They are all well enough at home , and I like them at parties , but for real fun and go I would n't give a cent for them , '' began Grif , whose views of a collegiate life were confined to the enjoyments rather than the studies of that festive period . `` I have tried them , and they ca n't stand anything . They scream if you tell them there is a mouse in the room , and run if they see a big dog . I just put a cockroach in Molly 's desk one day , and when she opened it she jumped as if she was shot . '' So did the gentlemen of the club , for at that moment half-a-dozen fire-crackers exploded under the chair Grif had left , and flew wildly about the room . Order was with difficulty restored , the mischievous party summarily chastised and commanded to hold his tongue , under penalty of ejectment from the room if he spoke again . Firmly grasping that red and unruly member , Grif composed himself to listen , with his nose in the air and his eyes shining like black beads . Ed was always the peace-maker , and now , when he rose with his engaging smile , his voice fell like oil upon the troubled waters , and his bright face was full of the becoming bashfulness which afflicts youths of seventeen when touching upon such subjects of newly acquired interest as girls and their pleasant but perplexing ways . `` It seems to me we have hardly considered the matter enough to be able to say much . But I think that school would be awfully dry and dismal without -- ahem ! -- any young ladies to make it nice . I would n't give a pin to go if there was only a crowd of fellows , though I like a good game as well as any man . I pity any boy who has no sisters , '' continued Ed , warming up as he thought of his own , who loved him dearly , as well they might , for a better brother never lived . `` Home would n't be worth having without them to look after a fellow , to keep him out of scrapes , help him with his lessons , and make things jolly for his friends . I tell you we ca n't do without girls , and I 'm not ashamed to say that I think the more we see of them , and try to be like them in many ways , the better men we shall be by and by . '' `` Hear ! hear ! '' cried Frank , in his deepest tone , for he heartily agreed to that , having talked the matter over with his mother , and received much light upon things which should always be set right in young heads and hearts . And who can do this so wisely and well as mothers , if they only will ? Feeling that his sentiments had been approved , and he need not be ashamed of the honest color in his cheeks , Ed sat down amid the applause of his side , especially of Jack , who pounded so vigorously with his crutch that Mrs. Pecq popped in her head to see if anything was wanted .
`` No , thank you , ma'am , we were only cheering XXXXX , '' said Gus , now upon his legs , and rather at a loss what to say till Mrs. Pecq 's appearance suggested an idea , and he seized upon it .
Ed Frank Grif Jack Molly bashfulness enjoyments left peace-maker right