`` I wish she had a nice place like this to be sick in . It must be very poky in those little rooms , '' said Jack , as his eye roved round the large chamber where he lay so cosey , warm , and pleasant , with the gay chintz curtains draping doors and windows , the rosy carpet , comfortable chairs , and a fire glowing in the grate . `` I shall see that she suffers for nothing , so do n't trouble your kind heart about her to-night , but try to sleep ; that 's what you need , '' answered his mother , wetting the bandage on his forehead , and putting a cool hand on the flushed cheeks . Jack obediently closed his eyes and listened while the boys sang `` The Sweet By and By , '' softening their rough young voices for his sake till the music was as soft as a lullaby . He lay so still his mother thought he was off , but presently a tear slipped out and rolled down the red cheek , wetting her hand as it passed . `` My blessed boy , what is it ? '' she whispered , with a touch and a tone that only mothers have . The blue eyes opened wide , and Jack 's own sunshiny smile broke through the tears that filled them as he said with a sniff , -- `` Everybody is so good to me I ca n't help making a noodle of myself . `` You are not a noodle ! '' cried Mamma , resenting the epithet . `` One of the sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are loved , how much kindness there is in the world , and how easily we can make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy . Do n't forget that , little son . '' `` Do n't see how I can , with you to show me how nice it is . Kiss me good-night , and then ` I 'll be good , ' as Jill says . '' Nestling his head upon his mother 's arm , Jack lay quiet till , lulled by the music of his mates , he drowsed away into the dreamless sleep which is Nurse Nature 's healthiest soothing sirup for weary souls and bodies . Chapter III . Ward No. 1 For some days , nothing was seen and little was heard of the `` dear sufferers , '' as the old ladies called them . But they were not forgotten ; the first words uttered when any of the young people met were : `` How is Jack ? '' `` Seen Jill yet ? '' and all waited with impatience for the moment when they could be admitted to their favorite mates , more than ever objects of interest now .
Meantime , the captives spent the first few XXXXX in sleep , pain , and trying to accept the hard fact that school and play were done with for months perhaps .
Chapter Jill Nature chintz cosey days fire first noodle to-night