`` What makes you so jolly , Will ? '' asked Jimmy , as she dropped down beside him and fanned herself with the ill-used hat . `` Such fun -- you 'll never guess -- just what we wanted -- if your mother only will ! You 'll dance , too , when you know , '' panted the girl , smiling like a substantial sort of fairy come to bring good luck . `` Fire away , then . It will have to be extra nice to set me off . I do n't feel a bit like jigs now , '' answered Jimmy , as the gloom obscured his face again , like a cloud over the sun . `` You know ` Pinafore ' ? '' began Will , and getting a quick nod for an answer , she poured forth the following tale with great rapidity : `` Well , some folks are going to get it up with children to do it , and they want any boys and girls that can sing to go and be looked at to-morrow , and the good ones will be picked out , and dressed up , and taught how to act , and have the nicest time that ever was . Some of our girls are going , and so am I , and you sing and must come , too , and have some fun . Wo n't it be jolly ? '' `` I guess it would ; but I ca n't . Mother needs me every minute out of school , '' began Jimmy , with a shake of the head , having made up his mind some time ago that he must learn to do without fun . `` But we shall be paid for it , '' cried Will , clapping her hands with the double delight of telling the best part of her story , and seeing Jimmy 's sober face clear suddenly as if the sun had burst forth with great brilliancy . `` Really ? How much ? Can I sing well enough ? '' and he clutched her arm excitedly , for this unexpected ray of hope dazzled him . `` Some of them will have ten dollars a week , and some more , -- the real nice ones , like Lee , the singing boy , who is a wonder , '' answered Will , in the tone of one well informed on such points . `` Ten dollars ! ''
gasped XXXXX , for the immensity of the sum took his breath away .
Jimmy Lee Mother Pinafore Will brilliancy dollars jigs minute week