from Ralph and Frank , as they steered the recumbent Columbus on his first voyage of discovery . `` Well , I call that handsome ! '' was Jack 's exclamation , when the full beauty of the scene burst upon his view . Then he forgot all about it and gave a whoop of pleasure , for there beside the fire was an eager face , two hands beckoning , and Jill 's voice crying , joyfully , -- `` I 'm here ! I 'm here ! Oh , do come , quick ! '' Down the long room rattled the chair , Jack cheering all the way , and brought up beside the other one , as the long-parted friends exclaimed , with one accord , -- `` Is n't this jolly ! '' It certainly did look so , for Ralph and Frank danced a wild sort of fandango round the tree , Dr. Whiting stood and laughed , while the two mothers beamed from the door-way , and the children , not knowing whether to laugh or to cry , compromised the matter by clapping their hands and shouting , `` Merry Christmas to everybody ! '' like a pair of little maniacs . Then they all sobered down , and the busy ones went off to the various duties of the day , leaving the young invalids to repose and enjoy themselves together . `` How nice you look , '' said Jill , when they had duly admired the pretty room . `` So do you , '' gallantly returned Jack , as he surveyed her with unusual interest . They did look very nice , though happiness was the principal beautifier . Jill wore a red wrapper , with the most brilliant of all the necklaces sparkling at her throat , over a nicely crimped frill her mother had made in honor of the day . All the curly black hair was gathered into a red net , and a pair of smart little moccasins covered the feet that had not stepped for many a weary day . Jack was not so gay , but had made himself as fine as circumstances would permit . A gray dressing-gown , with blue cuffs and collar , was very becoming to the blonde youth ; an immaculate shirt , best studs , sleeve-buttons , blue tie , and handkerchief wet with cologne sticking out of the breast-pocket , gave an air of elegance in spite of the afghan spread over the lower portions of his manly form . The yellow hair was brushed till it shone , and being parted in the middle , to hide the black patch , made two engaging little `` quirls '' on his forehead . The summer tan had faded from his cheeks , but his eyes were as blue as the wintry sky , and nearly every white tooth was visible as he smiled on his partner in misfortune , saying cheerily , -- `` I 'm ever so glad to see you again ; guess we are over the worst of it now , and can have good times . Wo n't it be fun to stay here all the while , and amuse one another ? ''
`` Yes , indeed ; but one XXXXX is so short !
Columbus Frank Jack Ralph beautifier day door-way dressing-gown frill sleeve-buttons