He did get a reward , for , in five minutes from the time he decided , Jill was singing like a bobolink , and such a medley of merry music came from behind the screen , that it was a regular morning concert . She did not know then that he stayed for her sake , but she found it out soon after , and when the time came did as much for him , as we shall see . It proved a wise decision , for the last part of January was so stormy Jack could not have gone half the time . So , while the snow drifted , and bitter winds raged , he sat snugly at home amusing Jill , and getting on bravely with his lessons , for Frank took great pains with him to show his approbation of the little kindness , and , somehow , the memory of it seemed to make even the detested Latin easier . With February fair weather set in , and Jack marched happily away to school , with Jill 's new mittens on his hands , Mamma nodding from the door-step , and Frank ready to give him a lift on the new sled , if the way proved too long or too rough . `` I shall not have time to miss him now , for we are to be very busy getting ready for the Twenty-second . The Dramatic Club meets to-night , and would like to come here , if they may , so I can help ? '' said Jill , as Mrs. Minot came up , expecting to find her rather low in her mind . `` Certainly ; and I have a basket of old finery I looked up for the club when I was rummaging out bits of silk for your blue quilt , '' answered the good lady , who had set up a new employment to beguile the hours of Jack 's absence . When the girls arrived , that evening , they found Mrs. Chairwoman surrounded by a strew of theatrical properties , enjoying herself very much . All brought such contributions as they could muster , and all were eager about a certain tableau which was to be the gem of the whole , they thought . Jill , of course , was not expected to take any part , but her taste was good , so all consulted her as they showed their old silks , laces , and flowers , asking who should be this , and who that . All wanted to be the `` Sleeping Beauty , '' for that was the chosen scene , with the slumbering court about the princess , and the prince in the act of awakening her . Jack was to be the hero , brave in his mother 's velvet cape , red boots , and a real sword , while the other boys were to have parts of more or less splendor . `` Mabel should be the Beauty , because her hair is so lovely , '' said Juliet , who was quite satisfied with her own part of the Queen . `` No , Merry ought to have it , as she is the prettiest , and has that splendid veil to wear , '' answered Molly , who was to be the maid of honor , cuffing the little page , Boo . `` I do n't care a bit , but my feather would be fine for the Princess , and I do n't know as Emma would like to have me lend it to any one else , '' said Annette , waving a long white plume over her head , with girlish delight in its grace . `` I should think the white silk dress , the veil , and the feather ought to go together , with the scarlet crape shawl and these pearls . That would be sweet , and just what princesses really wear , '' advised Jill , who was stringing a quantity of old Roman pearls . `` We all want to wear the nice things , so let us draw lots .
Would n't that be the fairest XXXXX ? ''
Beauty contributions course delight hands part princess properties screen way