Do n't mind having them a bit myself , '' said Frank , in such a tone of cheerful resignation that they laughed again , for the `` Triangle , '' as the three chums were called , always made merry music . `` We must have a game party next week . The girls like that , and so do I , '' candidly observed Gus , whose pleasant parlors were the scene of many such frolics . `` And so do your sisters and your cousins and your aunts , '' hummed Ed , for Gus was often called Admiral because he really did possess three sisters , two cousins , and four aunts , besides mother and grandmother , all living in the big house together . The boys promptly joined in the popular chorus , and other voices all about the yard took it up , for the `` Pinafore '' epidemic raged fearfully in Harmony Village that winter . `` How 's business ? '' asked Gus , when the song ended , for Ed had not returned to school in the autumn , but had gone into a store in the city . `` Dull ; things will look up toward spring , they say . I get on well enough , but I miss you fellows dreadfully ; '' and Ed put a hand on the broad shoulder of each friend , as if he longed to be a school-boy again . `` Better give it up and go to college with me next year , '' said Frank , who was preparing for Boston University , while Gus fitted for Harvard . `` No ; I 've chosen business , and I mean to stick to it , so do n't you unsettle my mind . Have you practised that March ? '' asked Ed , turning to a gayer subject , for he had his little troubles , but always looked on the bright side of things . `` Skating is so good , I do n't get much time . Come early , and we 'll have a turn at it . '' `` I will . Must run home now . '' `` Pretty cold loafing here . '' `` Mail is in by this time . '' And with these artless excuses the three boys leaped off the posts , as if one spring moved them , as a group of girls came chattering down the path .
The blue cloud floated away beside Frank , the scarlet feather marched off with the XXXXX , while the fur cap nodded to the gray hat as two happy faces smiled at each other .
Admiral Ed Frank Gus Harvard Pinafore University Village chums school-boy