoherlap,asifhopingtohastenthedesiredfeastbytheirinnocentgambols.Granny,Tobias,Mortification,andMolasseswere theelders.Granny,agrayoldpuss,wasthemotherandgrandmotherofalltherest.Tobiaswashereldestson, 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 beingGranny's latest darling. Toddlekins, the little aunt, was the image of her

mother,andverysedateevenatthatearlyage;MissMuffet,socalledfromherdread of spiders,was a timid black andwhite kit;Beauty, a prettyMaltese,withaserenelittlefaceandpinknose;Ragbag,afunnything,everycolorthatacatcouldbe;andScamp,whowelldeservedhisname,forhewastheplagueofMissBat'slife,andMolly'sespecialpet.Hewasnowperchedonhershoulder,and,asshetalked,keptpeepingintoherfaceorbitingherearinthemostimpertinentway,whiletheotherssprawledinherlaporpromenadedroundthebasketrim."Myfriends,somethingveryremarkablehashappened:MissBat iscleaninghouse!"and,havingmadethisannouncement,Mollyleanedbacktoseehowthecatsreceivedit,forsheinsistedthattheyunderstoodallshesaidtothem.Tobiasstared,Mortificationlaydownasifitwastoomuchforhim,Molassesbeathertailonthefloorasifwhippingadustycarpet,andGrannybegantopurrapprovingly.Thegiddykitspaidnoattention,astheydidnotknowwhathouse-cleaningmeant,happylittledears!"I thoughtyou'd like it,Granny, foryouare adecent cat, andknowwhat isproper," continuedMolly, leaningdown to stroke the old puss,whoblinkedaffectionatelyather."Ican'timaginewhatputitintoMissBat'shead.Ineversaidaword,andgaveupgroaningovertheclutter,asIcouldn'tmendit.IjusttookcareofBooandmyself,andlefthertobeasuntidyasshepleased,andsheisaregularold——"Here Scamp put his paw on her lips because he saw them moving, but itseemedasifitwastocheckthedisrespectfulwordjustcomingout."Well, I won't call names; but what shall I do when I see everything inconfusion, and she won't let me clear up?" asked Molly, looking round atScamp,whopromptlyputthelittlepawonhereyelid,asiftherolloftheblueballunderneathamusedhim."Shutmyeyestoit,youmean?IdoallIcan,butitishard,whenIwishtobenice, and do try; don't I?" askedMolly. But Scampwas ready for her, andbegantocombherhairwithbothpawsashestoodonhishindlegstoworksobusilythatMollylaughedandpulledhimdown,saying,asshecuddledtheslykit."Yousharplittlething!Iknowmyhairisnotneatnow,forI'vebeenchasingBooroundthegardentowashhimforschool.ThenMissBatthrewtheparlorcarpet out of thewindow, and Iwas so surprised I had to run and tell you.Now,whathadwebetterdoaboutit?"Thecatsallwinkedather,butnoonehadanyadvicetooffer,exceptTobias,whowalked to the shelf, and, looking up, uttered a deep, suggestive yowl,whichsaidasplainlyaswords,"Dinnerfirstanddiscussionafterward."

"Verywell,don'tscramble,"saidMolly,gettinguptofeedherpets.First thekits, who rushed at the bowl and thrust their heads in, lapping as if for awager; then the cats,who eachwent to one of the four piles of scraps laidround at intervals and placidly ate their meat; while Molly retired to thebasket,toponderoverthephenomenatakingplaceinthehouse.Shecouldnotimaginewhathadstartedtheoldlady.Itwasnottheexampleofher neighbors, who had beaten carpets and scrubbed paint every spring foryearswithoutexcitinghertoanygreaterexertionthancleaningafewwindowsandhavingamantoclearawaytherubbishdisplayedwhenthesnowmelted.Mollyneverguessedthatherowneffortswereatthebottomofthechange,orknewthatafewwordsnotmeantforherearhadshamedMissBatintoaction.Cominghome fromprayer-meetingonedarknight, she trotted alongbehindtwooldladieswhoweregossipinginloudvoices,asonewasratherdeaf,andMissBatwasbothpleasedandtroubledtohearherselfundulypraised."IalwayssaidSisterDawesmeantwell;butshe'sgetting intoyears,and thecare of two children is a good deal for her, with her cooking and herrheumatiz. Idon'tdenyshedidneglect 'emforaspell,butshedoeswellby'emnow,andIwouldn'twishtoseebetter-appearingchildren.""You've no idee how improvedMolly is. She came in to seemy girls, andbroughthersewing-work,shirtsfortheboy,anddoneitasneatandcapableasyou'dwishtosee.Shealwayswasasmartchild,butdreadfulcareless,"saidtheotheroldlady,evidentlymuchimpressedbythechangeinharum-scarumMollyLoo."Being over toMisMinot's somuch has been good for her, and up toMisGrant's.Girlscatchneatwaysasquickastheydountidyones,andthemwildlittletykesoftenturnoutsmartwomen.""SisterDaweshasdonewellbythemchildren,andIhopeMr.Bemisseesit.Heoughttogivehersomethingcomfortabletoliveonwhenshecan'tdoforhimanylonger.Hecanwellaffordit.""Ihaven'tadoubthewill.He'salavishmanwhenhestartstodoathing,butdreadfulunobserving,elsehe'dhaveseentomatterslongago.Themchildrenwastown-talklastfall,andIusedtofeelasifitwasmyboundendutytospeaktoMissDawes.ButIneverdid,fearingImightspeaktooplain,andhurtherfeelings.""You've spoken plain enough now, and I'm beholden to you, though you'llnever know it," saidMiss Bat to herself, as she slipped into her own gate,whilethegossipstrudgedonquiteunconsciousofthelistenerbehindthem.MissBatwas aworthy old soul in themain, only, like somany of us, sheneeded rousing up to her duty. She had got the rousing now, and it did hergood,forshecouldnotbeartobepraisedwhenshehadnotdeservedit.She

had watched Molly's efforts with lazy interest, and when the girl gave upmeddlingwithheraffairs,asshecalledthehousekeeping,MissBatceasedtoopposeher,andletherscrubBoo,mendclothes,andbrushherhairasmuchassheliked.SoMollyhadworkedalongwithoutanyhelpfromher,runningintoMrs.Pecqforadvice,toMerryforcomfort,orMrs.Minotforthehigherkindofhelponeoftenneedssomuch.NowMissBatfoundthatshewasgettingthecreditandthepraisebelongingtootherpeople,anditstirredheruptotryanddeserveapartatleast."Mollydon'twantanyhelpaboutherworkortheboy:it'stoolateforthat;butifthishousedon'tgetaspringcleaningthatwillmakeitshine,mynameain'tBathshebaDawes," said theold lady,as sheputawayherbonnet thatnight,and laid energetic plans for a grand revolution, inspired thereto not only byshame, but by the hint that "Mr.Bemiswas a lavishman," as nooneknewbetterthanshe.Molly's amazement next day at seeing carpets fly out of window, ancientcobwebs come down, and long-undisturbed closets routed out to the greatdismayofmothsandmice,hasbeenalreadyconfidedtothecats,andasshesattherewatchingthemlapandgnaw,shesaidtoherself,—"Idon'tunderstand it,but as shenever saysmuch tomeaboutmyaffairs, Iwon'ttakeanynoticetillshegetsthrough,thenI'lladmireeverythingallIcan.Itissopleasanttobepraisedafteryou'vebeentryinghard."Shemightwellsaythat,forshegotverylittleherself,andhertrialshadbeenmany, her efforts not always successful, andher reward seemed a longwayoff. Poor Boo could have sympathized with her, for he had suffered muchpersecution from his small schoolmates when he appeared with large graypatches on the little brown trousers, where he had worn them out coastingdownthosetoofascinatingsteps.Ashecouldnotseethepatcheshimself,hefancied them invisible, and came home much afflicted by the jeers of hisfriends.ThenMollytriedtomakehimanewpairoutofasackofherown;butshecutbothsidesforthesameleg,soonewaswrongsideout.Fondlyhopingnoonewouldobserveit,shesewedbrightbuttonswherevertheycouldbeput,andsentconfidingBooawayinapairofbluetrousers,whichwereabsurdlyhunchybehindandbuttonybefore.Hecamehomeheart-brokenandmuddy,havingbeenaccidentallytippedintoamud-puddlebytwobadboyswhofeltthat such tailoringwasan insult tomankind.That rousedMolly's spirit, andshebeggedherfathertotaketheboyandhavehimproperlyfittedout,ashewasoldenoughnowtobewell-dressed,andshewouldn'thavehimtormented.His attentionbeingcalled to the trousers,Mr.Bemishadagood laughoverthem, and then got Boo a suit which caused him to be the admired of allobservers,andtofeelasproudasalittlepeacock.Cheered by this success,Molly undertook a set of small shirts, and stitched

awaybravely,thoughherownsummerclotheswereinasadstate,andforthefirsttimeinherlifeshecaredaboutwhatsheshouldwear."ImustaskMerry,andmaybefatherwillletmegowithherandhermotherwhentheydotheirshopping,insteadofleavingittoMissBat,whodressesmelike an old woman. Merry knows what is pretty and becoming: I don't,"thoughtMolly,meditating in the bushel basket,with her eyes on her snuff-coloredgownandthedarkpurplebowattheendofthelongbraidMuffethadbeenplayingwith.Mollywasbeginningtoseethatevensosmallamatterasthechoiceofcolorsmadeadifferenceinone'sappearance,andtowonderwhyMerryalwaystooksuchpainstohaveabluetieforthegraydress,arosyoneforthebrown,andglovesthatmatchedherbonnetribbons.Merryneverworealocketoutsidehersack,agaybowinherhairandsoiledcuffs,asmarthatandthebraidwornoffher skirts. She was exquisitely neat and simple, yet always looked well-dressedandpretty;forherloveofbeautytaughtherwhatallgirlsshouldlearnassoonastheybegintocareforappearances—thatneatnessandsimplicityaretheirbestornaments,thatgoodhabitsarebetterthanfineclothes,andthemostelegantmannersarethekindest.AllthesethoughtsweredancingthroughMolly'shead,andwhenshelefthercats,afterageneralrompinwhichevendecorousGrannyallowedherfamilytoplayleap-frogoverherrespectableback,shehadmadeuphermindnottohaveyellow ribbonsonher summerhat if shegot apinkmuslin as shehadplanned,buttofinishoffBoo'slastshirtbeforeshewentshoppingwithMerry.It rained that evening, andMr. Bemis had a headache, so he threw himselfdownupon the lounge after tea for a nap,with his silk handkerchief spreadoverhisface.Hedidgetanap,andwhenhewakedhelayforatimedrowsilylistening to the patter of the rain, and another soundwhichwas evenmoresoothing.Puttingbacka cornerof thehandkerchief to learnwhat itwas, hesawMollysittingbythefirewithBooinherlap,rockingandhummingasshewarmedhislittlebarefeet,havinglearnedtoguardagainstcroupbyattendingtothedampshoesandsocksbeforegoingtobed.Boolaywithhisroundfaceturned up to hers, stroking her cheek while the sleepy blue eyes blinkedlovinglyatherasshesangherlullabywithamotherlypatiencesweettosee.Theymade a pretty little picture, andMr.Bemis looked at itwith pleasure,havingaleisuremomentinwhichtodiscover,asallparentsdosoonerorlater,thathischildrenweregrowingup."Molly is getting to be quite a woman, and very like her mother," thoughtpapa,wipingtheeyethatpeeped,forhehadbeenfondoftheprettywifewhodiedwhenBoowasborn."Sadlosstothem,poorthings!ButMissBatseemstohavedonewellbythem.Mollyismuchimproved,andtheboylooksfinely.She'sagoodsoul,afterall;"andMr.Bemisbegantothinkhehadbeenhasty

whenhehalfmadeuphismind togetanewhousekeeper, feeling thatburntsteak,weakcoffee,andraggedwristbandsweresuresignsthatMissBat'sdaysofusefulnesswereover.Mollywassinging the lullabyhermotherused tosing toher,andher fatherlistenedtoitsilentlytillBoowascarriedawaytoosleepyforanythingbutbed.Whenshecamebackshesatdowntoherwork,fancyingherfatherstillasleep.Shehadacrimsonbowather throatandoneon thenewlybraidedhair,hercuffswereclean,andawhiteapronhid theshabbinessof theolddress.Shelookedlikeathriftylittlehousewifeasshesatwithherbasketbesideherfullofneatwhiterolls,herspoolssetforth,andanewpairofscissorsshiningonthetable.Therewasasortofcharminwatchingthebusyneedleflashtoandfro,theanxiouspuckeroftheforeheadasshelookedtoseeifthestitcheswereeven, and the expressionof intense reliefuponher face as she surveyed thefinishedbutton-holewithgirlishsatisfaction.Herfatherwaswideawakeandlookingather,thinking,ashedidso,—"Reallytheoldladyhasworkedwelltochangemytomboyintothatnicelittlegirl: I wonder how she did it." Then he gave a yawn, pulled off thehandkerchief,andsaidaloud,"Whatareyoumaking,Molly?"foritstruckhimthatsewingwasanewamusement."ShirtsforBoo,sir.Four,andthisisthelast,"sheanswered,withpardonablepride,asshehelditupandnoddedtowardthepileinherbasket."Isn'tthatanewnotion?IthoughtMissBatdidthesewing,"saidMr.Bemis,ashesmiledatthefunnylittlegarment,itlookedsolikeBoohimself."No,sir;onlyyours.IdomineandBoo's.Atleast,I'mlearninghow,andMrs.PecqsaysIgetonnicely,"answeredMolly,threadingherneedleandmakingaknotinhermostcapableway."Isupposeitistimeyoudidlearn,foryouaregettingtobeagreatgirl,andallwomenshouldknowhowtomakeandmend.Youmust takeastitch formenowandthen:MissBat'seyesarenotwhattheywere,Ifind;"andMr.Bemislookedathisfrayedwristband,asifheparticularlyfelttheneedofastitchjustthen."I'dloveto,andIguessIcould.Icanmendgloves;Merrytaughtme,soI'dbetterbeginonthem,ifyouhaveany,"saidMolly,muchpleasedatbeingabletodoanythingforherfather,andstillmoresoatbeingasked."There'ssomething tostartwith;"andhe threwherapair,withnearlyeveryfingerripped.Mollyshookherheadover them,butgotouthergraysilkand fell towork,gladtoshowhowwellshecouldsew."What are you smiling about?" asked her father, after a little pause, for his

headfeltbetter,anditamusedhimtoquestionMolly."Iwasthinkingaboutmysummerclothes.Imustgetthembeforelong,andI'dliketogowithMrs.Grantandlearnhowtoshop,ifyouarewilling.""IthoughtMissBatdidthatforyou.""Shealwayshas,butshegetsugly,cheapthingsthatIdon'tlike.IthinkIamoldenoughtochoosemyself, if thereissomeonetotellmeaboutpricesandthegoodnessofthestuff.Merrydoes;andsheisonlyafewmonthsolderthanIam.""How old are you, child?" asked her father, feeling as if he had lost hisreckoning."FifteeninAugust;"andMollylookedveryproudofthefact."Soyouare!Blessmyheart,howthetimegoes!Well,getwhatyouplease;ifI'm tohave a young ladyhere, I'd like tohaveher prettily dressed. Itwon'toffendMissBat,willit?"Molly'seyessparkled,butshegavealittleshrugassheanswered,"Shewon'tcare.ShenevertroublesherselfaboutmeifIletheralone."Hey?what?Not troubleherself? If shedoesn't,whodoes?"andMr.Bemissatupasifthisdiscoverywasmoresurprisingthantheother."ItakecareofmyselfandBoo,andshelooksafteryou.Thehousegoesanyway.""Ishouldthinkso!Inearlybrokemyneckovertheparlorsofainthehallto-night.Whatisittherefor?"Mollylaughed."That'sthejoke,sir,MissBatiscleaninghouse,andI'msureitneedscleaning,foritisyearssinceitwasproperlydone.Ithoughtyoumighthavetoldherto.""I'vesaidnothing.Don't likehouse-cleaningwellenough tosuggest it. IdidthinkthehallwasratherdirtywhenIdroppedmycoatandtookitupcoveredwith lint. Is shegoing toupset thewholeplace?" askedMr.Bemis, lookingalarmedattheprospect."Ihopeso,forIreallyamashamedwhenpeoplecome,tohavethemseethedust and cobwebs, and old carpets and dirty windows," saidMolly, with asigh,thoughsheneverhadcaredabittilllately."Whydon'tyoudustroundalittle,then?Notimetosparefromthebooksandplay?""Itried,father,butMissBatdidn'tlikeit,anditwastoohardformealone.Ifthingswereonceinniceorder,IthinkIcouldkeepthemso;forIdowanttobeneat,andI'mlearningasfastasIcan."

"Itishightimesomeonetookhold,ifmattersareleftasyousay.I'vejustbeenthinkingwhatacleverwomanMissBatwas,tomakesuchatidylittlegirloutofwhatIusedtohearcalledthegreatesttomboyintown,andwonderingwhatIcouldgivetheoldlady.NowIfindyouaretheonetobethanked,anditisaverypleasantsurprisetome.""Giveherthepresent,please;I'msatisfied,ifyoulikewhatI'vedone.Itisn'tmuch,andIdidn'tknowasyouwouldeverobserveanydifference.ButIdidtry, andnow Iguess I'm reallygettingon," saidMolly, sewingawaywith abright color in her cheeks, for she, too, found it a pleasant surprise to bepraisedaftermanyfailuresandfewsuccesses."Youcertainlyare,mydear.I'llwaittillthehouse-cleaningisover,andthen,ifweareallalive,I'llseeaboutMissBat'sreward.Meantime,yougowithMrs.Grantandgetwhateveryouandtheboyneed,andsendthebillstome;"andMr.Bemislightedacigar,asifthatmatterwassettled."Oh,thankyou,sir!Thatwillbesplendid.Merryalwayshasprettythings,andIknowyouwill likemewhenIget fixed,"saidMolly,smoothingdownherapron,withalittleair."Seemstomeyoulookverywellasyouare.Isn'tthataprettyenoughfrock?"asked Mr. Bemis, quite unconscious that his own unusual interest in hisdaughter'saffairsmadeherlooksobrightandwinsome."This?Why,father,I'vewornitallwinter,andit'sfrightfullyugly,andalmostinrags.Iaskedyouforanewoneamonthago,andyousaidyou'd'seeaboutit';butyoudidn't,soIpatchedthisupaswellasIcould;"andMollyshowedher elbows, feeling that such masculine blindness as this deserved a mildreproof."Toobad!Well,goandgethalfadozenprettymuslinandginghamthings,andbeasgayasabutterfly,tomakeupforit,"laughedherfather,reallytouchedby the patches and Molly's resignation to the unreliable "I'll see about it,"whichherecognizedasahouseholdword.Mollyclappedherhands,oldglovesandall,exclaiming,withgirlishdelight,"Howniceitwillseemtohaveaplentyofnew,neatdressesallatonce,andbelikeothergirls!MissBatalwaystalksabouteconomy,andhasnomoretastethan a—caterpillar." Molly meant to say "cat," but remembering her pets,sparedthemtheinsult."IthinkIcanaffordtodressmygirlaswellasGrantdoeshis.Getanewhatandcoat,child,andanylittlenotionsyoufancy.MissBat'seconomyisn'tthesort I like;" and Mr. Bemis looked at his wristbands again, as if he couldsympathizewithMolly'selbows."At this rate, I shall havemore clothes than I knowwhat to dowith, after

beingarag-bag,"thoughtthegirl,ingreatglee,asshebravelystitchedawayatthe worst glove, while her father smoked silently for a while, feeling thatseverallittlemattershadescapedhiseyewhichhereallyoughtto"seeabout."Presentlyhewent tohisdesk,butnot toburyhimself inbusinesspapers,asusual, for,after rummaginginseveraldrawers,he tookoutasmallbunchofkeys,andsatlookingatthemwithanexpressiononlyseenonhisfacewhenhe lookedupat theportraitof adark-eyedwomanhanging inhis room.Hewasaverybusyman,buthehadatenderplaceinhisheartforhischildren;andwhena look,a fewwords,amoment's reflection,calledhisattention tothefactthathislittlegirlwasgrowingup,hefoundbothprideandpleasureinthethoughtthatthisyoungdaughterwastryingtofillhermother'splace,andbeacomforttohim,ifhewouldlether."Molly, my dear, here is something for you," he said; and when she stoodbesidehim,added,asheputthekeysintoherhand,keepingbothinhisownforaminute,—"Thosearethekeystoyourmother'sthings.Ialwaysmeantyoutohavethem,whenyouwereoldenough touseorcare for them. I thinkyou'll fancy thisbetterthananyotherpresent,foryouareagoodchild,andverylikeher."Somethingseemed toget intohis throat there,andMollyputherarmroundhisneck,saying,withalittlechokeinherownvoice,"Thankyou,father,I'dratherhavethisthananythingelseintheworld,andI'lltrytobemorelikehereveryday,foryoursake."Hekissedher, then said, as he began to stir his papers about, "Imustwritesomeletters.Runofftobed,child.Good-night,mydear,good-night."Seeing thathewanted tobealone,Molly slippedaway, feeling that shehadreceivedaverypreciousgift;forsherememberedthedear,deadmother,andhadoftenlongedtopossesstherelicslaidawayintheoneroomwhereorderreignedandMissBathadnopowertomeddle.Assheslowlyundressed,shewasnotthinkingoftheprettynewgownsinwhichshewastobe"asgayasabutterfly,"butofthehalf-worngarmentswaitingforherhandstounfoldwithatendertouch;andwhenshefellasleep,withthekeysunderherpillowandherarmsroundBoo,afewhappytearsonhercheeksseemedtoshowthat,intrying to do the duty which lay nearest her, she had earned a very sweetreward.Sothelittlemissionariessucceededbetterintheirsecondattemptthanintheirfirst; for, though still very far from being perfect girls, each was slowlylearning, in her own way, one of the three lessons all are the better forknowing—thatcheerfulnesscanchangemisfortuneintoloveandfriends;thatin ordering one's self aright one helps others to do the same; and that thepower of finding beauty in the humblest thingsmakes homehappy and life

lovely.

