How they pitied other boys and girls who could not go in at that mysterious little door ; how important they felt as parts of the spectacle about which every one was talking , and what millionnaires they considered themselves as they discussed their earnings and planned what to do with the prospective fortunes . That was the beginning of many busy , happy weeks for both the children , -- weeks which they long remembered with great pleasure , as did older and wiser people ; for that merry , innocent little opera proved that theatres can be made the scenes of harmless amusement , and opened to a certain class of young people a new and profitable field for their talents . So popular did this small company become that the piece went on through the summer vacation , and was played in the morning as well as afternoon to satisfy the crowds who wished to see and hear it . Never had the dear old Boston Museum , which so many of us have loved and haunted for years , seen such a pretty sight as one of those morning performances . It was the perfection of harmless merry-making , and the audience was as pleasant a spectacle as that upon the stage . Fathers and mothers stole an hour from their busy lives to come and be children with their children , irresistibly attracted and charmed by the innocent fun , the gay music that bewitched the ear one could hardly tell why , and the artless acting of those who are always playing parts , whether the nursery or the theatre is their stage . The windows stood open , and sunshine and fresh air came in to join the revel . Babies crowed and prattled , mammas chatted together , old people found they had not forgotten how to laugh , and boys and girls rejoiced over the discovery of a new delight for holidays . It was good to be there , and in spite of all the discussion in papers and parlors , no harm came to the young mariners , but much careful training of various sorts , and well-earned wages that went into pockets which sorely needed a silver lining . HOW THE VOYAGE ENDED . So the good ship `` Pinafore '' sailed and sailed for many prosperous weeks , and when at last she came into port and dropped anchor for the season she was received with a salute of general approbation for the successful engagement out of which she came with her flags flying and not one of her gallant crew killed or wounded . Well pleased with their share of the glory , officers and men went ashore to spend their prize money with true sailor generosity , all eager to ship again for another cruise in the autumn . But long before that time Able Seaman James Nelson had sent his family into the country , mother begging Will to take good care of her dear boy till he could join them , and Kitty throwing kisses as she smiled good-by , with cheeks already the rosier for the comforts `` brother '' had earned for her . Jimmy would not desert his ship while she floated , but managed to spend his Sundays out of town , often taking Will with him as first mate ; and , thanks to her lively tongue , friends were soon made for the new-comers . Mrs. Nelson found plenty of sewing , Kitty grew strong and well in the fine air , and the farmer with whom they lived , seeing what a handy lad the boy was , offered him work and wages for the autumn , so all could be independent and together . With this comfortable prospect before him , Jimmy sang away like a contented blackbird , never tiring of his duty , for he was a general favorite , and Kitty literally strewed his way with flowers gathered by her own grateful little hands . When the last day came , he was in such spirits that he was found doing double-shuffles in corners , hugging the midshipmite , who was a little girl of about Kitty 's age , and treating his messmates to peanuts with a lavish hand . Will had her hornpipe , also , when the curtain was down , kissed every one of the other `` sisters , cousins , and aunts , '' and joined lustily in the rousing farewell cheers given by the crew . A few hours later , a cheerful-looking boy might have been seen trudging toward one of the railway-stations . A new hat , brave in blue streamers , was on his head ; a red balloon struggled to escape from one hand ; a shabby carpet-bag , stuffed full , was in the other ; and a pair of shiny shoes creaked briskly , as if the feet inside were going on a very pleasant errand .
About this young traveller , who walked with a sailor-like roll and lurch , revolved a little XXXXX chattering like a magpie , and occasionally breaking into song , as if she could n't help it .
anchor boy curtain discovery earnings errand girl officers pair sisters