We caught a scarlet-tanager for you to begin with , did n't we , Jack ? '' and Ralph threw a bon-bon at Jill , who looked very like a bright little bird in a warm nest . `` Good for you ! Yes , and we are going to keep her in this pretty cage till we can both fly off together . I say , Jill , where shall we be in our classes when we do get back ? '' and Jack 's merry face fell at the thought . `` At the foot , if we do n't study and keep up . Doctor said I might study sometimes , if I 'd lie still as long as he thought best , and Molly brought home my books , and Merry says she will come in every day and tell me where the lessons are . I do n't mean to fall behind , if my backbone is cracked , '' said Jill , with a decided nod that made several black rings fly out of the net to dance on her forehead . `` Frank said he 'd pull me along in my Latin , but I 've been lazy and have n't done a thing . Let 's go at it and start fair for New Year , '' proposed Jack , who did not love study as the bright girl did , but was ashamed to fall behind her in anything . `` All right . They 've been reviewing , so we can keep up when they begin , if we work next week , while the rest have a holiday . Oh , dear , I do miss school dreadfully ; '' and Jill sighed for the old desk , every blot and notch of which was dear to her . `` There come our things , and pretty nice they look , too , '' said Jack ; and his mother began to dress the tree , hanging up the gay horns , the gilded nuts , red and yellow apples and oranges , and festooning long strings of pop-corn and scarlet cranberries from bough to bough , with the glittering necklaces hung where the light would show their colors best . `` I never saw such a splendid tree before . I 'm glad we could help , though we were ill . Is it all done now ? '' asked Jill , when the last parcel was tied on and everybody stood back to admire the pretty sight . `` One thing more .
Hand me that box , Frank , and be very careful that you fasten this up firmly , XXXXX , '' answered Mrs. Minot , as she took from its wrappings the waxen figure of a little child .
Doctor Frank Jack Jill Merry Molly Ralph pop-corn right scarlet-tanager