ChapterXVIII.MayBaskets

Spring was late that year, but to Jill it seemed the loveliest she had everknown,forhopewasgrowinggreenandstronginherownlittleheart,andalltheworld lookedbeautiful.With thehelpof thebraceshecouldsitupforashort time every day, and when the air was mild enough she was warmlywrappedandallowedtolookoutat theopenwindowintothegarden,wherethe gold and purple crocuses were coming bravely up, and the snowdropsnoddedtheirdelicateheadsasifcallingtoher,—"Good day, little sister, come out and play with us, for winter is over andspringishere.""IwishIcould!"thoughtJill,asthesoftwindkissedatingeofcolorintoherpalecheeks."Nevermind,theyhavebeenshutupinadarkerplacethanIformonths, and had no fun at all; I won't fret, but think about July and theseashorewhileIwork."ThejobnowinhandwasMaybaskets,foritwasthecustomofthechildrentohangthemonthedoorsoftheirfriendsthenightbeforeMay-day;andthegirlshad agreed to supply baskets if the boyswould hunt for flowers,much thehardertaskofthetwo.Jillhadmoreleisureaswellastasteandskillthantheothergirls,sosheamusedherselfwithmakingagoodlystoreofprettybasketsof all shapes, sizes, and colors, quite confident that they would be filled,thoughnot a flowerhad shown itsheadexcept a fewhardydandelions, andhereandthereasmallclusterofsaxifrage.Thevioletswouldnotopentheirblueeyes till thesunshinewaswarmer, thecolumbines refused to dance with the boisterous east wind, the ferns keptthemselves rolledup in theirbrown flannel jackets, and littleHepatica,withmanyanotherspringbeauty,hidawayinthewoods,afraidtoventureout, inspiteoftheeagerwelcomeawaitingthem.Butthebirdshadcome,punctualasever,andthebluejayswerescreamingintheorchard,robinswereperkinguptheirheadsandtailsastheywenthouse-hunting,purplefinchesintheirlittleredhoodswerefeastingonthesprucebuds,andthefaithfulchipbirdschirpedgaylyon thegrapevine trelliswhere theyhad livedallwinter,warmingtheirlittlegraybreastsagainstthesouthernsideofthehousewhenthesunshone,andhidingundertheevergreenboughswhenthesnowfell."That tree is a sort of bird's hotel," said Jill, looking out at the tall sprucebefore herwindow, every spray now tippedwith a soft green. "They all gothere tosleepandeat,and ithas roomforeveryone. It isgreenwhenother

treesdie,thewindcan'tbreakit,andthesnowonlymakesit lookprettier.Itsingstome,andnodsasifitknewIlovedit.""Wemightcallit'TheHollyTreeInn,'assomeofthecheapeating-housesforpoorpeoplearecalledinthecity,asmyhollybushgrowsatitsfootforasign.Youcanbethelandlady,andfeedyourfeatherycustomerseveryday,tillthehardtimesareover,"saidMrs.Minot,gladtoseethechild'senjoymentoftheouterworldfromwhichshehadbeenshutsolong.Jill liked the fancy, andgladly strewedcrumbson thewindow ledge for thechippies,who came confidingly to eat almost fromher hand.She threwoutgrainforthehandsomejays,thejauntyrobins,andtheneighbors'doves,whocame with soft flight to trip about on their pink feet, arching their shiningnecksastheycooedandpecked.Carrotsandcabbage-leavesalsoflewoutofthewindowfor themaraudinggray rabbit, lastofall Jack'shalf-dozen,wholedhimawearylifeofitbecausetheywouldnotstayintheBunny-house,butundermined the garden with their burrows, ate the neighbors' plants, andrefused tobecaught tillallbutone ranaway, toJack'sgreat relief.Thisoldfellowcampedoutforthewinter,andseemedtogetonverywellamongthecatsandthehens,whosharedtheirstoreswithhim,andhemightbeseenatallhoursofthedayandnightscamperingabouttheplace,orkickinguphisheelsbymoonlight,forhewasadesperatepoacher.Jilltookgreatdelightinherprettypensioners,whosoonlearnedtolove"TheHollyTree Inn," and to feel that theBirdRoomheld a caged comrade; for,whenitwastoocoldorwettoopenthewindows,thedovescameandtappedatthepane,thechippiessatontheledgeinplumplittlebunchesasifsheweretheirsunshine,thejayscalledherintheirshrillvoicestoringthedinner-bell,andtherobinstiltedonthespruceboughswherelunchwasalwaystobehad.The first of May came on Sunday, so all the celebrating must be done onSaturday, which happily proved fair, though too chilly for muslin gowns,papergarlands,andpicnicsondampgrass.Beingaholiday,theboysdecidedtodevotethemorningtoballandtheafternoontotheflowerhunt,whilethegirlsfinishedthebaskets;andintheeveningourparticularsevenweretomeetat theMinots to fill them, ready for the closing frolic of hanging on door-handles,ringingbells,andrunningaway."NowImustdomyMaying,fortherewillbenomoresunshine,andIwanttopickmyflowersbeforeitisdark.Come,Mammy,yougotoo,"saidJill,asthelastsunbeamsshoneinatthewesternwindowwhereherhyacinthsstoodthatnofosteringraymightbelost.Itwasratherpathetictoseetheoncemerrygirlwhousedtobethelifeofthewood-partiesnowcarefullyliftingherselffromthecouch,and,leaningonhermother's strongarm, slowly take thehalf-dozensteps thatmadeupher little

expedition. But she was happy, and stood smiling out at old Bun skippingdownthewalk,thegold-edgedcloudsthatdrewapartsothatasunbeammightgive her a good-night kiss as she gathered her long-cherished daisies,primroses,andhyacinthstofilltheprettybasketinherhand."Whoisitfor,mydearie?"askedhermother,standingbehindherasaprop,whilethethinfingersdidtheirworksowillinglythatnotaflowerwasleft."ForMyLady,ofcourse.Whoelsewould Igivemyposies to,when I lovethem so well?" answered Jill, who thought no name too fine for their bestfriend."IfancieditwouldbeforMasterJack,"saidhermother,wishingtheexcursiontobeacheerfulone."I'veanotherforhim,butshemusthavetheprettiest.Heisgoingtohangitforme,andringandrunaway,andshewon'tknowwhoit'sfromtillsheseesthis.She will remember it, for I've been turning and tending it ever so long, tomakeitbloomto-day.Isn't itabeauty?"andJillheldupherfinesthyacinth,whichseemedtoringitspalepinkbellsasifgladtocarryitssweetmessagefromagratefullittleheart."Indeeditis;andyouarerighttogiveyourbesttoher.Comeawaynow,youmust not stand any longer. Come and rest while I fetch a dish to put theflowersintillyouwantthem;"andMrs.PecqturnedherroundwithhersmallMayingsafelydone."Ididn'tthinkI'deverbeabletodoevensomuch,andhereIamwalkingandsittingup,andgoingtodrivesomeday.Isn'titnicethatI'mnottobeapoorLucindaafterall?"andJilldrewalongsighofreliefthatsixmonthsinsteadoftwentyyearswouldprobablybetheendofhercaptivity."Yes, thankHeaven! I don't think I could have borne that;" and themothertookJillinherarmsasifshewereababy,holdinghercloseforaminute,andlayingherdownwithatenderkissthatmadethearmsclingaboutherneckasherlittlegirlreturneditheartily,forallsortsofnew,sweetfeelingsseemedtobebuddinginboth,bornofgreatjoyandthankfulness.ThenMrs.Pecqhurried away to see about tea for thehungryboys, and Jillwatchedthepleasant twilightdeepenasshe laysinging toherselfoneof thesongsherfriendtaughtherbecauseitfittedhersowell."AlittlebirdIam,Shutfromthefieldsofair,AndinmycageIsitandsingToHimwhoplacedmethere:Wellpleasedaprisonertobe,

Because,myGod,itpleasesThee!

"NaughthaveIelsetodo;Isingthewholedaylong;AndHewhommostIlovetopleaseDothlistentomysong,Hecaughtandboundmywanderingwing,ButstillHebendstohearmesing.""Nowwearereadyforyou,sobringonyourflowers,"saidMollytotheboys,assheandMerryaddedtheirstoreofbasketstothegayshowJillhadsetforthonthelongtablereadyfortheevening'swork."Theywouldn'tletmeseeone,butIguesstheyhavehadgoodluck,theylooksojolly,"answeredJill,lookingatGus,Frank,andJack,whostoodlaughing,eachwithalargebasketinhishands."Fair to middling. Just look in and see;" with which cheerful remark Gustippeduphisbasketanddisplayedafewbitsofgreenatthebottom."I did better.Now, don't all scream at once over these beauties;" andFrankshook out some evergreen sprigs, half a dozen saxifrages, and two or threeforlornvioletswithhardlyanystems."Idon'tbrag,buthere'sthebestofallthethree,"chuckledJack,producingabunchof featherycarrot-tops,witha fewhalf-shutdandelions trying to lookbraveandgay."Oh,boys,isthatall?""Whatshallwedo?""We'veonlyafewhouse-flowers,andallthosebasketstofill,"criedthegirls,in despair; for Merry's contribution had been small, andMolly had only ahandfulofartificialflowers"tofillup,"shesaid."Itisn'tourfault:itisthelatespring.Wecan'tmakeflowers,canwe?"askedFrank,inatoneofcalmresignation."Couldn'tyoubuysome,then?"saidMolly,smoothinghercrumpledmorning-glories,withasigh."Who ever heard of a fellow having any money left the last day of themonth?"demandedGus,severely."Orgirlseither.Ispentallmineinribbonandpaperformybaskets,andnowtheyareofnouse.It'sashame!"lamentedJill,whileMerrybegantothinoutherfullbasketstofilltheemptyones.

"Holdon!"criedFrank,relenting."Now,Jack,maketheirmindseasybeforetheybegintoweepandwail.""Lefttheboxoutside.YoutellwhileIgoforit;"andJackbolted,asifafraidtheyoungladiesmightbetoodemonstrativewhenthetalewastold."Tellaway,"saidFrank,modestlypassingthestoryalongtoGus,whomadeshortworkofit."We rampaged all over the country, andgot only that smallmessof greens.Knewyou'dbedisgusted,andsatdowntoseewhatwecoulddo.ThenJackpipedup,andsaidhe'dshowusaplacewherewecouldgetaplenty. 'Comeon,' saidwe,andafter leadingusanice tramp,hebroughtusoutatMorse'sgreenhouse.Sowegotafewontick,aswehadbutfourcentsamongus,andthereyouare.Prettycleverofthelittlechap,wasn'tit?"A chorus of delight greeted Jack as he popped his head in, was promptlyseizedbyhis elders andwalkedup to the table,where theboxwasopened,displaying gay posies enough to fill most of the baskets if distributed withgreateconomyandmuchgreen."Youarethedearestboythateverwas!"beganJill,withhernoseluxuriouslyburied in the box, though the flowersweremore remarkable for color thanperfume."No, I'm not; there's a much dearer one coming upstairs now, and he's gotsomething that will make you howl for joy," said Jack, ignoring his ownprowessasEdcameinwithabiggerbox,lookingasifhehaddonenothingbutgoaMayingallhisdays."Don't believe it!" cried Jill, hugging her own treasure jealously. "It's onlyanother joke. Iwon't look," saidMolly, still struggling tomakeher cambricrosesbloomagain."Iknowwhatitis!Oh,howsweet!"addedMerry,sniffing,asEdsettheboxbeforeher,sayingpleasantly,—"Youshallseefirst,becauseyouhadfaith."Upwent the cover, and a whiff of the freshest fragrance regaled the seveneagernosesbenttoinhaleit,asageneralmurmurofpleasuregreetedthenestofgreat,rosymayflowersthatlaybeforethem."Thedear things,how lovely theyare!"andMerry lookedas ifgreetinghercousins,sobloomingandsweetwasherownface.Mollypushedherdingygarlandsaway,ashamedofsuchpoorattemptsbesidetheseperfectworksofnature,andJillstretchedoutherhandinvoluntarily,asshesaid,forgettingherexotics,"Givemejustonetosmellof,itissowoodsyanddelicious."

"Hereyouare,plentyforall.RealPilgrimFathers,rightfromPlymouth.Oneofourfellowslivesthere,andItoldhimtobringmeagoodlot;sohedid,andyoucandowhatyou likewith them," explainedEd,passing roundbunchesandshakingtherestinamossypileuponthetable."Edalwaysgetsaheadofus indoing the right thingat the right time.Hopeyou've got some first-class baskets ready for him," saidGus, refreshing theWashingtoniannosewithapinkblossomortwo."Not much danger of his being forgotten," answeredMolly; and every onelaughed,forEdwasmuchbelovedbyallthegirls,andhisdoor-stepsalwaysbloomedlikeaflower-bedonMayeve."Nowwemustflyroundandfillup.Come,boys,sortoutthegreenandhandustheflowersaswewantthem.Thenwemustdirectthem,and,bythetimethatisdone,youcangoandleavethem,"saidJill,settingalltowork."Edmust choosehisbaskets first.These areours; but anyof thoseyou canhave;"andMollypointedtoadetachmentofgaybaskets,setapartfromthosealreadypartlyfilled.Edchoseablueone,andMerryfilleditwiththerosiestmay-flowers,knowingthatitwastohangonMabel'sdoor-handle.Theothersdidthesame,andtheprettyworkwenton,withmuchfun,tillallwerefilled,andreadyforthenamesornotes."Let us have poetry, aswe can't getwild flowers.Thatwill be rather fine,"proposedJill,wholikedjingles.Allhadhadsomepracticeatthegameparties,andpencilswentbrisklyforafew minutes, while silence reigned, as the poets racked their brains forrhymes,andstaredatthebloomingarraybeforethemforinspiration."Oh,dear!Ican'tfindawordtorhymeto 'geranium,'"sighedMolly,pullingherbraid,asiftopumpthewellofherfancydry."Cranium," said Frank, who was getting on bravely with "Annette" and"violet.""Thatiselegant!"andMollyscribbledawayingreatglee,forherpoemswerealwaysfunnyones."Howdoyouspellanemoly—thewildflower, Imean?"askedJill,whowastrying to composeavery appropriatepiece forherbest basket, and found iteasiertofeelloveandgratitudethantoputthemintoverse."Anemone; do spell it properly, or you'll get laughed at," answered Gus,wildly struggling to make his lines express great ardor, without being "toospoony,"asheexpressedit."No,Ishouldn't.Thispersonneverlaughsatotherpersons'mistakes,assome

personsdo,"repliedJill,withdignity.Jackwasdesperatelychewinghispencil,forhecouldnotgetonatall;butEdhad evidently prepared his poem, for his paper was half full already, andMerrywassmilingasshewrotea friendly lineor twoforRalph'sbasket,asshefearedhewouldbeforgotten,andknewhelovedkindnessevenmorethanhedidbeauty."Nowlet'sreadthem,"proposedMolly,wholovedtolaughevenatherself.Theboyspolitelydeclined,andscrambledtheirnotesintothechosenbasketsin great haste; but the girlswere less bashful. Jillwas invited to begin, andgaveherlittlepiece,withthepinkhyacinthbasketbeforeher,toillustrateherpoem."TOMYLADY

"Therearenoflowersinthefields,Nogreenleavesonthetree,Nocolumbines,noviolets,Nosweetanemone.SoIhavegatheredfrommypotsAllthatIhavetofillThebasketthatIhangto-night,WithheapsoflovefromJill.""That'sperfectlysweet!Mineisn't;butImeantittobefunny,"saidMolly,asiftherecouldbeanydoubtaboutthefollowingditty:—"DearGrif,HereisawhiffOfbeautifulspringflowers;ThebigredroseIsforyournose,Astowardtheskyittowers.

"Oh,donotfrownUponthiscrownOfgreenpinksandbluegeraniumButthinkofme

Whenthisyousee,Andputitonyourcranium.""OMolly,youwillneverhearthelastofthatifGrifgetsit,"saidJill,astheapplausesubsided,fortheboyspronouncedit"tip-top.""Don'tcare,hegetstheworstofitanyway,forthereisapininthatrose,andifhegoestosmellthemayflowersunderneathhewillfindathorntopayforthetackheputinmyrubberboot.Iknowhewillplaymesomejoketo-night,andImeantobefirstifIcan,"answeredMolly,settlingtheartificialwreathroundtheorange-coloredcanoewhichheldhereffusion."Now,Merry,readyours:youalwayshavesweetpoems;"andJillfoldedherhandstolistenwithpleasuretosomethingsentimental."I can't read the poems in someofmine, because they are for you; but thislittleverseyoucanhear,ifyoulike:I'mgoingtogivethatbaskettoRalph.Hesaidheshouldhangoneforhisgrandmother,andIthoughtthatwassoniceofhim,I'd lovetosurprisehimwithoneall tohimself.He'salwayssogoodtous;" andMerry looked so innocently earnest that no one smiled at her kindthoughtortheunconsciousparaphraseshehadmadeofafamousstanzainherown"littleverse.""ToonewhoteachesmeThesweetnessandthebeautyOfdoingfaithfullyAndcheerfullymyduty.""Hewilllikethat,andknowwhosentit,fornoneofushaveprettypinkpaperbut you, or write such an elegant hand," saidMolly, admiring the delicatewhite basket shaped like a lily,with the flowers inside and the note hiddenamongthem,alldaintilytiedupwiththepalestblush-coloredribbon."Well,that'snoharm.HelikesprettythingsasmuchasIdo,andImademybasketlikeaflowerbecauseIgavehimoneofmycallas,headmiredtheshapesomuch;"andMerrysmiledassherememberedhowpleasedRalphlookedashewentawaycarryingthelovelything."I thinkitwouldbeagoodplantohangsomebasketsonthedoorsofotherpeoplewhodon'texpectoroftenhaveany.I'lldoitifyoucansparesomeofthese,wehavesomany.Givemeonlyone,andlettheothersgotooldMrs.Tucker, and the little Irishgirlwhohasbeen sick so long, and lameNeddy,andDaddyMunson. Itwould please and surprise them so.Willwe?" askedEd,inthatpersuasivevoiceofhis.All agreed at once, and several people were made very happy by a bit ofspring left at their doorsby theMayelveswhohaunted the town that night

playingallsortsofpranks.Suchatwangingofbellsandrappingofknockers;such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll collisions as boys cameracingroundcorners,orgirlsranintooneanother'sarmsastheycreptupanddownstepson thesly; such laughing,whistling, flyingaboutof flowersandfriendlyfeeling—itwasalmostapitythatMay-daydidnotcomeoftener.Mollygothomelate,andfoundthatGrifhadbeenbeforeher,afterall;forshestumbled over a market-basket at her door, and on taking it in found amammothnosegayofpurpleandwhitecabbages,herfavoritevegetable.EvenMissBatlaughedatthefunnysight,andMollyresolvedtogetRalphtocarveherabouquetoutof carrots,beets, and turnips fornext time, asGrifwouldneverthinkofthat.Merry ranup thegarden-walk alone, forFrank left her at thegate, andwasfumbling for the latchwhen she felt something hanging there. Opening thedoor carefully, she found it gay with offerings from her mates; and amongthemwasonelongquiver-shapedbasketofbirchbark,withsomethingheavyunderthegreenleavesthatlayatthetop.Liftingthese,aslenderbas-reliefofacallalilyinplasterappeared,withthiscoupletslippedintothebluecordbywhichitwastohang:—"ThatmercyyoutoothersshowThatMercyGranttome.""Howlovely!andthisonewillneverfade,butalwaysbeapleasurehangingthere. Now, I really have something beautiful all my own," said Merry toherselfassheranuptohangtheprettythingonthedarkwainscotofherroom,wherethegracefulcurveof itspointedleavesandthedepthof itswhitecupwouldbeajoytohereyesaslongastheylasted."Iwonderwhatthatmeans,"andMerryreadoverthelinesagain,whileasoftcolor came into her cheeks and a little smile of girlish pleasure began todimpleroundherlips;forshewassoromantic,thistouchofsentimentshowedherthatherfriendshipwasmorevaluedthanshedreamed.Butsheonlysaid,"How glad I am I remembered him, and how surprised he will be to seemayflowersinreturnforthelily."Hewas, andworked awaymore happily and bravely for the thought of thelittle friend whose eyes would daily fall on the white flower which alwaysremindedhimofher.

