I hate not to be obliging , but I guess it would have saved us lots of trouble if I 'd said No in the beginning . I tried to , but she would go . Poor Jill ! I 'll take better care of her next time . Is she very ill , Mamma ? '' `` I can tell you better to-morrow . She does not suffer much , and we hope there is no great harm done . '' `` I wish she had a nice place like this to be sick in . It must be very poky in those little rooms , '' said Jack , as his eye roved round the large chamber where he lay so cosey , warm , and pleasant , with the gay chintz curtains draping doors and windows , the rosy carpet , comfortable chairs , and a fire glowing in the grate . `` I shall see that she suffers for nothing , so do n't trouble your kind heart about her to-night , but try to sleep ; that 's what you need , '' answered his mother , wetting the bandage on his forehead , and putting a cool hand on the flushed cheeks . Jack obediently closed his eyes and listened while the boys sang `` The Sweet By and By , '' softening their rough young voices for his sake till the music was as soft as a lullaby . He lay so still his mother thought he was off , but presently a tear slipped out and rolled down the red cheek , wetting her hand as it passed . `` My blessed boy , what is it ? '' she whispered , with a touch and a tone that only mothers have . The blue eyes opened wide , and Jack 's own sunshiny smile broke through the tears that filled them as he said with a sniff , -- `` Everybody is so good to me I ca n't help making a noodle of myself . `` You are not a noodle ! '' cried Mamma , resenting the epithet . `` One of the sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are loved , how much kindness there is in the world , and how easily we can make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy . Do n't forget that , little son . '' `` Do n't see how I can , with you to show me how nice it is .
Kiss me good-night , and then ` I 'll be good , ' as XXXXX says . ''
Jack Jill Mamma Poor chintz cosey fire harm noodle to-night