This is a modern-English version of Eight Cousins, originally written by Alcott, Louisa May. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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      EIGHT COUSINS
    










      By Louisa M. Alcott
    




 



 






 



 






 



 






 
 
 


 
 
 



      Preface
    



      The Author is quite aware of the defects of this little story, many of
      which were unavoidable, as it first appeared serially. But, as Uncle
      Alec's experiment was intended to amuse the young folks, rather than
      suggest educational improvements for the consideration of the elders, she
      trusts that these shortcomings will be overlooked by the friends of the
      Eight Cousins, and she will try to make amends in a second volume, which
      shall attempt to show The Rose in Bloom.
    
The author knows there are flaws in this little story, many of which were unavoidable since it was first published in parts. However, since Uncle Alec's experiment was meant to entertain young people rather than offer educational advice for adults, she hopes that the fans of the Eight Cousins will overlook these issues. She plans to make it up to them in a second volume, which will try to show The Rose in Bloom.



      L.M.A. 
 


L.M.A.






 
 
 


 
 
 



      Chapter 1—Two Girls
    



      Rose sat all alone in the big best parlor, with her little handkerchief
      laid ready to catch the first tear, for she was thinking of her troubles,
      and a shower was expected. She had retired to this room as a good place in
      which to be miserable; for it was dark and still, full of ancient
      furniture, sombre curtains, and hung all around with portraits of solemn
      old gentlemen in wigs, severe-nosed ladies in top-heavy caps, and staring
      children in little bob-tailed coats or short-waisted frocks. It was an
      excellent place for woe; and the fitful spring rain that pattered on the
      window-pane seemed to sob, “Cry away: I'm with you.”
     
Rose sat all alone in the big best parlor, with her little handkerchief ready to catch the first tear, because she was thinking about her troubles, and a storm was expected. She had gone to this room as a good spot to be sad; it was dark and quiet, filled with old furniture, heavy curtains, and surrounded by portraits of solemn old men in wigs, stern-faced ladies in elaborate caps, and staring children in little short coats or short dresses. It was a perfect place for sorrow; and the sporadic spring rain that tapped on the window seemed to whisper, “Cry away: I’m with you.”



      Rose really did have some cause to be sad; for she had no mother, and had
      lately lost her father also, which left her no home but this with her
      great-aunts. She had been with them only a week, and, though the dear old
      ladies had tried their best to make her happy, they had not succeeded very
      well, for she was unlike any child they had ever seen, and they felt very
      much as if they had the care of a low-spirited butterfly.
    
Rose really had a reason to be sad; she had lost her mother and recently lost her father too, leaving her no home but this one with her great-aunts. She had only been there for a week, and even though the dear old ladies had tried their best to make her happy, they hadn't had much success, because she was unlike any child they had ever known, and they felt like they were taking care of a low-spirited butterfly.



      They had given her the freedom of the house, and for a day or two she had
      amused herself roaming all over it, for it was a capital old mansion, and
      was full of all manner of odd nooks, charming rooms, and mysterious
      passages. Windows broke out in unexpected places, little balconies
      overhung the garden most romantically, and there was a long upper hall
      full of curiosities from all parts of the world; for the Campbells had
      been sea-captains for generations.
    
They had given her free reign of the house, and for a day or two she entertained herself exploring every bit of it, as it was a fantastic old mansion filled with all sorts of unusual nooks, lovely rooms, and mysterious passages. Windows popped up in unexpected spots, little balconies romantically overlooked the garden, and there was a long upstairs hallway filled with curiosities from all over the world; the Campbells had been sea captains for generations.



      Aunt Plenty had even allowed Rose to rummage in her great china closet a
      spicy retreat, rich in all the “goodies” that children love; but Rose
      seemed to care little for these toothsome temptations; and when that hope
      failed, Aunt Plenty gave up in despair.
    
Aunt Plenty had even let Rose dig through her big china cabinet, a tasty treasure trove filled with all the "treats" that kids love; but Rose didn't seem to care much for these delicious temptations; and when that hope faded, Aunt Plenty gave up in disappointment.



      Gentle Aunt Peace had tried all sorts of pretty needle-work, and planned a
      doll's wardrobe that would have won the heart of even an older child. But
      Rose took little interest in pink satin hats and tiny hose, though she
      sewed dutifully till her aunt caught her wiping tears away with the train
      of a wedding-dress, and that discovery put an end to the sewing society.
    
Gentle Aunt Peace had tried all kinds of lovely needlework and designed a doll's wardrobe that would have delighted even an older child. But Rose showed little interest in pink satin hats and tiny stockings, even though she sewed dutifully until her aunt caught her wiping away tears with the train of a wedding dress, and that discovery brought the sewing club to an end.



      Then both old ladies put their heads together and picked out the model
      child of the neighbourhood to come and play with their niece. But Ariadne
      Blish was the worst failure of all, for Rose could not bear the sight of
      her, and said she was so like a wax doll she longed to give her a pinch
      and see if she would squeak. So prim little Ariadne was sent home, and the
      exhausted aunties left Rose to her own devices for a day or two.
    
Then both old ladies huddled together and chose the perfect child from the neighborhood to come and play with their niece. But Ariadne Blish was the biggest disappointment of all, because Rose couldn’t stand her and said she looked so much like a wax doll that she wanted to give her a pinch to see if she'd squeak. So, proper little Ariadne was sent home, and the tired aunties left Rose to entertain herself for a day or two.



      Bad weather and a cold kept her in-doors, and she spent most of her time
      in the library where her father's books were stored. Here she read a great
      deal, cried a little, and dreamed many of the innocent bright dreams in
      which imaginative children find such comfort and delight. This suited her
      better than anything else, but it was not good for her, and she grew pale,
      heavy-eyed and listless, though Aunt Plenty gave her iron enough to make a
      cooking-stove, and Aunt Peace petted her like a poodle.
    
Bad weather and a cold kept her indoors, so she spent most of her time in the library where her dad's books were kept. There, she read a lot, cried a little, and dreamed many of the innocent, bright dreams that imaginative kids find so comforting and enjoyable. This suited her better than anything else, but it wasn't good for her, and she became pale, heavy-eyed, and apathetic, even though Aunt Plenty gave her enough iron to make a cooking stove, and Aunt Peace spoiled her like a poodle.



      Seeing this, the poor aunties racked their brains for a new amusement and
      determined to venture a bold stroke, though not very hopeful of its
      success. They said nothing to Rose about their plan for this Saturday
      afternoon, but let her alone till the time came for the grand surprise,
      little dreaming that the odd child would find pleasure for herself in a
      most unexpected quarter.
    
Seeing this, the poor aunties racked their brains for a new way to have fun and decided to take a bold risk, even though they weren't very optimistic about it working. They didn’t mention anything to Rose about their plan for that Saturday afternoon, and left her alone until the big surprise, not realizing that the quirky child would discover joy in an entirely unexpected place.



      Before she had time to squeeze out a single tear a sound broke the
      stillness, making her prick up her ears. It was only the soft twitter of a
      bird, but it seemed to be a peculiarly gifted bird, for while she listened
      the soft twitter changed to a lively whistle, then a trill, a coo, a
      chirp, and ended in a musical mixture of all the notes, as if the bird
      burst out laughing. Rose laughed also, and, forgetting her woes, jumped
      up, saying eagerly,
    
Before she could shed a single tear, a sound interrupted the silence, making her perk up. It was just the soft chirping of a bird, but it sounded like a remarkably talented bird. As she listened, the soft chirping transformed into a lively whistle, then a trill, a coo, a chirp, and ended in a joyful blend of all the notes, as if the bird was bursting out laughing. Rose laughed too, and, forgetting her troubles, jumped up, saying eagerly,



      “It is a mocking-bird. Where is it?”
     
“It’s a mockingbird. Where is it?”



      Running down the long hall, she peeped out at both doors, but saw nothing
      feathered except a draggle-tailed chicken under a burdock leaf. She
      listened again, and the sound seemed to be in the house. Away she went,
      much excited by the chase, and following the changeful song, it led her to
      the china-closet door.
    
Running down the long hallway, she peeked out at both doors but saw nothing with feathers except a disheveled chicken hiding under a burdock leaf. She listened again, and the sound seemed to be coming from inside the house. Feeling excited by the chase, she followed the shifting tune, which led her to the china-closet door.



      “In there? How funny!” she said. But when she entered, not a bird appeared
      except the everlastingly kissing swallows on the Canton china that lined
      the shelves. All of a sudden Rose's face brightened, and, softly opening
      the slide, she peered into the kitchen. But the music had stopped, and all
      she saw was a girl in a blue apron scrubbing the hearth. Rose stared about
      her for a minute, and then asked abruptly,
    
“In there? How funny!” she said. But when she walked in, not a single bird showed up except for the forever kissing swallows on the Canton china that decorated the shelves. Suddenly, Rose's face lit up, and, gently opening the slide, she peered into the kitchen. But the music had stopped, and all she could see was a girl in a blue apron scrubbing the hearth. Rose looked around for a minute, and then asked abruptly,



      “Did you hear that mocking-bird?”
     
“Did you hear that mockingbird?”



      “I should call it a phebe-bird,” answered the girl, looking up with a
      twinkle in her black eyes.
    
“I should call it a phebe-bird,” the girl replied, looking up with a sparkle in her dark eyes.



      “Where did it go?”
     
"Where did it go?"



      “It is here still.”
     
“It’s still here.”



      “Where?”
     
"Where at?"



      “In my throat. Do you want to hear it?”
     
“In my throat. Do you want to hear it?”



      “Oh, yes! I'll come in.” And Rose crept through the slide to the wide
      shelf on the other side, being too hurried and puzzled to go round by the
      door.
    
“Oh, yes! I'll come in.” And Rose squeezed through the slide to the wide shelf on the other side, too rushed and confused to go around by the door.



      The girl wiped her hands, crossed her feet on the little island of carpet
      where she was stranded in a sea of soap-suds, and then, sure enough, out
      of her slender throat came the swallow's twitter, the robin's whistle, the
      blue-jay's call, the thrush's song, the wood-dove's coo, and many another
      familiar note, all ending as before with the musical ecstacy of a bobolink
      singing and swinging among the meadow grass on a bright June day.
    
The girl wiped her hands, crossed her feet on the small patch of carpet where she was stuck in a sea of soap suds, and then, just as expected, out of her slender throat came the swallow's chirp, the robin's tune, the blue jay's call, the thrush's melody, the wood dove's coo, and many other familiar sounds, all ending as before with the joyful music of a bobolink singing and swinging among the meadow grass on a sunny June day.



      Rose was so astonished that she nearly fell off her perch, and when the
      little concert was over clapped her hands delightedly.
    
Rose was so amazed that she almost fell off her seat, and when the little concert was over, she clapped her hands in delight.



      “Oh, it was lovely! Who taught you?”
     
“Oh, it was wonderful! Who taught you?”



      “The birds,” answered the girl, with a smile, as she fell to work again.
    
“The birds,” replied the girl, smiling as she got back to work.



      “It is very wonderful! I can sing, but nothing half so fine as that. What
      is your name, please?”
     
“It’s really amazing! I can sing, but nothing nearly as good as that. What’s your name, please?”



      “Phebe Moore.”
     
“Phebe Moore.”



      “I've heard of phebe-birds; but I don't believe the real ones could do
      that,” laughed Rose, adding, as she watched with interest the scattering
      of dabs of soft soap over the bricks, “May I stay and see you work? It is
      very lonely in the parlor.”
     
“I've heard of phebe-birds, but I don’t think the real ones could do that,” laughed Rose, adding, as she watched with interest the blobs of soft soap being spread over the bricks, “Can I stay and watch you work? It's really lonely in the parlor.”



      “Yes, indeed, if you want to,” answered Phebe, wringing out her cloth in a
      capable sort of way that impressed Rose very much.
    
“Yeah, sure, if you want to,” replied Phebe, wringing out her cloth in a skilled manner that really impressed Rose.



      “It must be fun to swash the water round and dig out the soap. I'd love to
      do it, only aunt wouldn't like it, I suppose,” said Rose, quite taken with
      the new employment.
    
“It must be fun to splash the water around and scoop out the soap. I'd love to do it, but I guess aunt wouldn’t approve,” said Rose, really enjoying the new activity.



      “You'd soon get tired, so you'd better keep tidy and look on.”
     
"You'll get tired quickly, so you might as well stay organized and keep moving forward."



      “I suppose you help your mother a good deal?”
     
“I guess you help your mom a lot?”



      “I haven't got any folks.”
     
"I don't have any family."



      “Why, where do you live, then?”
     
“Why, where do you live now?”



      “I'm going to live here, I hope. Debby wants some one to help round, and
      I've come to try for a week.”
     
“I'm planning to live here, I hope. Debby needs someone to help out, and I've come to give it a shot for a week.”



      “I hope you will stay, for it is very dull,” said Rose, who had taken a
      sudden fancy to this girl, who sung like a bird and worked like a woman.
    
“I hope you’ll stay, because it’s really boring,” said Rose, who had suddenly taken a liking to this girl, who sang like a bird and worked hard like an adult.



      “Hope I shall; for I'm fifteen now, and old enough to earn my own living.
      You have come to stay a spell, haven't you?” asked Phebe, looking up at
      her guest and wondering how life could be dull to a girl who wore a silk
      frock, a daintily frilled apron, a pretty locket, and had her hair tied up
      with a velvet snood.
    
“Hope I will; I’m fifteen now, and old enough to make my own way.  
      You’re staying for a while, right?” asked Phebe, looking up at  
      her guest and wondering how life could be boring for a girl who wore a silk dress, a cute frilly apron, a lovely locket, and had her hair tied up with a velvet scrunchie.



      “Yes, I shall stay till my uncle comes. He is my guardian now, and I don't
      know what he will do with me. Have you a guardian?”
     
“Yes, I’ll stay until my uncle arrives. He’s my guardian now, and I’m not sure what he’ll do with me. Do you have a guardian?”



      “My sakes, no! I was left on the poor-house steps a little mite of a baby,
      and Miss Rogers took a liking to me, so I've been there ever since. But
      she is dead now, and I take care of myself.”
     
“My goodness, no! I was left on the steps of the poorhouse as a tiny baby, and Miss Rogers took a liking to me, so I've been there ever since. But she's passed away now, and I take care of myself.”



      “How interesting! It is like Arabella Montgomery in the 'Gypsy's Child.'
      Did you ever read that sweet story?” asked Rose, who was fond of tales of
      found-lings, and had read many.
    
“How interesting! It’s like Arabella Montgomery in the 'Gypsy's Child.'  
      Have you ever read that lovely story?” asked Rose, who loved tales of  
      foundlings and had read many.



      “I don't have any books to read, and all the spare time I get I run off
      into the woods; that rests me better than stories,” answered Phebe, as she
      finished one job and began on another.
    
“I don’t have any books to read, and whenever I have some free time, I head into the woods; that relaxes me more than stories,” replied Phebe, as she completed one task and started on another.



      Rose watched her as she got out a great pan of beans to look over, and
      wondered how it would seem to have life all work and no play. Presently
      Phebe seemed to think it was her turn to ask questions, and said,
      wistfully,
    
Rose watched her as she pulled out a big pot of beans to check on, and wondered what it would be like to have a life full of work and no fun. Soon, Phebe seemed to decide it was her turn to ask questions, and said, wistfully,



      “You've had lots of schooling, I suppose?”
     
"You've had a lot of education, I guess?"



      “Oh, dear me, yes! I've been at boarding school nearly a year, and I'm
      almost dead with lessons. The more I got, the more Miss Power gave me, and
      I was so miserable that I 'most cried my eyes out. Papa never gave me hard
      things to do, and he always taught me so pleasantly I loved to study. Oh,
      we were so happy and so fond of one another! But now he is gone, and I am
      left all alone.”
     
“Oh, dear! I've been at boarding school for almost a year, and I’m completely overwhelmed with lessons. The more I had to do, the more Miss Power assigned me, and I was so miserable that I almost cried my eyes out. Dad never gave me difficult tasks, and he always made learning so enjoyable that I loved studying. We were so happy and so close! But now he’s gone, and I’m completely alone.”



      The tear that would not come when Rose sat waiting for it came now of its
      own accord two of them in fact and rolled down her cheeks, telling the
      tale of love and sorrow better than any words could do it.
    
The tear that wouldn't come when Rose was waiting for it showed up now on its own—two of them, in fact—and rolled down her cheeks, conveying the story of love and sadness better than any words could.



      For a minute there was no sound in the kitchen but the little daughter's
      sobbing and the sympathetic patter of the rain. Phebe stopped rattling her
      beans from one pan to another, and her eyes were full of pity as they
      rested on the curly head bent down on Rose's knee, for she saw that the
      heart under the pretty locket ached with its loss, and the dainty apron
      was used to dry sadder tears than any she had ever shed.
    
For a moment, the kitchen was silent except for the little girl's crying and the soft sound of the rain. Phebe paused while transferring her beans from one pan to another, her eyes filled with compassion as she looked at the curly head resting on Rose's knee. She noticed that the heart beneath the beautiful locket was hurting from its loss, and that the delicate apron was being used to wipe away sadder tears than any she had ever cried.



      Somehow, she felt more contented with her brown calico gown and
      blue-checked pinafore; envy changed to compassion; and if she had dared
      she would have gone and hugged her afflicted guest.
    
Somehow, she felt more at ease in her brown calico dress and blue-checked apron; jealousy turned into compassion; and if she had been brave enough, she would have gone and hugged her troubled guest.



      Fearing that might not be considered proper, she said, in her cheery
      voice,
    
Fearing that it might not be seen as appropriate, she said, in her upbeat voice,



      “I'm sure you ain't all alone with such a lot of folks belonging to you,
      and all so rich and clever. You'll be petted to pieces, Debby says,
      because you are the only girl in the family.”
     
“I'm sure you're not all alone with so many people who belong to you, and all of them are so wealthy and smart. Debby says you'll be spoiled rotten because you're the only girl in the family.”



      Phebe's last words made Rose smile in spite of her tears, and she looked
      out from behind her apron with an April face, saying in a tone of comic
      distress,
    
Phebe's last words made Rose smile despite her tears, and she peeked out from behind her apron with a spring-like expression, saying in a tone of humorous concern,



      “That's one of my troubles! I've got six aunts, and they all want me, and
      I don't know any of them very well. Papa named this place the Aunt-hill,
      and now I see why.”
     
"That's one of my problems! I have six aunts, and they all want something from me, and I don't really know any of them well. Dad called this place the Aunt-hill, and now I understand why."



      Phebe laughed with her as she said encouragingly,
    
Phebe laughed along with her and said cheerfully,



      “Everyone calls it so, and it's a real good name, for all the Mrs.
      Campbells live handy by, and keep coming up to see the old ladies.”
     
“Everyone calls it that, and it's a really good name, because all the Mrs. Campbells live nearby and keep coming over to visit the old ladies.”



      “I could stand the aunts, but there are dozens of cousins, dreadful boys
      all of them, and I detest boys! Some of them came to see me last
      Wednesday, but I was lying down, and when auntie came to call me I went
      under the quilt and pretended to be asleep. I shall have to see them some
      time, but I do dread it so.” And Rose gave a shudder, for, having lived
      alone with her invalid father, she knew nothing of boys, and considered
      them a species of wild animal.
    
“I could handle my aunts, but there are so many cousins—awful boys, every single one of them, and I can't stand boys! A few of them came to visit me last Wednesday, but I was lying down, and when my aunt came to get me, I crawled under the quilt and pretended to be asleep. I’ll have to see them eventually, but I really dread it.” Rose shuddered, because after living alone with her sick father, she knew nothing about boys and thought of them as a sort of wild animal.



      “Oh! I guess you'll like 'em. I've seen 'em flying round when they come
      over from the Point, sometimes in their boats and sometimes on horseback.
      If you like boats and horses, you'll enjoy yourself first-rate.”
     
“Oh! I think you’ll really like them. I’ve seen them flying around when they come over from the Point, sometimes in their boats and sometimes on horseback. If you like boats and horses, you’ll have a great time.”



      “But I don't! I'm afraid of horses, and boats make me ill, and I hate
      boys!” And poor Rose wrung her hands at the awful prospect before her. One
      of these horrors alone she could have borne, but all together were too
      much for her, and she began to think of a speedy return to the detested
      school.
    
“But I don’t! I’m scared of horses, boats make me sick, and I can’t stand boys!” Poor Rose wrung her hands at the terrible situation ahead of her. She could have managed one of these fears alone, but having to face all of them at once was too much for her, and she started thinking about quickly going back to the dreaded school.



      Phebe laughed at her woe till the beans danced in the pan, but tried to
      comfort her by suggesting a means of relief.
    
Phebe laughed at her troubles until the beans in the pan were bouncing around, but she tried to cheer her up by suggesting a way to find relief.



      “Perhaps your uncle will take you away where there ain't any boys. Debby
      says he is a real kind man, and always bring heaps of nice things when he
      comes.”
     
“Maybe your uncle will take you somewhere there aren't any boys. Debby says he's a really nice guy and always brings a ton of great stuff when he visits.”



      “Yes, but you see that is another trouble, for I don't know Uncle Alec at
      all. He hardly ever came to see us, though he sent me pretty things very
      often. Now I belong to him, and shall have to mind him, till I am
      eighteen. I may not like him a bit, and I fret about it all the time.”
     
“Yes, but that’s another problem because I don’t know Uncle Alec at all. He barely ever visited us, even though he often sent me nice gifts. Now I’m under his care, and I have to listen to him until I turn eighteen. I might not like him at all, and I worry about it all the time.”



      “Well, I wouldn't borrow trouble, but have a real good time. I'm sure I
      should think I was in clover if I had folks and money, and nothing to do
      but enjoy myself,” began Phebe, but got no further, for a sudden rush and
      tumble outside made them both jump.
    
“Well, I wouldn't borrow trouble, but I’d have a really good time. I bet I’d feel like I was living the good life if I had family and money, and nothing to do but enjoy myself,” started Phebe, but she didn’t get any further, because a sudden rush and tumble outside made them both jump.



      “It's thunder,” said Phebe.
    
“It's thunder,” Phebe said.



      “It's a circus!” cried Rose, who from her elevated perch had caught
      glimpses of a gay cart of some sort and several ponies with flying manes
      and tails.
    
“It’s a circus!” shouted Rose, who from her high spot had caught sight of a colorful cart and several ponies with flowing manes and tails.



      The sound died away, and the girls were about to continue their
      confidences when old Debby appeared, looking rather cross and sleepy after
      her nap.
    
The noise faded, and the girls were just about to keep sharing their secrets when old Debby showed up, looking a bit annoyed and sleepy after her nap.



      “You are wanted in the parlor, Miss Rose.”
     
“You're needed in the living room, Miss Rose.”



      “Has anybody come?”
     
"Has anyone arrived?"



      “Little girls shouldn't ask questions, but do as they are bid,” was all
      Debby would answer.
    
“Little girls shouldn’t ask questions, but just do as they’re told,” was all Debby would say.



      “I do hope it isn't Aunt Myra; she always scares me out of my wits asking
      how my cough is, and groaning over me as if I was going to die,” said
      Rose, preparing to retire the way she came, for the slide, being cut for
      the admission of bouncing Christmas turkeys and puddings, was plenty large
      enough for a slender girl.
    
“I really hope it’s not Aunt Myra; she always freaks me out asking how my cough is and acting like I’m about to die,” said Rose, getting ready to leave the way she came, since the slide, made for letting in bouncing Christmas turkeys and puddings, was definitely big enough for a slim girl.



      “Guess you'll wish it was Aunt Myra when you see who has come. Don't never
      let me catch you coming into my kitchen that way again, or I'll shut you
      up in the big b'iler,” growled Debby, who thought it her duty to snub
      children on all occasions.
    
“Guess you'll wish it was Aunt Myra when you see who's arrived. Don’t ever let me catch you coming into my kitchen like that again, or I’ll lock you in the big boiler,” growled Debby, who felt it was her duty to scold children at every opportunity.




 


 












      Chapter 2—The Clan
    



      Rose scrambled into the china-closet as rapidly as possible, and there
      refreshed herself by making faces at Debby, while she settled her plumage
      and screwed up her courage. Then she crept softly down the hall and peeped
      into the parlor. No one appeared, and all was so still she felt sure the
      company was upstairs. So she skipped boldly through the half-open
      folding-doors, to behold on the other side a sight that nearly took her
      breath away.
    
Rose quickly scrambled into the china cabinet and refreshed herself by making faces at Debby while she fixed her hair and gathered her courage. Then she quietly crept down the hall and peeked into the living room. No one was there, and it was so quiet that she was sure the guests were upstairs. So she confidently skipped through the half-open folding doors, only to be met with a sight that nearly took her breath away.



      Seven boys stood in a row all ages, all sizes, all yellow-haired and
      blue-eyed, all in full Scotch costume, and all smiling, nodding, and
      saying as with one voice, “How are you, cousin?”
     
Seven boys stood in a row of all ages and sizes, all with blonde hair and blue eyes, all dressed in full Scottish costume, and all smiling, nodding, and saying in unison, “How are you, cousin?”



      Rose gave a little gasp, and looked wildly about her as if ready to fly,
      for fear magnified the seven and the room seemed full of boys. Before she
      could run, however, the tallest lad stepped out of the line, saying
      pleasantly,
    
Rose gasped and looked around her like she was about to take off, because her fear made the seven boys seem larger, and the room felt packed with them. But before she could escape, the tallest boy stepped out of the line and said kindly,



      “Don't be frightened. This is the Clan come to welcome you; and I'm the
      chief, Archie, at your service.”
     
“Don’t be afraid. This is the Clan here to welcome you, and I’m the chief, Archie, at your service.”



      He held out his hand as he spoke, and Rose timidly put her own into a
      brown paw, which closed over the white morsel and held it as the chief
      continued his introductions.
    
He reached out his hand as he spoke, and Rose nervously placed her own into a brown paw, which closed around the white piece and held it while the chief continued his introductions.



      “We came in full rig, for we always turn out in style on grand occasions.
      Hope you like it. Now I'll tell you who these chaps are, and then we shall
      be all right. This big one is Prince Charlie, Aunt Clara's boy. She has
      but one, so he is an extra good one. This old fellow is Mac, the bookworm,
      called Worm for short. This sweet creature is Steve the Dandy. Look at his
      gloves and top-knot, if you please. They are Aunt Jane's lads, and a
      precious pair you'd better believe. These are the Brats, my brothers,
      Geordie and Will, and Jamie the Baby. Now, my men, step out and show your
      manners.”
     
“We showed up all decked out because we always dress to impress on special occasions. Hope you like it. Now, let me introduce you to these guys, and then we’ll be good to go. This tall guy is Prince Charlie, Aunt Clara's son. She only has one, so he's a really special one. This older guy is Mac, the bookworm, but we just call him Worm. This handsome guy is Steve the Dandy. Check out his gloves and his fancy hairstyle, please. They’re Aunt Jane’s boys, and they’re quite a pair, believe me. These are the Brats, my brothers, Geordie and Will, and Jamie the Baby. Alright, boys, step up and show your manners.”



      At this command, to Rose's great dismay, six more hands were offered, and
      it was evident that she was expected to shake them all. It was a trying
      moment to the bashful child; but, remembering that they were her kinsmen
      come to welcome her, she tried her best to return the greeting cordially.
    
At this command, much to Rose's disappointment, six more hands were offered, and it was clear that she was expected to shake each one. It was a tough moment for the shy girl; however, remembering they were her relatives come to welcome her, she did her best to respond to the greeting warmly.



      This impressive ceremony being over, the Clan broke ranks, and both rooms
      instantly appeared to be pervaded with boys. Rose hastily retired to the
      shelter of a big chair and sat there watching the invaders and wondering
      when her aunt would come and rescue her.
    
Once the impressive ceremony ended, the Clan dispersed, and both rooms quickly filled with boys. Rose hurriedly took refuge in a large chair and sat there observing the invaders, wondering when her aunt would come to rescue her.



      As if bound to do their duty manfully, yet rather oppressed by it, each
      lad paused beside her chair in his wanderings, made a brief remark,
      received a still briefer answer, and then sheered off with a relieved
      expression.
    
As if determined to do their duty but feeling a bit weighed down by it, each guy stopped by her chair while wandering around, said a quick remark, got an even shorter reply, and then moved away with a look of relief.



      Archie came first, and, leaning over the chair-back, observed in a
      paternal tone,
    
Archie arrived first, and, leaning over the back of the chair, remarked in a fatherly tone,



      “I'm glad you've come, cousin, and I hope you'll find the Aunt-hill pretty
      jolly.”
     
“I'm glad you’re here, cousin, and I hope you find the Aunt-hill pretty fun.”



      “I think I shall.”
     
"I think I will."



      Mac shook his hair out of his eyes, stumbled over a stool, and asked
      abruptly,
    
Mac brushed his hair out of his eyes, tripped over a stool, and said suddenly,



      “Did you bring any books with you?”
     
“Did you bring any books with you?”



      “Four boxes full. They are in the library.”
     
“Four boxes filled. They're in the library.”



      Mac vanished from the room, and Steve, striking an attitude which
      displayed his costume effectively, said with an affable smile,
    
Mac disappeared from the room, and Steve, adopting a pose that showcased his outfit perfectly, said with a friendly smile,



      “We were sorry not to see you last Wednesday. I hope your cold is better.”
     
"We missed seeing you last Wednesday. I hope you're feeling better from your cold."



      “Yes, thank you.” And a smile began to dimple about Rose's mouth, as she
      remembered her retreat under the bed-cover.
    
“Yes, thank you.” A smile started to form around Rose's mouth as she recalled her escape under the blanket.



      Feeling that he had been received with distinguished marks of attention,
      Steve strolled away with his topknot higher than ever, and Prince Charlie
      pranced across the room, saying in a free and easy tone,
    
Feeling that he had been welcomed with special attention, Steve walked away with his confidence soaring, and Prince Charlie strutted across the room, speaking in a casual and relaxed manner,



      “Mamma sent her love and hopes you will be well enough to come over for a
      day next week. It must be desperately dull here for a little thing like
      you.”
     
“Mama sent her love and hopes you’ll be well enough to come over for a day next week. It must be really boring here for someone like you.”



      “I'm thirteen and a half, though I do look small,” cried Rose, forgetting
      her shyness in indignation at this insult to her newly acquired teens.
    
“I'm thirteen and a half, even though I look small,” Rose exclaimed, forgetting her shyness in her anger at this insult to her newly acquired teenage status.



      “Beg pardon, ma'am; never should have guessed it.” And Charlie went off
      with a laugh, glad to have struck a spark out of his meek cousin.
    
“Excuse me, ma'am; I never would have guessed that.” And Charlie walked away with a laugh, pleased to have sparked some energy from his shy cousin.



      Geordie and Will came together, two sturdy eleven and twelve year olders,
      and, fixing their round blue eyes on Rose, fired off a question apiece, as
      if it was a shooting match and she the target.
    
Geordie and Will came together, two sturdy eleven and twelve-year-olds, and, locking their round blue eyes on Rose, shot off a question each, as if it was a shooting match and she was the target.



      “Did you bring your monkey?”
     
“Did you bring your pet?”



      “No; he is dead.”
     
“No, he’s dead.”



      “Are you going to have a boat?”
     
“Are you buying a boat?”



      “I hope not.”
     
"I hope that's not the case."



      Here the two, with a right-about-face movement, abruptly marched away, and
      little Jamie demanded with childish frankness,
    
Here, the two suddenly turned around and marched off, and little Jamie asked honestly,



      “Did you bring me anything nice?”
     
“Did you bring me something nice?”



      “Yes, lots of candy,” answered Rose, whereupon Jamie ascended into her lap
      with a sounding kiss and the announcement that he liked her very much.
    
“Yes, a lot of candy,” Rose replied, at which point Jamie climbed into her lap, gave her a kiss, and declared that he liked her a lot.



      This proceeding rather startled Rose, for the other lads looked and
      laughed, and in her confusion she said hastily to the young usurper,
    
This situation surprised Rose, as the other boys were watching and laughing, and in her embarrassment, she quickly said to the young usurper,



      “Did you see the circus go by?”
     
“Did you see the circus go by?”



      “When? Where?” cried all the boys in great excitement at once.
    
“When? Where?” shouted all the boys in excitement at the same time.



      “Just before you came. At least I thought it was a circus, for I saw a red
      and black sort of cart and ever so many little ponies, and—”
     
“Just before you arrived. At least I thought it was a circus, because I saw a red and black cart and so many little ponies, and—”



      She got no farther, for a general shout made her pause suddenly, as Archie
      explained the joke by saying in the middle of his laugh,
    
She didn't get any farther because a loud shout made her stop abruptly, as Archie explained the joke while still laughing.



      “It was our new dog-cart and the Shetland ponies. You'll never hear the
      last of your circus, cousin.”
     
“It was our new dog cart and the Shetland ponies. You'll never hear the end of your circus, cousin.”



      “But there were so many, and they went so fast, and the cart was so very
      red,” began Rose, trying to explain her mistake.
    
“But there were so many, and they went so fast, and the cart was really red,” Rose started to explain her mistake.



      “Come and see them all!” cried the Prince. And before she knew what was
      happening, she was borne away to the barn and tumultuously introduced to
      three shaggy ponies and the gay new dog-cart.
    
“Come and see them all!” shouted the Prince. And before she realized what was going on, she was whisked away to the barn and excitedly introduced to three shaggy ponies and the colorful new dog-cart.



      She had never visited these regions before, and had her doubts as to the
      propriety of her being there now, but when she suggested that “Auntie
      might not like it,” there was a general cry of,
    
She had never been to these areas before and wasn't sure if it was appropriate for her to be there now, but when she mentioned that "Auntie might not like it," everyone reacted with a loud,



      “She told us to amuse you, and we can do it ever so much better out here
      than poking round in the house.”
     
“She told us to entertain you, and we can do it way better out here than searching around in the house.”



      “I'm afraid I shall get cold without my sacque,” began Rose, who wanted to
      stay, but felt rather out of her element.
    
“I'm worried I’ll get cold without my jacket,” started Rose, who wanted to stay but felt a bit out of place.



      “No, you won't! We'll fix you,” cried the lads, as one clapped his cap on
      her head, another tied a rough jacket round her neck by the sleeves, a
      third neatly smothered her in a carriage blanket, and a fourth threw open
      the door of the old barouche that stood there, saying with a flourish,
    
“No, you won’t! We’ll take care of you,” shouted the guys, as one of them placed his hat on her head, another tied a rough jacket around her neck by the sleeves, a third wrapped her up in a carriage blanket, and a fourth threw open the door of the old carriage that was standing there, saying with a flourish,



      “Step in, ma'am, and make yourself comfortable while we show you some
      fun.”
     
“Come in, ma'am, and make yourself at home while we show you a good time.”



      So Rose sat in state enjoying herself very much, for the lads proceeded to
      dance a Highland Fling with a spirit and skill that made her clap her
      hands and laugh as she had not done for weeks.
    
So Rose sat back, really enjoying herself, as the guys started dancing a Highland Fling with a flair and talent that made her clap her hands and laugh like she hadn't in weeks.



      “How is that, my lassie?” asked the Prince, coming up all flushed and
      breathless when the ballet was over.
    
“How was that, my girl?” asked the Prince, coming up all flushed and breathless when the ballet was over.



      “It was splendid! I never went to the theatre but once, and the dancing
      was not half so pretty as this. What clever boys you must be!” said Rose,
      smiling upon her kinsmen like a little queen upon her subjects.
    
“It was amazing! I only went to the theater once, and the dancing wasn’t even close to being as beautiful as this. You must be such clever boys!” said Rose, smiling at her relatives like a little queen looking down at her subjects.



      “Ah, we're a fine lot, and that is only the beginning of our larks. We
      haven't got the pipes here or we'd,
    
“Ah, we're a great bunch, and that's just the start of our fun. We don’t have the pipes here or we’d,


    'Sing for you, play for you
     A dulcy melody,'”
 
'Sing for you, play for you a sweet melody,'”



      answered Charlie, looking much elated at her praise.
    
answered Charlie, looking really happy at her praise.



      “I did not know we were Scotch; papa never said anything about it, or
      seemed to care about Scotland, except to have me sing the old ballads,”
       said Rose, beginning to feel as if she had left America behind her
      somewhere.
    
“I didn’t know we were Scotch; Dad never mentioned it or seemed to care about Scotland, except to have me sing the old ballads,” said Rose, starting to feel like she had left America behind somewhere.



      “Neither did we till lately. We've been reading Scott's novels, and all of
      a sudden we remembered that our grandfather was a Scotchman. So we hunted
      up the old stories, got a bagpipe, put on our plaids, and went in, heart
      and soul, for the glory of the Clan. We've been at it some time now, and
      it's great fun. Our people like it, and I think we are a pretty canny
      set.”
     
“Neither did we until recently. We've been reading Scott's novels, and suddenly we remembered that our grandfather was Scottish. So we dug up the old stories, got a bagpipe, put on our plaids, and dove in, heart and soul, for the glory of the Clan. We've been at it for a while now, and it's a lot of fun. Our people enjoy it, and I think we’re a pretty clever bunch.”



      Archie said this from the other coach-step, where he had perched, while
      the rest climbed up before and behind to join in the chat as they rested.
    
Archie said this from the other step of the coach, where he had settled, while the others climbed up in front and behind to join in the conversation as they took a break.



      “I'm Fitzjames and he's Roderick Dhu, and we'll give you the broadsword
      combat some day. It's a great thing, you'd better believe,” added the
      Prince.
    
“I'm Fitzjames and he's Roderick Dhu, and we'll show you the broadsword fight someday. It's amazing, you can bet on that,” added the Prince.



      “Yes, and you should hear Steve play the pipes. He makes 'em skirl like a
      good one,” cried Will from the box, eager to air the accomplishments of
      his race.
    
“Yes, and you should hear Steve play the pipes. He makes them skirl like a pro,” shouted Will from the box, excited to showcase the talents of his people.



      “Mac's the fellow to hunt up the old stories and tell us how to dress
      right, and pick out rousing bits for us to speak and sing,” put in
      Geordie, saying a good word for the absent Worm.
    
“Mac's the guy who digs up the old stories and shows us how to dress properly, and finds great parts for us to speak and sing,” Geordie added, speaking highly of the absent Worm.



      “And what do you and Will do?” asked Rose of Jamie, who sat beside her as
      if bound to keep her in sight till the promised gift had been handed over.
    
“And what do you and Will do?” Rose asked Jamie, who sat next to her as if he was obligated to keep an eye on her until the promised gift was given.



      “Oh, I'm the little foot-page, and do errands, and Will and Geordie are
      the troops when we march, and the stags when we hunt, and the traitors
      when we want to cut any heads off.”
     
“Oh, I'm the little foot-page, and I run errands, and Will and Geordie are the soldiers when we march, and the deer when we hunt, and the traitors when we need to behead anyone.”



      “They are very obliging, I'm sure,” said Rose, whereat the “utility men”
       beamed with modest pride and resolved to enact Wallace and Montrose as
      soon as possible for their cousin's special benefit.
    
“They're really helpful, I’m sure,” said Rose, which made the “utility men” smile with a touch of pride and decide to perform Wallace and Montrose as soon as they could for their cousin's special benefit.



      “Let's have a game of tag,” cried the Prince, swinging himself up to a
      beam with a sounding slap on Stevie's shoulder.
    
“Let’s play tag,” shouted the Prince, jumping up to grab a beam while giving Stevie a playful slap on the shoulder.



      Regardless of his gloves, Dandy tore after him, and the rest swarmed in
      every direction as if bent on breaking their necks and dislocating their
      joints as rapidly as possible.
    
Regardless of his gloves, Dandy sprinted after him, and the others rushed in every direction like they were determined to break their necks and dislocate their joints as quickly as possible.



      It was a new and astonishing spectacle to Rose, fresh from a prim
      boarding-school, and she watched the active lads with breathless interest,
      thinking their antics far superior to those of Mops, the dear departed
      monkey.
    
It was a new and amazing sight for Rose, just back from a strict boarding school, and she watched the energetic boys with intense curiosity, thinking their playful behavior was much better than that of Mops, the beloved monkey who had passed away.



      Will had just covered himself with glory by pitching off a high loft head
      first and coming up all right, when Phebe appeared with a cloak, hood, and
      rubbers, also a message from Aunt Plenty that “Miss Rose was to come in
      directly.”
     
Will had just made himself look great by diving off a high loft headfirst and coming up unscathed when Phebe showed up with a cloak, hood, and rain boots, as well as a message from Aunt Plenty that “Miss Rose was to come in right away.”



      “All right; we'll bring her!” answered Archie, issuing some mysterious
      order, which was so promptly obeyed that, before Rose could get out of the
      carriage, the boys had caught hold of the pole and rattled her out of the
      barn, round the oval and up to the front door with a cheer that brought
      two caps to an upper window, and caused Debby to cry aloud from the back
      porch,
    
“All right; we’ll get her!” replied Archie, giving some secret command that was followed so quickly that, before Rose could step out of the carriage, the boys had grabbed the pole and pulled her out of the barn, around the oval and up to the front door with a cheer that made two hats appear at an upper window, and caused Debby to shout from the back porch,



      “Them harum-scarum boys will certainly be the death of that delicate
      little creter!”
     
“The wild and reckless boys are definitely going to be the death of that delicate little creature!”



      But the “delicate little creter” seemed all the better for her trip, and
      ran up the steps looking rosy, gay, and dishevelled, to be received with
      lamentation by Aunt Plenty, who begged her to go and lie down at once.
    
But the “delicate little creature” seemed much better after her trip and ran up the steps looking rosy, cheerful, and messy, to be met with dismay by Aunt Plenty, who urged her to go lie down right away.



      “Oh, please don't! We have come to tea with our cousin, and we'll be as
      good as gold if you'll let us stay, auntie,” clamoured the boys, who not
      only approved of “our cousin” but had no mind to lose their tea, for Aunt
      Plenty's name but feebly expressed her bountiful nature.
    
“Oh, please don’t! We’ve come to have tea with our cousin, and we’ll be on our best behavior if you let us stay, auntie,” shouted the boys, who not only liked “our cousin” but also didn’t want to miss out on their tea, since Aunt Plenty’s name only weakly reflected her generous nature.



      “Well, dears, you can; only be quiet, and let Rose go and take her iron
      and be made tidy, and then we will see what we can find for supper,” said
      the old lady as she trotted away, followed by a volley of directions for
      the approaching feast.
    
“Well, dears, you can; just be quiet and let Rose go get her iron and get herself organized, and then we’ll see what we can find for dinner,” said the old lady as she walked away, followed by a stream of instructions for the upcoming meal.



      “Marmalade for me, auntie.”
     
"Marmalade for me, Auntie."



      “Plenty of plum-cake, please.”
     
"Lots of plum cake, please."



      “Tell Debby to trot out the baked pears.”
     
“Tell Debby to bring out the baked pears.”



      “I'm your man for lemon-pie, ma'am.”
     
“I'm the one to make your lemon pie, ma'am.”



      “Do have fritters; Rose will like 'em.”
     
“Have some fritters; Rose will like them.”



      “She'd rather have tarts, I know.”
     
"She’d prefer pastries, I know."



      When Rose came down, fifteen minutes later, with every curl smoothed and
      her most beruffled apron on, she found the boys loafing about the long
      hall, and paused on the half-way landing to take an observation, for till
      now she had not really examined her new-found cousins.
    
When Rose came downstairs, fifteen minutes later, with every curl in place and her fanciest apron on, she found the boys hanging around the long hallway. She stopped on the halfway landing to take a good look because until then, she hadn't really checked out her new cousins.



      There was a strong family resemblance among them, though some of the
      yellow heads were darker than others, some of the cheeks brown instead of
      rosy, and the ages varied all the way from sixteen-year-old Archie to
      Jamie, who was ten years younger. None of them were especially comely but
      the Prince, yet all were hearty, happy-looking lads, and Rose decided that
      boys were not as dreadful as she had expected to find them.
    
There was a noticeable family resemblance among them, although some of the blonde hair was darker than others, some of the cheeks were brown instead of pink, and their ages ranged from sixteen-year-old Archie to Jamie, who was ten years younger. None of them were particularly good-looking except for the Prince, but they were all cheerful, healthy-looking guys, and Rose concluded that boys weren’t as terrible as she had expected.



      They were all so characteristically employed that she could not help
      smiling as she looked. Archie and Charlie, evidently great cronies, were
      pacing up and down, shoulder to shoulder, whistling “Bonnie Dundee”; Mac
      was reading in a corner, with his book close to his near-sighted eyes;
      Dandy was arranging his hair before the oval glass in the hat-stand;
      Geordie and Will investigating the internal economy of the moon-faced
      clock; and Jamie lay kicking up his heels on the mat at the foot of the
      stairs, bent on demanding his sweeties the instant Rose appeared.
    
They were all so typical in what they were doing that she couldn't help but smile as she watched. Archie and Charlie, obviously good buddies, were walking back and forth, side by side, whistling "Bonnie Dundee"; Mac was off in a corner, reading with his book held close to his near-sighted eyes; Dandy was fixing his hair in front of the oval mirror on the hat stand; Geordie and Will were checking out the inner workings of the round clock; and Jamie was lying on the mat at the bottom of the stairs, kicking his legs in the air, ready to ask for his candies the moment Rose showed up.



      She guessed his intention, and forestalled his demand by dropping a
      handful of sugar-plums down upon him.
    
She figured out what he wanted and cut him off by dropping a handful of candy down on him.



      At his cry of rapture the other lads looked up and smiled involuntarily,
      for the little kinswoman standing there above was a winsome sight with her
      shy, soft eyes, bright hair, and laughing face. The black frock reminded
      them of her loss, and filled the boyish hearts with a kindly desire to be
      good to “our cousin,” who had no longer any home but this.
    
At his joyful shout, the other boys looked up and smiled without thinking, because the little cousin standing there above was a charming sight with her shy, gentle eyes, bright hair, and smiling face. The black dress reminded them of her loss and filled their youthful hearts with a warm wish to be kind to “our cousin,” who no longer had any home but this one.



      “There she is, as fine as you please,” cried Steve, kissing his hand to
      her.
    
“There she is, looking as good as ever,” shouted Steve, blowing her a kiss.



      “Come on, Missy; tea is ready,” added the Prince encouragingly.
    
“Come on, Missy; tea is ready,” the Prince said encouragingly.



      “I shall take her in.” And Archie offered his arm with great dignity, an
      honour that made Rose turn as red as a cherry and long to run upstairs
      again.
    
“I’ll take her in.” And Archie offered his arm with great dignity, an honor that made Rose turn as red as a cherry and want to run upstairs again.



      It was a merry supper, and the two elder boys added much to the fun by
      tormenting the rest with dark hints of some interesting event which was
      about to occur. Something uncommonly fine, they declared it was, but
      enveloped in the deepest mystery for the present.
    
It was a lively dinner, and the two older boys made it even more entertaining by teasing the others with vague suggestions of some exciting event that was about to happen. They claimed it was something really special, but shrouded in the deepest mystery for the moment.



      “Did I ever see it?” asked Jamie.
    
“Did I ever see it?” Jamie asked.



      “Not to remember it; but Mac and Steve have, and liked it immensely,”
       answered Archie, thereby causing the two mentioned to neglect Debby's
      delectable fritters for several minutes, while they cudgelled their
      brains.
    
“Not to forget it; but Mac and Steve have, and they loved it,” answered Archie, causing the two of them to ignore Debby's delicious fritters for several minutes while they racked their brains.



      “Who will have it first?” asked Will, with his mouth full of marmalade.
    
“Who’s going to have it first?” asked Will, his mouth full of marmalade.



      “Aunt Plenty, I guess.”
     
"Aunt Plenty, I suppose."



      “When will she have it?” demanded Geordie, bouncing in his seat with
      impatience.
    
“When will she have it?” Geordie asked, bouncing in his seat with impatience.



      “Sometime on Monday.”
     
“Monday sometime.”



      “Heart alive! what is the boy talking about?” cried the old lady from
      behind the tall urn, which left little to be seen but the topmost bow of
      her cap.
    
“Goodness! What is that boy going on about?” shouted the old lady from behind the tall urn, which showed little more than the top of her cap.



      “Doesn't auntie know?” asked a chorus of voices.
    
“Doesn't auntie know?” asked a group of voices.



      “No; and that's the best of the joke, for she is desperately fond of it.”
     
“No; and that's the best part of the joke, because she is really into it.”



      “What colour is it?” asked Rose, joining in the fun.
    
“What color is it?” asked Rose, joining in the fun.



      “Blue and brown.”
     
“Blue and brown.”



      “Is it good to eat?” asked Jamie.
    
“Is it good to eat?” Jamie asked.



      “Some people think so, but I shouldn't like to try it,” answered Charlie,
      laughing so he split his tea.
    
“Some people think so, but I wouldn’t want to give it a shot,” Charlie replied, laughing so hard he spilled his tea.



      “Who does it belong to?” put in Steve.
    
“Who does it belong to?” Steve asked.



      Archie and the Prince stared at one another rather blankly for a minute,
      then Archie answered with a twinkle of the eye that made Charlie explode
      again,
    
Archie and the Prince looked at each other blankly for a minute, then Archie replied with a twinkle in his eye that made Charlie burst out laughing again,



      “To Grandfather Campbell.”
     
“To Grandpa Campbell.”



      This was a poser, and they gave up the puzzle, though Jamie confided to
      Rose that he did not think he could live till Monday without knowing what
      this remarkable thing was.
    
This was a tough one, and they gave up trying to figure it out, although Jamie told Rose that he didn't think he could wait until Monday to find out what this amazing thing was.



      Soon after tea the Clan departed, singing “All the blue bonnets are over
      the border,” at the tops of their voices.
    
Soon after tea, the Clan left, singing “All the blue bonnets are over the border” at the top of their lungs.



      “Well, dear, how do you like your cousins?” asked Aunt Plenty, as the last
      pony frisked round the corner and the din died away.
    
“Well, dear, how do you like your cousins?” asked Aunt Plenty, as the last pony pranced around the corner and the noise faded away.



      “Pretty well, ma'am; but I like Phebe better.” An answer which caused Aunt
      Plenty to hold up her hands in despair and trot away to tell sister Peace
      that she never should understand that child, and it was a mercy Alec was
      coming soon to take the responsibility off their hands.
    
“Pretty good, ma'am; but I like Phebe better.” An answer that made Aunt Plenty throw up her hands in despair and rush off to tell sister Peace that she would never understand that child, and it was a blessing Alec was coming soon to take the responsibility off their hands.



      Fatigued by the unusual exertions of the afternoon, Rose curled herself up
      in the sofa corner to rest and think about the great mystery, little
      guessing that she was to know it first of all.
    
Tired from the unusual activities of the afternoon, Rose curled up in the corner of the sofa to rest and ponder the great mystery, not realizing that she would be the first to uncover it.



      Right in the middle of her meditations she fell asleep and dreamed she was
      at home again in her own little bed. She seemed to wake and see her father
      bending over her; to hear him say, “My little Rose”; to answer, “Yes,
      papa”; and then to feel him take her in his arms and kiss her tenderly. So
      sweet, so real was the dream, that she started up with a cry of joy to
      find herself in the arms of a brown, bearded man, who held her close, and
      whispered in a voice so like her father's that she clung to him
      involuntarily,
    
Right in the middle of her meditation, she fell asleep and dreamed she was back home in her own little bed. It felt like she woke up and saw her dad leaning over her; she heard him say, “My little Rose”; she replied, “Yes, Papa”; and then felt him pick her up and kiss her gently. The dream was so sweet and so real that she jumped up with a cry of joy, only to find herself in the arms of a brown-bearded man, who held her close and whispered in a voice that sounded so much like her dad's that she instinctively clung to him.



      “This is my little girl, and I am Uncle Alec.”
     
“This is my little girl, and I'm Uncle Alec.”




 


 












      Chapter 3—Uncles
    



      When Rose woke next morning, she was not sure whether she had dreamed what
      occurred the night before, or it had actually happened. So she hopped up
      and dressed, although it was an hour earlier than she usually rose, for
      she could not sleep any more, being possessed with a strong desire to slip
      down and see if the big portmanteau and packing cases were really in the
      hall. She seemed to remember tumbling over them when she went to bed, for
      the aunts had sent her off very punctually, because they wanted their pet
      nephew all to themselves.
    
When Rose woke up the next morning, she wasn’t sure if she had dreamed about what happened the night before or if it was real. So she quickly got up and got dressed, even though it was an hour earlier than she usually woke up, because she couldn’t sleep anymore. She had a strong urge to go down and check if the big suitcase and packing boxes were really in the hallway. She remembered tripping over them when she went to bed, since her aunts had sent her off right on time because they wanted their favorite nephew all to themselves.



