`` The very best of all . You must know that , while Lucy was busy for others , she was not forgotten , and when she was expecting to lie on her bed through the summer , plans were being made for all sorts of pleasant changes . First of all , she was to have a nice little brace to support the back which was growing better every day ; then , as the warm weather came on , she was to go out , or lie on the piazza ; and by and by , when school was done , she was to go with the queen and the princes for a month or two down to the sea-side , where fresh air and salt water were to build her up in the most delightful way . There , now ! is n't that the best ending of all ? '' and Mamma paused to read her answer in the bright faces of two of the listeners , for Jill hid hers in the pillow , and lay quite still , as if it was too much for her . `` That will be regularly splendid ! I 'll row you all about -- boating is so much easier than riding , and I like it on salt water , '' said Frank , going to sit on the arm of the sofa , quite excited by the charms of the new plan . `` 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 XXXXX , expecting too much , for a word of encouragement made her as hopeful as she had been despondent before .
Frank Jack Jill Lucy Minot a-Maying day first minute month