ChapterXIX.GoodTemplars

"Hithere!Bell'srung!Getup,lazy-bones!"calledFrankfromhisroomasthe

clock struck six one bright morning, and a great creaking and stampingproclaimedthathewasastir."Allright,I'mcoming,"respondedadrowsyvoice,andJackturnedoverasiftoobey;buttheretheeffortended,andhewasoffagain,forgrowingladsarehardtorouse,asmanyamotherknowstohersorrow.Frankmadeabeginningonhisowntoilet,andthentookalookathisbrother,forthestillnesswassuspicious."Ithoughtso!Hetoldmetowakehim,andIguessthiswilldoit;"and,fillinghisgreatspongewithwater,Frankstalkedintothenextroomandstoodoverthe unconscious victim like a stern executioner, glad to unite businesswithpleasureinthisagreeablemanner.A woman would have relented and tried somemilder means, for when hisbroad shoulders and stout limbs were hidden, Jack looked very young andinnocentinhissleep.EvenFrankpausedamomenttolookattheround,rosyface, the curly eyelashes,half-openmouth, and thepeaceful expressionof adreaming baby. "Imust do it, or he won't be ready for breakfast," said theSpartanbrother,anddowncame thesponge,cold,wet,andchoky,as itwasbrisklyrubbedtoandfroregardlessofeveryobstacle."Come,Isay!That'snotfair!Leavemealone!"sputteredJack,hittingoutsovigorouslythatthespongeflewacrosstheroom,andFrankfellbacktolaughattheindignantsufferer."Ipromisedtowakeyou,andyoubelieveinkeepingpromises,soI'mdoingmybesttogetyouup.""Well, you needn't pour a quart ofwater down a fellow's neck, and rub hisnose off, need you? I'm awake, so take your old sponge and go along,"growledJack,withoneeyeopenandamightygape."Seethatyoukeepso,then,orI'llcomeandgiveyouanothersortofarouser,"saidFrank,retiringwell-pleasedwithhissuccess."Ishallhaveonegoodstretch,ifIlike.Itisstrengtheningtothemuscles,andI'masstiffasaboardwithallthatfootballyesterday,"murmuredJack,lyingdownforonedeliciousmoment.Heshuttheopeneyetoenjoyitthoroughly,andforgotthestretchaltogether,forthebedwaswarm,thepillowsoft,andahalf-finisheddreamstillhungabouthisdrowsybrain.Whodoesnotknowthefatalcharmofthatstolenmoment—foronceyieldtoit,andoneislost.Jackwasmilesaway"inthetwinklingofabedpost,"andthepleasingdreamseemedabouttoreturn,whenaruthlesshandtoreoff theclothes,swepthimoutofbed,andhereallydidawaketofindhimselfstandinginthemiddleofhisbath-panwithbothwindowsopen,andFrankabouttopourapailofwateroverhim.

"Holdon!Yah,howcoldthewateris!Why,IthoughtIwasup;"and,hoppingout,JackrubbedhiseyesandlookedaboutwithsuchagenuinesurprisethatFrankputdownthepail,feelingthatthedelugewouldnotbeneededthistime."Youarenow,andI'llseethatyoukeepso,"hesaid,ashestrippedthebedandcarriedoffthepillows."Idon'tcare.Whatajollyday!"andJacktookalittlepromenadetofinishtherousingprocess."You'dbetterhurryup,oryouwon'tgetyourchoresdonebeforebreakfast.Notimefora 'goasyouplease'now,"saidFrank;andbothboys laughed, for itwasanoldjokeoftheirs,andratherfunny.GoinguptobedonenightexpectingtofindJackasleep,Frankdiscoveredhimtrampingroundandroundtheroomairilyattiredinatowel,andsodizzywithhis brisk revolutions that as his brother looked he tumbled over and laypantinglikeafallengladiator."Whatonearthareyouabout?""Playing Rowell. Walking for the belt, and I've got it too," laughed Jack,pointingtoanoldgiltchandelierchainhangingonthebedpost."You little noodle, you'd better revolve into bed before you lose your headentirely.Ineversawsuchafellowfortakinghimselfoffhislegs.""Well, if I didn't exercise, do you suppose I should be able to do that—orthat?"criedJack,turningasomersaultandstrikingafineattitudeashecameup,flatteringhimselfthathewasthemodelofayouthfulathlete."Youlookmorelikeaclothes-pinthanaHercules,"wasthecrushingreplyofthisunsympatheticbrother,andJackmeeklyretiredwithabadheadache."Idon'tdosuchsillythingsnow:I'masbroadacrosstheshouldersasyouare,andtwiceasstrongonmypins,thankstomygymnastics.BetyouacentI'llbedressed first, though you have got the start," said Jack, knowing that Frankalways had a protracted wrestle with his collar-buttons, which gave hisadversaryagreatadvantageoverhim."Done!"answeredFrank,andat it theywent.Awildscramblewasheard inJack'sroom,andasteadytrampintheotherasFrankworkedawayatthestiffcollarandtheunaccommodatingbuttontilleveryfingerached.Aclashingofbootsfollowed,whileJackwhistled"PollyHopkins,"andFrankdeclaimedinhisdeepestvoice,"Arma virumque cano, Trojae qui primus ab oris Italiam, fato profugus,Laviniaquevenitlitora."Hair-brushescamenext,andhereFrankgotahead,forJack'sthickcropwouldstand straightupon the crown, andonlyagoodwettinganda steadybrush

wouldmakeitliedown."Playaway,No.2,"calledoutFrankasheputonhisvest,whileJackwasstillatitwithapairofthestiffestbrushesprocurableformoney."Holdhard,No.11,anddon'tforgetyourteeth,"answeredJack,whohaddonehis.Franktookahastyrubandwhiskedonhiscoat,whileJackwaspickingupthevarious treasures which had flown out of his pockets as he caught up hisroundabout."Ready!I'lltroubleyouforacent,sonny;"andFrankheldouthishandasheappearedequippedfortheday."You haven't hung up your night-gown, nor aired the bed, nor opened thewindows.That's part of thedressing;mother said so. I'vegot you there, foryoudidallthatforme,exceptthis,"andJackthrewhisgownoverachairwitha triumphant flourish as Frank turned back to leave his room in the orderwhichtheyhadbeentaughtwasoneofthesignsofagoodbringing-upinboysaswellasgirls."Ready!I'lltroubleyouforacent,oldman;"andJackheldouthishand,withachuckle.Hegotthemoneyandagoodclapbeside;thentheyretiredtotheshedtoblacktheirboots, afterwhichFrank filled thewoodboxesandJacksplitkindlings,tillthedailyallowancewasready.Bothwentattheirlessonsforhalfanhour,Jackscowlingoverhisalgebrainthesofacorner,whileFrank,withhiselbowson and his legs round the little stand which held his books, seemed to behavingawrestling-matchwithHerodotus.When the bell rang they were glad to drop the lessons and fall upon theirbreakfast with the appetite of wolves, especially Jack, who sequesteredoatmeal andmilkwith such rapidity that onewould have thought he had aleathernbaghiddensomewheretoslipitinto,likehisfamousnamesakewhenhebreakfastedwiththegiant."IdeclareIdon'tseewhathedoeswithit!Hereallyoughtnotto'gobble'so,mother,"saidFrank,whowaseatingwithgreatdeliberationandpropriety."Never youmind, old quiddle. I'm so hungry I could tuck away a bushel,"answered Jack, emptyingaglassofmilk andholdingouthisplate formoremush,regardlessofhiswhitemoustache."Temperanceinallthingsiswise,inspeechaswellaseatinganddrinking—rememberthat,boys,"saidMammafrombehindtheurn."Thatremindsme!Wepromisedtodothe'Observer'thisweek,andhereitisTuesdayandIhaven'tdoneathing:haveyou?"askedFrank.

"Never thoughtof it.Wemust lookupsomebitsatnooninsteadofplaying.DaresayJillhasgotsome:shealwayssavesallshefindsforme.""Ihaveoneor twogooditems,andcandoanycopying theremaybe.ButIthinkifyouundertakethepaperyoushouldgivesometimeandlabortomakeitgood,"saidMamma,whowasusedtothisstateofaffairs,andofteneditedthelittlesheetreadeveryweekattheLodge.Theboysseldommissedgoing,butthebusyladywasoftenunabletobethere,sohelpedwiththepaperashershareofthelabor."Yes,weought, but somehowwedon't seem togetupmuch steamabout itlately.Ifmorepeoplebelonged,andwecouldhaveagrandtimenowandthen,itwouldbe jolly;"andJacksighedat the lackof interestfeltbyoutsiders intheloyallittleLodgewhichwentonyearafteryearkeptupbythefaithfulfew."IrememberwheninthisverytownweusedtohaveaColdWaterArmy,andin the summer turn out with processions, banners, and bands of music tomarchabout,andendwithapicnic,songs,andspeechesinsomegroveorhall.Nearlyall thechildrenbelonged to it, and theparents also, andwehad finetimesheretwenty-fiveorthirtyyearsago.""Itdidn'tdomuchgood,seemstome,forpeoplestilldrink,andwehaven'tadecent hotel in the place," said Frank, as hismother sat looking out of thewindow as if she saw again the pleasant sight of old and young workingtogetheragainstthegreatenemyofhomepeaceandsafety."Ohyes,itdid,mydear;fortothisdaymanyofthosechildrenaretruetotheirpledge.Onelittlegirlwas,Iamsure,andnowhastwobigboystofightforthereformshehasupheldallherlife.Thetownisbetterthanitwasinthosedays,andifweeachdoourpartfaithfully,itwillimproveyetmore.Everyboyandgirlwhojoinsisonegained,perhaps,andyourexampleisthebesttemperancelectureyoucangive.Holdfast,anddon'tmindifitisn't'jolly':itisright,andthatshouldbeenoughforus."Mammaspokewarmly, for sheheartilybelieved inyoungpeople'sguardingagainstthisdangerousvicebeforeitbecameatemptation,andhopedherboyswouldneverbreak thepledge theyhad taken; for, youngas theywere, theywereoldenoughtoseeitsworth,feelitswisdom,andpridethemselvesonthepromisewhichwasfastgrowingintoaprinciple.Jack'sfacebrightenedashelistened,andFranksaid,withthesteadylookwhichmadehisfacemanly,—"It shall be.Now I'll tell youwhat Iwasgoing tokeepas a surprise till to-night,forIwantedtohavemysecretaswellasotherfolks.EdandIwentuptoseeBob,Sunday,andhesaidhe'd join theLodge, if they'dhavehim. I'mgoingtoproposehimto-night.""Good! good!" cried Jack, joyfully, andMrs.Minot clapped her hands, forevery new member was rejoiced over by the good people, who were not

discouragedbyridicule,indifference,oropposition."We'vegothimnow,fornoonewillobject,anditisjustthethingforhim.Hewants to belong somewhere, he says, and he'll enjoy the fun, and the goodthingswillhelphim,andwewilllookafterhim.TheCaptainwassopleased,andyououghttohaveseenEd'sfacewhenBobsaid,'I'mready,ifyou'llhaveme.'"Frank's own face was beaming, and Jack forgot to "gobble," he was sointerested in the new convert, while Mamma said, as she threw down hernapkinandtookupthenewspaper,—"Wemustnot forgetour 'Observer,'buthaveagoodone tonight inhonoroftheoccasion.Theremaybesomethinghere.Comehomeearlyatnoon,andI'llhelpyougetyourpaperready.""I'llbehere,but ifyouwantFrank,you'dbetter tellhimnot todawdleoverAnnette's gate half an hour," began Jack, who could not resist teasing hisdignifiedbrotheraboutoneofthefewfoolishthingshewasfondofdoing."Do youwant your nose pulled?" demandedFrank,who neverwould standjokingonthattenderpointfromhisbrother."No,Idon't;andifIdid,youcouldn'tdoit;"withwhichtaunthewasoffandFrankafterhim,havingmadeafutilediveattheimpertinentlittlenosewhichwasturnedupathimandhissweetheart."Boys, boys, not through the parlor!" implored Mamma, resigned toskirmishes, but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots prancedabout the tableand thenwent thunderingdown thehall, through thekitchenwhere the fat cook cheered them on, andMary, themaid, tried to head offFrank as Jack rushedout into thegarden.But thepursuerduckedunderherarmandgavechasewithallspeed.Thentherewasagloriousraceallovertheplace;forbothweregoodrunners,and,beingasfullofspringvigorasfriskycalves,theydidastonishingthingsinthewayofleapingfences,dodgingroundcorners,andmakinggoodtimedownthewidewalks.ButJack'slegwasnotquitestrongyet,andhefeltthathisroundnosewasindangerofavengeful tweakashisbreathbegan togiveoutandFrank's longarmsdrewnearerandnearertothethreatenedfeature.Justwhenhewasaboutto give up and meet his fate like a man, old Bunny, who had been muchexcitedby the race, came scamperingacross thepathwith suchadroll skipinto the air and shake of the hind legs that Frank had to dodge to avoidsteppingonhim,andtolaughinspiteofhimself.ThismomentarycheckgaveJack a chance to bolt up the back stairs and take refuge in theBirdRoom,fromthewindowofwhichJillhadbeenwatchingtheracewithgreatinterest.Norompingwasallowedthere,soatrucewasmadebylockinglittlefingers,

andbothsatdowntogettheirbreath."I am to go on the piazza, for an hour, by and by,Doctor said.Would youmindcarryingmedownbeforeyougotoschool,youdoitsonicely,I'mnotabitafraid,"saidJill,aseagerforthelittlechangeasifithadbeenalongandvariedjourney."Yes,indeed!Comeon,Princess,"answeredJack,gladtoseehersowellandhappy.The boys made an arm-chair, and away she went, for a pleasant daydownstairs.She thankedFrankwithaposyforhisbuttonhole,wellknowingthat it would soon pass into other hands, and he departed to join Annette.HavingtoldJillaboutBob,andsethertoworkonthe"Observer,"Jackkissedhismother, andwentwhistlingdown the street, agay littlebachelor,with anodandsmile forallhemet,andno turned-uphator jaunty turbanbobbingalongbesidehimtodelayhisstepsortroublehispeaceofmind.Atnoontheyworkedontheirpaper,whichwasacollectionofitems,cutfromotherpapers,concerningtemperance,afewanecdotes,abitofpoetry,astory,and,ifpossible,anoriginalarticlebytheeditor.Manyhandsmakelightwork,and nothing remained but a little copying,which Jill promised to do beforenight. So the boys had time for a game of football after school in theafternoon, which theymuch enjoyed. As they sat resting on the posts, Gussaid,—"UncleFredsayshewillgiveusahay-cartrideto-night,asitismoony,andafterityouarealltocometoourhouseandhavegames."Can'tdoit,"answeredFrank,sadly."Lodge,"groanedJack,forbothconsideredadriveinthecart,wheretheyallsatinamerrybunchamongthehay,oneofthejoysoflife,andmuchregrettedthatapriorengagementwouldpreventtheirsharinginit."That'sapity!IforgotitwasTuesday,andcan'tputitoff,asI'veaskedalltherest.GiveupyouroldLodgeandcomealong,"saidGus,whohadnotjoinedyet."Wemightforonce,perhaps,butIdon'tliketo"—beganJack,hesitating."I won't. Who's to propose Bob if we don't? I want to go awfully; but Iwouldn't disappoint Bob for a good deal, now he is willing to come." AndFrank sprang off his post as if anxious to flee temptation, for it was verypleasanttogosinging,uphillanddowndale,inthespringmoonlight,with—well,thefellowsofhisset."NorEd,Iforgotthat.No,wecan'tgo.WewanttobeGoodTemplars,andwemustn'tshirk,"addedJack,followinghisbrother.

"Bettercome.Can'tputitoff.Lotsoffun,"calledGus,disappointedatlosingtwoofhisfavoritemates.Buttheboysdidnotturnback,andastheywentsteadilyawaytheyfeltthatthey were doing their little part in the good work, and making their smallsacrifices,likefaithfulmembers.Theygottheirreward,however,forathometheyfoundMr.Chauncey,agoodandgreatman,fromEngland,whohadknowntheirgrandfather,andwasanhonoredfriendofthefamily.Theboyslovedtohearhimtalk,andalltea-timelistenedwithinteresttotheconversation,forMr.Chaunceywasareformeraswellasafamousclergyman,and itwas like inspiringmusic tohearhimtellabouttheworld'swork,andthebravemenandwomenwhowerecarryingiton.Eagertoshowthattheyhad,atleast,begun,theboystoldhimabouttheirLodge, andwere immenselypleasedwhen theirguest took fromhispocket-bookawornpaper,provingthathetoowasaGoodTemplar,andbelongedtothesamearmyastheydid.Norwasthatall,forwhentheyreluctantlyexcusedthemselves,Mr.Chaunceygaveeachahearty"grip,"andsaid,holding theirhandsinhis,ashesmiledattheyoungfaceslookingupathimwithsomuchloveandhonorinthem,—"TellthebrothersandsistersthatifIcanservetheminanywaywhilehere,tocommandme.IwillgivethemalectureattheirLodgeorinpublic,whichevertheylike;andIwishyouGod-speed,dearboys."TwoprouderladsneverwalkedthestreetsthanFrankandJackastheyhurriedaway,nearlyforgettingthepoorlittlepaperintheirhastetotellthegoodnews;for itwas seldom that such an offerwasmade theLodge, and they felt thehonordonethemasbearersofit.Asthesecretsoftheassociationcannotbedivulgedtotheuninitiated,wecanonly say that there was great rejoicing over the newmember, for Bobwasunanimouslywelcomed, andmuchgratitudeboth felt and expressed forMr.Chauncey's interest in this small division of the grand army; for these goodfolkmetwith little sympathy from the great people of the town, and itwasvery cheering to have awell-known andmuch-belovedman say aword forthem.Allagreedthatthelectureshouldbepublic,thatothersmightsharethepleasurewiththem,andperhapsbeconvertedbyahighereloquencethananytheypossessed.Sotheservicesthatnightwereunusuallyfullofspiritandgoodcheer;forallfelttheinfluenceofafriendlyword,thebeautyofafineexample.Thepaperwasmuchapplauded,thesongswereveryhearty,andwhenFrank,whoseturnit was to be chaplain, read the closing prayer, every one felt that they hadmuchtogive thanksfor,sinceonemorehad joined them,and theworkwasslowly getting on with unexpected helpers sent to lend a hand. The lights

shoneout fromthe littlehallacross thestreet, themusic reached theearsofpassers-by,andthebusyhumofvoicesuptheretoldhowfaithfullysome,atleast, of the villagers tried tomake the town a safer place for their boys togrow up in, though the tavern still had its private bar and the saloon-doorstoodopentoinvitethemin.Therearemanysuchquietlodges,andinthemmanyyoungpeoplelearningasthese ladswere learningsomethingof theduty theyowed theirneighborsaswellasthemselves,andbeingfittedtobecomegoodmenandsobercitizensbypractisingandpreachingthelawandgospeloftemperance.The next nightMr. Chauncey lectured, and the town turned out to hear thedistinguishedman,whonotonlytoldthemofthecrimeandmiseryproducedbythisterriblevicewhichafflictedbothEnglandandAmerica,butofthegreatcrusade against it going on everywhere, and the need of courage, patience,hard work, and much faith, that in time it might be overcome. Strong andcheerfulwordsthatalllikedtohearandmanyheartilybelieved,especiallytheyoungTemplars,whose boyish fancieswerewon by the idea of fighting asknightsofolddidinthefamouscrusadestheyreadaboutintheirsplendidnewyoungfolks'editionofFroissart."Wecan'tpitch intopeopleas theRedCross fellowsdid,butwecansmashrum-jugswhenwegetthechance,andstandbyourflagasourmendidinthewar,"saidFrank,withsparklingeyes,astheywenthomeinthemoonlightarminarm,keepingstepbehindMr.Chauncey,wholedthewaywiththeirmotheronhisarm,amartialfigurethoughaminister,andagoodcaptaintofollow,astheboysfeltafterhearinghisstirringwords."Let'stryandgetupacompanyofboyslikethosemothertoldusabout,andshowpeoplethatwemeanwhatwesay.I'llbecolor-bearer,andyoumaydrillusasmuchasyoulike.ArealColdWaterArmy,withflagsflying,anddrums,andallsortsoflarks,"saidJack,muchexcited,andtakingadramaticviewofthematter."We'llseeaboutit.Somethingoughttobedone,andperhapsweshallbethementodoitwhenthetimecomes,"answeredFrank,feelingreadytoshoulderamusketorbeaminute-maningoodearnest.Boyish talkandenthusiasm,but itwasof the right sort; andwhen timeandtraininghadfittedthemtobeararms,theseyoungknightswouldbeworthytoput on the red cross and ride away to help right the wrongs and slay thedragonsthatafflicttheworld.

