`` I do n't brag , but here 's the best of all the three , '' chuckled Jack , producing a bunch of feathery carrot-tops , with a few half-shut dandelions trying to look brave and gay . `` Oh , boys , is that all ? '' `` What shall we do ? '' `` We 've only a few house-flowers , and all those baskets to fill , '' cried the girls , in despair ; for Merry 's contribution had been small , and Molly had only a handful of artificial flowers `` to fill up , '' she said . `` It is n't our fault : it is the late spring . We ca n't make flowers , can we ? '' asked Frank , in a tone of calm resignation . `` Could n't you buy some , then ? '' said Molly , smoothing her crumpled morning-glories , with a sigh . `` Who ever heard of a fellow having any money left the last day of the month ? '' demanded Gus , severely . `` Or girls either . I spent all mine in ribbon and paper for my baskets , and now they are of no use . It 's a shame ! '' lamented Jill , while Merry began to thin out her full baskets to fill the empty ones . `` Hold on ! '' cried Frank , relenting . `` Now , Jack , make their minds easy before they begin to weep and wail . '' `` Left the box outside . You tell while I go for it ; '' and Jack bolted , as if afraid the young ladies might be too demonstrative when the tale was told .
`` Tell away , '' said XXXXX , modestly passing the story along to Gus , who made short work of it .
Frank Gus Jack Jill Left Molly carrot-tops dandelions house-flowers morning-glories