called Jack , laughing to himself at the absurdity of the question . `` Not much ! '' answered a glad voice from behind the screen , and he knew the sorrowful eyes were shining with delight , though he could not see them . `` Well , I guess I may as well , and get quite firm on my legs before I start . Another week or so will bring me up if I study hard , so I shall not lose my time . I 'll tackle my Latin as soon as it 's ready , mother . '' Jack got a hearty kiss with the neatly covered book , and Mamma loved him for the little sacrifice more than if he had won a prize at school . He did get a reward , for , in five minutes from the time he decided , Jill was singing like a bobolink , and such a medley of merry music came from behind the screen , that it was a regular morning concert . She did not know then that he stayed for her sake , but she found it out soon after , and when the time came did as much for him , as we shall see . It proved a wise decision , for the last part of January was so stormy Jack could not have gone half the time . So , while the snow drifted , and bitter winds raged , he sat snugly at home amusing Jill , and getting on bravely with his lessons , for Frank took great pains with him to show his approbation of the little kindness , and , somehow , the memory of it seemed to make even the detested Latin easier . With February fair weather set in , and Jack marched happily away to school , with Jill 's new mittens on his hands , Mamma nodding from the door-step , and Frank ready to give him a lift on the new sled , if the way proved too long or too rough . `` I shall not have time to miss him now , for we are to be very busy getting ready for the Twenty-second . The Dramatic Club meets to-night , and would like to come here , if they may , so I can help ? '' said Jill , as Mrs. Minot came up , expecting to find her rather low in her mind . `` Certainly ; and I have a basket of old finery I looked up for the club when I was rummaging out bits of silk for your blue quilt , '' answered the good lady , who had set up a new employment to beguile the hours of Jack 's absence . When the girls arrived , that evening , they found Mrs. Chairwoman surrounded by a strew of theatrical properties , enjoying herself very much . All brought such contributions as they could muster , and all were eager about a certain tableau which was to be the gem of the whole , they thought . Jill , of course , was not expected to take any part , but her taste was good , so all consulted her as they showed their old silks , laces , and flowers , asking who should be this , and who that . All wanted to be the `` Sleeping Beauty , '' for that was the chosen scene , with the slumbering court about the princess , and the prince in the act of awakening her .
XXXXX was to be the hero , brave in his mother 's velvet cape , red boots , and a real sword , while the other boys were to have parts of more or less splendor .
Frank Jack Jill Minot approbation door-step quilt strew to-night week