`` Do n't eat too much , or you wo n't be ready for the next surprise , '' said his mother , when the plates were empty , and the last drop gone down throats dry with much chatter . `` More surprises ! Oh , what fun ! '' cried Jill . And all the rest of the morning , in the intervals of talk and play , they tried to guess what it could be . At two o'clock they found out , for dinner was served in the Bird Room , and the children revelled in the simple feast prepared for them . The two mothers kept the little bed-tables well supplied , and fed their nurslings like maternal birds , while Frank presided over the feast with great dignity , and ate a dinner which would have astonished Mamma , if she had not been too busy to observe how fast the mince pie vanished . `` The girls said Christmas was spoiled because of us ; but I do n't think so , and they wo n't either , when they see this splendid place and know all about our nice plans , '' said Jill , luxuriously eating the nut-meats Jack picked out for her , as they lay in Eastern style at the festive board . `` I call this broken bones made easy . I never had a better Christmas . Have a raisin ? Here 's a good fat one . '' And Jack made a long arm to Jill 's mouth , which began to sing `` Little Jack Horner '' as an appropriate return . `` It would have been a lonesome one to all of us , I 'm thinking , but for your mother , boys . My duty and hearty thanks to you , mem , '' put in grateful Mrs. Pecq , bowing over her coffee-cup as she had seen ladies bow over their wine-glasses at dinner parties in Old England . `` I rise to propose a health , Our Mothers . '' And Frank stood up with a goblet of water , for not even at Christmas time was wine seen on that table . `` Hip , hip , hurrah ! '' called Jack , baptizing himself with a good sprinkle , as he waved his glass and drank the toast with a look that made his mother 's eyes fill with happy tears . Jill threw her mother a kiss , feeling very grown up and elegant to be dining out in such style .
Then they drank every one 's health with much merriment , till Frank declared that XXXXX would float off on the deluge of water he splashed about in his enthusiasm , and Mamma proposed a rest after the merry-making .
Eastern Frank Horner Jack Jill Pecq bed-tables goblet morning o'clock