A delicious couch was there , with Frank reposing in its depths , half hidden under several folios which he was consulting for a history of the steam-engine , the subject of his next composition . A white-covered table stood near , with all manner of dainties set forth in a way to tempt the sternest principles . Vases of flowers bloomed on the chimney-piece , -- gifts from anxious young ladies , left with their love . Frivolous story-books and picture-papers strewed the bed , now shrouded in effeminate chintz curtains , beneath which Jack lay like a wounded warrior in his tent . But the saddest sight for our crippled athlete was a glimpse , through a half-opened door , at the beloved dumb-bells , bats , balls , boxing-gloves , and snow-shoes , all piled ignominiously away in the bath-pan , mournfully recalling the fact that their day was over , now , at least for some time . He was about to groan dismally , when his eye fell on a sight which made him swallow the groan , and cough instead , as if it choked him a little . The sight was his mother 's face , as she sat in a low chair rolling bandages , with a basket beside her in which were piles of old linen , lint , plaster , and other matters , needed for the dressing of wounds . As he looked , Jack remembered how steadily and tenderly she had stood by him all through the hard times just past , and how carefully she had bathed and dressed his wound each day in spite of the effort it cost her to give him pain or even see him suffer . `` That 's a better sort of strength than swinging twenty-pound dumb-bells or running races ; I guess I 'll try for that kind , too , and not howl or let her see me squirm when the doctor hurts , '' thought the boy , as he saw that gentle face so pale and tired with much watching and anxiety , yet so patient , serene , and cheerful , that it was like sunshine . `` Lie down and take a good nap , mother dear , I feel first-rate , and Frank can see to me if I want anything . Do , now , '' he added , with a persuasive nod toward the couch , and a boyish relish in stirring up his lazy brother . After some urging , Mamma consented to go to her room for forty winks , leaving Jack in the care of Frank , begging him to be as quiet as possible if the dear boy wished to sleep , and to amuse him if he did not . Being worn out , Mrs. Minot lengthened her forty winks into a three hours ' nap , and as the `` dear boy '' scorned repose , Mr. Frank had his hands full while on guard . `` I 'll read to you . Here 's Watt , Arkwright , Fulton , and a lot of capital fellows , with pictures that will do your heart good . Have a bit , will you ? '' asked the new nurse , flapping the leaves invitingly . -- for Frank had a passion for such things , and drew steam-engines all over his slate , as Tommy Traddles drew hosts of skeletons when low in his spirits . `` I do n't want any of your old boilers and stokers and whirligigs . I 'm tired of reading , and want something regularly jolly , '' answered Jack , who had been chasing white buffaloes with `` The Hunters of the West , '' till he was a trifle tired and fractious .
`` Play cribbage , euchre , anything you like ; '' and XXXXX obligingly disinterred himself from under the folios , feeling that it was hard for a fellow to lie flat a whole week .
Frank Jack Mamma bath-pan boxing-gloves dainties day folios left whirligigs