ChapterXX.ASweetMemory

NowthelovelyJunedayshadcome,everythingbegantolookreallysummer-like;schoolwouldsoonbeover,andtheyoungpeoplewerejoyfullypreparingforthelongvacation."We are all going up toBethlehem.We take the seashore one year and themountainsthenext.Bettercomealong,"saidGus,astheboyslayonthegrassafterbeatingtheLincolnsatoneofthefirstmatchesoftheseason."Can't;weareofftoPebblyBeachthesecondweekinJuly.Ourinvalidsneedseaair.Thatonelooksdelicate,doesn'the?"askedFrank,givingJackaslightrapwithhisbatasthatyounggentlemanlayinhisusualattitudeadmiringthebluehoseandrussetshoeswhichadornedhissturdylimbs."Stop that,Captain!Youneedn't talkabout invalids,whenyouknowmothersays you are not to look at a book for a month because you have studiedyourself thinandheadachy. I'mall right;"andJackgavehimselfasoundingslaponthechest,whereshonethewhitestaroftheH.B.B.C."Hearthelittlecockerelcrow!youjustwaittillyougetintothecollegeclass,and see if you don't have to study like fun," said Gus, with unruffledcomposure,forhewasgoingtoHarvardnextyear,andfelthimselfalreadyaSenior."Nevershall;Idon'twantanyofyouroldcolleges.I'mgoingintobusinessassoonasIcan.EdsaysImaybehisbook-keeper,ifIamreadywhenhestartsforhimself.That ismuchjollier thangrindingawayforfouryears,and thenhavingtogrindeversomanymoreataprofession,"saidJack,examiningwithinterest the various knocks and bruises with which much ball-playing hadadornedhishands."Muchyouknowaboutit.Justaswellyoudon'tmeantotry,foritwouldtakea mighty long pull and strong pull to get you in. Business would suit youbetter, and you andEdwouldmake a capital partnership.Devlin,Minot,&Co.soundswell,hey,Gus?""Very,buttheyaresuchgood-naturedchaps,they'dnevergetrich.Bytheway,Ed came home at noon to-day sick. I met him, and he looked regularlyknockedup,"answeredGus,inasobertone."Itoldhimhe'dbetternotgodownMonday,forhewasn'twellSaturday,andcouldn'tcometosingSundayevening,youremember. Imustgorightroundandseewhatthematteris;"andJackjumpedup,withananxiousface."Lethimalonetillto-morrow.Hewon'twantanyonefussingoverhimnow.We are going for a pull; come along and steer," said Frank, for the sunsetpromisedtobefine,andtheboyslikedabriskrowintheirnewlypaintedboat,the"Rhodora.""Goaheadandgetready,I'll justcutroundandaskat thedoor. Itwillseem

kind,andImustknowhowEdis.Won'tbelong;"andJackwasoffathisbestpace.Theotherswerewaitingimpatientlywhenhecamebackwithslowerstepsandamoreanxiousface."Howistheoldfellow?"calledFrankfromtheboat,whileGusstoodleaningonanoarinanauticalattitude."Prettysick.Hadthedoctor.Mayhaveafever.Ididn'tgoin,butEdsenthislove, andwanted to knowwho beat," answered Jack, stepping to his place,gladtorestandcoolhimself."Guesshe'llbeallrightinadayortwo;"andGuspushedoff,leavingallcarebehind."Hope he won't have typhoid—that's no joke, I tell you," said Frank, whoknewallaboutit,anddidnotcaretorepeattheexperience."He'sworkedtoohard.He'ssofaithfulhedoesmorethanhisshare,andgetstired out. Mother asked him to come down and see us when he has hisvacation; we are going to have high old times fishing and boating. Up ordown?"askedJack,astheyglidedoutintotheriver.Guslookedbothways,andseeinganotherboatwithaglimpseofredinitjustgoing round the bend, answered, with decision, "Up, of course. Don't wealwayspulltothebridge?""Not when the girls are going down," laughed Jack, who had recognizedJuliet'sscarletboating-suitasheglancedoverhisshoulder."Mindwhatyouareabout,anddon'tgabble,"commandedCaptainFrank,asthecrewbenttotheiroarsandtheslenderboatcutthroughthewaterleavingalongfurrowtremblingbehind."Oh,ah!Isee!Thereisabluejacketaswellasaredone,soit'sallright."LadyQueenAnne,shesitsinthesun,Aswhiteasalily,asbrownasabun,"sungJack,recoveringhisspirits,andwishingJillwastheretoo."Do you want a ducking?" sternly demanded Gus, anxious to preservediscipline."Shouldn'tmind,itssowarm."But Jack said no more, and soon the "Rhodora" was alongside the "WaterWitch,"exchanginggreetingsinthemostamiablemanner."Pity thisboatwon'thold four.We'dput Jack inyours, and takeyougirls anice spinup to theHemlocks," saidFrank,whose ideaofblisswas floatingdowntheriverwithAnnetteascoxswain.

"You'dbettercome inhere, thiswillhold four, andweare tiredof rowing,"returnedthe"WaterWitch,"soinvitinglythatGuscouldnotresist."I don't think it is safe toput four in there.You'dbetter changeplaceswithAnnette, Gus, and then we shall be ship-shape," said Frank, answering atelegramfromtheeyesthatmatchedthebluejacket."Wouldn'titbemoreship-shapestillifyouputmeashoreatGrif'slanding?Icantakehisboat,orwaittillyoucomeback.Don'tcarewhatIdo,"saidJack,feelinghimselfsadlyintheway.Thegood-naturedofferbeingacceptedwith thanks, thechangesweremade,and,leavinghimbehind,thetwoboatswentgaylyuptheriver.Hereallydidnot carewhat he did, so sat inGrif's boat awhilewatching the red sky, theshining stream, and the low green meadows, where the blackbirds weresingingasiftheytoohadmettheirlittlesweetheartsandwerehappy.Jackrememberedthatquiethalf-hourlongafterward,becausewhatfollowedseemed to impress it on hismemory.As he sat enjoying the scene, he verynaturally thoughtaboutEd;for thefaceof thesisterwhomhesawwasveryanxious, and the word "fever" recalled the hard times when Frank was ill,particularlythenightitwasthoughttheboywouldnotlivetilldawn,andJackcried himself to sleep, wondering how he ever could get on without hisbrother.Edwasalmostasdeartohim,andthethoughtthathewassufferingdestroyedJack'spleasureforalittlewhile.But,fortunately,youngpeopledonotknowhowtobeanxiousverylong,soourboysooncheeredup,thinkingaboutthelatematchbetweentheStarsandtheLincolns,andafteragoodrestwentwhistlinghome,withahandfulofmintforMrs.Pecq,andplayedgameswithJillasmerrilyasiftherewasnosuchthingascareintheworld.NextdayEdwasworse,andforaweektheanswerwasthesame,whenJackcrepttothebackdoorwithhiseagerquestion.Otherscamealso,forthedearboylyingupstairshadfriendseverywhere,andolder neighbors thought of him even more anxiously and tenderly than hismates. It was not fever, but some swifter trouble, for when Saturday nightcame,EdhadgonehometoalongerandmorepeacefulSabbaththananyhehadeverknowninthisworld.Jackhadbeenthereintheafternoon,andakindmessagehadcomedowntohimthathisfriendwasnotsufferingsomuch,andhehadgoneaway,hoping,inhisboyishignorance,thatalldangerwasover.Anhourlaterhewasreadingintheparlor,havingnoheartforplay,whenFrankcameinwithalookuponhisfacewhichwouldhavepreparedJackforthenewsifhehadseenit.Buthedid not look up, and Frank found it so hard to speak, that he lingered amomentatthepiano,asheoftendidwhenhecamehome.Itstoodopen,andon the rackwas the "JollyBrothers'Galop,"which he had been learning to

playwithEd.Bigboyashewas,thesuddenthoughtthatneveragainwouldtheysitshouldertoshoulder,thunderingthemarchesorsingingthesongsbothliked so well, made his eyes fill as he laid away the music, and shut theinstrument,feelingasifheneverwantedtotouchitagain.ThenhewentandsatdownbesideJackwithanarmroundhisneck,tryingtosteadyhisvoicebyanaturalquestionbeforehetoldtheheavynews."Whatareyoureading,Jacky?"Theunusualcaress, theverygentletone,madeJacklookup,andtheminutehesawFrank'sfaceheknewthetruth."IsEd——?"hecouldnotsaythehardword,andFrankcouldonlyanswerbyanodashewinkedfast,forthetearswouldcome.Jacksaidnomore,butasthebookdroppedfromhiskneehehidhisfaceinthesofa-pillowandlayquitestill,notcrying,buttryingtomakeitseemtruethathisdearEdhadgoneawayforever.Hecouldnotdoit,andpresentlyturnedhisheadalittletosay,inadespairingtone,—"Idon'tseewhatIshalldowithouthim!""Iknowit'shardforyou.Itisforallofus.""You'vegotGus,butnowIhaven'tanybody.Edwasalwayssogoodtome!"andwith thename somany tender recollections came, that poor Jackbrokedowninspiteofhismanfulattemptstosmotherthesobsintheredpillow.Therewasanunconscious reproach in thewords,Frank thought; forhewasnotasgentleasEd,andhedidnotwonderthatJacklovedandmournedforthelostfriendlikeabrother."You'vegotme.I'llbegoodtoyou;cryifyouwantto,Idon'tmind."TherewassuchasympatheticchokeinFrank'svoicethatJackfeltcomfortedatonce,andwhenhehadhadhiscryout,whichwasverysoon,heletFrankpullhimupwithabear-likebut affectionatehug, and sat leaningonhimastheytalkedabouttheirloss,bothfeelingthattheremighthavebeenagreaterone,andresolvingtoloveoneanotherverymuchhereafter.Mrs.MinotoftencalledFrankthe"father-boy,"becausehewasnowtheheadof the house, and a sober, reliable fellow for his years. Usually he did notshowmuchaffectionexcepttoher,for,asheoncesaid,"Ishallneverbetoooldtokissmymother,"andsheoftenwishedthathehadalittlesister,tobringout thesoftersideofhischaracter.HedomineeredoverJackand laughedathisaffectionate littleways,butnowwhen troublecame,hewasaskindandpatientasagirl;andwhenMammacamein,havingheardthenews,shefoundher"father-boy"comfortinghisbrothersowellthatsheslippedawaywithoutaword,leavingthemtolearnoneofthesweetlessonssorrowteaches—toleanononeanother,andleteachtrialbringthemclosertogether.

Itisoftensaidthatthereshouldbenodeathorgriefinchildren'sstories.Itisnotwisetodwellonthedarkandsadsideofthesethings;buttheyhavealsoabrightandlovelyside,andsinceeventheyoungest,dearest,andmostguardedchild cannot escape some knowledge of the greatmystery, is it not well toteach them in simple, cheerful ways that affection sweetens sorrow, and alovely life canmakedeathbeautiful? I think so, therefore try to tell the lastscene in the history of a boywho really lived and really left behind him amemorysopreciousthatitwillnotbesoonforgottenbythosewhoknewandlovedhim.Fortheinfluenceofthisshortlifewasfeltbymany,andeventhisbriefrecordofitmaydoforotherchildrenwhattherealitydidforthosewhostilllayflowersonhisgrave,andtrytobe"asgoodasEddy."Fewwouldhavethoughtthatthedeathofaquietladofseventeenwouldhavebeensowidelyfelt,sosincerelymourned;butvirtue,likesunshine,worksitsownsweetmiracles,andwhenitwasknownthatneveragainwouldthebrightfacebeseeninthevillagestreets,thecheeryvoiceheard,thelovingheartfeltin any of the little actswhich so endearedEdDevlin to those about him, itseemedas ifyoungandoldgrievedalike for somuchpromisecutoff in itsspring-time. Thiswas proved at the funeral, for, though it took place at thebusyhourofabusyday,menlefttheiraffairs,womentheirhouseholds,youngpeople theirstudiesand theirplay,andgaveanhour toshowtheiraffection,respect,andsympathyforthosewhohadlostsomuch.Thegirlshadtrimmedthechurchwithallthesweetestflowerstheycouldfind,andgarlandsofliliesofthevalleyrobbedthecasketofitsmournfullook.Theboys had brought fresh boughs to make the grave a green bed for theircomrade's last sleep. Now they were all gathered together, and it was atouchingsight toseetherowsofyoungfacessoberedandsaddenedbytheirfirstlookatsorrow.Thegirlssobbed,andtheboyssettheirlipstightlyastheirglances fell upon the lilies underwhich the familiar face lay full of solemnpeace.Tearsdimmedoldereyeswhenthehymnthedeadboylovedwassung,and the pastor told with howmuch pride and pleasure he had watched thegraciousgrowthofthisyoungparishionersincehefirstmettheladoftwelveand was attracted by the shining face, the pleasant manners. Dutiful andloving;readytohelp;patienttobearandforbear;eagertoexcel;faithfultothesmallest task, yet full of high ambitions; and, better still, possessing thechildlikepietythatcantrustandbelieve,waitandhope.Goodandhappy—thetwo thingsweall long for and so fewofus trulyare.Thishewas, and thissingle factwas thebest eulogyhispastorcouldpronounceover thebelovedyouth gone to a nobler manhood whose promise left so sweet a memorybehind.As the young people looked, listened, and took in the scene, they felt as ifsome mysterious power had changed their playmate from a creature like

themselves intoa sortof saintorhero for them to lookup to,and imitate iftheycould."Whathashedone, tobeso loved,praised,andmourned?" theythought,withatendersortofwonder;andtheanswerseemedtocometothemasneverbefore,forneverhadtheybeenbroughtsonear thesolemntruthoflife and death. "It was not what he did but what he was thatmade him sobeloved.All thatwas sweet andnoble inhimstill lives; forgoodness is theonlythingwecantakewithuswhenwedie,theonlythingthatcancomfortthoseweleavebehind,andhelpustomeetagainhereafter."Thisfeelingwasinmanyheartswhentheywentawaytolayhim,withprayerandmusic,underthebuddingoakthatleanedoverhisgrave,afitemblemoftheyounglifejustbeginningitsnewspring.Asthechildrendidtheirpart,thebeauty of the summer day soothed their sorrow, and something of the softbrightnessoftheJunesunshineseemedtogildtheirthoughts,asitgildedtheflower-strewnmound they left behind.The true and touchingwords spokencheeredaswellasimpressedthem,andmadethemfeel that theirfriendwasnot lostbutgoneon intoahigher classof thegreat schoolwhoseMaster iseternalloveandwisdom.Sothetearssoondried,andtheyoungfaceslookeduplikeflowersafterrain.Buttheheaven-sentshowersankintotheearth,andthey were the stronger, sweeter for it, more eager to make life brave andbeautiful,becausedeathhadgentlyshownthemwhatitshouldbe.Whentheboyscamehometheyfoundtheirmotheralreadyreturned,andJillupontheparlorsofalisteningtoheraccountofthefuneralwiththesamequiet,hopefullookwhichtheirownfaceswore;forsomehowthesadnessseemedtohavegone,andasortofSundaypeaceremained."I'mgladitwasallsosweetandpleasant.Comeandrest,youlooksotired;"andJillheldoutherhandstogreetthem—acrumpledhandkerchiefinoneandalittlebunchoffadingliliesintheother.Jacksatdowninthelowchairbesideherandleanedhisheadagainstthearmofthesofa,forhewastired.ButFrankwalkedslowlyupanddownthelongrooms with a serious yet serene look on his face, for he felt as if he hadlearnedsomethingthatday,andwouldalwaysbethebetterforit.Presentlyhesaid, stoppingbeforehismother,who leaned in theeasy-chair lookingupatthepictureofherboys'father,—"IshouldliketohavejustsuchthingssaidaboutmewhenIdie.""SoshouldI,ifIdeservedthemasEddid!"criedJack,earnestly."Youmay if you try. I shouldbeproud tohear them, and if theywere true,theywouldcomfortmemorethananythingelse.Iamgladyouseethelovelyside of sorrow, and are learning the lesson such losses teach us," answeredtheirmother,whobelievedin teachingyoungpeople toface troublebravely,andfindthesilverlininginthecloudsthatcometoallofus.

"Ineverthoughtmuchaboutitbefore,butnowdyingdoesn'tseemdreadfulatall—onlysolemnandbeautiful.Somehoweverybodyseemstoloveeverybodyelsemore for it, and try to be kind and good and pious. I can't saywhat Imean,butyouknow,mother;"andFrankwentpacingonagainwiththebrightlookhiseyesalwaysworewhenhe listened tomusicor readof somenobleaction."That'swhatMerrysaidwhensheandMollycameinontheirwayhome.ButMolly felt dreadfully, and so did Mabel. She brought me these flowers topress, forweareallgoing tokeepsome to rememberdearEdby," saidJill,carefullysmoothingoutthelittlebellsasshelaidtheliliesinherhymn-book,forshetoohadhadathoughtfulhourwhileshelayalone, imaginingall thatwenton in the church, and shedding a few tender tearsover the friendwhowasalwayssokindtoher."Idon'twantanythingtorememberhimby.Iwassofondofhim,Icouldn'tforgetifItried.IknowIoughtnottosayit,butIdon'tseewhyGodlethimdie,"saidJack,withaquiverinhisvoice,forhislovingheartcouldnothelpachingstill."No,dear,wecannotseeorknowmanythingsthatgrieveusverymuch,butwecantrust that it isright,andtrytobelievethatall ismeantforourgood.That iswhat faithmeans, andwithout itwe aremiserable.When youwerelittle,youwereafraidofthedark,butifIspokeortouchedyou,thenyouweresureallwaswell,andfellasleepholdingmyhand.Godiswiserandstrongerthananyfatherormother,soholdfasttoHim,andyouwillhavenodoubtorfear,howeverdarkitseems.""Asyoudo," said Jack, going to sit on the armofMamma's chair,withhischeektohers,willingtotrustasshebadehim,butgladtoholdfastthelivinghandthathadledandcomfortedhimallhislife."EdusedtosaytomewhenIfrettedaboutgettingwell,andthoughtnobodycared forme,whichwasverynaughty, 'Don't be troubled,Godwon't forgetyou; and if youmust be lame,Hewillmake you able to bear it,'" said Jill,softly,herquicklittlemindallalivewithnewthoughtsandfeelings."Hebelievedit,andthat'swhyhelikedthathymnsomuch.I'mgladtheysungitto-day,"saidFrank,bringinghisheavydictionarytolayonthebookwheretheflowerswerepressing."Oh,thankyou!Couldyouplaythattuneforme?Ididn'thearit,andI'dloveto,ifyouarewilling,"askedJill."Ididn'tthinkIevershouldwanttoplayagain,butIdo.Willyousingitforher,mother?I'mafraidIshallbreakdownifItryalone.""We will all sing, music is good for us now," said Mamma; and in rather

brokenvoicestheydidsingEd'sfavoritewords:—"NotasparrowfallethbutitsGoddothknow,Justaswhenhismandatelaysamonarchlow;Notaleafletmoveth,butitsGoddothsee,Thinknot,then,Omortal,Godforgetteththee.FarmoreprecioussurelythanthebirdsthatflyIsaFather'simagetoaFather'seye.E'enthyhairsarenumbered;trustHimfullandfree,CastthycaresbeforeHim,Hewillcomfortthee;FortheGodthatplantedinthybreastasoul,Onhissacredtablesdoththynameenroll.Cheerthineheart,then,mortal,neverfaithlessbe,Hethatmarksthesparrowswillrememberthee."

ChapterXXI.PebblyBeach

"Now,Mr. Jack, it is a moral impossibility to get all those things into onetrunk,andyoumustn'taskitofme,"saidMrs.Pecq,inatoneofdespair,asshesurveyedtheheapoftreasuresshewasexpectedtopackfortheboys."Nevermindtheclothes,weonlywantaboating-suitapiece.Mammacanputa 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,andachoicecollectionofshabbyballs."Thosearethenecessariesandclothestheluxuries,arethey?Whydon'tyouadd a velocipede, wheelbarrow, and printing-press, my dear?" asked Mrs.Pecq,whileJillturneduphernoseat"boys'rubbish.""WishIcould.Daresayweshallwantthem.Womendon'tknowwhatfellowsneed,andalwaysmustputinalotofstiffshirtsandcleanhandkerchiefsandclothes-brushes andpots of cold cream.We are going to rough it, anddon'twantanyfussandfeathers,"saidJack,beginningtopackthepreciousballsinhisrubberboots,andstrapthemupwiththeumbrellas,rods,andbats,seeingthattherewasnohopeofaplaceinthetrunk.Here Frank came in with two big books, saying calmly, "Just slip these insomewhere,weshallneedthem.""Butyouarenot tostudyatall,soyouwon'twant thosegreatdictionaries,"

criedJill,busilypackinghernewtravelling-basketwithallsortsoflittlerolls,bags,andboxes."They are not dics, butmy Encyclopedia.We shall want to know heaps ofthings, and this tells about everything.With those books, and amicroscopeandatelescope,youcouldtravelroundtheworld,andlearnallyouwantedto.Can't possibly get onwithout them," said Frank, fondly patting his favoritework."Mypatience!Whatqueercattleboysare!"exclaimedMrs.Pecq,whiletheyalllaughed."Itcan'tbedone,Mr.Frank;alltheboxesarebrimfull,andyou'llhavetoleavethosefatbooksbehind,forthere'snoplaceanywhere.""ThenI'llcarry themmyself;"andFrank tuckedoneundereacharm,withadeterminedair,whichsettledthematter."I suppose you'll study cockleology instead of boating, and read up onpolywogswhileweplay tennis,orgopoking roundwithyourold spy-glassinsteadofhavingajollygoodtime,"saidJack,haulingawayonthestraptillallwastautandship-shapewiththebundle."Tadpolesdon'tliveinsaltwater,myson,andifyoumeanconchology,you'dbettersayso.IshallplayasmuchasIwish,andwhenIwanttoknowaboutanyneworcuriousthing,IshallconsultmyCyclo,insteadofbotheringotherpeoplewithquestions,orgivingituplikeadunce;"withwhichcrushingreplyFrankdeparted, leavingJill topackandunpackher treasuresadozen times,andJacktodancejigsonthelidsofthetrunkstilltheywouldshut.Averyhappypartysetoffthenextday,leavingMrs.Pecqwavingherapronon the steps. Mrs. Minot carried the lunch, Jack his precious bundle withtrifles dropping out by the way, and Jill felt very elegant bearing her newbasketwith redworsted cherries bobbing on the outside. Frank actually didtaketheEncyclopedia,doneupintherollofshawls,andwhenevertheotherswonderedaboutanything—tides,lighthouses,towns,ornaturalproductions—he brought forth one of the books and triumphantly read therefrom, to thegreatmerriment,ifnotedification,ofhisparty.A very short trip by rail and the rest of the journey by boat, to Jill's greatcontentment, for shehated tobe shutup; andwhile the lads rovedhereandthere she sat under the awning, too happy to talk.ButMrs.Minotwatchedwith real satisfaction how the freshwind blew the color back into the palecheeks, how the eyes shone and the heart filled with delight at seeing thelovelyworldagain,andbeingabletotakeashareinitsactivepleasures.TheWillowswasalong,lowhouseclosetothebeach,andasfullasabeehiveof pleasant people, all intent on having a good time.Agreatmany childrenwereswarmingabout,andJill foundit impossible tosleepafterher journey,therewas such a lively clatter of tongues on the piazzas, and somany feet

goingtoandfrointhehalls.ShelaydownobedientlywhileMrs.Minotsettledmattersinthetwoairyroomsandgavehersomedinner,butshekeptpoppingupherheadtolookoutofthewindowtoseewhatshecouldsee.Justoppositestood 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 painterwishedtobeleftinpeace.Hewasabsentnow,andthevisitorstookpossessionofthisfineplay-place.Childrenwereracingupanddownthegalleries,ladiessitting in the tower, boys disporting themselves on the roof, and younggentlemenpreparingfortheatricalsinthelargestudio."What fun I'll haveover there," thought Jill,watching themerry scenewithintenseinterest,andwonderingifthelittlegirlsshesawwereasniceasMollyandMerry.Then there were glimpses of the sea beyond the green bank where a pathwoundalongtothebeach,whencecamethecooldashofwaves,andnowandthentheglimmerofapassingsail."Oh,whencanIgoout?Itlookssolovely,Ican'twaitlong,"shesaid,lookingaseagerasalittlegullshutupinacageandpiningforitshomeonthewideocean."Assoonasitisalittlecooler,dear,I'mgettingreadyforourtrip,butwemustbe careful and not do too much at once. 'Slow and sure' is our motto,"answeredMrs.Minot, busily collecting the camp-stools, the shawls, the air-cushions,andthebigparasols."I'llbegood,onlydoletmehavemysailor-hattowear,andmynewsuit.I'mnotabittired,andIdowanttobelikeotherfolksrightoff,"saidJill,whohadbeenimprovingrapidlyoflate,andfeltmuchelatedatbeingabletodriveoutnearlyeveryday, towalka little,andsitupsomehourswithoutanypainorfatigue.Togratifyher, theblue flannel suitwith itswhite trimmingwasputon,andMammawas justbuttoning thestoutbootswhenJack thunderedat thedoor,andburstinwithallsortsofgloriousnews."Docomeout,mother, it'sperfectlysplendidonthebeach!I'vefoundaniceplaceforJilltosit,andit'sonlyastep.Lotsofcapitalfellowshere;onehasabicycle, and isgoing to teachus to ride.Noendof funupat thehotel, andeveryone seemsglad to seeus.Two ladies askedabout Jill, andoneof thegirlshasgotsomeshellsallreadyforher,GertySomebody,andhermotherissoprettyandjolly,Ilikehereversomuch.Theysitatourtable,andWallyisthe boy, younger than I am, but very pleasant. Bacon is the fellow inknickerbockers; justwishyoucould seewhat stout legshe'sgot!Cox is thechapforme,though:wearegoingfishingto-morrow.He'sgotasweet-lookingmother,andasisterforyou,Jill.Now,then,docomeon,I'lltakethetraps."

