The boys seconded the motion , and for a few minutes supper was the all-absorbing topic , as the cups went round and the goodies vanished rapidly , accompanied by the usual mishaps which make picnic meals such fun . Ralph 's health was drunk with all sorts of good wishes ; and such splendid prophecies were made , that he would have far surpassed Michael Angelo , if they could have come true . Grif gave him an order on the spot for a full-length statue of himself , and stood up to show the imposing attitude in which he wished to be taken , but unfortunately slipped and fell forward with one hand in the custard pie , the other clutching wildly at the coffee-pot , which inhospitably burnt his fingers . `` I think I grasp the idea , and will be sure to remember not to make your hair blow one way and the tails of your coat another , as a certain sculptor made those of a famous man , '' laughed Ralph , as the fallen hero scrambled up , amidst general merriment . `` Will the little bust be done before you go ? '' asked Jill , anxiously , feeling a personal interest in the success of that order . `` Yes : I 've been hard at it every spare minute I could get , and have a fortnight more . It suits Mrs. Lennox , and she will pay well for it , so I shall have something to start with , though I have n't been able to save much . I 'm to thank you for that , and I shall send you the first pretty thing I get hold of , '' answered Ralph , looking gratefully at the bright face , which grew still brighter as Jill exclaimed , -- `` I do feel so proud to know a real artist , and have my bust done by him . I only wish I could pay for it as Mrs. Lennox does ; but I have n't any money , and you do n't need the sort of things I can make , '' she added , shaking her head , as she thought over knit slippers , wall-pockets , and crochet in all its forms , as offerings to her departing friend . `` You can write often , and tell me all about everybody , for I shall want to know , and people will soon forget me when I 'm gone , '' said Ralph , looking at Merry , who was making a garland of yellow leaves for Juliet 's black hair . Jill promised , and kept her word ; but the longest letters went from the farm-house on the hill , though no one knew the fact till long afterward . Merry said nothing now , but she smiled , with a pretty color in her cheeks , and was very much absorbed in her work , while the talk went on . `` I wish I was twenty , and going to seek my fortune , as you are , '' said Jack ; and the other boys agreed with him , for something in Ralph 's new plans and purposes roused the manly spirit in all of them , reminding them that playtime would soon be over , and the great world before them , where to choose . `` It is easy enough to say what you 'd like ; but the trouble is , you have to take what you can get , and make the best of it , '' said Gus , whose own views were rather vague as yet . `` No you do n't , always ; you can make things go as you want them , if you only try hard enough , and walk right over whatever stands in the way . I do n't mean to give up my plans for any man ; but , if I live , I 'll carry them out -- you see if I do n't ; '' and Frank gave the rock where he lay a blow with his fist , that sent the acorns flying all about . One of them hit Jack , and he said , sorrowfully , as he held it in his hand so carefully it was evident he had some association with it , -- `` Ed used to say that , and he had some splendid plans , but they did n't come to anything . '' `` Perhaps they did ; who can tell ? Do your best while you live , and I do n't believe anything good is lost , whether we have it a long or a short time , '' said Ralph , who knew what a help and comfort high hopes were , and how they led to better things , if worthily cherished .
`` A great many acorns are wasted , I suppose ; but some of them sprout and grow , and make splendid trees , '' added Merry , XXXXX more than she knew how to express , as she looked up at the oaks overhead .
feeling gave kept led made make promised show start think