Cattle Show The children were not the only ones who had learned something at Pebbly Beach . Mrs. Minot had talked a good deal with some very superior persons , and received light upon various subjects which had much interested or perplexed her . While the ladies worked or walked together , they naturally spoke oftenest and most earnestly about their children , and each contributed her experience . Mrs. Hammond , who had been a physician for many years , was wise in the care of healthy little bodies , and the cure of sick ones . Mrs. Channing , who had read , travelled , and observed much in the cause of education , had many useful hints about the training of young minds and hearts . Several teachers reported their trials , and all the mothers were eager to know how to bring up their boys and girls to be healthy , happy , useful men and women . As young people do not care for such discussions , we will not describe them , but as the impression they made upon one of the mammas affected our hero and heroine , we must mention the changes which took place in their life when they all got home again . `` School begins to-morrow . Oh , dear ! '' sighed Jack , as he looked up his books in the Bird Room , a day or two after their return . `` Do n't you want to go ? I long to , but do n't believe I shall . I saw our mothers talking to the doctor last night , but I have n't dared to ask what they decided , '' said Jill , affectionately eying the long-unused books in her little library . `` I 've had such a jolly good time , that I hate to be shut up all day worse than ever . Do n't you , Frank ? '' asked Jack , with a vengeful slap at the arithmetic which was the torment of his life . `` Well , I confess I do n't hanker for school as much as I expected . I 'd rather take a spin on the old bicycle . Our roads are so good , it is a great temptation to hire a machine , and astonish the natives . That 's what comes of idleness .
So brace up , my boy , and go to work , for vacation is over , '' answered XXXXX , gravely regarding the tall pile of books before him , as if trying to welcome his old friends , or tyrants , rather , for they ruled him with a rod of iron when he once gave himself up to them .
Frank Hammond Jack Jill Minot Room day night oftenest years