It would n't be right , and you do n't want to make me do a dishonorable thing for your sake , I know . '' Jack looked so distressed that Jill promised not to make him tell , though she held herself free to find out in other ways , if she could . Thus relieved , Jack trudged off to school on Friday with the two dollars and seventy-five cents jingling in his pocket , though the dear gold coin had to be sacrificed to make up the sum . He did his lessons badly that day , was late at recess in the afternoon , and , as soon as school was over , departed in his rubber boots `` to take a walk , '' he said , though the roads were in a bad state with a spring thaw . Nothing was seen of him till after tea-time , when he came limping in , very dirty and tired , but with a reposeful expression , which betrayed that a load was off his mind . Frank was busy about his own affairs and paid little attention to him , but Jill was on tenter-hooks to know where he had been , yet dared not ask the question . `` Merry 's brother wants some cards . He liked hers so much he wishes to make his lady-love a present . Here 's the name ; '' and Jill held up the order from Harry Grant , who was to be married in the autumn . `` Must wait till next week . I 'm too tired to do a thing to-night , and I hate the sight of that old press , '' answered Jack , laying himself down upon the rug as if every joint ached . `` What made you take such a long walk ? You look as tired as if you 'd been ten miles , '' said Jill , hoping to discover the length of the trip . `` Had to . Four or five miles is n't much , only my leg bothered me ; '' and Jack gave the ailing member a slap , as if he had found it much in his way that day ; for , though he had given up the crutches long ago , he rather missed their support sometimes . Then , with a great yawn , he stretched himself out to bask in the blaze , pillowing his head on his arms . `` Dear old thing , he looks all used up ; I wo n't plague him with talking ; '' and Jill began to sing , as she often did in the twilight . By the time the first song ended a gentle snore was heard , and Jack lay fast asleep , worn out with the busy week and the walk , which had been longer and harder than any one guessed . Jill took up her knitting and worked quietly by firelight , still wondering and guessing what the secret could be ; for she had not much to amuse her , and little things were very interesting if connected with her friends . Presently Jack rolled over and began to mutter in his sleep , as he often did when too weary for sound slumber .
XXXXX paid no attention till he uttered a name which made her prick up her ears and listen to the broken sentences which followed .
Grant Jack Jill afternoon cents day right tenter-hooks to-night twilight