cried Jill , falling back on the Home Missionary Society , though it was not yet begun . `` Never ! '' answered the girls , and all took great comfort in the idea that one mystery would not be cleared up , even at Christmas . Jack gave up guessing , in despair , after he had suggested a new dining-room where he could eat with the family , a private school in which his lessons might go on with a tutor , or a theatre for the production of the farces in which he delighted . `` It is going to be used to keep something in that you are very fond of , '' said Mamma , taking pity on him at last . `` Ducks ? '' asked Jack , with a half pleased , half puzzled air , not quite seeing where the water was to come from . Frank exploded at the idea , and added to the mystification by saying , -- `` There will be one little duck and one great donkey in it . '' Then , fearing he had told the secret , he ran off , quacking and braying derisively . `` It is to be used for creatures that I , too , am fond of , and you know neither donkeys nor ducks are favorites of mine , '' said Mamma , with a demure expression , as she sat turning over old clothes for the bundles that always went to poor neighbors , with a little store of goodies , at this time of the year . `` I know ! I know ! It is to be a new ward for more sick folks , is n't it , now ? '' cried Jack , with what he thought a great proof of shrewdness . `` I do n't see how I could attend to many more patients till this one is off my hands , '' answered Mamma , with a queer smile , adding quickly , as if she too was afraid of letting the cat out of the bag : `` That reminds me of a Christmas I once spent among the hospitals and poor-houses of a great city with a good lady who , for thirty years , had made it her mission to see that these poor little souls had one merry day . We gave away two hundred dolls , several great boxes of candy and toys , besides gay pictures , and new clothes to orphan children , sick babies , and half-grown innocents . Ah , my boy , that was a day to remember all my life , to make me doubly grateful for my blessings , and very glad to serve the helpless and afflicted , as that dear woman did . '' The look and tone with which the last words were uttered effectually turned Jack 's thoughts from the great secret , and started another small one , for he fell to planning what he would buy with his pocket-money to surprise the little Pats and Biddies who were to have no Christmas tree . Chapter VI . Surprises `` Is it pleasant ? ''
was the question Jill XXXXX before she was fairly awake on Christmas morning .
asked begun braying exploded ran reminds saying see took used