I was a teacher when I was young , you know , and liked it , so I shall be school-ma ` am , and leave my house-keeping in better hands than mine . I always thought that mothers should teach their girls during these years , and vary their studies to suit the growing creatures as only mothers can . `` That will be splendid ! Will Molly 's father let her come ? '' cried Jill , feeling quite reconciled to staying at home , if her friend was to be with her . `` He likes the plan very much , for Molly is growing fast , and needs a sort of care that Miss Dawes can not give her . I am not a hard mistress , and I hope you will find my school a pleasant one . '' `` I know I shall ; and I 'm not disappointed , because I was pretty sure I could n't go to the old school again , when I heard the doctor say I must be very careful for a long time . I thought he meant months ; but if it must be years , I can bear it , for I 've been happy this last one though I was sick , '' said Jill , glad to show that it had not been wasted time by being cheerful and patient now . `` That 's my good girl ! '' and Mrs. Minot stroked the curly black head as if it was her own little daughter 's . `` You have done so well , I want you to go on improving , for care now will save you pain and disappointment by and by . You all have got a capital start during these six weeks , so it is a good time to begin my experiment . If it does not work well , we will go back to school and college next spring . '' `` Hurrah for Mamma and the long vacation ! '' cried Jack , catching up two big books and whirling them round like clubs , as if to get his muscles in order at once . `` Now I shall have time to go to the Gymnasium and straighten out my back , '' said Frank , who was growing so tall he needed more breadth to make his height symmetrical . `` And to ride horseback . I am going to hire old Jane and get out the little phaeton , so we can all enjoy the fine weather while it lasts . Molly and I can drive Jill , and you can take turns in the saddle when you are tired of ball and boating .
Exercise of all sorts is one of the lessons we are to learn , '' said Mrs. XXXXX , suggesting all the pleasant things she could to sweeten the pill for her pupils , two of whom did love their books , not being old enough to know that even an excellent thing may be overdone .
Dawes Frank Jane Jill Minot Molly house-keeping phaeton weeks years