Let me know if you need anything . `` Yours in haste , `` Anna Minot '' `` She knew what the child would like , bless her kind heart , '' said Mrs. Pecq to herself , and something brighter than the most silvery bead shone on Jack 's shirt-sleeve , as she saw the rapture of Jill over the new work and the promised pleasure . Joyful cries greeted the opening of the box , for bunches of splendid large bugles appeared in all colors , and a lively discussion went on as to the best contrasts . Jill could not refuse to let her friends share the pretty work , and soon three necklaces glittered on three necks , as each admired her own choice . `` I 'd be willing to hurt my back dreadfully , if I could lie and do such lovely things all day , '' said Merry , as she reluctantly put down her needle at last , for home duties waited to be done , and looked more than ever distasteful after this new pleasure . `` So would I ! Oh , do you think Mrs. Minot will let you fill the horns when they are done ? I 'd love to help you then . Be sure you send for me ! '' cried Molly Loo , arching her neck like a proud pigeon to watch the glitter of her purple and gold necklace on her brown gown . `` I 'm afraid you could n't be trusted , you love sweeties so , and I 'm sure Boo could n't . But I 'll see about it , '' replied Jill , with a responsible air . The mention of the boy recalled him to their minds , and looking round they found him peacefully absorbed in polishing up the floor with Molly 's pocket-handkerchief and oil from the little machine-can . Being torn from this congenial labor , he was carried off shining with grease and roaring lustily . But Jill did not mind her loneliness now , and sang like a happy canary while she threaded her sparkling beads , or hung the gay horns to dry , ready for their cargoes of sweets . So Mrs. Minot 's recipe for sunshine proved successful , and mother-wit made the wintry day a bright and happy one for both the little prisoners . Chapter V. Secrets There were a great many clubs in Harmony Village , but as we intend to interest ourselves with the affairs of the young folks only , we need not dwell upon the intellectual amusements of the elders . In summer , the boys devoted themselves to baseball , the girls to boating , and all got rosy , stout , and strong , in these healthful exercises . In winter , the lads had their debating club , the lasses a dramatic ditto . At the former , astonishing bursts of oratory were heard ; at the latter , everything was boldly attempted , from Romeo and Juliet to Mother Goose 's immortal melodies .
The two clubs frequently met and mingled their attractions in a really entertaining manner , for the speakers XXXXX good actors , and the young actresses were most appreciative listeners to the eloquence of each budding Demosthenes .
Let boating devoted knew made proved put see think trusted