Off they went, and Jill thought that very short walk to the shore the mostdelightful she ever took; for people smiled at the little invalid as she wentslowlybyleaningonMrs.Minot'sarm,whileJackprancedinfront,doingthehonors,asifheownedthewholeAtlantic.Anewworldopenedtohereyesastheycameoutuponthepebblybeachfullofpeopleenjoying theirafternoonpromenade.Jillsaveonerapturous"Oh!"andthensatonherstool,forgettingeverything but the beautiful blue ocean rolling away to meet the sky, withnothingtobreakthewideexpansebutasailhereandthere,apointofrocksonone hand, the little pier on the other, andwhite gulls skimming by on theirwidewings.While she sat enjoying herself, Jack showed his mother the place he hadfound,andaveryniceoneitwas.Justunder thegreenbanklayanoldboatproppedupwithsomebigstones.Awillowdroopedoverit,thetiderippledupwithinafewyardsof it,andafineviewof thewavescouldbeseenas theydashedovertherocksatthepoint."Isn'titagoodcubby-house?BenCoxandIfixeditforJill,andshecanhaveit for hers. Put her cushions and things there on the sand the children havethrownin—thatwillmakeitsoft;thentheseseatswilldofortables;andupinthebowI'mgoingtohavethatoldrustytinboilerfullofsalt-water,soshecanputseaweedandcrabsandallsortsofchapsinitforanaquarium,youknow,"explainedJack,greatlyinterestedinestablishinghisfamilycomfortablybeforeheleftthem."There couldn't be a nicer place, and it is very kind of you to get it ready.SpreadtheshawlsandsettleJill,thenyouneedn'tthinkofusanymore,butgoand scramblewith Frank. I see himover therewith his spy-glass and somepleasant-lookingboys,"saidMamma,bustlingaboutingreatspirits.Sotheredcushionswereplaced,theplaidslaid,andthelittlework-basketsetupontheseat,allreadyforJill,whowascharmedwithhernest,andcuddleddownunderthebigparasol,declaringshewouldkeephousethereeveryday.Even the old boiler pleased her, and Jack raced over the beach to begin hissearchforinhabitantsforthenewaquarium,leavingJilltomakefriendswithsomeprettybabiesdiggingin thesand,whileMammasatonthecamp-stoolandtalkedwithafriendfromHarmonyVillage.It seemedas if there couldnotbeanythingmoredelightful than to lie therelulledbythesoundofthesea,watchingthesunsetandlisteningtothepleasantbabbleof littlevoices closeby.Butwhen theywent to tea in thegreathall,withsixtablesfullofmerrypeople,andhalfadozenmaidsflyingabout,Jillthought thatwasevenbetter,because itwassonewtoher.GertyandWallynoddedtoher,andtheirprettymammawassokindandsogay,thatJillcouldnotfeelbashfulafterthefirstfewminutes,andsoonlookedabouther,sureof

seeing friendly faces everywhere. Frank and Jack ate as if the salt air hadalready improved theirappetites,and talkedaboutBaconandCoxas if theyhad been bosom friends for years. Mamma was as happy as they, for herfriend, Mrs. Hammond, sat close by; and this rosy lady, who had been aphysician,cheeredherupbypredictingthatJillwouldsoonberunningaboutaswellasever.Butthebestofallwasintheevening,whentheelderpeoplegatheredintheparlorsandplayedTwentyQuestions,whilethechildrenlookedonforanhourbefore going to bed, much amused at the sight of grown people laughing,squabbling,dodging,andjokingasiftheyhadallbecomeyoungagain;for,aseveryoneknows,itisimpossibletohelplivelyskirmisheswhenthatgameisplayed.Jilllayinthesofacornerenjoyingitallimmensely;forsheneversawanything so droll, and found it capital fun to help guess the thing, or try topuzzletheoppositeside.Herquickwitsandbrightfaceattractedpeople,andinthepausesofthesportsheheldquitealevee,foreverybodywasinterestedin the little invalid. The girls shyly made friends in their own way, themammas told thrilling tales of the accidents their darlings had survived,several gentlemen kindly offered their boats, and the boys, with the bestintentionsinlife,suggestedstrollsoftwoorthreemilestoRafe'sChasmandNorman'sWoe,orinvitedhertotennisandarchery,asifviolentexercisewasthecureforallhumanills.Shewasverygrateful,andreluctantlywentawaytobed,declaring,whenshegotupstairs,thatthesenewfriendswerethedearestpeoplesheevermet,and theWillows themostdelightfulplace in thewholeworld.Nextdayanewlifebeganfortheyoungfolks—averyhealthy,happylife;andall threwthemselvesintoitsoheartily, that itwasimpossibletohelpgettinggreatgood from it, for these summerweeks, ifwell spent,workmiracles intiredbodiesandsouls.Franktookafancytothebicycleboy,and,beingabletohireoneofthebreakneckarticles,soonlearnedtorideit;andthetwomightbeseenwildlyworkingtheirlonglegsoncertainsmoothstretchesofroad,orgettingup theirmuscle rowingabout thebay till theywerealmostasbrownandnauticalinappearanceandlanguageasthefishermenwholivedinnooksandcornersalongtheshore.JackstruckupagreatfriendshipwiththesturdyBaconandtheagreeableCox:the latter,beingabouthisownage,washis especial favorite; and they soonwerecalledBoxandCoxbytheotherfellows,whichdidnotannoythemabit,asbothhadplayedpartsinthatimmortalfarce.Theyhadcapitaltimesfishing,scramblingover the rocks,playingballand tennis,and rainydays they tookpossession of the studio opposite, drew up the portcullis, and gallantlydefendedthecastle,whichsomeoftheothersbesiegedwitholdumbrellasforshields,batsforbattering-rams,andbunchesofburrsforcannon-balls.Great

larks went on over there, while the girls applauded from the piazza orchamber-windows, andmade a gay flag for the victors to display from thetowerwhenthefightwasover.ButJillhadthebesttimeofall,foreachdaybroughtincreasingstrengthandspirits,andsheimprovedsofastitwashardtobelievethatshewasthesamegirlwho layso longalmosthelpless in theBirdRoomathome.Such livelylettersasshesenthermother,allabouthernewfriends,herfinesails,drives,and little walks; the good times she had in the evening, the lovely thingspeoplegaveher,andshewaslearningtomakewithshellsandsea-weed,andwhatsplendidfunitwastokeephouseinaboat.Thislastamusementsoongrewquiteabsorbing,andher"cubby,"asshecalledit,rapidlybecameaprettygrotto,whereshelivedlikealittlemermaid,dailylovingmoreandmore thebeautyof thewonderfulsea.Finding theboat toosunny at times, the boys cut longwillow boughs and arched them over theseats,layinghemlockbranchesacrosstillagreenroofmadeitcoolandshadyinside. There Jill sat or lay among her cushions reading, trying to sketch,sorting shells, drying gay sea-weeds, or watching her crabs, jelly-fish, andanemones in the old boiler, nowburied in sand and edged aboutwithmossfromthewoods.Nobodydisturbedhertreasures,butkindlyaddedtothem,andoftenwhenshewenttohernestshefoundfruitorflowers,booksorbon-bons,laidreadyforher.Everyonepitiedandlikedthebrightlittlegirlwhocouldnotrunandfriskwith the rest, who was so patient and cheerful after her long confinement,readytohelpothers,andsogratefulforanysmallfavor.Shefoundnowthatthewearymonths had not beenwasted, andwas very happy to discover inherselfanewsortofstrengthandsweetnessthatwasnotonlyacomforttoher,but made those about her love and trust her. The songs she had learnedattractedthebabies,whowouldleavetheirplaytopeepatherandlistenwhenshesungoverherwork.Passers-bypausedtoheartheblithevoiceofthebirdinthegreencage,andotherinvalids,strollingonthebeach,wouldtakeheartwhentheysawthechildsohappyinspiteofhergreattrial.Theboys kept all theirmarine curiosities for her, andwere always ready totakeheraroworasail,asthebaywassafeandthatsortoftravellingsuitedherbetterthandriving.Butthegirlshadcapitaltimestogether,anditdidJillgoodtoseeanothersortfromthosesheknewathome.Shehadbeensomuchpettedoflate,thatshewasgettingrathervainofhersmallaccomplishments,andbeingwith strangers richer, better bred and educated thanherself,madehermorehumbleinsomethings,whileitshowedhertheworthofsuchvirtuesasshecouldhonestlyclaim.MamieCoxtookhertodriveinthefinecarriageofhermamma,andJillwasmuchimpressedbythefactthatMamiewasnotabitproudaboutit,anddidnotputonanyairs,thoughshehadamaidtotake

careofher.Gertyworeprettycostumes,andcamedownwithpinkandblueribbons inherhair thatJillenviedverymuch;yetGerty likedhercurls,andlongedtohavesome,whilehermother,"theladyfromPhiladelphia,"astheycalledher,wassokindandgaythatJillquiteadoredher,andalwaysfeltasifsunshine had come into the roomwhen she entered. Two little sisterswereveryinterestingtoher,andmadeher longforoneofherownwhenshesawthemgoingabouttogetherandheardthemtalkoftheirpleasanthome,wherethe great silk factories were. But they invited her to come and see thewonderful cocoons, and taught her to knot pretty gray fringe on a cushion,which delighted her, being so new and easy. There were several other nicelittlelasses,andtheyallgatheredaboutJillwiththesweetsympathychildrenare so quick to show toward those in pain ormisfortune. She thought theywouldnotcareforapoorlittlegirllikeherself,yethereshewasthequeenofthetroupe,andthisdiscoverytouchedandpleasedherverymuch.In the morning they camped round the boat on the stones with books, gaywork,andmerrychatter,tillbathing-time.Thenthebeachwasfulloflifeandfun, foreveryone lookedsodroll in theflannelsuits, itwashard tobelievethattheneatladiesandrespectablegentlemenwhowentintothelittlehousescouldbethesamepersonsasthequeer,short-skirtedwomenwitholdhatstieddown,andbareheaded,barefootedmeninoldsuits,whocameskippingoverthe sand todisport themselves in the sea in themost undignifiedways.Theboys raced about, looking like circus-tumblers, and the babieswere regularlittlecupids,runningawayfromthewavesthattriedtokisstheirflyingfeet.Someoftheyoungladiesandgirlswerefamousswimmers,andlookedveryprettyintheirbrightredandbluecostumes,withloosehairandgaystockings,as they danced into the water and floated away as fearlessly as realmermaidens.Jillhadherquietdipandgoodrubbingeachfineday,and thenlayuponthewarmsandwatchingthepranksoftheothers,andlongingtorunanddiveandshoutandtumblewiththerest.Nowthatshewasamongthewellandactive,itseemedhardertobepatientthanwhenshutupandunabletostir.Shefeltsomuchbetter,andhadsolittlepaintoremindherofpasttroubles,itwas almost impossible to help forgetting the poor back and letting herrecoveredspiritsrunawaywithher.IfMrs.Minothadnotkeptgoodwatch,shewouldhavebeenoffmore thanonce, soeagerwasshe tobe"likeothergirls"again,sodifficultwasit tokeeptherestlessfeetquietlyfoldedamongtheredcushions.Onedayshedidyieldtotemptation,andtookalittlevoyagewhichmighthavebeenher last,owing to thecarelessnessof thosewhomshe trusted. Itwasagoodlesson,andmadeherasmeekasalambduringtherestofherstay.Mrs.MinotdrovetoGloucesteroneafternoon, leavingJillsafelyestablishedafterhernapintheboat,withGertyandMamiemakinglacebesideher.

"Don'ttrytowalkorrunabout,mydear.Sitonthepiazzaifyougettiredofthis,andamuseyourselfquietlytillIcomeback.I'llnotforgettheworstedandthecanvas,"saidMamma,peepingoverthebankforalastwordasshewaitedfortheomnibustocomealong."Oh,don'tforgettheGibraltars!"criedJill,poppingherheadoutofthegreenroof."Northebananas,please!"addedGerty,lookingroundoneend."Northepinkandblueribbontotieourshell-baskets,"calledMamie,nearlytumblingintotheaquariumattheotherend.Mrs. Minot laughed, and promised, and rumbled away, leaving Jill to anexperiencewhichsheneverforgot.Forhalfanhour the littlegirlsworkedbusily, then theboyscameforGertyandMamietogototheChasmwithapartyoffriendswhoweretoleavenextday.Offtheywent,andJillfeltverylonelyasthegayvoicesdiedaway.Everyonehadgonesomewhere,andonlylittleHarryHammondandhismaidwereonthebeach.Twoorthreesand-pipersranaboutamongthepebbles,andJillenviedthemtheirnimblelegssomuch,thatshecouldnotresistgettinguptotakeafewsteps.Shelongedtorunstraightawayoverthefirm,smoothsand,andfeelagainthedelightofswiftmotion;butshedarednottryit,andstoodleaningonhertallparasolwithherbookinherhand,whenFrank,Jack,andthebicycleboycamerowinglazilyalongandhailedher."Comeforasail,Jill?Takeyouanywhereyoulike,"calledJack,touchedbythelonelyfigureonthebeach."I'd love togo, ifyouwill row.Mammamademepromisenot togosailingwithout a man to take care of me. Would it spoil your fun to have me?"answeredJill,eagerly."Notabit;comeoutonthebigstonesandwe'lltakeyouaboard,"saidFrank,astheysteeredtotheplacewhereshecouldembarktheeasiest."AlltherestaregonetotheChasm.Iwantedtogo,becauseI'veneverseenit;but,ofcourse,Ihadtogiveitup,asIdomostofthefun;"andJillsatdownwithanimpatientsigh."We'llrowyouroundthere.Can'tland,butyoucanseetheplaceandshouttotheothers,ifthatwillbeanycomforttoyou,"proposedFrank,astheypulledawayroundthepier."Oh,yes,thatwouldbelovely!"andJillsmiledatJack,whowassteering,forshefounditimpossibletobedismalnowwiththefreshwindblowinginherface, the bluewaves slapping against the boat, and three good-natured ladsreadytogratifyherwishes.

Away they went, laughing and talking gayly till they came to Goodwin'sRocks,where anunusual numberof peoplewere tobe seen though the tidewas going out, and nowhite spraywas dashing high into the air tomake asightworthseeing."Whatdoyousuppose theyareabout?Neversawsucha lotof folksat thistime.Shouldn'twonderifsomethinghadhappened.Isay,putmeashore,andI'llcutupandsee,"saidthebicycleboy,whowasofaninquiringturn."I'll go with you," said Frank; "it won't take but a minute, and I'd like todiscoverwhatitis.Maybesomethingweoughttoknowabout."Sotheboyspulledroundintoaquietnook,andthetwoelderonesscrambleduptherocks,todisappearinthecrowd.Five,ten,fifteenminutespassed,andtheydidnotreturn.Jackgrewimpatient,sodidJill,andbadehimrunupandbring them back. Glad to know what kept them, Jack departed, to beswallowedup inhis turn, fornotasignofaboydidsheseeafter that;and,havingvainlystrainedhereyestodiscovertheattractionwhichheldthem,shegaveitup,laydownontheirjackets,andbegantoread.Thenthetreacheroustide,asitebbedlowerandlowerdownthebeach,begantoluretheboataway;foritwasnotfastened,andwhenlightenedofitsloadwasaneasyprizetothehungrysea,alwaysreadytostealallitcan.Jillknewnothingofthis,forherstorywasdull,thegentlemotionprovedsoothing,andbeforesheknewitshewasasleep.Littlebylittletherunawayboatslidfartherfromtheshore,andpresentlywasfloatingouttoseawithitsdrowsyfreight,whilethecarelessboys,unconsciousofthetimetheywerewasting,lingeredtoseegroupaftergroupphotographedbytheenterprisingmanwhohadtrundledhiscameratotherocks.In themidst of a dream about home, Jill was roused by a loud shout, and,starting up so suddenly that the sun-umbrella went overboard, she foundherselfsailingoffalone,whilethedistractedladsroaredandbeckonedvainlyfromthecove.Theoars layat their feet,where they left them;and thepoorchild was quite helpless, for she could not manage the sail, and even theparasol,withwhichshemighthavepaddleda little,hadgonedownwithallsailset.Foraminute,Jillwassofrightenedthatshecouldonlylookaboutherwith a scared face, and wonder if drowningwas a very disagreeable thing.ThenthesightofthebicycleboystrugglingwithJack,whoseemedinclinedtoswimafterher,andFrankshoutingwildly,"Holdon!Comeback!"madeherlaughinspiteofherfear,itwassocomical,andtheirdistresssomuchgreaterthanhers,sinceitwastheirowncarelessnesswhichcausedthetrouble."Ican'tcomeback!There'snothing toholdon to!Youdidn't fastenme,andnowIdon'tknowwhereI'mgoing!"criedJill, lookingfromtheshoretothetreacherousseathatwasgentlycarryingheraway.

"Keep cool!We'll get a boat and come after you," roared Frank, before hefollowedJack,whohadcollectedhiswitsandwastearinguptherockslikeachamoishunter.Thebicycleboycalmlysatdowntokeephiseyeontherunaway,callingoutfromtime to timesuchcheeringremarksas"AllaboardforLiverpool!GivemylovetoVictoria!LuffandbearawaywhenyoucometoHalifax!Ifyouarehardupforprovisions,you'llfindanappleandsomebaitinmycoat-pocket,"and other directions for a comfortable voyage, till his voicewas lost in thedistanceasastrongercurrentboreherswiftlyawayandthebigwavesbegantotumbleandsplash.AtfirstJillhadlaughedathiseffortstokeepupherspirits,butwhentheboatfloatedroundapointofrockthatshut in thecove,shefeltallalone,andsatquitestill,wonderingwhatwouldbecomeofher.She turnedherback to theseaand lookedat thedear, safe land,whichneverhadseemedsogreenandbeautiful before. Up on the hill rustled the wood through which the happypartywerewanderingtotheChasm.Ontherocksshestillsawthecrowdallbusywiththeirownaffairs,unconsciousofherdanger.Hereandthereartistswere sketching in picturesque spots, and in one place an old gentleman satfishingpeacefully.Jillcalledandwavedherhandkerchief,butheneverlookedup, and anugly little dogbarked at her inwhat seemed toher amost cruelway."Nobodyseesorhearsorcares, and thosehorridboyswillnevercatchup!"shecried indespair, as theboatbegan to rockmoreandmore,and the loudswash of water dashing in and out of the Chasm drew nearer and nearer.Holding on nowwith both hands she turned and looked straight before her,paleandshivering,whilehereyes tried toseesomesignofhopeamongthesteepcliffs that roseupon the left.Noonewas there, thoughusuallyat thishourtheywerefullofvisitors,anditwastimeforthewalkerstohavearrived."I wonder if Gerty andMamie will be sorry if I'm drowned," thought Jill,rememberingthepoorgirlwhohadbeenlostintheChasmnotlongago.Herlivelyfancypicturedthegriefofherfriendsatherloss;butthatdidnothelporcomforthernow,andasheranxiousgazewanderedalongtheshore,shesaidaloud,inapensivetone,—"Perhaps I shall be wrecked on Norman's Woe, and somebody will makepoetryaboutme.Itwouldbeprettytoread,butIdon'twanttodiethatway.Oh,whydidIcome!Whydidn'tIstaysafeandcomfortableinmyownboat?"Atthethoughtasobrose,andpoorJilllaidherheaddownonherlaptocrywithallherheart,feelingveryhelpless,small,andforsakenalonethereonthegreat sea. In themidst of her tears came the thought, "When people are indanger,theyaskGodtosavethem;"and,slippingdownuponherknees,she

saidherprayeras shehadnever said itbefore, forwhenhumanhelp seemsgoneweturntoHimasnaturallyaslostchildrencrytotheirfather,andfeelsurethathewillhearandanswerthem.After thatshefeltbetter,andwipedawaythedrops thatblindedher, to lookout again like a shipwreckedmarinerwatching for a sail.And there itwas!Closeby,comingswiftlyonwithamanbehindit,asturdybrownfisher,busywithhislobster-pots,andquiteunconscioushowlikeanangelhelookedtothehelplesslittlegirlintherudderlessboat."Hi!hi!Oh,pleasedo stopandgetme! I'm lost, nooars,nobody to fix thesail!Oh, oh! please come!" screamed Jill, waving her hat frantically as theother boat skimmed by and the man stared at her as if she really was amermaidwithafishytail."Keep still! I'll come about and fetch you!" he called out; and Jill obeyed,sittinglikealittleimageoffaith,tillwithagooddealofshiftingandflappingofthesail,theotherboatcamealongsideandtookherintow.Afewwordstoldthestory,andinfiveminutesshewassittingsnuglytuckedupwatching anunpleasantmassof lobsters flap about dangerouslynear hertoes, while the boat bounded over the waves with a delightful motion, andeveryinstantbroughthernearerhome.Shedidnotsaymuch,butfeltagooddeal; and when they met two boats coming to meet her, manned by veryanxiouscrewsofmenandboys,shewassopaleandquietthatJackwasquitebowed down with remorse, and Frank nearly pitched the bicycle boyoverboard because he gayly asked Jill how she left her friends in England.Therewasgreat rejoicingoverher, for thepeopleon the rockshadheardofherloss,andranaboutlikeantswhentheirhillisdisturbed.OfcoursehalfadozenamiablesoulspostedofftotheWillowstotellthefamilythatthelittlegirl was drowned, so that when the rescuers appeared quite a crowd wasassembledonthebeachtowelcomeher.ButJillfeltsousedupwithherownshareoftheexcitementthatshewasgladtobecarriedtothehousebyFrankandJack,andlaiduponherbed,whereMrs.Hammondsoonrestoredherwithsugar-coatedpills,andwordsevensweeterandmoresoothing.Otherpeople,busiedwiththeirownpleasures,forgotallaboutitbythenextday;butJillrememberedthathourlongafterward,bothawakeandasleep,forherdreamsweretroubled,andsheoftenstartedupimploringsomeonetosaveher.Thenshewouldrecall themomentwhen,feelingmosthelpless,shehadaskedforhelp,andithadcomeasquicklyasifthattearfullittlecryhadbeenheardandanswered, thoughhervoicehadbeendrownedby thedashof thewavesthatseemedreadytodevourher.Thismadeadeepimpressiononher,andasenseofchildlikefaithintheFatherofallbegantogrowupwithinher;for in that lonely voyage, short as it was, she had found a very precioustreasure to keep for ever, to lean on, and to love during the longer voyage

whichallmusttakebeforewereachourhome.

