When I run over for my trip four years from now , I 'll look you up , and see how you are getting on , '' said Gus , with a hearty shake of the hand ; and the younger lads grinned cheerfully , even while they wondered where the fun was in shaping clay and chipping marble . `` Shall you stay four years ? '' asked Merry 's soft voice , while a wistful look came into her happy eyes . `` Ten , if I can , '' answered Ralph , decidedly , feeling as if a long lifetime would be all too short for the immortal work he meant to do . `` I 've got so much to learn , that I shall do whatever David thinks best for me at first , and when I can go alone , I shall just shut myself up and forget that there is any world outside my den . '' `` Do write and tell us how you get on now and then ; I like to hear about other people 's good times while I 'm waiting for my own , '' said Molly , too much interested to observe that Grif was sticking burrs up and down her braids . `` Of course I shall write to some of you , but you must n't expect any great things for years yet . People do n't grow famous in a hurry , and it takes a deal of hard work even to earn your bread and butter , as you 'll find if you ever try it , '' answered Ralph , sobering down a little as he remembered the long and steady effort it had taken to get even so far . `` Speaking of bread and butter reminds me that we 'd better eat ours before the coffee gets quite cold , '' said Annette , for Merry seemed to have forgotten that she had been chosen to play matron , as she was the oldest . The boys seconded the motion , and for a few minutes supper was the all-absorbing topic , as the cups went round and the goodies vanished rapidly , accompanied by the usual mishaps which make picnic meals such fun . Ralph 's health was drunk with all sorts of good wishes ; and such splendid prophecies were made , that he would have far surpassed Michael Angelo , if they could have come true . Grif gave him an order on the spot for a full-length statue of himself , and stood up to show the imposing attitude in which he wished to be taken , but unfortunately slipped and fell forward with one hand in the custard pie , the other clutching wildly at the coffee-pot , which inhospitably burnt his fingers . `` I think I grasp the idea , and will be sure to remember not to make your hair blow one way and the tails of your coat another , as a certain sculptor made those of a famous man , '' laughed Ralph , as the fallen hero scrambled up , amidst general merriment . `` Will the little bust be done before you go ? '' asked Jill , anxiously , feeling a personal interest in the success of that order . `` Yes : I 've been hard at it every spare minute I could get , and have a fortnight more . It suits Mrs. Lennox , and she will pay well for it , so I shall have something to start with , though I have n't been able to save much . I 'm to thank you for that , and I shall send you the first pretty thing I get hold of , '' answered Ralph , looking gratefully at the bright face , which grew still brighter as Jill exclaimed , -- `` I do feel so proud to know a real artist , and have my bust done by him . I only wish I could pay for it as Mrs. Lennox does ; but I have n't any money , and you do n't need the sort of things I can make , '' she added , shaking her head , as she thought over knit slippers , wall-pockets , and crochet in all its forms , as offerings to her departing friend . `` You can write often , and tell me all about everybody , for I shall want to know , and people will soon forget me when I 'm gone , '' said Ralph , looking at Merry , who was making a garland of yellow leaves for Juliet 's black hair .
XXXXX promised , and kept her word ; but the longest letters went from the farm-house on the hill , though no one knew the fact till long afterward .
Grif Gus Jill Merry Molly Ralph coffee-pot minute minutes mishaps