I only wish I could pay for it as Mrs. Lennox does ; but I have n't any money , and you do n't need the sort of things I can make , '' she added , shaking her head , as she thought over knit slippers , wall-pockets , and crochet in all its forms , as offerings to her departing friend . `` You can write often , and tell me all about everybody , for I shall want to know , and people will soon forget me when I 'm gone , '' said Ralph , looking at Merry , who was making a garland of yellow leaves for Juliet 's black hair . Jill promised , and kept her word ; but the longest letters went from the farm-house on the hill , though no one knew the fact till long afterward . Merry said nothing now , but she smiled , with a pretty color in her cheeks , and was very much absorbed in her work , while the talk went on . `` I wish I was twenty , and going to seek my fortune , as you are , '' said Jack ; and the other boys agreed with him , for something in Ralph 's new plans and purposes roused the manly spirit in all of them , reminding them that playtime would soon be over , and the great world before them , where to choose . `` It is easy enough to say what you 'd like ; but the trouble is , you have to take what you can get , and make the best of it , '' said Gus , whose own views were rather vague as yet . `` No you do n't , always ; you can make things go as you want them , if you only try hard enough , and walk right over whatever stands in the way . I do n't mean to give up my plans for any man ; but , if I live , I 'll carry them out -- you see if I do n't ; '' and Frank gave the rock where he lay a blow with his fist , that sent the acorns flying all about . One of them hit Jack , and he said , sorrowfully , as he held it in his hand so carefully it was evident he had some association with it , -- `` Ed used to say that , and he had some splendid plans , but they did n't come to anything . '' `` Perhaps they did ; who can tell ? Do your best while you live , and I do n't believe anything good is lost , whether we have it a long or a short time , '' said Ralph , who knew what a help and comfort high hopes were , and how they led to better things , if worthily cherished . `` A great many acorns are wasted , I suppose ; but some of them sprout and grow , and make splendid trees , '' added Merry , feeling more than she knew how to express , as she looked up at the oaks overhead . Only seven of the party were sitting on the knoll now , for the rest had gone to wash the dishes and pack the baskets down by the boats . Jack and Jill , with the three elder boys , were in a little group , and as Merry spoke , Gus said to Frank , -- `` Did you plant yours ? '' `` Yes , on the lawn , and I mean it shall come up if I can make it , '' answered Frank , gravely . `` I put mine where I can see it from the window , and not forget to water and take care of it , '' added Jack , still turning the pretty brown acorn to and fro as if he loved it . `` What do they mean ? '' whispered Merry to Jill , who was leaning against her knee to rest . `` The boys were walking in the Cemetery last Sunday , as they often do , and when they came to Ed 's grave , the place was all covered with little acorns from the tree that grows on the bank . They each took up some as they stood talking , and Jack said he should plant his , for he loved Ed very much , you know .
The others said they would , too ; and I hope the trees will grow , though we do n't need anything to remember him by , '' answered XXXXX , in a low tone , thinking of the pressed flowers the girls kept for his sake .
Ed Frank Gus Jack Jill Lennox Merry acorn farm-house wall-pockets