So Saturday came , and both were rather the worse for so much idleness , since daily duties and studies are the wholesome bread which feeds the mind better than the dyspeptic plum-cake of sensational reading , or the unsubstantial bon-bons of frivolous amusement . It was a stormy day , so they had few callers , and devoted themselves to arranging the album ; for these books were all the rage just then , and boys met to compare , discuss , buy , sell , and `` swap '' stamps with as much interest as men on ` Change gamble in stocks . Jack had a nice little collection , and had been saving up pocket-money to buy a book in which to preserve his treasures . Now , thanks to Jill 's timely suggestion , Frank had given him a fine one , and several friends had contributed a number of rare stamps to grace the large , inviting pages . Jill wielded the gum-brush and fitted on the little flaps , as her fingers were skilful at this nice work , and Jack put each stamp in its proper place with great rustling of leaves and comparing of marks . Returning , after a brief absence , Mrs. Minot beheld the countenances of the workers adorned with gay stamps , giving them a very curious appearance . `` My dears ! what new play have you got now ? Are you wild Indians ? or letters that have gone round the world before finding the right address ? '' she asked , laughing at the ridiculous sight , for both were as sober as judges and deeply absorbed in some doubtful specimen . `` Oh , we just stuck them there to keep them safe ; they get lost if we leave them lying round . It 's very handy , for I can see in a minute what I want on Jill 's face and she on mine , and put our fingers on the right chap at once , '' answered Jack , adding , with an anxious gaze at his friend 's variegated countenance , `` Where the dickens is my New Granada ? It 's rare , and I would n't lose it for a dollar . '' `` Why , there it is on your own nose . Do n't you remember you put it there because you said mine was not big enough to hold it ? '' laughed Jill , tweaking a large orange square off the round nose of her neighbor , causing it to wrinkle up in a droll way , as the gum made the operation slightly painful . `` So I did , and gave you Little Bolivar on yours . Now I 'll have Alsace and Lorraine , 1870 . There are seven of them , so hold still and see how you like it , '' returned Jack , picking the large , pale stamps one by one from Jill 's forehead , which they crossed like a band .
She bore it without flinching , saying to herself with a secret smile , as she glanced at the hot fire , which scorched her if she kept near enough to XXXXX to help him , `` This really is being like a missionary , with a tattooed savage to look after .
Frank Granada Jack Jill Lorraine Minot day flaps right tweaking