A Yule-log blazed on the wide hearth , and over the chimney-piece , framed in holly , shone the words that set all hearts to dancing , `` Merry Christmas ! '' `` Do you like it , dear ? This is our surprise for you and Jack , and here we mean to have good times together , '' said Mrs. Minot , who had stood quietly enjoying the effect of her work . `` Oh , it is so lovely I do n't know what to say ! '' and Jill put up both arms , as words failed her , and grateful kisses were all she had to offer . `` Can you suggest anything more to add to the pleasantness ? '' asked the gentle lady , holding the small hands in her own , and feeling well repaid by the child 's delight . `` Only Jack ; '' and Jill 's laugh was good to hear , as she glanced up with merry , yet wistful eyes . `` You are right . We 'll have him in at once , or he will come hopping on one leg ; '' and away hurried his mother , laughing , too , for whistles , shouts , thumps , and violent demonstrations of all kinds had been heard from the room where Jack was raging with impatience , while he waited for his share of the surprise . Jill could hardly lie still when she heard the roll of another chair-bed coming down the hall , its passage enlivened with cries of `` Starboard ! Port ! Easy now ! Pull away ! '' from Ralph and Frank , as they steered the recumbent Columbus on his first voyage of discovery . `` Well , I call that handsome ! '' was Jack 's exclamation , when the full beauty of the scene burst upon his view . Then he forgot all about it and gave a whoop of pleasure , for there beside the fire was an eager face , two hands beckoning , and Jill 's voice crying , joyfully , -- `` I 'm here ! I 'm here ! Oh , do come , quick ! ''
Down the long room rattled the chair , XXXXX cheering all the way , and brought up beside the other one , as the long-parted friends exclaimed , with one accord , -- `` Is n't this jolly ! ''
Frank Jack Minot Ralph chimney-piece fire first holly right whistles