He 's so good-natured he 's always promising to do things for people , and has too much pluck to give up when he finds he ca n't . Let him alone , and it will all come out soon enough , '' answered Frank , who laughed at his brother , but loved him none the less for the tender heart that often got the better of his young head . But for once Frank was mistaken ; the mystery did not come out , and Jack worked like a beaver all that week , as orders poured in when Jill and Annette showed their elegant cards ; for , as everybody knows , if one girl has a new thing all the rest must , whether it is a bow on the top of her head , a peculiar sort of pencil , or the latest kind of chewing-gum . Little play did the poor fellow get , for every spare minute was spent at the press , and no invitation could tempt him away , so much in earnest was our honest little Franklin about paying his debt . Jill helped all she could , and cheered his labors with her encouragement , remembering how he stayed at home for her . `` It is real good of you to lend a hand , and I 'm ever so much obliged , '' said Jack , as the last order was struck off , and the drawer of the type-box held a pile of shining five and ten cent pieces , with two or three quarters . `` I love to ; only it would be nicer if I knew what we were working for , '' she said demurely , as she scattered type for the last time ; and seeing that Jack was both tired and grateful , hoped to get a hint of the secret . `` I want to tell you , dreadfully ; but I ca n't , because I 've promised . '' `` What , never ? '' `` Never ! '' and Jack looked as firm as a rock . `` Then I shall find out , for I have n't promised . '' `` You ca n't . '' `` See if I do n't ! '' `` You are sharp , but you wo n't guess this . It 's a tremendous secret , and nobody will tell it . '' `` You 'll tell it yourself . You always do . '' `` I wo n't tell this . It would be mean . ''
`` Wait and see ; I can get anything out of you if I try ; '' and Jill laughed , knowing her power well , for XXXXX found it very hard to keep a secret from her .
Annette Frank Franklin Jack Jill cent chewing-gum quarters type-box week