I will say no more now , but keep my little secret and let it be a surprise to all by and by , '' answered his mother , looking as if she had not much doubt about the matter . `` That will be jolly . You are welcome to your secret , Mamma . I 've had enough of them for one while ; '' and Jack shrugged his broad shoulders as if a burden had been taken off . In the evening Ed came , and Jack was quite satisfied when he saw how pleased his friend was at what he had done . `` I never meant you should take so much trouble , only be kind to Bob , '' said Ed , who did not know how strong his influence was , nor what a sweet example of quiet well-doing his own life was to all his mates . `` I wished to be really useful ; not just to talk about it and do nothing . That is n't your way , and I want to be like you , '' answered Jack , with such affectionate sincerity that Ed could not help believing him , though he modestly declined the compliment by saying , as he began to play softly , `` Better than I am , I hope . I do n't amount to much . '' `` Yes , you do ! and if any one says you do n't I 'll shake him . I ca n't tell what it is , only you always look so happy and contented -- sort of sweet and shiny , '' said Jack , as he stroked the smooth brown head , rather at a loss to describe the unusually fresh and sunny expression of Ed 's face , which was always cheerful , yet had a certain thoughtfulness that made it very attractive to both young and old . `` Soap makes him shiny ; I never saw such a fellow to wash and brush , '' put in Frank , as he came up with one of the pieces of music he and Ed were fond of practising together . `` I do n't mean that ! '' said Jack indignantly . `` I wash and brush till you call me a dandy , but I do n't have the same look -- it seems to come from the inside , somehow , as if he was always jolly and clean and good in his mind , you know . '' `` Born so , '' said Frank , rumbling away in the bass with a pair of hands that would have been the better for some of the above-mentioned soap , for he did not love to do much in the washing and brushing line . `` I suppose that 's it . Well , I like it , and I shall keep on trying , for being loved by every one is about the nicest thing in the world . Is n't it , Ed ? ''
asked Jack , with a gentle tweak of the ear as he put a question which he knew would get no answer , for XXXXX was so modest he could not see wherein he differed from other boys , nor believe that the sunshine he saw in other faces was only the reflection from his own .
Bob Ed Frank Jack Soap head influence mates thing thoughtfulness