But this one did not , and when both refused cake , this sure sign of unusual perturbation made her anxious to know the cause . As soon as tea was over , Jack retired with gloomy dignity to his own room , and Frank , casting away the paper he had been pretending to read , burst out with the whole story . Mrs. Minot was as much surprised as he , but not angry , because , like most mothers , she was sure that her sons could not do anything very bad . `` I will speak to him ; my boy wo n't refuse to give me some explanation , '' she said , when Frank had freed his mind with as much warmth as if Jack had broken all the ten commandments . `` He will . You often call me obstinate , but he is as pig-headed as a mule ; Joe only knows what he saw , old tell-tale ! and Jerry has left town , or I 'd have it out of him . Make Jack own up , whether he can or not . Little donkey ! '' stormed Frank , who hated rowdies and could not forgive his brother for being seen with one . `` My dear , all boys do foolish things sometimes , even the wisest and best behaved , so do n't be hard on the poor child . He has got into trouble , I 've no doubt , but it can not be very bad , and he earned the money to pay for his prank , whatever it was . '' Mrs. Minot left the room as she spoke , and Frank cooled down as if her words had been a shower-bath , for he remembered his own costly escapade , and how kindly both his mother and Jack had stood by him on that trying occasion . So , feeling rather remorseful , he went off to talk it over with Gus , leaving Jill in a fever of curiosity , for Merry and Molly had dropped in on their way home to break the blow to her , and Frank declined to discuss it with her , after mildly stating that Jack was `` a ninny , '' in his opinion . `` Well , I know one thing , '' said Jill confidentially to Snow-ball , when they were left alone together , `` if every one else is scolding him I wo n't say a word . It 's so mean to crow over people when they are down , and I 'm sure he has n't done anything to be ashamed of , though he wo n't tell . '' Snow-ball seemed to agree to this , for he went and sat down by Jack 's slippers waiting for him on the hearth , and Jill thought that a very touching proof of affectionate fidelity to the little master who ruled them both . When he came , it was evident that he had found it harder to refuse his mother than all the rest . But she trusted him in spite of appearances , and that was such a comfort ! For poor Jack 's heart was very full , and he longed to tell the whole story , but he would not break his promise , and so kept silence bravely .
Jill asked no questions , affecting to be anxious for the games they always played together in the evening , but while they played , though the lips were sealed , the bright eyes said as plainly as words , `` I trust you , '' and XXXXX was very grateful .
Gus Jack Jerry Jill Joe Molly left ninny rowdies shower-bath