Mammy told me not to ask for a thing , and I 'm sure I do n't get a chance . I feel just as if I was your truly born sister , Jack . '' `` That 's all right , I 'm glad you do , '' answered Jack , comfortably , though his mind seemed a little absent and his eyes twinkled when she spoke of Molly . `` Now , you sit in the cubby-house , and keep quiet till the boat comes in . Then the fun will begin , and you must be fresh and ready to enjoy it . Do n't run off , now , I shall want to know where to find you by and by . '' `` No more running off , thank you . I 'll stay here till you come , and finish this box for Molly ; she has a birthday this week , and I 've written to ask what day , so I can send it right up and surprise her . '' Jack 's eyes twinkled more than ever as he helped Jill settle herself in the boat , and then with a whoop he tore over the beach , as if practising for the race which was to come off in the afternoon . Jill was so busy with her work that time went quickly , and the early boat came in just as the last pink shell was stuck in its place . Putting the box in the sun to dry , she leaned out of her nook to watch the gay parties land , and go streaming up the pier along the road that went behind the bank that sheltered her . Flocks of children were running about on the sand , and presently strangers appeared , eager to see and enjoy all the delights of this gala-day . `` There 's a fat little boy who looks ever so much like Boo , '' said Jill to herself , watching the people and hoping they would not come and find her , since she had promised to stay till Jack returned . The fat little boy was staring about him in a blissful sort of maze , holding a wooden shovel in one hand and the skirts of a young girl with the other . Her back was turned to Jill , but something in the long brown braid with a fly-away blue bow hanging down her back looked very familiar to Jill . So did the gray suit and the Japanese umbrella ; but the hat was strange , and while she was thinking how natural the boots looked , the girl turned round . `` Why , how much she looks like Molly ! It ca n't be -- yes , it might , I do believe it is ! '' cried Jill , starting up and hardly daring to trust her own eyes . As she came out of her nest and showed herself , there could be no doubt about the other girl , for she gave one shout and came racing over the beach with both arms out , while her hat blew off unheeded , and the gay umbrella flew away , to the great delight of all the little people except Boo , who was upset by his sister 's impetuous rush , and lay upon his back howling .
XXXXX did not do all the running , though , and Jill got her wish , for , never stopping to think of herself , she was off at once , and met her friend half-way with an answering cry .
Jack Japanese Jill Mammy Molly afternoon cubby-house day nook right