So it all ended merrily, and when the guests departed the boys cleared the room like magic, and the promised supper to the actors was served in handsome style. Jack and Jill were at one end, Mrs. Goose and her bird at the other, and all between was a comical collection of military heroes, fairy characters, and nursery celebrities. All felt the need of refreshment after their labors, and swept over the table like a flight of locusts, leaving devastation behind. But they had earned their fun: and much innocent jollity prevailed, while a few lingering papas and mammas watched the revel from afar, and had not the heart to order these noble beings home till even the Father of his Country declared “that he'd had a perfectly splendid time, but couldn't keep his eyes open another minute,” and very wisely retired to replace the immortal cocked hat with a night-cap.
Chapter XIII. Jack Has a Mystery
“What is the matter? Does your head ache?” asked Jill, one evening in March, observing that Jack sat with his head in his hands, an attitude which, with him, meant either pain or perplexity.
“No; but I'm bothered. I want some money, and I don't see how I can earn it,” he answered, tumbling his hair about, and frowning darkly at the fire.
“How much?” and Jill's ready hand went to the pocket where her little purse lay, for she felt rich with several presents lately made her.
“Two seventy-five. No, thank you, I won't borrow.”
“What is it for?”
“Can't tell.”
“Why, I thought you told me everything.”