`` I do n't see what we can do , then . It is too early or too late for everything , and you wo n't borrow . '' `` Not of you . No , nor of any one else , if I can possibly help it . I 've promised to do this myself , and I will ; '' and Jack wagged his head resolutely . `` Could n't you do something with the printing-press ? Do me some cards , and then , perhaps , the other girls will want some , '' said Jill , as a forlorn hope . `` Just the thing ! What a goose I was not to think of it . I 'll rig the old machine up at once . '' And , starting from his seat , Jack dived into the big closet , dragged out the little press , and fell to oiling , dusting , and putting it in order , like one relieved of a great anxiety . `` Give me the types ; I 'll sort them and set up my name , so you can begin as soon as you are ready . You know what a help I was when we did the programmes . I 'm almost sure the girls will want cards , and I know your mother would like some more tags , '' said Jill , briskly rattling the letters into the different compartments , while Jack inked the rollers and hunted up his big apron , whistling the while with recovered spirits . A dozen neat cards were soon printed , and Jill insisted on paying six cents for them , as earning was not borrowing . A few odd tags were found and done for Mamma , who immediately ordered four dozen at six cents a dozen , though she was not told why there was such a pressing call for money . Jack 's monthly half-dollar had been spent the first week , -- twenty-five cents for a concert , ten paid a fine for keeping a book too long from the library , ten more to have his knife ground , and five in candy , for he dearly loved sweeties , and was under bonds to Mamma not to spend more than five cents a month on these unwholesome temptations . She never asked the boys what they did with their money , but expected them to keep account in the little books she gave them ; and , now and then , they showed the neat pages with pardonable pride , though she often laughed at the queer items . All that evening Jack & Co. worked busily , for when Frank came in he good-naturedly ordered some pale-pink cards for Annette , and ran to the store to choose the right shade , and buy some packages for the young printer also . `` What do you suppose he is in such a pucker for ? ''
whispered Jill , as she set up the new name , to XXXXX , who sat close by , with one eye on his book and one on her .
Annette Co. Frank Jack Jill cents half-dollar month pucker right