I can work all day and do without sleep to earn money this way . Oh , Will , I 'm so glad you came , for I was just ready to run away to sea . There did n't seem anything else to do , '' whispered Jimmy in a choky sort of tone , as hopes and fears struggled together in his boyish mind . `` Run as fast as you like , and I 'll go too . We 'll sail in the ` Pinafore , ' and come home with our pockets full of money . '' ` Sing , hey , the merry maiden and the tar ! ' '' burst out Will , who was so full of spirits she could not keep still another minute . Jimmy joined in , and the fresh voices echoed through the street so pleasantly that Mrs. Peters stopped scolding her six squabbling children , while Kitty 's moaning changed to a feeble little sound of satisfaction , for `` brother 's '' lullabies were her chief comfort and delight . `` We shall lose school , you know , for we act in the afternoon , not the evening . I do n't care ; but you will , you like to study so well . Miss Pym did n't like it at first , but Ma said it would help the poor folks , and a little fun would n't hurt the children . I thought of you right away , and if you do n't get as much money as I do , you shall have some of mine , so Kitty can go away soon . '' Will 's merry face grew very sweet and kind as she said that , and Jimmy was glad his mother called him just then , because he did not know how to thank this friend in need . When he came out with the parcel of vests he looked like a different boy , for Mrs. Nelson had told him to go and find out all about it , and had seemed as much dazzled by the prospect as he did , sewing was such weary work . Their interview with Miss Pym was a most encouraging one , and it was soon settled that Jimmy should go with Will to try for a place on the morrow . `` And I 'll get it , too ! '' he said to himself , as he kissed Kitty 's thin cheek , full of the sweet hope that he might be the means of bringing back life and color to the little face he loved so well . He was so excited he could not sleep , and beguiled the long hours by humming under his breath all the airs he knew belonging to the already popular opera . Next morning he flew about his work as if for a wager , and when Will came for him there was not a happier heart in all the city than the hopeful one that thumped under Jimmy 's threadbare best jacket . Such a crowd of girls and boys as they found at the hall where they were told to apply for inspection ; such a chirping and piping went on there , it sounded like a big cage full of larks and linnets ; and by and by , when the trial was over , such a smiling troop of children as was left to be drilled by the energetic gentlemen who had the matter in hand .
Among this happy band stood our Jimmy , chosen for his good voice , and XXXXX , because of her bright face and lively , self-possessed manners .
Mrs. Run Will airs children mother opera pockets sea voices