ChapterXXII.AHappyDay

"Ohdear!Onlyaweekmore,andthenwemustgoback.Don'tyouhatethethoughtsof it?" said Jack,ashewasgivingJillherearlywalkon thebeachoneAugustmorning."Yes,itwillbedreadfultoleaveGertyandMamieandallthenicepeople.ButI'm so much better I won't have to be shut up again, even if I don't go toschool.HowIlongtoseeMerryandMolly.Dearthings,ifitwasn'tforthemIshould hate going home more than you do," answered Jill, stepping alongquitebriskly,andfinding itveryhard to resistbreaking intoaskipora run,shefeltsowellandgay."Wish they could be here to-day to see the fun," said Jack, for it was theanniversaryof the foundingof theplace, and thepeople celebrated it by allsortsoffestivity."I didwant to askMolly, but yourmother is so good tome I couldn't findcouragetodoit.Mammytoldmenottoaskforathing,andI'msureIdon'tgetachance.IfeeljustasifIwasyourtrulybornsister,Jack.""That's all right, I'm glad you do," answered Jack, comfortably, though hismindseemeda littleabsentandhiseyes twinkledwhenshespokeofMolly."Now,yousitinthecubby-house,andkeepquiettilltheboatcomesin.Thenthefunwillbegin,andyoumustbefreshandreadytoenjoyit.Don'trunoff,now,Ishallwanttoknowwheretofindyoubyandby.""Nomorerunningoff, thankyou.I'llstayhere tillyoucome,andfinish thisboxforMolly;shehasabirthdaythisweek,andI'vewrittentoaskwhatday,soIcansenditrightupandsurpriseher."Jack'seyestwinkledmorethaneverashehelpedJillsettleherselfintheboat,and thenwith awhoop he tore over the beach, as if practising for the racewhichwastocomeoffintheafternoon.Jillwassobusywithherworkthattimewentquickly,andtheearlyboatcameinjustasthelastpinkshellwasstuckinitsplace.Puttingtheboxinthesuntodry,sheleanedoutofhernooktowatchthegaypartiesland,andgostreamingupthepieralongtheroadthatwentbehindthebankthatshelteredher.Flocksofchildrenwererunningaboutonthesand,andpresentlystrangersappeared,eagertoseeandenjoyallthedelightsofthisgala-day."There'safatlittleboywholookseversomuchlikeBoo,"saidJilltoherself,watchingthepeopleandhopingtheywouldnotcomeandfindher,sinceshe

hadpromisedtostaytillJackreturned.Thefat littleboywasstaringabouthiminablissfulsortofmaze,holdingawoodenshovelinonehandandtheskirtsofayounggirlwiththeother.HerbackwasturnedtoJill,butsomethinginthelongbrownbraidwithafly-awaybluebowhangingdownherbacklookedveryfamiliartoJill.Sodidthegraysuit and the Japanese umbrella; but the hatwas strange, andwhile shewasthinkinghownaturalthebootslooked,thegirlturnedround."Why,howmuchshelookslikeMolly!Itcan'tbe—yes,itmight,Idobelieveitis!"criedJill,startingupandhardlydaringtotrustherowneyes.Asshecameoutofhernestandshowedherself,therecouldbenodoubtabouttheothergirl,forshegaveoneshoutandcameracingoverthebeachwithbotharmsout,whileherhatblewoffunheeded,andthegayumbrellaflewaway,tothe great delight of all the little people except Boo, who was upset by hissister's impetuousrush,and layuponhisbackhowling.Mollydidnotdoallthe running, though, and Jill got her wish, for, never stopping to think ofherself, shewasoff atonce, andmether friendhalf-waywithanansweringcry.Itwasaprettysighttoseethemrunintooneanother'sarmsandhugandkissandtalkandskipinsuchastateofgirlishjoytheynevercaredwhosaworlaughedattheirinnocentraptures."Youdarlingdear!wheredidyou come from?" cried Jill, holdingMollybybothshoulders,andshakingheralittletobesureshewasreal."Mrs.Minotsentforustospendaweek.Youlooksowell,Ican'tbelievemyeyes!"answeredMolly,pattingJill'scheeksandkissingthemoverandover,asiftomakesurethebrightcolorwouldnotcomeoff."Aweek?Howsplendid!Oh,I'vesuchheapstotellandshowyou;comerightovertomycubbyandseehowlovelyitis,"saidJill,forgettingeverybodyelseinherdelightatgettingMolly."Imust get poor Boo, andmy hat and umbrella, I left them all behindmewhenIsawyou,"laughedMolly,lookingback.But Mrs. Minot and Jack had consoled Boo and collected the scatteredproperty,sothegirlswentonarminarm,andhadafinetimebeforeanyonehadthehearttodisturbthem.Mollywascharmedwiththeboat,andJillverygladtheboxwasdoneinseason.Bothhadsomuchtotellandhearandplan,thattheywouldhavesatthereforeverifbathing-timehadnotcome,andthebeachsuddenlylookedlikeabedofredandyellowtulips,foreveryonetookadip,andthestrangersaddedmuchtothefun.Mollycouldswimlikeaduck,andquitecoveredherselfwithglorybydivingoffthepier.JackundertooktoteachBoo,whowasapromisingpupil,beingsoplumpthathecouldnotsinkifhetried.Jillwassoonthrough,andlayonthe

sandenjoyingtheanticsofthebatherstillshewassofaintwithlaughtershewasgladtohearthedinner-hornanddothehonorsoftheWillowstoMolly,whoseroomwasnexthers.Boat-races came first in the afternoon, and the girls watched them, sittingluxuriously in the nest, with the ladies and children close by. The sailing-matcheswereveryprettytosee;butMollyandJillweremoreinterestedintherowing,forFrankandthebicycleboypulledoneboat,andthefriendsfeltthatthisonemustwin.Itdid,thoughtheracewasnotveryexcitingnortheprizeofgreatworth;buttheboysandgirlsweresatisfied,andJackwasmuchexalted,forhealwaystoldFrankhecoulddogreatthingsifhewouldonlydropbooksand"goinonhismuscle."Foot-racesfollowed,and,burningtodistinguishhimselfalso,Jackinsistedontrying,thoughhismotherwarnedhimthattheweaklegmightbeharmed,andhehadhisowndoubtsaboutit,ashewasalloutofpractice.However,hetookhisplacewithahandkerchieftiedroundhishead,redshirtandstockings,andhissleevesrolledupasifhemeantbusiness.JillandMollycouldnotsitstillduringthisrace,andstoodonthebankquitetremblingwithexcitementasthehalf-dozen runners stood in a line at the starting-post waiting for the word"Go!"Off theywent at last over the smoothbeach to thepolewith the flag at thefurtherend,andeveryonewatchedthemwithmingledinterestandmerriment,for theywere a droll set, and the running not at all scientificwithmost ofthem.Oneyoung fishermanwithbigbootsoverhis trousers startedoff at agreatpace,poundingalong in themostdoggedway,while a little chap in atightbathing-suitwithverythinlegsskimmedbyhim,lookingsolikeasand-piperitwasimpossibletohelplaughingatboth.Jack'sformertrainingstoodhimingoodsteadnow;forhewenttoworkinprofessionalstyle,andkeptasteadytrottilltheflagpolehadbeenpassed,thenheputonhisspeedandshotaheadofalltherest,severalofwhombrokedownandgaveup.ButCoxandBaconheld ongallantly; and soon itwas evident that the sturdy legs in theknickerbockersweregainingfast,forJackgavehisankleanuglywrenchonaroundpebble,andtheweakkneebegantofail.Hedidhisbest,however,andquite a breeze of enthusiasm stirred the spectators as the three boys camedown the course like mettlesome horses, panting, pale, or purple, but eachboundtowinatanycost."Now,Bacon!" "Go it,Minot!" "Hit himup,Cox!" "Jack's ahead!" "No, heisn't!""Heretheycome!""Bacon'sdoneit!"shoutedtheotherboys,andtheywereright;Baconhadwon,forthegraylegscameinjusthalfayardaheadofthe red ones, andMinot tumbled into his brother's armswith hardly breathenoughlefttogaspout,good-humoredly,"Allright,I'mgladhebeat!"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 theshooting of the Archery Club up at the hotel. Jack was soon rested, and,makinglightofhisdefeat,insistedontakingthegirlstoseethefun.Sotheydroveupintheoldomnibus,andenjoyedtheprettysightverymuch;fortheyoung ladies were in uniform, and the broad green ribbons over the whitedresses,thegayquivers,longbows,andbigtargets,madealivelyscene.Theshootingwasgood;ahandsomedamselgottheprizeofadozenarrows,andeveryoneclappedinthemostenthusiasticmanner.MollyandJilldidnotcareabouttennis,sotheywenthometorestanddressfortheevening,becausetotheirmindsthedancing,theillumination,andthefireworkswerethebestfunofall.Jill'swhitebuntingwithcherryribbonswasvery becoming, and the lively feet in the new slippers patted the floorimpatientlyasthesoundofdancemusiccamedowntotheWillowsaftertea,and the other girlswaltzed on thewide piazza because they could not keepstill."No dancing forme, butMollymust have a good time.You'll see that shedoes,won'tyou,boys?"saidJill,whoknewthathershareofthefunwouldbelyingonasetteeandwatchingtherestenjoyherfavoritepastime.Frank and Jack promised, and kept their word handsomely; for there wasplenty of room in the great dancing-hall at the hotel, and the band in thepavilionplayedsuchinspiringmusicthat,asthebicycleboysaid,"Everyonewhohadalegcouldn'thelpshakingit."Mollywastwirledabouttoherheart'scontent,andflewhitherandthitherlikeabluebutterfly;foralltheladslikedher,andshekeptrunninguptotellJillthefunnythingstheysaidanddid.Asnightdarkenedfromallthehousesinthevalley,onthecliffsandalongtheshore lights shone and sparkled; for every one decoratedwith gay lanterns,and several yachts in the bay strung colored lamps about the little vessels,making a pretty picture on the quiet sea. Jill thought she had never seenanything so like fairy-land, and felt very like one in a dream as she droveslowlyupanddownwithMamie,Gerty,Molly,andMrs.Coxinthecarriage,sothatshemightseeitallwithouttoomuchfatigue.Itwasverylovely;andwhen rockets began to whizz, filling the air with golden rain, a shower ofcolored stars, fiery dragons, or glitteringwheels, the girls could only shriekwith delight, and beg to stay a little longer each time the prudent ladyproposedgoinghome.Ithadtobeatlast;butMollyandJillcomfortedthemselvesbyalongtalkinbed, for it was impossible to sleep with glares of light coming every fewminutes, flocksofpeople talkingand trampingby in the road,andburstsofmusicfloatingdownto themas theolderbutnotwiserrevellerskeptup themerrimenttillalatehour.Theydroppedoffatlast;butJillhadthenightmare,andMollywaswakedupbyaviolentjerkingofherbraidasJilltriedtotow

heralong,dreamingshewasaboat.Theyweretoosleepytolaughmuchthen,butnextmorningtheymademerryover it,andwent tobreakfastwithsuchhappyfaces thatall theyoungfolkspronounced Jill's friend amost delightful girl.What a good timeMolly didhave thatweek!Other peoplewere going to leave also, and thereforemuchpicnicking,boating,anddrivingwascrowdedintothelastdays.Clambakesontheshore,charadesinthestudio,sewing-partiesattheboat,eveningfrolicsinthebigdining-room,farewellcalls,gifts,andinvitations,allsortsofplansfornextsummer,andvowsofeternalfriendshipexchangedbetweenpeoplewhowould soon forget eachother. Itwasverypleasant, till poorBoo innocentlyadded to the excitement by poisoning a few of his neighbors with a badlobster.Theambitiouslittlesoulpinedtocatchoneofthesemysteriousbutlovelyredcreatures,andspentdaysfishingonthebeach,investigatingholesandcorners,and taggingafter theoldmanwhosupplied thehouse.Onedayafterahighwind he found several "lobs" washed up on the beach, and, thoughdisappointed at their color, hepickedout a bigone, and set off to showhisprizetoMolly.Half-wayhomehemettheoldmanonhiswaywithabasketoffish, and being tired of lugging his contribution laid it with the others,meaningtoexplainlater.Noonesawhimdoit,astheoldmanwasbusywithhispipe;andBoo ranback togetmoredear lobs, leavinghis treasure togointothekettleandappearatsupper,bywhichtimehehadforgottenallaboutit.Fortunatelynoneofthechildrenateany,butseveralolderpeopleweremadeill,andquiteapanicprevailed thatnightasoneafter theothercalledup thedoctor,whowasboardingcloseby;andgoodMrs.Grey,thehostess,ranaboutwithhotflannels,bottlesofmedicine,anddistractedmessagesfromroomtoroom.Allwerecomfortablebymorning,butthefriendsofthesuffererslayinwaitfortheoldfisherman,andgavehimagoodscoldingforhiscarelessness.Thepoormanwasprotestinghis innocencewhenBoo,whowaspassingby,lookedintothebasket,andaskedwhathadbecomeofhislob.Afewquestionsbrought the truth to light,andageneral laughputeveryone ingoodhumor,whenpoorBoomildlysaid,bywayofexplanation,—"IfoughtIwashelpin'Mrs.Dray,andIdidwanttoseethedreenlobcomeoutallredwhensheboiledhim.ButIfordot,andIdon'tfinkI'lleverfindsuchanicebigoneanymore.""For our sakes, I hope youwon't,my dear," saidMrs.Hammond,who hadbeennursingoneofthesufferers."It'sluckywearegoinghometo-morrow,orthatchildwouldbethedeathofhimselfandeverybodyelse.He isperfectlycrazyabout fish,andI'vepulled

himoutof thatold lobster-poton thebeachadozen times,"groanedMolly,muchafflictedbythemishapsofheryoungcharge.Therewasagreatbreakingupnextday,andtheoldomnibuswentofftothestationwithBaconhangingonbehind,thebicycleboyandhisironwhirligigatop,andheadspoppingoutofallthewindowsforlastgood-byes.OurpartyandtheHammondsweregoingbyboat,andwereallreadytostartforthepierwhenBooandlittleHarryweremissing.Molly,themaid,andbothboysrandifferentwaystofindthem;andallsortsofdreadfulsuggestionswerebeingmade when shouts of laughter were heard from the beach, and the truantsappeared, proudly dragging inHarry's littlewagon a dead devil-fish, as thenativescallthatuglythingwhichlookslikeamagnifiedtadpole—allheadandnobody."We'vedothim!"calledtheinnocents,tugginguptheirprizewithsuchsolemnsatisfactionitwasimpossibletohelplaughing."Ialwayswantedtotatchawhale,andthisisababyone,Ifink.Aboysaid,whentheywantedtodietheycomedonthesandanddidit,andwesawthisone go dead just now.Ain't he pretty?" askedBoo, displaying the immensemouthwithfondpride,whilehisfriendflappedthetail."What are you going to do with him?" saidMrs. Hammond, regarding herinfantasifsheoftenaskedherselfthesamequestionaboutherboy."Waphimupinapaperandtatehimhometopaywid,"answeredHarry,withsuch confidence in his big blue eyes that itwas very hard to disappoint hishopesandtellhimthetreasuremustbeleftbehind.Wailsofdespairburstfrombothchildrenasthehard-heartedboystippedoutthelittlewhale,andhustledtheindignantfishermenonboardtheboat,whichhadbeenwhistling for them impatiently.Boo recoveredhis spirits first, andgulpingdownasobthatnearlyshookhishatoff,consoledhiscompanioninaffliction and convulsed his friends by taking from his pocket several littlecrabs,theremainsofajelly-fish,andsuchacollectionofpebblesthatFrankunderstoodwhyhefoundthefatboysuchaburdenwhenheshoulderedhim,kickingandhowling,inthelateruntotheboat.Thesedelicatetoyshealedthewounds of Boo and Harry, and they were soon happily walking the little"trabs"aboutinsideastonewalloftheirownbuilding,whiletheothersrestedaftertheirexertions,andlaidplansforcomingtotheWillowsanotheryear,aspeople usually didwhohad once tasted thewholesomedelights and cordialhospitalityofthischarmingplace.

