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 ? '' asked Jack , hoping for a week at least . `` Two or three years for some of you . '' `` What ? '' cried all three , in utter astonishment , as they stared at Mamma , who could not help smiling , though she was very much in earnest . `` For the next two or three years I intend to cultivate my boys ' bodies , and let their minds rest a good deal , from books at least . There is plenty to learn outside of school-houses , and I do n't mean to shut you up just when you most need all the air and exercise you can get . Good health , good principles , and a good education are the three blessings I ask for you , and I am going to make sure of the first , as a firm foundation for the other two . '' `` But , mother , what becomes of college ? ''
asked XXXXX , rather disturbed at this change of base .
Frank Jill Minot day dears first night school-houses week years