`` Now I shall have time to go to the Gymnasium and straighten out my back , '' said Frank , who was growing so tall he needed more breadth to make his height symmetrical . `` And to ride horseback . I am going to hire old Jane and get out the little phaeton , so we can all enjoy the fine weather while it lasts . Molly and I can drive Jill , and you can take turns in the saddle when you are tired of ball and boating . Exercise of all sorts is one of the lessons we are to learn , '' said Mrs. Minot , suggesting all the pleasant things she could to sweeten the pill for her pupils , two of whom did love their books , not being old enough to know that even an excellent thing may be overdone . `` Wo n't that be gay ? I 'll get down the saddle to-day , so we can begin right off . Lem rides , and we can go together . Hope old Jane will like it as well as I shall , '' said Jack , who had found a new friend in a pleasant lad lately come to town . `` You must see that she does , for you boys are to take care of her . We will put the barn in order , and you can decide which shall be hostler and which gardener , for I do n't intend to hire labor on the place any more . Our estate is not a large one , and it will be excellent work for you , my men . '' `` All right ! I 'll see to Jane . I love horses , '' said Jack , well pleased with the prospect . `` My horse wo n't need much care . I prefer a bicycle to a beast , so I 'll get in the squashes , pick the apples , and cover the strawberry bed when it is time , '' added Frank , who had enjoyed the free life at Pebbly Beach so much that he was willing to prolong it . `` You may put me in a hen-coop , and keep me there a year , if you like . I wo n't fret , for I 'm sure you know what is best for me , '' said Jill , gayly , as she looked up at the good friend who had done so much for her . `` I 'm not sure that I wo n't put you in a pretty cage and send you to Cattle Show , as a sample of what we can do in the way of taming a wild bird till it is nearly as meek as a dove , '' answered Mrs. Minot , much gratified at the amiability of her flock .
`` I do n't see why there should not be an exhibition of children , and prizes for the good and pretty ones , as well as for fat pigs , fine horses , or handsome fruit and flowers -- I do n't mean a baby show , but boys and girls , so people can see what the prospect is of a good crop for the next generation , '' said XXXXX , glancing toward the tower of the building where the yearly Agricultural Fair was soon to be held .
Beach Frank Minot Molly amiability labor phaeton squashes strawberry year