` Gives a man prestige , you know . No need to dig . I mean to have a gay old time , and be a `` howling swell '' , if I choose . Between you and me though , it would be no end jolly to have the girls along . Study be hanged ! But if we 've got to turn the grindstone , it would be mighty nice to have some of the little dears to lend a hand . Would n't it now ? ' ` I 'd like three this minute -- one to fan me , one to kiss me , and one to give me some iced lemonade ! ' sighed Stuffy , with a yearning glance towards the house , whence no succour appeared . ` How would root-beer do ? ' asked a voice behind them , which made Dolly spring to his feet and Stuffy roll over like a startled porpoise . Sitting on the stile that crossed the wall near by was Mrs Jo , with two jugs slung over her shoulder by a strap , several tin mugs in her hand , and an old-fashioned sun-bonnet on her head . ' I knew the boys would be killing themselves with ice-water ; so I strolled down with some of my good , wholesome beer . They drank like fishes . But Silas was with me ; so my cruse still holds out . Have some ? ' ` Yes , thanks , very much . Let us pour it . ' And Dolly held the cup while Stuffy joyfully filled it ; both very grateful , but rather afraid she had heard what went before the wish she fulfilled . She proved that she had by saying , as they stood drinking her health , while she sat between them , looking like a middle-aged vivandiere , with her jugs and mugs : ' I was glad to hear you say you would like to have girls at your college ; but I hope you will learn to speak more respectfully of them before they come ; for that will be the first lesson they will teach you . '
` Really , ma'am , I was only joking , ' began XXXXX , gulping down his beer in a hurry .
Dolly Jo Silas Stuffy dears first ice-water stile sun-bonnet vivandiere