      The sun was shining, and Rose opened her window to let in the soft May air
      fresh from the sea. As she leaned over her little balcony, watching an
      early bird get the worm, and wondering how she should like Uncle Alec, she
      saw a man leap the garden wall and come whistling up the path. At first
      she thought it was some trespasser, but a second look showed her that it
      was her uncle returning from an early dip into the sea. She had hardly
      dared to look at him the night before, because whenever she tried to do so
      she always found a pair of keen blue eyes looking at her. Now she could
      take a good stare at him as he lingered along, looking about him as if
      glad to see the old place again.
    
The sun was shining, and Rose opened her window to let in the gentle May breeze fresh from the sea. As she leaned over her little balcony, watching an early bird catch a worm and thinking about how she would feel about Uncle Alec, she saw a man jump over the garden wall and walk whistling up the path. At first, she thought he was just some trespasser, but a second glance revealed that it was her uncle coming back from an early swim in the sea. She had barely dared to look at him the night before, because every time she tried, she always found a pair of sharp blue eyes looking back at her. Now she could really take a good look at him as he strolled by, scanning his surroundings as if he was happy to be back at the old place again.



      A brown, breezy man, in a blue jacket, with no hat on the curly head,
      which he shook now and then like a water dog; broad-shouldered, alert in
      his motions, and with a general air of strength and stability about him
      which pleased Rose, though she could not explain the feeling of comfort it
      gave her. She had just said to herself, with a sense of relief, “I guess I
      shall like him, though he looks as if he made people mind,” when he lifted
      his eyes to examine the budding horse-chestnut overhead, and saw the eager
      face peering down at him. He waved his hand to her, nodded, and called out
      in a bluff, cheery voice,
    
A brown, breezy man in a blue jacket, without a hat on his curly hair, shook his head now and then like a playful dog; he was broad-shouldered, alert in his movements, and had an overall vibe of strength and stability that pleased Rose, even though she couldn’t quite explain why it made her feel so comfortable. Just moments before, she had thought to herself, with a sense of relief, “I think I’m going to like him, even though he looks like he’s the type to keep people in line,” when he looked up to check out the budding horse-chestnut tree above and noticed her eager face peering down at him. He waved his hand to her, nodded, and called out in a friendly, cheerful voice,



      “You are on deck early, little niece.”
     
"You're awake early, little niece."



      “I got up to see if you had really come, uncle.”
     
“I got up to check if you actually came, uncle.”



      “Did you? Well, come down here and make sure of it.”
     
“Did you? Well, come down here and see for yourself.”



      “I'm not allowed to go out before breakfast, sir.”
     
“I'm not allowed to go out before breakfast, sir.”



      “Oh, indeed!” with a shrug. “Then I'll come aboard and salute,” he added;
      and, to Rose's great amazement, Uncle Alec went up one of the pillars of
      the back piazza hand over hand, stepped across the roof, and swung himself
      into her balcony, saying, as he landed on the wide balustrade: “Have you
      any doubts about me now, ma'am?”
     
“Oh, really!” he said with a shrug. “Then I'll come aboard and salute,” he added; and, to Rose's surprise, Uncle Alec climbed one of the pillars of the back porch hand over hand, stepped across the roof, and swung himself onto her balcony, saying as he landed on the wide railing: “Do you have any doubts about me now, ma'am?”



      Rose was so taken aback, she could only answer with a smile as she went to
      meet him.
    
Rose was so surprised that she could only respond with a smile as she went to meet him.



      “How does my girl do this morning?” he asked, taking the little cold hand
      she gave him in both his big warm ones.
    
“How is my girl doing this morning?” he asked, taking the little cold hand she gave him in both his big warm ones.



      “Pretty well, thank you, sir.”
     
"Doing well, thank you."



      “Ah, but it should be very well. Why isn't it?”
     
“Ah, but it should be fine. Why isn't it?”



      “I always wake up with a headache, and feel tired.”
     
"I always wake up with a headache and feel exhausted."



      “Don't you sleep well?”
     
"Are you not sleeping well?"



      “I lie awake a long time, and then I dream, and my sleep does not seem to
      rest me much.”
     
“I lie awake for a long time, then I dream, and my sleep doesn’t seem to refresh me much.”



      “What do you do all day?”
     
“What do you do all day?”



      “Oh, I read, and sew a little, and take naps, and sit with auntie.”
     
“Oh, I read, sew a bit, take naps, and hang out with my aunt.”



      “No running about out of doors, or house-work, or riding, hey?”
     
“No running around outside, doing housework, or riding, right?”



      “Aunt Plenty says I'm not strong enough for much exercise. I drive out
      with her sometimes, but I don't care for it.”
     
“Aunt Plenty says I’m not strong enough for much exercise. I sometimes go out with her, but I’m not really into it.”



      “I'm not surprised at that,” said Uncle Alec, half to himself, adding, in
      his quick way: “Who have you had to play with?”
     
“I'm not surprised by that,” Uncle Alec said, more to himself, then quickly added, “Who have you been playing with?”



      “No one but Ariadne Blish, and she was such a goose I couldn't bear her.
      The boys came yesterday, and seemed rather nice; but, of course, I
      couldn't play with them.”
     
“No one but Ariadne Blish, and she was such a fool I couldn't stand her. The boys came yesterday and seemed pretty nice; but, of course, I couldn't hang out with them.”



      “Why not?”
     
"Why not?"



      “I'm too old to play with boys.”
     
“I'm too old to hang out with boys.”



      “Not a bit of it; that's just what you need, for you've been molly-coddled
      too much. They are good lads, and you'll be mixed up with them more or
      less for years to come, so you may as well be friends and playmates at
      once. I will look you up some girls also, if I can find a sensible one who
      is not spoilt by her nonsensical education.”
     
“Not at all; that's exactly what you need because you've been pampered too much. They’re good guys, and you'll be involved with them for quite a while, so you might as well be friends and play together right from the start. I’ll try to find you some girls too, if I can locate one who is sensible and not spoiled by her ridiculous education.”



      “Phebe is sensible, I'm sure, and I like her, though I only saw her
      yesterday,” cried Rose, waking up suddenly.
    
“Phebe is sensible, I’m sure, and I like her, even though I just saw her yesterday,” exclaimed Rose, waking up suddenly.



      “And who is Phebe, if you please?”
     
“And who is Phebe, if you don’t mind?”



      Rose eagerly told all she knew, and Uncle Alec listened, with an odd smile
      lurking about his mouth, though his eyes were quite sober as he watched
      the face before him.
    
Rose eagerly shared everything she knew, and Uncle Alec listened, a strange smile playing at the corners of his mouth, though his eyes were serious as he observed the face in front of him.



      “I'm glad to see that you are not aristocratic in your tastes, but I don't
      quite make out why you like this young lady from the poor-house.”
     
“I'm glad to see that you don't have aristocratic tastes, but I don't really understand why you like this young lady from the poorhouse.”



      “You may laugh at me, but I do. I can't tell why, only she seems so happy
      and busy, and sings so beautifully, and is strong enough to scrub and
      sweep, and hasn't any troubles to plague her,” said Rose, making a funny
      jumble of reasons in her efforts to explain.
    
“You might think it’s silly, but I really do. I can’t quite explain why, but she just seems so happy and energetic, sings beautifully, is strong enough to clean and tidy up, and doesn’t have any worries to bother her,” said Rose, stumbling over her reasons as she tried to explain.



      “How do you know that?”
     
"How do you know?"



      “Oh, I was telling her about mine, and asked if she had any, and she said,
      'No, only I'd like to go to school, and I mean to some day.”
     
“Oh, I was telling her about my experiences and asked if she had any, and she said, 'No, I just really want to go to school, and I plan to someday.'”



      “So she doesn't call desertion, poverty, and hard work, troubles? She's a
      brave little girl, and I shall be proud to know her.” And Uncle Alec gave
      an approving nod, that made Rose wish she had been the one to earn it.
    
“So she doesn’t think of desertion, poverty, and hard work as troubles? She’s a brave little girl, and I’ll be proud to know her.” Uncle Alec nodded in approval, making Rose wish she had been the one to earn it.



      “But what are these troubles of yours, child?” he asked, after a minute of
      silence.
    
“But what are these troubles you’re facing, kid?” he asked after a moment of silence.



      “Please don't ask me, uncle.”
     
“Please don’t ask me, Uncle.”



      “Can't you tell them to me as well as to Phebe?”
     
“Can’t you tell me too, just like you tell Phebe?”



      Something in his tone made Rose feel that it would be better to speak out
      and be done with it, so she answered, with sudden colour and averted eyes,
    
Something in his tone made Rose feel it would be better to just say it and be done with it, so she replied, her cheeks flushed and her eyes turned away,



      “The greatest one was losing dear papa.”
     
“The biggest loss was losing dear dad.”



      As she said that, Uncle Alec's arm came gently round her, and he drew her
      to him, saying, in the voice so like papa's,
    
As she said that, Uncle Alec's arm came softly around her, and he pulled her close, saying, in a voice so much like Dad's,



      “That is a trouble which I cannot cure, my child; but I shall try to make
      you feel it less. What else, dear?”
     
“That’s a problem I can’t fix, my child; but I’ll do my best to help you feel better about it. What else, dear?”



      “I am so tired and poorly all the time, I can't do anything I want to, and
      it makes me cross,” sighed Rose, rubbing the aching head like a fretful
      child.
    
“I’m so tired and feel terrible all the time, I can’t do anything I want to, and it makes me angry,” sighed Rose, rubbing her aching head like a petulant child.



      “That we can cure and we will,” said her uncle, with a decided nod that
      made the curls bob on his head, to that Rose saw the gray ones underneath
      the brown.
    
“Of course we can cure it, and we will,” her uncle said, nodding firmly, making his curls bounce, which let Rose catch a glimpse of the gray ones hidden beneath the brown.



      “Aunt Myra says I have no constitution, and never shall be strong,”
       observed Rose, in a pensive tone, as if it was rather a nice thing to be
      an invalid.
    
“Aunt Myra says I don’t have any constitution and will never be strong,” observed Rose in a thoughtful tone, as if being an invalid was somewhat appealing.



      “Aunt Myra is a ahem! an excellent woman, but it is her hobby to believe
      that everyone is tottering on the brink of the grave; and, upon my life, I
      believe she is offended if people don't fall into it! We will show her how
      to make constitutions and turn pale-faced little ghosts into rosy, hearty
      girls. That's my business, you know,” he added, more quietly, for his
      sudden outburst had rather startled Rose.
    
“Aunt Myra is, well, an excellent woman, but her hobby is believing that everyone is on the verge of death; honestly, I think she gets offended if people don't fall into that state! We’ll show her how to strengthen health and turn pale little ghosts into cheerful, healthy girls. That’s my thing, you know,” he added, more softly, since his sudden outburst had startled Rose a bit.



      “I had forgotten you were a doctor. I'm glad of it, for I do want to be
      well, only I hope you won't give me much medicine, for I've taken quarts
      already, and it does me no good.”
     
“I had forgotten you were a doctor. I'm glad you are, because I really want to be well. I just hope you won’t prescribe too much medicine, since I've taken tons already and it hasn't helped me at all.”



      As she spoke, Rose pointed to a little table just inside the window, on
      which appeared a regiment of bottles.
    
As she spoke, Rose pointed to a small table just inside the window, which was filled with a row of bottles.



      “Ah, ha! Now we'll see what mischief these blessed women have been at.”
       And, making a long arm, Dr. Alec set the bottles on the wide railing
      before him, examined each carefully, smiled over some, frowned over
      others, and said, as he put down the last: “Now I'll show you the best way
      to take these messes.” And, as quick as a flash, he sent one after another
      smashing down into the posy-beds below.
    
“Ah, ha! Now we’ll see what trouble these wonderful women have been up to.”    
       And, stretching out his arm, Dr. Alec placed the bottles on the wide railing in front of him, examined each one carefully, smiled at some, frowned at others, and said, as he put down the last one: “Now I’ll show you the best way to take these concoctions.” And, in a flash, he started smashing them one after another into the flower beds below.



      “But Aunt Plenty won't like it; and Aunt Myra will be angry, for she sent
      most of them!” cried Rose, half frightened and half pleased at such
      energetic measures.
    
“But Aunt Plenty won't like it; and Aunt Myra will be upset, because she sent most of them!” cried Rose, feeling both scared and somewhat happy about such bold actions.



      “You are my patient now, and I'll take the responsibility. My way of
      giving physic is evidently the best, for you look better already,” he
      said, laughing so infectiously that Rose followed suit, saying saucily,
    
“You're my patient now, and I'll take care of everything. My method of treatment is clearly the best, since you already look better,” he said, laughing so contagiously that Rose couldn't help but join in, replying cheekily,



      “If I don't like your medicines any better than those, I shall throw them
      into the garden, and then what will you do?”
     
“If I don't like your medicines any more than those, I’ll toss them into the garden, and then what will you do?”



      “When I prescribe such rubbish, I'll give you leave to pitch it overboard
      as soon as you like. Now what is the next trouble?”
     
“When I prescribe such nonsense, you have my permission to throw it overboard whenever you want. Now, what’s the next issue?”



      “I hoped you would forget to ask.”
     
“I was hoping you’d forget to ask.”



      “But how can I help you if I don't know them? Come, let us have No. 3.”
     
“But how can I help you if I don’t know them? Come on, let’s do No. 3.”



      “It is very wrong, I suppose, but I do sometimes wish I had not quite so
      many aunts. They are all very good to me, and I want to please them; but
      they are so different, I feel sort of pulled to pieces among them,” said
      Rose, trying to express the emotions of a stray chicken with six hens all
      clucking over it at once.
    
“It’s probably not right, but I do sometimes wish I didn’t have so many aunts. They’re all really nice to me, and I want to make them happy; but they’re so different, I feel a bit overwhelmed by them,” said Rose, trying to describe the feelings of a lost chick surrounded by six hens all clucking at it at once.



      Uncle Alec threw back his head and laughed like a boy, for he could
      entirely understand how the good ladies had each put in her oar and tried
      to paddle her own way, to the great disturbance of the waters and the
      entire bewilderment of poor Rose.
    
Uncle Alec tilted his head back and laughed like a kid, because he totally got how the well-meaning ladies had all jumped in and tried to steer things their way, causing a lot of chaos and completely confusing poor Rose.



      “I intend to try a course of uncles now, and see how that suits your
      constitution. I'm going to have you all to myself, and no one is to give a
      word of advice unless I ask it. There is no other way to keep order
      aboard, and I am captain of this little craft, for a time at least. What
      comes next?”
     
“I plan to try a course with uncles now and see how that fits your setup. I'm going to have you all to myself, and no one is allowed to give advice unless I ask for it. There’s no other way to keep things in line here, and I’m the captain of this little ship, at least for now. What comes next?”



      But Rose stuck there, and grew so red, her uncle guessed what that trouble
      was.
    
But Rose stayed there and turned so red that her uncle figured out what was bothering her.



      “I don't think I can tell this one. It wouldn't be polite, and I feel
      pretty sure that it isn't going to be a trouble any more.”
     
“I don’t think I can share this one. It wouldn’t be respectful, and I’m fairly certain it won’t be a problem anymore.”



      As she blushed and stammered over these words, Dr. Alec turned his eyes
      away to the distant sea, and said so seriously, so tenderly, that she felt
      every word and long remembered them,
    
As she blushed and stumbled over her words, Dr. Alec turned his gaze to the far-off sea and spoke so seriously, so gently, that she felt every word and remembered them for a long time.



      “My child, I don't expect you to love and trust me all at once, but I do
      want you to believe that I shall give my whole heart to this new duty; and
      if I make mistakes, as I probably shall, no one will grieve over them more
      bitterly than I. It is my fault that I am a stranger to you, when I want
      to be your best friend. That is one of my mistakes, and I never repented
      it more deeply than I do now. Your father and I had a trouble once, and I
      thought I could never forgive him; so I kept away for years. Thank God, we
      made it all up the last time I saw him, and he told me then, that if he
      was forced to leave her he should bequeath his little girl to me as a
      token of his love. I can't fill his place, but I shall try to be a father
      to her; and if she learns to love me half as well as she did the good one
      she has lost, I shall be a proud and happy man. Will she believe this and
      try?”
     
“My child, I don’t expect you to love and trust me right away, but I want you to know that I will put my whole heart into this new role. If I make mistakes, which I probably will, no one will feel worse about them than I will. It’s my fault that I’m a stranger to you when I really want to be your best friend. That’s one of my regrets, and I’ve never felt it more deeply than I do now. Your father and I had a falling out once, and I thought I could never forgive him, so I stayed away for years. Thank God we reconciled the last time I saw him, and he told me then that if he had to leave you, he wanted to entrust his little girl to me as a sign of his love. I can’t replace him, but I will do my best to be a father to you. If you can learn to love me even half as much as you loved the great man you've lost, I’ll be a proud and happy man. Will you believe this and give it a try?”



      Something in Uncle Alec's face touched Rose to the heart, and when he held
      out his hand with that anxious troubled look in his eyes, she was moved to
      put up her innocent lips and seal the contract with a confiding kiss. The
      strong arm held her close a minute, and she felt the broad chest heave
      once as if with a great sigh of relief; but not a word was spoken till a
      tap at the door made both start.
    
Something in Uncle Alec's face really affected Rose, and when he reached out his hand with that worried look in his eyes, she felt compelled to lift her innocent lips and seal the moment with a trusting kiss. He held her close for a moment, and she felt his strong chest rise once as if he let out a big sigh of relief; but neither of them said a word until a knock at the door startled them both.



      Rose popped her head through the window to say “come in,” while Dr. Alec
      hastily rubbed the sleeve of his jacket across his eyes and began to
      whistle again.
    
Rose poked her head through the window to say, "Come in," while Dr. Alec quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket and started whistling again.



      Phebe appeared with a cup of coffee.
    
Phebe came in with a cup of coffee.



      “Debby told me to bring this and help you get up,” she said, opening her
      black eyes wide, as if she wondered how on earth “the sailor man” got
      there.
    
“Debby told me to bring this and help you get up,” she said, opening her dark eyes wide, as if she couldn’t believe how “the sailor man” ended up there.



      “I'm all dressed, so I don't need any help. I hope that is good and
      strong,” added Rose, eyeing the steaming cup with an eager look.
    
“I'm all dressed, so I don't need any help. I hope that's good and strong,” added Rose, glancing at the steaming cup with an eager expression.



      But she did not get it, for a brown hand took possession of it as her
      uncle said quickly,
    
But she didn’t get it, because a brown hand grabbed it as her uncle said quickly,



      “Hold hard, my lass, and let me overhaul that dose before you take it. Do
      you drink all this strong coffee every morning, Rose?”
     
“Hold on, my girl, and let me check that dose before you take it. Do you drink all this strong coffee every morning, Rose?”



      “Yes, sir, and I like it. Auntie says it 'tones' me up, and I always feel
      better after it.”
     
“Yeah, I like it. Auntie says it 'tones' me up, and I always feel better after.”



      “This accounts for the sleepless nights, the flutter your heart gets into
      at the least start, and this is why that cheek of yours is pale yellow
      instead of rosy red. No more coffee for you, my dear, and by and by you'll
      see that I am right. Any new milk downstairs, Phebe?”
     
“This explains the sleepless nights, the way your heart races at the slightest scare, and that's why your cheek is pale yellow instead of rosy red. No more coffee for you, my dear, and soon you'll see that I’m right. Is there any fresh milk downstairs, Phebe?”



      “Yes, sir, plenty right in from the barn.”
     
“Yes, sir, a lot coming right in from the barn.”



      “That's the drink for my patient. Go bring me a pitcherful, and another
      cup; I want a draught myself. This won't hurt the honeysuckles, for they
      have no nerves to speak of.” And, to Rose's great discomfort, the coffee
      went after the medicine.
    
“That's the drink for my patient. Go get me a pitcher full, and another cup; I want a sip myself. This won't harm the honeysuckles, since they have no nerves to speak of.” And, to Rose's great discomfort, the coffee followed the medicine.



      Dr. Alec saw the injured look she put on, but took no notice, and
      presently banished it by saying pleasantly,
    
Dr. Alec noticed the hurt expression she had but ignored it, and soon dismissed it by saying cheerfully,



      “I've got a capital little cup among my traps, and I'll give it to you to
      drink your milk in, as it is made of wood that is supposed to improve
      whatever is put into it something like a quassia cup. That reminds me; one
      of the boxes Phebe wanted to lug upstairs last night is for you. Knowing
      that I was coming home to find a ready-made daughter, I picked up all
      sorts of odd and pretty trifles along the way, hoping she would be able to
      find something she liked among them all. Early to-morrow we'll have a
      grand rummage. Here's our milk! I propose the health of Miss Rose Campbell
      and drink it with all my heart.”
     
“I have a lovely little cup among my things, and I'll give it to you to drink your milk in since it’s made of wood that’s said to enhance whatever you put in it, kind of like a quassia cup. That reminds me; one of the boxes Phebe wanted to carry upstairs last night is for you. Knowing that I was coming home to meet my new daughter, I picked up all sorts of cute and interesting little things along the way, hoping she would find something she liked among them. Tomorrow morning we’ll have a big rummage. Here’s our milk! I propose a toast to Miss Rose Campbell and drink to her with all my heart.”



      It was impossible for Rose to pout with the prospect of a delightful
      boxful of gifts dancing before her eyes; so, in spite of herself, she
      smiled as she drank her own health, and found that fresh milk was not a
      hard dose to take.
    
It was impossible for Rose to sulk with the exciting vision of a box full of gifts in front of her; so, despite herself, she smiled as she toasted to her own well-being and realized that fresh milk was not hard to drink.



      “Now I must be off, before I am caught again with my wig in a toss,” said
      Dr. Alec, preparing to descend the way he came.
    
“Now I need to get going, before I get caught again with my wig all messed up,” said Dr. Alec, getting ready to head back the way he came.



      “Do you always go in and out like a cat, uncle?” asked Rose, much amused
      at his odd ways.
    
“Do you always come and go like a cat, Uncle?” asked Rose, finding his strange habits very entertaining.



      “I used to sneak out of my window when I was a boy, so I need not disturb
      the aunts, and now I rather like it, for it's the shortest road, and it
      keeps me limber when I have no rigging to climb. Good-bye till breakfast.”
       And away he went down the water-spout, over the roof, and vanished among
      the budding honey-suckles below.
    
“I used to sneak out of my window when I was a kid, so I wouldn’t wake up my aunts, and now I actually enjoy it because it’s the quickest way down, and it helps me stay agile when there’s no climbing to do. Catch you at breakfast.” And off he went down the water-spout, over the roof, and disappeared among the blooming honeysuckles below.



      “Ain't he a funny guardeen?” exclaimed Phebe, as she went off with the
      cups.
    
“Ain't he a funny guardian?” Phebe exclaimed as she took the cups away.



      “He is a very kind one, I think,” answered Rose, following, to prowl round
      the big boxes and try to guess which was hers.
    
"He's really kind, I think," Rose replied, wandering around the big boxes, trying to figure out which one was hers.



      When her uncle appeared at sound of the bell, he found her surveying with
      an anxious face a new dish that smoked upon the table.
    
When her uncle showed up at the sound of the bell, he found her looking anxiously at a new dish that was steaming on the table.



      “Got a fresh trouble, Rosy?” he asked, stroking her smooth head.
    
“Got a new problem, Rosy?” he asked, petting her smooth head.



      “Uncle, are you going to make me eat oatmeal?” asked Rose, in a tragic
      tone.
    
“Uncle, are you really going to make me eat oatmeal?” Rose asked, sounding dramatic.



      “Don't you like it?”
     
"Do you not like it?"



      “I de-test it!” answered Rose, with all the emphasis which a turned-up
      nose, a shudder, and a groan could give to the three words.
    
“I hate it!” answered Rose, with all the emphasis that a turned-up nose, a shudder, and a groan could give to the three words.



      “You are not a true Scotchwoman, if you don't like the 'parritch.' It's a
      pity, for I made it myself, and thought we'd have such a good time with
      all that cream to float it in. Well, never mind.” And he sat down with a
      disappointed air.
    
“You're not really a Scotchwoman if you don't enjoy 'parritch.' That's too bad, because I made it myself and thought we’d have a great time with all that cream in it. Well, never mind.” And he sat down looking disappointed.



      Rose had made up her mind to be obstinate about it, because she did
      heartily “detest” the dish; but as Uncle Alec did not attempt to make her
      obey, she suddenly changed her mind and thought she would.
    
Rose had decided to be stubborn about it because she really “hated” the dish; but since Uncle Alec didn’t try to make her obey, she suddenly changed her mind and thought she would.



      “I'll try to eat it to please you, uncle; but people are always saying how
      wholesome it is, and that makes me hate it,” she said, half-ashamed at her
      silly excuse.
    
"I'll try to eat it to make you happy, uncle; but people are always talking about how healthy it is, and that just makes me dislike it," she said, feeling a bit embarrassed about her silly excuse.



      “I do want you to like it, because I wish my girl to be as well and strong
      as Jessie's boys, who are brought up on this in the good old fashion. No
      hot bread and fried stuff for them, and they are the biggest and bonniest
      lads of the lot. Bless you, auntie, and good morning!”
     
“I really want you to like it, because I want my girl to be just as healthy and strong as Jessie's boys, who are raised the traditional way. No hot bread and fried food for them, and they are the biggest and most handsome of the bunch. Thank you, auntie, and good morning!”



      Dr. Alec turned to greet the old lady, and, with a firm resolve to eat or
      die in the attempt, Rose sat down.
    
Dr. Alec turned to greet the elderly woman, and, with a determined mindset to eat or die trying, Rose sat down.



      In five minutes she forgot what she was eating, so interested was she in
      the chat that went on. It amused her very much to hear Aunt Plenty call
      her forty-year-old nephew “my dear boy”; and Uncle Alec was so full of
      lively gossip about all creation in general, and the Aunt-hill in
      particular, that the detested porridge vanished without a murmur.
    
In five minutes, she completely forgot what she was eating, so engrossed was she in the conversation happening around her. It greatly entertained her to hear Aunt Plenty refer to her forty-year-old nephew as “my dear boy,” and Uncle Alec was brimming with lively gossip about everything in general, and the Aunt-hill in particular, that the hated porridge disappeared without a complaint.



      “You will go to church with us, I hope, Alec, if you are not too tired,”
       said the old lady, when breakfast was over.
    
“You'll come to church with us, I hope, Alec, if you're not too tired,” said the old lady when breakfast was over.



      “I came all the way from Calcutta for that express purpose, ma'am. Only I
      must send the sisters word of my arrival, for they don't expect me till
      to-morrow, you know, and there will be a row in church if those boys see
      me without warning.”
     
“I traveled all the way from Calcutta for that specific reason, ma'am. I just need to let the sisters know I’ve arrived, because they’re not expecting me until tomorrow, and there will be a scene in church if those boys see me unexpectedly.”



      “I'll send Ben up the hill, and you can step over to Myra's yourself; it
      will please her, and you will have plenty of time.”
     
“I'll send Ben up the hill, and you can go over to Myra's yourself; she’ll appreciate it, and you’ll have plenty of time.”



      Dr. Alec was off at once, and they saw no more of him till the old
      barouche was at the door, and Aunt Plenty just rustling downstairs in her
      Sunday best, with Rose like a little black shadow behind her.
    
Dr. Alec left right away, and they didn’t see him again until the old carriage arrived at the door, with Aunt Plenty coming down the stairs in her Sunday best, and Rose following her like a little black shadow.



      Away they drove in state, and all the way Uncle Alec's hat was more off
      his head than on, for everyone they met smiled and bowed, and gave him as
      blithe a greeting as the day permitted.
    
Away they drove in style, and all the way Uncle Alec's hat was off his head more than it was on, because everyone they encountered smiled and bowed, greeting him as cheerfully as the day allowed.



      It was evident that the warning had been a wise one, for, in spite of time
      and place, the lads were in such a ferment that their elders sat in
      momentary dread of an unseemly outbreak somewhere. It was simply
      impossible to keep those fourteen eyes off Uncle Alec, and the dreadful
      things that were done during sermon-time will hardly be believed.
    
It was clear that the warning had been a smart one, because, despite the time and place, the boys were so restless that their elders were constantly worried about an inappropriate outburst. It was basically impossible to keep those fourteen eyes off Uncle Alec, and the shocking things that happened during the sermon are hard to believe.



      Rose dared not look up after a while, for these bad boys vented their
      emotions upon her till she was ready to laugh and cry with mingled
      amusement and vexation. Charlie winked rapturously at her behind his
      mother's fan; Mac openly pointed to the tall figure beside her; Jamie
      stared fixedly over the back of his pew, till Rose thought his round eyes
      would drop out of his head; George fell over a stool and dropped three
      books in his excitement; Will drew sailors and Chinamen on his clean
      cuffs, and displayed them, to Rose's great tribulation; Steve nearly upset
      the whole party by burning his nose with salts, as he pretended to be
      overcome by his joy; even dignified Archie disgraced himself by writing in
      his hymn book, “Isn't he blue and brown?” and passing it politely to Rose.
    
Rose didn't dare look up after a while, because these troublemakers were expressing their feelings towards her in a way that made her feel both like laughing and crying from a mix of amusement and annoyance. Charlie winked eagerly at her from behind his mother’s fan; Mac openly pointed to the tall figure next to her; Jamie stared intensely over the back of his pew, making Rose think his big eyes were about to pop out; George tripped over a stool and dropped three books in his excitement; Will doodled sailors and Chinese men on his clean cuffs and showed them off, much to Rose’s distress; Steve almost knocked everything over by burning his nose with salts while pretending to be overwhelmed with joy; even serious Archie embarrassed himself by writing in his hymn book, “Isn't he blue and brown?” and passing it to Rose politely.



      Her only salvation was trying to fix her attention upon Uncle Mac a
      portly, placid gentleman, who seemed entirely unconscious of the
      iniquities of the Clan, and dozed peacefully in his pew corner. This was
      the only uncle Rose had met for years, for Uncle Jem and Uncle Steve, the
      husbands of Aunt Jessie and Aunt Clara, were at sea, and Aunt Myra was a
      widow. Uncle Mac was a merchant, very rich and busy, and as quiet as a
      mouse at home, for he was in such a minority among the women folk he dared
      not open his lips, and let his wife rule undisturbed.
    
Her only escape was focusing her attention on Uncle Mac, a heavyset, easygoing guy who seemed completely unaware of the Clan's problems and dozed peacefully in his pew corner. This was the only uncle Rose had seen in years, since Uncle Jem and Uncle Steve, the husbands of Aunt Jessie and Aunt Clara, were out at sea, and Aunt Myra was a widow. Uncle Mac was a successful merchant, wealthy and busy, and at home, he was as quiet as a mouse; he was so outnumbered by the women that he didn't dare say a word and let his wife take charge without interruption.



      Rose liked the big, kindly, silent man who came to her when papa died, was
      always sending her splendid boxes of goodies at school, and often invited
      her into his great warehouse, full of teas and spices, wines and all sorts
      of foreign fruits, there to eat and carry away whatever she liked. She had
      secretly regretted that he was not to be her guardian; but since she had
      seen Uncle Alec she felt better about it, for she did not particularly
      admire Aunt Jane.
    
Rose liked the big, kind, quiet man who came to her when her dad died, always sending her amazing boxes of treats at school, and often inviting her into his huge warehouse, filled with teas and spices, wines, and all kinds of exotic fruits, where she could eat and take away whatever she wanted. She had secretly wished he could be her guardian; but since she met Uncle Alec, she felt better about it, because she didn’t really admire Aunt Jane.



      When church was over, Dr. Alec got into the porch as quickly as possible,
      and there the young bears had a hug all round, while the sisters shook
      hands and welcomed him with bright faces and glad hearts. Rose was nearly
      crushed flat behind a door in that dangerous passage from pew to porch;
      but Uncle Mac rescued her, and put her into the carriage for safe keeping.
    
When church was over, Dr. Alec made his way to the porch as quickly as he could, and there the young bears all hugged him, while the sisters shook his hand and greeted him with bright smiles and happy hearts. Rose was nearly squished against a door in that tricky spot between the pew and the porch, but Uncle Mac saved her and helped her into the carriage for safekeeping.



      “Now, girls, I want you to come and dine with Alec; Mac also, of course.
      But I cannot ask the boys, for we did not expect this dear fellow till
      tomorrow, you know, so I made no preparations. Send the lads home, and let
      them wait till Monday, for really I was shocked at their behaviour in
      church,” said Aunt Plenty, as she followed Rose.
    
“Now, girls, I want you to come and have dinner with Alec; Mac can join us too, of course. But I can’t invite the boys since we didn’t expect this dear fellow until tomorrow, you know, so I didn’t make any plans. Send the guys home and let them wait until Monday because I was really shocked by their behavior in church,” said Aunt Plenty as she followed Rose.



      In any other place the defrauded boys would have set up a howl; as it was,
      they growled and protested till Dr. Alec settled the matter by saying,
    
In any other place, the cheated boys would have raised a fuss; instead, they grumbled and complained until Dr. Alec resolved the situation by saying,



      “Never mind, old chaps, I'll make it up to you to-morrow, if you sheer off
      quietly; if you don't, not a blessed thing shall you have out of my big
      boxes.”
     
“Don’t worry, guys, I’ll make it up to you tomorrow, if you just leave quietly; if you don’t, you won’t get a thing from my big boxes.”




 


 












      Chapter 4—Aunts
    



      All dinner-time Rose felt that she was going to be talked about, and
      afterward she was sure of it, for Aunt Plenty whispered to her as they
      went into the parlour,
    
All through dinner, Rose felt like she was going to be the topic of conversation, and afterward, she was certain of it because Aunt Plenty whispered to her as they entered the living room,



      “Run up and sit awhile with Sister Peace, my dear. She likes to have you
      read while she rests, and we are going to be busy.”
     
“Run over and sit for a bit with Sister Peace, my dear. She enjoys having you read to her while she relaxes, and we’re going to be busy.”



      Rose obeyed, and the quiet rooms above were so like a church that she soon
      composed her ruffled feelings, and was unconsciously a little minister of
      happiness to the sweet old lady, who for years had sat there patiently
      waiting to be set free from pain.
    
Rose complied, and the calm rooms above felt so much like a church that she quickly settled her upset emotions and became, without realizing it, a small source of happiness for the sweet old lady, who had patiently waited there for years to be released from her pain.



      Rose knew the sad romance of her life, and it gave a certain tender charm
      to this great-aunt of hers, whom she already loved. When Peace was twenty,
      she was about to be married; all was done, the wedding dress lay ready,
      the flowers were waiting to be put on, the happy hour at hand, when word
      came that the lover was dead. They thought that gentle Peace would die,
      too; but she bore it bravely, put away her bridal gear, took up her life
      afresh, and lived on a beautiful, meek woman, with hair as white as snow
      and cheeks that never bloomed again. She wore no black, but soft, pale
      colours, as if always ready for the marriage that had never come.
    
Rose understood the bittersweet love story of her life, and it added a certain tender charm to her great-aunt, whom she already adored. When Peace was twenty, she was about to get married; everything was ready, the wedding dress was prepared, the flowers were waiting to be arranged, and the happy moment was near, when suddenly she got the news that her fiancé had died. They feared that gentle Peace would also succumb to grief; however, she handled it with strength, put away her wedding attire, started her life anew, and lived on as a beautiful, gentle woman with hair as white as snow and cheeks that never regained their color. She didn’t wear black, but soft, light colors, as if she was always prepared for the wedding that never happened.



      For thirty years she had lived on, fading slowly, but cheerful, busy, and
      full of interest in all that went on in the family; especially the joys
      and sorrows of the young girls growing up about her, and to them she was
      adviser, confidante, and friend in all their tender trials and delights. A
      truly beautiful old maiden, with her silvery hair, tranquil face, and an
      atmosphere of repose about her that soothed whoever came to her!
    
For thirty years, she had continued to live, slowly fading but remaining cheerful, busy, and genuinely interested in everything happening with the family. She was especially attuned to the joys and sorrows of the young girls growing up around her, serving as their advisor, confidante, and friend through all their tender trials and delights. A truly beautiful old woman, with her silver hair, calm face, and a soothing presence that brought comfort to anyone who visited her!



      Aunt Plenty was utterly dissimilar, being a stout, brisk old lady, with a
      sharp eye, a lively tongue, and a face like a winter-apple. Always
      trotting, chatting, and bustling, she was a regular Martha, cumbered with
      the cares of this world and quite happy in them.
    
Aunt Plenty was completely different, a plump, energetic old lady with a keen eye, a lively way of speaking, and a face like a winter apple. Always moving about, talking, and busy, she was a true Martha, weighed down by the responsibilities of life yet quite content with them.



      Rose was right; and while she softly read psalms to Aunt Peace, the other
      ladies were talking about her little self in the frankest manner.
    
Rose was right; and while she gently read psalms to Aunt Peace, the other ladies were openly discussing her in a very straightforward way.



      “Well, Alec, how do you like your ward?” began Aunt Jane, as they all
      settled down, and Uncle Mac deposited himself in a corner to finish his
      doze.
    
“Well, Alec, how do you like your ward?” Aunt Jane started as they all got comfortable, and Uncle Mac settled into a corner to continue his nap.



      “I should like her better if I could have begun at the beginning, and so
      got a fair start. Poor George led such a solitary life that the child has
      suffered in many ways, and since he died she has been going on worse than
      ever, judging from the state I find her in.”
     
“I’d like her more if I could have started fresh and gotten a fair chance. Poor George lived such a lonely life that the child has suffered in many ways, and ever since he died, she’s been doing even worse, judging by the condition I see her in.”



      “My dear boy, we did what we thought best while waiting for you to wind up
      your affairs and get home. I always told George he was wrong to bring her
      up as he did; but he never took my advice, and now here we are with this
      poor dear child upon our hands. I, for one, freely confess that I don't
      know what to do with her any more than if she was one of those strange,
      outlandish birds you used to bring home from foreign parts.” And Aunt
      Plenty gave a perplexed shake of the head which caused great commotion
      among the stiff loops of purple ribbon that bristled all over the cap like
      crocus buds.
    
“My dear boy, we did what we thought was best while we waited for you to wrap up your things and come home. I always told George he was wrong to raise her like that, but he never listened to me, and now here we are with this poor dear child in our care. I freely admit that I don’t know what to do with her any more than if she were one of those strange, exotic birds you used to bring home from abroad.” And Aunt Plenty shook her head in confusion, causing a great stir among the stiff loops of purple ribbon that bristled all over her cap like crocus buds.



      “If my advice had been taken, she would have remained at the excellent
      school where I placed her. But our aunt thought best to remove her because
      she complained, and she has been dawdling about ever since she came. A
      most ruinous state of things for a morbid, spoilt girl like Rose,” said
      Mrs. Jane, severely.
    
“If my advice had been followed, she would have stayed at the great school where I put her. But our aunt decided it was better to take her out because she complained, and she has been just wasting time ever since she arrived. It's a truly damaging situation for a sensitive, spoiled girl like Rose,” Mrs. Jane said sternly.



      She had never forgiven the old ladies for yielding to Rose's pathetic
      petition that she might wait her guardian's arrival before beginning
      another term at the school, which was a regular Blimber hot-bed, and
      turned out many a feminine Toots.
    
She had never forgiven the old ladies for giving in to Rose's pathetic request to wait for her guardian to arrive before starting another term at the school, which was a typical Blimber breeding ground, producing many a feminine Toots.



      “I never thought it the proper school for a child in good circumstances an
      heiress, in fact, as Rose is. It is all very well for girls who are to get
      their own living by teaching, and that sort of thing; but all she needs is
      a year or two at a fashionable finishing school, so that at eighteen she
      can come out with eclat,” put in Aunt Clara, who had been a beauty and a
      belle, and was still a handsome woman.
    
“I never thought it was the right school for a child in good circumstances, especially not for an heiress like Rose. It may be fine for girls who need to support themselves by teaching or something similar, but all she needs is a year or two at a fancy finishing school, so that by eighteen she can make a grand entrance,” Aunt Clara interjected, having been a beauty and a socialite, and still being a striking woman.



      “Dear, dear! how short-sighted you all are to be discussing education and
      plans for the future, when this unhappy child is so plainly marked for the
      tomb,” sighed Aunt Myra, with a lugubrious sniff and a solemn wag of the
      funereal bonnet, which she refused to remove, being afflicted with a
      chronic catarrh.
    
“Goodness! You all are so short-sighted to be talking about education and plans for the future when this poor child is obviously destined for the grave,” sighed Aunt Myra, with a gloomy sniff and a serious shake of her mourning bonnet, which she refused to take off due to her ongoing sinus issues.



      “Now, it is my opinion that the dear thing only wants freedom, rest, and
      care. There is look in her eyes that goes to my heart, for it shows that
      she feels the need of what none of us can give her a mother,” said Aunt
      Jessie, with tears in her own bright eyes at the thought of her boys being
      left, as Rose was, to the care of others.
    
“Now, I believe that the poor thing just wants freedom, rest, and care. There’s a look in her eyes that touches my heart because it shows that she feels the need for something none of us can provide—a mother,” said Aunt Jessie, with tears in her own bright eyes at the thought of her boys being left, like Rose, in the care of others.



      Uncle Alec, who had listened silently as each spoke, turned quickly
      towards the last sister, and said, with a decided nod of approval,
    
Uncle Alec, who had been listening quietly as each person spoke, turned swiftly toward the last sister and said, with a firm nod of approval,



      “You've got it, Jessie; and, with you to help me, I hope to make the child
      feel that she is not quite fatherless and motherless.”
     
"You've got it, Jessie; and with you helping me, I hope to make the child feel that she's not completely without a father and mother."



      “I'll do my best, Alec; and I think you will need me, for, wise as you
      are, you cannot understand a tender, timid little creature like Rose as a
      woman can,” said Mrs. Jessie, smiling back at him with a heart full of
      motherly goodwill.
    
“I'll do my best, Alec; and I think you'll need me, because as wise as you are, you can't understand a gentle, shy little person like Rose the way a woman can,” said Mrs. Jessie, smiling back at him with a heart full of motherly warmth.



      “I cannot help feeling that I, who have had a daughter of my own, can best
      bring up a girl; and I am very much surprised that George did not entrust
      her to me,” observed Aunt Myra, with an air of melancholy importance, for
      she was the only one who had given a daughter to the family, and she felt
      that she had distinguished herself, though ill-natured people said that
      she had dosed her darling to death.
    
“I can’t help but feel that I, having raised a daughter myself, would be the best person to bring up a girl; and I’m really surprised that George didn’t trust her to me,” Aunt Myra remarked, with a sense of serious melancholy, as she was the only one in the family who had brought forth a daughter, feeling that she had done something special, even though unkind people claimed she had over-indulged her beloved to the point of harm.



      “I never blamed him in the least, when I remember the perilous experiments
      you tried with poor Carrie,” began Mrs. Jane, in her hard voice.
    
“I never blamed him at all when I think about the risky experiments you put poor Carrie through,” Mrs. Jane started, her voice sounding harsh.



      “Jane Campbell, I will not hear a word! My sainted Caroline is a sacred
      object,” cried Aunt Myra, rising as if to leave the room.
    
“Jane Campbell, I don’t want to hear another word! My beloved Caroline is too precious,” Aunt Myra exclaimed, standing up as if she were about to leave the room.



      Dr. Alec detained her, feeling that he must define his position at once,
      and maintain it manfully if he hoped to have any success in his new
      undertaking.
    
Dr. Alec stopped her, realizing he needed to clarify his stance immediately and hold firm if he wanted to succeed in his new endeavor.



      “Now, my dear souls, don't let us quarrel and make Rose a bone of
      contention though, upon my word, she is almost a bone, poor little lass!
      You have had her among you for a year, and done what you liked. I cannot
      say that your success is great, but that is owing to too many fingers in
      the pie. Now, I intend to try my way for a year, and if at the end of it
      she is not in better trim than now, I'll give up the case, and hand her
      over to someone else. That's fair, I think.”
     
“Now, my dear friends, let’s not argue and turn Rose into a point of conflict, although, honestly, she’s almost at that point, poor thing! You’ve had her with you for a year and done whatever you wanted. I can’t say your success has been great, but that’s because too many people have been involved. Now, I plan to try my approach for a year, and if by the end of it she’s not in better shape than she is now, I’ll give up and hand her over to someone else. That seems fair to me.”



      “She will not be here a year hence, poor darling, so no one need dread
      future responsibility,” said Aunt Myra, folding her black gloves as if all
      ready for the funeral.
    
“She won’t be here a year from now, poor dear, so no one should worry about future responsibilities,” said Aunt Myra, folding her black gloves as if she were already prepared for the funeral.



      “By Jupiter! Myra, you are enough to damp the ardour of a saint!” cried
      Dr. Alec, with a sudden spark in his eyes. “Your croaking will worry that
      child out of her wits, for she is an imaginative puss, and will fret and
      fancy untold horrors. You have put it into her head that she has no
      constitution, and she rather likes the idea. If she had not had a pretty
      good one, she would have been 'marked for the tomb' by this time, at the
      rate you have been going on with her. I will not have any interference
      please understand that; so just wash your hands of her, and let me manage
      till I want help, then I'll ask for it.”
     
“By Jupiter! Myra, you’re enough to dampen the enthusiasm of a saint!” exclaimed Dr. Alec, a sudden spark in his eyes. “Your complaining will drive that child crazy, because she has a vivid imagination and will worry herself with all sorts of horrors. You’ve put it in her head that she’s weak, and she kind of likes the idea. If she really had a weak constitution, she would have been 'marked for the tomb' by now, considering how you’ve been treating her. I won’t have any interference, so please understand that; just wash your hands of her and let me handle it until I need help, then I’ll ask for it.”



      “Hear, hear!” came from the corner where Uncle Mac was apparently wrapt in
      slumber.
    
“Hear, hear!” came from the corner where Uncle Mac was apparently fast asleep.



      “You were appointed guardian, so we can do nothing. But I predict that the
      girl will be spoilt, utterly spoilt,” answered Mrs. Jane, grimly.
    
“You were appointed guardian, so there's nothing we can do. But I predict that the girl will be ruined, completely ruined,” Mrs. Jane replied grimly.



      “Thank you, sister. I have an idea that if a woman can bring up two boys
      as perfectly as you do yours, a man, if he devotes his whole mind to it,
      may at least attempt as much with one girl,” replied Dr. Alec, with a
      humorous look that tickled the others immensely, for it was a well-known
      fact in the family that Jane's boys were more indulged than all the other
      lads put together.
    
“Thanks, sis. I have a feeling that if a woman can raise two boys as well as you do yours, a man, if he puts his entire focus on it, might at least try as hard with one girl,” Dr. Alec replied, with a playful expression that really amused everyone else, since it was well-known in the family that Jane's boys were spoiled more than all the other boys combined.



      “I am quite easy, for I really do think that Alec will improve the child's
      health; and by the time his year is out, it will be quite soon enough for
      her to go to Madame Roccabella's and be finished off,” said Aunt Clara,
      settling her rings, and thinking, with languid satisfaction, of the time
      when she could bring out a pretty and accomplished niece.
    
“I’m pretty relaxed about it because I really believe that Alec will make the child healthier; and by the time his year is up, it will be just the right moment for her to go to Madame Roccabella's and get polished off,” said Aunt Clara, adjusting her rings and thinking, with lazy satisfaction, about the time when she could present a lovely and talented niece.



      “I suppose you will stay here in the old place, unless you think of
      marrying, and it's high time you did,” put in Mrs. Jane, much nettled at
      her brother's last hit.
    
“I guess you’ll stay here in this old place unless you’re considering getting married, and it’s about time you did,” added Mrs. Jane, feeling quite irritated by her brother’s last comment.



      “No, thank you. Come and have a cigar, Mac,” said Dr. Alec, abruptly.
    
“No, thanks. Come and have a cigar, Mac,” Dr. Alec said abruptly.



      “Don't marry; women enough in the family already,” muttered Uncle Mac; and
      then the gentlemen hastily fled.
    
“Don’t get married; there are already enough women in the family,” mumbled Uncle Mac; and then the men quickly left.



      “Aunt Peace would like to see you all, she says,” was the message Rose
      brought before the ladies could begin again.
    
“Aunt Peace wants to see all of you, she said,” was the message Rose delivered before the ladies could start again.



      “Hectic, hectic! dear me, dear me!” murmured Aunt Myra, as the shadow of
      her gloomy bonnet fell upon Rose, and the stiff tips of a black glove
      touched the cheek where the colour deepened under so many eyes.
    
“Hectic, hectic! Oh my, oh my!” murmured Aunt Myra, as the shadow of her gloomy bonnet fell on Rose, and the stiff tips of a black glove brushed against the cheek that flushed under so many gazes.



      “I am glad these pretty curls are natural; they will be invaluable by and
      by,” said Aunt Clara, taking an observation with her head on one side.
    
“I’m glad these pretty curls are natural; they’ll be really useful later on,” said Aunt Clara, tilting her head to get a better look.



      “Now that your uncle has come, I no longer expect you to review the
      studies of the past year. I trust your time will not be entirely wasted in
      frivolous sports, however,” added Aunt Jane, sailing out of the room with
      the air of a martyr.
    
“Now that your uncle is here, I no longer expect you to go over the studies from last year. I hope you won’t spend all your time on pointless games, though,” Aunt Jane added, leaving the room with a martyr-like attitude.



      Aunt Jessie said not a word, but kissed her little niece, with a look of
      tender sympathy that made Rose cling to her a minute, and follow her with
      grateful eyes as the door closed behind her.
    
Aunt Jessie didn’t say a word, but kissed her little niece, giving her a look of tender sympathy that made Rose hold on to her for a moment and follow her with thankful eyes as the door shut behind her.



      After everybody had gone home, Dr. Alec paced up and down the lower hall
      in the twilight for an hour, thinking so intently that sometimes he
      frowned, sometimes he smiled, and more than once he stood still in a brown
      study. All of a sudden he said, half aloud, as if he had made up his mind,
    
After everyone had gone home, Dr. Alec walked back and forth in the lower hall during the twilight for an hour, thinking so deeply that sometimes he frowned, sometimes he smiled, and more than once he paused in deep thought. Suddenly, he said half to himself, as if he had made a decision,



      “I might as well begin at once, and give the child something new to think
      about, for Myra's dismals and Jane's lectures have made her as blue as a
      little indigo bag.”
     
“I might as well start right away and give the kid something fresh to think about, because Myra's gloominess and Jane's lectures have made her as downcast as a little indigo bag.”



      Diving into one of the trunks that stood in a corner, he brought up, after
      a brisk rummage, a silken cushion, prettily embroidered, and a quaint cup
      of dark carved wood.
    
Diving into one of the trunks that stood in a corner, he pulled out, after a quick search, a silky cushion, nicely embroidered, and a unique cup made of dark carved wood.



      “This will do for a start,” he said, as he plumped up the cushion and
      dusted the cup. “It won't do to begin too energetically, or Rose will be
      frightened. I must beguile her gently and pleasantly along till I've won
      her confidence, and then she will be ready for anything.”
     
“This is a good start,” he said, as he fluffed the cushion and wiped the cup. “I can’t go overboard right away, or Rose will get scared. I need to charm her gradually and pleasantly until I’ve earned her trust, and then she’ll be open to anything.”



      Just then Phebe came out of the dining-room with a plate of brown bread,
      for Rose had been allowed no hot biscuit for tea.
    
Just then, Phebe walked out of the dining room with a plate of brown bread, since Rose wasn’t allowed any hot biscuits for tea.



      “I'll relieve you of some of that,” said Dr. Alec, and, helping himself to
      a generous slice, he retired to the study, leaving Phebe to wonder at his
      appetite.
    
“I'll take some of that off your hands,” said Dr. Alec, and, helping himself to a big slice, he went to the study, leaving Phebe to wonder about his appetite.



      She would have wondered still more if she had seen him making that brown
      bread into neat little pills, which he packed into an attractive ivory
      box, out of which he emptied his own bits of lovage.
    
She would have been even more curious if she had seen him turning that brown bread into neat little pills, which he packed into a nice ivory box, from which he took out his own pieces of lovage.



      “There! if they insist on medicine, I'll order these, and no harm will be
      done. I will have my own way, but I'll keep the peace, if possible, and
      confess the joke when my experiment has succeeded,” he said to himself,
      looking very much like a mischievous boy, as he went on with his innocent
      prescriptions.
    
“There! If they’re set on medicine, I’ll get these, and nothing will go wrong. I’ll do things my way, but I’ll try to keep the peace, if I can, and I’ll admit to the joke once my experiment works,” he said to himself, looking very much like a naughty boy as he continued with his innocent prescriptions.



      Rose was playing softly on the small organ that stood in the upper hall,
      so that Aunt Peace could enjoy it; and all the while he talked with the
      old ladies, Uncle Alec was listening to the fitful music of the child, and
      thinking of another Rose who used to play for him.
    
Rose was playing gently on the small organ in the upper hall, so Aunt Peace could enjoy it; and while he chatted with the older ladies, Uncle Alec listened to the sporadic music from the child and thought of another Rose who used to play for him.



      As the clock struck eight, he called out,
    
As the clock hit eight, he shouted,



      “Time for my girl to be abed, else she won't be up early, and I'm full of
      jolly plans for to-morrow. Come and see what I've found for you to begin
      upon.”
     
