`` My Merry seems to be contented with her brothers so far , but I should n't wonder if I had my hands full by and by , '' added Mrs. Grant , who already foresaw that her sweet little daughter would be sought after as soon as she should lengthen her skirts and turn up her bonny brown hair . Molly Loo had no mother to say a word for her , but she settled matters for herself by holding fast to Merry , and declaring that she would have no escort but faithful Boo . It is necessary to dwell a moment upon this new amusement , because it was not peculiar to Harmony Village , but appears everywhere as naturally as the game parties and croquet which have taken the place of the husking frolics and apple-bees of olden times , and it is impossible to dodge the subject if one attempts to write of boys and girls as they really are nowadays . `` Here , my hero , see how you like this . If it suits , you will be ready to march as soon as the doctor gives the word , '' said Ralph , coming into the Bird Room that evening with a neat little crutch under his arm . `` Ha , ha , that looks fine ! I 'd like to try it right off , but I wo n't till I get leave . Did you make it yourself , Ral ? '' asked Jack , handling it with delight , as he sat bolt upright , with his leg on a rest , for he was getting on capitally now . `` Mostly . Rather a neat job , I flatter myself . '' `` I should say so . What a clever fellow you are ! Any new inventions lately ? '' asked Frank , coming up to examine and admire . `` Only an anti-snoring machine and an elbow-pad , '' answered Ralph , with a twinkle in his eye , as if reminded of something funny . `` Go on , and tell about them . I never heard of an anti-snorer . Jack better have one , '' said Frank , interested at once . `` Well , a rich old lady kept her family awake with that lively music , so she sent to Shirtman and Codleff for something to stop it .
They thought it was a good joke , and told me to XXXXX what I could do .
Go added dwell getting gives kept lengthen see sought write