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 asked before she was fairly awake on Christmas morning . `` Yes , dear ; as bright as heart could wish . Now eat a bit , and then I 'll make you nice for the day 's pleasure . I only hope it wo n't be too much for you , '' answered Mrs. Pecq , bustling about , happy , yet anxious , for Jill was to be carried over to Mrs. Minot 's , and it was her first attempt at going out since the accident . It seemed as if nine o'clock would never come , and Jill , with wraps all ready , lay waiting in a fever of impatience for the doctor 's visit , as he wished to superintend the moving . At last he came , found all promising , and having bundled up his small patient , carried her , with Frank 's help , in her chair-bed to the ox-sled , which was drawn to the next door , and Miss Jill landed in the Boys ' Den before she had time to get either cold or tired . Mrs. Minot took her things off with a cordial welcome , but Jill never said a word , for , after one exclamation , she lay staring about her , dumb with surprise and delight at what she saw . The great room was entirely changed ; for now it looked like a garden , or one of the fairy scenes children love , where in-doors and out-of-doors are pleasantly combined . The ceiling was pale blue , like the sky ; the walls were covered with a paper like a rustic trellis , up which climbed morning-glories so naturally that the many-colored bells seemed dancing in the wind . Birds and butterflies flew among them , and here and there , through arches in the trellis , one seemed to look into a sunny summer world , contrasting curiously with the wintry landscape lying beyond the real windows , festooned with evergreen garlands , and curtained only by stands of living flowers . A green drugget covered the floor like grass , rustic chairs from the garden stood about , and in the middle of the room a handsome hemlock waited for its pretty burden . A Yule-log blazed on the wide hearth , and over the chimney-piece , framed in holly , shone the words that set all hearts to dancing , `` Merry Christmas ! '' `` Do you like it , dear ?
This is our surprise for you and Jack , and here we mean to have good times together , '' said Mrs. Minot , who had XXXXX quietly enjoying the effect of her work .
Is come flew hope love set shone spent stood waited