Mrs. Channing , who had read , travelled , and observed much in the cause of education , had many useful hints about the training of young minds and hearts . Several teachers reported their trials , and all the mothers were eager to know how to bring up their boys and girls to be healthy , happy , useful men and women . As young people do not care for such discussions , we will not describe them , but as the impression they made upon one of the mammas affected our hero and heroine , we must mention the changes which took place in their life when they all got home again . `` School begins to-morrow . Oh , dear ! '' sighed Jack , as he looked up his books in the Bird Room , a day or two after their return . `` Do n't you want to go ? I long to , but do n't believe I shall . I saw our mothers talking to the doctor last night , but I have n't dared to ask what they decided , '' said Jill , affectionately eying the long-unused books in her little library . `` I 've had such a jolly good time , that I hate to be shut up all day worse than ever . Do n't you , Frank ? '' asked Jack , with a vengeful slap at the arithmetic which was the torment of his life . `` Well , I confess I do n't hanker for school as much as I expected . I 'd rather take a spin on the old bicycle . Our roads are so good , it is a great temptation to hire a machine , and astonish the natives . That 's what comes of idleness . So brace up , my boy , and go to work , for vacation is over , '' answered Frank , gravely regarding the tall pile of books before him , as if trying to welcome his old friends , or tyrants , rather , for they ruled him with a rod of iron when he once gave himself up to them . `` Ah , but vacation is not over , my dears , '' said Mrs. Minot , hearing the last words as she came in prepared to surprise her family . `` Glad of it . How much longer is it to be ? ''
XXXXX Jack , hoping for a week at least .
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