Excited by the noise , Graciosa did her best , till the false head , loosened by the rapid motion , slipped round under her nose , causing her to stop so suddenly that Grif flew off , alighting on his own head with a violence which would have killed any other boy . Sobered by his downfall , he declined to mount again , but led his steed to repose in a shed , while he rejoined his friends , who were waiting impatiently to congratulate him on his latest and best prank . The Committee went their rounds soon after , and , when the doors were again opened , every one hurried to see if their articles had received a premium . A card lay on the butter cups , and Mrs. Grant was full of pride because her butter always took a prize , and this proved that Merry was walking in her mother 's steps , in this direction at least . Another card swung from the blue quilt , for the kindly judges knew who made it , and were glad to please the little girl , though several others as curious but not so pretty hung near by . The cats were admired , but , as they were not among the animals usually exhibited , there was no prize awarded . Gus hoped his hens would get one ; but somebody else outdid him , to the great indignation of Laura and Lotty , who had fed the white biddies faithfully for months . Jack was sure his rabbit was the biggest there , and went eagerly to look for his premium . But neither card nor Bun were to be seen , for the old rascal had escaped for the last time , and was never seen again ; which was a great comfort to Jack , who was heartily tired of him . Ralph 's bust was the best of all , for not only did it get a prize , and was much admired , but a lady , who found Jill and Merry rejoicing over it , was so pleased with the truth and grace of the little head , that she asked about the artist , and whether he would do one of her own child , who was so delicate she feared he might not live long . Merry gladly told the story of her ambitious friend , and went to find him , that he might secure the order . While she was gone , Jill took up the tale , gratefully telling how kind he had been to her , how patiently he worked and waited , and how much he longed to go abroad . Fortunately the lady was rich and generous , as well as fond of art , and being pleased with the bust , and interested in the young sculptor , gave him the order when he came , and filled his soul with joy by adding , that , if it suited her when done , it should be put into marble . She lived in the city , and Ralph soon arranged his work so that he could give up his noon hour , and go to model the child ; for every penny he could earn or save now was very precious , as he still hoped to go abroad . The girls were so delighted with this good fortune , that they did not stay for the races , but went home to tell the happy news , leaving the boys to care for the cats , and enjoy the various matches to come off that day . `` I 'm so glad I tried to look pleasant when I was lying on the board while Ralph did my head , for the pleasantness got into the clay face , and that made the lady like it , '' said Jill , as she lay resting on the sofa . `` I always thought it was a dear , bright little face , but now I love and admire it more than ever , '' cried Merry , kissing it gratefully , as she remembered the help and pleasure it had given Ralph . Chapter XXIV . Down the River A fortnight later , the boys were picking apples one golden October afternoon , and the girls were hurrying to finish their work , that they might go and help the harvesters . It was six weeks now since the new school began , and they had learned to like it very much , though they found that it was not all play , by any means .
But lessons , exercise , and various sorts of housework XXXXX an agreeable change , and they felt that they were learning things which would be useful to them all their lives .
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