She is so nice and funny , and tries to be good , and likes me , and I wo n't be ashamed of my friends , if folks do laugh , '' protested Jack , with a rap of his teaspoon . `` No , dear , it is quite kind and proper , and I 'd rather have you play with a merry little girl than with rough boys till you are big enough to hold your own , '' answered Mamma , putting the cup to his lips that the reclining lad might take his broma without spilling . `` Pooh ! I do n't mean that ; I 'm strong enough now to take care of myself , '' cried Jack , stoutly . `` I can thrash Joe any day , if I like . Just look at my arm ; there 's muscle for you ! '' and up went a sleeve , to the great danger of overturning the tray , as the boy proudly displayed his biceps and expanded his chest , both of which were very fine for a lad of his years . `` If I 'd been on my legs , he would n't have dared to insult me , and it was cowardly to hit a fellow when he was down . '' Mrs. Minot wanted to laugh at Jack 's indignation , but the bell rang , and she had to go and pull in the basket , much amused at the new game . Burning to distinguish herself in the eyes of the big boys , Jill had sent over a tall , red flannel night-cap , which she had been making for some proposed Christmas plays , and added the following verse , for she was considered a gifted rhymester at the game parties : -- `` When it comes night , We put out the light . Some blow with a puff , Some turn down and snuff ; But neat folks prefer A nice extinguis_her . So here I send you back One to put on Mr. Jack . '' `` Now , I call that regularly smart ; not one of us could do it , and I just wish Joe was here to see it . I want to send once more , something good for tea ; she hates gruel so ; '' and the last despatch which the Great International Telegraph carried that day was a baked apple and a warm muffin , with `` J. M. 's best regards . '' Chapter IV . Ward No. 2 . Things were not so gay in Ward No. 2 , for Mrs. Pecq was very busy , and Jill had nothing to amuse her but flying visits from the girls , and such little plays as she could invent for herself in bed . Fortunately , she had a lively fancy , and so got on pretty well , till keeping still grew unbearable , and the active child ached in every limb to be up and out . That , however , was impossible , for the least attempt to sit or stand brought on the pain that took her breath away and made her glad to lie flat again . The doctor spoke cheerfully , but looked sober , and Mrs. Pecq began to fear that Janey was to be a cripple for life .
She said nothing , but XXXXX 's quick eyes saw an added trouble in the always anxious face , and it depressed her spirits , though she never guessed half the mischief the fall had done .
Jill Joe Mamma Pooh Telegraph gruel night night-cap snuff years