`` So would I ! Oh , do you think Mrs. Minot will let you fill the horns when they are done ? I 'd love to help you then . Be sure you send for me ! '' cried Molly Loo , arching her neck like a proud pigeon to watch the glitter of her purple and gold necklace on her brown gown . `` I 'm afraid you could n't be trusted , you love sweeties so , and I 'm sure Boo could n't . But I 'll see about it , '' replied Jill , with a responsible air . The mention of the boy recalled him to their minds , and looking round they found him peacefully absorbed in polishing up the floor with Molly 's pocket-handkerchief and oil from the little machine-can . Being torn from this congenial labor , he was carried off shining with grease and roaring lustily . But Jill did not mind her loneliness now , and sang like a happy canary while she threaded her sparkling beads , or hung the gay horns to dry , ready for their cargoes of sweets . So Mrs. Minot 's recipe for sunshine proved successful , and mother-wit made the wintry day a bright and happy one for both the little prisoners . Chapter V. Secrets There were a great many clubs in Harmony Village , but as we intend to interest ourselves with the affairs of the young folks only , we need not dwell upon the intellectual amusements of the elders . In summer , the boys devoted themselves to baseball , the girls to boating , and all got rosy , stout , and strong , in these healthful exercises . In winter , the lads had their debating club , the lasses a dramatic ditto . At the former , astonishing bursts of oratory were heard ; at the latter , everything was boldly attempted , from Romeo and Juliet to Mother Goose 's immortal melodies . The two clubs frequently met and mingled their attractions in a really entertaining manner , for the speakers made good actors , and the young actresses were most appreciative listeners to the eloquence of each budding Demosthenes . Great plans had been afoot for Christmas or New Year , but when the grand catastrophe put an end to the career of one of the best `` spouters , '' and caused the retirement of the favorite `` singing chambermaid , '' the affair was postponed till February , when Washington 's birthday was always celebrated by the patriotic town , where the father of his country once put on his nightcap , or took off his boots , as that ubiquitous hero appears to have done in every part of the United States . Meantime the boys were studying Revolutionary characters , and the girls rehearsing such dramatic scenes as they thought most appropriate and effective for the 22d . In both of these attempts they were much helped by the sense and spirit of Ralph Evans , a youth of nineteen , who was a great favorite with the young folks , not only because he was a good , industrious fellow , who supported his grandmother , but also full of talent , fun , and ingenuity . It was no wonder every one who really knew him liked him , for he could turn his hand to anything , and loved to do it .
If the girls were in despair about a fire-place when acting `` The Cricket on the Hearth , '' he painted one , and XXXXX a gas-log in it that made the kettle really boil , to their great delight .
Be budding got knew let liked put sang thought took