ChapterXXIII.CattleShow

The children were not the only ones who had learned something at PebblyBeach.Mrs.Minothad talkedagooddealwithsomeverysuperiorpersons,and received light upon various subjects which had much interested orperplexed her. While the ladies worked or walked together, they naturallyspokeoftenest andmost earnestly about their children, andeach contributedher experience.Mrs.Hammond,who had been a physician formany years,waswise in thecareofhealthy littlebodies,and thecureofsickones.Mrs.Channing, who had read, travelled, and observed much in the cause ofeducation,hadmanyusefulhintsaboutthetrainingofyoungmindsandhearts.Severalteachersreportedtheirtrials,andallthemotherswereeagertoknowhow to bring up their boys and girls to be healthy, happy, useful men andwomen.Asyoungpeopledonotcareforsuchdiscussions,wewillnotdescribethem,butas the impression theymadeupononeof themammasaffectedourheroandheroine,wemustmentionthechangeswhichtookplaceintheirlifewhentheyallgothomeagain."Schoolbeginsto-morrow.Oh,dear!"sighedJack,ashelookeduphisbooksintheBirdRoom,adayortwoaftertheirreturn."Don'tyouwanttogo?Ilongto,butdon'tbelieveIshall.Isawourmotherstalkingtothedoctorlastnight,butIhaven'tdaredtoaskwhattheydecided,"saidJill,affectionatelyeyingthelong-unusedbooksinherlittlelibrary."I'vehadsuchajollygoodtime,thatIhatetobeshutupalldayworsethanever. Don't you, Frank?" asked Jack, with a vengeful slap at the arithmeticwhichwasthetormentofhislife."Well,IconfessIdon'thankerforschoolasmuchasIexpected.I'drathertakeaspinontheoldbicycle.Ourroadsaresogood,itisagreattemptationtohireamachine,andastonishthenatives.That'swhatcomesofidleness.Sobraceup,myboy, andgo towork, for vacation is over," answeredFrank, gravelyregarding the tall pile of books before him, as if trying towelcome his oldfriends,ortyrants,rather,fortheyruledhimwitharodofironwhenheoncegavehimselfuptothem."Ah, but vacation is not over,my dears," saidMrs.Minot, hearing the lastwordsasshecameinpreparedtosurpriseherfamily."Gladof it.Howmuchlonger is it tobe?"askedJack,hopingforaweekatleast."Twoorthreeyearsforsomeofyou.""What?"criedallthree,inutterastonishment,astheystaredatMamma,whocouldnothelpsmiling,thoughshewasverymuchinearnest."ForthenexttwoorthreeyearsIintendtocultivatemyboys'bodies,andlet

their minds rest a good deal, from books at least. There is plenty to learnoutsideofschool-houses,andIdon'tmeantoshutyouupjustwhenyoumostneedalltheairandexerciseyoucanget.Goodhealth,goodprinciples,andagoodeducationarethethreeblessingsIaskforyou,andIamgoingtomakesureofthefirst,asafirmfoundationfortheothertwo.""But,mother,whatbecomesofcollege?"askedFrank,ratherdisturbedatthischangeofbase."Putitoffforayear,andseeifyouarenotbetterfittedforitthenthannow.""ButIamalreadyfitted:I'veworkedlikea tigerall thisyear,andI'msureIshallpass.""Ready inoneway,butnot inanother.Thathardwork isnopreparation forfouryearsofstillharderstudy.Ithascostyoutheseroundshoulders,manyaheadache,andconsumedhourswhenyouhadfarbetterhavebeenontheriveror in the fields. I cannothaveyoubreakdown,as somanyboysdo,orpullthroughatthecostofill-healthafterward.Eighteenisyoungenoughtobeginthesteadygrind,ifyouhaveastrongconstitutiontokeeppacewiththeeagermind.Sixteenistooyoungtosendevenmygoodboyoutintotheworld,justwhenhemostneedshismother'scaretohelphimbethemanshehopestoseehim."Mrs.Minot laidherhandonhisshoulderasshespoke, lookingso fondandproudthatitwasimpossibletorebel,thoughsomeofhismostcherishedplanswerespoilt."Otherfellowsgoatmyage,andIwasratherpleasedtobereadyatsixteen,"hebegan.Butsheadded,quickly,—"Theygo, but howdo they comeout?Many losehealthof body, andmanywhatismorepreciousstill,moralstrength,becausetooyoungandignoranttowithstand temptationsofall sorts.Thebestpartofeducationdoesnotcomefrom books, and the good principles I value more than either of the otherthingsaretobecarefullywatchedovertillfirmlyfixed;thenyoumayfacetheworld,andcometonorealharm.Trustme,dear,Idoitforyoursake;sobearthedisappointmentbravely,andintheendIthinkyouwillsayI'mright.""I'll domy best; but I don't see what is to become of us if we don't go toschool.Youwillgettiredofitfirst,"saidFrank,tryingtosetagoodexampletotheothers,whowerelookingmuchimpressedandinterested."Nodangerofthat,forIneversentmychildrentoschooltogetridofthem,and now that they are old enough to be companions, I want them at homemorethanever.Therearetobesomelessons,however,forbusymindsmustbefed,butnotcrammed;soyouboyswillgoandreciteatcertainhourssuchthings as seemmost important. But there is to be no studying at night, no

shuttingupallthebesthoursoftheday,nohurryandfretofgettingonfast,orskimmingoverthesurfaceofmanystudieswithoutlearninganythoroughly.""SoIsay!"criedJack,pleasedwiththenewidea,forheneverdidlovebooks."IdohatetobedrivensoIdon'thalfunderstand,becausethereisnotimetohavethingsexplained.Schoolisgoodfunasfarasplaygoes;butIdon'tseethesenseofmakingafellowlearneightyquestionsingeographyoneday,andforgetthemthenext."Whatistobecomeofme,please?"askedJill,meekly."YouandMollyaretohavelessonshere.IwasateacherwhenIwasyoung,you know, and liked it, so I shall be school-ma'am, and leave my house-keepinginbetterhandsthanmine.Ialwaysthoughtthatmothersshouldteachtheir girls during these years, and vary their studies to suit the growingcreaturesasonlymotherscan."Thatwill be splendid!WillMolly's father let her come?" cried Jill, feelingquitereconciledtostayingathome,ifherfriendwastobewithher."Helikes theplanverymuch,forMolly isgrowingfast,andneedsasortofcarethatMissDawescannotgiveher.Iamnotahardmistress,andIhopeyouwillfindmyschoolapleasantone.""IknowIshall;andI'mnotdisappointed,becauseIwasprettysureIcouldn'tgototheoldschoolagain,whenIheardthedoctorsayImustbeverycarefulforalongtime.Ithoughthemeantmonths;butifitmustbeyears,Icanbearit,forI'vebeenhappythislastonethoughIwassick,"saidJill,gladtoshowthatithadnotbeenwastedtimebybeingcheerfulandpatientnow."That'smygoodgirl!"andMrs.Minotstrokedthecurlyblackheadasifitwasher own little daughter's. "You have done so well, I want you to go onimproving, for care nowwill save you pain and disappointment by and by.Youallhavegotacapitalstartduringthesesixweeks,soitisagoodtimetobeginmyexperiment.Ifitdoesnotworkwell,wewillgobacktoschoolandcollegenextspring.""HurrahforMammaandthelongvacation!"criedJack,catchinguptwobigbooksandwhirlingthemroundlikeclubs,asiftogethismusclesinorderatonce."NowIshallhavetimetogototheGymnasiumandstraightenoutmyback,"said Frank, who was growing so tall he needed more breadth to make hisheightsymmetrical."And to ride horseback. I am going to hire old Jane and get out the littlephaeton,sowecanallenjoythefineweatherwhile it lasts.MollyandIcandriveJill,andyoucantaketurnsinthesaddlewhenyouaretiredofballandboating.Exerciseofallsortsisoneofthelessonswearetolearn,"saidMrs.

Minot,suggestingallthepleasantthingsshecouldtosweetenthepillforherpupils,twoofwhomdidlovetheirbooks,notbeingoldenoughtoknowthatevenanexcellentthingmaybeoverdone."Won'tthatbegay?I'llgetdownthesaddleto-day,sowecanbeginrightoff.Lem rides, andwe can go together. Hope old Janewill like it as well as Ishall,"saidJack,whohadfoundanewfriendinapleasantladlatelycometotown."Youmustseethatshedoes,foryouboysaretotakecareofher.Wewillputthe barn in order, and you can decide which shall be hostler and whichgardener,forIdon'tintendtohirelaborontheplaceanymore.Ourestateisnotalargeone,anditwillbeexcellentworkforyou,mymen.""All right! I'll see to Jane. I love horses," said Jack, well pleased with theprospect."Myhorsewon'tneedmuchcare.Ipreferabicycletoabeast,soI'llgetinthesquashes, pick the apples, and cover the strawberry bed when it is time,"addedFrank,whohadenjoyedthefreelifeatPebblyBeachsomuchthathewaswillingtoprolongit."Youmayputmeinahen-coop,andkeepmethereayear,ifyoulike.Iwon'tfret,forI'msureyouknowwhatisbestforme,"saidJill,gayly,asshelookedupatthegoodfriendwhohaddonesomuchforher."I'mnotsurethatIwon'tputyouinaprettycageandsendyoutoCattleShow,asasampleofwhatwecandointhewayoftamingawildbirdtillitisnearlyasmeekasadove,"answeredMrs.Minot,muchgratifiedattheamiabilityofherflock."Idon'tseewhythereshouldnotbeanexhibitionofchildren,andprizesforthegoodandprettyones,aswellasforfatpigs,finehorses,orhandsomefruitandflowers—Idon'tmeanababyshow,butboysandgirls,sopeoplecanseewhat the prospect is of a good crop for the next generation," said Frank,glancing towardthe towerof thebuildingwhere theyearlyAgriculturalFairwassoontobeheld."Years ago, there was a pretty custom here of collecting all the schoolstogether in the spring, and having a festival at the TownHall. Each schoolshoweditsbestpupils,andtheparentslookedonatthebloomingflowershow.Itwasapityitwasevergivenup,fortheschoolshaveneverbeensogoodasthen,nor the interest in themsogreat;" andMrs.Minotwondered, asmanypeopledo,whyfarmersseemtocaremorefortheircattleandcropsthanfortheir children, willingly spending large sums on big barns and costlyexperiments, while the school-houses are shabby and inconvenient, and thecheapestteacherspreferred.

"Ralphisgoingtosendmybust.Heaskedifhemight,andmothersaidYes.Mr. German thinks it very good, and I hope other people will," said Jill,noddingtowardthelittleplasterheadthatsmileddownfromitsbracketwithherownmerrylook."Icouldsendmymodel;itisnearlydone.Ralphtoldmeitwasacleverpieceofwork,andheknows,"addedFrank,quitetakenwiththeideaofexhibitinghisskillinmechanics."AndIcouldsendmystarbedquilt!Theyalwayshavethingsof thatkindatCattle Show;" and Jill began to rummage in the closet for the pride of herheart,burningtodisplayittoanadmiringworld."Ihaven'tgotanything.Can'tsewragstogether;ormakebabyengines,andIhavenolive-stock—yes,Ihavetoo!There'soldBun.I'llsendhim,forthefunofit;hereallyisacuriosity,forheisthebiggestoneIeversaw,andhoppingintothelimehasmadehisfursuchaqueercolor,helookslikeanewsortofrabbit. I'll catchand shuthimupbeforehegetswild again;" andoff rushedJacktolureunsuspectingoldBun,whohadgrowntameduringtheirabsence,intothecagewhichhedetested.Theyalllaughedathisardor,butthefancypleasedthem;andasMammasawnoreasonwhytheirlittleworksofartshouldnotbesent,Frankfelltoworkonhismodel,andJillresolvedtofinishherquiltatonce,whileMrs.MinotwentofftoseeMr.Actonaboutthehoursandstudiesfortheboys.Inaweekortwo,theyoungpeoplewerealmostresignedtothelossofschool,fortheyfoundthemselvesdelightfullyfreshforthefewlessonstheydidhave,and not weary of play, since it tookmany useful forms. Old Jane not onlycarriedthemalltoride,butgaveJackplentyofworkkeepingherpremisesinnice order. Frankmourned privately over the delay of college, but found asolace in his whirligig and the Gymnasium, where he set himself todevelopingachesttomatchthebigheadabove,whichheadnolongerachedwith eight or ten hours of study. Harvesting beans and raking up leavesseemed to have a soothing effect upon his nerves, for nowhe fell asleep atonceinsteadofthumpinghispillowwithvexationbecausehisbrainwouldgoonworkingatdifficultproblemsandpassageswhenhewantedittostop.Jill andMolly drove away in the little phaeton every fairmorning over thesunnyhillsandthroughthechangingwoods,fillingtheirhandswithastersandgolden-rod,theirlungswiththepure,invigoratingair,andtheirheadswithallmanner of sweet and happy fancies and feelings born of the wholesomeinfluencesaboutthem.Peopleshooktheirheads,andsaiditwaswastingtime;buttherosy-facedgirlswerecontenttotrustthosewiserthanthemselves,andfound their new school very pleasant. They read aloud a good deal, rapidlyacquiringoneoftherarestandmostbeautifulaccomplishments;fortheycould

stopandaskquestionsastheywentalong,sothattheyunderstoodwhattheyread, which is half the secret. A thousand things came up as they sewedtogether in the afternoon, and the eager minds received much generalinformation in an easy and well-ordered way. Physiology was one of thefavoritestudies,andMrs.Hammondoftencameintogivethemalittlelecture,teaching them to understand thewonders of their own systems, and how tokeeptheminorder—alessonoffarmoreimportancejustthenthanGreekorLatin,forgirlsarethefuturemothers,nurses,teachers,oftherace,andshouldfeelhowmuchdependsonthem.Merrycouldnotresisttheattractionsofthefriendlycircle,andsoonpersuadedhermothertoletherdoastheydid;soshegotmoreexerciseandlessstudy,whichwasjustwhatthedelicategirlneeded.Thefirstofthenewideasseemedtoprosper,andthesecond,thoughsuggestedinjoke,wascarriedoutinearnest,fortheotheryoungpeoplewereseizedwithastrongdesiretosendsomethingtotheFair.Infact,allsortsofqueerarticleswere proposed, and much fun prevailed, especially among the boys, whoransacked their gardens for mammoth vegetables, sighed for five-leggedcalves,blueroses,oranyothernaturalcuriositybymeansofwhichtheymightdistinguishthemselves.Ralphwastheonlyonewhohadanythingreallyworthsending;forthoughFrank'smodelseemedquiteperfect,itobstinatelyrefusedtogo,andatthelastmomentblewupwithareportlikeapop-gun.Soitwaslaid away for repairs, and its disappointed maker devoted his energies tohelpingJackkeepBuninorder;forthatindomitableanimalgotoutofeveryprisontheyputhimin,andledJackadreadfullifeduringthatlastweek.Atallhoursofthedayandnightthatdistractedboywouldstartup,crying,"Thereheisagain!"anddartouttogivechaseandcapturethevillainnowgrowntoofattorunasheoncedid.Theverynightbefore theFair,Frankwaswakenedbyachillydraught,and,gettinguptoseewhereitcamefrom,foundJack'sdooropenandbedempty,while the vision of a white ghost flitting about the garden suggested amidnight rush after oldBun. Frankwatched laughingly, till poor Jack cametowardthehousewith thegentlemaningraykickinglustily inhisarms,andthenwhisperedinasepulchraltone,—"Puthimintheoldrefrigerator,hecan'tgetoutofthat."Blessinghimforthesuggestion,theexhaustedhuntershutuphisvictiminthenewcell,andfounditasafeone,forBuncouldnotburrowthroughasheetofzinc,orclimbupthesmoothwalls.Jill's quilt was a very elaborate piece of work, being bright blue with littlewhitestarsalloverit;thisshefinishednicely,andfeltsurenopatientoldladycould outdo it.Merry decided to send butter, for she had been helping hermother in thedairy that summer, and rather liked the lightpartof the labor.She knew it would please her very much if she chose that instead of wild

flowers, soshepractisedmoulding theyellowpats intoprettyshapes, that itmightpleasebotheyeandtaste.Mollydeclaredshewouldhavealittlepen,andputBooinit,astheprizefatboy—athreatwhichsoalarmedtheinnocentthatheranaway,andwasfoundtwoorthreemilesfromhome,asleepunderthewall,withtwoseed-cakesandapairofsocksdoneupinabundle.Beingwithdifficultyconvincedthatitwasajoke,heconsentedtoreturntohisfamily,butwasevidentlysuspicious,tillMollydecided tosendhercats,andsetaboutpreparing themforexhibition.The Minots' deserted Bunny-house was rather large; but as cats cannot bepacked as closely as much-enduring sheep, Molly borrowed this desirablefamilymansion, and put her darlings into it,where they soon settled down,and appeared to enjoy their new residence. It had been scrubbed up andpainted red,cushionsandplatesput in,and twoAmerican flagsadorned theroof.Beingbarredall round,afineviewof theHappyFamilycouldbehad,now twelve in number, asMolasses had lately added threewhite kits to thevariedcollection.Thegirlsthoughtthiswouldbethemostinterestingspectacleofall,andGrifproposed to give some of the cats extra tails, to increase their charms,especially poorMortification,whowould appreciate the honor of two, afterhavingnoneforso long.ButMollydeclined,andGrif lookedabouthimforsomeattractiveanimaltoexhibit,sothathetoomightgoinfreeandcometohonor,perhaps.Ayoungladyinthetownownedadonkey,asmall,graybeast,whoinsistedontripping along the sidewalks andbumpingher rider against thewalls as shepausedtobrowseatherownsweetwill,regardlessofblowsorcries,tillreadytomove on. Expressing great admiration for this rare animal,Grif obtainedleave to display the charms ofGraciosa at theFair.Little did she guess thedark designs entertained against her dignity, and happily she was not assensitive to ridicule as a less humble-minded animal, so shewentwillinglywith her new friend, and enjoyed the combing and trimming up which shereceivedathishands,whilehepreparedforthegreatoccasion.WhenthemorningofSeptember28tharrived,thetownwasallastir,andtheFairgroundalivelyscene.Theairwasfullofthelowingofcattle,thetrampofhorses, squealingof indignant pigs, and clatter of tongues, as people andanimalsstreamedinatthegreatgateandfoundtheirproperplaces.Ouryoungfolks were in a high state of excitement, as they rumbled away with theirtreasuresinahay-cart.TheBunny-housemighthavebeenacageoftigers,sorampantwere the cats at this newmove.OldBun, in a small box, broodedovertheinsultoftherefrigerator,andlookedasfierceasarabbitcould.Gushadacoopofrarefowls,whocluckedwildlyall theway,whileRalph,withthebust inhis arms, stoodup in front, and Jill andMollybore theprecious

bedquilt,astheysatbehind.These objects of interest were soon arranged, and the girls went to admireMerry'sgoldenbutter cupsamong thegreen leaves,underwhich lay the icethat kept the pretty flowers fresh. The boys were down below, where thecackling was very loud, but not loud enough to drown the sonorous braywhichsuddenlystartledthemasmuchasitdidthehorsesoutside.Ashoutoflaughterfollowed,andawaywentthelads,toseewhatthefunwas,whilethegirls ranouton thebalcony,as someonesaid, "It's that rogueofaGrifwithsomenewjoke."It certainlywas, and, to judge from the peals ofmerriment, the jokewas agoodone. Inat thegatecamea two-headeddonkey, riddenbyGrif, ingreatspiritsathissuccess, for thegate-keeper laughedsohenever thought toaskfortoll.Atrainofboysfollowedhimacrosstheground,lostinadmirationoftheanimalandtheclevernessofherrider.AmongthestagepropertiesoftheDramatic Club was the old ass's head once used in some tableaux from"Midsummer Night's Dream." This Grif had mended up, and fastened bymeansofstrapsandacollar topoorGraciosa'sneck,hidinghisworkwitharedclothoverherback.Oneeyewasgone,buttheotherstillopenedandshut,andthelongearswaggedbymeansofstrings,whichheslylymanagedwiththebridle,sotheartificialheadlookedalmostasnaturalastherealone.ThefunniestthingofallwastheinnocentairofGraciosa,andthemildlyinquiringexpressionwithwhichshenowand then turned to lookator tosmellof thenewornament as if she recognized a friend's face, yetwas perplexed by itswant of animation. She vented her feelings in a bray, which Grif imitated,convulsingallhearersbythesoundaswellasbythewinktheoneeyegave,andthedrollwaggleofoneerectear,whiletheotherpointedstraightforward.The girls laughed so at the ridiculous sight that they nearly fell over therailing,andtheboyswereinecstasies,especiallywhenGrif,emboldenedbyhissuccess,trottedbrisklyroundtherace-course,followedbythecheersofthecrowd.Excitedbythenoise,Graciosadidherbest,tillthefalsehead,loosenedby the rapid motion, slipped round under her nose, causing her to stop sosuddenlythatGrifflewoff,alightingonhisownheadwithaviolencewhichwould have killed any other boy. Sobered by his downfall, he declined tomount again, but led his steed to repose in a shed, while he rejoined hisfriends,whowerewaiting impatiently to congratulate him on his latest andbestprank.TheCommitteewenttheirroundssoonafter,and,whenthedoorswereagainopened,everyonehurried to see if theirarticleshad receivedapremium.Acardlayonthebuttercups,andMrs.Grantwasfullofpridebecauseherbutteralwaystookaprize,andthisprovedthatMerrywaswalkinginhermother'ssteps,inthisdirectionatleast.Anothercardswungfromthebluequilt,forthe

kindlyjudgesknewwhomadeit,andweregladtopleasethelittlegirl,thoughseveral others as curious but not so pretty hung near by. The cats wereadmired,but,astheywerenotamongtheanimalsusuallyexhibited,therewasno prize awarded. Gus hoped his hens would get one; but somebody elseoutdidhim,tothegreatindignationofLauraandLotty,whohadfedthewhitebiddies faithfully formonths.Jackwassurehis rabbitwas thebiggest there,andwenteagerlytolookforhispremium.ButneithercardnorBunweretobeseen, for the old rascal had escaped for the last time, and was never seenagain;whichwasagreatcomforttoJack,whowasheartilytiredofhim.Ralph'sbustwasthebestofall,fornotonlydiditgetaprize,andwasmuchadmired,butalady,whofoundJillandMerryrejoicingoverit,wassopleasedwiththetruthandgraceofthelittlehead,thatsheaskedabouttheartist,andwhetherhewoulddooneofherownchild,whowassodelicateshefearedhemightnotlivelong.Merrygladlytoldthestoryofherambitiousfriend,andwenttofindhim,thathemightsecuretheorder.Whileshewasgone,Jilltookupthetale,gratefullytellinghowkindhehadbeentoher,howpatientlyheworkedandwaited,andhowmuchhelongedtogoabroad.Fortunatelytheladywasrichandgenerous,aswellas fondofart,andbeingpleasedwith thebust,and interested in theyoungsculptor,gavehimtheorderwhenhecame,andfilledhissoulwithjoybyadding, that, if itsuitedherwhendone, itshouldbeput intomarble.Shelivedinthecity,andRalphsoonarrangedhisworksothathecouldgiveuphisnoonhour,andgotomodelthechild;foreverypennyhecouldearnorsavenowwasveryprecious,ashestillhopedtogoabroad.Thegirlsweresodelightedwith thisgoodfortune, that theydidnotstayfortheraces,butwenthometotellthehappynews,leavingtheboystocareforthecats,andenjoythevariousmatchestocomeoffthatday."I'msogladItriedtolookpleasantwhenIwaslyingontheboardwhileRalphdidmyhead,forthepleasantnessgotintotheclayface,andthatmadetheladylikeit,"saidJill,asshelayrestingonthesofa."Ialwaysthoughtitwasadear,brightlittleface,butnowIloveandadmireitmorethanever,"criedMerry,kissingitgratefully,assherememberedthehelpandpleasureithadgivenRalph.