“Time for my girl to go to bed, or she won't wake up early, and I have so many fun plans for tomorrow. Come and see what I've found for you to start on.”



      Rose ran in and listened with bright attentive face, while Dr. Alec said
      impressively,
    
Rose ran in, her face bright and focused, as Dr. Alec spoke earnestly,



      “In my wanderings over the face of the earth, I have picked up some
      excellent remedies, and, as they are rather agreeable ones, I think you
      and I will try them. This is a herb-pillow, given to me by a wise old
      woman when I was ill in India. It is filled with saffron, poppies, and
      other soothing plants; so lay your little head on it to-night, sleep
      sweetly without a dream, and wake to-morrow without a pain.”
     
“In my travels around the world, I’ve discovered some great remedies, and since they’re quite nice, I think we should give them a try. This is a herb pillow, given to me by a wise old woman when I was sick in India. It’s filled with saffron, poppies, and other calming plants, so lay your little head on it tonight, sleep sweetly without dreaming, and wake up tomorrow without any pain.”



      “Shall I really? How nice it smells.” And Rose willingly received the
      pretty pillow, and stood enjoying its faint, sweet odour, as she listened
      to the doctor's next remedy.
    
“Should I really? It smells so nice.” And Rose happily accepted the lovely pillow, enjoying its light, sweet scent while she listened to the doctor's next suggestion.



      “This is the cup I told you of. Its virtue depends, they say, on the
      drinker filling it himself; so you must learn to milk. I'll teach you.”
     
“This is the cup I told you about. Its value, they say, relies on the drinker filling it themselves; so you need to learn how to milk. I’ll teach you.”



      “I'm afraid I never can,” said Rose; but she surveyed the cup with favour,
      for a funny little imp danced on the handle, as if all ready to take a
      header into the white sea below.
    
“I'm afraid I never can,” said Rose; but she looked at the cup with interest, for a funny little imp danced on the handle, as if it was ready to dive into the white sea below.



      “Don't you think she ought to have something more strengthening than milk,
      Alec? I really shall feel anxious if she does not have a tonic of some
      sort,” said Aunt Plenty, eyeing the new remedies suspiciously, for she had
      more faith in her old-fashioned doses than all the magic cups and poppy
      pillows of the East.
    
“Don't you think she should have something more nutritious than milk, Alec? I'll really worry if she doesn't get some kind of tonic,” said Aunt Plenty, examining the new remedies with suspicion, because she trusted her traditional treatments more than all the magical drinks and sleeping aids from the East.



      “Well, ma'am, I'm willing to give her a pill, if you think best. It is a
      very simple one, and very large quantities may be taken without harm. You
      know hasheesh is the extract of hemp? Well, this is a preparation of corn
      and rye, much used in old times, and I hope it will be again.”
     
“Well, ma'am, I'm okay with giving her a pill if you think it's the right move. It's a really simple one, and you can take a lot of it without any issues. You know hasheesh is made from hemp, right? Well, this is a mix of corn and rye, which was used a lot in the past, and I hope it becomes popular again.”



      “Dear me, how singular!” said Aunt Plenty, bringing her spectacles to bear
      upon the pills, with a face so full of respectful interest that it was
      almost too much for Dr. Alec's gravity.
    
“Wow, how strange!” said Aunt Plenty, adjusting her glasses to look at the pills, her face so filled with genuine curiosity that it nearly broke Dr. Alec's serious demeanor.



      “Take one in the morning, and a good-night to you, my dear,” he said,
      dismissing his patient with a hearty kiss.
    
“Take one in the morning, and good night to you, my dear,” he said, dismissing his patient with a warm kiss.



      Then, as she vanished, he put both hands into his hair, exclaiming, with a
      comical mixture of anxiety and amusement,
    
Then, as she disappeared, he ran both hands through his hair, exclaiming, with a funny mix of worry and laughter,



      “When I think what I have undertaken, I declare to you, aunt, I feel like
      running away and not coming back till Rose is eighteen!”
     
“When I think about what I've gotten myself into, I have to tell you, Aunt, I feel like packing up and leaving until Rose turns eighteen!”




 


 












      Chapter 5—A Belt and a Box
    



      When Rose came out of her chamber, cup in hand, next morning, the first
      person she saw was Uncle Alec standing on the threshold of the room
      opposite, which he appeared to be examining with care. When he heard her
      step, he turned about and began to sing,
    
When Rose stepped out of her room the next morning with a cup in hand, the first person she saw was Uncle Alec, standing at the door of the room across from hers, looking at it carefully. When he heard her footsteps, he turned around and started to sing,



      “Where are you going, my pretty maid?”
     
“Where are you heading, my pretty girl?”



      “I'm going a-milking, sir, she said,” answered Rose, waving the cup; and
      then they finished the verse together in fine style.
    
“I'm going milking, sir,” she said, waving the cup; and then they finished the verse together in great style.



      Before either spoke, a head, in a nightcap so large and beruffled that it
      looked like a cabbage, popped out of a room farther down the hall, and an
      astonished voice exclaimed,
    
Before either spoke, a head covered by a nightcap so big and frilly that it looked like a cabbage popped out of a room further down the hall, and an astonished voice exclaimed,



      “What in the world are you doing about so early?”
     
“What on earth are you doing up so early?”



      “Clearing our pipes for the day, ma'am. Look here, auntie, can I have this
      room?” said Dr. Alec, making her a sailor's bow.
    
"Clearing our pipes for the day, ma'am. Look here, auntie, can I have this room?” said Dr. Alec, giving her a sailor's bow.



      “Any room you like, except sister's.”
     
“Any room you want, except your sister’s.”



      “Thanks. And may I go rummaging round in the garrets and glory-holes to
      furnish it as I like?”
     
“Thanks. Can I go searching through the attics and storage spaces to decorate it how I want?”



      “My dear boy, you may turn the house upside down if you will only stay in
      it.”
     
“My dear boy, you can turn the house upside down as long as you stay inside it.”



      “That's a handsome offer, I'm sure. I'll stay, ma'am; here's my little
      anchor, so you will get more than you want of me this time.”
     
“That's a great offer, I'm sure. I'll stay, ma'am; here's my little anchor, so you'll get more than enough of me this time.”



      “That's impossible! Put on your jacket, Rose. Don't tire her out with
      antics, Alec. Yes, sister, I'm coming!” and the cabbage vanished suddenly.
    
"That's impossible! Put on your jacket, Rose. Don't wear her out with your antics, Alec. Yes, sister, I'm coming!" and the cabbage disappeared suddenly.



      The first milking lesson was a droll one; but after several scares and
      many vain attempts, Rose at last managed to fill her cup, while Ben held
      Clover's tail so that it could not flap, and Dr. Alec kept her from
      turning to stare at the new milkmaid, who objected to both these
      proceedings very much.
    
The first milking lesson was pretty funny; but after several scares and many failed attempts, Rose finally managed to fill her cup, while Ben held Clover's tail so it wouldn't flap, and Dr. Alec made sure she didn't turn to look at the new milkmaid, who was really not okay with either of these things.



      “You look chilly in spite of all this laughing. Take a smart run round the
      garden and get up a glow,” said the doctor, as they left the barn.
    
“You look cold even though you’re laughing so much. Why don’t you take a quick jog around the garden to warm up?” said the doctor as they walked out of the barn.



      “I'm too old for running, uncle; Miss Power said it was not lady-like for
      girls in their teens,” answered Rose, primly.
    
“I'm too old for running, Uncle; Miss Power said it wasn't ladylike for girls in their teens,” Rose replied, primly.



      “I take the liberty of differing from Madame Prunes and Prisms, and, as
      your physician, I order you to run. Off with you!” said Uncle Alec, with a
      look and a gesture that made Rose scurry away as fast as she could go.
    
“I’m going to disagree with Madame Prunes and Prisms, and as your doctor, I’m telling you to run. Go on!” said Uncle Alec, with a look and a gesture that made Rose hurry away as quickly as she could.



      Anxious to please him, she raced round the beds till she came back to the
      porch where he stood, and, dropping down upon the steps, she sat panting,
      with cheeks as rosy as the rigolette on her shoulders.
    
Eager to please him, she rushed around the beds until she returned to the porch where he stood. She dropped down on the steps, sitting there out of breath, with cheeks as rosy as the ribbons on her shoulders.



      “Very well done, child; I see you have not lost the use of your limbs
      though you are in your teens. That belt is too tight; unfasten it, then
      you can take a long breath without panting so.”
     
“Great job, kid; I see you haven't lost the use of your limbs even though you're a teenager. That belt is too tight; loosen it, and then you can take a deep breath without struggling.”



      “It isn't tight, sir; I can breathe perfectly well,” began Rose, trying to
      compose herself.
    
“It’s not tight, sir; I can breathe just fine,” Rose began, trying to steady herself.



      Her uncle's only answer was to lift her up and unhook the new belt of
      which she was so proud. The moment the clasp was open the belt flew apart
      several inches, for it was impossible to restrain the involuntary sigh of
      relief that flatly contradicted her words.
    
Her uncle's only response was to pick her up and unfasten the new belt she was so proud of. As soon as the clasp opened, the belt sprang apart a few inches because she couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief that completely contradicted what she had just said.



      “Why, I didn't know it was tight! it didn't feel so a bit. Of course it
      would open if I puff like this, but I never do, because I hardly ever
      run,” explained Rose, rather discomfited by this discovery.
    
“Why, I didn’t realize it was tight! It didn’t feel that way at all. Of course, it would loosen up if I puff like this, but I never do, because I hardly ever run,” Rose explained, feeling a bit embarrassed by this discovery.



      “I see you don't half fill your lungs, and so you can wear this absurd
      thing without feeling it. The idea of cramping a tender little waist in a
      stiff band of leather and steel just when it ought to be growing,” said
      Dr. Alec, surveying the belt with great disfavour as he put the clasp
      forward several holes, to Rose's secret dismay, for she was proud of her
      slender figure, and daily rejoiced that she wasn't as stout as Luly
      Miller, a former schoolmate, who vainly tried to repress her plumpness.
    
“I see you don’t fully fill your lungs, so you can wear this ridiculous thing without feeling it. The thought of squeezing a delicate waist in a rigid band of leather and steel right when it should be growing,” said Dr. Alec, looking at the belt with great disapproval as he moved the clasp forward several holes, to Rose's private dismay, since she was proud of her slim figure and was grateful every day that she wasn’t as heavy as Luly Miller, a former classmate who futilely tried to hide her roundness.



      “It will fall off if it is so loose,” she said anxiously, as she stood
      watching him pull her precious belt about.
    
“It’s going to fall off if it’s that loose,” she said anxiously, watching him adjust her precious belt.



      “Not if you keep taking long breaths to hold it on. That is what I want
      you to do, and when you have filled this out we will go on enlarging it
      till your waist is more like that of Hebe, goddess of health, and less
      like that of a fashion-plate the ugliest thing imaginable.”
     
“Not if you keep taking deep breaths to hold it in. That’s what I want you to do, and once you’ve filled this out, we’ll keep expanding it until your waist looks more like that of Hebe, the goddess of health, and less like that of a fashion model, which is the ugliest thing you can imagine.”



      “How it does look!” and Rose gave a glance of scorn at the loose belt
      hanging round her trim little waist. “It will be lost, and then I shall
      feel badly, for it cost ever so much, and is real steel and Russia
      leather. Just smell how nice.”
     
“How does it look?!” Rose said with a scornful glance at the loose belt hanging around her slim waist. “It’s going to get lost, and then I’ll feel terrible, because it cost a lot and is made of real steel and Russian leather. Just smell how nice it is.”



      “If it is lost I'll give you a better one. A soft silken sash is much
      fitter for a pretty child like you than a plated harness like this; and
      I've got no end of Italian scarfs and Turkish sashes among my traps. Ah!
      that makes you feel better, doesn't it?” and he pinched the cheek that had
      suddenly dimpled with a smile.
    
“If it gets lost, I'll get you a better one. A soft silk sash is way more suited for a pretty kid like you than a stiff harness like this; and I've got tons of Italian scarves and Turkish sashes among my stuff. Ah! That makes you feel better, right?” and he pinched the cheek that had suddenly dimpled with a smile.



      “It is very silly of me, but I can't help liking to know that” here she
      stopped and blushed and held down her head, ashamed to add, “you think I
      am pretty.”
     
“It’s kind of silly, but I can’t help liking to know that,” she stopped and blushed, looking down, embarrassed to add, “you think I’m pretty.”



      Dr. Alec's eyed twinkled, but he said very soberly,
    
Dr. Alec's eyes sparkled, but he spoke very seriously,



      “Rose, are you vain?”
     
"Rose, are you self-absorbed?"



      “I'm afraid I am,” answered a very meek voice from behind the veil of hair
      that hid the red face.
    
“I'm afraid I am,” replied a very soft voice from behind the curtain of hair that concealed the flushed face.



      “That is a sad fault.” And he sighed as if grieved at the confession.
    
“That’s a sad flaw.” And he sighed as if he were upset by the admission.



      “I know it is, and I try not to be; but people praise me, and I can't help
      liking it, for I really don't think I am repulsive.”
     
"I know it is, and I try not to be; but people compliment me, and I can't help liking it, because I honestly don't think I'm unattractive."



      The last word and the funny tone in which it was uttered were too much for
      Dr. Alec, and he laughed in spite of himself, to Rose's great relief.
    
The final word and the playful tone in which it was said were more than Dr. Alec could handle, and he laughed despite himself, much to Rose's relief.



      “I quite agree with you; and in order that you may be still less
      repulsive, I want you to grow as fine a girl as Phebe.”
     
“I completely agree with you; and so that you can be even less off-putting, I want you to grow into a wonderful girl like Phebe.”



      “Phebe!” and Rose looked so amazed that her uncle nearly went off again.
    
“Phebe!” and Rose looked so surprised that her uncle almost lost it again.



      “Yes, Phebe; for she has what you need health. If you dear little girls
      would only learn what real beauty is, and not pinch and starve and bleach
      yourselves out so, you'd save an immense deal of time and money and pain.
      A happy soul in a healthy body makes the best sort of beauty for man or
      woman. Do you understand that, my dear?”
     
“Yes, Phebe; because she has what you need—health. If you sweet girls could just learn what real beauty is, and stop pinching, starving, and bleaching yourselves so much, you would save yourselves a ton of time, money, and pain. A happy soul in a healthy body creates the best kind of beauty for both men and women. Do you get that, my dear?”



      “Yes, sir,” answered Rose, much taken down by this comparison with the
      girl from the poor-house. It nettled her sadly, and she showed that it did
      by saying quickly,
    
“Yes, sir,” Rose replied, feeling really upset by the comparison to the girl from the poorhouse. It bothered her a lot, and she made it clear by saying quickly,



      “I suppose you would like to have me sweep and scrub, and wear an old
      brown dress, and go round with my sleeves rolled up, as Phebe does?”
     
“I guess you'd want me to sweep and scrub, wear an old brown dress, and walk around with my sleeves rolled up, like Phebe does?”



      “I should very much, if you could work as well as she does, and show as
      strong a pair of arms as she can. I haven't seen a prettier picture for
      some time than she made of herself this morning, up to the elbows in suds,
      singing like a blackbird whilst she scrubbed on the back stoop.”
     
“I'd be really impressed if you could work as well as she does and show as strong a pair of arms as she has. I haven't seen a prettier sight in a while than what she looked like this morning, with her arms up to the elbows in suds, singing like a blackbird while she scrubbed on the back steps.”



      “Well, I do think you are the queerest man that ever lived!” was all Rose
      could find to say after this display of bad taste.
    
“Well, I really think you’re the weirdest guy that’s ever lived!” was all Rose could come up with to say after this show of bad taste.



      “I haven't begun to show you my oddities yet, so you must make up your
      mind to worse shocks than this,” he said, with such a whimsical look that
      she was glad the sound of a bell prevented her showing more plainly what a
      blow her little vanities had already received.
    
"I haven't even started to show you my quirks yet, so you should prepare for bigger surprises than this," he said, with such a playful expression that she was relieved the sound of a bell kept her from revealing how much her little vanities had already been bruised.



      “You will find your box all open up in auntie's parlor, and there you can
      amuse her and yourself by rummaging to your heart's content; I've got to
      be cruising round all the morning getting my room to rights,” said Dr.
      Alec, as they rose from breakfast.
    
“You'll find your box completely open in auntie's parlor, and you can entertain both her and yourself by rummaging through it as much as you want; I have to spend the whole morning tidying up my room,” said Dr. Alec as they got up from breakfast.



      “Can't I help you, uncle?” asked Rose, quite burning to be useful.
    
“Can’t I help you, uncle?” Rose asked, eager to be helpful.



      “No, thank you, I'm going to borrow Phebe for a while, if Aunt Plenty can
      spare her.”
     
“No, thanks, I'm going to borrow Phebe for a bit, if Aunt Plenty can spare her.”



      “Anybody anything, Alec. You will want me, I know, so I'll give orders
      about dinner and be all ready to lend a hand”; and the old lady bustled
      away full of interest and good-will.
    
“Anyone can help, Alec. I know you'll want me, so I'll make arrangements for dinner and be ready to pitch in,” and the old lady hurried off, full of enthusiasm and good intentions.



      “Uncle will find that I can do some things that Phebe can't, so now!”
       thought Rose, with a toss of the head as she flew to Aunt Peace and the
      long-desired box.
    
“Uncle will find that I can do some things that Phebe can't, so there!” thought Rose, tossing her head as she rushed to Aunt Peace and the long-awaited box.



      Every little girl can easily imagine what an extra good time she had
      diving into a sea of treasures and fishing up one pretty thing after
      another, till the air was full of the mingled odours of musk and
      sandalwood, the room gay with bright colours, and Rose in a rapture of
      delight. She began to forgive Dr. Alec for the oatmeal diet when she saw a
      lovely ivory workbox; became resigned to the state of her belt when she
      found a pile of rainbow-coloured sashes; and when she came to some
      distractingly pretty bottles of attar of rose, she felt that they almost
      atoned for the great sin of thinking Phebe the finer girl of the two.
    
Every little girl can easily imagine having an amazing time diving into a sea of treasures and pulling up one beautiful item after another, until the air was filled with the mixed scents of musk and sandalwood, the room bright with vibrant colors, and Rose in a state of pure joy. She started to forgive Dr. Alec for her oatmeal diet when she spotted a lovely ivory workbox; accepted the condition of her belt when she discovered a stack of rainbow-colored sashes; and when she came across some incredibly pretty bottles of rose oil, she felt that they nearly made up for her previous mistake of thinking Phebe was the more impressive girl of the two.



      Dr. Alec meanwhile had apparently taken Aunt Plenty at her word, and was
      turning the house upside down. A general revolution was evidently going on
      in the green-room, for the dark damask curtains were seen bundling away in
      Phebe's arms; the air-tight stove retiring to the cellar on Ben's
      shoulder; and the great bedstead going up garret in a fragmentary state,
      escorted by three bearers. Aunt Plenty was constantly on the trot among
      her store-rooms, camphor-chests, and linen-closets, looking as if the new
      order of things both amazed and amused her.
    
Dr. Alec had clearly taken Aunt Plenty seriously and was flipping the house upside down. A major overhaul was clearly happening in the green room, as the dark damask curtains were seen being rushed away in Phebe's arms; the airtight stove was being carried to the cellar on Ben's shoulder; and the big bed frame was heading up to the attic in pieces, accompanied by three helpers. Aunt Plenty was constantly moving between her storage rooms, camphor chests, and linen closets, looking like the new situation both surprised and entertained her.



      Half the peculiar performances of Dr. Alec cannot be revealed; but as Rose
      glanced up from her box now and then she caught glimpses of him striding
      by, bearing a bamboo chair, a pair of ancient andirons, a queer Japanese
      screen, a rug or two, and finally a large bathing-pan upon his head.
    
Half the strange antics of Dr. Alec can’t be shared; but as Rose looked up from her box now and then, she caught sight of him walking by, carrying a bamboo chair, an old pair of andirons, a peculiar Japanese screen, a couple of rugs, and finally a large bathing pan on his head.



      “What a curious room it will be,” she said, as she sat resting and
      refreshing herself with “Lumps of Delight,” all the way from Cairo.
    
“What a weird room it will be,” she said, as she sat back, relaxing and enjoying her “Lumps of Delight,” all the way from Cairo.



      “I fancy you will like it, deary,” answered Aunt Peace, looking up with a
      smile from some pretty trifle she was making with blue silk and white
      muslin.
    
"I think you'll like it, dear," Aunt Peace replied, looking up with a smile from the cute thing she was making with blue silk and white muslin.



      Rose did not see the smile, for just at that moment her uncle paused at
      the door, and she sprang up to dance before him, saying, with a face full
      of childish happiness,
    
Rose didn't notice the smile because just then her uncle stopped at the door, and she jumped up to dance in front of him, exclaiming, with a face full of childlike joy,



      “Look at me! look at me! I'm splendid I don't know myself. I haven't put
      these things on right, I dare say, but I do like them so much!”
     
“Look at me! Look at me! I'm fabulous; I can hardly believe it. I probably haven’t put these things on correctly, but I really love them!”



      “You look as gay as a parrot in your fez and cabaja, and it does my heart
      good to see the little black shadow turned into a rainbow,” said Uncle
      Alec, surveying the bright figure before him with great approbation.
    
“You look as cheerful as a parrot in your fez and cabaja, and it makes me really happy to see that little dark shadow transformed into a rainbow,” said Uncle Alec, looking at the vibrant figure before him with great approval.



      He did not say it, but he thought she made a much prettier picture than
      Phebe at the wash-tub, for she had stuck a purple fez on her blonde head,
      tied several brilliant scarfs about her waist, and put on a truly gorgeous
      scarlet jacket with a golden sun embroidered on the back, a silver moon on
      the front, and stars of all sizes on the sleeves. A pair of Turkish
      slippers adorned her feet, and necklaces of amber, coral, and filigree
      hung about her neck, while one hand held a smelling-bottle, and the other
      the spicy box of oriental sweetmeats.
    
He didn’t say it, but he thought she looked a lot prettier than Phebe at the wash-tub. She had a purple fez on her blonde head, tied several bright scarves around her waist, and wore a stunning red jacket with a golden sun embroidered on the back, a silver moon on the front, and stars of all sizes on the sleeves. A pair of Turkish slippers decorated her feet, and necklaces made of amber, coral, and filigree hung around her neck, while one hand held a perfume bottle and the other held a box of spicy oriental sweets.



      “I feel like a girl in the 'Arabian Nights,' and expect to find a magic
      carpet or a wonderful talisman somewhere. Only I don't see how I ever can
      thank you for all these lovely things,” she said, stopping her dance, as
      if suddenly oppressed with gratitude.
    
“I feel like a girl in the 'Arabian Nights,' and I expect to find a magic carpet or a cool talisman somewhere. But I really don’t know how I can ever thank you for all these beautiful things,” she said, pausing her dance, as if suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude.



      “I'll tell you how by leaving off the black clothes, that never should
      have been kept so long on such a child, and wearing the gay ones I've
      brought. It will do your spirits good, and cheer up this sober old house.
      Won't it, auntie?”
     
“I’ll show you how by taking off the black clothes, which should never have been kept on such a child for so long, and putting on the colorful ones I’ve brought. It will lift your spirits and brighten up this serious old house. Right, auntie?”



      “I think you are right, Alec, and it is fortunate that we have not begun
      on her spring clothes yet, for Myra thought she ought not to wear anything
      brighter than violet, and she is too pale for that.”
     
“I think you’re right, Alec, and it’s lucky we haven’t started on her spring clothes yet, because Myra thought she shouldn't wear anything brighter than violet, and she’s too pale for that.”



      “You just let me direct Miss Hemming how to make some of these things. You
      will be surprised to see how much I know about piping hems and gathering
      arm-holes and shirring biases,” began Dr. Alec, patting a pile of muslin,
      cloth and silk with a knowing air.
    
“You just let me show Miss Hemming how to make some of these things. You’ll be surprised at how much I know about piping hems, gathering armholes, and shirring biases,” Dr. Alec began, patting a pile of muslin, cloth, and silk with a confident look.



      Aunt Peace and Rose laughed so that he could not display his knowledge any
      farther, till they stopped, when he said good-naturedly,
    
Aunt Peace and Rose laughed so hard that he couldn't show off his knowledge anymore. Once they stopped, he said with a friendly tone,



      “That will go a great way toward filling out the belt, so laugh away,
      Morgiana, and I'll go back to my work, or I never shall be done.”
     
“That will really help fill out the belt, so go ahead and laugh, Morgiana, and I'll get back to my work, or I’ll never finish.”



      “I couldn't help it, 'shirred biases' were so very funny!” Rose said, as
      she turned to her box after the splendid laugh. “But really, auntie,” she
      added soberly, “I feel as if I ought not to have so many nice things. I
      suppose it wouldn't do to give Phebe some of them? Uncle might not like
      it.”
     
“I couldn't help it, 'shirred biases' are just so funny!” Rose said, as she turned back to her box after the great laugh. “But honestly, auntie,” she added seriously, “I feel like I shouldn't have so many nice things. I guess it wouldn’t be right to give some of them to Phebe? Uncle might not approve.”



      “He would not mind; but they are not suitable for Phebe. Some of the
      dresses you are done with would be more useful, if they can be made over
      to fit her,” answered Aunt Peace in the prudent, moderate tone which is so
      trying to our feelings when we indulge in little fits of charitable
      enthusiasm.
    
“He wouldn’t care; but they’re not right for Phebe. Some of the dresses you’re finished with would be more helpful if they can be altered to fit her,” Aunt Peace replied in the cautious, measured tone that can be so frustrating to our emotions when we get caught up in moments of charitable excitement.



      “I'd rather give her new ones, for I think she is a little bit proud and
      might not like old things. If she was my sister it would do, because
      sisters don't mind, but she isn't, and that makes it bad, you see. I know
      how I can manage beautifully; I'll adopt her!” and Rose looked quite
      radiant with this new idea.
    
“I’d rather give her new ones because I think she’s a bit proud and might not like old things. If she were my sister, it would be fine, since sisters don’t care, but she isn’t, and that makes it tricky, you see. I know how I can handle this perfectly; I’ll adopt her!” and Rose looked completely thrilled with this new idea.



      “I'm afraid you could not do it legally till you are older, but you might
      see if she likes the plan, and at any rate you can be very kind to her,
      for in one sense we are all sisters, and should help one another.”
     
“I'm afraid you can't do it legally until you're older, but you might see if she likes the idea, and in any case, you can be really kind to her because, in a way, we’re all like sisters and should support each other.”



      The sweet old face looked at her so kindly that Rose was fired with a
      desire to settle the matter at once, and rushed away to the kitchen, just
      as she was. Phebe was there, polishing up the antique andirons so busily
      that she started when a voice cried out: “Smell that, taste this, and look
      at me!”
     
The sweet old face looked at her so kindly that Rose was filled with a strong urge to resolve the issue immediately and dashed off to the kitchen, just as she was. Phebe was there, busy polishing the antique andirons, and she jumped when a voice exclaimed, “Smell this, taste that, and look at me!”



      Phebe sniffed attar of rose, crunched the “Lump of Delight” tucked into
      her mouth, and stared with all her eyes at little Morgiana prancing about
      the room like a brilliant paroquet.
    
Phebe breathed in the scent of rose oil, chewed on the “Lump of Delight” she had in her mouth, and watched with wide eyes as little Morgiana danced around the room like a dazzling parakeet.



      “My stars, ain't you splendid!” was all she could say, holding up two
      dusty hands.
    
“My goodness, aren’t you amazing!” was all she could say, holding up two dirty hands.



      “I've got heaps of lovely things upstairs, and I'll show them all to you,
      and I'd go halves, only auntie thinks they wouldn't be useful, so I shall
      give you something else; and you won't mind, will you? because I want to
      adopt you as Arabella was in the story. Won't that be nice?”
     
"I've got a bunch of great stuff upstairs, and I'll show you everything. I'd share it with you, but my aunt thinks it wouldn't be useful, so I'll give you something else instead. You don't mind, do you? Because I want to adopt you like Arabella in the story. Won't that be nice?"



      “Why, Miss Rose, have you lost your wits?”
     
“Why, Miss Rose, have you lost your mind?”



      No wonder Phebe asked, for Rose talked very fast, and looked so odd in her
      new costume, and was so eager she could not stop to explain. Seeing
      Phebe's bewilderment, she quieted down and said, with a pretty air of
      earnestness,
    
No wonder Phebe asked, because Rose was talking really fast, looked so strange in her new outfit, and was so excited she couldn’t take a moment to explain. Noticing Phebe's confusion, she calmed down and said, with a charming sense of seriousness,



      “It isn't fair that I should have so much and you so little, and I want to
      be as good to you as if you were my sister, for Aunt Peace says we are all
      sisters really. I thought if I adopted you as much as I can now, it would
      be nicer. Will you let me, please?”
     
“It doesn’t seem right that I have so much and you have so little, and I want to treat you like you’re my sister, because Aunt Peace says we’re all really sisters. I thought that if I took you in as much as I can now, it would be better. Will you let me, please?”



      To Rose's great surprise, Phebe sat down on the floor and hid her face in
      her apron for a minute without answering a word.
    
To Rose's great surprise, Phebe sat down on the floor and buried her face in her apron for a minute without saying a word.



      “Oh, dear, now she's offended, and I don't know what to do,” thought Rose,
      much discouraged by this reception of her offer.
    
“Oh no, now she’s upset, and I have no idea what to do,” thought Rose, feeling quite discouraged by the way her offer was received.



      “Please, forgive me; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, and hope you
      won't think—” she faltered presently, feeling that she must undo the
      mischief, if possible.
    
“Please, forgive me; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, and I hope you won't think—” she hesitated, realizing that she needed to fix the damage, if she could.



      But Phebe gave her another surprise, by dropping the apron and showing a
      face all smiles, in spite of tears in the eyes, as she put both arms round
      Rose and said, with a laugh and sob,
    
But Phebe surprised her again by dropping the apron and revealing a smiling face, despite the tears in her eyes, as she wrapped both arms around Rose and said, with a laugh and a sob,



      “I think you are the dearest girl in the world, and I'll let you do
      anything you like with me.”
     
“I think you’re the sweetest girl in the world, and I’ll let you do whatever you want with me.”



      “Then you do like the plan? You didn't cry because I seemed to be kind of
      patronising? I truly didn't mean to be,” cried Rose, delighted.
    
“Then you actually like the plan? You didn't cry because I came off as a bit condescending? I really didn't mean to,” Rose exclaimed, thrilled.



      “I guess I do like it! and cried because no one was ever so good to me
      before, and I couldn't help it. As for patronising, you may walk on me if
      you want to, and I won't mind,” said Phebe, in a burst of gratitude, for
      the words, “we are sisters” went straight to her lonely heart and nestled
      there.
    
“I guess I do like it! And I cried because no one has ever been so good to me before, and I just couldn’t help it. As for being patronizing, you can walk all over me if you want to, and I won’t mind,” said Phebe, overwhelmed with gratitude, because the words, “we are sisters” went right to her lonely heart and found a home there.



      “Well, now, we can play I'm a good sprite out of the box, or, what is
      better, a fairy godmother come down the chimney, and you are Cinderella,
      and must say what you want,” said Rose, trying to put the question
      delicately.
    
“Well, now, we can either play that I'm a good sprite right out of the box, or, even better, that I’m a fairy godmother coming down the chimney, and you’re Cinderella, and you have to say what you want,” Rose said, trying to phrase the question gently.



      Phebe understood that, for she had a good deal of natural refinement,
      though she did come from the poor-house.
    
Phebe understood that because she had a lot of natural elegance, even though she came from the poorhouse.



      “I don't feel as if I wanted anything now, Miss Rose, but to find some way
      of thanking you for all you've done,” she said, rubbing off a tear that
      went rolling down the bridge of her nose in the most unromantic way.
    
“I don't feel like I want anything right now, Miss Rose, except to find a way to thank you for everything you've done,” she said, wiping away a tear that was rolling down the bridge of her nose in the least romantic way.



      “Why, I haven't done anything but given you a bit of candy! Here, have
      some more, and eat 'em while you work, and think what I can do. I must go
      and clear up, so good-bye, and don't forget I've adopted you.”
     
“Why, I haven't done anything but give you a little bit of candy! Here, have some more, and eat them while you work, and think about what I can do. I have to go clean up now, so goodbye, and don't forget that I've adopted you.”



      “You've given me sweeter things than candy, and I'm not likely to forget
      it.” And carefully wiping off the brick-dust, Phebe pressed the little
      hand Rose offered warmly in both her hard ones, while the black eyes
      followed the departing visitor with a grateful look that made them very
      soft and bright.
    
“You've given me sweeter things than candy, and I'm not going to forget it.” And carefully brushing off the brick dust, Phebe warmly took the little hand Rose offered in both her tough ones, while her dark eyes followed the departing visitor with a grateful look that made them very soft and bright.




 


 












      Chapter 6—Uncle Alec's Room
    



      Soon after dinner, and before she had got acquainted with half her new
      possessions, Dr. Alec proposed a drive, to carry round the first
      instalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was quite ready to go,
      being anxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box, which not only
      possessed a most engaging little hood, but had funny tassels bobbing in
      all directions.
    
Soon after dinner, and before she had gotten familiar with half her new stuff, Dr. Alec suggested a drive to deliver the first round of gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was more than ready to go, eager to try on a soft wrap from the box that not only had a cute little hood but also fun tassels bouncing in all directions.



      The big carriage was full of parcels, and even Ben's seat was loaded with
      Indian war clubs, a Chinese kite of immense size, and a pair of polished
      ox-horns from Africa. Uncle Alec, very blue as to his clothes, and very
      brown as to his face, sat bolt upright, surveying well known places with
      interest, while Rose, feeling unusually elegant and comfortable, leaned
      back folded in her soft mantle, and played she was an Eastern princess
      making a royal progress among her subjects.
    
The big carriage was packed with packages, and even Ben’s seat was piled high with Indian war clubs, a giant Chinese kite, and a pair of shiny ox-horns from Africa. Uncle Alec, dressed in blue and with a deeply tanned face, sat straight up, looking around at familiar places with interest, while Rose, feeling particularly stylish and cozy, leaned back wrapped in her soft cloak, pretending to be an Eastern princess making a grand procession among her people.



      At three of the places their calls were brief, for Aunt Myra's catarrh was
      unusually bad; Aunt Clara had a room full of company; and Aunt Jane showed
      such a tendency to discuss the population, productions, and politics of
      Europe, Asia and Africa, that even Dr. Alec was dismayed, and got away as
      soon as possible.
    
At three of the places, their visits were short because Aunt Myra's cold was particularly bad; Aunt Clara had a room full of guests; and Aunt Jane had such a habit of talking about the population, products, and politics of Europe, Asia, and Africa that even Dr. Alec was taken aback and left as quickly as he could.



      “Now we will have a good time! I do hope the boys will be at home,” said
      Rose, with a sigh of relief, as they wound yet higher up the hill to Aunt
      Jessie's.
    
“Now we're going to have a great time! I really hope the boys are home,” said Rose, sighing in relief as they climbed higher up the hill to Aunt Jessie's.



      “I left this for the last call, so that we might find the lads just in
      from school. Yes, there is Jamie on the gate watching for us; now you'll
      see the Clan gather; they are always swarming about together.”
     
“I saved this for the last call, so we could catch the guys just coming back from school. Look, there's Jamie at the gate keeping an eye out for us; now you'll see the Clan come together; they're always hanging out together.”



      The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrill whistle,
      which was answered by echoes from meadow, house and barn, as the cousins
      came running from all directions, shouting, “Hooray for Uncle Alec!” They
      went at the carriage like highwaymen, robbed it of every parcel, took the
      occupants prisoners, and marched them into the house with great
      exultation.
    
The moment Jamie spotted the arriving guests, he let out a loud whistle, which was followed by echoes from the meadow, house, and barn, as the cousins came running in from all directions, cheering, “Hooray for Uncle Alec!” They swarmed the carriage like a gang of robbers, grabbed every package, took the passengers hostage, and proudly marched them into the house.



      “Little Mum! little Mum! here they are with lots of goodies! Come down and
      see the fun right away! Quick!” bawled Will and Geordie amidst a general
      ripping off of papers and a reckless cutting of strings that soon turned
      the tidy room into a chaos.
    
“Hey, Mom! Hey, Mom! They’re here with a bunch of treats! Come down and check out the fun right now! Hurry!” shouted Will and Geordie, as everyone started tearing off wrapping paper and cutting strings, quickly turning the tidy room into a mess.



      Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on, but such a beaming face
      below it that one rather thought the fly-away head-gear an improvement
      than otherwise. She had hardly time to greet Rose and the doctor before
      the boys were about her, each clamouring for her to see his gift and
      rejoice over it with him, for “little Mum” went halves in everything. The
      great horns skirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling; the war
      clubs hurtled over her head as if to annihilate her; an amazing medley
      from the four quarters of the globe filled her lap, and seven excited boys
      all talked to her at once.
    
Down came Aunt Jessie with her cute cap half on, but with such a bright smile underneath that you might think the messy headpiece was an improvement. She barely had time to say hello to Rose and the doctor before the boys surrounded her, each wanting her to see his gift and celebrate with him, since “little Mum” shared in everything. The big horns jostled around her as if trying to throw her to the ceiling; the war clubs whizzed over her head like they were out to get her; an incredible mix of items from all over the world filled her lap, and seven excited boys were all talking to her at once.



      But she liked it; oh dear, yes! and sat smiling, admiring, and explaining,
      quite untroubled by the din, which made Rose cover up her ears and Dr.
      Alec threaten instant flight if the riot was not quelled. That threat
      produced a lull, and while the uncle received thanks in one corner, the
      aunt had some little confidences made to her in the other.
    
But she enjoyed it; oh yes! and sat there smiling, admiring, and explaining, completely unbothered by the noise, which made Rose cover her ears and Dr. Alec threaten to leave immediately if the chaos didn't stop. That threat created a brief quiet, and while the uncle was being thanked in one corner, the aunt was having some little secrets shared with her in the other.



      “Well, dear, and how are things going with you now? Better, I hope, than
      they were a week ago.”
     
“Well, dear, how are things going for you now? I hope they're better than they were a week ago.”



      “Aunt Jessie, I think I'm going to be very happy, now uncle has come. He
      does the queerest things, but he is so good to me I can't help loving
      him”; and, nestling closer to little Mum, Rose told all that had happened,
      ending with a rapturous account of the splendid box.
    
“Aunt Jessie, I think I'm going to be really happy now that Uncle's here. He does the weirdest things, but he's so good to me that I can't help but love him,” and, snuggling closer to little Mum, Rose shared everything that had happened, ending with an excited description of the amazing box.



      “I am very glad, dear. But, Rose, I must warn you of one thing; don't let
      uncle spoil you.”
     
“I’m really happy, dear. But, Rose, I have to warn you about one thing: don’t let uncle spoil you.”



      “But I like to be spoilt, auntie.”
     
“But I like being pampered, auntie.”



      “I don't doubt it; but if you turn out badly when the year is over he will
      be blamed, and his experiment prove a failure. That would be a pity,
      wouldn't it? when he wants to do so much for you, and can do it if his
      kind heart does not get in the way of his good judgment.”
     
“I don’t doubt it; but if you end up struggling by the end of the year, he will be blamed, and his experiment will be seen as a failure. That would be unfortunate, wouldn’t it? Especially since he wants to help you so much, and he can, as long as his kind heart doesn’t cloud his good judgment.”



      “I never thought of that, and I'll try not to be spoilt. But how can I
      help it?” asked Rose anxiously.
    
"I never thought of that, and I'll try not to be spoiled. But how can I help it?" asked Rose anxiously.



      “By not complaining of the wholesome things he wants you to do; by giving
      him cheerful obedience as well as love; and even making some small
      sacrifices for his sake.”
     
“By not complaining about the good things he wants you to do; by giving him happy obedience as well as love; and even making some small sacrifices for him.”



      “I will, I truly will! and when I get in a worry about things may I come
      to you? Uncle told me to, and I feel as if I shouldn't be afraid.”
     
“I will, I really will! And when I start to worry about things, can I come to you? Uncle told me to, and I feel like I shouldn’t be scared.”



      “You may, darling; this is the place where little troubles are best cured,
      and this is what mothers are for, I fancy”; and Aunt Jessie drew the curly
      head to her shoulder with a tender look that proved how well she knew what
      medicine the child most needed.
    
"You can, sweetheart; this is the place where small troubles are best healed, and that's what mothers are for, I think"; and Aunt Jessie pulled the curly head to her shoulder with a loving look that showed just how well she understood what kind of care the child really needed.



      It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat still enjoying it till a
      little voice said,
    
It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat there, soaking it all in, until a little voice said,



      “Mamma, don't you think Pokey would like some of my shells? Rose gave
      Phebe some of her nice things, and it was very good of her. Can I?”
     
“Mama, don’t you think Pokey would want some of my shells? Rose gave Phebe some of her nice things, and that was really nice of her. Can I?”



      “Who is Pokey?” asked Rose, popping up her head, attracted by the odd
      name.
    
“Who is Pokey?” Rose asked, popping her head up, intrigued by the strange name.



      “My dolly; do you want to see her?” asked Jamie, who had been much
      impressed by the tale of adoption he had overheard.
    
“My doll; do you want to see her?” asked Jamie, who had been really impressed by the story of adoption he had overheard.



      “Yes; I'm fond of dollies, only don't tell the boys, or they will laugh at
      me.”
     
“Yes; I like dolls, but don’t tell the guys, or they’ll tease me.”



      “They don't laugh at me, and they play with my dolly a great deal; but she
      likes me best”; and Jamie ran away to produce his pet.
    
“They don’t laugh at me, and they play with my doll a lot; but she likes me best.” And Jamie ran off to get his favorite toy.



      “I brought my old doll, but I keep her hidden because I am too big to play
      with her, and yet I can't bear to throw her away, I'm so fond of her,”
       said Rose, continuing her confidences in a whisper.
    
“I brought my old doll, but I keep her hidden because I’m too grown up to play with her, and yet I can’t bear to throw her away; I’m so attached to her,” said Rose, continuing her secrets in a whisper.



      “You can come and play with Jamie's whenever you like, for we believe in
      dollies up here,” began Aunt Jessie, smiling to herself as if something
      amused her.
    
“You can come and play with Jamie's whenever you want, because we believe in dolls up here,” Aunt Jessie started, smiling to herself as if she found something amusing.



      Just then Jamie came back, and Rose understood the smile, for his dolly
      proved to be a pretty four-year-old little girl, who trotted in as fast as
      her fat legs would carry her, and making straight for the shells,
      scrambled up an armful, saying, with a laugh that showed her little white
      teeth,
    
Just then Jamie came back, and Rose understood the smile because his doll turned out to be a cute four-year-old girl. She hurried over as fast as her chubby legs could carry her and made a beeline for the shells, scooping up an armful and laughing in a way that revealed her little white teeth,



      “All for Dimmy and me, for Dimmy and me!”
     
"All for Dimmy and me, for Dimmy and me!"



      “That's my dolly; isn't she a nice one?” asked Jamie, proudly surveying
      his pet with his hands behind him and his short legs rather far apart a
      manly attitude copied from his brothers.
    
“That's my doll; isn't she cute?” asked Jamie, proudly looking at his pet with his hands behind him and his short legs spread apart, mimicking a manly stance he saw from his brothers.



      “She is a dear dolly. But why call her Pokey?” asked Rose, charmed with
      the new plaything.
    
“She’s a lovely doll. But why do you call her Pokey?” asked Rose, enchanted with the new toy.



      “She is such an inquisitive little body she is always poking that mite of
      a nose into everything; and as Paul Pry did not suit, the boys fell to
      calling her Pokey. Not a pretty name, but very expressive.”
     
“She is such a curious little thing; she’s always poking her tiny nose into everything. Since Paul Pry didn’t fit, the boys started calling her Pokey. It’s not a pretty name, but it’s definitely fitting.”



      It certainly was, for, having examined the shells, the busy tot laid hold
      of everything she could find, and continued her researches till Archie
      caught her sucking his carved ivory chessmen to see if they were not
      barley sugar. Rice paper pictures were also discovered crumpled up in her
      tiny pocket, and she nearly smashed Will's ostrich egg by trying to sit
      upon it.
    
It definitely was, because after checking out the shells, the curious little one grabbed everything she could find and kept exploring until Archie found her sucking on his carved ivory chess pieces to see if they were made of barley sugar. She also found crumpled rice paper pictures in her small pocket, and she almost broke Will's ostrich egg by attempting to sit on it.



      “Here, Jim, take her away; she's worse than the puppies, and we can't have
      her round,” commanded the elder brother, picking her up and handing her
      over to the little fellow, who received her with open arms and the warning
      remark,
    
“Here, Jim, take her away; she's worse than the puppies, and we can't have her around,” ordered the older brother, picking her up and passing her to the little guy, who welcomed her with open arms and the cautionary comment,



      “You'd better mind what you do, for I'm going to 'dopt Pokey like Rose did
      Phebe, and then you'll have to be very good to her, you big fellows.”
     
“You'd better watch what you do because I'm going to adopt Pokey like Rose did with Phebe, and then you'll have to be really nice to her, you big guys.”



      “'Dopt away, baby, and I'll give you a cage to keep her in, or you won't
      have her long, for she is getting worse than a monkey”; and Archie went
      back to his mates, while Aunt Jessie, foreseeing a crisis, proposed that
      Jamie should take his dolly home, as she was borrowed, and it was time her
      visit ended.
    
“‘Take her away, baby, and I'll give you a cage to keep her in, or you won't have her for long, because she's getting worse than a monkey’; and Archie went back to his friends, while Aunt Jessie, anticipating a crisis, suggested that Jamie should take his doll home since it was borrowed, and it was time for her visit to end.”



      “My dolly is better than yours, isn't she? 'cause she can walk and talk
      and sing and dance, and yours can't do anything, can she?” asked Jamie
      with pride, as he regarded his Pokey, who just then had been moved to
      execute a funny little jig and warble the well-known couplet,
    
“My doll is better than yours, right? Because she can walk and talk and sing and dance, and yours can’t do anything, right?” asked Jamie proudly, looking at his Pokey, who had just been moved to do a silly little dance and sing the familiar line,


    “'Puss-tat, puss-tat, where you been?'
     'I been Lunnin, to saw a Tween.”'

    “'Hey, kitty, where have you been?'
     'I've been to London to see a queen.'”



      After which superb display she retired, escorted by Jamie, both making a
      fearful din blowing on conch shells.
    
After that amazing performance, she left with Jamie, both making a loud noise blowing on conch shells.



      “We must tear ourselves away, Rose, because I want to get you home before
      sunset. Will you come for a drive, Jessie?” said Dr. Alec, as the music
      died away in the distance.
    
“We need to leave now, Rose, because I want to get you home before sunset. Will you join me for a drive, Jessie?” said Dr. Alec, as the music faded into the distance.



      “No, thank you; but I see the boys want a scamper, so, if you don't mind,
      they may escort you home, but not go in. That is only allowed on
      holidays.”
     
"No, thanks; but I can see the boys want to run around, so if you don't mind, they can walk you home, but they can't come in. That's only allowed on holidays."



      The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archie said, in a
      tone of command,
    
The words were barely out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archie said, in a commanding tone,



      “Pass the word, lads. Boot and saddle, and be quick about it.”
     
“Spread the word, guys. Get your gear ready, and do it fast.”



      “All right!” And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but the litter
      on the floor.
    
“All right!” And in an instant, there was no trace of the boy left, just the mess on the floor.



      The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose cling to her
      uncle's arm, for the fat old horses got excited by the antics of the
      ponies careering all about them, and went as fast as they could pelt, with
      the gay dog-cart rattling in front, for Archie and Charlie scorned
      shelties since this magnificent equipage had been set up. Ben enjoyed the
      fun, and the lads cut up capers till Rose declared that “circus” was the
      proper name for them after all.
    
The parade went down the hill at a speed that made Rose grip her uncle's arm, as the fat old horses got spooked by the playful ponies racing around them and bolted as fast as they could, with the cheerful dog-cart clattering ahead, since Archie and Charlie looked down on smaller horses ever since this impressive setup was created. Ben loved the excitement, and the boys acted like clowns until Rose said that “circus” was the perfect name for them after all.



      When they reached the house they dismounted, and stood, three on each side
      the steps, in martial attitudes, while her ladyship was handed out with
      great elegance by Uncle Alec. Then the Clan saluted, mounted at word of
      command, and with a wild whoop tore down the avenue in what they
      considered the true Arab style.
    
When they arrived at the house, they got off their horses and positioned themselves, three on each side of the steps, in military poses, while Uncle Alec gracefully helped her ladyship out. Then the Clan saluted, mounted at the command, and with a wild cheer raced down the driveway in what they thought was the real Arab style.



      “That was splendid, now it is safely ended,” said Rose, skipping up the
      steps with her head over her shoulder to watch the dear tassels bob about.
    
“That was great, now it’s all finished,” said Rose, skipping up the steps with her head turned over her shoulder to watch the cute tassels bounce around.



      “I shall get you a pony as soon as you are a little stronger,” said Dr.
      Alec, watching her with a smile.
    
“I'll get you a pony as soon as you’re a bit stronger,” said Dr. Alec, watching her with a smile.



      “Oh, I couldn't ride one of those horrid, frisky little beasts! They roll
      their eyes and bounce about so, I should die of fright,” cried Rose,
      clasping her hands tragically.
    
“Oh, I couldn’t ride one of those terrible, hyper little creatures! They roll their eyes and jump around so much, I’d die of fright,” cried Rose, clasping her hands dramatically.



      “Are you a coward?”
     
“Are you scared?”



      “About horses I am.”
     
“I know about horses.”



      “Never mind, then; come and see my new room”; and he led the way upstairs
      without another word.
    
“Forget it; come check out my new room.” He then headed upstairs without saying anything else.



      As Rose followed she remembered her promise to Aunt Jessie, and was sorry
      she had objected so decidedly. She was a great deal more sorry five
      minutes later, and well she might be.
    
As Rose followed, she remembered her promise to Aunt Jessie and regretted her strong objections. She felt even more regret five minutes later, and she had good reason to.



      “Now, take a good look, and tell me what you think of it,” said Dr. Alec,
      opening the door and letting her enter before him, while Phebe was seen
      whisking down the backstairs with a dust-pan.
    
“Now, take a good look and tell me what you think,” said Dr. Alec, opening the door and letting her go in first, while Phebe was seen hurrying down the back stairs with a dustpan.



      Rose walked to the middle of the room, stood still, and gazed about her
      with eyes that brightened as they looked, for all was changed.
    
Rose walked to the center of the room, paused, and looked around with eyes that sparkled as she took it all in, because everything was different.



      This chamber had been built out over the library to suit some fancy, and
      had been unused for years, except at Christmas times, when the old house
      overflowed. It had three windows one to the east, that overlooked the bay;
      one to the south, where the horse-chestnuts waved their green fans; and
      one to the west, towards the hill and the evening sky. A ruddy sunset
      burned there now, filling the room with an enchanted glow; the soft murmur
      of the sea was heard, and a robin chirped “Good-night!” among the budding
      trees.
    
This room had been built over the library for some reason and had been unused for years, except during Christmas when the old house was full. It had three windows: one facing east that looked out over the bay; one to the south, where the horse-chestnuts waved their green leaves; and one to the west, towards the hill and the evening sky. A bright sunset was shining there now, filling the room with a magical glow; the gentle sound of the sea was audible, and a robin chirped “Good-night!” among the budding trees.



      Rose saw and heard these things first, and felt their beauty with a
      child's quick instinct; then her eye took in the altered aspect of the
      room, once so shrouded, still and solitary, now so full of light and
      warmth and simple luxury.
    
Rose first saw and heard these things and felt their beauty with a child's quick instinct; then her eye took in the changed appearance of the room, once so dark, still, and lonely, now so full of light, warmth, and simple luxury.



      India matting covered the floor, with a gay rug here and there; the
      antique andirons shone on the wide hearth, where a cheery blaze dispelled
      the dampness of the long-closed room. Bamboo lounges and chairs stood
      about, and quaint little tables in cosy corners; one bearing a pretty
      basket, one a desk, and on a third lay several familiar-looking books. In
      a recess stood a narrow white bed, with a lovely Madonna hanging over it.
      The Japanese screen half-folded back showed a delicate toilet service of
      blue and white set forth on a marble slab, and near by was the great
      bath-pan, with Turkish towels and a sponge as big as Rose's head.
    
India matting covered the floor, with a colorful rug here and there; the antique andirons gleamed on the wide hearth, where a cheerful fire warmed the dampness of the long-closed room. Bamboo lounges and chairs were scattered around, along with charming little tables in cozy corners; one had a pretty basket, another a desk, and on a third lay several familiar-looking books. In a recess stood a narrow white bed, with a lovely Madonna hanging over it. The Japanese screen was half-folded back, revealing a delicate toiletry set of blue and white displayed on a marble slab, and nearby was a large bath pan, with Turkish towels and a sponge as big as Rose's head.



