Ca n't possibly get on without them , '' said Frank , fondly patting his favorite work . `` My patience ! What queer cattle boys are ! '' exclaimed Mrs. Pecq , while they all laughed . `` It ca n't be done , Mr. Frank ; all the boxes are brim full , and you 'll have to leave those fat books behind , for there 's no place anywhere . '' `` Then I 'll carry them myself ; '' and Frank tucked one under each arm , with a determined air , which settled the matter . `` I suppose you 'll study cockleology instead of boating , and read up on polywogs while we play tennis , or go poking round with your old spy-glass instead of having a jolly good time , '' said Jack , hauling away on the strap till all was taut and ship-shape with the bundle . `` Tadpoles do n't live in salt water , my son , and if you mean conchology , you 'd better say so . 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 XXXXX , watching the merry scene with intense interest , and wondering if the little girls she saw were as nice as Molly and Merry .
Ca Frank Jack Jill Minot conchology fro play-place polywogs spy-glass