`` 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 Frank , rather disturbed at this change of base . `` Put it off for a year , and see if you are not better fitted for it then than now . '' `` But I am already fitted : I 've worked like a tiger all this year , and I 'm sure I shall pass . '' `` Ready in one way , but not in another . That hard work is no preparation for four years of still harder study . It has cost you these round shoulders , many a headache , and consumed hours when you had far better have been on the river or in the fields . I can not have you break down , as so many boys do , or pull through at the cost of ill-health afterward . Eighteen is young enough to begin the steady grind , if you have a strong constitution to keep pace with the eager mind . Sixteen is too young to send even my good boy out into the world , just when he most needs his mother 's care to help him be the man she hopes to see him . ''
Mrs. XXXXX laid her hand on his shoulder as she spoke , looking so fond and proud that it was impossible to rebel , though some of his most cherished plans were spoilt .
Frank Jack Minot dears first hours ill-health school-houses week year