      “Uncle must love cold water like a duck,” she thought, with a shiver.
    
“Uncle must love cold water like a duck,” she thought, shivering.



      Then her eye went on to the tall cabinet, where a half-open door revealed
      a tempting array of the drawers, shelves and “cubby holes,” which so
      delight the hearts of children.
    
Then her gaze shifted to the tall cabinet, where a half-open door revealed a tempting array of drawers, shelves, and “cubby holes,” which delight the hearts of children.



      “What a grand place for my new things,” she thought, wondering what her
      uncle kept in that cedar retreat.
    
“What a great place for my new things,” she thought, wondering what her uncle kept in that cedar retreat.



      “Oh me, what a sweet toilet table!” was her next mental exclamation, as
      she approached this inviting spot.
    
“Oh wow, what a lovely vanity table!” was her next thought as she moved toward this inviting place.



      A round old-fashioned mirror hung over it, with a gilt eagle a-top,
      holding in his beak the knot of blue ribbon that tied up a curtain of
      muslin falling on either side of the table, where appeared little
      ivory-handled brushes, two slender silver candle-sticks, a porcelain
      match-box, several pretty trays for small matters, and, most imposing of
      all, a plump blue silk cushion, coquettishly trimmed with lace, and pink
      rose-buds at the corners.
    
A round vintage mirror hung above it, with a gold eagle on top, holding in its beak the knot of blue ribbon that secured a curtain of muslin draping down on either side of the table. On the table were little ivory-handled brushes, two slender silver candle holders, a porcelain matchbox, several cute trays for small items, and, most eye-catching of all, a plump blue silk cushion, charmingly trimmed with lace and pink rosebuds at the corners.



      That cushion rather astonished Rose; in fact, the whole table did, and she
      was just thinking, with a sly smile,
    
That cushion really surprised Rose; actually, the whole table did, and she was just thinking, with a sly smile,



      “Uncle is a dandy, but I never should have guessed it,” when he opened the
      door of a large closet, saying, with a careless wave of the hand,
    
“Uncle is a dandy, but I never would have guessed it,” when he opened the door of a large closet, saying, with a casual wave of the hand,



      “Men like plenty of room for their rattle-traps; don't you think that
      ought to satisfy me?”
     
“Guys like a lot of space for their junk; don’t you think that should be enough for me?”



      Rose peeped in and gave a start, though all she saw was what one usually
      finds in closets clothes and boots, boxes and bags. Ah! but you see these
      clothes were small black and white frocks; the row of little boots that
      stood below had never been on Dr. Alec's feet; the green bandbox had a
      gray veil straying out of it, and yes! the bag hanging on the door was
      certainly her own piece-bag, with a hole in one corner. She gave a quick
      look round the room and understood now why it had seemed too dainty for a
      man, why her Testament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed, and
      what those rose-buds meant on the blue cushion. It came upon her in one
      delicious burst that this little paradise was all for her, and, not
      knowing how else to express her gratitude, she caught Dr. Alec round the
      neck, saying impetuously,
    
Rose peeked in and jumped, even though all she saw was the usual closet stuff: clothes and boots, boxes and bags. But these clothes were small black and white dresses; the row of little boots below had never been worn by Dr. Alec; the green bandbox had a gray veil hanging out of it, and yes! the bag on the door was definitely her piece-bag, with a hole in one corner. She quickly glanced around the room and realized why it felt too delicate for a man, why her Testament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed, and what those rose buds meant on the blue cushion. It hit her in one delightful rush that this little paradise was all for her, and without knowing how else to show her gratitude, she threw her arms around Dr. Alec's neck, saying impulsively,



      “O uncle, you are too good to me! I'll do anything you ask me; ride wild
      horses and take freezing baths and eat bad-tasting messes, and let my
      clothes hang on me, to show how much I thank you for this dear, sweet,
      lovely room!”
     
“O uncle, you’re way too good to me! I’ll do anything you ask; ride wild horses, take freezing baths, eat terrible food, and wear clothes that don’t fit, just to show how much I appreciate this amazing, sweet, lovely room!”



      “You like it, then? But why do you think it is yours, my lass?” asked Dr.
      Alec, as he sat down looking well pleased, and drew his excited little
      niece to his knee.
    
“You like it, then? But why do you think it belongs to you, my girl?” asked Dr. Alec as he sat down, looking quite pleased, and pulled his excited little niece onto his knee.



      “I don't think, I know it is for me; I see it in your face, and I feel as
      if I didn't half deserve it. Aunt Jessie said you would spoil me, and I
      must not let you. I'm afraid this looks like it, and perhaps oh me!
      perhaps I ought not to have this beautiful room after all!” and Rose tried
      to look as if she could be heroic enough to give it up if it was best.
    
“I don't just think it, I know it's meant for me; I can see it in your face, and I feel like I don't really deserve it. Aunt Jessie warned me that you would spoil me, and I shouldn't let that happen. I'm worried this looks like I'm being spoiled, and maybe, oh no! maybe I shouldn't have this beautiful room after all!” Rose attempted to look as if she could be brave enough to give it up if that was what was best.



      “I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that,” said Dr. Alec, trying to frown, though
      in his secret soul he felt that she was quite right. Then he smiled that
      cordial smile, which was like sunshine on his brown face, as he said,
    
“I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that,” Dr. Alec said, trying to look serious, though deep down he knew she was right. Then he smiled that warm smile, which was like sunlight on his brown face, as he said,



      “This is part of the cure, Rose, and I put you here that you might take my
      three great remedies in the best and easiest way. Plenty of sun, fresh
      air, and cold water; also cheerful surroundings, and some work; for Phebe
      is to show you how to take care of this room, and be your little maid as
      well as friend and teacher. Does that sound hard and disagreeable to you,
      dear?”
     
“This is part of the cure, Rose, and I brought you here so you could take my three main remedies in the best and easiest way. Lots of sunshine, fresh air, and cold water; also a cheerful environment, and some work; because Phebe is going to show you how to take care of this room and be your little maid as well as your friend and teacher. Does that sound difficult and unpleasant to you, dear?”



      “No, sir; very, very pleasant, and I'll do my best to be a good patient.
      But I really don't think anyone could be sick in this delightful room,”
       she said, with a long sigh of happiness as her eye went from one pleasant
      object to another.
    
“No, sir; it's really very nice, and I'll do my best to be a good patient. But I honestly don’t think anyone could be sick in this lovely room,” she said, letting out a long sigh of happiness as her gaze moved from one cheerful object to another.



      “Then you like my sort of medicine better than Aunt Myra's, and don't want
      to throw it out of the window, hey?”
     
“Then you prefer my kind of medicine over Aunt Myra's and don’t want to toss it out the window, right?”




 


 












      Chapter 7—A Trip to China
    



      “Come, little girl, I've got another dose for you. I fancy you won't take
      it as well as you did the last, but you will like it better after a
      while,” said Dr. Alec, about a week after the grand surprise.
    
“Come here, little girl, I have another dose for you. I don’t think you’ll handle it as well as you did the last one, but you’ll like it more after a bit,” said Dr. Alec, about a week after the big surprise.



      Rose was sitting in her pretty room, where she would gladly have spent all
      her time if it had been allowed; but she looked up with a smile, for she
      had ceased to fear her uncle's remedies, and was always ready to try a new
      one. The last had been a set of light gardening tools, with which she had
      helped him put the flower-beds in order, learning all sorts of new and
      pleasant things about the plants as she worked, for, though she had
      studied botany at school, it seemed very dry stuff compared with Uncle
      Alec's lively lesson.
    
Rose was sitting in her lovely room, where she would have happily spent all her time if she could. She looked up with a smile because she no longer feared her uncle's remedies and was always willing to try a new one. The latest was a set of lightweight gardening tools, which she used to help him tidy up the flower beds, learning all sorts of new and enjoyable things about the plants as she worked. Even though she had studied botany at school, it felt very boring compared to Uncle Alec's engaging lessons.



      “What is it now?” she asked, shutting her work-box without a murmur.
    
“What is it now?” she asked, closing her workbox without a word.



      “Salt-water.”
     
“Saltwater.”



      “How must I take it?”
     
“How should I take it?”



      “Put on the new suit Miss Hemming sent home yesterday, and come down to
      the beach; then I'll show you.”
     
“Put on the new suit Miss Hemming sent back yesterday and come down to the beach; then I'll show you.”



      “Yes, sir,” answered Rose obediently, adding to herself, with a shiver, as
      he went off: “It is too early for bathing, so I know it is something to do
      with a dreadful boat.”
     
“Yes, sir,” Rose replied obediently, adding to herself, with a shiver, as he walked away: “It’s too early for swimming, so I know it’s something to do with a terrible boat.”



      Putting on the new suit of blue flannel, prettily trimmed with white, and
      the little sailor-hat with long streamers, diverted her mind from the
      approaching trial, till a shrill whistle reminded her that her uncle was
      waiting. Away she ran through the garden, down the sandy path, out upon
      the strip of beach that belonged to the house, and here she found Dr. Alec
      busy with a slender red and white boat that lay rocking on the rising
      tide.
    
Putting on the new blue flannel suit, nicely trimmed with white, and the little sailor hat with long ribbons, distracted her from the upcoming trial until a loud whistle reminded her that her uncle was waiting. She ran through the garden, down the sandy path, and onto the beach that belonged to the house, where she found Dr. Alec working on a slim red and white boat that was bobbing on the rising tide.



      “That is a dear little boat; and 'Bonnie Belle' is a pretty name,” she
      said, trying not to show how nervous she felt.
    
“That’s a cute little boat, and ‘Bonnie Belle’ is a lovely name,” she said, trying not to reveal how nervous she felt.



      “It is for you; so sit in the stern and learn to steer, till you are ready
      to learn to row.”
     
“It’s for you, so sit at the back and learn to steer until you’re ready to learn how to row.”



      “Do all boats wiggle about in that way?” she asked, lingering as if to tie
      her hat more firmly.
    
“Do all boats shake like that?” she asked, pausing as if to secure her hat more tightly.



      “Oh, yes, pitch about like nutshells when the sea is a bit rough,”
       answered her sailor uncle, never guessing her secret woe.
    
“Oh, yeah, they toss around like nutshells when the sea gets a little rough,” her sailor uncle replied, completely unaware of her hidden sorrow.



      “Is it rough to-day?”
     
“Is it rough today?”



      “Not very; it looks a trifle squally to the eastward, but we are all right
      till the wind changes. Come.”
     
“Not really; it looks a bit stormy to the east, but we're fine until the wind shifts. Let’s go.”



      “Can you swim, uncle?” asked Rose, clutching at his arm as he took her
      hand.
    
“Can you swim, Uncle?” asked Rose, holding onto his arm as he took her hand.



      “Like a fish. Now then.”
     
“Like a fish. Anyway.”



      “Oh, please hold me very tight till I get there! Why do you have the stern
      so far away?” and, stifling several squeaks of alarm in her passage, Rose
      crept to the distant seat, and sat there holding on with both hands and
      looking as if she expected every wave to bring a sudden shipwreck.
    
“Oh, please hold me really tight until I get there! Why is the stern so far away?” And, muffling several squeaks of alarm as she made her way, Rose moved to the far seat, sitting there with both hands gripping tightly and looking like she expected every wave to cause a sudden shipwreck.



      Uncle Alec took no notice of her fear, but patiently instructed her in the
      art of steering, till she was so absorbed in remembering which was
      starboard and which larboard, that she forgot to say “OW!” every time a
      big wave slapped against the boat.
    
Uncle Alec ignored her fear and patiently taught her how to steer until she was so focused on remembering which side was starboard and which was port that she forgot to say “OW!” every time a big wave hit the boat.



      “Now where shall we go?” she asked, as the wind blew freshly in her face,
      and a few, long swift strokes sent them half across the little bay.
    
“Where should we go now?” she asked, as the wind freshened in her face, and a few long, quick strokes propelled them halfway across the small bay.



      “Suppose we go to China?”
     
“How about we go to China?”



      “Isn't that rather a long voyage?”
     
“Isn't that a pretty long journey?”



      “Not as I go. Steer round the Point into the harbour, and I'll give you a
      glimpse of China in twenty minutes or so.”
     
“Not as I’m heading out. Navigate around the Point into the harbor, and I’ll show you a glimpse of China in about twenty minutes.”



      “I should like that!” and Rose sat wondering what he meant, while she
      enjoyed the new sights all about her.
    
“I would like that!” Rose thought, sitting there and wondering what he meant while she took in the new sights around her.



      Behind them the green Aunt-hill sloped gently upward to the grove at the
      top, and all along the seaward side stood familiar houses, stately, cosy,
      or picturesque. As they rounded the Point, the great bay opened before
      them full of shipping, and the city lay beyond, its spires rising above
      the tall masts with their gay streamers.
    
Behind them, the green hill sloped gently up to the grove at the top, and along the seaside stood familiar houses, elegant, cozy, or charming. As they rounded the Point, the vast bay spread out before them filled with ships, and the city lay beyond, its spires rising above the tall masts adorned with colorful flags.



      “Are we going there?” she asked, for she had never seen this aspect of the
      rich and busy old city before.
    
“Are we going there?” she asked, since she had never seen this part of the rich and bustling old city before.



      “Yes. Uncle Mac has a ship just in from Hong Kong, and I thought you would
      like to go and see it.”
     
“Yes. Uncle Mac has a ship that just arrived from Hong Kong, and I thought you’d like to go check it out.”



      “Oh, I should. I love dearly to go poking about in the warehouses with
      Uncle Mac; everything is so curious and new to me; and I'm specially
      interested in China because you have been there.”
     
“Oh, I should. I really love exploring the warehouses with Uncle Mac; everything is so interesting and new to me; and I'm especially fascinated by China because you’ve been there.”



      “I'll show you two genuine Chinamen who have just arrived. You will like
      to welcome Whang Lo and Fun See, I'm sure.”
     
“I'll introduce you to two real Chinese guys who just got here. I'm sure you'll want to welcome Whang Lo and Fun See.”



      “Don't ask me to speak to them, uncle; I shall be sure to laugh at the odd
      names and the pig-tails and the slanting eyes. Please let me just trot
      round after you; I like that best.”
     
“Don’t ask me to talk to them, uncle; I’ll definitely laugh at the weird names and the pigtails and the slanted eyes. Please just let me follow you around; I like that best.”



      “Very well; now steer toward the wharf where the big ship with the queer
      flag is. That's the 'Rajah,' and we will go aboard if we can.”
     
“Alright; now head towards the dock where the big ship with the strange flag is. That's the 'Rajah,' and we’ll board if we can.”



      In among the ships they went, by the wharves where the water was green and
      still, and queer barnacles grew on the slippery piles. Odd smells saluted
      her nose, and odd sights met her eyes, but Rose liked it all, and played
      she was really landing in Hong Kong when they glided up to the steps in
      the shadow of the tall “Rajah.” Boxes and bales were rising out of the
      hold and being carried into the warehouse by stout porters, who tugged and
      bawled and clattered about with small trucks, or worked cranes with iron
      claws that came down and clutched heavy weights, whisking them aloft to
      where wide doors like mouths swallowed them up.
    
They moved among the ships, by the docks where the water was green and calm, and strange barnacles grew on the slick posts. Unusual smells greeted her nose, and odd sights met her eyes, but Rose enjoyed it all and imagined she was actually arriving in Hong Kong as they pulled up to the steps in the shadow of the tall “Rajah.” Boxes and bales were being lifted from the hold and taken into the warehouse by strong porters, who pulled, shouted, and clattered around with small carts, or operated cranes with iron claws that came down to grab heavy loads, lifting them up to where wide doors like mouths swallowed them inside.



      Dr. Alec took her aboard the ship, and she had the satisfaction of poking
      her inquisitive little nose into every available corner, at the risk of
      being crushed, lost, or drowned.
    
Dr. Alec brought her onto the ship, and she enjoyed the thrill of exploring every nook and cranny, even though she risked getting crushed, lost, or drowned.



      “Well, child, how would you like to take a voyage round the world with me
      in a jolly old craft like this?” asked her uncle, as they rested a minute
      in the captain's cabin.
    
"Well, kid, how would you feel about taking a trip around the world with me on a fun old boat like this?" her uncle asked as they took a moment to relax in the captain's cabin.



      “I should like to see the world, but not in such a small, untidy, smelly
      place as this. We would go in a yacht all clean and comfortable; Charlie
      says that is the proper way,” answered Rose, surveying the close quarters
      with little favour.
    
“I want to see the world, but not from such a cramped, messy, smelly place as this. We should go on a yacht, all clean and comfy; Charlie says that's the right way,” replied Rose, looking around the tight space with little enthusiasm.



      “You are not a true Campbell if you don't like the smell of tar and
      salt-water, nor Charlie either, with his luxurious yacht. Now come ashore
      and chin-chin with the Celestials.”
     
“You're not a real Campbell if you don't love the smell of tar and saltwater, and neither is Charlie with his fancy yacht. Now come ashore and toast with the Celestials.”



      After a delightful progress through the great warehouse, peeping and
      picking as they went, they found Uncle Mac and the yellow gentlemen in his
      private room, where samples, gifts, curiosities, and newly arrived
      treasures of all sorts were piled up in pleasing pro-fusion and
      con-fusion.
    
After a fun exploration through the big warehouse, sneaking peeks and grabbing things as they went, they found Uncle Mac and the yellow gentlemen in his private room, where samples, gifts, curiosities, and newly arrived treasures of all kinds were stacked up in an appealing mess.



      As soon as possible Rose retired to a corner, with a porcelain god on one
      side, a green dragon on the other, and, what was still more embarrassing,
      Fun See sat on a tea-chest in front, and stared at her with his beady
      black eyes till she did not know where to look.
    
As soon as she could, Rose moved to a corner, with a porcelain statue on one side, a green dragon on the other, and, even more awkward, Fun See sat on a tea chest in front of her, staring with his beady black eyes until she didn’t know where to look.



      Mr. Whang Lo was an elderly gentleman in American costume, with his
      pig-tail neatly wound round his head. He spoke English, and was talking
      busily with Uncle Mac in the most commonplace way so Rose considered him a
      failure. But Fun See was delightfully Chinese from his junk-like shoes to
      the button on his pagoda hat; for he had got himself up in style, and was
      a mass of silk jackets and slouchy trousers. He was short and fat, and
      waddled comically; his eyes were very “slanting,” as Rose said; his queue
      was long, so were his nails; his yellow face was plump and shiny, and he
      was altogether a highly satisfactory Chinaman.
    
Mr. Whang Lo was an older man dressed in American clothing, with his pig-tail neatly wrapped around his head. He spoke English and was having a busy conversation with Uncle Mac in the most ordinary way, which led Rose to see him as a failure. But Fun See was charmingly Chinese, from his junk-like shoes to the button on his pagoda hat; he was dressed in style, wearing a mix of silk jackets and baggy trousers. He was short and chubby, waddling in a funny way; his eyes were very "slanting," as Rose put it; his queue was long, as were his nails; his yellow face was round and shiny, and he was altogether a very satisfactory representation of a Chinaman.



      Uncle Alec told her that Fun See had come out to be educated and could
      only speak a little pigeon English; so she must be kind to the poor
      fellow, for he was only a lad, though he looked nearly as old as Mr. Whang
      Lo. Rose said she would be kind; but had not the least idea how to
      entertain the queer guest, who looked as if he had walked out of one of
      the rice-paper landscapes on the wall, and sat nodding at her so like a
      toy Mandarin that she could hardly keep sober.
    
Uncle Alec told her that Fun See had come to get an education and could only speak a little broken English, so she needed to be nice to the poor guy since he was just a kid, even though he looked almost as old as Mr. Whang Lo. Rose said she would be nice, but she had no idea how to entertain the strange guest, who looked like he had stepped out of one of the rice-paper landscapes on the wall and sat nodding at her like a little toy Mandarin, making it hard for her to stay serious.



      In the midst of her polite perplexity, Uncle Mac saw the two young people
      gazing wistfully at one another, and seemed to enjoy the joke of this
      making acquaintance under difficulties. Taking a box from his table, he
      gave it to Fun See, with an order that seemed to please him very much.
    
In the middle of her polite confusion, Uncle Mac noticed the two young people looking at each other with longing, and it seemed he found humor in their awkward introduction. He picked up a box from his table and handed it to Fun See, giving him an order that clearly made him very happy.



      Descending from his perch, he fell to unpacking it with great neatness and
      despatch, while Rose watched him, wondering what was going to happen.
      Presently, out from the wrappings came a teapot, which caused her to clasp
      her hands with delight, for it was made in the likeness of a plump little
      Chinaman. His hat was the cover, his queue the handle, and his pipe the
      nose. It stood upon feet in shoes turned up at the toes, and the smile on
      the fat, sleepy face was so like that on Fun's when he displayed the
      teapot, that Rose couldn't help laughing, which pleased him much.
    
Descending from his spot, he quickly started unpacking it with great care and speed, while Rose watched him, curious about what would happen next. Soon, out from the wrappings came a teapot, which made her clap her hands with delight, as it was shaped like a plump little Chinese man. His hat was the lid, his queue was the handle, and his pipe was the nose. It stood on feet with shoes that curled up at the toes, and the smile on the chubby, sleepy face was so similar to the one Fun had when he showed the teapot that Rose couldn’t help but laugh, which made him very happy.



      Two pretty cups with covers, and a fine scarlet tray completed the set,
      and made one long to have a “dish of tea,” even in Chinese style, without
      cream or sugar.
    
Two beautiful cups with lids, and a nice red tray finished the set, making one eager to have a "dish of tea," even in Chinese style, without cream or sugar.



      When he had arranged them on a little table before her, Fun signified in
      pantomime that they were hers, from her uncle. She returned her thanks in
      the same way, whereupon he returned to his tea-chest, and, having no other
      means of communication, they sat smiling and nodding at one another in an
      absurd sort of way till a new idea seemed to strike Fun. Tumbling off his
      seat, he waddled away as fast as his petticoats permitted, leaving Rose
      hoping that he had not gone to get a roasted rat, a stewed puppy, or any
      other foreign mess which civility would oblige her to eat.
    
After he had placed them on a small table in front of her, Fun silently indicated through gestures that they were gifts from her uncle. She expressed her gratitude in a similar fashion, then he returned to his tea-chest. Lacking any other way to communicate, they sat smiling and nodding at each other in a silly manner until a new idea seemed to occur to Fun. Climbing off his seat, he waddled away as quickly as his skirt allowed, leaving Rose worried that he had gone to fetch a roasted rat, a stewed puppy, or some other strange dish she felt obligated to eat.



      While she waited for her funny new friend, she improved her mind in a way
      that would have charmed Aunt Jane. The gentlemen were talking over all
      sorts of things, and she listened attentively, storing up much of what she
      heard, for she had an excellent memory, and longed to distinguish herself
      by being able to produce some useful information when reproached with her
      ignorance.
    
While she waited for her amusing new friend, she focused on bettering her mind in a way that would have delighted Aunt Jane. The men were discussing all kinds of topics, and she listened carefully, remembering much of what she heard, since she had a great memory, and she wanted to stand out by being able to share some useful information when faced with her lack of knowledge.



      She was just trying to impress upon her mind that Amoy was two hundred and
      eighty miles from Hong Kong, when Fun came scuffling back, bearing what
      she thought was a small sword, till he unfurled an immense fan, and
      presented it with a string of Chinese compliments, the meaning of which
      would have amused her even more than the sound, if she could have
      understood it.
    
She was just trying to remind herself that Amoy was two hundred and eighty miles from Hong Kong when Fun came scuffling back, carrying what she thought was a small sword, until he opened up a huge fan and presented it with a series of Chinese compliments, the meaning of which would have made her laugh even more than the sound if she could have understood it.



      She had never seen such an astonishing fan, and at once became absorbed in
      examining it. Of course, there was no perspective whatever, which only
      gave it a peculiar charm to Rose, for in one place a lovely lady, with
      blue knitting-needles in her hair, sat directly upon the spire of a
      stately pagoda. In another charming view a brook appeared to flow in at
      the front door of a stout gentleman's house, and out at his chimney. In a
      third a zig-zag wall went up into the sky like a flash of lightning, and a
      bird with two tails was apparently brooding over a fisherman whose boat
      was just going aground upon the moon.
    
She had never seen such an incredible fan and immediately got caught up in examining it. Of course, there was no sense of perspective, which only added to its unique charm for Rose. In one spot, a beautiful lady with blue knitting needles in her hair sat right on the spire of a grand pagoda. In another delightful scene, a brook seemed to flow into the front door of a plump gentleman's house and out of his chimney. In a third view, a zig-zagging wall shot up into the sky like a bolt of lightning, and a bird with two tails was apparently hovering over a fisherman whose boat was just about to touch the moon.



      It was altogether a fascinating thing, and she would have sat wafting it
      to and fro all the afternoon, to Fun's great satisfaction, if Dr. Alec's
      attention had not suddenly been called to her by a breeze from the big fan
      that blew his hair into his eyes, and reminded him that they must go. So
      the pretty china was repacked, Rose furled her fan, and with several
      parcels of choice teas for the old ladies stowed away in Dr. Alec's
      pockets, they took their leave, after Fun had saluted them with “the three
      bendings and the nine knockings,” as they salute the Emperor, or “Son of
      Heaven,” at home.
    
It was definitely a captivating sight, and she would have spent the whole afternoon waving it back and forth, much to Fun's delight, if Dr. Alec hadn’t suddenly noticed her because a breeze from the big fan blew his hair into his eyes and reminded him that they had to leave. So the beautiful china was packed up again, Rose closed her fan, and with several bags of gourmet teas for the elderly ladies tucked into Dr. Alec's pockets, they said their goodbyes, after Fun greeted them with “the three bendings and the nine knockings,” just like they greet the Emperor, or “Son of Heaven,” back home.



      “I feel as if I had really been to China, and I'm sure I look so,” said
      Rose, as they glided out of the shadow of the “Rajah.”
     
“I feel like I’ve actually been to China, and I’m sure I look it,” said Rose as they glided out of the shadow of the “Rajah.”



      She certainly did, for Mr. Whang Lo had given her a Chinese umbrella;
      Uncle Alec had got some lanterns to light up her balcony; the great fan
      lay in her lap, and the tea-set reposed at her feet.
    
She definitely did, because Mr. Whang Lo had given her a Chinese umbrella; Uncle Alec had gotten some lanterns to brighten up her balcony; the big fan was in her lap, and the tea set was resting at her feet.



      “This is not a bad way to study geography, is it?” asked her uncle, who
      had observed her attention to the talk.
    
“This isn't a bad way to learn geography, is it?” her uncle asked, noticing her focus on the conversation.



      “It is a very pleasant way, and I really think I have learned more about
      China to-day than in all the lessons I had at school, though I used to
      rattle off the answers as fast as I could go. No one explained anything to
      us, so all I remember is that tea and silk come from there, and the women
      have little bits of feet. I saw Fun looking at mine, and he must have
      thought them perfectly immense,” answered Rose, surveying her stout boots
      with sudden contempt.
    
“It’s a really nice way to learn, and I honestly think I’ve learned more about China today than I did in all my school lessons, even though I used to blurt out answers as quickly as I could. No one ever explained anything to us, so all I remember is that tea and silk come from there, and the women have tiny feet. I saw Fun looking at mine, and he must have thought they were huge,” Rose replied, looking down at her chunky boots with sudden disdain.



      “We will have out the maps and the globe, and I'll show you some of my
      journeys, telling stories as we go. That will be next best to doing it
      actually.”
     
“We'll pull out the maps and the globe, and I'll share some of my travels, telling stories along the way. That will be the next best thing to experiencing it myself.”



      “You are so fond of travelling, I should think it would be very dull for
      you here, uncle. Do you know, Aunt Plenty says she is sure you will be off
      in a year or two.”
     
“You love traveling so much, I bet it’s really boring for you here, uncle. You know, Aunt Plenty says she’s sure you’ll be gone in a year or two.”



      “Very likely.”
     
"Highly likely."



      “Oh, me! what shall I do then?” sighed Rose, in a tone of despair that
      made Uncle Alec's face brighten with a look of genuine pleasure as he said
      significantly,
    
“Oh, no! What am I going to do now?” sighed Rose, in a tone of despair that made Uncle Alec's face light up with genuine pleasure as he said meaningfully,



      “Next time I go I shall take my little anchor with me. How will that
      suit?”
     
“Next time I go, I’ll bring my little anchor with me. How does that sound?”



      “Really, uncle?”
     
“Seriously, uncle?”



      “Really, niece.”
     
“Seriously, niece.”



      Rose gave a little bounce of rapture which caused the boat to “wiggle” in
      a way that speedily quieted her down. But she sat beaming joyfully and
      trying to think which of some hundred questions she would ask first, when
      Dr. Alec said, pointing to a boat that was coming up behind them in great
      style,
    
Rose bounced with delight, making the boat wiggle in a way that quickly made her settle down. However, she sat there, beaming with joy and trying to decide which of the hundred questions she wanted to ask first when Dr. Alec pointed to a boat approaching them in a grand manner.



      “How well those fellows row! Look at them, and take notes for your own use
      by and by.”
     
“How well those guys row! Check them out and take notes for your own use later.”



      The “Stormy Petrel” was manned by half a dozen jaunty looking sailors, who
      made a fine display of blue shirts and shiny hats, with stars and anchors
      in every direction.
    
The “Stormy Petrel” was crewed by about six cheerful sailors, who showed off their blue shirts and shiny hats, decorated with stars and anchors all around.



      “How beautifully they go, and they are only boys. Why, I do believe they
      are our boys! Yes, I see Charlie laughing over his shoulder. Row, uncle,
      row! Oh, please do, and not let them catch up with us!” cried Rose, in
      such a state of excitement that the new umbrella nearly went overboard.
    
“How beautifully they row, and they’re just boys. I really think they’re our boys! Yes, I see Charlie laughing back at us. Row, uncle, row! Oh, please do, and don’t let them catch up with us!” cried Rose, so excited that the new umbrella almost went overboard.



      “All right, here we go!” and away they did go with a long steady sweep of
      the oars that carried the “Bonnie Belle” through the water with a rush.
    
“All right, let's do this!” and off they went with a long, steady stroke of the oars that propelled the “Bonnie Belle” through the water with a splash.



      The lads pulled their prettiest, but Dr. Alec would have reached the Point
      first, if Rose, in her flurry, had not retarded him by jerking the rudder
      ropes in a most unseamanlike way, and just as she got right again her hat
      blew off. That put an end to the race, and while they were still fishing
      for the hat the other boat came alongside, with all the oars in the air,
      and the jolly young tars ready for a frolic.
    
The guys put in their best effort, but Dr. Alec would have made it to the Point first if Rose hadn't, in her panic, messed him up by yanking the rudder ropes in a completely unseamanlike manner. Just when she finally got it together, her hat blew off. That ended the race, and while they were still trying to find the hat, the other boat pulled up alongside, with all the oars raised and the cheerful young sailors ready for a good time.



      “Did you catch a crab, uncle?”
     
“Did you catch a crab, Uncle?”



      “No, a blue-fish,” he answered, as the dripping hat was landed on a seat
      to dry.
    
“No, a blue fish,” he replied, as he placed the dripping hat on a seat to dry.



      “What have you been doing?”
     
"What have you been up to?"



      “Seeing Fun.”
     
"Experiencing Fun."



      “Good for you, Rose! I know what you mean. We are going to have him up to
      show us how to fly the big kite, for we can't get the hang of it. Isn't he
      great fun, though?”
     
“Good for you, Rose! I know exactly what you mean. We're going to have him come over to show us how to fly the big kite because we can't seem to figure it out. Isn't he such a blast, though?”



      “No, little Fun.”
     
"No, little buddy."



      “Come, stop joking, and show us what you've got.”
     
“Come on, stop joking around, and show us what you’ve got.”



      “You'd better hoist that fan for a sail.”
     
“You should use that fan as a sail.”



      “Lend Dandy your umbrella; he hates to burn his pretty nose.”
     
“Give Dandy your umbrella; he doesn’t want to burn his nice nose.”



      “I say, uncle, are you going to have a Feast of Lanterns?”
     
“I say, uncle, are you going to have a Lantern Festival?”



      “No, I'm going to have a feast of bread and butter, for it's tea-time. If
      that black cloud doesn't lie, we shall have a gust before long, so you had
      better get home as soon as you can, or your mother will be anxious,
      Archie.”
     
“No, I’m going to have a feast of bread and butter because it’s tea-time. If that dark cloud is any indication, we’ll have a gust of wind soon, so you should get home as quickly as you can, or your mom will worry, Archie.”



      “Ay, ay, skipper. Good-night, Rose; come out often, and we'll teach you
      all there is to know about rowing,” was Charlie's modest invitation.
    
“Ay, ay, captain. Good night, Rose; come out often, and we’ll teach you everything there is to know about rowing,” was Charlie’s humble invitation.



      Then the boats parted company, and across the water from the “Petrel's”
       crew came a verse from one of the Nonsense songs in which the boys
      delighted.
    
Then the boats separated, and from across the water, the crew of the “Petrel” sang a verse from one of the silly songs that the boys loved.


    “Oh, Timballoo! how happy we are,
     We live in a sieve and a crockery jar!
     And all night long, in the starlight pale,
     We sail away, with a pea-green sail,
     And whistle and warble a moony song
     To the echoing sound of a coppery gong.
     Far and few, far and few
     Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
     Their heads are green, and their hands are blue,
     And they went to sea in a sieve.”
 
    “Oh, Timballoo! How happy we are,  
     We live in a sieve and a pottery jar!  
     And all night long, in the pale starlight,  
     We sail away with a pea-green sail,  
     And whistle and sing a moony tune  
     To the echo of a copper gong.  
     Far and few, far and few  
     Are the lands where the Jumblies live;  
     Their heads are green, and their hands are blue,  
     And they went to sea in a sieve.”




 


 












      Chapter 8—And what came of it
    



      “Uncle, could you lend me a ninepence? I'll return it as soon as I get my
      pocket-money,” said Rose, coming into the library in a great hurry that
      evening.
    
“Uncle, can you lend me nine pence? I’ll pay you back as soon as I get my allowance,” said Rose, rushing into the library that evening.



      “I think I could, and I won't charge any interest for it, so you need not
      be in any hurry to repay me. Come back here and help me settle these books
      if you have nothing pleasanter to do,” answered Dr. Alec, handing out the
      money with that readiness which is so delightful when we ask small loans.
    
“I think I can, and I won’t charge any interest, so you don’t need to rush to pay me back. Come back here and help me organize these books if you don’t have anything better to do,” replied Dr. Alec, handing over the money with that cheerful willingness that’s so nice when we ask for a small loan.



      “I'll come in a minute; I've been longing to fix my books, but didn't dare
      to touch them, because you always shake your head when I read.”
     
“I'll be there in a minute; I've been wanting to organize my books, but I didn't want to touch them since you always shake your head when I read.”



      “I shall shake my head when you write, if you don't do it better than you
      did in making out this catalogue.”
     
“I'll shake my head when you write if you don't do it better than you did when putting together this catalog.”



      “I know it's bad, but I was in a hurry when I did it, and I am in one
      now.” And away went Rose, glad to escape a lecture.
    
“I know it's wrong, but I was in a rush when I did it, and I am right now.” And off went Rose, happy to avoid a lecture.



      But she got it when she came back, for Uncle Alec was still knitting his
      brows over the list of books, and sternly demanded, pointing to a
      tipsy-looking title staggering down the page,
    
But she understood when she returned, because Uncle Alec was still frowning over the list of books and sternly pointed to a wobbly-looking title listed on the page,



      “Is that meant for 'Pulverized Bones,' ma'am?”
     
“Is that for 'Pulverized Bones,' ma'am?”



      “No, sir; it's 'Paradise Lost.'”
     
“No, sir; it's 'Paradise Lost.'”



      “Well, I'm glad to know it, for I began to think you were planning to
      study surgery or farming. And what is this, if you please? 'Babies'
      Aprons' is all I can make of it.”
     
“Well, I'm glad to hear that, because I started to think you were planning to study surgery or farming. And what is this, if you don’t mind me asking? 'Babies' Aprons' is all I can make of it.”



      Rose looked hard at the scrawl, and presently announced, with an air of
      superior wisdom,
    
Rose examined the messy handwriting closely and then declared, with a sense of knowing superiority,



      “Oh, that's 'Bacon's Essays.'”
     
“Oh, that's 'Bacon's Essays.'”



      “Miss Power did not teach anything so old-fashioned as writing, I see. Now
      look at this memorandum Aunt Plenty gave me, and see what a handsome plain
      hand that is. She went to a dame-school and learnt a few useful things
      well; that is better than a smattering of half a dozen so-called higher
      branches, I take the liberty of thinking.”
     
“Miss Power didn't teach anything as old-fashioned as writing, I see. Now look at this note Aunt Plenty gave me, and check out her nice, clear handwriting. She went to a small school and learned a few useful things well; that’s better than just a bit of knowledge in a bunch of so-called advanced subjects, if you ask me.”



      “Well, I'm sure I was considered a bright girl at school, and learned
      everything I was taught. Luly and me were the first in all our classes,
      and 'specially praised for our French and music and those sort of things,”
       said Rose, rather offended at Uncle Alec's criticism.
    
“Well, I know I was seen as a smart girl at school and learned everything I was taught. Luly and I were the top in all our classes, and especially praised for our French and music and things like that,” said Rose, feeling quite insulted by Uncle Alec's criticism.



      “I dare say; but if your French grammar was no better than your English, I
      think the praise was not deserved, my dear.”
     
"I must say; but if your French grammar is no better than your English, I don't think the praise was deserved, my dear."



      “Why, uncle, we did study English grammar, and I could parse beautifully.
      Miss Power used to have us up to show off when people came. I don't see
      but I talk as right as most girls.”
     
“Why, uncle, we did study English grammar, and I could parse beautifully. Miss Power used to have us come up and show off when people visited. I don’t see why I don’t speak as well as most girls.”



      “I dare say you do, but we are all too careless about our English. Now,
      think a minute, and tell me if these expressions are correct 'Luly and
      me,' 'those sort of things,' and 'as right as most girls.'”
     
“I'll bet you do, but we're all pretty careless about our English. Now, take a minute and tell me if these phrases are correct: 'Luly and me,' 'those sort of things,' and 'as right as most girls.'”



      Rose pulled her pet curl and put up her lip, but had to own that she was
      wrong, and said meekly, after a pause which threatened to be sulky,
    
Rose tugged at her curl and pouted, but she had to admit she was wrong and said quietly, after a pause that almost turned into a sulk,



      “I suppose I should have said 'Luly and I,' in that case, and 'that sort
      of things' and 'rightly,' though 'correctly' would have been a better
      word, I guess.”
     
“I guess I should have said 'Luly and I' in that case, and 'that kind of stuff' and 'rightly,' although 'correctly' would have been a better word, I think.”



      “Thank you; and if you will kindly drop 'I guess,' I shall like my little
      Yankee all the better. Now, see here, Rosy, I don't pretend to set myself
      up for a model in anything, and you may come down on my grammar, manners
      or morals as often as you think I'm wrong, and I'll thank you. I've been
      knocking about the world for years, and have got careless, but I want my
      girl to be what I call well-educated, even if she studies nothing but the
      three 'Rs' for a year to come. Let us be thorough, no matter how slowly we
      go.”
     
“Thank you; and if you could please drop 'I guess,' I'll like my little Yankee even more. Now, listen, Rosy, I don’t think of myself as a perfect example in any way, and you can point out my grammar, manners, or morals whenever you think I’m wrong, and I’d appreciate it. I’ve been around the world for years and have gotten a bit careless, but I want my girl to be what I consider well-educated, even if she just focuses on the three 'Rs' for the next year. Let’s be thorough, no matter how slowly we go.”



      He spoke so earnestly and looked so sorry to have ruffled her that Rose
      went and sat on the arm of his chair, saying, with a pretty air of
      penitence,
    
He spoke so sincerely and looked so regretful for upsetting her that Rose went and perched on the arm of his chair, saying, with a charming hint of apology,



      “I'm sorry I was cross, uncle, when I ought to thank you for taking so
      much interest in me. I guess no, I think you are right about being
      thorough, for I used to understand a great deal better when papa taught me
      a few lessons than when Miss Power hurried me through so many. I declare
      my head used to be such a jumble of French and German, history and
      arithmetic, grammar and music, I used to feel sometimes as if it would
      split. I'm sure I don't wonder it ached.” And she held on to it as if the
      mere memory of the “jumble” made it swim.
    
“I'm sorry I was upset, Uncle, when I should have thanked you for caring so much about me. I think you’re right about being thorough because I understood things much better when Dad taught me a few lessons than when Miss Power rushed me through so many. I swear my head used to be such a mix of French and German, history and math, grammar and music; sometimes I felt like it would explode. I’m not surprised it hurt.” And she held on to it as if just remembering the “mix” made it spin.



      “Yet that is considered an excellent school, I find, and I dare say it
      would be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cram her
      pupils like Thanks-giving turkeys, instead of feeding them in a natural
      and wholesome way. It is the fault with most American schools, and the
      poor little heads will go on aching till we learn better.”
     
"Yet that's seen as a great school, in my opinion, and I’d say it might be if the misguided lady didn’t feel the need to stuff her students like Thanksgiving turkeys, instead of teaching them in a natural and healthy way. This is the problem with most American schools, and those poor little heads will keep hurting until we figure it out."



      This was one of Dr. Alec's hobbies, and Rose was afraid he was off for a
      gallop, but he reined himself in and gave her thoughts a new turn by
      saying suddenly, as he pulled out a fat pocket-book,
    
This was one of Dr. Alec's hobbies, and Rose worried he was getting ready to ride off, but he held back and shifted her thoughts by suddenly saying, as he pulled out a thick wallet,



      “Uncle Mac has put all your affairs into my hands now, and here is your
      month's pocket money. You keep your own little accounts, I suppose?”
     
“Uncle Mac has handed over all your matters to me now, and here’s your monthly allowance. I assume you keep track of your own expenses, right?”



      “Thank you. Yes, Uncle Mac gave me an account book when I went to school,
      and I used to put down my expenses, but I couldn't make them go very well,
      for figures are the one thing I am not at all clever about,” said Rose,
      rummaging in her desk for a dilapidated little book, which she was ashamed
      to show when she found it.
    
“Thank you. Yes, Uncle Mac gave me a notebook when I started school, and I used to track my expenses, but I couldn't manage them very well because numbers are the one thing I’m not good at,” said Rose, searching through her desk for a worn little book, which she was embarrassed to show when she found it.



      “Well, as figures are rather important things to most of us, and you may
      have a good many accounts to keep some day, wouldn't it be wise to begin
      at once and learn to manage your pennies before the pounds come to perplex
      you?”
     
“Well, since numbers are pretty important to most of us, and you might have a lot of accounts to manage someday, wouldn’t it be smart to start now and learn to handle your pennies before the pounds come to confuse you?”



      “I thought you would do all that fussy part and take care of the pounds,
      as you call them. Need I worry about it? I do hate sums, so!”
     
“I thought you would handle all that complicated stuff and take care of the pounds, as you call them. Do I really need to worry about it? I absolutely hate math, you know!”



      “I shall take care of things till you are of age, but I mean that you
      shall know how your property is managed, and do as much of it as you can
      by and by; then you won't be dependent on the honesty of other people.”
     
“I’ll handle everything until you turn 18, but I want you to understand how your property is managed and take on as much of it as you can later; that way, you won’t have to rely on other people’s honesty.”



      “Gracious me! as if I wouldn't trust you with millions of billions if I
      had them,” cried Rose, scandalised at the mere suggestion.
    
“Goodness! As if I wouldn’t trust you with millions if I had them,” Rose exclaimed, shocked by the suggestion.



      “Ah, but I might be tempted; guardians are sometimes; so you'd better keep
      your eye on me, and in order to do that you must learn all about these
      affairs,” answered Dr. Alec, as he made an entry in his own very neat
      account-book.
    
“Ah, but I might be tempted; guardians can be sometimes; so you'd better keep an eye on me, and to do that, you need to learn all about these things,” Dr. Alec replied, as he wrote in his very neat account book.



      Rose peeped over his shoulder at it, and then turned to the arithmetical
      puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair.
    
Rose glanced over his shoulder at it, then turned to the math puzzle in her hand with a sigh of frustration.



      “Uncle, when you add up your expenses do you ever find you have got more
      money than you had in the beginning?”
     
“Uncle, when you total up your expenses, do you ever realize you have more money than you started with?”



      “No; I usually find that I have a good deal less than I had in the
      beginning. Are you troubled in the peculiar way you mention?”
     
“No; I usually realize that I have a lot less than I did at the start. Are you feeling troubled in that specific way you talked about?”



      “Yes; it is very curious, but I never can make things come out square.”
     
“Yes, it’s quite strange, but I can never seem to get things to turn out right.”



      “Perhaps I can help you,” began Uncle Alec, in the most respectful tone.
    
“Maybe I can help you,” Uncle Alec started, in a very respectful tone.



      “I think you had better, for if I have got to keep accounts I may as well
      begin in the right way. But please don't laugh! I know I'm very stupid,
      and my book is a disgrace, but I never could get it straight.” And with
      great trepidation, Rose gave up her funny little accounts.
    
“I think you should, because if I have to keep track of things, I might as well start off correctly. But please don’t laugh! I know I’m really bad at this, and my records are a mess, but I could never get it organized.” And with a lot of nervousness, Rose let go of her silly little accounts.



      It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh, and Rose felt deeply grateful
      when he said in a mildly suggestive tone,
    
It was really nice of Dr. Alec not to laugh, and Rose felt truly thankful when he said in a slightly suggestive tone,



      “The dollars and cents seem to be rather mixed, perhaps if I just
      straightened them out a bit we should find things all right.”
     
"The dollars and cents seem to be a bit jumbled; maybe if I just sorted them out a little, we’d be able to figure things out."



      “Please do, and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine look nice
      and ship-shape as yours do.”
     
“Please do, and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine look nice and tidy like yours.”



      As Rose stood by him watching the ease with which he quickly brought order
      out of chaos, she privately resolved to hunt up her old arithmetic and
      perfect herself in the four first rules, with a good tug at fractions,
      before she read any more fairy tales.
    
As Rose stood next to him, observing how effortlessly he restored order from chaos, she secretly decided to dig out her old arithmetic books and master the basics, including a solid review of fractions, before diving into any more fairy tales.



      “Am I a rich girl, uncle?” she asked suddenly, as he was copying a column
      of figures.
    
“Am I a rich girl, Uncle?” she asked suddenly, while he was copying a column of numbers.



      “Rather a poor one, I should say, since you had to borrow a ninepence.”
     
“Honestly, it’s not great, since you had to borrow a dime.”



      “That was your fault, because you forgot my pocket-money. But, really,
      shall I be rich by and by?”
     
"That was your fault because you forgot my allowance. But seriously, will I be rich someday?"



      “I am afraid you will.”
     
"I’m afraid you will."



      “Why afraid, uncle?”
     
"Why are you scared, Uncle?"



      “Too much money is a bad thing.”
     
“Having too much money is a bad thing.”



      “But I can give it away, you know; that is always the pleasantest part of
      having it I think.”
     
"But I can give it away, you know; that's always the best part of having it, I think."



      “I'm glad you feel so, for you can do much good with your fortune if you
      know how to use it well.”
     
“I'm glad you feel that way because you can do a lot of good with your wealth if you know how to use it properly.”



      “You shall teach me, and when I am a woman we will set up a school where
      nothing but the three R's shall be taught, and all the children live on
      oatmeal, and the girls have waists a yard round,” said Rose, with a sudden
      saucy smile dimpling her cheeks.
    
“You're going to teach me, and when I grow up, we'll open a school where only the three R's are taught, and all the kids will eat oatmeal, and the girls will have waists like a yard wide,” said Rose, a sudden cheeky smile lighting up her face.



      “You are an impertinent little baggage, to turn on me in that way right in
      the midst of my first attempt at teaching. Never mind, I'll have an extra
      bitter dose for you next time, miss.”
     
“You're a rude little brat for turning on me like that right in the middle of my first attempt at teaching. Don't worry, I'll make sure to give you an even harsher lesson next time, miss.”



      “I knew you wanted to laugh, so I gave you a chance. Now, I will be good,
      master, and do my lesson nicely.”
     
“I knew you wanted to laugh, so I gave you a chance. Now, I will be good, master, and do my lesson well.”



      So Dr. Alec had his laugh, and then Rose sat down and took a lesson in
      accounts which she never forgot.
    
So Dr. Alec had his laugh, and then Rose sat down and took a lesson in accounting that she never forgot.



      “Now come and read aloud to me; my eyes are tired, and it is pleasant to
      sit here by the fire while the rain pours outside and Aunt Jane lectures
      upstairs,” said Uncle Alec, when last month's accounts had been put in
      good order and a fresh page neatly begun.
    
“Come and read to me; my eyes are tired, and it’s nice to sit here by the fire while the rain falls outside and Aunt Jane lectures upstairs,” said Uncle Alec, after last month’s accounts had been organized and a new page was neatly started.



      Rose liked to read aloud, and gladly gave him the chapter in “Nicholas
      Nickleby” where the Miss Kenwigses take their French lesson. She did her
      very best, feeling that she was being criticised, and hoping that she
      might not be found wanting in this as in other things.
    
Rose liked to read out loud, and happily shared the chapter in “Nicholas Nickleby” where the Miss Kenwigses have their French lesson. She did her best, feeling like she was being judged, and hoping she wouldn’t fall short in this as she had in other things.



      “Shall I go on, sir?” she asked very meekly, when the chapter ended.
    
“Should I continue, sir?” she asked very softly when the chapter ended.



      “If you are not tired, dear. It is a pleasure to hear you, for you read
      remarkably well,” was the answer that filled her heart with pride and
      pleasure.
    
"If you're not tired, dear, it's a pleasure to hear you read. You do it remarkably well," was the reply that filled her heart with pride and joy.



      “Do you really think so, uncle? I'm so glad! Papa taught me, and I read
      for hours to him, but I thought perhaps, he liked it because he was fond
      of me.”
     
“Do you really think so, Uncle? I'm so happy! Dad taught me, and I read to him for hours, but I thought maybe he enjoyed it because he was fond of me.”



      “So am I; but you really do read unusually well, and I'm very glad of it,
      for it is a rare accomplishment, and one I value highly. Come here in this
      cosy, low chair; the light is better, and I can pull these curls if you go
      too fast. I see you are going to be a great comfort as well as a great
      credit to your old uncle, Rosy.” And Dr. Alec drew her close beside him
      with such a fatherly look and tone that she felt it would be very easy to
      love and obey him, since he knew how to mix praise and blame so pleasantly
      together.
    
“So am I; but you really do read exceptionally well, and I'm really happy about it, because it's a rare skill, and one I value a lot. Come sit here in this cozy, low chair; the light is better, and I can pull your curls if you read too fast. I can tell you’re going to be a great comfort as well as a great pride to your old uncle, Rosy.” And Dr. Alec pulled her close beside him with such a fatherly look and tone that she felt it would be very easy to love and obey him, since he knew how to blend praise and criticism so nicely.



      Another chapter was just finished, when the sound of a carriage warned
      them that Aunt Jane was about to depart. Before they could go to meet her,
      however, she appeared in the doorway looking like an unusually tall mummy
      in her waterproof, with her glasses shining like cat's eyes from the
      depths of the hood.
    
Another chapter had just finished when the sound of a carriage warned them that Aunt Jane was about to leave. Before they could go to greet her, though, she appeared in the doorway looking like an unusually tall mummy in her raincoat, with her glasses gleaming like cat's eyes from the depths of the hood.



      “Just as I thought! petting that child to death and letting her sit up
      late reading trash. I do hope you feel the weight of the responsibility
      you have taken upon yourself, Alec,” she said, with a certain grim sort of
      satisfaction at seeing things go wrong.
    
“Just what I expected! Spoiling that child and letting her stay up late reading junk. I really hope you realize the weight of the responsibility you’ve taken on, Alec,” she said, with a somewhat grim satisfaction at seeing things fall apart.



      “I think I have a very realising sense of it, sister Jane,” answered Dr.
      Alec, with a comical shrug of the shoulders and a glance at Rose's bright
      face.
    
“I think I have a pretty clear understanding of it, sister Jane,” replied Dr. Alec, with a funny shrug of his shoulders and a look at Rose's cheerful face.



      “It is sad to see a great girl wasting these precious hours so. Now, my
      boys have studied all day, and Mac is still at his books, I've no doubt,
      while you have not had a lesson since you came, I suspect.”
     
“It’s unfortunate to see such a great girl wasting her precious time like this. My boys have been studying all day, and I’m sure Mac is still at his books, while you haven’t had a lesson since you arrived, I suspect.”



      “I've had five to-day, ma'am,” was Rose's very unexpected answer.
    
