Jack and Jill

t, she was ordered to lie on aboard for two hours each day. Not an easy penance, by any means,for the board was very hard, and she could do nothing while shelay there, as it did not slope e

r they could bear it, Jill suddenly broke out int

nd admiration, as he brandished his crutch over theimaginary foes,"That's right! Sing away, and we'll play you are an Indian captivebeing tormented by your enemies, and too proud to complain. I'llwatch the clock, and the mi

anc petit pigeon,Tous deu~ volaient, do bran

ombier.""My poor Jean had a fine voice, and always hoped the child wouldtake after him. It would break his heart to

e some lessons, for music is a comfort and a pleasure,sick or well," answer

y more crying. All knew the air, and joined in,especially Jack, who came out strong on the "Row, brothers, row,"but ended in a squeak on a high not

set open her kitchen door,saying pitifully, "Poor darlint, hear how purty she's singin', wid thepain, on that crewel boord. It's a little saint, she is. May her bedabove be aisy!"Frank would lift her gently on and off, with a kind word thatcomforted her immensely, and gentle Ed would come and teachher new bits of music, while the other fellows were frolicking

before her to keep the draughts fromher as she lay on her board. Bright birds and flowers, figures andanimals, covered one side, and on the other they put mottoes, bitsof poetry, anecdotes, and short stories, so that Jill could

y the doctor saidhe might try it if he would be very careful, he was in great spirits,and limped about, looking up his books, and planning how hewould astonish his mates by the rapi

she is asleep," thought Ja

e of sleigh-bells could be heard, the laughter ofboys and girls on their way to school, all the pleasant stir of a newday of happy work and play fo

motherpresently asked: "What are you thinking of so busily, with thatpucker in your forehead?""I've about made up my mind that I w

be sure to come to grief, and then everyone will say,'I told you so,' and that is so provoking. I'd rather keep still a weeklonger. Hadn't I better?"His mother smiled and nodded as she said, sewing away atmuch-abused old Caesar, as if she loved him, "Do as you thinkb

the screen, and heknew the sorrowful eyes were s

ss with the neatly covered book, and Mammaloved him for the little sacrifice more than if he had won a prize atschool. He did get a reward, for, in five minutes from the time hedecided, Jill was singing like a bobolink, and such a

fted, and bitter winds raged, he sat snugly at home amusing Jill,and getting on bravely with his lessons, for Frank took great pains

th Jill's new mittens on his hands, Mamma noddingfrom the door-step, and Frank

wenty-second. The Dramatic Club meetsto-night, and would like to come here, if they may, so

n I was rummaging out bits of silk for your blue quilt,"answered the good l

the whole, they thought. Jill, of course, was not expected to takeany part, but her taste was good, so all consulted her as theyshowed their old silks, laces, and flowers, asking who should bethis, and who that. All wanted to be the "Sleeping Beauty," for that

hair is so lovely," saidJuliet, who was qui

and has thatsplendid veil to wear," answered Molly, who

on't know as Emma would like to have me lend it to anyoneelse," said Annette

, with the scarlet crape shawl and these pearls. Thatwould be sweet, and just what pr

that be the fairest way?" asked Merry, looking like a rosy littlebrid

o will look best, as it is a picture. I heard MissDelano say so, when the ladies got u

w lots,"proposed Susy, who, being plain, knew there w

, surveyed themcritically, feeling that the one

d the others are too big or too light," pronouncedJill, pointing to Merry, wh

nd I areout of the fight, but you three can try, and let this s

y drew inturn. This time fate was evidently on Merry's si

are to beplaced before we call up the boys," commande

theycalled it; but discontent still lurked among them, and sh

ry,delighted with the silvery shimmer of the one and the g

ng," answered Susy, who was at the mirror, putting awreath of scarlet

hat isnice, and I'm afraid Emma wouldn't like me to lend it," adde

Mabel, beginning to braid upher hair with

ecause you can't all have the best part. I'mashamed of you!" scolded Molly, standing by Merr

tin dress for Merry when I go to getmine, and tell her how mean you are," said Juliet, frowning un

hair off, so Merry canhave that, too?" cri

o give hers, or you'd betterborrow Miss Bat's

e have a chance at the glass, you peacock!"exclaimed Molly Loo, pushing Susy aside t

scarletshawl will hide my ugly dress," said Merry, from t

her owndisappointment out of her head. Jill lay there all alone, rather tiredwith the lively chatter, an

while theother rested on the red shawl, as if she loved its glowing color andsoft texture. She was humming to herself the littl

e, and in a minutewhisper so that all but Jill could hear her, "Girls, I'm not going tobe the Princess. But I've t

The last words, whispered with a little quiver in the voice, settledthe matter better than hours of talking, for girls are tenderheartedcreatures, and not one of these but would have gladly given all thepretty things she owned to see Jill dancing about well and strongagain. Like a ray of sunshine the kind thought touched andbrightened every face; envy, impatience, vanity, and discontentflew away like imps at the

bout her, while Juliet andMabel lifted the scarlet shawl to spread it over the foot of the sofa,and Molly tore the last ornament from her turban, a silver star, toshine on Ji

it? But can I? Is it f

ied Jill, in a rapture at thesurprise,

no onesaw it, as Jill tried to gather them all in her arms, for that nosegayof girlish faces was the sweeter, because each one ba

and give me all yourbest clothes! I never s

-coveted mantle, but all agreed that the old ladywould not refuse Jill. It was astonishing how smoothly everythingwent after this, for each was eager to help, admire, and sugge

t! Wasn't it dear of t

as the ladsstared and the lasses blushed and smiled, wel

s spread after the play to pay for it. Won't we, fellows?"answered Jack,

hink well of youfor it. Hey, Gus?" and Frank nodded

r," said Gus, retiring to thethrone, where

romiseyou that," whispered Ed to Mabel, whose shining hair st

things, aren't they? Ki

black eyes twinkled ashe planned to pin her

e her. She never snubs afellow," said Joe, much

ith a game of blind-man's-buff, inwhich everyone caught the right person in the most singular w

rouse it with a kiss of unselfishgood-will, for, though the girls did not know it then, they h