Marjorie was rather afraid of the fat pony , who tossed his head , whisked his tail , and stamped his feet as if he was of a peppery temper . But she liked to be useful , and just then felt as if there were few things she could NOT do if she tried , because it was her birthday . So she proudly let down the rein , and when Jack went splashing into the brook , she stood on the bridge , waiting to check him up again after he had drunk his fill of the clear , cool water . The old gentleman sat in his place , looking up at the little girl , who was smiling to herself as she watched the blue dragon-flies dance among the ferns , a blackbird tilt on the alderboughs , and listened to the babble of the brook . `` How old are you , child ? '' asked the old man , as if he rather envied this rosy creature her youth and health . `` Twelve to-day , sir ; '' and Marjorie stood up straight and tall , as if mindful of her years . `` Had any presents ? '' asked the old man , peering up with an odd smile . `` One , sir , -- here it is ; '' and she pulled out of her pocket a tin savings-bank in the shape of a desirable family mansion , painted red , with a green door and black chimney . Proudly displaying it on the rude railing of the bridge , she added , with a happy face , -- `` Granny gave it to me , and all the money in it is going to be mine . '' `` How much have you got ? '' asked the old gentleman , who appeared to like to sit there in the middle of the brook , while Jack bathed his feet and leisurely gurgled and sneezed . `` Not a penny yet , but I 'm going to earn some , '' answered Marjorie , patting the little bank with an air of resolution pretty to see . `` How will you do it ? '' continued the inquisitive old man . `` Oh , I 'm going to pick berries and dig dandelions , and weed , and drive cows , and do chores . It is vacation , and I can work all the time , and earn ever so much . '' `` But vacation is play-time , -- how about that ? '' `` Why , that sort of work IS play , and I get bits of fun all along .
I always have a good swing when I go for the cows , and pick flowers with the XXXXX .
Jack Marjorie alderboughs babble blackbird dance dandelions railing savings-bank years