Firmly grasping that red and unruly member , Grif composed himself to listen , with his nose in the air and his eyes shining like black beads . Ed was always the peace-maker , and now , when he rose with his engaging smile , his voice fell like oil upon the troubled waters , and his bright face was full of the becoming bashfulness which afflicts youths of seventeen when touching upon such subjects of newly acquired interest as girls and their pleasant but perplexing ways . `` It seems to me we have hardly considered the matter enough to be able to say much . But I think that school would be awfully dry and dismal without -- ahem ! -- any young ladies to make it nice . I would n't give a pin to go if there was only a crowd of fellows , though I like a good game as well as any man . I pity any boy who has no sisters , '' continued Ed , warming up as he thought of his own , who loved him dearly , as well they might , for a better brother never lived . `` Home would n't be worth having without them to look after a fellow , to keep him out of scrapes , help him with his lessons , and make things jolly for his friends . I tell you we ca n't do without girls , and I 'm not ashamed to say that I think the more we see of them , and try to be like them in many ways , the better men we shall be by and by . '' `` Hear ! hear ! '' cried Frank , in his deepest tone , for he heartily agreed to that , having talked the matter over with his mother , and received much light upon things which should always be set right in young heads and hearts . And who can do this so wisely and well as mothers , if they only will ? Feeling that his sentiments had been approved , and he need not be ashamed of the honest color in his cheeks , Ed sat down amid the applause of his side , especially of Jack , who pounded so vigorously with his crutch that Mrs. Pecq popped in her head to see if anything was wanted . `` No , thank you , ma'am , we were only cheering Ed , '' said Gus , now upon his legs , and rather at a loss what to say till Mrs. Pecq 's appearance suggested an idea , and he seized upon it . `` My honored friend has spoken so well that I have little to add . I agree with him , and if you want an example of what girls can do , why , look at Jill . She 's young , I know , but a first-rate scholar for her age . As for pluck , she is as brave as a boy , and almost as smart at running , rowing , and so on . Of course , she ca n't play ball -- no girl can ; their arms are not made right to throw -- but she can catch remarkably well .
I 'll XXXXX that for her .
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