That 's part of the dressing ; mother said so . I 've got you there , for you did all that for me , except this , '' and Jack threw his gown over a chair with a triumphant flourish as Frank turned back to leave his room in the order which they had been taught was one of the signs of a good bringing-up in boys as well as girls . `` Ready ! I 'll trouble you for a cent , old man ; '' and Jack held out his hand , with a chuckle . He got the money and a good clap beside ; then they retired to the shed to black their boots , after which Frank filled the woodboxes and Jack split kindlings , till the daily allowance was ready . Both went at their lessons for half an hour , Jack scowling over his algebra in the sofa corner , while Frank , with his elbows on and his legs round the little stand which held his books , seemed to be having a wrestling-match with Herodotus . When the bell rang they were glad to drop the lessons and fall upon their breakfast with the appetite of wolves , especially Jack , who sequestered oatmeal and milk with such rapidity that one would have thought he had a leathern bag hidden somewhere to slip it into , like his famous namesake when he breakfasted with the giant . `` I declare I do n't see what he does with it ! He really ought not to ` gobble ' so , mother , '' said Frank , who was eating with great deliberation and propriety . `` Never you mind , old quiddle . I 'm so hungry I could tuck away a bushel , '' answered Jack , emptying a glass of milk and holding out his plate for more mush , regardless of his white moustache . `` Temperance in all things is wise , in speech as well as eating and drinking -- remember that , boys , '' said Mamma from behind the urn . `` That reminds me ! We promised to do the ` Observer ' this week , and here it is Tuesday and I have n't done a thing : have you ? '' asked Frank . `` Never thought of it . We must look up some bits at noon instead of playing . Dare say Jill has got some : she always saves all she finds for me . '' `` I have one or two good items , and can do any copying there may be . But I think if you undertake the paper you should give some time and labor to make it good , '' said Mamma , who was used to this state of affairs , and often edited the little sheet read every week at the Lodge .
The boys seldom missed going , but the busy lady was often unable to be there , so helped with the paper as her share of the XXXXX .
Jill Mamma Temperance bringing-up fall hour kindlings labor quiddle week