“I had five today, ma'am,” was Rose's unexpected reply.



      “I'm glad to hear it; and what were they, pray?” Rose looked very demure
      as she replied,
    
“I'm glad to hear that; and what were they, if you don't mind me asking?” Rose looked quite modest as she replied,



      “Navigation, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and keeping my temper.”
     
“Navigation, geography, grammar, math, and controlling my temper.”



      “Queer lessons, I fancy; and what have you learned from this remarkable
      mixture, I should like to know?”
     
“Interesting lessons, I guess; and what have you learned from this unique mix, I'd like to know?”



      A naughty sparkle came into Rose's eyes as she answered, with a droll look
      at her uncle,
    
A mischievous sparkle appeared in Rose's eyes as she replied, casting a playful glance at her uncle,



      “I can't tell you all, ma'am, but I have collected some useful information
      about China, which you may like, especially the teas. The best are Lapsing
      Souchong, Assam Pekoe, rare Ankoe, Flowery Pekoe, Howqua's mixture,
      Scented Caper, Padral tea, black Congou, and green Twankey. Shanghai is on
      the Woosung River. Hong Kong means 'Island of Sweet waters.' Singapore is
      'Lion's Town.' 'Chops' are the boats they live in; and they drink tea out
      of little saucers. Principal productions are porcelain, tea, cinnamon,
      shawls, tin, tamarinds and opium. They have beautiful temples and queer
      gods; and in Canton is the Dwelling of the Holy Pigs, fourteen of them,
      very big, and all blind.”
     
“I can't share everything, ma'am, but I've gathered some interesting information about China that you might find appealing, especially regarding the teas. The best varieties are Lapsang Souchong, Assam Pekoe, rare Ankoe, Flowery Pekoe, Howqua's blend, Scented Caper, Padral tea, black Congou, and green Twankey. Shanghai is located on the Woosung River. Hong Kong translates to 'Island of Sweet Waters.' Singapore means 'Lion's Town.' 'Chops' refer to the boats they use to live in, and they drink tea from small saucers. The main products include porcelain, tea, cinnamon, shawls, tin, tamarinds, and opium. They have stunning temples and strange gods; in Canton, there's the Dwelling of the Holy Pigs, which has fourteen large, blind pigs.”



      The effect of this remarkable burst was immense, especially the fact last
      mentioned. It entirely took the wind out of Aunt Jane's sails; it was so
      sudden, so varied and unexpected, that she had not a word to say. The
      glasses remained fixed full upon Rose for a moment, and then, with a hasty
      “Oh, indeed!” the excellent lady bundled into her carriage and drove away,
      somewhat bewildered and very much disturbed.
    
The impact of this incredible outburst was huge, particularly the last point mentioned. It completely left Aunt Jane speechless; it was so sudden, diverse, and unexpected that she couldn't say a word. The eyes stayed focused on Rose for a moment, and then, with a quick “Oh, indeed!” the good lady jumped into her carriage and drove off, feeling a bit confused and quite shaken.



      She would have been more so if she had seen her reprehensible
      brother-in-law dancing a triumphal polka down the hall with Rose in honour
      of having silenced the enemy's battery for once.
    
She would have been more upset if she had seen her terrible brother-in-law dancing a victorious polka down the hall with Rose to celebrate finally silencing the enemy's artillery.




 


 












      Chapter 9—Phebe's Secret
    



      “Why do you keep smiling to yourself, Phebe?” asked Rose, as they were
      working together one morning, for Dr. Alec considered house-work the best
      sort of gymnastics for girls; so Rose took lessons of Phebe in sweeping,
      dusting and bed-making.
    
“Why do you keep smiling to yourself, Phebe?” asked Rose as they worked together one morning. Dr. Alec thought housework was the best kind of exercise for girls, so Rose was learning from Phebe how to sweep, dust, and make beds.



      “I was thinking about a nice little secret I know, and couldn't help
      smiling.”
     
“I was thinking about a nice little secret I have, and I couldn't help smiling.”



      “Shall I know it, sometime?”
     
"Will I know it, someday?"



      “Guess you will.”
     
"Looks like you will."



      “Shall I like it?”
     
"Should I like it?"



      “Oh, won't you, though!”
     
“Oh, won't you, please!”



      “Will it happen soon?”
     
"Is it happening soon?"



      “Sometime this week.”
     
"This week sometime."



      “I know what it is! The boys are going to have fireworks on the fourth,
      and have got some surprise for me. Haven't they?”
     
“I know what’s going on! The guys are planning to have fireworks on the fourth, and they've got a surprise for me. Right?”



      “That's telling.”
     
"That’s telling."



      “Well, I can wait; only tell me one thing is uncle in it?”
     
“Well, I can wait; just tell me one thing: is Uncle in it?”



      “Of course he is; there's never any fun without him.”
     
"Of course he is; there’s no fun without him."



      “Then it's all right, and sure to be nice.”
     
“Then it’s all good, and definitely going to be nice.”



      Rose went out on the balcony to shake the rugs, and, having given them a
      vigorous beating, hung them on the balustrade to air, while she took a
      look at her plants. Several tall vases and jars stood there, and a month
      of June sun and rain had worked wonders with the seeds and slips she had
      planted. Morning-glories and nasturtiums ran all over the bars, making
      haste to bloom. Scarlet beans and honeysuckles were climbing up from below
      to meet their pretty neighbours, and the woodbine was hanging its green
      festoons wherever it could cling.
    
Rose stepped out onto the balcony to shake out the rugs, and after giving them a good beating, she hung them on the railing to air out while she checked on her plants. Several tall vases and jars were lined up there, and a month of June sunshine and rain had worked wonders on the seeds and cuttings she had planted. Morning glories and nasturtiums were sprawling across the bars, eager to bloom. Scarlet beans and honeysuckles climbed up from below to greet their lovely neighbors, and the woodbine draped its green vines wherever it could grab hold.



      The waters of the bay were dancing in the sunshine, a fresh wind stirred
      the chestnut-trees with a pleasant sound, and the garden below was full of
      roses, butterflies and bees. A great chirping and twittering went on among
      the birds, busy with their summer house-keeping, and, far away, the
      white-winged gulls were dipping and diving in the sea, where ships, like
      larger birds, went sailing to and fro.
    
The waters of the bay sparkled in the sunshine, a cool breeze rustled the chestnut trees with a nice sound, and the garden below was filled with roses, butterflies, and bees. A loud chirping and tweeting filled the air as the birds busied themselves with their summer routines, and in the distance, the white-winged gulls were swooping and diving in the sea, where ships, like bigger birds, sailed back and forth.



      “Oh, Phebe, it's such a lovely day, I do wish your fine secret was going
      to happen right away! I feel just like having a good time; don't you?”
       said Rose, waving her arms as if she was going to fly.
    
“Oh, Phebe, it’s such a beautiful day! I really wish your exciting secret was going to happen right away! I feel like having a blast; don’t you?” said Rose, waving her arms as if she were going to fly.



      “I often feel that way, but I have to wait for my good times, and don't
      stop working to wish for 'em. There, now you can finish as soon as the
      dust settles; I must go do my stairs,” and Phebe trudged away with the
      broom, singing as she went.
    
"I often feel that way, but I have to wait for my good times and not stop working to wish for them. There, now you can finish as soon as the dust settles; I need to go do my stairs,” and Phebe trudged away with the broom, singing as she went.



      Rose leaned where she was, and fell to thinking how many good times she
      had had lately, for the gardening had prospered finely, and she was
      learning to swim and row, and there were drives and walks, and quiet hours
      of reading and talk with Uncle Alec, and, best of all, the old pain and
      ennui seldom troubled her now. She could work and play all day, sleep
      sweetly all night, and enjoy life with the zest of a healthy, happy child.
      She was far from being as strong and hearty as Phebe, but she was getting
      on; the once pale cheeks had colour in them now, the hands were growing
      plump and brown, and the belt was not much too loose. No one talked to her
      about her health, and she forgot that she had “no constitution.” She took
      no medicine but Dr. Alec's three great remedies, and they seemed to suit
      her excellently. Aunt Plenty said it was the pills; but, as no second
      batch had ever followed the first, I think the old lady was mistaken.
    
Rose leaned against her spot and reflected on how many good times she had enjoyed lately, as the gardening had flourished, she was learning to swim and row, and there were drives and walks, along with quiet moments of reading and chatting with Uncle Alec. Best of all, the old pain and boredom rarely bothered her now. She could work and play all day, sleep soundly all night, and enjoy life like a healthy, happy child. She wasn't as strong and robust as Phebe, but she was improving; her once pale cheeks had some color now, her hands were becoming plump and tan, and her belt fit her better. No one brought up her health with her, and she forgot about having “no constitution.” She took no medicine except Dr. Alec's three key remedies, and they seemed to agree with her perfectly. Aunt Plenty claimed it was the pills; however, since no second batch had followed the first, I think the old lady was mistaken.



      Rose looked worthy of her name as she stood smiling to herself over a
      happier secret than any Phebe had a secret which she did not know herself
      till she found out, some years later, the magic of good health.
    
Rose looked like she truly deserved her name as she stood there, smiling to herself with a happier secret than anything Phebe had—a secret that she wouldn't discover until years later, when she realized the magic of good health.


    “'Look only,' said the brownie,
     'At the pretty gown of blue,
     At the kerchief pinned about her head,
     And at her little shoe,”'

    “'Just look,' said the brownie,  
     'At the pretty blue dress,  
     At the scarf pinned around her head,  
     And at her little shoe,”



      said a voice from below, as a great cabbage-rose came flying against her
      cheek.
    
said a voice from below, as a big cabbage rose flew against her cheek.



      “What is the princess dreaming about up there in her hanging-garden?”
       added Dr. Alec as she flung back a morning-glory.
    
“What is the princess dreaming about up there in her hanging garden?” Dr. Alec asked as she tossed back a morning glory.



      “I was wishing I could do something pleasant this fine day; something very
      new and interesting, for the wind makes me feel frisky and gay.”
     
“I was hoping to do something enjoyable on this lovely day; something really new and exciting, because the wind makes me feel lively and cheerful.”



      “Suppose we take a pull over to the Island? I intended to go this
      afternoon; but if you feel more like it now, we can be off at once.”
     
“Shall we stop by the Island? I was planning to go this afternoon, but if you’d rather go now, we can leave right away.”



      “I do! I do! I'll come in fifteen minutes, uncle. I must just scrabble my
      room to rights, for Phebe has got a great deal to do.”
     
“I do! I do! I'll be there in fifteen minutes, Uncle. I just need to tidy up my room because Phebe has a lot to finish.”



      Rose caught up the rugs and vanished as she spoke, while Dr. Alec went in,
      saying to himself, with an indulgent smile,
    
Rose grabbed the rugs and disappeared as she talked, while Dr. Alec entered, saying to himself with a tolerant smile,



      “It may upset things a trifle, but half a child's pleasure consists in
      having their fun when they want it.”
     
“It might mess things up a bit, but half of a child's joy comes from having fun whenever they want.”



      Never did duster flap more briskly than the one Rose used that day, and
      never was a room “scrabbled” to rights in such haste as hers. Tables and
      chairs flew into their places as if alive; curtains shook as if a gale was
      blowing; china rattled and small articles tumbled about as if a young
      earthquake was playing with them. The boating suit went on in a twinkling,
      and Rose was off with a hop and a skip, little dreaming how many hours it
      would be before she saw her pretty room again.
    
Never did a duster flap more energetically than the one Rose used that day, and never was a room put back in order so quickly as hers. Tables and chairs rushed into position as if they had a mind of their own; curtains shook as if a strong wind was blowing; china rattled and small items scattered around as if a little earthquake was having fun with them. The boating suit went on in no time, and Rose was off with a hop and a skip, not realizing how many hours it would be before she saw her lovely room again.



      Uncle Alec was putting a large basket into the boat when she arrived, and
      before they were off Phebe came running down with a queer, knobby bundle
      done up in a water-proof.
    
Uncle Alec was placing a large basket into the boat when she arrived, and before they set off, Phebe came running down with a strange, lumpy bundle wrapped in a waterproof covering.



      “We can't eat half that luncheon, and I know we shall not need so many
      wraps. I wouldn't lumber the boat up so,” said Rose, who still had secret
      scares when on the water.
    
“We can't eat half of that lunch, and I know we won’t need so many wraps. I wouldn't load the boat down like that,” said Rose, who still had hidden fears when she was on the water.



      “Couldn't you make a smaller parcel, Phebe?” asked Dr. Alec, eyeing the
      bundle suspiciously.
    
“Couldn’t you make a smaller package, Phebe?” asked Dr. Alec, looking at the bundle with suspicion.



      “No, sir, not in such a hurry,” and Phebe laughed as she gave a
      particularly large knob a good poke.
    
“No, sir, not so fast,” Phebe laughed as she gave a particularly large knob a good poke.



      “Well, it will do for ballast. Don't forget the note to Mrs. Jessie, I beg
      of you.”
     
“Well, it will work as ballast. Please don’t forget the note to Mrs. Jessie, I urge you.”



      “No, sir. I'll send it right off,” and Phebe ran up the bank as if she had
      wings to her feet.
    
“No, sir. I'll send it right away,” and Phebe ran up the bank as if she had wings on her feet.



      “We'll take a look at the lighthouse first, for you have not been there
      yet, and it is worth seeing. By the time we have done that it will be
      pretty warm, and we will have lunch under the trees on the Island.”
     
“We'll check out the lighthouse first since you haven't been there yet, and it's definitely worth seeing. By the time we're done with that, it should be pretty warm, and we'll have lunch under the trees on the Island.”



      Rose was ready for anything, and enjoyed her visit to the lighthouse on
      the Point very much, especially climbing up the narrow stairs and going
      inside the great lantern. They made a long stay, for Dr. Alec seemed in no
      hurry to go, and kept looking through his spy-glass as if he expected to
      discover something remarkable on sea or land. It was past twelve before
      they reached the Island, and Rose was ready for her lunch long before she
      got it.
    
Rose was prepared for anything and really enjoyed her visit to the lighthouse on the Point, especially climbing up the narrow stairs and going inside the big lantern. They stayed a long time because Dr. Alec didn't seem in a hurry to leave and kept looking through his telescope as if he expected to see something amazing, either on the sea or on land. It was past twelve by the time they reached the Island, and Rose was eager for her lunch long before it was ready.



      “Now this is lovely! I do wish the boys were here. Won't it be nice to
      have them with us all their vacation? Why, it begins to-day, doesn't it?
      Oh, I wish I'd remembered it sooner, and perhaps they would have come with
      us,” she said, as they lay luxuriously eating sandwiches under the old
      apple-tree.
    
“Now this is nice! I wish the boys were here. Won't it be great to have them with us for the whole vacation? It starts today, right? Oh, I wish I had remembered it earlier, and maybe they would have come with us,” she said, as they lay comfortably eating sandwiches under the old apple tree.



      “So we might. Next time we won't be in such a hurry. I expect the lads
      will take our heads off when they find us out,” answered Dr. Alec,
      placidly drinking cold tea.
    
“So we might. Next time we won't rush. I expect the guys will be furious when they find out,” replied Dr. Alec, quietly sipping cold tea.



      “Uncle, I smell a frying sort of a smell,” Rose said, pausing suddenly as
      she was putting away the remains of the lunch half an hour later.
    
“Uncle, I smell something frying,” Rose said, suddenly stopping as she was putting away the leftovers of lunch half an hour later.



      “So do I; it is fish, I think.”
     
“So do I; I think it’s fish.”



      For a moment they both sat with their noses in the air, sniffing like
      hounds; then Dr. Alec sprang up, saying with great decision,
    
For a moment, they both sat with their noses in the air, sniffing like hounds; then Dr. Alec jumped up, saying with firm determination,



      “Now, this won't do! No one is permitted on this island without asking
      leave. I must see who dares to fry fish on my private property.”
     
“Now, this isn’t acceptable! No one is allowed on this island without permission. I need to see who has the audacity to cook fish on my private property.”



      Taking the basket on one arm and the bundle on the other, he strode away
      towards the traitorous smell, looking as fierce as a lion, while Rose
      marched behind under her umbrella.
    
Carrying the basket on one arm and the bundle on the other, he walked briskly toward the suspicious smell, looking as fierce as a lion, while Rose followed behind with her umbrella.



      “We are Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday going to see if the savages
      have come,” she said presently, for her fancy was full of the dear old
      stories that all children love so well.
    
“We are Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday going to see if the savages have come,” she said after a moment, as her imagination was filled with the beloved old stories that all kids cherish.



      “And there they are! Two tents and two boats, as I live! These rascals
      mean to enjoy themselves, that's evident.”
     
“And there they are! Two tents and two boats, I can't believe it! These troublemakers plan to have a good time, that's clear.”



      “There ought to be more boats and no tents. I wonder where the prisoners
      are?”
     
“There should be more boats and no tents. I wonder where the prisoners are?”



      “There are traces of them,” and Dr. Alec pointed to the heads and tails of
      fishes strewn on the grass.
    
“There are traces of them,” Dr. Alec said, pointing to the heads and tails of fish scattered on the grass.



      “And there are more,” said Rose, laughing, as she pointed to a scarlet
      heap of what looked like lobsters.
    
“And there are more,” said Rose, laughing, as she pointed to a red pile of what looked like lobsters.



      “The savages are probably eating their victims now; don't you hear the
      knives rattle in that tent?”
     
“The savages are probably eating their victims right now; can’t you hear the knives clattering in that tent?”



      “We ought to creep up and peep; Crusoe was cautious, you know, and Friday
      scared out of his wits,” added Rose, still keeping up the joke.
    
“We should sneak up and take a look; Crusoe was careful, you know, and Friday was scared out of his mind,” added Rose, still keeping the joke going.



      “But this Crusoe is going to pounce upon them, regardless of consequences.
      If I am killed and eaten, you seize the basket and run for the boat; there
      are provisions enough for your voyage home.”
     
“But this Crusoe is going to jump on them, no matter what happens. If I get killed and eaten, you grab the basket and run to the boat; there are enough supplies for your trip home.”



      With that Uncle Alec slipped round to the front of the tent and, casting
      in the big bundle like a bomb-shell, roared out, in a voice of thunder,
    
With that, Uncle Alec moved to the front of the tent and, throwing the large bundle in like it was a bomb, shouted out in a thunderous voice,



      “Pirates, surrender!”
     
"Pirates, give up!"



      A crash, a shout, a laugh, and out came the savages, brandishing knives
      and forks, chicken bones, and tin mugs, and all fell upon the intruder,
      pommelling him unmercifully as they cried,
    
A crash, a shout, a laugh, and out came the savages, waving knives and forks, chicken bones, and tin mugs, and they all attacked the intruder, beating him mercilessly as they yelled,



      “You came too soon! We are not half ready! You've spoilt it all! Where is
      Rose?”
     
“You arrived too early! We’re not even halfway ready! You messed everything up! Where’s Rose?”



      “Here I am,” answered a half-stifled voice, and Rose was discovered
      sitting on the pile of red flannel bathing clothes, which she had mistaken
      for lobsters, and where she had fallen in a fit of merriment when she
      discovered that the cannibals were her merry cousins.
    
“Here I am,” replied a muffled voice, and Rose was found sitting on the heap of red flannel bathing suits, which she had confused for lobsters, and where she had collapsed in laughter when she realized that the cannibals were her cheerful cousins.



      “You good-for-nothing boys! You are always bursting out upon me in some
      ridiculous way, and I always get taken in because I'm not used to such
      pranks. Uncle is as bad as the rest, and it's great fun,” she said, as the
      lads came round her, half scolding, half welcoming, and wholly enjoying
      the double surprise.
    
“You useless boys! You’re always jumping out at me in some silly way, and I keep falling for it because I'm not used to these kinds of tricks. Uncle is just as guilty, and it’s so much fun,” she said, as the guys gathered around her, half scolding, half welcoming, and completely enjoying the double surprise.



      “You were not to come till afternoon, and mamma was to be here to receive
      you. Everything is in a mess now, except your tent; we got that in order
      the first thing, and you can sit there and see us work,” said Archie,
      doing the honours as usual.
    
“You weren’t supposed to arrive until the afternoon, and Mom was meant to be here to greet you. Everything’s a mess now, except for your tent; we organized that first thing, so you can sit there and watch us work,” said Archie, playing host as usual.



      “Rose felt it in her bones, as Dolly says, that something was in the wind,
      and wanted to be off at once. So I let her come, and should have kept her
      away an hour longer if your fish had not betrayed you,” explained Uncle
      Alec, subsiding from a ferocious Crusoe into his good-natured self again.
    
“Rose felt it deep down, like Dolly says, that something was brewing, and wanted to leave right away. So I let her go, and I would have kept her over an hour longer if your fish hadn’t given you away,” explained Uncle Alec, shifting from a fierce Crusoe into his easygoing self again.



      “As this seat is rather damp, I think I'll rise,” said Rose, as the
      excitement lessened a little.
    
“As this seat is pretty damp, I think I'll get up,” said Rose as the excitement faded a bit.



      Several fishy hands helped her up, and Charlie said, as he scattered the
      scarlet garments over the grass with an oar,
    
Several slippery hands helped her up, and Charlie said, as he tossed the red clothes over the grass with an oar,



      “We had a jolly good swim before dinner, and I told the Brats to spread
      these to dry. Hope you brought your things, Rose, for you belong to the
      Lobsters, you know, and we can have no end of fun teaching you to dive and
      float and tread water.”
     
“We had a great swim before dinner, and I told the Brats to lay these out to dry. Hope you brought your stuff, Rose, because you’re part of the Lobsters, and we can have endless fun teaching you how to dive, float, and tread water.”



      “I didn't bring anything—” began Rose, but was interrupted by the
      Brats (otherwise Will and Geordie), who appeared bearing the big bundle,
      so much demoralised by its fall that a red flannel tunic trailed out at
      one end and a little blue dressing-gown at the other, while the knobs
      proved to be a toilet-case, rubbers, and a silver mug.
    
“I didn't bring anything—” started Rose, but she was cut off by the Brats (who are actually Will and Geordie), showing up with a large bundle that had fallen apart, dragging a red flannel tunic at one end and a small blue dressing gown at the other, while the knobs turned out to be a toiletry bag, erasers, and a silver mug.



      “Oh, that sly Phebe! This was the secret, and she bundled up those things
      after I went down to the boat,” cried Rose, with sparkling eyes.
    
“Oh, that sneaky Phebe! That was the secret, and she packed up those things after I went down to the boat,” cried Rose, with sparkling eyes.



      “Guess something is smashed inside, for a bit of glass fell out,” observed
      Will, as they deposited the bundle at her feet.
    
“Looks like something's broken inside, since a piece of glass fell out,” Will said as they placed the bundle at her feet.



      “Catch a girl going anywhere without a looking-glass. We haven't got one
      among the whole lot of us,” added Mac, with masculine scorn.
    
“Catch a girl going anywhere without a mirror. We don’t have one among all of us,” added Mac, with a manly disdain.



      “Dandy has; I caught him touching up his wig behind the trees after our
      swim,” cut in Geordie, wagging a derisive finger at Steve, who promptly
      silenced him by a smart rap on the head with the drum-stick he had just
      polished off.
    
“Dandy has; I saw him fixing his wig behind the trees after our swim,” interjected Geordie, shaking a mocking finger at Steve, who quickly silenced him with a smart tap on the head using the drumstick he had just finished.



      “Come, come, you lazy lubbers, fall to work, or we shall not be ready for
      mamma. Take Rose's things to her tent, and tell her all about it, Prince.
      Mac and Steve, you cut away and bring up the rest of the straw; and you
      small chaps, clear off the table, if you have stuffed all you can. Please,
      uncle, I'd like your advice about the boundary lines and the best place
      for the kitchen.”
     
“Come on, you lazy folks, get to work, or we won't be ready for Mom. Take Rose's stuff to her tent, and fill her in on everything, Prince. Mac and Steve, you go and bring the rest of the straw; and you little guys, clear off the table if you've eaten all you can. Please, Uncle, I'd like your advice on the boundary lines and the best spot for the kitchen.”



      Everyone obeyed the chief, and Rose was escorted to her tent by Charlie,
      who devoted himself to her service. She was charmed with her quarters, and
      still more so with the programme which he unfolded before her as they
      worked.
    
Everyone followed the chief's orders, and Charlie took Rose to her tent, where he dedicated himself to helping her. She was delighted with her space and even more with the plan he laid out for her as they worked together.



      “We always camp out somewhere in vacation, and this year we thought we'd
      try the Island. It is handy, and our fireworks will show off well from
      here.”
     
“We always go camping during vacation, and this year we decided to try the Island. It’s convenient, and our fireworks will look great from here.”



      “Shall we stay over the Fourth? Three whole days! Oh, me! what a frolic it
      will be!”
     
“Should we stay for the Fourth? Three entire days! Oh, what fun it will be!”



      “Bless your heart, we often camp for a week, we big fellows; but this year
      the small chaps wanted to come, so we let them. We have great larks, as
      you'll see; for we have a cave and play Captain Kidd, and have shipwrecks,
      and races, and all sorts of games. Arch and I are rather past that kind of
      thing now, but we do it to please the children,” added Charlie, with a
      sudden recollection of his sixteen years.
    
“Bless your heart, we usually camp for a week, we big guys; but this year the little ones wanted to join us, so we said yes. We have a blast, as you’ll see; we’ve got a cave where we play Captain Kidd, have shipwrecks, races, and all kinds of games. Arch and I have sort of outgrown that stuff, but we do it to make the kids happy,” Charlie added, suddenly remembering he was already sixteen.



      “I had no idea boys had such good times. Their plays never seemed a bit
      interesting before. But I suppose that was because I never knew any boys
      very well, or perhaps you are unusually nice ones,” observed Rose, with an
      artless air of appreciation that was very flattering.
    
“I had no idea boys had such a good time. Their games never seemed interesting before. But I guess that was because I never really knew any boys well, or maybe you guys are just really nice,” Rose said, with a genuine sense of admiration that was quite flattering.



      “We are a pretty clever set, I fancy; but we have a good many advantages,
      you see. There are a tribe of us, to begin with; then our family has been
      here for ages, and we have plenty of 'spondulics,' so we can rather lord
      it over the other fellows, and do as we like. There, ma'am, you can hang
      your smashed glass on that nail and do up your back hair as fine as you
      please. You can have a blue blanket or a red one, and a straw pillow or an
      air cushion for your head, whichever you like. You can trim up to any
      extent, and be as free and easy as squaws in a wigwam, for this corner is
      set apart for you ladies and we never cross the line uncle is drawing
      until we ask leave. Anything more I can do for you, cousin?”
     
“We're a pretty smart group, I think; but we have a lot of advantages, you see. There are quite a few of us, to start with; then our family has been around for generations, and we have plenty of money, so we can really look down on the other guys and do what we want. There, ma'am, you can hang your broken glass on that nail and fix your hair however you like. You can have a blue blanket or a red one, and a straw pillow or an air cushion for your head, whatever you prefer. You can decorate as much as you want and be as relaxed as women in a wigwam, because this corner is set aside for you ladies, and we never cross the line that uncle is drawing until we ask for permission. Is there anything else I can do for you, cousin?”



      “No, thank you. I think I'll leave the rest till auntie comes, and go and
      help you somewhere else, if I may.”
     
“No, thank you. I think I'll wait for auntie to arrive and help you somewhere else, if that's okay.”



      “Yes, indeed, come on and see to the kitchen. Can you cook?” asked
      Charlie, as he led the way to the rocky nook where Archie was putting up a
      sail-cloth awning.
    
“Yes, of course, come check out the kitchen. Can you cook?” asked Charlie, as he headed towards the rocky spot where Archie was setting up a sailcloth awning.



      “I can make tea and toast bread.”
     
“I can make tea and toast bread.”



      “Well, we'll shew you how to fry fish, and make chowder. Now you just set
      these pots and pans round tastefully, and sort of tidy up a bit, for Aunt
      Jessie insists on doing some of the work, and I want it to be decent
      here.”
     
“Well, we'll show you how to fry fish and make chowder. Now, you just arrange these pots and pans nicely and tidy up a bit, because Aunt Jessie insists on doing some of the work, and I want it to look good here.”



      By four o'clock the camp was in order, and the weary workers settled down
      on Lookout Rock to watch for Mrs. Jessie and Jamie, who was never far from
      mamma's apron string. They looked like a flock of blue-birds, all being in
      sailor rig, with blue ribbon enough flying from the seven hats to have set
      up a milliner. Very tuneful blue-birds they were, too, for all the lads
      sang, and the echo of their happy voices reached Mrs. Jessie long before
      she saw them.
    
By four o'clock, the camp was organized, and the tired workers relaxed on Lookout Rock to wait for Mrs. Jessie and Jamie, who was always close to his mom. They looked like a group of bluebirds, all dressed in sailor outfits, with enough blue ribbons flying from their seven hats to start a hat shop. They were very musical bluebirds, too, because all the guys were singing, and the sound of their cheerful voices reached Mrs. Jessie long before she spotted them.



      The moment the boat hove in sight up went the Island flag, and the
      blue-jackets cheered lustily, as they did on every possible occasion, like
      true young Americans. This welcome was answered by the flapping of a
      handkerchief and the shrill “Rah! Rah! Rah!” of the one small tar who
      stood in the stern waving his hat manfully, while a maternal hand clutched
      him firmly in the rear.
    
The moment the boat appeared, the Island flag went up, and the crew cheered loudly, just like true young Americans do whenever they get the chance. This warm welcome was met with a waving handkerchief and the enthusiastic “Rah! Rah! Rah!” from a small sailor standing in the back, proudly waving his hat, all while a caring hand held onto him firmly from behind.



      Cleopatra landing from her golden galley never received a heartier
      greeting than “Little Mum” as she was borne to her tent by the young folk,
      for love of whom she smilingly resigned herself to three days of
      discomfort; while Jamie immediately attached himself to Rose, assuring her
      of his protection from the manifold perils which might assail them.
    
Cleopatra stepping off her golden ship never got a warmer welcome than when the young people greeted her with “Little Mum” as they carried her to her tent. Out of love for them, she gladly put up with three days of discomfort. Meanwhile, Jamie quickly connected with Rose, promising to protect her from all the dangers that could come their way.



      Taught by long experience that boys are always hungry, Aunt Jessie soon
      proposed supper, and proceeded to get it, enveloped in an immense apron,
      with an old hat of Archie's stuck atop of her cap. Rose helped, and tried
      to be as handy as Phebe, though the peculiar style of table she had to set
      made it no easy task. It was accomplished at last, and a very happy party
      lay about under the trees, eating and drinking out of anyone's plate and
      cup, and quite untroubled by the frequent appearance of ants and spiders
      in places which these interesting insects are not expected to adorn.
    
Having learned from experience that boys are always hungry, Aunt Jessie quickly suggested making dinner and got to work, wearing a huge apron and an old hat of Archie’s perched on top of her cap. Rose helped out and tried to be as efficient as Phebe, even though the odd way of setting the table made it a bit tricky. Eventually, they finished, and a very happy group lounged under the trees, sharing food and drinks from anyone’s plate and cup, completely unfazed by the ants and spiders showing up in places where you wouldn’t expect to see these little critters.



      “I never thought I should like to wash dishes, but I do,” said Rose, as
      she sat in a boat after supper lazily rinsing plates in the sea, and
      rocking luxuriously as she wiped them.
    
“I never thought I would enjoy washing dishes, but I do,” said Rose, as she sat in a boat after dinner, leisurely rinsing plates in the sea and rocking comfortably as she wiped them.



      “Mum is mighty particular; we just give 'em a scrub with sand, and dust
      'em off with a bit of paper. It's much the best way, I think,” replied
      Geordie, who reposed in another boat alongside.
    
“Mum is really picky; we just scrub them with sand and wipe them down with a bit of paper. I think it's the best way,” replied Geordie, who was lounging in another boat next to them.



      “How Phebe would like this! I wonder uncle did not have her come.”
     
“How Phebe would love this! I wonder why uncle didn’t have her come.”



      “I believe he tried to, but Dolly was as cross as two sticks, and said she
      couldn't spare her. I'm sorry, for we all like the Phebe bird, and she'd
      chirp like a good one out here, wouldn't she?”
     
“I think he tried, but Dolly was really upset and said she couldn't let her go. I'm disappointed because we all like the Phebe bird, and she would sing beautifully out here, right?”



      “She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us. It's too bad to leave
      her out.”
     
“She should have a holiday like the rest of us. It’s unfair to leave her out.”



      This thought came back to Rose several times that evening, for Phebe would
      have added much to the little concert they had in the moonlight, would
      have enjoyed the stories told, been quick at guessing the conundrums, and
      laughed with all her heart at the fun. The merry going to bed would have
      been the best of all, for Rose wanted someone to cuddle under the blue
      blanket with her, there to whisper and giggle and tell secrets, as girls
      delight to do.
    
This thought came back to Rose several times that evening, because Phebe would have added so much to the little concert they had in the moonlight. She would have enjoyed the stories being told, been quick to guess the riddles, and laughed wholeheartedly at the fun. The joyful bedtime routine would have been the best part of all, as Rose wanted someone to snuggle under the blue blanket with her, where they could whisper, giggle, and share secrets, just like girls love to do.



      Long after the rest were asleep, Rose lay wide awake, excited by the
      novelty of all about her, and a thought that had come into her mind. Far
      away she heard a city clock strike twelve; a large star like a mild eye
      peeped in at the opening of the tent, and the soft plash of the waves
      seemed calling her to come out. Aunt Jessie lay fast asleep, with Jamie
      rolled up like a kitten at her feet, and neither stirred as Rose in her
      wrapper crept out to see how the world looked at midnight.
    
Long after everyone else was asleep, Rose lay wide awake, thrilled by the newness of everything around her and a thought that had popped into her mind. Far off, she heard a city clock strike twelve; a big star, like a gentle eye, peeked in through the opening of the tent, and the soft splash of the waves seemed to call her outside. Aunt Jessie was sound asleep, with Jamie curled up like a kitten at her feet, and neither of them moved as Rose, in her robe, quietly crept out to see what the world looked like at midnight.



      She found it very lovely, and sat down on a cracker keg to enjoy it with a
      heart full of the innocent sentiment of her years. Fortunately, Dr. Alec
      saw her before she had time to catch cold, for coming out to tie back the
      door-flap of his tent for more air, he beheld the small figure perched in
      the moonlight. Having no fear of ghosts, he quietly approached, and,
      seeing that she was wide awake, said, with a hand on her shining hair,
    
She thought it was really beautiful and sat down on a barrel to enjoy it with a heart full of the innocent feelings of her youth. Luckily, Dr. Alec spotted her before she could get cold because as he stepped out to tie back the door flap of his tent for more air, he noticed her small figure sitting in the moonlight. Unafraid of ghosts, he quietly walked over and, seeing that she was wide awake, said, with a hand on her shiny hair,



      “What is my girl doing here?”
     
“What’s my girl doing here?”



      “Having a good time,” answered Rose, not at all startled.
    
“Having a good time,” Rose replied, completely unbothered.



      “I wonder what she was thinking about with such a sober look.”
     
“I wonder what she was thinking with that serious look on her face.”



      “The story you told of the brave sailor who gave up his place on the raft
      to the woman, and the last drop of water to the poor baby. People who make
      sacrifices are very much loved and admired, aren't they?” she asked,
      earnestly.
    
“The story you told about the brave sailor who gave up his spot on the raft for the woman, and the last drop of water for the poor baby. People who make sacrifices are really loved and admired, aren’t they?” she asked, earnestly.



      “If the sacrifice is a true one. But many of the bravest never are known,
      and get no praise. That does not lessen their beauty, though perhaps it
      makes them harder, for we all like sympathy,” and Dr. Alec sighed a
      patient sort of sigh.
    
“If the sacrifice is genuine. But many of the bravest are never recognized and receive no praise. That doesn’t diminish their worth, though it might make them tougher, since we all appreciate sympathy,” Dr. Alec sighed a weary sort of sigh.



      “I suppose you have made a great many? Would you mind telling me one of
      them?” asked Rose, arrested by the sigh.
    
“I guess you’ve made quite a few? Would you mind sharing one with me?” asked Rose, intrigued by the sigh.



      “My last was to give up smoking,” was the very unromantic answer to her
      pensive question.
    
“My last was to give up smoking,” was the very unromantic reply to her thoughtful question.



      “Why did you?”
     
"Why did you do that?"



      “Bad example for the boys.”
     
"Poor role model for the boys."



      “That was very good of you, uncle! Was it hard?”
     
"That was really nice of you, Uncle! Was it difficult?"



      “I'm ashamed to say it was. But as a wise old fellow once said, 'It is
      necessary to do right; it is not necessary to be happy.'”
     
“I'm embarrassed to admit it was. But as a wise old guy once said, 'It's important to do the right thing; it's not necessary to be happy.'”



      Rose pondered over the saying as if it pleased her, and then said, with a
      clear, bright look,
    
Rose thought about the saying as if she found it interesting, and then said, with a clear, bright expression,



      “A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy very much,
      isn't it?”
     
“A true sacrifice is giving up something you really want or enjoy a lot, right?”



      “Yes.”
     
"Yeah."



      “Doing it one's own self because one loves another person very much and
      wants her to be happy?”
     
“Doing it yourself because you really care about someone and want them to be happy?”



      “Yes.”
     
“Yep.”



      “And doing it pleasantly, and being glad about it, and not minding the
      praise if it doesn't come?”
     
“And doing it happily, enjoying it, and not caring if the praise doesn’t come?”



      “Yes, dear, that is the true spirit of self-sacrifice; you seem to
      understand it, and I dare say you will have many chances in your life to
      try the real thing. I hope they won't be very hard ones.”
     
“Yes, dear, that is the true essence of self-sacrifice; you seem to get it, and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities in your life to experience it for real. I hope they won’t be too difficult.”



      “I think they will,” began Rose, and there stopped short.
    
“I think they will,” started Rose, but then she paused abruptly.



      “Well, make one now, and go to sleep, or my girl will be ill to-morrow,
      and then the aunts will say camping out was bad for her.”
     
"Well, make one now and go to sleep, or my girl will be sick tomorrow, and then the aunts will say camping out was bad for her."



      “I'll go good night!” and throwing him a kiss, the little ghost vanished,
      leaving Uncle Alec to pace the shore and think about some of the
      unsuspected sacrifices that had made him what he was.
    
“I'll go, good night!” and throwing him a kiss, the little ghost disappeared, leaving Uncle Alec to walk along the shore and reflect on some of the hidden sacrifices that had shaped him into who he was.




 


 












      Chapter 10—Rose's Sacrifice
    



      There certainly were “larks” on Campbell's Island next day, as Charlie had
      foretold, and Rose took her part in them like one intent on enjoying every
      minute to the utmost. There was a merry breakfast, a successful fishing
      expedition, and then the lobsters came out in full force, for even Aunt
      Jessie appeared in red flannel. There was nothing Uncle Alec could not do
      in the water, and the boys tried their best to equal him in strength and
      skill, so there was a great diving and ducking, for every one was bent on
      distinguishing himself.
    
There were definitely “larks” on Campbell's Island the next day, just as Charlie had predicted, and Rose jumped right in, eager to make the most of every moment. They had a fun breakfast, a successful fishing trip, and then the lobsters showed up in full swing, with Aunt Jessie even donning red flannel. There was nothing Uncle Alec couldn’t do in the water, and the boys worked hard to match his strength and skill, leading to lots of diving and splashing, as everyone was determined to stand out.



      Rose swam out far beyond her depth, with uncle to float her back; Aunt
      Jessie splashed placidly in the shallow pools, with Jamie paddling near by
      like a little whale beside its mother; while the lads careered about,
      looking like a flock of distracted flamingoes, and acting like the famous
      dancing party in “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.”
     
Rose swam out far beyond her depth, with her uncle to float her back; Aunt Jessie splashed calmly in the shallow pools, with Jamie paddling nearby like a little whale beside its mother; while the boys rushed around, looking like a flock of confused flamingos, and acting like the famous dancing party in “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.”



      Nothing but chowder would have lured them from their gambols in the briny
      deep; that time-honoured dish demanded the concentrated action of several
      mighty minds; so the “Water Babies” came ashore and fell to cooking.
    
Nothing but chowder would have drawn them away from their playful antics in the salty sea; that classic dish required the focused effort of several strong minds; so the “Water Babies” came ashore and started cooking.



      It is unnecessary to say that, when done, it was the most remarkable
      chowder ever cooked, and the quantity eaten would have amazed the world if
      the secret had been divulged. After this exertion a siesta was considered
      the thing, and people lay about in tents or out as they pleased, the boys
      looking like warriors slumbering where they fell.
    
It goes without saying that, when it was finished, it was the most impressive chowder ever made, and the amount consumed would have astonished everyone if the secret had been revealed. After this effort, taking a nap seemed like the right idea, and people lounged around in tents or wherever they wanted, with the boys looking like warriors asleep wherever they dropped.



      The elders had just settled to a comfortable nap when the youngsters rose,
      refreshed and ready for further exploits. A hint sent them all off to the
      cave, and there were discovered bows and arrows, battle clubs, old swords,
      and various relics of an interesting nature. Perched upon a commanding
      rock, with Jamie to “splain” things to her, Rose beheld a series of
      stirring scenes enacted with great vigour and historical accuracy by her
      gifted relatives.
    
The elders had just settled down for a nice nap when the kids woke up, energized and eager for more adventures. A clue led them all to the cave, where they found bows and arrows, battle clubs, old swords, and various intriguing artifacts. Sitting on a high rock, with Jamie explaining everything to her, Rose watched as her talented relatives reenacted a series of exciting scenes with impressive energy and historical accuracy.



      Captain Cook was murdered by the natives of Owhyhee in the most thrilling
      manner. Captain Kidd buried untold wealth in the chowder kettle at the
      dead of night, and shot both the trusting villains who shared the secret
      of the hiding place. Sinbad came ashore there and had manifold adventures,
      and numberless wrecks bestrewed the sands.
    
Captain Cook was killed by the locals of Owhyhee in a very dramatic way. Captain Kidd buried a fortune in the chowder kettle at midnight and shot both the treacherous men who knew the location of the stash. Sinbad landed there and had countless adventures, with numerous shipwrecks scattered along the shore.



      Rose considered them by far the most exciting dramas she had ever
      witnessed; and when the performance closed with a grand ballet of Feejee
      Islanders, whose barbaric yells alarmed the gulls, she had no words in
      which to express her gratification.
    
Rose thought they were definitely the most thrilling performances she'd ever seen; and when the show ended with an impressive ballet of Fiji Islanders, whose wild screams startled the seagulls, she was at a loss for words to show her appreciation.



      Another swim at sunset, another merry evening on the rocks watching the
      lighted steamers pass seaward and the pleasure-boats come into port, ended
      the second day of the camping out, and sent everyone to bed early that
      they might be ready for the festivities of the morrow.
    
Another swim at sunset, another fun evening on the rocks watching the lit-up steamers head out to sea and the pleasure boats come back to shore, wrapped up the second day of camping out and sent everyone to bed early so they could be ready for the festivities tomorrow.



      “Archie, didn't I hear uncle ask you to row home in the morning for fresh
      milk and things?”
     
“Archie, didn’t I hear your uncle ask you to row home in the morning for fresh milk and stuff?”



      “Yes, why?”
     
"Yeah, why?"



      “Please, may I go too? I have something of great importance to arrange;
      you know I was carried off in a hurry,” Rose said in a confidential
      whisper as she was bidding her cousins good night.
    
“Please, can I go too? I have something really important to take care of; you know I was taken away in a rush,” Rose said quietly as she said goodnight to her cousins.



      “I'm willing, and I guess Charlie won't mind.”
     
“I'm okay with it, and I think Charlie won't care.”



      “Thank you; be sure you stand by me when I ask leave in the morning, and
      don't say anything till then, except to Charlie. Promise,” urged Rose, so
      eagerly, that Archie struck an attitude and cried dramatically,
    
“Thank you; make sure to support me when I ask for time off in the morning, and don’t say anything until then, except to Charlie. Promise,” Rose urged so eagerly that Archie struck a dramatic pose and exclaimed,



      “By yonder moon I swear!”
     
"By that moon I swear!"



      “Hush! it's all right, go along”; and Rose departed as if satisfied.
    
“Hush! It's okay, go ahead”; and Rose left as if she were satisfied.



      “She's a queer little thing, isn't she, Prince?”
     
“She's a quirky little thing, isn't she, Prince?”



      “Rather a nice little thing, I think. I'm quite fond of her.”
     
“It's quite a nice little thing, I think. I'm really fond of her.”



      Rose's quick ears caught both remarks, and she retired to her tent, saying
      to herself with sleepy dignity,
    
Rose’s quick ears picked up both comments, and she went back to her tent, muttering to herself with sleepy dignity,



      “Little thing, indeed! Those boys talk as if I was a baby. They will treat
      me with more respect after to-morrow, I guess.”
     
“Little thing, for sure! Those guys talk like I’m a baby. They’ll treat me with more respect after tomorrow, I bet.”



      Archie did stand by her in the morning, and her request was readily
      granted, as the lads were coming directly back. Off they went, and Rose
      waved her hand to the islanders with a somewhat pensive air, for an heroic
      purpose glowed within her, and the spirit of self-sacrifice was about to
      be illustrated in a new and touching manner.
    
Archie was there for her in the morning, and her request was quickly accepted since the guys were coming back right away. They left, and Rose waved goodbye to the islanders with a slightly thoughtful expression, because a noble purpose was shining within her, and the spirit of self-sacrifice was about to be shown in a new and heartfelt way.



      While the boys got the milk Rose ran to Phebe, ordered her to leave her
      dishes, to put on her hat, and take a note back to Uncle Alec, which would
      explain this somewhat mysterious performance. Phebe obeyed, and when she
      went to the boat Rose accompanied her, telling the boys she was not ready
      to go yet, but they could, some of them, come for her when she hung a
      white signal on her balcony.
    
While the boys got the milk, Rose rushed to Phebe, telling her to stop what she was doing, put on her hat, and take a note back to Uncle Alec that would explain this rather mysterious situation. Phebe complied, and when she went to the boat, Rose went with her, telling the boys she wasn’t ready to leave yet, but some of them could come back for her when she hung a white signal on her balcony.



      “But why not come now? What are you about, miss? Uncle won't like it,”
       protested Charlie, in great amazement.
    
“But why not come now? What are you up to, miss? Uncle won't be happy about this,” protested Charlie, in great disbelief.



      “Just do as I tell you, little boy; uncle will understand and explain.
      Obey, as Phebe does, and ask no questions. I can have secrets as well as
      other people”; and Rose walked off with an air of lofty independence that
      impressed her friends immensely.
    
“Just do what I say, little boy; uncle will understand and explain. 
      Follow instructions like Phebe does, and don’t ask questions. I can have secrets just like everyone else”; and Rose walked away with a sense of lofty independence that really impressed her friends.



      “It's some plot between uncle and herself, so we won't meddle. All right,
      Phebe? Pull away, Prince”; and off they went to be received with much
      surprise by the islanders.
    
“It's some scheme between your uncle and you, so we won't interfere. Okay, Phebe? Let’s go, Prince”; and off they went to be welcomed with much surprise by the islanders.



      This was the note Phebe bore:
    
This was the note Phebe carried:



      “Dear Uncle, I am going to take Phebe's place to-day, and let her have all
      the fun she can. Please don't mind what she says, but keep her, and tell
      the boys to be very good to her for my sake. Don't think it is easy to do
      this; it is very hard to give up the best day of all, but I feel so
      selfish to have all the pleasure and Phebe none, that I wish to make this
      sacrifice. Do let me, and don't laugh at it; I truly do not wish to be
      praised, and I truly want to do it. Love to all from,
    
“Dear Uncle, I’m going to take Phebe's spot today so she can enjoy herself as much as possible. Please don’t take what she says to heart, just keep her happy, and tell the boys to be really nice to her for my sake. Don’t think this is an easy thing to do; it’s really difficult to give up the best day, but I feel so selfish having all the fun while Phebe has none that I want to make this sacrifice. Please let me do this, and don’t laugh at it; I really don’t want any praise, I just truly want to help. Love to everyone from,



      “Rose.”
     
"Rose."



      “Bless the little dear, what a generous heart she has! Shall we go after
      her, Jessie, or let her have her way?” said Dr. Alec, after the first
      mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided.
    
“Bless the little dear, she has such a generous heart! Should we go after her, Jessie, or let her have her way?” said Dr. Alec, after the initial mix of amusement and surprise had faded.



      “Let her alone, and don't spoil her little sacrifice. She means it, I
      know, and the best way in which we can show our respect for her effort is
      to give Phebe a pleasant day. I'm sure she has earned it”; and Mrs. Jessie
      made a sign to the boys to suppress their disappointment and exert
      themselves to please Rose's guest.
    
"Just leave her alone and don't ruin her little sacrifice. She really means it, and the best way we can show respect for her effort is to make Phebe's day enjoyable. I'm sure she deserves it," and Mrs. Jessie told the boys to hide their disappointment and do their best to please Rose's guest.



      Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home, and declared that
      she should not enjoy herself one bit without Miss Rose.
    
Phebe struggled to resist going straight home and said that she wouldn't have any fun at all without Miss Rose.



      “She won't hold out all day, and we shall see her paddling back before
      noon, I'll wager anything,” said Charlie; and the rest so strongly
      inclined to his opinion that they resigned themselves to the loss of the
      little queen of the revels, sure that it would be only a temporary one.
    
“She won’t be out there all day, and I bet we’ll see her paddling back before noon,” said Charlie; and the others agreed with him so much that they accepted the loss of the little queen of the festivities, sure it would be just a short one.



      But hour after hour passed, and no signal appeared on the balcony, though
      Phebe watched it hopefully. No passing boat brought the truant back,
      though more than one pair of eyes looked out for the bright hair under the
      round hat; and sunset came, bringing no Rose but the lovely colour in the
      western sky.
    
But hour after hour went by, and no signal appeared on the balcony, even though Phebe watched it with hope. No passing boat brought the runaway back, even though more than one pair of eyes searched for the bright hair under the round hat; and sunset arrived, bringing no Rose but the beautiful colors in the western sky.



      “I really did not think the child had it in her. I fancied it was a bit of
      sentiment, but I see she was in earnest, and means that her sacrifice
      shall be a true one. Dear little soul! I'll make it up to her a thousand
      times over, and beg her pardon for thinking it might be done for effect,”
       Dr. Alec said remorsefully, as he strained his eyes through the dusk,
      fancying he saw a small figure sitting in the garden as it had sat on the
      keg the night before, laying the generous little plot that had cost more
      than he could guess.
    
“I really didn’t think the kid had it in her. I thought it was just a bit of sentiment, but I see she was serious and intends for her sacrifice to be genuine. Dear little soul! I'll make it up to her a thousand times over and apologize for thinking it might be for show,” Dr. Alec said regretfully, as he strained his eyes through the twilight, imagining he saw a small figure sitting in the garden like it had the night before, laying the generous little plot that had cost more than he could guess.



      “Well, she can't help seeing the fireworks, any way, unless she is goose
      enough to think she must hide in a dark closet and not look,” said Archie,
      who was rather disgusted at Rose's seeming ingratitude.
    
“Well, she can't avoid seeing the fireworks, anyway, unless she's silly enough to think she should hide in a dark closet and not look,” said Archie, who was pretty annoyed by Rose's apparent ingratitude.



      “She will see ours capitally, but miss the big ones on the hill, unless
      papa has forgotten all about them,” added Steve, cutting short the
      harangue Mac had begun upon the festivals of the ancients.
    
“She will definitely see ours, but she’ll miss the big ones on the hill, unless Dad has forgotten all about them,” added Steve, interrupting the lecture Mac had started about the festivals of the ancients.



      “I'm sure the sight of her will be better than the finest fireworks that
      ever went off,” said Phebe, meditating an elopement with one of the boats
      if she could get a chance.
    
“I'm sure seeing her will be better than the best fireworks ever,” said Phebe, thinking about running away with one of the boats if she got the chance.



      “Let things work; if she resists a brilliant invitation we give her she
      will be a heroine,” added Uncle Alec, secretly hoping that she would not.
    
“Let things unfold; if she rejects a fantastic invitation we give her, she will become a heroine,” added Uncle Alec, secretly hoping that she wouldn't.



      Meanwhile Rose had spent a quiet, busy day helping Dolly, waiting on Aunt
      Peace, and steadily resisting Aunt Plenty's attempts to send her back to
      the happy island. It had been hard in the morning to come in from the
      bright world outside, with flags flying, cannon booming, crackers popping,
      and everyone making ready for a holiday, and go to washing cups, while
      Dolly grumbled and the aunts lamented. It was very hard to see the day go
      by, knowing how gay each hour must have been across the water, and how a
      word from her would take her where she longed to be with all her heart.
      But it was hardest of all when evening came and Aunt Peace was asleep,
      Aunt Plenty seeing a gossip in the parlor, Dolly established in the porch
      to enjoy the show, and nothing left for the little maid to do but sit
      alone in her balcony and watch the gay rockets whizz up from island, hill,
      and city, while bands played and boats laden with happy people went to and
      fro in the fitful light.
    
