No more now , from yours , with esteem , `` Joseph P. Flint '' Joe thought that an elegant epistle , having copied portions of it from the `` Letter Writer , '' and proudly read it off to the boys , who assured him that Jill would be much impressed . `` Now , Jack , hurry up and let us send the lot off , for we must go , '' said Gus , as Frank put the letters in the basket , and the clatter of tea-things was heard below . `` I 'm not going to show mine . It 's private and you must n't look , '' answered Jack , patting down an envelope with such care that no one had a chance to peep . But Joe had seen the little note copied , and while the others were at the window working the telegraph he caught up the original , carelessly thrust by Jack under the pillow , and read it aloud before any one knew what he was about . `` My Dear , -- I wish I could send you some of my good times . As I ca n't , I send you much love , and I hope you will try and be patient as I am going to , for it was our fault , and we must not make a fuss now . Ai n't mothers sweet ? Mine is coming over to-morrow to see you and tell me how you are . This round thing is a kiss for good-night . `` Your Jack '' `` Is n't that spoony ? You 'd better hide your face , I think . He 's getting to be a regular mollycoddle , is n't he ? '' jeered Joe , as the boys laughed , and then grew sober , seeing Jack 's head buried in the bedclothes , after sending a pillow at his tormentor . It nearly hit Mrs. Minot , coming in with her patient 's tea on a tray , and at sight of her the guests hurriedly took leave , Joe nearly tumbling downstairs to escape from Frank , who would have followed , if his mother had not said quickly , `` Stay , and tell me what is the matter . '' `` Only teasing Jack a bit . Do n't be mad , old boy , Joe did n't mean any harm , and it was rather soft , now was n't it ? '' asked Frank , trying to appease the wounded feelings of his brother . `` I charged you not to worry him . Those boys were too much for the poor dear , and I ought not to have left him , '' said Mamma , as she vainly endeavored to find and caress the yellow head burrowed so far out of sight that nothing but one red ear was visible .
`` He liked it , and we got on capitally till XXXXX roughed him about Jill .
Flint Frank Gus Joe Mamma Minot Writer epistle spoony tormentor