I shall play as much as I wish , and when I want to know about any new or curious thing , I shall consult my Cyclo , instead of bothering other people with questions , or giving it up like a dunce ; '' with which crushing reply Frank departed , leaving Jill to pack and unpack her treasures a dozen times , and Jack to dance jigs on the lids of the trunks till they would shut . A very happy party set off the next day , leaving Mrs. Pecq waving her apron on the steps . Mrs. Minot carried the lunch , Jack his precious bundle with trifles dropping out by the way , and Jill felt very elegant bearing her new basket with red worsted cherries bobbing on the outside . Frank actually did take the Encyclopedia , done up in the roll of shawls , and whenever the others wondered about anything -- tides , lighthouses , towns , or natural productions -- he brought forth one of the books and triumphantly read therefrom , to the great merriment , if not edification , of his party . A very short trip by rail and the rest of the journey by boat , to Jill 's great contentment , for she hated to be shut up ; and while the lads roved here and there she sat under the awning , too happy to talk . But Mrs. Minot watched with real satisfaction how the fresh wind blew the color back into the pale cheeks , how the eyes shone and the heart filled with delight at seeing the lovely world again , and being able to take a share in its active pleasures . The Willows was a long , low house close to the beach , and as full as a beehive of pleasant people , all intent on having a good time . A great many children were swarming about , and Jill found it impossible to sleep after her journey , there was such a lively clatter of tongues on the piazzas , and so many feet going to and fro in the halls . She lay down obediently while Mrs. Minot settled matters in the two airy rooms and gave her some dinner , but she kept popping up her head to look out of the window to see what she could see . Just opposite stood an artist 's cottage and studio , with all manner of charming galleries , towers , steps , and even a sort of drawbridge to pull up when the painter wished to be left in peace . He was absent now , and the visitors took possession of this fine play-place . Children were racing up and down the galleries , ladies sitting in the tower , boys disporting themselves on the roof , and young gentlemen preparing for theatricals in the large studio . `` What fun I 'll have over there , '' thought Jill , watching the merry scene with intense interest , and wondering if the little girls she saw were as nice as Molly and Merry . Then there were glimpses of the sea beyond the green bank where a path wound along to the beach , whence came the cool dash of waves , and now and then the glimmer of a passing sail . `` Oh , when can I go out ? It looks so lovely , I ca n't wait long , '' she said , looking as eager as a little gull shut up in a cage and pining for its home on the wide ocean . `` As soon as it is a little cooler , dear , I 'm getting ready for our trip , but we must be careful and not do too much at once . ` Slow and sure ' is our motto , '' answered Mrs. Minot , busily collecting the camp-stools , the shawls , the air-cushions , and the big parasols . `` I 'll be good , only do let me have my sailor-hat to wear , and my new suit . I 'm not a bit tired , and I do want to be like other folks right off , '' said Jill , who had been improving rapidly of late , and felt much elated at being able to drive out nearly every day , to walk a little , and sit up some hours without any pain or fatigue .
To gratify her , the blue flannel suit with its white trimming was put on , and Mamma was just buttoning the stout boots when XXXXX thundered at the door , and burst in with all sorts of glorious news .
Jack Jill Pecq bank camp-stools edification hours left right trifles