Meanwhile, Rose had spent a quiet, busy day helping Dolly, taking care of Aunt Peace, and consistently resisting Aunt Plenty's efforts to send her back to the happy island. It was hard in the morning to come inside from the bright world outside, with flags flying, cannons booming, fireworks popping, and everyone prepping for a holiday, and then go wash cups while Dolly complained and the aunts sighed. It was really tough to see the day go by, knowing how joyful each hour must have been across the water, and how just a word from her would take her to where she longed to be with all her heart. But it was hardest of all when evening came and Aunt Peace was asleep, Aunt Plenty was gossiping in the parlor, and Dolly was settled on the porch to enjoy the show. Nothing was left for the little maid to do but sit alone on her balcony and watch the colorful rockets shoot up from the island, the hills, and the city, while bands played and boats full of happy people moved back and forth in the flickering light.



      Then it must be confessed that a tear or two dimmed the blue eyes, and
      once, when a very brilliant display illuminated the island for a moment,
      and she fancied she saw the tents, the curly head went down on the
      railing, and a wide-awake nasturtium heard a little whisper,
    
Then it has to be admitted that a tear or two blurred the blue eyes, and once, when a bright flash lit up the island for a moment, and she thought she saw the tents, her curly head dropped onto the railing, and a lively nasturtium overheard a small whisper,



      “I hope someone wishes I was there!”
     
“I hope someone wishes I was around!”



      The tears were all gone, however, and she was watching the hill and island
      answer each other with what Jamie called “whizzers, whirligigs and
      busters,” and smiling as she thought how hard the boys must be working to
      keep up such a steady fire, when Uncle Mac came walking in upon her,
      saying hurriedly,
    
The tears were all gone, but she was watching the hill and island respond to each other with what Jamie called "whizzers, whirligigs, and busters," and smiling as she thought about how hard the boys must be working to maintain such a steady fire, when Uncle Mac walked in on her, saying hurriedly,



      “Come, child, put on your tippet, pelisse, or whatever you call it, and
      run off with me. I came to get Phebe, but aunt says she is gone, so I want
      you. I've got Fun down in the boat, and I want you to go with us and see
      my fireworks. Got them up for you, and you mustn't miss them, or I shall
      be disappointed.”
     
“Come on, kid, put on your cape, jacket, or whatever you call it, and run off with me. I came to get Phebe, but Aunt says she’s not here, so I want you instead. I’ve got Fun down in the boat, and I want you to come with us and see my fireworks. I set them up for you, and you can’t miss them, or I’ll be really disappointed.”



      “But, uncle,” began Rose, feeling as if she ought to refuse even a glimpse
      of bliss, “perhaps—”
     
“But, uncle,” began Rose, feeling like she should decline even a glimpse of happiness, “maybe—”



      “I know, my dear, I know; aunt told me; but no one needs you now so much
      as I do, and I insist on your coming,” said Uncle Mac, who seemed in a
      great hurry to be off, yet was unusually kind.
    
“I know, my dear, I know; Aunt told me; but no one needs you as much as I do right now, and I'm insisting that you come,” said Uncle Mac, who seemed in a big hurry to leave, yet was unusually kind.



      So Rose went and found the little Chinaman with a funny lantern waiting to
      help her in and convulse her with laughter trying to express his emotions
      in pigeon English. The city clocks were striking nine as they got out into
      the bay, and the island fireworks seemed to be over, for no rocket
      answered the last Roman candle that shone on the Aunt-hill.
    
So Rose went and found the little Chinese guy with a funny lantern waiting to help her in and make her laugh as he tried to express his feelings in broken English. The city clocks were striking nine as they stepped out into the bay, and the island fireworks seemed to be done, because no rocket responded to the last Roman candle that lit up the Aunt-hill.



      “Ours are done, I see, but they are going up all round the city, and how
      pretty they are,” said Rose, folding her mantle about her, and surveying
      the scene with pensive interest.
    
“Ours are finished, I see, but they’re going up all around the city, and they look so nice,” said Rose, wrapping her coat around her and taking in the view with thoughtful curiosity.



      “Hope my fellows have not got into trouble up there,” muttered Uncle Mac,
      adding with a satisfied chuckle, as a spark shone out, “No; there it goes!
      Look, Rosy, and see how you like this one; it was ordered especially in
      honour of your coming.”
     
“Hope my friends haven't gotten into trouble up there,” Uncle Mac muttered, adding with a satisfied chuckle as a spark lit up, “No; there it goes! Look, Rosy, and see what you think of this one; it was ordered just for your arrival.”



      Rose looked with all her eyes, and saw the spark grow into the likeness of
      a golden vase, then green leaves came out, and then a crimson flower
      glowing on the darkness with a splendid lustre.
    
Rose looked with wide eyes and saw the spark transform into a golden vase. Then green leaves appeared, followed by a crimson flower shining brilliantly against the darkness.



      “Is it a rose, uncle?” she asked, clasping her hands with delight as she
      recognised the handsome flower.
    
“Is it a rose, uncle?” she asked, clasping her hands with joy as she recognized the beautiful flower.



      “Of course it is! Look again, and guess what those are,” answered Uncle
      Mac, chuckling and enjoying it all like a boy.
    
“Of course it is! Take another look, and guess what those are,” Uncle Mac replied, laughing and enjoying the moment like a kid.



      A wreath of what looked at first like purple brooms appeared below the
      vase, but Rose guessed what they were meant for, and stood straight up,
      holding by his shoulder, and crying excitedly,
    
A wreath that initially looked like purple brooms appeared beneath the vase, but Rose figured out their purpose and stood up straight, holding onto his shoulder and crying out in excitement,



      “Thistles, uncle, Scotch thistles! There are seven of them one for each
      boy! Oh, what a joke!” and she laughed so that she plumped into the bottom
      of the boat and stayed there till the brilliant spectacle was quite gone.
    
“Thistles, uncle, Scottish thistles! There are seven of them, one for each boy! Oh, what a joke!” and she laughed so hard that she fell into the bottom of the boat and stayed there until the amazing sight was completely gone.



      “That was rather a neat thing, I flatter myself,” said Uncle Mac, in high
      glee at the success of his illumination. “Now, shall I leave you on the
      Island or take you home again, my good little girl?” he added, lifting her
      up with such a tone of approbation in his voice that Rose kissed him on
      the spot.
    
“That was pretty cool, if I do say so myself,” Uncle Mac said, feeling really happy about how well his light worked. “So, do you want to stay on the Island or should I take you home, my good little girl?” he added, lifting her up in such a way that Rose kissed him right then and there.



      “Home, please uncle; and I thank you very very much for the beautiful
      firework you got up for me. I'm so glad I saw it; and I know I shall dream
      about it,” answered Rose steadily, though a wistful glance went toward the
      Island, now so near that she could smell powder and see shadowy figures
      flitting about.
    
“Can we go home now, Uncle? I really appreciate the amazing fireworks you put together for me. I’m so happy I got to see them, and I know I’ll dream about it,” Rose replied confidently, even though her gaze lingered wistfully on the Island, now close enough for her to smell the gunpowder and see shadowy figures moving around.



      Home they went; and Rose fell asleep saying to herself, “It was harder
      than I thought, but I'm glad I did it, and I truly don't want any reward
      but Phebe's pleasure.”
     
Home they went, and Rose fell asleep thinking to herself, “That was tougher than I expected, but I'm happy I did it, and honestly, I don't want any reward except for Phebe’s happiness.”




 


 












      Chapter 11—Poor Mac
    



      Rose's sacrifice was a failure in one respect, for, though the elders
      loved her the better for it, and showed that they did, the boys were not
      inspired with the sudden respect which she had hoped for. In fact, her
      feelings were much hurt by overhearing Archie say that he couldn't see any
      sense in it; and the Prince added another blow by pronouncing her “the
      queerest chicken ever seen.”
     
Rose's sacrifice failed in one way because, although the elders loved her more for it and showed it, the boys didn't feel the sudden respect she had hoped for. In fact, her feelings were really hurt when she overheard Archie say that he didn't see any sense in it, and the Prince added to her pain by calling her “the weirdest chick ever.”



      It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear; for, though we do not want
      trumpets blown, we do like to have our little virtues appreciated, and
      cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not.
    
It’s fitting to be this way, and it’s tough to handle; because, even though we don’t need fanfare, we do appreciate having our small virtues recognized, and we can’t help but feel let down if they aren’t.



      A time soon came, however, when Rose, quite unconsciously, won not only
      the respect of her cousins, but their gratitude and affection likewise.
    
A time soon came, however, when Rose, without even realizing it, earned not only the respect of her cousins but also their gratitude and affection.



      Soon after the Island episode, Mac had a sunstroke, and was very ill for
      some time. It was so sudden that everyone was startled, and for some days
      the boy's life was in danger. He pulled through, however; and then, just
      as the family were rejoicing, a new trouble appeared which cast a gloom
      over them all.
    
Soon after the Island episode, Mac suffered from sunstroke and was seriously ill for a while. It came on so suddenly that everyone was shocked, and for several days, the boy's life was in danger. Thankfully, he recovered; but just as the family was celebrating, a new problem emerged that brought a cloud over them all.



      Poor Mac's eyes gave out; and well they might, for he had abused them, and
      never being very strong, they suffered doubly now.
    
Poor Mac's eyes gave up; and no wonder, since he had mistreated them, and never being very strong, they were suffering even more now.



      No one dared to tell him the dark predictions of the great oculist who
      came to look at them, and the boy tried to be patient, thinking that a few
      weeks of rest would repair the overwork of several years.
    
No one had the guts to share the grim predictions from the famous eye doctor who came to check on them, and the boy tried to stay calm, believing that a few weeks of rest would fix the exhaustion from years of hard work.



      He was forbidden to look at a book, and as that was the one thing he most
      delighted in, it was a terrible affliction to the Worm. Everyone was very
      ready to read to him, and at first the lads contended for this honour. But
      as week after week went by, and Mac was still condemned to idleness and a
      darkened room, their zeal abated, and one after the other fell off. It was
      hard for the active fellows, right in the midst of their vacation; and
      nobody blamed them when they contented themselves with brief calls,
      running of errands, and warm expressions of sympathy.
    
He wasn't allowed to look at a book, and since that was the one thing he loved the most, it was a terrible burden for him. Everyone was eager to read to him, and at first, the boys competed for the chance to do it. But as weeks went by and Mac remained stuck in boredom in a dark room, their enthusiasm faded, and one by one, they dropped off. It was tough for the energetic kids, right in the middle of their vacation; and no one blamed them when they settled for quick visits, running errands, and offering warm words of support.



      The elders did their best, but Uncle Mac was a busy man, Aunt Jane's
      reading was of a funereal sort, impossible to listen to long, and the
      other aunties were all absorbed in their own cares, though they supplied
      the boy with every delicacy they could invent.
    
The elders tried their best, but Uncle Mac was always busy, Aunt Jane's reading had a dull tone that was hard to listen to for long, and the other aunts were wrapped up in their own worries, even though they kept the boy supplied with every treat they could come up with.



      Uncle Alec was a host in himself, but he could not give all his time to
      the invalid; and if it had not been for Rose, the afflicted Worm would
      have fared ill. Her pleasant voice suited him, her patience was unfailing,
      her time of no apparent value, and her eager good-will was very
      comforting.
    
Uncle Alec was entertaining on his own, but he couldn’t spend all his time with the sick person; and if it weren't for Rose, the suffering Worm would have struggled. Her cheerful voice was a good match for him, her patience never wavered, her time seemed endless, and her enthusiastic kindness was very reassuring.



      The womanly power of self-devotion was strong in the child, and she
      remained faithfully at her post when all the rest dropped away. Hour after
      hour she sat in the dusky room, with one ray of light on her book, reading
      to the boy, who lay with shaded eyes silently enjoying the only pleasure
      that lightened the weary days. Sometimes he was peevish and hard to
      please, sometimes he growled because his reader could not manage the dry
      books he wished to hear, and sometimes he was so despondent that her heart
      ached to see him. Through all these trials Rose persevered, using all her
      little arts to please him. When he fretted, she was patient; when he
      growled, she ploughed bravely through the hard pages not dry to her in one
      sense, for quiet tears dropped on them now and then; and when Mac fell
      into a despairing mood, she comforted him with every hopeful word she
      dared to offer.
    
The child's deep commitment was strong, and she stayed dedicated when everyone else left. Hour after hour, she sat in the dim room, with a single beam of light on her book, reading to the boy, who lay with closed eyes, quietly enjoying the only joy that made his long days a little lighter. Sometimes he was irritable and hard to please, sometimes he complained because she couldn’t manage the boring books he wanted to hear, and at times he was so downhearted that it hurt her to watch. Through all these challenges, Rose kept going, using every little trick to make him happy. When he complained, she remained patient; when he grumbled, she bravely got through the difficult pages, not completely dry-eyed, because tears sometimes fell on them; and when Mac sank into despair, she comforted him with every encouraging word she could muster.



      He said little, but she knew he was grateful, for she suited him better
      than anyone else. If she was late, he was impatient; when she had to go,
      he seemed forlorn; and when the tired head ached worst, she could always
      soothe him to sleep, crooning the old songs her father used to love.
    
He didn’t say much, but she could tell he was thankful, because she was a better match for him than anyone else. If she was running late, he would get restless; when she had to leave, he looked sad; and when his tired head hurt the most, she could always calm him down to sleep, humming the old songs her dad used to love.



      “I don't know what I should do without that child,” Aunt Jane often said.
    
“I don’t know what I’d do without that kid,” Aunt Jane often said.



      “She's worth all those racketing fellows put together,” Mac would add,
      fumbling about to discover if the little chair was ready for her coming.
    
“She's worth all those noisy guys combined,” Mac would add, fumbling around to see if the little chair was ready for her arrival.



      That was the sort of reward Rose liked, the thanks that cheered her; and
      whenever she grew very tired, one look at the green shade, the curly head
      so restless on the pillow, and the poor groping hands, touched her tender
      heart and put new spirit into the weary voice.
    
That was the kind of reward Rose appreciated, the kind of thanks that lifted her spirits; and whenever she felt really tired, just seeing the green shade, the curly head restless on the pillow, and the weak, searching hands would touch her heart and give new energy to her tired voice.



      She did not know how much she was learning, both from the books she read
      and the daily sacrifices she made. Stories and poetry were her delight,
      but Mac did not care for them; and since his favourite Greeks and Romans
      were forbidden, he satisfied himself with travels, biographies, and the
      history of great inventions or discoveries. Rose despised this taste at
      first, but soon got interested in Livingstone's adventures, Hobson's
      stirring life in India, and the brave trials and triumphs of Watt and
      Arkwright, Fulton, and “Palissy, the Potter.” The true, strong books
      helped the dreamy girl; her faithful service and sweet patience touched
      and won the boy; and long afterward both learned to see how useful those
      seemingly hard and weary hours had been to them.
    
She had no idea how much she was learning, both from the books she read and the daily sacrifices she made. Stories and poetry brought her joy, but Mac wasn’t interested in them; since his favorite Greek and Roman works were off-limits, he settled for travel stories, biographies, and the history of great inventions or discoveries. At first, Rose dismissed his taste, but soon she found herself intrigued by Livingstone's adventures, Hobson's exciting life in India, and the challenging journeys and successes of Watt, Arkwright, Fulton, and "Palissy, the Potter." The true, powerful books benefited the dreamy girl, and her loyal support and gentle patience touched and won over the boy; and long after, both realized how valuable those seemingly tough and exhausting hours had been for them.



      One bright morning, as Rose sat down to begin a fat volume entitled
      “History of the French Revolution,” expecting to come to great grief over
      the long names, Mac, who was lumbering about the room like a blind bear,
      stopped her by asking abruptly,
    
One bright morning, as Rose settled in to start reading a hefty book called “History of the French Revolution,” anticipating she'd struggle with the long names, Mac, who was clumsily moving around the room like a blind bear, interrupted her by asking outright,



      “What day of the month is it?”
     
"What’s today’s date?"



      “The seventh of August, I believe.”
     
“The seventh of August, I think.”



      “More than half my vacation gone, and I've only had a week of it! I call
      that hard,” and he groaned dismally.
    
“More than half my vacation is gone, and I've only had a week of it! I consider that pretty tough,” he groaned sadly.



      “So it is; but there is more to come, and you may be able to enjoy that.”
     
“So it is; but there’s more to come, and you might be able to enjoy that.”



      “May be able! I will be able! Does that old noodle think I'm going to stay
      stived up here much longer?”
     
“Maybe I can! I will be able to! Does that old noodle think I'm going to stay cooped up here much longer?”



      “I guess he does, unless your eyes get on faster than they have yet.”
     
“I guess he does, unless your eyesight improves quicker than it has so far.”



      “Has he said anything more lately?”
     
“Has he said anything else recently?”



      “I haven't seen him, you know. Shall I begin? this looks rather nice.”
     
“I haven't seen him, you know. Should I start? This looks pretty nice.”



      “Read away; it's all one to me.” And Mac cast himself down upon the old
      lounge, where his heavy head felt easiest.
    
“Go ahead and read; it doesn’t matter to me.” And Mac threw himself onto the old couch, where his heavy head felt most comfortable.



      Rose began with great spirit, and kept on gallantly for a couple of
      chapters, getting over the unpronounceable names with unexpected success,
      she thought, for her listener did not correct her once, and lay so still
      she fancied he was deeply interested. All of a sudden she was arrested in
      the middle of a fine paragraph by Mac, who sat bolt upright, brought both
      feet down with a thump, and said, in a rough, excited tone,
    
Rose started off enthusiastically and kept up the energy for a couple of chapters, managing to navigate the difficult names with surprising success. She thought this was impressive since her listener didn’t correct her at all, and he sat so still that she imagined he was really engaged. Suddenly, she was interrupted in the middle of a great paragraph by Mac, who sat up straight, thumped both feet on the ground, and said in a rough, excited voice,



      “Stop! I don't hear a word, and you may as well save your breath to answer
      my question.”
     
“Stop! I can’t hear a thing, so you might as well save your breath to answer my question.”



      “What is it?” asked Rose, looking uneasy, for she had something on her
      mind, and feared that he suspected what it was. His next words proved that
      she was right.
    
“What is it?” asked Rose, looking uneasy, because she had something on her mind and feared that he suspected what it was. His next words proved that she was right.



      “Now, look here, I want to know something, and you've got to tell me.”
     
“Hey, listen, I want to ask you something, and you need to tell me.”



      “Please, don't—” began Rose, beseechingly.
    
“Please, don't—” started Rose, pleading.



      “You must, or I'll pull off this shade and stare at the sun as hard as
      ever I can stare. Come now!” and he half rose, as if ready to execute the
      threat.
    
“You have to, or I’ll pull this shade down and stare at the sun as hard as I can. Come on!” and he half stood up, as if he was about to follow through on the threat.



      “I will! oh, I will tell, if I know! But don't be reckless and do anything
      so crazy as that,” cried Rose, in great distress.
    
“I will! Oh, I will tell if I know! But don’t be reckless and do anything so crazy as that,” Rose cried, clearly upset.



      “Very well; then listen, and don't dodge, as everyone else does. Didn't
      the doctor think my eyes worse the last time he came? Mother won't say,
      but you shall.”
     
“Alright; then listen, and don’t avoid the question like everyone else does. Didn’t the doctor think my eyes were worse the last time he came? Mom won’t say, but you will.”



      “I believe he did,” faltered Rose.
    
“I think he did,” Rose said hesitantly.



      “I thought so! Did he say I should be able to go to school when it
      begins?”
     
“I thought so! Did he say I’d be able to go to school when it starts?”



      “No, Mac,” very low.
    
“No, Mac,” very quietly.



      “Ah!”
     
“Wow!”



      That was all, but Rose saw her cousin set his lips together and take a
      long breath, as if she had hit him hard. He bore the disappointment
      bravely, however, and asked quite steadily in a minute,
    
That was it, but Rose noticed her cousin press his lips together and take a deep breath, as if she had struck him hard. He handled the disappointment bravely, though, and asked quite steadily after a moment,



      “How soon does he think I can study again?”
     
“How soon does he think I can start studying again?”



      It was so hard to answer that! Yet Rose knew she must, for Aunt Jane had
      declared she could not do it, and Uncle Mac had begged her to break the
      truth to the poor lad.
    
It was really tough to answer that! But Rose knew she had to, because Aunt Jane said she couldn't do it, and Uncle Mac had asked her to tell the poor guy the truth.



      “Not for a good many months.”
     
“Not for quite a few months.”



      “How many?” he asked with a pathetic sort of gruffness.
    
“How many?” he asked with a kind of rough, pitiful tone.



      “A year, perhaps.”
     
"Maybe a year."



      “A whole year! Why, I expected to be ready for college by that time.” And,
      pushing up the shade, Mac stared at her with startled eyes, that soon
      blinked and fell before the one ray of light.
    
“A whole year! I thought I’d be ready for college by then.” And, pushing up the shade, Mac stared at her with wide eyes that quickly blinked and looked away from the single ray of light.



      “Plenty of time for that; you must be patient now, and get them thoroughly
      well, or they will trouble you again when it will be harder to spare
      them,” she said, with tears in her own eyes.
    
“There's plenty of time for that; you need to be patient now and make sure they get completely better, or they will cause you trouble again when it will be harder to deal with them,” she said, with tears in her eyes.



      “I won't do it! I will study and get through somehow. It's all humbug
      about taking care so long. These doctors like to keep hold of a fellow if
      they can. But I won't stand it I vow I won't!” and he banged his fist down
      on the unoffending pillow as if he were pommelling the hard-hearted
      doctor.
    
“I won’t do it! I will study and get through this somehow. It’s all nonsense about needing to rest for so long. These doctors like to hold onto someone if they can. But I won’t put up with it, I swear I won’t!” And he slammed his fist down on the innocent pillow as if he were punishing the unyielding doctor.



      “Now, Mac, listen to me,” Rose said very earnestly, though her voice shook
      a little and her heart ached. “You know you have hurt your eyes reading by
      fire-light and in the dusk, and sitting up late, and now you'll have to
      pay for it; the doctor said so. You must be careful, and do as he tells
      you, or you will be blind.”
     
“Now, Mac, listen to me,” Rose said very seriously, although her voice trembled a bit and her heart hurt. “You know you’ve damaged your eyes by reading by the firelight and in the dark, and by staying up late, and now you’ll have to face the consequences; the doctor warned you. You have to be careful and follow his advice, or you might go blind.”



      “No!”
     
“No way!”



      “Yes, it is true, and he wanted us to tell you that nothing but entire
      rest would cure you. I know it's dreadfully hard, but we'll all help you;
      I'll read all day long, and lead you, and wait upon you, and try to make
      it easier.”
     
“Yes, it’s true, and he wanted us to let you know that only complete rest will help you. I know it’s really tough, but we’ll all support you; I’ll read all day, guide you, take care of you, and do my best to make it easier.”



      She stopped there, for it was evident that he did not hear a sound; the
      word “blind” seemed to have knocked him down, for he had buried his face
      in the pillow, and lay so still that Rose was frightened. She sat
      motionless for many minutes, longing to comfort him, but not knowing how,
      and wishing Uncle Alec would come, for he had promised to tell Mac.
    
She paused, realizing he didn’t hear anything; the word “blind” seemed to hit him hard, as he had buried his face in the pillow and lay completely still, making Rose feel scared. She sat frozen for several minutes, wanting to comfort him but unsure how, and hoping Uncle Alec would arrive soon since he had promised to talk to Mac.



      Presently, a sort of choking sound came out of the pillow, and went
      straight to her heart the most pathetic sob she ever heard, for, though it
      was the most natural means of relief, the poor fellow must not indulge in
      it because of the afflicted eyes. The “French Revolution” tumbled out of
      her lap, and, running to the sofa, she knelt down by it, saying, with the
      motherly sort of tenderness girls feel for any sorrowing creature,
    
Presently, a sort of choking sound came from the pillow, and went straight to her heart—a heartbreaking sob she had ever heard. Even though it was the most natural way to find relief, the poor guy shouldn't indulge in it because of his puffy eyes. The "French Revolution" slipped from her lap, and, rushing to the sofa, she knelt beside it, saying with the kind of motherly tenderness that girls feel for any creature in distress,



      “Oh, my dear, you mustn't cry! It is so bad for your poor eyes. Take your
      head out of that hot pillow, and let me cool it. I don't wonder you feel
      so, but please don't cry. I'll cry for you; it won't hurt me.”
     
“Oh, my dear, you shouldn’t cry! It’s really bad for your poor eyes. Lift your head off that hot pillow, and let me cool it for you. I understand how you feel, but please, no tears. I can cry for you; it won’t hurt me.”



      As she spoke she pulled away the cushion with gentle force, and saw the
      green shade all crushed and stained with the few hot tears that told how
      bitter the disappointment had been. Mac felt her sympathy, but, being a
      boy, did not thank her for it; only sat up with a jerk, saying, as he
      tried to rub away the tell-tale drops with the sleeve of his jacket,
      “Don't bother; weak eyes always water. I'm all right.”
     
As she talked, she gently pulled away the cushion and noticed the green shade was all crushed and stained with the few hot tears that showed how painful the disappointment had been. Mac felt her sympathy, but, being a boy, didn’t thank her for it; he just sat up suddenly and said, while trying to wipe away the obvious tears with the sleeve of his jacket, “Don’t worry; my eyes always water. I’m fine.”



      But Rose cried out, and caught his arm, “Don't touch them with that rough
      woollen stuff! Lie down and let me bathe them, there's a dear boy; then
      there will be no harm done.”
     
But Rose shouted and grabbed his arm, “Don’t touch them with that rough wool thing! Lie down and let me wash them, please; then nothing bad will happen.”



      “They do smart confoundedly. I say, don't you tell the other fellows that
      I made a baby of myself, will you?” he added, yielding with a sigh to the
      orders of his nurse, who had flown for the eye-wash and linen cambric
      handkerchief.
    
“They're really clever, I swear. Just promise you won't tell the others that I made a fool of myself, okay?” he added, giving in with a sigh to the demands of his nurse, who had hurried off to get the eye wash and a linen handkerchief.



      “Of course I won't; but anyone would be upset at the idea of being well
      troubled in this way. I'm sure you bear it splendidly, and you know it
      isn't half so bad when you get used to it. Besides, it is only for a time,
      and you can do lots of pleasant things if you can't study. You'll have to
      wear blue goggles, perhaps; won't that be funny?”
     
“Of course I won't; but anyone would be upset at the thought of being troubled like this. I'm sure you handle it great, and you know it’s not so bad once you get used to it. Plus, it’s only for a little while, and you can do plenty of fun things if you can't study. You might have to wear blue goggles; won’t that be funny?”



      And while she was pouring out all the comfortable words she could think
      of, Rose was softly bathing the eyes and dabbing the hot forehead with
      lavender-water, as her patient lay quiet with a look on his face that
      grieved her sadly.
    
And while she was saying all the comforting words she could think of, Rose was gently washing his eyes and dabbing his hot forehead with lavender water, as her patient lay still with an expression that made her feel very sad.



      “Homer was blind, and so was Milton, and they did something to be
      remembered by, in spite of it,” he said, as if to himself, in a solemn
      tone, for even the blue goggles did not bring a smile.
    
“Homer was blind, and so was Milton, and they did something to be remembered by, despite that,” he said, almost pondering aloud, in a serious tone, because even the blue goggles didn’t bring a smile.



      “Papa had a picture of Milton and his daughters writing for him. It was a
      very sweet picture, I thought,” observed Rose in a serious voice, trying
      to meet the sufferer on his own ground.
    
“Dad had a picture of Milton and his daughters writing for him. It was a really sweet picture, I thought,” said Rose in a serious tone, trying to connect with the sufferer on his own terms.



      “Perhaps I could study if someone read and did the eye part. Do you
      suppose I could, by and by?” he asked, with a sudden ray of hope.
    
“Maybe I could study if someone read and took care of the visual part. Do you think I could, eventually?” he asked, with a sudden spark of hope.



      “I dare say, if your head is strong enough. This sunstroke, you know, is
      what upset you, and your brain needs rest, the doctor says.”
     
“I’d say it’s a matter of if your head can handle it. This sunstroke, you know, is what threw you off, and the doctor says your brain needs a break.”



      “I'll have a talk with the old fellow next time he comes, and find out
      just what I may do; then I shall know where I am. What a fool I was that
      day to be stewing my brains and letting the sun glare on my book till the
      letters danced before me! I see 'em now when I shut my eyes; black balls
      bobbing round, and stars and all sorts of queer things. Wonder if all
      blind people do?”
     
“I'll talk to the old guy next time he comes by and figure out what I can do; then I’ll know where I stand. What a fool I was that day, stressing myself out and letting the sun beat down on my book until the letters started dancing in front of me! I can still see them now when I close my eyes; black balls bouncing around, and stars and all sorts of weird things. I wonder if all blind people experience that?”



      “Don't think about them; I'll go on reading, shall I? We shall come to the
      exciting part soon, and then you'll forget all this,” suggested Rose.
    
“Don’t worry about them; I’ll keep reading, okay? We’ll get to the exciting part soon, and then you’ll forget all of this,” suggested Rose.



      “No, I never shall forget. Hang the old 'Revolution'! I don't want to hear
      another word of it. My head aches, and I'm hot. Oh, wouldn't I like to go
      for a pull in the 'Stormy Petrel!”' and poor Mac tossed about as if he did
      not know what to do with himself.
    
“No, I’ll never forget. Forget the old 'Revolution'! I don’t want to hear another word about it. My head hurts, and I’m feeling hot. Oh, how I’d love to go for a ride in the 'Stormy Petrel!'” And poor Mac was just flailing around, as if he didn’t know what to do with himself.



      “Let me sing, and perhaps you'll drop off; then the day will seem
      shorter,” said Rose, taking up a fan and sitting down beside him.
    
“Let me sing, and maybe you'll fall asleep; then the day will feel shorter,” said Rose, picking up a fan and sitting down next to him.



      “Perhaps I shall; I didn't sleep much last night, and when I did I dreamed
      like fun. See here, you tell the people that I know, and it's all right,
      and I don't want them to talk about it or howl over me. That's all; now
      drone away, and I'll try to sleep. Wish I could for a year, and wake up
      cured.”
     
“Maybe I will; I didn't get much sleep last night, and when I did, I had some crazy dreams. Look, you just tell the people I know, and it's fine, but I don't want them gossiping or making a fuss over me. That's it; now go on and talk, and I'll try to get some sleep. I wish I could sleep for a year and wake up all better.”



      “Oh, I wish, I wish you could!”
     
“Oh, I really wish you could!”



      Rose said it so fervently that Mac was moved to grope for her apron and
      hold on to a corner of it, as if it was comfortable to feel her near him.
      But all he said was,
    
Rose said it so passionately that Mac felt compelled to reach for her apron and grasp a corner of it, as if it was comforting to have her close. But all he said was,



      “You are a good little soul, Rosy. Give us 'The Birks'; that is a drowsy
      one that always sends me off.”
     
“You're such a sweet girl, Rosy. Play us 'The Birks'; that's a lullaby that always puts me to sleep.”



      Quite contented with this small return for all her sympathy, Rose waved
      her fan and sang, in a dreamy tone, the pretty Scotch air, the burden of
      which is,
    
Quite happy with this small reward for all her kindness, Rose waved her fan and sang, in a dreamy voice, the charming Scottish tune, the refrain of which is,


    “Bonny lassie, will ye gang, will ye gang
     To the Birks of Aberfeldie?”
 
“Pretty girl, will you go, will you go  
To the Birks of Aberfeldie?”



      Whether the lassie went or not I cannot say, but the laddie was off to the
      land of Nod, in about ten minutes, quite worn out with hearing the bad
      tidings and the effort to bear them manfully.
    
Whether the girl went or not, I can't say, but the boy was off to dreamland in about ten minutes, completely exhausted from hearing the bad news and trying to handle it bravely.




 


 












      Chapter 12—“The Other Fellows”
     



      Rose did tell “the people” what had passed, and no one “howled” over Mac,
      or said a word to trouble him. He had his talk with the doctor, and got
      very little comfort out of it, for he found that “just what he might do”
       was nothing at all; though the prospect of some study by and by, if all
      went well, gave him courage to bear the woes of the present. Having made
      up his mind to this, he behaved so well that everyone was astonished,
      never having suspected so much manliness in the quiet Worm.
    
Rose told "the people" what had happened, and no one "howled" over Mac or said anything to upset him. He spoke with the doctor and got very little comfort from it, realizing that "just what he might do" was nothing at all; however, the possibility of some studying later on, if all went well, gave him the strength to handle the troubles of the moment. Having settled on this, he acted so well that everyone was surprised, never having suspected such strength in the quiet Worm.



      The boys were much impressed, both by the greatness of the affliction
      which hung over him and by his way of bearing it. They were very good to
      him, but not always particularly wise in their attempts to cheer and
      amuse; and Rose often found him much downcast after a visit of condolence
      from the Clan. She still kept her place as head-nurse and chief-reader,
      though the boys did their best in an irregular sort of way. They were
      rather taken aback sometimes at finding Rose's services preferred to
      their's, and privately confided to one another that “Old Mac was getting
      fond of being molly-coddled.” But they could not help seeing how useful
      she was, and owning that she alone had remained faithful a fact which
      caused some of them much secret compunction now and then.
    
The boys were really impressed, both by the seriousness of the burden he carried and by how he handled it. They tried to be kind to him, but often their attempts to cheer him up and entertain him weren’t very effective; Rose frequently noticed he was quite down after a visit from the Clan. She still held her role as head nurse and main reader, even though the boys tried their best in a casual way. Sometimes they were surprised to find that Rose’s help was preferred over theirs, and privately they confided to each other that “Old Mac was getting used to being pampered.” But they couldn’t deny how helpful she was and had to admit that she was the only one who stayed loyal—a realization that occasionally made some of them feel guilty.



      Rose felt that she ruled in that room, if nowhere else, for Aunt Jane left
      a great deal to her, finding that her experience with her invalid father
      fitted her for a nurse, and in a case like this, her youth was an
      advantage rather than a drawback. Mac soon came to think that no one could
      take care of him so well as Rose, and Rose soon grew fond of her patient,
      though at first she had considered this cousin the least attractive of the
      seven. He was not polite and sensible like Archie, nor gay and handsome
      like Prince Charlie, nor neat and obliging like Steve, nor amusing like
      the “Brats,” nor confiding and affectionate like little Jamie. He was
      rough, absent-minded, careless, and awkward, rather priggish, and not at
      all agreeable to a dainty, beauty-loving girl like Rose.
    
Rose felt like she was in charge in that room, if nowhere else, because Aunt Jane relied a lot on her. Aunt Jane thought that Rose's experience with her sick father made her a good nurse, and in this situation, her youth was more of a benefit than a disadvantage. Mac quickly came to believe that no one could take care of him like Rose could, and she soon started to like her patient, even though at first she thought this cousin was the least appealing of the seven. He wasn’t polite and sensible like Archie, nor charming and good-looking like Prince Charlie, nor tidy and helpful like Steve, nor funny like the “Brats,” nor trusting and loving like little Jamie. He was rough, forgetful, careless, and awkward, a bit pretentious, and not at all appealing to a delicate, beauty-loving girl like Rose.



      But when his trouble came upon him, she discovered many good things in
      this cousin of hers, and learned not only to pity but to respect and love
      the poor Worm, who tried to be patient, brave, and cheerful, and found it
      a harder task than anyone guessed, except the little nurse, who saw him in
      his gloomiest moods. She soon came to think that his friends did not
      appreciate him, and upon one occasion was moved to free her mind in a way
      that made a deep impression on the boys.
    
But when his troubles hit, she found a lot of good qualities in this cousin of hers and learned not just to feel sorry for him but to respect and love the poor Worm, who tried to stay patient, brave, and cheerful, even though it was a tougher job than anyone realized, except for the little nurse, who saw him at his worst. She quickly started to believe that his friends didn’t value him, and one time she felt compelled to express her thoughts in a way that really impacted the boys.



      Vacation was almost over, and the time drawing near when Mac would be left
      outside the happy school-world which he so much enjoyed. This made him
      rather low in his mind, and his cousins exerted themselves to cheer him
      up, especially one afternoon when a spasm of devotion seemed to seize them
      all. Jamie trudged down the hill with a basket of blackberries which he
      had “picked all his ownself,” as his scratched fingers and stained lips
      plainly testified. Will and Geordie brought their puppies to beguile the
      weary hours, and the three elder lads called to discuss baseball, cricket,
      and kindred subjects, eminently fitted to remind the invalid of his
      privations.
    
Vacation was almost over, and the time was nearing when Mac would be left outside the happy school world that he enjoyed so much. This made him feel pretty down, and his cousins tried hard to cheer him up, especially one afternoon when they all seemed to be struck by a wave of devotion. Jamie trudged down the hill with a basket of blackberries that he had "picked all by himself," as his scratched fingers and stained lips clearly showed. Will and Geordie brought their puppies to help pass the time, and the three older boys started chatting about baseball, cricket, and similar topics, which were bound to remind the invalid of what he was missing.



      Rose had gone to drive with Uncle Alec, who declared she was getting as
      pale as a potato sprout, living so much in a dark room. But her thoughts
      were with her boy all the while, and she ran up to him the moment she
      returned, to find things in a fine state of confusion.
    
Rose had gone out for a drive with Uncle Alec, who insisted she was looking as pale as a potato sprout from spending too much time in a dark room. But all she could think about was her boy, and she rushed to him the moment she got back, only to find things in total disarray.



      With the best intentions in life, the lads had done more harm than good,
      and the spectacle that met Nurse Rose's eye was a trying one. The puppies
      were yelping, the small boys romping, and the big boys all talking at
      once; the curtains were up, the room close, berries scattered freely
      about, Mac's shade half off, his cheeks flushed, his temper ruffled, and
      his voice loudest of all as he disputed hotly with Steve about lending
      certain treasured books which he could no longer use.
    
With the best intentions, the guys ended up causing more trouble than good, and what Nurse Rose saw was quite a scene. The puppies were barking, the little boys were playing around, and the older boys were all talking over each other; the curtains were drawn, the room felt stuffy, berries were scattered everywhere, Mac's cap was askew, his cheeks were red, his mood was tense, and he was the loudest as he argued passionately with Steve about lending some cherished books that he couldn't use anymore.



      Now Rose considered this her special kingdom, and came down upon the
      invaders with an energy which amazed them and quelled the riot at once.
      They had never seen her roused before, and the effect was tremendous; also
      comical, for she drove the whole flock of boys out of the room like an
      indignant little hen defending her brood. They all went as meekly as
      sheep; the small lads fled from the house precipitately, but the three
      elder ones only retired to the next room, and remained there hoping for a
      chance to explain and apologise, and so appease the irate young lady, who
      had suddenly turned the tables and clattered them about their ears.
    
Now Rose saw this as her special kingdom and confronted the invaders with an energy that surprised them and quickly stopped the chaos. They had never seen her like this before, and the impact was immense; it was also funny, as she chased the whole group of boys out of the room like an angry little hen protecting her chicks. They all left as quietly as sheep; the little ones bolted from the house, while the three older boys simply moved to the next room, hoping for a chance to explain and apologize, trying to calm down the furious young lady who had suddenly taken control and made them feel overwhelmed.



      As they waited, they observed her proceedings through the half-open door,
      and commented upon them briefly but expressively, feeling quite bowed down
      with remorse at the harm they had innocently done.
    
As they waited, they watched her actions through the half-open door and made brief but expressive comments about them, feeling quite weighed down with guilt for the harm they had unintentionally caused.



      “She's put the room to rights in a jiffey. What jacks we were to let those
      dogs in and kick up such a row,” observed Steve, after a prolonged peep.
    
"She tidied up the room in no time. What fools we were to let those dogs in and create such a commotion," Steve remarked after a long look.



      “The poor old Worm turns as if she was treading on him instead of cuddling
      him like a pussy cat. Isn't he cross, though?” added Charlie, as Mac was
      heard growling about his “confounded head.”
     
“The poor old Worm turns as if she’s stepping on him instead of cuddling him like a cat. Isn't he mad, though?” added Charlie, as Mac was heard grumbling about his “stupid head.”



      “She will manage him; but it's mean in us to rumple him up and then leave
      her to smooth him down. I'd go and help, but I don't know how,” said
      Archie, looking much depressed, for he was a conscientious fellow, and
      blamed himself for his want of thought.
    
“She will handle him; but it’s cruel of us to mess him up and then leave her to fix him. I’d go and help, but I don’t know how,” said Archie, looking really down, because he was a responsible guy and felt guilty for not thinking it through.



      “No, more do I. Odd, isn't it, what a knack women have for taking care of
      sick folks?” and Charlie fell a-musing over this undeniable fact.
    
“No, I don't either. It's strange, isn't it, how women have a talent for looking after sick people?” Charlie began to ponder this undeniable truth.



      “She has been ever so good to Mac,” began Steve, in a self-reproachful
      tone.
    
“She has been so good to Mac,” started Steve, sounding a bit guilty.



      “Better than his own brother, hey?” cut in Archie, finding relief for his
      own regret in the delinquencies of another.
    
“Better than his own brother, huh?” interjected Archie, feeling a sense of relief for his own regrets by pointing out someone else's shortcomings.



      “Well, you needn't preach; you didn't any of you do any more, and you
      might have, for Mac likes you better than he does me. I always fret him,
      he says, and it isn't my fault if I am a quiddle,” protested Steve, in
      self-defence.
    
“Well, you don't have to lecture; none of you did any more than you could have, because Mac likes you better than he likes me. I always annoy him, he says, and it isn't my fault if I'm a bit of a nuisance,” protested Steve, defending himself.



      “We have all been selfish and neglected him, so we won't fight about it,
      but try and do better,” said Archie, generously taking more than his share
      of blame, for he had been less inattentive than either of the others.
    
“We've all been selfish and ignored him, so we won’t argue about it, but let’s try to do better,” said Archie, willingly accepting more than his fair share of the blame, since he had actually been less neglectful than either of the others.



      “Rose has stood by him like a good one, and it's no wonder he likes to
      have her round best. I should myself if I was down on my luck as he is,”
       put in Charlie, feeling that he really had not done “the little thing”
       justice.
    
“Rose has supported him like a true friend, and it's no surprise he prefers having her around. I would too if I were in his unfortunate position,” Charlie added, feeling that he hadn’t truly done “the little thing” justice.



      “I'll tell you what it is, boys we haven't been half good enough to Rose,
      and we've got to make it up to her somehow,” said Archie, who had a very
      manly sense of honour about paying his debts, even to a girl.
    
“I'll tell you what it is, guys, we haven't been good enough to Rose, and we need to make it up to her somehow,” said Archie, who had a strong sense of honor when it came to paying his debts, even to a girl.



      “I'm awfully sorry I made fun of her doll when Jamie lugged it out; and I
      called her 'baby bunting' when she cried over the dead kitten. Girls are
      such geese sometimes, I can't help it,” said Steve, confessing his
      transgressions handsomely, and feeling quite ready to atone for them if he
      only knew how.
    
“I'm really sorry I teased her about her doll when Jamie brought it out; and I called her 'baby bunting' when she cried over the dead kitten. Girls can be so silly sometimes, I can't help it,” said Steve, admitting his wrongdoings honestly, and feeling quite prepared to make up for them if he just knew how.



      “I'll go down on my knees and beg her pardon for treating her as if she
      was a child. Don't it make her mad, though? Come to think of it, she's
      only two years or so younger than I am. But she is so small and pretty,
      she always seems like a dolly to me,” and the Prince looked down from his
      lofty height of five feet five as if Rose was indeed a pygmy beside him.
    
“I'll get down on my knees and apologize for treating her like she’s a child. But doesn’t that make her angry? Now that I think about it, she’s only about two years younger than I am. Still, she’s so small and cute that she always seems like a doll to me,” and the Prince looked down from his tall height of five feet five as if Rose was really a tiny person next to him.



      “That dolly has got a real good little heart, and a bright mind of her
      own, you'd better believe. Mac says she understands some things quicker
      than he can, and mother thinks she is an uncommonly nice girl, though she
      don't know all creation. You needn't put on airs, Charlie, though you are
      a tall one, for Rose likes Archie better than you; she said she did
      because he treated her respectfully.”
     
“That doll has a really kind heart and a bright mind of her own, you better believe it. Mac says she understands some things faster than he can, and Mom thinks she’s an unusually nice girl, even if she doesn’t know everything. You don’t need to act superior, Charlie, even though you’re tall, because Rose likes Archie more than you; she said it’s because he treats her with respect.”



      “Steve looks as fierce as a game-cock; but don't you get excited, my son,
      for it won't do a bit of good. Of course, everybody likes the Chief best;
      they ought to, and I'll punch their heads if they don't. So calm yourself,
      Dandy, and mend your own manners before you come down on other people's.”
     
“Steve looks as fierce as a fighter, but don’t get worked up, my son, because it won’t help at all. Of course, everyone likes the Chief the most; they should, and I’ll knock some heads if they don’t. So chill out, Dandy, and fix your own behavior before you start criticizing others.”



      Thus the Prince with great dignity and perfect good nature, while Archie
      looked modestly gratified with the flattering opinions of his kinsfolk,
      and Steve subsided, feeling he had done his duty as a cousin and a
      brother. A pause ensued, during which Aunt Jane appeared in the other
      room, accompanied by a tea-tray sumptuously spread, and prepared to feed
      her big nestling, as that was a task she allowed no one to share with her.
    
Thus, the Prince, with great dignity and perfect good nature, while Archie looked modestly pleased with the flattering opinions of his relatives, and Steve settled down, feeling he had fulfilled his duty as a cousin and a brother. A pause followed, during which Aunt Jane appeared in the other room, carrying a lavishly arranged tea tray, ready to take care of her big nestling, as that was a task she allowed no one to share with her.



      “If you have a minute to spare before you go, child, I wish you'd just
      make Mac a fresh shade; this has got a berry stain on it, and he must be
      tidy, for he is to go out to-morrow if it is a cloudy day,” said Mrs.
      Jane, spreading toast in a stately manner, while Mac slopped his tea about
      without receiving a word of reproof.
    
“If you have a minute before you leave, dear, could you please give Mac a fresh coat? This one's got a berry stain on it, and he needs to look neat because he’s going out tomorrow if it’s cloudy,” said Mrs. Jane, spreading toast with an air of elegance, while Mac spilled his tea without getting any scolding.



      “Yes, aunt,” answered Rose, so meekly that the boys could hardly believe
      it could be the same voice which had issued the stern command, “Out of
      this room, every one of you!” not very long ago.
    
“Yes, aunt,” Rose replied, so softly that the boys could hardly believe it was the same voice that had previously said in a stern tone, “Out of this room, every one of you!” not too long ago.



      They had not time to retire, without unseemly haste, before she walked
      into the parlour and sat down at the work-table without a word. It was
      funny to see the look the three tall lads cast at the little person
      sedately threading a needle with green silk. They all wanted to say
      something expressive of repentance, but no one knew how to begin, and it
      was evident, from the prim expression of Rose's face, that she intended to
      stand upon her dignity till they had properly abased themselves. The pause
      was becoming very awkward, when Charlie, who possessed all the persuasive
      arts of a born scapegrace, went slowly down upon his knees before her,
      beat his breast, and said, in a heart-broken tone,
    
They didn’t have time to step away without rushing before she walked into the living room and sat down at the worktable without saying a word. It was amusing to see the look the three tall guys gave the little person calmly threading a needle with green silk. They all wanted to say something that showed they were sorry, but no one knew how to start, and it was clear from the serious look on Rose's face that she planned to keep her dignity until they had properly humbled themselves. The silence was getting really uncomfortable when Charlie, who had all the charm of a natural troublemaker, slowly knelt down in front of her, pounded his chest, and said in a heartbroken tone,



      “Please forgive me this time, and I'll never do so any more.”
     
“Please forgive me this time, and I promise I won't do it again.”



      It was very hard to keep sober, but Rose managed it and answered gravely,
    
It was really tough to stay sober, but Rose pulled it off and replied seriously,



      “It is Mac's pardon you should ask, not mine, for you haven't hurt me, and
      I shouldn't wonder if you had him a great deal, with all that light and
      racket, and talk about things that only worry him.”
     
“It’s Mac’s forgiveness you should seek, not mine, because you haven’t harmed me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you bothered him a lot with all that noise and chatter about things that just stress him out.”



      “Do you really think we've hurt him, cousin?” asked Archie, with a
      troubled look, while Charlie settled down in a remorseful heap among the
      table legs.
    
“Do you really think we’ve hurt him, cousin?” asked Archie, looking troubled, while Charlie sat down in a guilty heap among the table legs.



      “Yes, I do, for he has got a raging headache, and his eyes are as red as
      as this emery bag,” answered Rose, solemnly plunging her needle into a fat
      flannel strawberry.
    
“Yes, I do, because he has a bad headache, and his eyes are as red as this emery bag,” replied Rose, seriously pushing her needle into a plump flannel strawberry.



      Steve tore his hair, metaphorically speaking, for he clutched his
      cherished top-knot, and wildly dishevelled it, as if that was the heaviest
      penance he could inflict upon himself at such short notice. Charlie laid
      himself out flat, melodramatically begging someone to take him away and
      hang him; but Archie, who felt worst of all, said nothing except to vow
      within himself that he would read to Mac till his own eyes were as red as
      a dozen emery bags combined.
    
Steve was pulling his hair out, figuratively speaking, as he grabbed his precious top-knot and messed it up wildly, like that was the most intense punishment he could give himself on short notice. Charlie threw himself down dramatically, begging someone to take him away and hang him; but Archie, who felt the worst of all, said nothing except to silently promise himself that he would read to Mac until his eyes were as red as a dozen emery boards combined.



      Seeing the wholesome effects of her treatment upon these culprits, Rose
      felt that she might relent and allow them a gleam of hope. She found it
      impossible to help trampling upon the prostrate Prince a little, in words
      at least, for he had hurt her feelings oftener than he knew; so she gave
      him a thimble-pie on the top of his head, and said, with an air of an
      infinitely superior being,
    
Seeing the positive effects of her treatment on these wrongdoers, Rose felt she could soften a bit and give them a glimmer of hope. She found it hard not to step on the downed Prince a little, at least with her words, because he had hurt her feelings more than he realized; so she gave him a thimble-pie on top of his head and said, with an air of someone who was far above him,



      “Don't be silly, but get up, and I'll tell you something much better to do
      than sprawling on the floor and getting all over lint.”
     
“Quit acting foolish, get up, and I’ll suggest something way better to do than just lying on the floor and getting covered in lint.”



      Charlie obediently sat himself upon a hassock at her feet; the other
      sinners drew near to catch the words of wisdom about to fall from her
      lips, and Rose, softened by this gratifying humility, addressed them in
      her most maternal tone.
    
Charlie sat down on a cushion at her feet; the other sinners gathered around to listen to the words of wisdom that were about to come from her lips, and Rose, touched by this pleasing humility, spoke to them in her kindest maternal tone.



      “Now, boys, if you really want to be good to Mac, you can do it in this
      way. Don't keep talking about things he can't do, or go and tell what fun
      you have had batting your ridiculous balls about. Get some nice book and
      read quietly; cheer him up about school, and offer to help him study by
      and by; you can do that better than I, because I'm only a girl, and don't
      learn Greek and Latin and all sorts of headachy stuff.”
     
“Now, guys, if you really want to be nice to Mac, you can do it like this. Stop talking about things he can't do, or bragging about all the fun you had playing your silly games. Grab a nice book and read quietly; lift his spirits about school, and offer to help him study later on; you can do that better than I can because I’m just a girl and don’t learn Greek and Latin and all that confusing stuff.”



      “Yes, but you can do heaps of things better than we can; you've proved
      that,” said Archie, with an approving look that delighted Rose, though she
      could not resist giving Charlie one more rebuke, by saying, with a little
      bridling of the head, and a curl of the lip that wanted to smile instead,
    
“Yes, but you can do a lot of things better than we can; you've shown that,” said Archie, with a look of approval that made Rose happy, though she couldn't help but give Charlie one last reprimand, saying, with a slight lift of the head and a curl of the lip that almost smiled instead,



      “I'm glad you think so, though I am a 'queer chicken.”'
    
“I'm glad you think so, but I am a 'strange bird.'”



      This scathing remark caused the Prince to hide his face for shame, and
      Steve to erect his head in the proud consciousness that this shot was not
      meant for him. Archie laughed, and Rose, seeing a merry blue eye winking
      at her from behind two brown hands, gave Charlie's ear a friendly tweak,
      and extended the olive-branch of peace.
    
This harsh comment made the Prince hide his face in shame, while Steve lifted his head, proud in the knowledge that the jab wasn't aimed at him. Archie laughed, and Rose, noticing a playful blue eye winking at her from behind two brown hands, playfully tweaked Charlie's ear and offered a gesture of peace.



