`` Why not ? '' and Mrs. Minot looked much surprised , till Jack pointed to the screen , and , making a sad face to express Jill 's anguish , answered in a cheerful tone , `` Well , I 'm not sure that it is best . Doctor did not want me to go , but said I might because I teased . I shall be sure to come to grief , and then every one will say , ' I told you so , ' and that is so provoking . I 'd rather keep still a week longer . Had n't I better ? '' His mother smiled and nodded as she said , sewing away at much-abused old Caesar , as if she loved him , `` Do as you think best , dear . I always want you at home , but I do n't wonder you are rather tired of it after this long confinement . '' `` I say , Jill , should I be in your way if I did n't go to school till the first of February ? '' called Jack , laughing to himself at the absurdity of the question . `` Not much ! '' answered a glad voice from behind the screen , and he knew the sorrowful eyes were shining with delight , though he could not see them . `` Well , I guess I may as well , and get quite firm on my legs before I start . Another week or so will bring me up if I study hard , so I shall not lose my time . I 'll tackle my Latin as soon as it 's ready , mother . '' Jack got a hearty kiss with the neatly covered book , and Mamma loved him for the little sacrifice more than if he had won a prize at school . He did get a reward , for , in five minutes from the time he decided , Jill was singing like a bobolink , and such a medley of merry music came from behind the screen , that it was a regular morning concert . She did not know then that he stayed for her sake , but she found it out soon after , and when the time came did as much for him , as we shall see . It proved a wise decision , for the last part of January was so stormy Jack could not have gone half the time . So , while the snow drifted , and bitter winds raged , he sat snugly at home amusing Jill , and getting on bravely with his lessons , for Frank took great pains with him to show his approbation of the little kindness , and , somehow , the memory of it seemed to make even the detested Latin easier .
With February fair weather set in , and Jack marched happily away to school , with Jill 's new mittens on his hands , XXXXX nodding from the door-step , and Frank ready to give him a lift on the new sled , if the way proved too long or too rough .
Caesar Doctor Frank Jill Mamma approbation bobolink minutes morning week