Jack and Jill

she frets about the oddest things, and I can'tchange them. This wall-paper is well enough, but she has taken afancy that the spots on it look like spi

n asoften as she could, to see what her neighbor needed; for b

t, but so plain that there was not even apicture on the walls, nor an ornament upon the mantel, except thenecessary clock, lamp, and match-box. The paper

will; but only a few inches had been gained as yet, and the thinhair pillow was all she could bear. She looked very pretty as shela

many ways: a red ribbon had tied up her hair, a gay butfaded shawl was thrown over the bed, and the gifts sent her werearranged with care upon the table by her side among her own fewtoys and treasures

ther through thehard times," she said, with a soft

I try not to do it, but it breaks my heart to see mylittle lass spoiled for

est, I'm sure. Let us begin at once, and have a surprisefor her when she wakes."As she spoke, Mrs. Minot moved quietly about the room, pinningth

an carry it out," she said, cheerily, as shewent, leaving Mrs. Pecq to sew on Jack's new night-g

but the colored print of a little girldancing to the tune her father was playing on a guitar, while astately lady, with satin dress, ruff, and powder, stood looking on,well pleased. The quaint figure, in its belaced frock, quil

anced along the wall, seeing other new and interesting thingsbeyond:

or you, my dearie"; and hermother pointed to a bunch of purple grapes in a green leaf plate, aknot o

with Boo, of course, trotting afterher like a fat and amiable puppy. Then the good times bega

a box full of old fashion-books my aunt left. I oftenlook at them on rainy days, and they are very funny. I'll go thisminute and get everyone. We can pi

, and put up a splendid procession of ladies in full skirts,towering hat

ng train and vailare so sweet," said Jill, revelling i

e that!" cried Molly Loo, who rode cows, drove any horse shecould get,

fine folks. Oh, I would like to livein a castle with a father and mother like that," said Merry, who

self for discontent, she added: "It looks like those I used to seegoing off to India with a load of missionaries. I came near goingmyself once, with a lady bound for Siam; but I went to Canadawith her sister, and here I am.""I'd like to be a missionary and

all the big cities there are a many, andthey have their hands full with the poor, the wicked

ike to go round withbaskets of tea and ric

" asked Molly, much ta

emeetings and resolutions and things," answered Merry, who wasfond of

mperance lodge, and we d have badges andpass-words and grips. It would be fun if we can

egin athome, my lass, and you'll find missionary work enough for awhile.""Now, Mammy, you mean me! Well, I will begin; and I'll be sogood, folks won't know me. Being sick makes naughty c

girl in a house can dopretty much as she will, especially if she has a mind to make plainthings nice and comfo

ing to do whatshe could, and surprised to find how ma

iss Bat"; and Molly Loo looked about her with a fierce air,having h

ng hard at them, attracted by the dread word "crocodile." Hehad a cold and no handkerchief, his little hands were red withchilblains, his

erchief, giving a pull at his hair as if ringingbells, and then dumping him down again with the despairingexclamation: "Yes, we re a pair of heathens, and there's no one tosave us if I don't."That was true enough; for Molly's father was a busy man, carelessof everything but his mills, Miss Bat was old an

. Keep it secret, if you like, and report once aweek. I'll be a member, and we'll do great things yet.""We won't begin till after Christmas; there is

ertainly were heathenenough in dress to be in

ied insurveying her gallery with great satisfaction, for dress wa

without you and Jack, so we are notgoing to do a thing, but just have our presents," said

e, they willhave a dance in the boys big room, and he can look on," suggestedJill, with a glance at the dancing damsel on t

r somesmart ladies, and say they have come to his Christma

d ermine boa, was fitted to abride's head with its orange flowers and veil, and these works ofart were sent over to Jack, labelled "Miss Laura and Lotty Burtongoing to the Mi

ent thebell, and the basket came in heavily laden. A roll of colored paperswas tied outside, and within was a box that rattle

ree so that our invalidscan enjoy it, and al

ugar-plum horns and some beads for necklaces. They willbright

d will you make aladder-necklace to show

aidMrs. Pecq to herself, and something brighter than the most silverybead shone on Jack's

ors, and a lively discussionwent on as to the best contrasts. Jill could not refuse to let herfriends

gs all day," said Merry, as she reluctantly put downher needle at last, for home du

? I'd love to help you then. Be sure yousend for me!" cried Molly Loo, arching her neck

weeties so, and I msure Boo couldn't. But I'll se

bsorbed in polishing up the floorwith Molly's pocket-handkerchief and oil from the littlemachine-c

eads, or hung the gayhorns to dry, ready f or their cargoes of sweets. So Mrs. Minot'srecipe for sunshine