      “Now we'll all be good, and plan nice things for poor Mac,” she said,
      smiling so graciously that the boys felt as if the sun had suddenly burst
      out from behind a heavy cloud and was shining with great brilliancy.
    
“Now we’ll all behave and come up with nice plans for poor Mac,” she said, smiling so warmly that the boys felt like the sun had just burst from behind a thick cloud and was shining brilliantly.



      The storm had cleared the air, and quite a heavenly calm succeeded, during
      which plans of a most varied and surprising sort were laid, for everyone
      burned to make noble sacrifices upon the shrine of “poor Mac,” and Rose
      was the guiding star to whom the others looked with most gratifying
      submission. Of course, this elevated state of things could not endure
      long, but it was very nice while it lasted, and left an excellent effect
      upon the minds of all when the first ardour had subsided.
    
The storm had cleared the air, and a peaceful calm followed, during which all sorts of surprising and varied plans were made, as everyone was eager to make noble sacrifices for "poor Mac," with Rose being the guiding star to whom the others looked with pleasing submission. Obviously, this elevated state of affairs couldn’t last long, but it was really nice while it did, and it left a great impression on everyone once the initial excitement faded.



      “There, that's ready for to-morrow, and I do hope it will be cloudy,” said
      Rose, as she finished off the new shade, the progress of which the boys
      had watched with interest.
    
“There, that's ready for tomorrow, and I really hope it will be cloudy,” said Rose, as she finished off the new shade, the progress of which the boys had watched with interest.



      “I'd bespoken an extra sunny day, but I'll tell the clerk of the weather
      to change it. He's an obliging fellow, and he'll attend to it, so make
      yourself easy,” said Charlie, who had become quite perky again.
    
“I requested an extra sunny day, but I’ll ask the weather clerk to change it. He’s a nice guy, and he’ll take care of it, so don’t worry,” said Charlie, who had perked up again.



      “It is very easy for you to joke, but how would you like to wear a blinder
      like that for weeks and weeks, sir?” and Rose quenched his rising spirits
      by slipping the shade over his eyes, as he still sat on the cushion at her
      feet.
    
“It’s really easy for you to joke, but how would you feel wearing a blindfold like that for weeks on end, sir?” Rose dampened his growing excitement by slipping the shade over his eyes while he sat on the cushion at her feet.



      “It's horrid! Take it off, take it off! I don't wonder the poor old boy
      has the blues with a thing like that on”; and Charlie sat looking at what
      seemed to him an instrument of torture, with such a sober face that Rose
      took it gently away, and went in to bid Mac good-night.
    
“It's terrible! Take it off, take it off! I'm not surprised the poor guy feels down with something like that on,” Charlie said, staring at what looked like a torture device with such a serious expression that Rose gently removed it and went inside to say goodnight to Mac.



      “I shall go home with her, for it is getting darkish, and she is rather
      timid,” said Archie, forgetting that he had often laughed at this very
      timidity.
    
“I'll go home with her since it’s getting a bit dark, and she’s pretty shy,” said Archie, forgetting that he had often laughed at this very shyness.



      “I think I might, for she's taking care of my brother,” put in Steve,
      asserting his rights.
    
“I think I might, because she’s taking care of my brother,” added Steve, claiming his rights.



      “Let's all go, that will please her”; proposed Charlie, with a burst of
      gallantry which electrified his mates.
    
“Let’s all go, that will make her happy,” suggested Charlie, with a burst of chivalry that excited his friends.



      “We will!” they said with one voice, and they did, to Rose's great
      surprise and secret contentment; though Archie had all the care of her,
      for the other two were leaping fences, running races, and having wrestling
      matches all the way down.
    
“We will!” they replied in unison, and they really did, much to Rose's surprise and hidden satisfaction; although Archie was the one looking after her, while the other two were jumping over fences, racing, and having wrestling matches all the way down.



      They composed themselves on reaching the door, however; shook hands
      cordially all round, made their best bows, and retired with great elegance
      and dignity, leaving Rose to say to herself, with girlish satisfaction, as
      she went in,
    
They gathered themselves when they got to the door, shook hands warmly all around, made their best bows, and left with a lot of grace and poise, leaving Rose to think to herself, with a sense of girlish delight, as she walked inside,



      “Now, that is the way I like to be treated.”
     
“Now, that’s how I like to be treated.”




 


 












      Chapter 13—Cosey Corner
    



      Vacation was over, the boys went back to school, and poor Mac was left
      lamenting. He was out of the darkened room now, and promoted to blue
      goggles, through which he took a gloomy view of life, as might have been
      expected; for there was nothing he could do but wander about, and try to
      amuse himself without using his eyes. Anyone who has ever been condemned
      to that sort of idleness knows how irksome it is, and can understand the
      state of mind which caused Mac to say to Rose in a desperate tone one day,
    
Vacation was over, the boys went back to school, and poor Mac was left feeling down. He was out of the darkened room now and had moved on to blue goggles, through which he viewed life with a gloomy perspective, as might have been expected; there was nothing he could do but wander around and try to keep himself entertained without using his eyes. Anyone who has ever been stuck in that kind of boredom knows how annoying it is and can understand how it led Mac to say to Rose in a desperate tone one day,



      “Look here, if you don't invent some new employment or amusement for me, I
      shall knock myself on the head as sure as you live.”
     
“Listen, if you don’t come up with some new job or fun thing for me to do, I’m going to give myself a headache for sure.”



      Rose flew to Uncle Alec for advice, and he ordered both patient and nurse
      to the mountains for a month, with Aunt Jessie and Jamie as escort. Pokey
      and her mother joined the party, and one bright September morning six very
      happy-looking people were aboard the express train for Portland two
      smiling mammas, laden with luncheon baskets and wraps; a pretty young girl
      with a bag of books on her arm; a tall thin lad with his hat over his
      eyes; and two small children, who sat with their short legs straight out
      before them, and their chubby faces beaming with the first speechless
      delight of “truly travelling.”
     
Rose flew to Uncle Alec for advice, and he sent both the patient and the nurse to the mountains for a month, with Aunt Jessie and Jamie as their escorts. Pokey and her mother joined the group, and one bright September morning, six very happy-looking people were on the express train to Portland: two smiling moms, loaded with lunch baskets and warm clothes; a pretty young woman carrying a stack of books; a tall, thin guy with his hat pulled down over his eyes; and two small children, sitting with their short legs stretched out in front of them, their chubby faces lit up with the pure, speechless joy of "really traveling."



      An especially splendid sunset seemed to have been prepared to welcome them
      when, after a long day's journey, they drove into a wide, green door-yard,
      where a white colt, a red cow, two cats, four kittens, many hens, and a
      dozen people, old and young, were gaily disporting themselves. Everyone
      nodded and smiled in the friendliest manner, and a lively old lady kissed
      the new-comers all round, as she said heartily,
    
An especially beautiful sunset appeared to be waiting for them when, after a long day's journey, they arrived at a spacious green yard, where a white colt, a red cow, two cats, four kittens, lots of hens, and about a dozen people, both old and young, were happily enjoying themselves. Everyone nodded and smiled in the friendliest way, and a lively old lady greeted the newcomers with kisses all around, saying warmly,



      “Well, now, I'm proper glad to see you! Come right in and rest, and we'll
      have tea in less than no time, for you must be tired. Lizzie, you show the
      folks upstairs; Kitty, you fly round and help father in with the trunks;
      and Jenny and I will have the table all ready by the time you come down.
      Bless the dears, they want to go see the pussies, and so they shall!”
     
“Well, I'm really glad to see you! Come on in and take a load off; we’ll have tea ready in no time because you must be tired. Lizzie, you take the guests upstairs; Kitty, you help Dad with the trunks; and Jenny and I will set the table by the time you come back down. Bless them, they want to go see the kitties, and they will!”



      The three pretty daughters did “fly round,” and everyone felt at home at
      once, all were so hospitable and kind. Aunt Jessie had raptures over the
      home-made carpets, quilts and quaint furniture; Rose could not keep away
      from the windows, for each framed a lovely picture; and the little folks
      made friends at once with the other children, who filled their arms with
      chickens and kittens, and did the honours handsomely.
    
The three charming daughters quickly buzzed around, and everyone felt at home immediately, as they were all so welcoming and friendly. Aunt Jessie was thrilled by the handmade carpets, quilts, and unique furniture; Rose couldn't tear herself away from the windows, since each one framed a beautiful scene; and the little ones quickly made friends with the other kids, who eagerly shared their chickens and kittens, giving them a warm welcome.



      The toot of a horn called all to supper, and a goodly party, including six
      children besides the Camp-bells, assembled in the long dining-room, armed
      with mountain appetites and the gayest spirits. It was impossible for
      anyone to be shy or sober, for such gales of merriment arose they blew the
      starch out of the stiffest, and made the saddest jolly. Mother Atkinson,
      as all called their hostess, was the merriest there, and the busiest; for
      she kept flying up to wait on the children, to bring out some new dish, or
      to banish the live stock, who were of such a social turn that the colt
      came into the entry and demanded sugar; the cats sat about in people's
      laps, winking suggestively at the food; and speckled hens cleared the
      kitchen floor of crumbs, as they joined in the chat with a cheerful
      clucking.
    
The sound of a horn called everyone to dinner, and a lively group, including six kids besides the Campbells, gathered in the long dining room, ready to enjoy a hearty meal and in high spirits. It was impossible for anyone to be shy or serious, as waves of laughter rose up, uplifting the sternest people and cheering up the saddest. Mother Atkinson, as everyone called their hostess, was the happiest and busiest person there; she kept darting around to tend to the kids, bring out new dishes, or shoo away the pets, who were so social that the colt wandered into the entryway looking for sugar; the cats lounged in people's laps, giving hungry looks at the food; and the speckled hens busily pecked up crumbs from the kitchen floor while joining in the lively chatter with their cheerful clucking.



      Everybody turned out after tea to watch the sunset till all the lovely red
      was gone, and mosquitoes wound their shrill horns to sound the retreat.
      The music of an organ surprised the new-comers, and in the parlor they
      found Father Atkinson playing sweetly on the little instrument made by
      himself. All the children gathered about him, and, led by the tuneful
      sisters, sang prettily till Pokey fell asleep behind the door, and Jamie
      gaped audibly right in the middle of his favourite,
    
Everybody gathered after tea to watch the sunset until all the beautiful red had faded away, and mosquitoes buzzed loudly to signal the end of the day. The sound of an organ surprised the newcomers, and in the living room, they found Father Atkinson playing sweetly on the little instrument he had made himself. All the kids gathered around him, and, led by the melodious sisters, they sang beautifully until Pokey fell asleep behind the door, and Jamie yawned loudly right in the middle of his favorite song.


    “Coo,” said the little doves: “Coo,” said she,
    “All in the top of the old pine-tree.”
 
    “Coo,” said the little doves: “Coo,” she replied, “All in the top of the old pine tree.”



      The older travellers, being tired, went to “bye low” at the same time, and
      slept like tops in home-spun sheets, on husk mattresses made by Mother
      Atkinson, who seemed to have put some soothing powder among them, so deep
      and sweet was the slumber that came.
    
The older travelers, feeling tired, went to bed at the same time and slept soundly in homemade sheets, on husk mattresses made by Mother Atkinson, who seemed to have sprinkled some calming powder among them, as their slumber was so deep and sweet.



      Next day began the wholesome out-of-door life, which works such wonders
      with tired minds and feeble bodies. The weather was perfect, and the
      mountain air made the children as frisky as young lambs; while the elders
      went about smiling at one another, and saying, “Isn't it splendid?” Even
      Mac, the “slow coach,” was seen to leap over a fence as if he really could
      not help it; and when Rose ran after him with his broad-brimmed hat, he
      made the spirited proposal to go into the woods and hunt for a catamount.
    
The next day started the refreshing outdoor life that does wonders for tired minds and weak bodies. The weather was perfect, and the mountain air energized the kids like playful lambs, while the adults smiled at each other, saying, “Isn't it amazing?” Even Mac, the “slowpoke,” was spotted jumping over a fence as if he couldn't help himself; and when Rose chased after him with his broad-brimmed hat, he excitedly suggested they head into the woods to look for a mountain lion.



      Jamie and Pokey were at once enrolled in the Cosey Corner Light Infantry a
      truly superb company, composed entirely of officers, all wearing cocked
      hats, carrying flags, waving swords, or beating drums. It was a spectacle
      to stir the dullest soul when this gallant band marched out of the yard in
      full regimentals, with Captain Dove a solemn, big-headed boy of eleven
      issuing his orders with the gravity of a general, and his Falstaffian
      regiment obeying them with more docility than skill. The little Snow
      children did very well, and Lieutenant Jack Dove was fine to see; so was
      Drummer Frank, the errand-boy of the house, as he rub-a-dub-dubbed with
      all his heart and drumsticks. Jamie had “trained” before, and was made a
      colonel at once; but Pokey was the best of all, and called forth a
      spontaneous burst of applause from the spectators as she brought up the
      rear, her cocked hat all over one eye, her flag trailing over her
      shoulder, and her wooden sword straight up in the air; her face beaming
      and every curl bobbing with delight as her fat legs tottered in the vain
      attempt to keep step manfully.
    
Jamie and Pokey were immediately signed up for the Cosey Corner Light Infantry, an impressive group made up entirely of officers, all wearing fancy hats, carrying flags, waving swords, or beating drums. It was a sight that could excite even the most bored onlooker when this brave band marched out of the yard in full uniform, with Captain Dove, a serious big-headed eleven-year-old, giving orders with the seriousness of a general, and his portly regiment following with more obedience than skill. The little Snow kids did great, and it was lovely to see Lieutenant Jack Dove, as well as Drummer Frank, the house errand-boy, as he energetically drummed away with all his heart. Jamie had "trained" before and was instantly made a colonel; but Pokey was the star of the show, drawing spontaneous applause from the crowd as she brought up the rear, her hat tilted over one eye, her flag draped over her shoulder, and her wooden sword pointed straight up in the air; her face glowing with joy and every curl bouncing with excitement as her chubby legs stumbled in a cheerful attempt to keep up.



      Mac and Rose were picking blackberries in the bushes beside the road when
      the soldiers passed without seeing them, and they witnessed a sight that
      was both pretty and comical. A little farther on was one of the family
      burial spots so common in those parts, and just this side of it Captain
      Fred Dove ordered his company to halt, explaining his reason for so doing
      in the following words,
    
Mac and Rose were picking blackberries in the bushes next to the road when the soldiers went by without noticing them, and they saw something that was both beautiful and funny. A bit further on was one of the family burial spots that were common in that area, and just before it, Captain Fred Dove ordered his company to stop, explaining his reason for doing so in the following words,



      “That's a graveyard, and it's proper to muffle the drums and lower the
      flags as we go by, and we'd better take off our hats, too; it's more
      respectable, I think.”
     
"That's a graveyard, and it's fitting to silence the drums and lower the flags as we pass by, and we should probably take off our hats too; it's more respectful, I believe."



      “Isn't that cunning of the dears?” whispered Rose, as the little troop
      marched slowly by to the muffled roll of the drums, every flag and sword
      held low, all the little heads uncovered, and the childish faces very
      sober as the leafy shadows flickered over them.
    
“Isn't that clever of them?” whispered Rose, as the small group marched slowly by to the muted beat of the drums, every flag and sword held low, all the little heads bare, and the innocent faces very serious as the leafy shadows flickered over them.



      “Let's follow and see what they are after,” proposed Mac, who found
      sitting on the wall and being fed with blackberries luxurious but
      tiresome.
    
“Let’s go check out what they’re up to,” suggested Mac, who thought sitting on the wall and munching on blackberries was nice but boring.



      So they followed and heard the music grow lively, saw the banners wave in
      the breeze again when the graveyard was passed, and watched the company
      file into the dilapidated old church that stood at the corner of three
      woodland roads. Presently the sound of singing made the outsiders quicken
      their steps, and, stealing up, they peeped in at one of the broken
      windows.
    
So they followed and heard the music become more upbeat, saw the banners waving in the breeze again as they passed the graveyard, and watched the crowd enter the run-down old church that stood at the intersection of three woodland paths. Soon, the sound of singing made the outsiders hurry their steps, and, creeping up, they peeked in through one of the broken windows.



      Captain Dove was up in the old wooden pulpit, gazing solemnly down upon
      his company, who, having stacked their arms in the porch, now sat in the
      bare pews singing a Sunday-school hymn with great vigour and relish.
    
Captain Dove was up in the old wooden pulpit, looking down seriously at his group, who, having put away their weapons in the porch, were now sitting in the bare pews singing a Sunday school hymn with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.



      “Let us pray,” said Captain Dove, with as much reverence as an army
      chaplain; and, folding his hands, he repeated a prayer which he thought
      all would know an excellent little prayer, but not exactly appropriate to
      the morning, for it was,
    
“Let us pray,” said Captain Dove, with as much respect as an army chaplain; and, folding his hands, he repeated a prayer he believed everyone would recognize—an excellent little prayer, though not quite suitable for the morning, because it was,


    “Now I lay me down to sleep.”
 
“Now I lay me down to sleep.”



      Everyone joined in saying it, and it was a pretty sight to see the little
      creatures bowing their curly heads and lisping out the words they knew so
      well. Tears came into Rose's eyes as she looked; Mac took his hat off
      involuntarily, and then clapped it on again as if ashamed of showing any
      feeling.
    
Everyone joined in, and it was a lovely sight to see the little creatures bowing their curly heads and softly saying the words they knew so well. Tears filled Rose's eyes as she watched; Mac took off his hat without thinking, then put it back on as if embarrassed to show any emotion.



      “Now I shall preach you a short sermon, and my text is, 'Little children,
      love one another.' I asked mamma to give me one, and she thought that
      would be good; so you all sit still and I'll preach it. You mustn't
      whisper, Marion, but hear me. It means that we should be good to each
      other, and play fair, and not quarrel as we did this very day about the
      wagon. Jack can't always drive, and needn't be mad because I like to go
      with Frank. Annette ought to be horse sometimes and not always driver; and
      Willie may as well make up his mind to let Marion build her house by his,
      for she will do it, and he needn't fuss about it. Jamie seems to be a good
      boy, but I shall preach to him if he isn't. No, Pokey, people don't kiss
      in church or put their hats on. Now you must all remember what I tell you,
      because I am the captain, and you should mind me.”
     
“Now I’m going to give you a short sermon, and my message is, 'Little children, love one another.' I asked Mom to give me one, and she thought it was a good idea; so everyone, sit still and listen to me. No whispering, Marion, just hear me out. It means we should treat each other well, play fair, and not fight like we did today about the wagon. Jack can’t always drive, and he shouldn’t be mad just because I want to go with Frank. Annette should be the horse sometimes and not always the driver; and Willie should just accept that Marion will build her house next to his, because she will do it, and he doesn’t need to fuss about it. Jamie seems like a good boy, but I’ll have a talk with him if he isn’t. No, Pokey, people don’t kiss in church or wear their hats. Now you all have to remember what I’m saying, because I’m the captain, and you should listen to me.”



      Here Lieutenant Jack spoke right out in meeting with the rebellious
      remark,
    
Here Lieutenant Jack spoke up in the meeting with the rebellious remark,



      “Don't care if you are; you'd better mind yourself, and tell how you took
      away my strap, and kept the biggest doughnut, and didn't draw fair when we
      had the truck.”
     
“Don’t care if you are; you better watch yourself, and explain how you took my strap, kept the biggest doughnut, and didn’t play fair when we had the truck.”



      “Yes, and you slapped Frank; I saw you!” bawled Willie Snow, bobbing up in
      his pew.
    
“Yes, and you slapped Frank; I saw you!” yelled Willie Snow, popping up in his seat.



      “And you took my book away and hid it 'cause I wouldn't go and swing when
      you wanted me to,” added Annette, the oldest of the Snow trio.
    
“And you took my book away and hid it because I wouldn’t go swing when you wanted me to,” added Annette, the oldest of the Snow trio.



      “I shan't build my house by Willie's if he don't want me to, so now!” put
      in little Marion, joining the mutiny.
    
“I won’t build my house by Willie's if he doesn’t want me to, so there!” said little Marion, joining the rebellion.



      “I will tiss Dimmy! and I tored up my hat 'tause a pin picked me,” shouted
      Pokey, regardless of Jamie's efforts to restrain her.
    
“I will tiss Dimmy! and I tore up my hat because a pin stuck me,” shouted Pokey, ignoring Jamie's attempts to hold her back.



      Captain Dove looked rather taken aback at this outbreak in the ranks; but,
      being a dignified and calm personage, he quelled the rising rebellion with
      great tact and skill, by saying, briefly,
    
Captain Dove looked quite surprised by this outburst from the ranks; however, being a dignified and composed individual, he skillfully calmed the growing rebellion by saying, briefly,



      “We'll sing the last hymn; 'Sweet, sweet good-by' you all know that, so do
      it nicely, and then we will go and have luncheon.”
     
“We'll sing the last hymn; 'Sweet, sweet good-bye'—you all know it, so sing it well, and then we’ll go have lunch.”



      Peace was instantly restored, and a burst of melody drowned the suppressed
      giggles of Rose and Mac, who found it impossible to keep sober during the
      latter part of this somewhat remarkable service. Fifteen minutes of repose
      rendered it a physical impossibility for the company to march out as
      quietly as they had marched in. I grieve to state that the entire troop
      raced home as hard as they could pelt, and were soon skirmishing briskly
      over their lunch, utterly oblivious of what Jamie (who had been much
      impressed by the sermon) called “the captain's beautiful teck.”
     
Peace was quickly restored, and a wave of music drowned out the suppressed giggles of Rose and Mac, who found it impossible to stay serious during the later part of this somewhat remarkable service. Fifteen minutes of rest made it physically impossible for the group to leave as quietly as they had come in. I regret to say that the whole troop rushed home as fast as they could, and soon they were happily snacking on their lunch, completely unaware of what Jamie (who had been very moved by the sermon) referred to as “the captain's beautiful teck.”



      It was astonishing how much they all found to do at Cosey Corner; and Mac,
      instead of lying in a hammock and being read to, as he had expected, was
      busiest of all. He was invited to survey and lay out Skeeterville, a town
      which the children were getting up in a huckleberry pasture; and he found
      much amusement in planning little roads, staking off house-lots, attending
      to the water-works, and consulting with the “selectmen” about the best
      sites for public buildings; for Mac was a boy still, in spite of his
      fifteen years and his love of books.
    
It was amazing how much everyone found to do at Cosey Corner; and Mac, instead of lounging in a hammock while someone read to him, as he had expected, was the busiest of all. He was invited to survey and plan out Skeeterville, a town the kids were creating in a huckleberry field; and he got a lot of enjoyment from designing little roads, marking off house lots, managing the water supply, and discussing with the “selectmen” the best places for public buildings; because Mac was still a boy, despite being fifteen and loving books.



      Then he went fishing with a certain jovial gentleman from the West; and
      though they seldom caught anything but colds, they had great fun and
      exercise chasing the phantom trout they were bound to have. Mac also
      developed a geological mania, and went tapping about at rocks and stones,
      discoursing wisely of “strata, periods, and fossil remains”; while Rose
      picked up leaves and lichens, and gave him lessons in botany in return for
      his lectures on geology.
    
Then he went fishing with a cheerful guy from the West, and even though they usually caught nothing but colds, they had a lot of fun and got some good exercise chasing after the imaginary trout they were sure they would catch. Mac also got into geology, tapping on rocks and stones while talking knowledgeably about "layers, eras, and fossil remains." Meanwhile, Rose collected leaves and lichens, teaching him botany in exchange for his geology lectures.



      They led a very merry life; for the Atkinson girls kept up a sort of
      perpetual picnic; and did it so capitally, that one was never tired of it.
      So their visitors throve finely, and long before the month was out it was
      evident that Dr. Alec had prescribed the right medicine for his patients.
    
They lived a really happy life; the Atkinson girls always had some kind of ongoing picnic, and they did it so well that no one ever got tired of it. Their guests thrived, and long before the month was over, it was clear that Dr. Alec had given the right treatment for his patients.




 


 












      Chapter 14—A Happy Birthday
    



      The twelfth of October was Rose's birthday, but no one seemed to remember
      that interesting fact, and she felt delicate about mentioning it, so fell
      asleep the night before wondering if she would have any presents. That
      question was settled early the next morning, for she was awakened by a
      soft tap on her face, and opening her eyes she beheld a little black and
      white figure sitting on her pillow, staring at her with a pair of round
      eyes very like blueberries, while one downy paw patted her nose to attract
      her notice. It was Kitty Comet, the prettiest of all the pussies, and
      Comet evidently had a mission to perform, for a pink bow adorned her neck,
      and a bit of paper was pinned to it bearing the words, “For Miss Rose,
      from Frank.”
     
October twelfth was Rose's birthday, but no one seemed to remember that little detail, and she felt too shy to bring it up, so she fell asleep the night before wondering if she would get any presents. That question was answered early the next morning when she was woken by a gentle tap on her face. As she opened her eyes, she saw a little black and white figure sitting on her pillow, staring at her with a pair of round eyes that looked a lot like blueberries, while one fluffy paw patted her nose to get her attention. It was Kitty Comet, the cutest of all the cats, and Comet clearly had a job to do, as a pink bow was tied around her neck, with a piece of paper pinned to it that read, “For Miss Rose, from Frank.”



      That pleased her extremely, and that was only the beginning of the fun,
      for surprises and presents kept popping out in the most delightful manner
      all through the day, the Atkinson girls being famous jokers and Rose a
      favourite. But the best gift of all came on the way to Mount Windy-Top,
      where it was decided to picnic in honour of the great occasion. Three
      jolly loads set off soon after breakfast, for everybody went, and
      everybody seemed bound to have an extra good time, especially Mother
      Atkinson, who wore a hat as broad-brimmed as an umbrella, and took the
      dinner-horn to keep her flock from straying away.
    
That made her really happy, and that was just the start of the fun, as surprises and gifts kept appearing in the most delightful way throughout the day, with the Atkinson girls being known for their jokes and Rose being a favorite. But the best gift of all came on the way to Mount Windy-Top, where they decided to have a picnic to celebrate the special occasion. Three lively groups set out shortly after breakfast, as everyone was going and eager to have a great time, especially Mother Atkinson, who wore a hat as wide as an umbrella and brought the dinner horn to keep everyone together.



      “I'm going to drive auntie and a lot of the babies, so you must ride the
      pony. And please stay behind us a good bit when we go to the station, for
      a parcel is coming, and you are not to see it till dinner-time. You won't
      mind, will you?” said Mac, in a confidential aside during the wild flurry
      of the start.
    
“I'm going to drive Auntie and a bunch of the kids, so you have to ride the pony. And please keep a good distance behind us when we head to the station because a package is coming, and you can't see it until dinner. You won't mind, will you?” said Mac, in a quiet aside during the chaotic start.



      “Not a bit,” answered Rose. “It hurts my feelings very much to be told to
      keep out of the way at any other time, but birthdays and Christmas it is
      part of the fun to be blind and stupid, and poked into corners. I'll be
      ready as soon as you are, Giglamps.”
     
“Not at all,” Rose replied. “It really hurts my feelings to be told to stay out of the way at any other time, but on birthdays and Christmas, it’s part of the fun to be clueless and pushed into corners. I’ll be ready as soon as you are, Giglamps.”



      “Stop under the big maple till I call then you can't possibly see
      anything,” added Mac, as he mounted her on the pony his father had sent up
      for his use. “Barkis” was so gentle and so “willin',” however, that Rose
      was ashamed to be afraid to ride him; so she had learned, that she might
      surprise Dr. Alec when she got home; meantime she had many a fine canter
      “over the hills and far away” with Mac, who preferred Mr. Atkinson's old
      Sorrel.
    
“Wait under the big maple until I call you; then you won’t be able to see anything,” Mac said as he helped her onto the pony his dad had sent for him. Still, “Barkis” was so gentle and so eager that Rose felt embarrassed to be afraid to ride him. So, she practiced so she could surprise Dr. Alec when she got home; in the meantime, she enjoyed many nice rides “over the hills and far away” with Mac, who liked Mr. Atkinson's old Sorrel.



      Away they went, and, coming to the red maple, Rose obediently paused; but
      could not help stealing a glance in the forbidden direction before the
      call came. Yes, there was a hamper going under the seat, and then she
      caught sight of a tall man whom Mac seemed to be hustling into the
      carriage in a great hurry. One look was enough, and with a cry of delight,
      Rose was off down the road as fast as Barkis could go.
    
Away they went, and when they reached the red maple, Rose obediently stopped; but she couldn't resist sneaking a glance in the forbidden direction before the call came. Yes, there was a basket being stowed under the seat, and then she saw a tall man whom Mac seemed to be hurriedly getting into the carriage. One glance was enough, and with a cry of joy, Rose took off down the road as fast as Barkis could go.



      “Now I'll astonish uncle,” she thought. “I'll dash up in grand style, and
      show him that I am not a coward, after all.”
     
“Now I’ll surprise Uncle,” she thought. “I’ll show up in style and prove to him that I’m not a coward, after all.”



      Fired by this ambition, she startled Barkis by a sharp cut, and still more
      bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance down the steep, stony
      road. The approach would have been a fine success if, just as Rose was
      about to pull up and salute, two or three distracted hens had not scuttled
      across the road with a great squawking, which caused Barkis to shy and
      stop so suddenly that his careless rider landed in an ignominious heap
      just under old Sorrel's astonished nose.
    
Driven by this ambition, she surprised Barkis with a quick move and baffled him even more by letting him navigate the steep, rocky road on his own. The plan would have worked perfectly if, just as Rose was about to stop and greet him, two or three distracted hens hadn’t rushed across the road squawking loudly. This made Barkis jump and stop so abruptly that his careless rider ended up in a clumsy heap right under old Sorrel's astonished nose.



      Rose was up again before Dr. Alec was out of the carryall, and threw two
      dusty arms about his neck crying with a breathless voice,
    
Rose was up again before Dr. Alec had even gotten out of the car, and she threw her two dusty arms around his neck, crying with a breathless voice,



      “O uncle, I'm so glad to see you! It is better than a cart-load of
      goodies, and so dear of you to come!”
     
“Oh uncle, I'm so happy to see you! It's better than a whole load of treats, and it's so sweet of you to visit!”



      “But aren't you hurt, child! That was a rough tumble, and I'm afraid you
      must be damaged somewhere,” answered the Doctor, full of fond anxiety, as
      he surveyed his girl with pride.
    
“But aren't you hurt, kid! That was a hard fall, and I’m worried you must be hurt somewhere,” replied the Doctor, filled with caring concern, as he looked at his girl with pride.



      “My feelings are hurt, but my bones are all safe. It's too bad! I was
      going to do it so nicely, and those stupid hens spoilt it all,” said Rose,
      quite crestfallen, as well as much shaken.
    
“My feelings are hurt, but my bones are all fine. What a pity! I was going to do it so well, and those stupid hens messed it all up,” said Rose, looking very down and quite shaken.



      “I couldn't believe my eyes when I asked 'Where is Rose?' and Mac pointed
      to the little Amazon pelting down the hill at such a rate. You couldn't
      have done anything that would please me more, and I'm delighted to see how
      well you ride. Now, will you mount again, or shall we turn Mac out and
      take you in?” asked Dr. Alec, as Aunt Jessie proposed a start, for the
      others were beckoning them to follow.
    
“I couldn't believe my eyes when I asked, 'Where's Rose?' and Mac pointed to the little Amazon rushing down the hill at breakneck speed. You couldn't have done anything that would make me happier, and I'm thrilled to see how well you ride. Now, will you get on again, or should we let Mac go and take you in?” asked Dr. Alec, as Aunt Jessie suggested they get going, since the others were signaling them to follow.



      “Pride goeth before a fall better not try to show off again, ma'am,” said
      Mac, who would have been more than mortal if he had refrained from teasing
      when so good a chance offered.
    
“Pride comes before a fall; you’d better not try to show off again, ma'am,” said Mac, who would have been more than human if he had held back from teasing when such a great opportunity came up.



      “Pride does go before a fall, but I wonder if a sprained ankle always
      comes after it?” thought Rose, bravely concealing her pain, as she
      answered, with great dignity,
    
“Pride definitely comes before a fall, but I wonder if a sprained ankle always follows?” thought Rose, bravely hiding her pain, as she responded with great dignity,



      “I prefer to ride. Come on, and see who will catch up first.”
     
“I'd rather ride. Come on, let’s see who can catch up first.”



      She was up and away as she spoke, doing her best to efface the memory of
      her downfall by sitting very erect, elbows down, head well up, and taking
      the motion of the pony as Barkis cantered along as easily as a
      rocking-chair.
    
She stood up and left as she spoke, trying hard to forget her failure by sitting straight, with her elbows down, head held high, and moving with the pony as Barkis trotted along as smoothly as a rocking chair.



      “You ought to see her go over a fence and race when we ride together. She
      can scud, too, like a deer when we play 'Follow the leader,' and skip
      stones and bat balls almost as well as I can,” said Mac, in reply to his
      uncle's praise of his pupil.
    
“You should see her jump over a fence and race when we ride together. She can dart like a deer when we play 'Follow the Leader' and skip stones and hit balls almost as well as I can,” said Mac, in response to his uncle's praise of his student.



      “I'm afraid you will think her a sad tomboy, Alec; but really she seems so
      well and happy, I have not the heart to check her. She has broken out in
      the most unexpected way, and frisks like a colt; for she says she feels so
      full of spirits she must run and shout whether it is proper or not,” added
      Mrs. Jessie, who had been a pretty hoyden years ago herself.
    
“I'm afraid you'll see her as a gloomy tomboy, Alec; but honestly, she seems so healthy and happy that I can't bring myself to hold her back. She's really come into her own in the most surprising way and prances around like a colt; she says she feels so energetic that she just has to run and shout, regardless of whether it's appropriate or not,” added Mrs. Jessie, who had been a lively young girl herself many years ago.



      “Good good! that's the best news you could tell me,” and Dr. Alec rubbed
      his hands heartily. “Let the girl run and shout as much as she will it is
      a sure sign of health, and as natural to a happy child as frisking is to
      any young animal full of life. Tomboys make strong women usually, and I
      had far rather find Rose playing football with Mac than puttering over
      bead-work like that affected midget, Ariadne Blish.”
     
“Great! That’s the best news you could give me,” Dr. Alec said while rubbing his hands enthusiastically. “Let the girl run and shout as much as she wants; it’s a sure sign of health, and just as natural for a happy child as playing around is for any lively young animal. Tomboys usually grow up to be strong women, and I’d much rather see Rose playing football with Mac than fiddling with bead-work like that pretentious little girl, Ariadne Blish.”



      “But she cannot go on playing football very long, and we must not forget
      that she has a woman's work to do by and by,” began Mrs. Jessie.
    
“But she can't keep playing football for much longer, and we shouldn't forget that she has women's responsibilities to handle eventually,” began Mrs. Jessie.



      “Neither will Mac play football much longer, but he will be all the better
      fitted for business, because of the health it gives him. Polish is easily
      added, if the foundations are strong; but no amount of gilding will be of
      use if your timber is not sound. I'm sure I'm right, Jessie; and if I can
      do as well by my girl during the next six months as I have the last, my
      experiment will succeed.”
     
“Mac won’t play football for much longer, but it will make him better suited for business because of the health benefits. It's easy to polish something up if the foundation is strong; but no amount of decoration will help if the base isn’t solid. I know I’m right, Jessie; and if I can support my girl as well in the next six months as I have in the last, my experiment will succeed.”



      “It certainly will; for when I contrast that bright, blooming face with
      the pale, listless one that made my heart ache a while ago, I can believe
      in almost any miracle,” said Mrs. Jessie, as Rose looked round to point
      out a lovely view, with cheeks like the ruddy apples in the orchard near
      by, eyes clear as the autumn sky overhead, and vigour in every line of her
      girlish figure.
    
“It definitely will; because when I compare that bright, blooming face with the pale, lifeless one that made my heart ache not long ago, I can believe in just about any miracle,” said Mrs. Jessie, as Rose turned to point out a beautiful view, with cheeks like fresh apples in the nearby orchard, eyes clear as the autumn sky above, and energy in every part of her youthful figure.



      A general scramble among the rocks was followed by a regular gypsy lunch,
      which the young folks had the rapture of helping to prepare. Mother
      Atkinson put on her apron, turned up her sleeves, and fell to work as
      gaily as if in her own kitchen, boiling the kettle slung on three sticks,
      over a fire of cones and fir boughs; while the girls spread the mossy
      table with a feast of country goodies, and the children tumbled about in
      everyone's way till the toot of the horn made them settle down like a
      flock of hungry birds.
    
A chaotic gathering among the rocks was followed by a classic picnic lunch, which the young ones excitedly helped to prepare. Mother Atkinson tied on her apron, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work cheerfully as if she were in her own kitchen, boiling a kettle balanced on three sticks over a fire made of cones and pine branches. Meanwhile, the girls laid out a mossy table filled with delicious homemade treats, and the little ones scurried around everyone until the sound of the horn made them settle down like a flock of eager birds.



      As soon as the merry meal and a brief interval of repose were over, it was
      unanimously voted to have some charades. A smooth, green spot between two
      stately pines was chosen for the stage; shawls hung up, properties
      collected, audience and actors separated, and a word quickly chosen.
    
As soon as the enjoyable meal and a short break were done, everyone agreed to play some charades. A nice, green area between two tall pines was picked for the stage; shawls were hung up, props were gathered, the audience and actors were separated, and a word was quickly chosen.



      The first scene discovered Mac in a despondent attitude and shabby dress,
      evidently much troubled in mind. To him entered a remarkable creature with
      a brown paper bag over its head. A little pink nose peeped through one
      hole in the middle, white teeth through another, and above two eyes glared
      fiercely. Spires of grass stuck in each side of the mouth seemed meant to
      represent whiskers; the upper corners of the bag were twisted like ears,
      and no one could doubt for a moment that the black scarf pinned on behind
      was a tail.
    
The first scene found Mac looking depressed and dressed poorly, clearly troubled. Then a strange creature walked in with a brown paper bag over its head. A little pink nose poked through one hole in the middle, white teeth showed through another, and two eyes glared fiercely above. Clumps of grass stuck out from each side of the mouth, seemingly meant to look like whiskers; the top corners of the bag were twisted like ears, and it was obvious that the black scarf pinned at the back was a tail.



      This singular animal seemed in pantomime to be comforting his master and
      offering advice, which was finally acted upon, for Mac pulled off his
      boots, helped the little beast into them, and gave him a bag; then,
      kissing his paw, with a hopeful gesture, the creature retired, purring so
      successfully that there was a general cry of “Cat, puss, boots!”
     
This unique animal appeared to be trying to comfort his owner and provide advice, which was eventually followed, as Mac took off his boots, helped the little creature into them, and gave him a bag; then, kissing his paw with an optimistic gesture, the animal left, purring so well that everyone shouted, “Cat, kitty, boots!”



      “Cat is the word,” replied a voice, and the curtain fell.
    
“Cat is the word,” a voice responded, and the curtain dropped.



      The next scene was a puzzler, for in came another animal, on all-fours
      this time, with a new sort of tail and long ears. A gray shawl concealed
      its face, but an inquisitive sunbeam betrayed the glitter as of goggles
      under the fringe. On its back rode a small gentleman in Eastern costume,
      who appeared to find some difficulty in keeping his seat as his steed
      jogged along. Suddenly a spirit appeared, all in white, with long
      newspaper wings upon its back and golden locks about its face. Singularly
      enough, the beast beheld this apparition and backed instantly, but the
      rider evidently saw nothing and whipped up unmercifully, also
      unsuccessfully, for the spirit stood directly in the path, and the amiable
      beast would not budge a foot. A lively skirmish followed, which ended in
      the Eastern gentleman being upset into a sweet-fern bush, while the better
      bred animal abased itself before the shining one.
    
The next scene was confusing, as another animal came in on all fours, this time with a new kind of tail and long ears. A gray shawl covered its face, but an inquisitive sunbeam revealed the glimmer of goggles under the fringe. On its back sat a small gentleman in Eastern attire, who seemed to struggle to stay in place as his mount jogged along. Suddenly, a spirit appeared, all in white, with long newspaper wings on its back and golden hair framing its face. Strangely, the animal noticed this apparition and backed away immediately, but the rider clearly saw nothing and mercilessly urged it on, though it was pointless since the spirit stood right in the way, and the gentle creature wouldn't move an inch. A lively struggle ensued, ending with the Eastern gentleman tumbling into a sweet-fern bush, while the better-bred animal bowed before the radiant being.



      The children were all in the dark till Mother Atkinson said, in an
      inquiring tone,
    
The kids were completely in the dark until Mother Atkinson said, in a curious tone,



      “If that isn't Balaam and the ass, I'd like to know what it is. Rose makes
      a sweet angel, doesn't she?”
     
“If that isn't Balaam and the donkey, I'd like to know what is. Rose makes a lovely angel, doesn't she?”



      “Ass” was evidently the word, and the angel retired, smiling with mundane
      satisfaction over the compliment that reached her ears.
    
“Ass” was clearly the word, and the angel walked away, smiling with ordinary satisfaction at the compliment she had heard.



      The next was a pretty little scene from the immortal story of “Babes in
      the Wood.” Jamie and Pokey came trotting in, hand in hand, and, having
      been through the parts many times before, acted with great ease and much
      fluency, audibly directing each other from time to time as they went
      along. The berries were picked, the way lost, tears shed, baby consolation
      administered, and then the little pair lay down among the brakes and died
      with their eyes wide open and the toes of their four little boots turned
      up to the daisies in the most pathetic manner.
    
The next scene was a charming little moment from the classic story of “Babes in the Wood.” Jamie and Pokey strolled in, hand in hand, and, having performed this many times before, moved with great ease and fluency, occasionally guiding each other as they went along. The berries were picked, they got lost, tears were shed, baby consolation was offered, and then the little duo lay down among the bushes and passed away with their eyes wide open and the toes of their four little boots turned up to the daisies in the most touching way.



      “Now the wobins tum. You be twite dead, Dimmy, and I'll peep in and see
      'em,” one defunct innocent was heard to say.
    
“Now the wobins are tumbling. You’re totally dead, Dimmy, and I’ll peek in and see them,” one clueless innocent was heard to say.



      “I hope they'll be quick, for I'm lying on a stone, and ants are walking
      up my leg like fury,” murmured the other.
    
“I hope they hurry, because I’m lying on a rock, and ants are crawling up my leg like crazy,” murmured the other.



      Here the robins came flapping in with red scarves over their breasts and
      leaves in their mouths, which they carefully laid upon the babes wherever
      they would show best. A prickly blackberry leaf placed directly over
      Pokey's nose caused her to sneeze so violently that her little legs flew
      into the air; Jamie gave a startled “Ow!” and the pitying fowls fled
      giggling.
    
Here the robins came fluttering in with red scarves on their chests and leaves in their beaks, which they carefully laid on the babies wherever they would look best. A prickly blackberry leaf placed right over Pokey's nose made her sneeze so hard that her little legs shot up into the air; Jamie let out a surprised “Ow!” and the sympathetic birds flew away giggling.



      After some discussion it was decided that the syllable must be “strew or
      strow” and then they waited to see if it was a good guess.
    
After some discussion, they decided that the syllable should be “strew or strow,” and then they waited to see if it was a good guess.



      This scene discovered Annette Snow in bed, evidently very ill; Miss Jenny
      was her anxious mamma, and her merry conversation amused the audience till
      Mac came in as a physician, and made great fun with his big watch, pompous
      manner, and absurd questions. He prescribed one pellet with an
      unpronounceable name, and left after demanding twenty dollars for his
      brief visit.
    
This scene found Annette Snow in bed, clearly very sick; Miss Jenny was her worried mom, and her cheerful chat entertained everyone until Mac showed up as a doctor, making a joke out of his big watch, over-the-top attitude, and ridiculous questions. He prescribed a pill with a name no one could pronounce and left after charging twenty dollars for his quick visit.



      The pellet was administered, and such awful agonies immediately set in
      that the distracted mamma bade a sympathetic neighbour run for Mother
      Know-all. The neighbour ran, and in came a brisk little old lady in cap
      and specs, with a bundle of herbs under her arm, which she at once applied
      in all sorts of funny ways, explaining their virtues as she clapped a
      plantain poultice here, put a pounded catnip plaster there, or tied a
      couple of mullein leaves round the sufferer's throat. Instant relief
      ensued, the dying child sat up and demanded baked beans. The grateful
      parent offered fifty dollars; but Mother Know-all indignantly refused it
      and went smiling away, declaring that a neighbourly turn needed no reward,
      and a doctor's fee was all a humbug.
    
The pellet was given, and such terrible pain immediately set in that the worried mom asked a sympathetic neighbor to run for Mother Know-all. The neighbor hurried off, and soon a lively little old lady came in wearing a cap and glasses, carrying a bundle of herbs under her arm. She immediately started using them in all sorts of quirky ways, explaining their benefits as she applied a plantain poultice here, placed a pounded catnip plaster there, or tied a couple of mullein leaves around the child's throat. Instant relief followed, and the recovering child sat up and asked for baked beans. The thankful parent offered fifty dollars, but Mother Know-all angrily refused it and smiled as she left, saying that a neighborly favor needed no payment, and that a doctor's fee was just nonsense.



      The audience were in fits of laughter over this scene, for Rose imitated
      Mrs. Atkinson capitally, and the herb cure was a good hit at the excellent
      lady's belief that “yarbs” would save mankind if properly applied. No one
      enjoyed it more than herself, and the saucy children prepared for the
      grand finale in high feather.
    
The audience was in uproarious laughter over this scene, as Rose perfectly imitated Mrs. Atkinson, and the herbal remedy jab was a clever dig at the good lady's belief that “herbs” could save humanity if used the right way. No one enjoyed it more than Rose herself, and the cheeky kids were all set for the big finale in great spirits.



      This closing scene was brief but striking, for two trains of cars whizzed
      in from opposite sides, met with a terrible collision in the middle of the
      stage, and a general smash-up completed the word catastrophe.
    
This closing scene was short but impactful, as two trains came rushing in from opposite sides, collided violently in the center of the stage, and a complete wreck wrapped up the word catastrophe.



      “Now let us act a proverb. I've got one all ready,” said Rose, who was
      dying to distinguish herself in some way before Uncle Alec.
    
“Now let’s put on a show with a proverb. I’ve got one all set,” said Rose, who was eager to stand out in some way before Uncle Alec.



      So everyone but Mac, the gay Westerner, and Rose, took their places on the
      rocky seats and discussed the late beautiful and varied charade, in which
      Pokey frankly pronounced her own scene the “bestest of all.”
     
So everyone except for Mac, the gay guy from the West, and Rose, took their spots on the rocky seats and talked about the recent beautiful and varied show, where Pokey confidently declared her own scene the “bestest of all.”



      In five minutes the curtain was lifted; nothing appeared but a very large
      sheet of brown paper pinned to a tree, and on it was drawn a clock-face,
      the hands pointing to four. A small note below informed the public that 4
      A.M. was the time. Hardly had the audience grasped this important fact
      when a long waterproof serpent was seen uncoiling itself from behind a
      stump. An inch-worm, perhaps, would be a better description, for it
      travelled in the same humpy way as that pleasing reptile. Suddenly a very
      wide-awake and active fowl advanced, pecking, chirping, and scratching
      vigorously. A tuft of green leaves waved upon his crest, a larger tuft of
      brakes made an umbrageous tail, and a shawl of many colours formed his
      flapping wings. A truly noble bird, whose legs had the genuine strut,
      whose eyes shone watchfully, and whose voice had a ring that evidently
      struck terror into the catterpillar's soul, if it was a catterpillar. He
      squirmed, he wriggled, he humped as fast as he could, trying to escape;
      but all in vain. The tufted bird espied him, gave one warbling sort of
      crow, pounced upon him, and flapped triumphantly away.
    
In five minutes, the curtain was raised; all that was visible was a large sheet of brown paper pinned to a tree, with a clock face drawn on it, the hands pointing to four. A small note below let the audience know that the time was 4 A.M. Just as the audience processed this important detail, a long waterproof snake slithered out from behind a stump. An inchworm might be a better description, as it moved in the same humpy way as that charming reptile. Suddenly, a very alert and energetic bird appeared, pecking, chirping, and scratching vigorously. A tuft of green leaves waved on its head, a larger bunch of ferns formed a shady tail, and a colorful shawl made up its flapping wings. A truly impressive bird, with legs that strutted confidently, watchful eyes, and a voice that clearly instilled fear in the caterpillar’s heart, if it was indeed a caterpillar. It squirmed, wriggled, and humped as fast as it could, trying to escape, but it was all in vain. The tufted bird spotted it, let out a melodious crow, pounced on it, and triumphantly flew away.



      “That early bird got such a big worm he could hardly carry him off,”
       laughed Aunt Jessie, as the children shouted over the joke suggested by
      Mac's nickname.
    
“That early bird got such a huge worm he could barely carry it away,” laughed Aunt Jessie, as the kids shouted over the joke inspired by Mac's nickname.



      “That is one of uncle's favourite proverbs, so I got it up for his
      especial benefit,” said Rose, coming up with the two-legged worm beside
      her.
    
"That’s one of my uncle's favorite proverbs, so I brought it up just for him," said Rose, approaching with the two-legged worm next to her.



      “Very clever; what next?” asked Dr. Alec as she sat down beside him.
    
“Very clever; what’s next?” asked Dr. Alec as she sat down next to him.



      “The Dove boys are going to give us an 'Incident in the Life of Napoleon,'
      as they call it; the children think it very splendid, and the little
      fellows do it rather nicely,” answered Mac with condescension.
    
“The Dove boys are going to put on an 'Incident in the Life of Napoleon,' as they call it; the kids think it’s really great, and the little guys do it pretty well,” Mac replied with a hint of superiority.



      A tent appeared, and pacing to and fro before it was a little sentinel,
      who, in a brief soliloquy, informed the observers that the elements were
      in a great state of confusion, that he had marched some hundred miles or
      so that day, and that he was dying for want of sleep. Then he paused,
      leaned upon his gun, and seemed to doze; dropped slowly down, overpowered
      with slumber, and finally lay flat, with his gun beside him, a faithless
      little sentinel. Enter Napoleon, cocked hat, gray coat, high boots, folded
      arms, grim mouth, and a melodramatic stride. Freddy Dove always covered
      himself with glory in this part, and “took the stage” with a Napoleonic
      attitude that brought down the house; for the big-headed boy, with solemn,
      dark eyes and square brow, was “the very moral of that rascal,
      Boneyparty,” Mother Atkinson said.
    
A tent appeared, and pacing back and forth in front of it was a little guard, who, in a brief monologue, informed the onlookers that the elements were in a chaotic state, that he had marched about a hundred miles that day, and that he was exhausted from lack of sleep. Then he paused, leaned on his gun, and seemed to doze off; he gradually sank down, overcome with fatigue, and ultimately lay flat, with his gun beside him, a careless little guard. Enter Napoleon, with a cocked hat, gray coat, high boots, arms crossed, a serious expression, and a dramatic stride. Freddy Dove always shined in this role and “took the stage” with a Napoleonic pose that received applause; for the big-headed boy, with serious, dark eyes and a square brow, was “the very image of that rascal, Boneyparty,” Mother Atkinson said.



      Some great scheme was evidently brewing in his mighty mind a trip across
      the Alps, a bonfire at Moscow, or a little skirmish at Waterloo perhaps,
      for he marched in silent majesty till suddenly a gentle snore disturbed
      the imperial reverie. He saw the sleeping soldier and glared upon him,
      saying in an awful tone,
    
Some big plan was clearly forming in his powerful mind—a trip across the Alps, a bonfire in Moscow, or maybe a little fight at Waterloo. He marched in silent grandeur until a gentle snore interrupted his royal daydream. He noticed the sleeping soldier and glared at him, saying in a terrifying tone,



      “Ha! asleep at his post! Death is the penalty he must die!”
     
“Ha! sleeping on the job! He has to face the consequences!”



      Picking up the musket, he is about to execute summary justice, as emperors
      are in the habit of doing, when something in the face of the weary
      sentinel appears to touch him. And well it might, for a most engaging
      little warrior was Jack as he lay with his shako half off, his childish
      face trying to keep sober, and a great black moustache over his rosy
      mouth. It would have softened the heart of any Napoleon, and the Little
      Corporal proved himself a man by relenting, and saying, with a lofty
      gesture of forgiveness,
    
Picking up the musket, he was about to deliver swift justice, like emperors often do, when something in the weary sentinel's face catches his attention. And it’s no wonder, because Jack looked like a charming little warrior as he lay there with his shako half off, his childlike face struggling to maintain a serious expression, and a big black mustache over his rosy lips. It would have softened anyone's heart, even a Napoleon, and the Little Corporal showed his humanity by relenting and saying, with a grand gesture of forgiveness,



      “Brave fellow, he is worn out; I will let him sleep, and mount guard in
      his place.”
     
