`` And I 'll teach you to swim , and roll you over the beach , and get sea-weed and shells , and no end of nice things , and we 'll all come home as strong as lions , '' added Jack , scrambling up as if about to set off at once . `` The doctor says you have been doing finely of late , and the brace will come to-morrow , and the first really mild day you are to have a breath of fresh air . Wo n't that be good ? '' asked Mrs. Minot , hoping her story had not been too interesting . `` Is she crying ? '' said Jack , much concerned as he patted the pillow in his most soothing way , while Frank lifted one curl after another to see what was hidden underneath . Not tears , for two eyes sparkled behind the fingers , then the hands came down like clouds from before the sun , and Jill 's face shone out so bright and happy it did one 's heart good to see it . `` I 'm not crying , '' she said with a laugh which was fuller of blithe music than any song she sung . `` But it was so splendid , it sort of took my breath away for a minute . I thought I was n't any better , and never should be , and I made up my mind I would n't ask , it would be so hard for any one to tell me so . Now I see why the doctor made me stand up , and told me to get my baskets ready to go a-Maying . I thought he was in fun ; did he really mean I could go ? '' asked Jill , expecting too much , for a word of encouragement made her as hopeful as she had been despondent before . `` No , dear , not so soon as that . It will be months , probably , before you can walk and run , as you used to ; but they will soon pass . You need n't mind about May-day ; it is always too cold for flowers , and you will find more here among your own plants , than on the hills , to fill your baskets , '' answered Mrs. Minot , hastening to suggest something pleasant to beguile the time of probation . `` I can wait . Months are not years , and if I 'm truly getting well , everything will seem beautiful and easy to me , '' said Jill , laying herself down again , with the patient look she had learned to wear , and gathering up the scattered carnations to enjoy their spicy breath , as if the fairies hidden there had taught her some of their sweet secrets . `` Dear little girl , it has been a long , hard trial for you , but it is coming to an end , and I think you will find that it has not been time wasted , I do n't want you to be a saint quite yet , but I am sure a gentler Jill will rise up from that sofa than the one who lay down there in December . '' `` How could I help growing better , when you were so good to me ? ''
cried XXXXX , putting up both arms , as Mrs. Minot went to take Frank 's place , and he retired to the fire , there to stand surveying the scene with calm approval .
Frank Jack Jill Minot a-Maying carnations day first minute years