ChapterXXIV.DowntheRiver

Afortnightlater,theboyswerepickingapplesonegoldenOctoberafternoon,andthegirlswerehurrying tofinish theirwork, that theymightgoandhelptheharvesters.Itwassixweeksnowsincethenewschoolbegan,andtheyhad

learnedtolikeitverymuch,thoughtheyfoundthatitwasnotallplay,byanymeans. But lessons, exercise, and various sorts of housework made anagreeablechange,andtheyfeltthattheywerelearningthingswhichwouldbeuseful to them all their lives. They had been making underclothes forthemselves, and each had several neatly finished garments cut, fitted, andsewed by herself, and trimmed with the pretty tatting Jill made in suchquantitieswhileshelayonhersofa.Nowtheywerecompletingnewdressingsacks,andhadenjoyedthisjobverymuch,aseachchoseherownmaterial,andsuitedherowntasteinthemaking.Jill'swaswhite,withtinyscarletleavesalloverit,trimmedwithredbraidandbuttonssolikecheckerberriesshewastemptedtoeatthem.Molly'swasgay,withbouquetsofeverysortof flower,scallopedall round,andadornedwithsix buttons, each of a different color, which she thought the last touch ofelegance.Merry's, though the simplest,was the daintiest of the three, beingpaleblue,trimmedwithdelicateedging,andbeautifullymade.Mrs. Minot had been reading fromMiss Strickland's "Queens of England"whilethegirlsworked,andanillustratedShakspearelayopenonthetable,aswellasseveralfinephotographsofhistoricalplacesforthemtolookatastheywentalong.Thehourwasovernow, theteachergone,andthepupilssettingthe last stitches as they talked over the lesson, which had interested themexceedingly."IreallybelieveIhavegotHenry'ssixwivesintomyheadrightatlast.TwoAnnes, threeKatherines, andone Jane.Now I've seenwhere they lived andheard their stories, I quite feel as if I knew them," saidMerry, shaking thethreadsoffherworkbeforeshefoldedituptocarryhome."'KingHenrytheEighthtosixspouseswaswedded,Onedied,onesurvived,twodivorced,twobeheaded,'wasallIknewaboutthembefore.Poorthings,whatabadtimetheydidhave,"addedJill,pattingdowntheredbraid,whichwouldpuckerabitatthecorners."KatherineParrhadthebestofit,becausesheoutlivedtheoldtyrantandsokeptherheadon,"saidMolly,windingthethreadroundherlastbutton,asifboundtofastenitonsofirmlythatnothingshoulddecapitatethat."I used to think I'd like to be a queen or a great lady, andwear velvet andjewels,andliveinapalace,butnowIdon'tcaremuchforthatsortofsplendor.Iliketomakethingsprettyathome,andknowthattheyalldependonme,andlovemeverymuch.Queensarenothappy,andIam,"saidMerry,pausingtolookatAnneHathaway'scottageassheputupthepicture,andtowonderifitwasverypleasanttohaveafamousmanforone'shusband."Iguessyourmissionaryinghasdoneyougood;minehas,andI'mgettingto

havethingsmyownwaymoreandmoreeveryday.MissBatissoamiable,Ihardlyknowher,andfathertellshertoaskMissMollywhenshegoestohimfor orders. Isn't that fun?" laughed Molly, in high glee, at the agreeablechange."Ilikeiteversomuch,butIdon'twanttostaysoallmydays.Imeantotravel,andjustassoonasIcanIshalltakeBooandgoallroundtheworld,andseeeverything,"sheadded,wavinghergaysack,asifitweretheflagshewasabouttonailtothemastheadofhership."Well, I should like tobe famous in someway, andhavepeople admiremeverymuch. I'd like toact,ordance,orsing,orbewhat Iheard the ladiesatPebblyBeachcalla 'queenofsociety.'ButIdon'texpecttobeanything,andI'mnotgoingtoworryIshallnotbeaLucinda,soIoughttobecontentedandhappy allmy life," said Jill, whowas very ambitious in spite of the newlyacquired meekness, which was all the more becoming because her naturallivelinessoftenbrokeoutlikesunshinethroughaveiloflightclouds.If the threegirlscouldhave lookedforward tenyears theywouldhavebeensurprisedtoseehowdifferentafatewastheirsfromtheoneeachhadchosen,and howhappy eachwas in the place shewas called to fill.Merrywas notmakingtheoldfarmhousepretty,butlivinginItaly,withayoungsculptorforher husband, and beauty such as she never dreamed of all about her.Mollywas not travelling round the world, but contentedly keeping house for herfather and stillwatchingoverBoo,whowasbecomingher pride and joy aswellascare.NeitherwasJilla famouswoman,butaveryhappyandusefulone,with the twomothers leaning on her as they grewold, the youngmenbetterforherinfluenceoverthem,manyfriendstoloveandhonorher,andacharminghome,where shewas queenby right of her cheery spirit, gratefulheart,andunfailingdevotiontothosewhohadmadeherwhatshewas.Ifanycuriousreader,notcontentwiththispeepintofuturity,asks,"DidMollyandJillevermarry?"wemustreply,forthesakeofpeace—Mollyremainedamerryspinsterallherdays,oneoftheindependent,brave,andbusycreaturesofwhom there is suchneed in theworld tohelp take careof other peoples'wivesandchildren,anddothemanyusefuljobsthatthemarriedfolkhavenotimefor.Jillcertainlydidwearawhiteveilonthedayshewastwenty-fiveandcalledherhusbandJack.Furtherthanthatwecannotgo,excepttosaythatthisleapdidnotendinacatastrophe,likethefirstonetheytooktogether.That day, however, they never dreamed of what was in store for them, butchatteredawayas theyclearedup theroom,and thenranoff readyforplay,feeling that theyhad earned it byworkwell done.They found the lads justfinishing,withBootohelpbypickingupthewindfallsforthecider-heap,afterhehadamusedhimselfbyputtingaboutabusheldownthevariousholesoldBun had left behind him. Jack was risking his neck climbing in the mostdangerousplaces,whileFrank,with a long-handled apple-picker, nippedoff

thefinestfruitwithcare,bothenjoyingthepleasanttaskandfeelingproudofthe handsome red and yellow piles all about the little orchard. Merry andMollycaughtupbasketsandfelltoworkwithalltheirmight,leavingJilltosituponastoolandsorttheearlyapplesreadytouseatonce,lookingupnowandthen to nod and smile at her mother who watched her from the window,rejoicingtoseeherlasssowellandhappy.Itwassuchalovelyday,theyallfeltitscheerfulinfluence;forthesunshonebright and warm, the air was full of an invigorating freshness which soonmadethegirls' faces look likerosyapples,and theirspiritsasgayas if theyhad been stealing sips of new cider through a straw. Jack whistled like ablackbirdasheswungandbumpedabout,Frankoratedandjoked,MerryandMollyranracestoseewhowouldfillandemptyfastest,andJillsungtoBoo,whoreposedinabarrel,exhaustedwithhislabors."These are the last of the pleasant days, andweought tomake themost ofthem. Let's have one more picnic before the frost spoils the leaves," saidMerry, resting a minute at the gate to look down the street, which was aglorifiedsortofavenue,withbrilliantmaplesliningthewayandcarpetingthegroundwithcrimsonandgold."Oh, yes! Go down the river once more and have supper on the Island. Icouldn'tgotosomeofyourpicnics,andIdolongforalastgoodtimebeforewinter shuts me up again," cried Jill, eager to harvest all the sunshine shecould,forshewasnotyetquiteheroldselfagain."I'myourman,iftheotherfellowsagree.Wecan'tbarreltheseupforawhile,soto-morrowwillbeaholidayforus.Bettermakesureofthedaywhileyoucan, this weather can't last long;" and Frank shook his head like one onintimatetermswithOldProb."Don'tworryabout thosehighones,Jack.Giveashakeandcomedownandplan about the party," called Molly, throwing up a big Baldwin with whatseemeda remarkablygoodaim, for a showerof apples followed, andaboycametumblingearthwardtocatchonthelowestboughandswingdownlikeacaterpillar,exclaiming,ashelanded,—"I'mgladthatjobisdone!I'veraspedeveryknuckleI'vegotandwornoutthekneesofmypants.Nicelittlecropthough,isn'tit?""Itwill benicer if thisyoungmandoesnotbite every applehe touches.Hithere! Stop it, Boo," commanded Frank, as he caught his young assistantputtinghissmallteethintothebestones,toseeiftheyweresweetorsour.Molly set the barrel up on end, and that took the boy out of the reach ofmischief,soheretiredfromviewandpeepedthroughacrackasheatehisfifthpearmain,regardlessofconsequences.

"Guswillbeathometo-morrow.HealwayscomesupearlyonSaturday,youknow.We can't get onwithout him," saidFrank,whomissed hismate verymuch,forGushadenteredcollege,andsofardidnotlikeitasmuchashehadexpected."OrRalph;heisverybusyeveryspareminuteonthelittleboy'sbust,whichisgettingonnicely,hesays;buthewillbeabletocomehomeintimeforsupper,Ithink,"addedMerry,rememberingtheabsent,asusual."I'llaskthegirlsonmywayhome,andallmeetattwoo'clockforagoodrowwhile it'swarm.What shall I bring?" askedMolly,wondering ifMissBat'samiability would extend to making goodies in the midst of her usualSaturday'sbaking."Youbringcoffeeandthebigpotandsomebutteredcrackers.I'llseetothepieand cake, and the other girls can have anything else they like," answeredMerry,gladandproudthatshecouldprovidethepartywithherowninvitinghandiwork."I'll takemyzither,sowecanhavemusicaswesail,andGrifwillbringhisviolin,andRalphcan imitateabanjoso thatyou'dbe surehehadone. Idohope itwill be fine, it is so splendid togo round likeother folks and enjoymyself,"criedJill,withalittlebounceofsatisfactionattheprospectofarowandramble."Comealong, then,andmakesureof thegirls," saidMerry,catchingupherrollofwork,fortheharvestingwasdone.Mollyputhersackonastheeasiestwayofcarryingit,and,extricatingBoo,theywentoff,accompaniedby theboys,"tomakesureof the fellows"also,leaving Jill to sit among the apples, singing and sorting like a thrifty littlehousewife.Next day eleven young people met at the appointed place, basket in hand.Ralphcouldnotcometill later,forhewasworkingnowasheneverworkedbefore. They were a merry flock, for the mellow autumn day was evenbrighterandclearerthanyesterday,andtheriverlookeditsloveliest,windingaway under the sombre hemlocks, or through the fairyland the gay woodsmadeoneither side.Two largeboatsand twosmallonesheld themall, andawaytheywent, firstup throughthe threebridgesandroundthebend, then,turning,theyfloateddowntothegreenisland,whereagroveofoaksrustledtheirsereleavesandthesquirrelswerestillgatheringacorns.Heretheyoftenmettokeeptheirsummerrevels,andheretheynowspreadtheirfeastontheflatrockwhichneedednoclothbesideitsowngraylichens.Thegirlstrimmedeachdishwithbrightleaves,andmadethesupperlooklikeabanquetfortheelves,whiletheboysbuiltafireinthenookwhereashesandblackenedstonestold ofmany a rusticmeal.The big tin coffee-potwas not so romantic, but

moresuccessfulthanakettleslungonthreesticks,gypsyfashion;sotheydidnotriskadownfall,butsetthewaterboiling,andsoonfilledtheairwiththeagreeable perfume associated in their minds with picnics, as most of themnever tasted the fascinating stuff at anyother time,being theworst childrencandrink.Frankwascook,Gushelpedcutbreadandcake,JackandGrifbroughtwood,whileBobWalkertookJoe'splaceandmadehimselfgenerallyuseful,astheothergentlemanneverdid,andsowasquiteoutoffavorlately.Allwasreadyatlast,andtheywerejustdecidingtositdownwithoutRalph,whenashouttoldthemhewascoming,anddowntheriverskimmedawherryatsucharatetheboyswonderedwhomhehadbeenracingwith."Something has happened, and he is coming to tell us," said Jill, who satwhereshecouldseehiseagerface."Nothingbad,orhewouldn'tsmileso.Heisgladofagoodrowandalittlefunafter working so hard all the week;" and Merry shook a red napkin as awelcomingsignal.Something certainly had happened, and a very happy something itmust be,theyallthought,asRalphcameonwithflashingoars,andleapingoutastheboattouchedtheshore,ranuptheslope,wavinghishat,andcallinginagladvoice,sureofsympathyinhisdelight,—"Goodnews!goodnews!HurrahforRome,nextmonth!"Theyoungfolksforgottheirsupperforamoment,tocongratulatehimonhishappyprospect,andhearallaboutit,whiletheleavesrustledasifechoingthekind words, and the squirrels sat up aloft, wondering what all the pleasantclamorwasabout."Yes,I'mreallygoinginNovember.Germanaskedmetogowithhimto-day,andif there isanylittlehitch inmygettingoff,he'll lendahand,andI—I'llblackhisboots,wethisclay,andrunhiserrandstherestofmylifetopayforthis!" cried Ralph, in a burst of gratitude; for, independent as he was, thekindnessofthissuccessfulfriendtoadeservingcomradetouchedandwonhisheart."I call that a handsome thing to do!" said Frank,warmly, for noble actionsalwayspleasedhim."Iheardmymothersaythatmakinggoodorusefulmenwasthebestsortofsculpture,soIthinkDavidGermanmaybeproudofthispieceofwork,whetherthebigstatuesucceedsornot.""I'mveryglad,oldfellow.WhenIrunoverformytripfouryearsfromnow,I'll look you up, and see how you are getting on," said Gus, with a heartyshakeof thehand;and theyounger ladsgrinnedcheerfully, evenwhile theywonderedwherethefunwasinshapingclayandchippingmarble.

"Shall you stay four years?" askedMerry's soft voice, while a wistful lookcameintoherhappyeyes."Ten,ifIcan,"answeredRalph,decidedly,feelingasifalonglifetimewouldbeall too short for the immortalworkhemeant todo. "I'vegot somuch tolearn,thatIshalldowhateverDavidthinksbestformeatfirst,andwhenIcangoalone,Ishalljustshutmyselfupandforgetthatthereisanyworldoutsidemyden.""Dowriteandtellushowyougetonnowandthen;Iliketohearaboutotherpeople's good times while I'm waiting for my own," saidMolly, too muchinterestedtoobservethatGrifwasstickingburrsupanddownherbraids."Of course I shall write to some of you, but you mustn't expect any greatthingsforyearsyet.Peopledon'tgrowfamousinahurry,andittakesadealofhardworkeventoearnyourbreadandbutter,asyou'llfindifyouevertryit,"answeredRalph,soberingdownalittleasherememberedthelongandsteadyeffortithadtakentogetevensofar."Speakingofbreadandbutterremindsmethatwe'dbettereatoursbeforethecoffeegetsquitecold,"saidAnnette,forMerryseemedtohaveforgottenthatshehadbeenchosentoplaymatron,asshewastheoldest.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,accompaniedbytheusualmishapswhichmakepicnicmealssuchfun.Ralph'shealthwasdrunkwithallsortsofgoodwishes;andsuchsplendidpropheciesweremade, thathewouldhave far surpassedMichaelAngelo, if theycouldhavecometrue.Grifgavehimanorderonthespotforafull-lengthstatueofhimself,andstooduptoshowtheimposingattitudeinwhichhewishedtobetaken,butunfortunatelyslippedandfellforwardwithonehandinthecustardpie,theotherclutchingwildlyatthecoffee-pot,whichinhospitablyburnthisfingers."IthinkIgrasptheidea,andwillbesuretoremembernottomakeyourhairblowonewayand the tails of your coat another, as a certain sculptormadethose of a famous man," laughed Ralph, as the fallen hero scrambled up,amidstgeneralmerriment."Will the little bust be donebefore yougo?" asked Jill, anxiously, feeling apersonalinterestinthesuccessofthatorder."Yes:I'vebeenhardatiteveryspareminuteIcouldget,andhaveafortnightmore. It suits Mrs. Lennox, and she will pay well for it, so I shall havesomethingtostartwith,thoughIhaven'tbeenabletosavemuch.I'mtothankyouforthat,andIshallsendyouthefirstprettythingIgetholdof,"answeredRalph, looking gratefully at the bright face,which grew still brighter as Jillexclaimed,—

"Idofeelsoproudtoknowarealartist,andhavemybustdonebyhim.IonlywishIcouldpayforitasMrs.Lennoxdoes;butIhaven'tanymoney,andyoudon'tneedthesortofthingsIcanmake,"sheadded,shakingherhead,asshethought over knit slippers, wall-pockets, and crochet in all its forms, asofferingstoherdepartingfriend."You can write often, and tell me all about everybody, for I shall want toknow,andpeoplewillsoonforgetmewhenI'mgone,"saidRalph,lookingatMerry,whowasmakingagarlandofyellowleavesforJuliet'sblackhair.Jillpromised,andkeptherword;but the longest letterswentfromthefarm-houseonthehill,thoughnooneknewthefacttilllongafterward.Merrysaidnothingnow,butshesmiled,withaprettycolorinhercheeks,andwasverymuchabsorbedinherwork,whilethetalkwenton."IwishIwastwenty,andgoingtoseekmyfortune,asyouare,"saidJack;andthe other boys agreed with him, for something in Ralph's new plans andpurposesrousedthemanlyspiritinallofthem,remindingthemthatplaytimewouldsoonbeover,andthegreatworldbeforethem,wheretochoose."Itiseasyenoughtosaywhatyou'dlike;butthetroubleis,youhavetotakewhatyoucanget,andmakethebestofit,"saidGus,whoseownviewswererathervagueasyet."Noyoudon't,always;youcanmakethingsgoasyouwantthem,ifyouonlytryhardenough,andwalkrightoverwhateverstandsintheway.Idon'tmeantogiveupmyplansforanyman;but,ifIlive,I'llcarrythemout—youseeifIdon't;"andFrankgavetherockwherehelayablowwithhisfist,thatsenttheacornsflyingallabout.Oneof themhit Jack, andhe said, sorrowfully, as he held it in his hand socarefullyitwasevidenthehadsomeassociationwithit,—"Edusedtosaythat,andhehadsomesplendidplans,buttheydidn'tcometoanything.""Perhaps they did; who can tell? Do your best while you live, and I don'tbelieveanythinggoodislost,whetherwehaveitalongorashorttime,"saidRalph,whoknewwhatahelpandcomforthighhopeswere,andhowtheyledtobetterthings,ifworthilycherished."A great many acorns are wasted, I suppose; but some of them sprout andgrow, and make splendid trees," addedMerry, feeling more than she knewhowtoexpress,asshelookedupattheoaksoverhead.Onlysevenofthepartyweresittingontheknollnow,fortheresthadgonetowashthedishesandpackthebasketsdownbytheboats.JackandJill,withthethreeelderboys,wereinalittlegroup,andasMerryspoke,GussaidtoFrank,—

"Didyouplantyours?""Yes, on the lawn, and Imean it shall comeup if I canmake it," answeredFrank,gravely."IputminewhereIcanseeitfromthewindow,andnotforget towaterandtakecareofit,"addedJack,stillturningtheprettybrownacorntoandfroasifhelovedit."Whatdotheymean?"whisperedMerrytoJill,whowasleaningagainstherkneetorest."Theboyswerewalking in theCemetery lastSunday, as theyoftendo, andwhen they came to Ed's grave, the place was all covered with little acornsfromthetreethatgrowsonthebank.Theyeachtookupsomeastheystoodtalking, and Jack said he should plant his, for he lovedEd verymuch, youknow.Theotherssaidtheywould,too;andIhopethetreeswillgrow,thoughwe don't need anything to remember him by," answered Jill, in a low tone,thinkingofthepressedflowersthegirlskeptforhissake.Theboysheardher,butnoonespokeforamomentastheysatlookingacrosstherivertowardthehillwherethepineswhisperedtheirlullabiesandpointedheavenward, steadfast and green, all the year round. None of them couldexpressthethoughtthatwasintheirmindsasJilltoldthelittlestory;buttheactandthefeelingthatprompteditwereperhapsasbeautifulanassuranceascouldhavebeengiventhatthedeardeadboy'sexamplehadnotbeenwasted,for the planting of the acornswas a symbol of the desire budding in thoseyoungheartstobewhathemighthavebeen,andtomaketheirlivesnoblerfortheknowledgeandtheloveofhim."Itseemsasifagreatdealhadhappenedthisyear,"saidMerry,inapensivetone,forthisquiettalkjustsuitedhermood."SoIsay,forthere'sbeenaDeclarationofIndependenceandaRevolutioninourhouse,andI'mcommander-in-chiefnow;anddon'tIlikeit!"criedMolly,complacentlysurveyingtheneatnewuniformsheworeofherownchoosing."IfeelasifIneverlearnedsomuchinmylifeasIhavesincelastDecember,and yet I never did so little," added Jill, wondering why the months ofwearinessandpaindidnotseemmoredreadfultoher."Well, pitching on my head seems to have given me a good shaking up,somehow,andImeantodogreatthingsnextyearinbetterwaysthanbreakingmybonescoasting,"saidJack,withamanlyair."IfeellikeaSiamesetwinwithouthismatenowyouaregone,butI'munderordersforawhile,andmeantodomybest.Guessitwon'tbelosttime;"andFranknoddedatGus,whonoddedbackwiththeslightlysuperiorexpressionallFreshmenwear.

"Hopeyouwon'tfinditso.Myworkisallcutoutforme,andIintendtogoinandwin,thoughitismoreofagrindthanyoufellowsknow.""I'msureIhaveeverythingtobegratefulfor.Itwon'tbeplainsailing—Idon'texpectit;but,ifIlive,I'lldosomethingtobeproudof,"saidRalph,squaringhis shoulders as if tomeet and conquer all obstacles as he looked into theglowingwest,whichwasnotfairerthanhisambitiousdreams.Herewewillsaygood-bytothesegirlsandboysofoursastheysittogetherinthesunshine talkingoverayear thatwas tobe forevermemorable to them,not because of any very remarkable events, but because they were justbeginningtolookaboutthemastheysteppedoutofchildhoodintoyouth,andsomeof theexperiencesof thepastmonthshadset them to thinking, taughtthem to see theuseandbeautyof the smallduties, joys, andsorrowswhichmakeupourlives,andinspiredthemtoresolvethatthecomingyearshouldbebraverandbrighterthanthelast.There aremany suchboys andgirls, full of highhopes, lovelypossibilities,andearnestplans,pausingamomentbefore theypush their littleboats fromthesafeshore.Letthosewholaunchthemseetoitthattheyhavegoodhealthtoman theoars, goodeducation forballast, andgoodprinciples aspilots toguidethemastheyvoyagedownanever-wideningrivertothesea.

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