The happiest hours of Jack 's day were spent in the doctor 's chaise , when he made his round of visits ; for while he waited , the boy studied or read , and while they drove hither and thither , the doctor talked with him , finding an eager mind as well as a tender heart and a brave spirit under the rough jacket of his little serving-man . But he never called him that ; for remembering the cheerfulness , self-denial , honesty , and loyalty to those he loved , shown by the boy , the good doctor proved his respect for the virtues all men should covet , wherever they are found , and always spoke of Jack with a smile , as ` My Little Gentleman . ' BACK WINDOWS . As I sit working at my back window , I look out on a long row of other people 's back windows ; and it is quite impossible for me to help seeing and being interested in my neighbours . There are a good many children in those houses ; and though I do n't know one of their names , I know them a great deal better than they think I do . I never spoke a word to any of them , and never expect to do so ; yet I have my likes and dislikes among them , and could tell them things that they have said and done , which would astonish them very much , I assure you . First , the babies , -- for there are three : the aristocratic baby , the happy-go-lucky baby , and the forlorn baby . The aristocratic baby lives in a fine , well-furnished room , has a pretty little mamma , who wears white gowns , and pink ribbons in her cap ; likewise , a fond young papa , who evidently thinks this the most wonderful baby in Boston . There is a stout , motherly lady , who is the grandma , I fancy , for she is always hovering about ` the dear ' with cups , blankets , or a gorgeous red worsted bird to amuse it . Baby is a plump , rosy , sweet-faced little creature , always smiling and kissing its hand to the world in general . In its pretty white frocks , with its own little pink or blue ribbons , and its young mamma proudly holding it up to see and be seen , my aristocratic neighbour has an easy life of it , and is evidently one of the little lilies who do nothing but blossom in the sunshine . The happy-go-lucky baby is just able to toddle ; and I seldom pull up my curtain in the morning without seeing him at his window in his yellow flannel night-gown , taking a look at the weather . No matter whether it rains or shines , there he is , smiling and nodding , and looking so merry , that it is evident he has plenty of sunshine bottled up in his own little heart for private use . I depend on seeing him , and feel as if the world was not right until this golden little sun rises to shine upon me . He do n't seem to have any one to take care of him , but trots about all day , and takes care of himself . Sometimes he is up in the chambers with the girl , while she makes beds , and he helps ; then he takes a stroll into the parlour , and spins the gay curtain-tassels to his heart 's content ; next , he dives into the kitchen -LRB- I hope he does not tumble downstairs , but I dare say he would n't mind if he did -RRB- , and he gets pushed about by all the busy women , as they ` fly round . ' I rather think it gets too hot for him there about dinner-time ; for he often comes out into the yard for a walk at noon , and seems to find endless wonders and delights in the ash barrel , the water-but , two old flower-pots , and a little grass plat , in which he plants a choice variety of articles , in the firm faith they will come up in full bloom . I hope the big spoon and his own red shoe will sprout and appear before any trouble is made about their mysterious disappearance . At night I see a little shadow bobbing about on the curtain , and watch it , till with a parting glimpse at a sleepy face at the window , my small sun sets , and I leave him to his dreams . The forlorn baby roars all day , and I do n't blame him ; for he is trotted , shaken , spanked , and scolded by a very cross nurse , who treats him like a meal bag .
I pity that little XXXXX , and do n't believe he will stand it long ; for I see him double up his tiny fists , and spar away at nothing , as if getting ready for a good tussle with the world by and by , if he lives to try it .
Jack day dinner-time flower-pots frocks neighbour night parlour right water-but