“Brave guy, he’s exhausted; I’ll let him sleep and stay on watch instead.”



      Then, shouldering the gun, this noble being strode to and fro with a
      dignity which thrilled the younger spectators. The sentinel awakes, sees
      what has happened, and gives himself up for lost. But the Emperor restores
      his weapon, and, with that smile which won all hearts, says, pointing to a
      high rock whereon a crow happens to be sitting, “Be brave, be vigilant,
      and remember that from yonder Pyramid generations are beholding you,” and
      with these memorable words he vanishes, leaving the grateful soldier bolt
      upright, with his hand at his temple and deathless devotion stamped upon
      his youthful countenance.
    
Then, shouldering the gun, this noble figure walked back and forth with a dignity that thrilled the younger spectators. The guard wakes up, sees what has happened, and feels like he's lost. But the Emperor gives him back his weapon and, with that smile that won everyone over, says, pointing to a high rock where a crow is sitting, “Be brave, be watchful, and remember that from that Pyramid generations are watching you.” With those unforgettable words, he disappears, leaving the grateful soldier standing straight, hand at his temple, with unwavering devotion visible on his youthful face.



      The applause which followed this superb piece had hardly subsided, when a
      sudden splash and a shrill cry caused a general rush toward the waterfall
      that went gambolling down the rocks, singing sweetly as it ran. Pokey had
      tried to gambol also, and had tumbled into a shallow pool, whither Jamie
      had gallantly followed, in a vain attempt to fish her out, and both were
      paddling about half frightened, half pleased with the unexpected bath.
    
The applause that followed this amazing performance had barely died down when a sudden splash and a high-pitched scream made everyone rush toward the waterfall, which flowed down the rocks, singing as it went. Pokey had tried to jump around too and had fallen into a shallow pool, where Jamie had bravely followed in a failed attempt to rescue her, and both were splashing around, half scared and half happy with the surprise bath.



      This mishap made it necessary to get the dripping infants home as soon as
      possible; so the wagons were loaded up, and away they went, as merry as if
      the mountain air had really been “Oxygenated Sweets not Bitters,” as Dr.
      Alec suggested when Mac said he felt as jolly as if he had been drinking
      champagne instead of the current wine that came with a great frosted cake
      wreathed with sugar roses in Aunt Plenty's hamper of goodies.
    
This accident made it crucial to get the wet babies home as soon as possible; so they packed up the wagons and off they went, as cheerful as if the mountain air had really been “Oxygenated Sweets not Bitters,” as Dr. Alec suggested when Mac said he felt just as happy as if he had been drinking champagne instead of the wine that came with a huge frosted cake decorated with sugar roses in Aunt Plenty's basket of treats.



      Rose took part in all the fun, and never betrayed by look or word the
      twinges of pain she suffered in her ankle. She excused herself from the
      games in the evening, however, and sat talking to Uncle Alec in a lively
      way, that both amazed and delighted him; for she confided to him that she
      played horse with the children, drilled with the light infantry, climbed
      trees, and did other dreadful things that would have caused the aunts to
      cry aloud if they knew of them.
    
Rose joined in all the fun and never let on with a look or a word about the pain she felt in her ankle. However, she skipped the games in the evening and chatted animatedly with Uncle Alec, which both surprised and pleased him. She admitted to him that she played horse with the kids, practiced with the light infantry, climbed trees, and did other risky things that would have made the aunts gasp if they found out.



      “I don't care a pin what they say if you don't mind, uncle,” she answered,
      when he pictured the dismay of the good ladies.
    
“I don't care at all what they say if you don't mind, uncle,” she replied, when he imagined the shock of the respectable ladies.



      “Ah, it's all very well to defy them, but you are getting so rampant, I'm
      afraid you will defy me next, and then where are we?”
     
“Sure, it's easy to stand up to them, but you're getting so wild that I'm worried you’ll stand up to me next, and then what will happen?”



      “No, I won't! I shouldn't dare; because you are my guardian, and can put
      me in a strait-jacket if you like;” and Rose laughed in his face, even
      while she nestled closer with a confiding gesture pleasant to see.
    
“No, I won’t! I shouldn’t even think about it; because you’re my guardian, and you could put me in a strait-jacket if you wanted to;” and Rose laughed in his face, even as she snuggled closer with a trusting gesture that was nice to see.



      “Upon my word, Rosy, I begin to feel like the man who bought an elephant,
      and then didn't know what to do with him. I thought I had got a pet and
      plaything for years to come; but here you are growing up like a
      bean-stalk, and I shall find I've got a strong-minded little woman on my
      hands before I can turn round. There's predicament for a man and an
      uncle!”
     
“Honestly, Rosy, I’m starting to feel like the guy who bought an elephant and then had no idea what to do with it. I thought I’d gotten a pet and plaything for years to come, but here you are growing taller every day, and I’ll soon find I’ve got a strong-willed young woman on my hands before I can even blink. What a situation for a guy and an uncle!”



      Dr. Alec's comic distress was mercifully relieved for the time being by a
      dance of goblins on the lawn, where the children, with pumpkin lanterns on
      their heads, frisked about like will-o'-the-wisps, as a parting surprise.
    
Dr. Alec's comic distress was thankfully eased for now by a dance of goblins on the lawn, where the kids, with pumpkin lanterns on their heads, played around like will-o'-the-wisps, as a final surprise.



      When Rose went to bed, she found that Uncle Alec had not forgotten her;
      for on the table stood a delicate little easel, holding two miniatures set
      in velvet. She knew them both, and stood looking at them till her eyes
      brimmed over with tears that were both sweet and sad; for they were the
      faces of her father and mother, beautifully copied from portraits fast
      fading away.
    
When Rose went to bed, she saw that Uncle Alec hadn’t forgotten her; on the table was a delicate little easel holding two miniatures set in velvet. She recognized both of them and stared at them until her eyes filled with tears that were both sweet and sad; they were the faces of her father and mother, beautifully recreated from portraits that were slowly fading away.



      Presently, she knelt down, and, putting her arms round the little shrine,
      kissed one after the other, saying with an earnest voice, “I'll truly try
      to make them glad to see me by and by.”
     
Presently, she knelt down and wrapped her arms around the little shrine, kissing each one in turn, saying with a sincere voice, “I’ll really try to make them happy to see me later.”



      And that was Rose's little prayer on the night of her fourteenth birthday.
    
And that was Rose's little prayer on the night of her fourteenth birthday.



      Two days later the Campbells went home, a larger party than when they
      came; for Dr. Alec was escort and Kitty Comet was borne in state in a
      basket, with a bottle of milk, some tiny sandwiches, and a doll's dish to
      drink out of, as well as a bit of carpet to lie on in her palace car, out
      of which she kept popping her head in the most fascinating manner.
    
Two days later, the Campbells returned home, now with a larger group than when they arrived; Dr. Alec was acting as escort, and Kitty Comet was carried like royalty in a basket, complete with a bottle of milk, some small sandwiches, and a doll's dish for drinking, along with a piece of carpet to lie on in her fancy transport, from which she kept popping her head out in the most charming way.



      There was a great kissing and cuddling, waving of handkerchiefs, and last
      good-byes, as they went; and when they had started, Mother Atkinson came
      running after them, to tuck in some little pies, hot from the oven, “for
      the dears, who might get tired of bread and butter during that long day's
      travel.”
     
There was lots of kissing and hugging, waving of handkerchiefs, and final goodbyes as they left. Just as they started off, Mother Atkinson ran after them to add some little pies, fresh from the oven, "for the sweethearts who might get tired of just bread and butter during that long day of travel."



      Another start, and another halt; for the Snow children came shrieking up
      to demand the three kittens that Pokey was cooly carrying off in a
      travelling bag. The unhappy kits were rescued, half smothered, and
      restored to their lawful owners, amid dire lamentation from the little
      kidnapper, who declared that she only “tooked um 'cause they'd want to go
      wid their sister Tomit.”
     
Another start, and another stop; the Snow kids came running up, screaming for the three kittens that Pokey was casually carrying off in a travel bag. The unfortunate kittens were saved, half smothered, and returned to their rightful owners, amid loud complaints from the little kidnapper, who insisted that she only “took them because they’d want to go with their sister Tomit.”



      Start number three and stoppage number three, as Frank hailed them with
      the luncheon basket, which had been forgotten, after everyone had
      protested that it was safely in.
    
Start number three and stop number three, as Frank called them with the lunch basket, which had been left behind after everyone insisted that it was packed.



      All went well after that, and the long journey was pleasantly beguiled by
      Pokey and Pussy, who played together so prettily that they were considered
      public benefactors.
    
Everything went smoothly after that, and the long journey was made enjoyable by Pokey and Pussy, who played together so nicely that they were seen as public heroes.



      “Rose doesn't want to go home, for she knows the aunts won't let her
      rampage as she did up at Cosey Corner,” said Mac, as they approached the
      old house.
    
“Rose doesn't want to go home because she knows the aunts won't let her party like she did at Cosey Corner,” said Mac, as they walked toward the old house.



      “I can't rampage if I want to for a time, at least; and I'll tell you why.
      I sprained my ankle when I tumbled off of Barkis, and it gets worse and
      worse; though I've done all I know to cure it and hide it, so it shouldn't
      trouble anyone,” whispered Rose, knitting her brows with pain, as she
      prepared to descend, wishing her uncle would take her instead of her
      bundles.
    
“I can't go wild for a while, at least; and I'll explain why.  
      I sprained my ankle when I fell off Barkis, and it's getting worse; even though I've tried everything I know to heal it and hide it, so it shouldn't bother anyone,” whispered Rose, furrowing her brows in pain as she got ready to go down, wishing her uncle would carry her instead of her bags.



      How he did it, she never knew; but Mac had her up the steps and on the
      parlour sofa before she could put her foot to the ground.
    
How he managed it, she never found out; but Mac had her up the steps and on the living room sofa before she could even touch the ground.



      “There you are right side up with care; and mind, now, if your ankle
      bothers you, and you are laid up with it, I am to be your footman. It's
      only fair, you know; for I don't forget how good you have been to me.” And
      Mac went to call Phebe, so full of gratitude and good-will that his very
      goggles shone.
    
“There you are, all set and careful; and just so you know, if your ankle starts to bother you and you’re stuck at home because of it, I’ll be your helper. It’s only fair, you know; I haven’t forgotten how good you’ve been to me.” And Mac went to get Phebe, full of gratitude and goodwill that even his goggles sparkled.




 


 












      Chapter 15—Ear-Rings
    



      Rose's sprain proved to be a serious one, owing to neglect, and Dr. Alec
      ordered her to lie on the sofa for a fortnight at least; whereat she
      groaned dismally, but dared not openly complain, lest the boys turn upon
      her with some of the wise little sermons on patience which she had
      delivered for their benefit.
    
Rose's sprain turned out to be quite serious because it was neglected, and Dr. Alec told her to lie on the sofa for at least two weeks. She groaned sadly but didn't dare to complain out loud, fearing the boys would respond with some of the smart little lectures on patience that she had given them for their own good.



      It was Mac's turn now, and honourably did he repay his debt; for, as
      school was still forbidden, he had plenty of leisure, and devoted most of
      it to Rose. He took many steps for her, and even allowed her to teach him
      to knit, after assuring himself that many a brave Scotchman knew how to
      “click the pricks.” She was obliged to take a solemn vow of secrecy,
      however, before he would consent; for, though he did not mind being called
      “Giglamps,” “Granny” was more than his boyish soul could bear, and at the
      approach of any of the Clan his knitting vanished as if by magic, which
      frequent “chucking” out of sight did not improve the stripe he was doing
      for Rose's new afghan.
    
It was Mac's turn now, and he honorably paid back his debt; since school was still off-limits, he had plenty of free time, and he spent most of it with Rose. He took many steps for her and even let her teach him how to knit, once he assured himself that many brave Scotsmen knew how to "click the pricks." However, she had to make a serious vow of secrecy before he would agree, because while he didn’t mind being called "Giglamps," “Granny” was more than his boyish pride could handle. Whenever any of the Clan came near, his knitting disappeared as if by magic, and that frequent hiding didn’t help the stripe he was working on for Rose's new afghan.



      She was busy with this pretty work one bright October afternoon, all
      nicely established on her sofa in the upper hall, while Jamie and Pokey
      (lent for her amusement) were keeping house in a corner, with Comet and
      Rose's old doll for their “childerns.”
     
She was absorbed in this lovely project one bright October afternoon, comfortably settled on her sofa in the upper hall, while Jamie and Pokey (who were borrowed for her entertainment) were playing house in a corner, with Comet and Rose's old doll as their "children."



      Presently, Phebe appeared with a card. Rose read it, made a grimace, then
      laughed and said,
    
Presently, Phebe showed up with a card. Rose read it, made a face, then laughed and said,



      “I'll see Miss Blish,” and immediately put on her company face, pulled out
      her locket, and settled her curls.
    
“I'll see Miss Blish,” and immediately put on her company face, pulled out her locket, and settled her curls.



      “You dear thing, how do you do? I've been trying to call every day since
      you got back, but I have so many engagements, I really couldn't manage it
      till to-day. So glad you are alone, for mamma said I could sit awhile, and
      I brought my lace-work to show you, for it's perfectly lovely.” cried Miss
      Blish, greeting Rose with a kiss, which was not very warmly returned,
      though Rose politely thanked her for coming, and bid Phebe roll up the
      easy chair.
    
“You dear thing, how are you? I've been trying to call every day since you got back, but I’ve got so many commitments that I couldn’t manage it until today. I’m so glad you’re alone because Mom said I could stay a while, and I brought my lace work to show you—it’s absolutely gorgeous,” cried Miss Blish, greeting Rose with a kiss, which Rose didn’t return very warmly, though she politely thanked her for coming and told Phebe to roll up the easy chair.



      “How nice to have a maid!” said Ariadne, as she settled herself with much
      commotion. “Still, dear, you must be very lonely, and feel the need of a
      bosom friend.”
     
“How nice to have a maid!” said Ariadne, as she made herself comfortable with a lot of fuss. “Still, dear, you must be very lonely and feel the need for a close friend.”



      “I have my cousins,” began Rose, with dignity, for her visitor's
      patronising manner ruffled her temper.
    
“I have my cousins,” Rose began, maintaining her dignity, as her visitor's condescending attitude irritated her.



      “Gracious, child! you don't make friends of those great boys, do you?
      Mamma says she really doesn't think it's proper for you to be with them so
      much.”
     
“Goodness, kid! You're not hanging out with those big boys, are you? Mom says she really doesn't think it's right for you to be around them so often.”



      “They are like brothers, and my aunts do think it's proper,” replied Rose,
      rather sharply, for it struck her that this was none of Miss Blish's
      business.
    
“They're like brothers, and my aunts think it's appropriate,” replied Rose, rather sharply, as it occurred to her that this was none of Miss Blish's business.



      “I was merely going to say I should be glad to have you for my bosom
      friend, for Hatty Mason and I have had an awful quarrel, and don't speak.
      She is too mean to live, so I gave her up. Just think, she never paid back
      one of the caramels I've given her, and never invited me to her party. I
      could have forgiven the caramels, but to be left out in that rude way was
      more than I could bear, and I told her never to look at me again as long
      as she lived.”
     
“I was just about to say I’d be really happy to have you as my close friend because Hatty Mason and I had a huge fight and aren’t speaking. She’s just too awful to deal with, so I cut ties with her. Can you believe she never paid me back for any of the caramels I gave her, and she never invited me to her party? I could have overlooked the caramels, but being left out like that was just too much for me, and I told her to never look at me again for as long as she lives.”



      “You are very kind, but I don't think I want a bosom friend, thank you,”
       said Rose, as Ariadne stopped to bridle and shake her flaxen head over the
      delinquent Hatty Mason.
    
“You're really kind, but I don't think I want a close friend, thanks,” said Rose, as Ariadne paused to rein in and shake her blonde head over the troublesome Hatty Mason.



      Now, in her heart Miss Blish thought Rose “a stuck-up puss,” but the other
      girls wanted to know her and couldn't, the old house was a charming place
      to visit, the lads were considered fine fellows, and the Campbells “are
      one of our first families,” mamma said. So Ariadne concealed her vexation
      at Rose's coolness, and changed the subject as fast as possible.
    
Now, deep down Miss Blish thought Rose was “a stuck-up brat,” but the other girls wanted to get to know her and couldn’t. The old house was a lovely place to visit, the guys were seen as great guys, and the Campbells “are one of our top families,” Mom said. So Ariadne buried her irritation at Rose’s aloofness and quickly shifted the topic.



      “Studying French, I see; who is your teacher?” she asked, flitting over
      the leaves of “Paul and Virginia,” that lay on the table.
    
“Studying French, I see; who’s your teacher?” she asked, glancing over the pages of “Paul and Virginia” that were on the table.



      “I don't study it, for I read French as well as English, and uncle and I
      often speak it for hours. He talks like a native, and says I have a
      remarkably good accent.”
     
“I don't study it because I read French just as well as English, and my uncle and I often speak it for hours. He talks like a native, and he says I have an impressively good accent.”



      Rose really could not help this small display of superiority, for French
      was one of her strong points, and she was vain of it, though she usually
      managed to hide this weakness. She felt that Ariadne would be the better
      for a little crushing, and could not resist the temptation to patronise in
      her turn.
    
Rose really couldn't help this small show of superiority because French was one of her strengths, and she took pride in it, even though she usually hid this flaw. She believed that Ariadne could use a little humbling, and she couldn’t resist the temptation to be condescending in return.



      “Oh, indeed!” said Miss Blish, rather blankly, for French was not her
      strong point by any means.
    
“Oh, really!” said Miss Blish, rather blankly, because French was definitely not her strong suit.



      “I am to go abroad with uncle in a year or two, and he knows how important
      it is to understand the languages. Half the girls who leave school can't
      speak decent French, and when they go abroad they are so mortified. I
      shall be very glad to help you, if you like, for, of course, you have no
      one to talk with at home.”
     
“I’m going to travel abroad with my uncle in a year or two, and he understands how crucial it is to learn the languages. Half the girls who graduate from school can’t speak proper French, and when they’re abroad they’re so embarrassed. I’d be happy to help you, if you want, since you don’t really have anyone to practice with at home.”



      Now Ariadne, though she looked like a wax doll, had feelings within her
      instead of sawdust, and these feelings were hurt by Rose's lofty tone. She
      thought her more “stuck up” than ever, but did not know how to bring her
      down, yet longed to do it, for she felt as if she had received a box on
      the ear, and involuntarily put her hand up to it. The touch of an ear-ring
      consoled her, and suggested a way of returning tit for tat in a telling
      manner.
    
Now Ariadne, even though she looked like a wax doll, had real feelings inside her instead of sawdust, and Rose's pretentious tone hurt those feelings. She thought Rose was more “stuck up” than ever, but didn’t know how to bring her down a peg, though she really wanted to, because it felt like she had been slapped in the face, and she instinctively touched her cheek. The feel of her earring comforted her and gave her an idea for how to get back at Rose in a clever way.



      “Thank you, dear; I don't need any help, for our teacher is from Paris,
      and of course he speaks better French than your uncle.” Then she added,
      with a gesture of her head that set the little bells on her ears to
      tingling: “How do you like my new ear-rings? Papa gave them to me last
      week, and everyone says they are lovely.”
     
“Thank you, dear; I don’t need any help because our teacher is from Paris, and of course, he speaks better French than your uncle.” Then she added, with a tilt of her head that made the little bells on her earrings jingle, “How do you like my new earrings? Dad gave them to me last week, and everyone says they’re beautiful.”



      Rose came down from her high horse with a rapidity that was comical, for
      Ariadne had the upper hand now. Rose adored pretty things, longed to wear
      them, and the desire of her girlish soul was to have her ears bored, only
      Dr. Alec thought it foolish, so she never had done it. She would gladly
      have given all the French she could jabber for a pair of golden bells with
      pearl-tipped tongues, like those Ariadne wore; and, clasping her hands,
      she answered, in a tone that went to the hearer's heart,
    
Rose got off her high horse so fast it was almost funny, because now Ariadne was in control. Rose loved beautiful things and longed to wear them, and her girlish dream was to get her ears pierced, but Dr. Alec thought it was silly, so she never did. She would have happily traded all her French for a pair of golden bells with pearl-tipped tongues, like the ones Ariadne wore; and, clasping her hands, she responded in a way that touched the listener's heart,



      “They are too sweet for anything! If uncle would only let me wear some, I
      should be perfectly happy.”
     
“They are way too sweet for anything! If my uncle would just let me wear some, I’d be totally happy.”



      “I wouldn't mind what he says. Papa laughed at me at first, but he likes
      them now, and says I shall have diamond solitaires when I am eighteen,”
       said Ariadne, quite satisfied with her shot.
    
“I don't care what he says. Dad laughed at me at first, but he likes them now and says I’ll have diamond solitaires when I turn eighteen,” said Ariadne, feeling pretty pleased with herself.



      “I've got a pair now that were mamma's, and a beautiful little pair of
      pearl and turquoise ones, that I am dying to wear,” sighed Rose.
    
“I’ve got a pair now that were Mom’s, and a beautiful little pair of pearl and turquoise ones that I can't wait to wear,” sighed Rose.



      “Then do it. I'll pierce your ears, and you must wear a bit of silk in
      them till they are well; your curls will hide them nicely; then, some day,
      slip in your smallest ear-rings, and see if your uncle don't like them.”
     
“Then just do it. I'll pierce your ears, and you'll need to wear a bit of silk in them until they heal; your curls will cover them nicely. Then, one day, put in your smallest earrings and see if your uncle doesn’t like them.”



      “I asked him if it wouldn't do my eyes good once when they were red, and
      he only laughed. People do cure weak eyes that way, don't they?”
     
“I asked him if it wouldn't be good for my eyes when they were red, and he just laughed. People really do fix weak eyes that way, right?”



      “Yes, indeed, and yours are sort of red. Let me see. Yes, I really think
      you ought to do it before they get worse,” said Ariadne, peering into the
      large clear eye offered for inspection.
    
“Yes, definitely, and yours are kind of red. Let me see. Yeah, I really think you should take care of it before it gets worse,” said Ariadne, looking into the large clear eye that was presented for inspection.



      “Does it hurt much?” asked Rose, wavering.
    
“Does it hurt a lot?” asked Rose, unsure.



      “Oh dear, no; just a prick and a pull, and it's all over. I've done lots
      of ears, and know just how. Come, push up your hair and get a big needle.”
     
“Oh no, just a quick jab and a tug, and it's done. I've pierced a lot of ears and I know exactly how. Come on, push your hair back and grab a big needle.”



      “I don't quite like to do it without asking uncle's leave,” faltered Rose,
      when all was ready for the operation.
    
“I’m not really comfortable doing this without asking for my uncle’s permission,” Rose hesitated, when everything was set for the operation.



      “Did he ever forbid it?” demanded Ariadne, hovering over her prey like a
      vampire.
    
“Did he ever stop you?” Ariadne asked, looming over her victim like a vampire.



      “No, never!”
     
"No way!"



      “Then do it, unless you are afraid,” cried Miss Blish, bent on
      accomplishing the deed.
    
“Then just do it, unless you're scared,” shouted Miss Blish, determined to get it done.



      That last word settled the matter, and, closing her eyes, Rose said
      “Punch!” in the tone of one giving the fatal order “Fire!”
     
That last word decided everything, and, closing her eyes, Rose said, “Punch!” in the same tone as someone giving the final command “Fire!”



      Ariadne punched, and the victim bore it in heroic silence, though she
      turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish.
    
Ariadne punched, and the victim endured it in heroic silence, though she turned pale and her eyes were filled with tears of anguish.



      “There! Now pull the bits of silk often, and cold-cream your ears every
      night, and you'll soon be ready for the rings,” said Ariadne, well pleased
      with her job, for the girl who spoke French with “a fine accent” lay flat
      upon the sofa, looking as exhausted as if she had had both ears cut off.
    
“There! Now pull the pieces of silk often, and use cold cream on your ears every night, and you’ll be all set for the earrings,” said Ariadne, pleased with her work, as the girl who spoke French with “a fine accent” lay flat on the sofa, looking as worn out as if she had just had both ears chopped off.



      “It does hurt dreadfully, and I know uncle won't like it,” sighed Rose, as
      remorse began to gnaw. “Promise not to tell, or I shall be teased to
      death,” she added, anxiously, entirely forgetting the two little pitchers
      gifted with eyes as well as ears, who had been watching the whole
      performance from afar.
    
“It really hurts, and I know my uncle won't approve,” sighed Rose, as guilt started to eat away at her. “Promise you won’t tell, or I’ll be teased to death,” she added nervously, completely forgetting the two little pitchers with eyes and ears that had been observing the whole scene from a distance.



      “Never. Mercy me, what's that?” and Ariadne started as a sudden sound of
      steps and voices came up from below.
    
“Never. Oh my, what’s that?” Ariadne exclaimed as she jumped at the sudden sound of footsteps and voices coming from below.



      “It's the boys! Hide the needle. Do my ears show? Don't breathe a word!”
       whispered Rose, scrambling about to conceal all traces of their iniquity
      from the sharp eyes of the Clan.
    
“It's the boys! Hide the needle. Can they see my ears? Don’t say a word!”  
      whispered Rose, hastily trying to hide all evidence of their wrongdoing  
      from the keen eyes of the Clan.



      Up they came, all in good order, laden with the proceeds of a nutting
      expedition, for they always reported to Rose and paid tribute to their
      queen in the handsomest manner.
    
Up they came, all in good order, loaded with the results of a nutting trip, because they always checked in with Rose and honored their queen in the most impressive way.



      “How many, and how big! We'll have a grand roasting frolic after tea,
      won't we?” said Rose, plunging both hands into a bag of glossy brown nuts,
      while the Clan “stood at ease” and nodded to Ariadne.
    
“How many, and how big! We'll have a big roasting fun after tea, won't we?” said Rose, plunging both hands into a bag of shiny brown nuts, while the Clan relaxed and nodded to Ariadne.



      “That lot was picked especially for you, Rosy. I got every one myself, and
      they are extra whackers,” said Mac, presenting a bushel or so.
    
"That lot was picked just for you, Rosy. I got every single one myself, and they’re extra good," said Mac, handing over a bushel or so.



      “You should have seen Giglamps when he was after them. He pitched out of
      the tree, and would have broken his blessed old neck if Arch had not
      caught him,” observed Steve, as he lounged gracefully in the window seat.
    
“You should have seen Giglamps when he was after them. He jumped out of the tree and would have broken his neck if Arch hadn't caught him,” Steve said, casually lounging in the window seat.



      “You needn't talk, Dandy, when you didn't know a chestnut from a beech,
      and kept on thrashing till I told you of it,” retorted Mac, festooning
      himself over the back of the sofa, being a privileged boy.
    
“You don’t have to say anything, Dandy, when you couldn’t tell a chestnut from a beech, and you kept going until I pointed it out,” Mac shot back, draping himself over the back of the sofa, as was his right.



      “I don't make mistakes when I thrash you, old Worm, so you'd better mind
      what you are about,” answered Steve, without a ray of proper respect for
      his elder brother.
    
“I don't mess up when I beat you, old Worm, so you better watch what you're doing,” replied Steve, showing zero respect for his older brother.



      “It is getting dark, and I must go, or mamma will be alarmed,” said
      Ariadne, rising in sudden haste, though she hoped to be asked to remain to
      the nut-party.
    
“It’s getting dark, and I need to go, or Mom will be worried,” said Ariadne, suddenly getting up in a hurry, even though she hoped someone would ask her to stay for the nut party.



      No one invited her; and all the while she was putting on her things and
      chatting to Rose the boys were telegraphing to one another the sad fact
      that someone ought to escort the young lady home. Not a boy felt heroic
      enough to cast himself into the breach, however; even polite Archie
      shirked the duty, saying to Charlie, as they quietly slipped into an
      adjoining room,
    
No one asked her to come; and while she was getting ready and talking to Rose, the boys were signaling to each other the unfortunate truth that someone needed to walk the young lady home. However, none of the boys felt brave enough to take on the responsibility; even polite Archie avoided the task, saying to Charlie as they quietly moved into another room,



      “I'm not going to do all the gallivanting. Let Steve take that chit home
      and show his manners.”
     
“I'm not going to do all the wandering around. Let Steve take that stuff home and show some manners.”



      “I'll be hanged if I do!” answered Prince, who disliked Miss Blish because
      she tried to be coquettish with him.
    
"I'll be damned if I do!" replied Prince, who didn’t like Miss Blish because she was trying to act flirtatious with him.



      “Then I will,” and, to the dismay of both recreant lads, Dr. Alec walked
      out of the room to offer his services to the “chit.”
     
“Then I will,” and, to the dismay of both cowardly boys, Dr. Alec walked out of the room to offer his help to the “girl.”



      He was too late, however, for Mac, obeying a look from Rose, had already
      made a victim of himself, and trudged meekly away, wishing the gentle
      Ariadne at the bottom of the Red Sea.
    
He was too late, though, because Mac, following a glance from Rose, had already made a fool of himself and walked away quietly, wishing the sweet Ariadne at the bottom of the Red Sea.



      “Then I will take this lady down to tea, as the other one has found a
      gentleman to go home with her. I see the lamps are lighted below, and I
      smell a smell which tells me that auntie has something extra nice for us
      to-night.”
     
“Then I’ll take this lady down for tea since the other one has found a guy to go home with her. I see that the lamps are lit downstairs, and I smell something that tells me Auntie has something special for us tonight.”



      As he spoke, Dr. Alec was preparing to carry Rose downstairs as usual; but
      Archie and Prince rushed forward, begging with penitent eagerness for the
      honour of carrying her in an arm-chair. Rose consented, fearing that her
      uncle's keen eye would discover the fatal bits of silk; so the boys
      crossed hands, and, taking a good grip of each curly pate, she was borne
      down in state, while the others followed by way of the banisters.
    
As he talked, Dr. Alec was getting ready to carry Rose downstairs like he always did; but Archie and Prince hurried up, anxiously begging for the chance to carry her in an armchair. Rose agreed, worried that her uncle's sharp eye would spot the torn bits of silk, so the boys linked arms, got a solid hold on each curly head, and carried her down in style while the others followed along the banisters.



      Tea was ordered earlier than usual, so that Jamie and his dolly could have
      a taste, at least, of the holiday fun, for they were to stay till seven,
      and be allowed twelve roasted chestnuts apiece, which they were under
      bonds not to eat till next day.
    
Tea was ordered earlier than usual, so Jamie and his doll could at least have a taste of the holiday fun, since they were going to stay until seven and were allowed twelve roasted chestnuts each, which they had to promise not to eat until the next day.



      Tea was despatched rapidly, therefore, and the party gathered round the
      wide hearth in the dining-room, where the nuts were soon dancing gaily on
      hot shovels or bouncing out among the company, thereby causing delightful
      panics among the little ones.
    
Tea was sent out quickly, so everyone gathered around the large fireplace in the dining room, where the nuts were soon happily dancing on hot shovels or bouncing around among the guests, causing joyful chaos among the little ones.



      “Come, Rosy, tell us a story while we work, for you can't help much, and
      must amuse us as your share,” proposed Mac, who sat in the shade pricking
      nuts, and who knew by experience what a capital little Scheherazade his
      cousin was.
    
“Come on, Rosy, tell us a story while we work because you can't help much, and you need to entertain us as your part,” suggested Mac, who was sitting in the shade poking at nuts and knew from experience what a great little Scheherazade his cousin could be.



      “Yes, we poor monkeys can't burn our paws for nothing, so tell away,
      Pussy,” added Charlie, as he threw several hot nuts into her lap and shook
      his fingers afterwards.
    
“Yes, we poor monkeys can't burn our hands for nothing, so go ahead and tell us, Pussy,” added Charlie, as he tossed several hot nuts into her lap and shook his fingers afterward.



      “Well, I happen to have a little story with a moral to it in my mind, and
      I will tell it, though it is intended for younger children than you,”
       answered Rose, who was rather fond of telling instructive tales.
    
"Well, I have a little story with a moral that I want to share, even though it's meant for younger kids than you," replied Rose, who really enjoyed telling educational stories.



      “Fire away,” said Geordie, and she obeyed, little thinking what a
      disastrous story it would prove to herself.
    
“Go ahead,” said Geordie, and she did, not realizing what a disastrous story it would turn out to be for her.



      “Well, once upon a time, a little girl went to see a young lady who was
      very fond of her. Now, the young lady happened to be lame, and had to have
      her foot bandaged up every day; so she kept a basketful of bandages, all
      nicely rolled and ready. The little girl liked to play with this basket,
      and one day, when she thought no one saw her, she took one of the rolls
      without asking leave, and put it in her pocket.”
     
“Well, once upon a time, a little girl went to visit a young woman who really cared about her. Now, the young woman happened to have a limp and had to have her foot wrapped up every day; so she kept a basket full of bandages, all neatly rolled and ready to use. The little girl enjoyed playing with this basket, and one day, when she thought no one was watching, she took one of the rolls without asking and slipped it into her pocket.”



      Here Pokey, who had been peering lovingly down at the five warm nuts that
      lay at the bottom of her tiny pocket, suddenly looked up and said, “Oh!”
       in a startled tone, as if the moral tale had become intensely interesting
      all at once.
    
Here Pokey, who had been glancing affectionately at the five warm nuts resting in the bottom of her small pocket, suddenly looked up and exclaimed, “Oh!” in a surprised tone, as if the moral story had suddenly become incredibly engaging.



      Rose heard and saw the innocent betrayal of the small sinner, and went on
      in a most impressive manner, while the boys nudged one another and winked
      as they caught the joke.
    
Rose heard and saw the innocent betrayal of the little wrongdoer and continued in a remarkably impressive way, while the boys nudged each other and winked as they got the joke.



      “But an eye did see this naughty little girl, and whose eye do you think
      it was?”
     
“But an eye saw this mischievous little girl, and whose eye do you think it was?”



      “Eye of Dod,” murmured conscience-stricken Pokey, spreading two chubby
      little hands before the round face, which they were not half big enough to
      hide.
    
“Eye of Dod,” murmured guilty Pokey, spreading his two chubby little hands in front of his round face, which they were not nearly big enough to cover.



      Rose was rather taken aback by this reply, but, feeling that she was
      producing a good effect, she added seriously,
    
Rose was pretty surprised by this response, but realizing she was making a good impression, she added earnestly,



      “Yes, God saw her, and so did the young lady, but she did not say
      anything; she waited to see what the little girl would do about it. She
      had been very happy before she took the bandage, but when it was in her
      pocket she seemed troubled, and pretty soon stopped playing, and sat down
      in a corner looking very sober. She thought a few minutes, and then went
      and put back the roll very softly, and her face cleared up, and she was a
      happy child again. The young lady was glad to see that, and wondered what
      made the little girl put it back.”
     
“Yes, God saw her, and so did the young lady, but she didn’t say anything; she waited to see what the little girl would do about it. She had been very happy before she took the bandage, but once it was in her pocket, she looked troubled, and pretty soon stopped playing, sitting down in a corner looking very serious. After thinking for a few minutes, she went and quietly put the roll back, her face brightening up, and she was a happy child again. The young lady was glad to see that and wondered what made the little girl return it.”



      “Tonscience p'icked her,” murmured a contrite voice from behind the small
      hands pressed tightly over Pokey's red face.
    
“Tonscience picked her,” murmured a remorseful voice from behind the small hands pressed tightly over Pokey's red face.



      “And why did she take it, do you suppose?” asked Rose, in a school-marmish
      tone, feeling that all the listeners were interested in her tale and its
      unexpected application.
    
“And why did she take it, do you think?” asked Rose, in a teacher-like tone, sensing that everyone was intrigued by her story and its surprising relevance.



      “It was so nice and wound, and she wanted it deffly,” answered the little
      voice.
    
“It was so nice and perfect, and she definitely wanted it,” answered the little voice.



      “Well, I'm glad she had such a good conscience. The moral is that people
      who steal don't enjoy what they take, and are not happy till they put it
      back. What makes that little girl hide her face?” asked Rose, as she
      concluded.
    
"Well, I'm glad she had such a clear conscience. The lesson is that people who steal don’t really enjoy what they take and aren't happy until they give it back. Why is that little girl hiding her face?" asked Rose, as she finished.



      “Me's so 'shamed of Pokey,” sobbed the small culprit, quite overcome by
      remorse and confusion at this awful disclosure.
    
“I'm so ashamed of Pokey,” sobbed the small culprit, completely overcome by remorse and confusion at this terrible revelation.



      “Come, Rose, it's too bad to tell her little tricks before everyone, and
      preach at her in that way; you wouldn't like it yourself,” began Dr. Alec,
      taking the weeper on his knee and administering consolation in the shape
      of kisses and nuts.
    
“Come on, Rose, it’s not fair to expose her little tricks in front of everyone and lecture her like that; you wouldn’t appreciate it either,” Dr. Alec started, lifting the crying girl onto his lap and offering comfort with kisses and nuts.



      Before Rose could express her regret, Jamie, who had been reddening and
      ruffling like a little turkey-cock for several minutes, burst out
      indignantly, bent on avenging the wound given to his beloved dolly.
    
Before Rose could say she was sorry, Jamie, who had been blushing and flapping around like a little turkey for a few minutes, suddenly erupted in anger, determined to get back at whoever hurt his beloved doll.



      “I know something bad that you did, and I'm going to tell right out. You
      thought we didn't see you, but we did, and you said uncle wouldn't like
      it, and the boys would tease, and you made Ariadne promise not to tell,
      and she punched holes in your ears to put ear-rings in. So now! and that's
      much badder than to take an old piece of rag; and I hate you for making my
      Pokey cry.”
     
“I know something bad you did, and I'm going to say it straight up. You thought we didn’t notice, but we did, and you said uncle wouldn’t like it, and the boys would tease, and you made Ariadne promise not to tell, and she punched holes in your ears to put earrings in. So there! That’s way worse than taking an old rag, and I hate you for making my Pokey cry.”



      Jamie's somewhat incoherent explosion produced such an effect that Pokey's
      small sin was instantly forgotten, and Rose felt that her hour had come.
    
Jamie's somewhat confusing outburst had such an impact that Pokey's minor wrongdoing was immediately overlooked, and Rose sensed that her moment had arrived.



      “What! what! what!” cried the boys in a chorus, dropping their shovels and
      knives to gather round Rose, for a guilty clutching at her ears betrayed
      her, and with a feeble cry of “Ariadne made me!” she hid her head among
      the pillows like an absurd little ostrich.
    
“What! what! what!” shouted the boys together, dropping their shovels and knives to crowd around Rose, who clutched her ears in guilt. With a weak cry of “Ariadne made me!” she buried her head in the pillows like a silly little ostrich.



      “Now she'll go prancing round with bird cages and baskets and carts and
      pigs, for all I know, in her ears, as the other girls do, and won't she
      look like a goose?” asked one tormentor, tweaking a curl that strayed out
      from the cushions.
    
“Now she’ll be prancing around with birdcages, baskets, carts, and maybe even pigs in her ears, like the other girls do, and won't she look ridiculous?” asked one bully, tugging at a curl that had escaped from the cushions.



      “I didn't think she'd be so silly,” said Mac, in a tone of disappointment
      that told Rose she had sunk in the esteem of her wise cousin.
    
“I didn't think she'd be so foolish,” Mac said, with a tone of disappointment that made Rose realize she had let down her smart cousin.



      “That Blish girl is a nuisance, and ought not to be allowed to come here
      with her nonsensical notions,” said the Prince, feeling a strong desire to
      shake that young person as an angry dog might shake a mischievous kitten.
    
“That Blish girl is a pain, and she shouldn’t be allowed to come here with her ridiculous ideas,” said the Prince, feeling a strong urge to shake her like an angry dog might shake a naughty kitten.



      “How do you like it, uncle?” asked Archie, who, being the head of a family
      himself, believed in preserving discipline at all costs.
    
“How do you like it, Uncle?” asked Archie, who, being the head of a family himself, believed in maintaining discipline at all costs.



      “I am very much surprised; but I see she is a girl, after all, and must
      have her vanities like all the rest of them,” answered Dr. Alec, with a
      sigh, as if he had expected to find Rose a sort of angel, above all
      earthly temptations.
    
“I’m really surprised; but I can see she’s just a girl, after all, and has her vanities like everyone else,” Dr. Alec replied with a sigh, as if he had hoped Rose would be some kind of angel, above all earthly temptations.



      “What shall you do about it, sir?” inquired Geordie, wondering what
      punishment would be inflicted on a feminine culprit.
    
“What are you going to do about it, sir?” Geordie asked, curious about what punishment would be given to a female offender.



      “As she is fond of ornaments, perhaps we had better give her a nose-ring
      also. I have one somewhere that a Fiji belle once wore; I'll look it up,”
       and, leaving Pokey to Jamie's care, Dr. Alec rose as if to carry out his
      suggestion in earnest.
    
“As she loves jewelry, maybe we should also get her a nose ring. I have one somewhere that a Fiji girl used to wear; I'll find it,” and, leaving Pokey in Jamie's care, Dr. Alec stood up as if he was serious about following through with his idea.



      “Good! good! We'll do it right away! Here's a gimlet, so you hold her,
      boys, while I get her dear little nose all ready,” cried Charlie, whisking
      away the pillow as the other boys danced about the sofa in true Fiji
      style.
    
“Great! Great! We’ll do it right now! Here’s a gimlet, so you guys hold her while I get her cute little nose all set,” shouted Charlie, whisking away the pillow as the other boys danced around the sofa in true Fiji style.



      It was a dreadful moment, for Rose could not run away she could only grasp
      her precious nose with one hand and extend the other, crying distractedly,
    
It was a terrible moment, because Rose couldn’t escape; she could only hold on to her precious nose with one hand and reach out with the other, crying in a panic.



      “O uncle, save me, save me!”
     
“O uncle, help me, help me!”



      Of course he saved her; and when she was securely barricaded by his strong
      arm, she confessed her folly in such humiliation of spirit, that the lads,
      after a good laugh at her, decided to forgive her and lay all the blame on
      the tempter, Ariadne. Even Dr. Alec relented so far as to propose two gold
      rings for the ears instead of one copper one for the nose; a proceeding
      which proved that if Rose had all the weakness of her sex for jewellery,
      he had all the inconsistency of his in giving a pretty penitent exactly
      what she wanted, spite of his better judgment.
    
Of course he saved her, and when she was safely secured by his strong arm, she admitted her mistake with such embarrassment that the guys, after getting a good laugh at her, decided to forgive her and put all the blame on the tempter, Ariadne. Even Dr. Alec softened enough to suggest two gold earrings instead of one copper ring for her nose; a move that showed that while Rose had all the typical weaknesses of her gender when it came to jewelry, he had all the contradictions of his in giving a pretty penitent exactly what she wanted, despite knowing better.




 


 












      Chapter 16—Bread and Button-Holes
    



      “What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here, with such a
      solemn face?” asked Dr. Alec, coming into the study, one November day, to
      find Rose sitting there with folded hands and a very thoughtful aspect.
    
“What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here, with such a solemn face?” asked Dr. Alec, coming into the study one November day, to find Rose sitting there with her hands folded and a very thoughtful look.



      “Uncle, I want to have some serious conversation with you, if you have
      time,” she said, coming out of a brown study, as if she had not heard his
      question.
    
“Uncle, I want to have a serious conversation with you, if you have time,” she said, coming out of a deep thought, as if she hadn’t heard his question.



      “I'm entirely at your service, and most happy to listen,” he answered, in
      his politest manner, for when Rose put on her womanly little airs he
      always treated her with a playful sort of respect that pleased her very
      much.
    
“I'm completely at your service and happy to listen,” he replied, in his most polite way, because when Rose acted in her feminine little ways, he always treated her with a playful kind of respect that she really appreciated.



      Now, as he sat down beside her, she said, very soberly,
    
Now, as he sat next to her, she said very seriously,



      “I've been trying to decide what trade I would learn, and I want you to
      advise me.”
     
"I've been trying to figure out which trade I should learn, and I want your advice."



      “Trade, my dear?” and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that she hastened to
      explain.
    
“Trade, my dear?” Dr. Alec looked so surprised that she quickly went on to explain.



      “I forgot that you didn't hear the talk about it up at Cosey Corner. You
      see we used to sit under the pines and sew, and talk a great deal all the
      ladies, I mean and I liked it very much. Mother Atkinson thought that
      everyone should have a trade, or something to make a living out of, for
      rich people may grow poor, you know, and poor people have to work. Her
      girls were very clever, and could do ever so many things, and Aunt Jessie
      thought the old lady was right; so when I saw how happy and independent
      those young ladies were, I wanted to have a trade, and then it wouldn't
      matter about money, though I like to have it well enough.”
     
“I forgot you didn’t hear the conversation about it at Cosey Corner. You see, we used to sit under the pines, sew, and chat a lot, all the ladies, I mean, and I enjoyed it very much. Mother Atkinson believed everyone should have a trade or something to make a living, because rich people can become poor, you know, and poor people have to work. Her daughters were very talented and could do all sorts of things, and Aunt Jessie thought the old lady was right. So when I saw how happy and independent those young women were, I wanted to have a trade too, and then it wouldn’t matter about money, although I do like having it.”



      Dr. Alec listened to this explanation with a curious mixture of surprise,
      pleasure, and amusement in his face, and looked at his little niece as if
      she had suddenly changed into a young woman. She had grown a good deal in
      the last six months, and an amount of thinking had gone on in that young
      head which would have astonished him greatly could he have known it all,
      for Rose was one of the children who observe and meditate much, and now
      and then nonplus their friends by a wise or curious remark.
    
Dr. Alec listened to this explanation with a mix of surprise, pleasure, and amusement on his face, and looked at his little niece as if she had suddenly turned into a young woman. She had grown quite a bit in the last six months, and a lot of thinking had happened in that young mind that would have astonished him greatly if he had known it all, because Rose was one of those kids who observes and reflects a lot, and every now and then surprises her friends with a wise or curious comment.



      “I quite agree with the ladies, and shall be glad to help you decide on
      something if I can,” said the Doctor seriously. “What do you incline to? A
      natural taste or talent is a great help in choosing, you know.”
     
“I totally agree with the ladies and would be happy to help you decide on something if I can,” the Doctor said earnestly. “What are you leaning towards? A natural taste or talent really helps when making a choice, you know.”



      “I haven't any talent, or any especial taste that I can see, and that is
      why I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good plan to pick out
      some very useful business and learn it, because I don't do it for
      pleasure, you see, but as a part of my education, and to be ready in case
      I'm ever poor,” answered Rose, looking as if she rather longed for a
      little poverty so that her useful gift might be exercised.
    
"I don't have any talent or special interests that I can tell, and that's why I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good idea to choose a really useful job and learn it, because I'm not doing it for fun, you see, but as part of my education and to be prepared in case I ever end up poor," replied Rose, appearing to wish for a bit of poverty so that her useful skills could be put to use.



      “Well, now, there is one very excellent, necessary, and womanly
      accomplishment that no girl should be without, for it is a help to rich
      and poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. This fine talent is
      neglected nowadays, and considered old-fashioned, which is a sad mistake,
      and one that I don't mean to make in bringing up my girl. It should be a
      part of every girl's education, and I know of a most accomplished lady who
      will teach you in the best and pleasantest manner.”
     
“Well, now, there is one very important and essential skill that every girl should have because it benefits both the rich and the poor, and families rely on it for comfort. This valuable talent is often overlooked today and seen as outdated, which is a big mistake, and it’s not one I plan to make while raising my daughter. It should be included in every girl’s education, and I know a highly skilled woman who can teach you in the most effective and enjoyable way.”



      “Oh, what is it?” cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in this helpful
      and cordial way.
    
“Oh, what is it?” Rose exclaimed eagerly, delighted to be greeted in such a friendly and supportive manner.



      “Housekeeping!” answered Dr. Alec.
    
“Housekeeping!” replied Dr. Alec.



      “Is that an accomplishment?” asked Rose, while her face fell, for she had
      indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.
    
“Is that an achievement?” asked Rose, her expression dropping, as she had indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.



      “Yes; it is one of the most beautiful as well as useful of all the arts a
      woman can learn. Not so romantic, perhaps, as singing, painting, writing,
      or teaching, even; but one that makes many happy and comfortable, and home
      the sweetest place in the world. Yes, you may open your big eyes; but it
      is a fact that I had rather see you a good housekeeper than the greatest
      belle in the city. It need not interfere with any talent you may possess,
      but it is a necessary part of your training, and I hope that you will set
      about it at once, now that you are well and strong.”
     
"Yes, it’s one of the most beautiful and practical skills a woman can learn. It may not be as romantic as singing, painting, writing, or teaching, but it brings happiness and comfort to many, making home the sweetest place in the world. You might be surprised, but I’d rather see you as a great housekeeper than the most gorgeous woman in the city. It doesn’t have to clash with any talents you have, but it's an important part of your training, and I hope you start working on it right away, now that you’re healthy and strong."



      “Who is the lady?” asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle's earnest
      speech.
    
“Who is the lady?” asked Rose, clearly impressed by her uncle's sincere speech.



      “Aunt Plenty.”
     
“Aunt Plenty.”



      “Is she accomplished?” began Rose in a wondering tone, for this great-aunt
      of hers had seemed the least cultivated of them all.
    
“Is she skilled?” Rose started, sounding curious, since this great-aunt of hers appeared to be the least educated of them all.



      “In the good old-fashioned way she is very accomplished, and has made this
      house a happy home to us all, ever since we can remember. She is not
      elegant, but genuinely good, and so beloved and respected that there will
      be universal mourning for her when her place is empty. No one can fill it,
      for the solid, homely virtues of the dear soul have gone out of fashion,
      as I say, and nothing new can be half so satisfactory, to me at least.”
     
“In the traditional sense, she’s very skilled and has made this house a happy home for all of us for as long as we can remember. She might not be elegant, but she’s truly good, and so cherished and respected that there will be widespread mourning when she’s gone. No one can take her place, because the genuine, down-to-earth qualities of this wonderful person have become outdated, as I mentioned, and nothing new could ever be as fulfilling, at least for me.”



      “I should like to have people feel so about me. Can she teach me to do
      what she does, and to grow as good?” asked Rose, with a little prick of
      remorse for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was a commonplace old lady.
    
“I would like people to feel that way about me. Can she teach me to do what she does and to become as good?” asked Rose, feeling a slight twinge of guilt for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was an ordinary old lady.



      “Yes, if you don't despise such simple lessons as she can give. I know it
      would fill her dear old heart with pride and pleasure to feel that anyone
      cared to learn of her, for she fancies her day gone by. Let her teach you
      how to be what she has been a skilful, frugal, cheerful housewife; the
      maker and the keeper of a happy home, and by and by you will see what a
      valuable lesson it is.”
     
“Yes, if you don’t look down on the simple lessons she can share. I know it would make her heart swell with pride and joy to feel that someone wanted to learn from her, since she thinks her time has passed. Let her teach you how to be like her—a skilled, frugal, cheerful housewife; the creator and keeper of a happy home, and eventually, you’ll realize what a valuable lesson it is.”



      “I will, uncle. But how shall I begin?”
     
“I will, uncle. But how should I start?”



      “I'll speak to her about it, and she will make it all right with Dolly,
      for cooking is one of the main things, you know.”
     
“I'll talk to her about it, and she'll sort everything out with Dolly, because cooking is one of the most important things, you know.”



      “So it is! I don't mind that a bit, for I like to mess, and used to try at
      home; but I had no one to tell me, so I never did much but spoil my
      aprons. Pies are great fun, only Dolly is so cross, I don't believe she
      will ever let me do a thing in the kitchen.”
     
“So it is! I don't mind that at all since I enjoy getting my hands dirty and used to try things at home; but I had no one to guide me, so I mostly just ended up ruining my aprons. Making pies is a lot of fun, but Dolly is so grumpy that I don't think she'll ever let me do anything in the kitchen.”



      “Then we'll cook in the parlour. I fancy Aunt Plenty will manage her, so
      don't be troubled. Only mind this, I'd rather you learned how to make good
      bread than the best pies ever baked. When you bring me a handsome,
      wholesome loaf, entirely made by yourself, I shall be more pleased than if
      you offered me a pair of slippers embroidered in the very latest style. I
      don't wish to bribe you, but I'll give you my heartiest kiss, and promise
      to eat every crumb of the loaf myself.”
     
“Then we'll cook in the living room. I think Aunt Plenty will handle her, so don’t worry. Just remember this: I’d rather you learn how to make good bread than the best pies ever. When you bring me a beautiful, healthy loaf, made entirely by you, I’ll be happier than if you gave me a pair of slippers embroidered in the latest style. I don’t want to bribe you, but I’ll give you my warmest kiss and promise to eat every crumb of the loaf myself.”



      “It's a bargain! it's a bargain! Come and tell aunty all about it, for I'm
      in a hurry to begin,” cried Rose, dancing before him toward the parlor,
      where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly, yet ready to run at the
      first call for help of any sort, from any quarter.
    
“It's such a great deal! It's such a great deal! Come and tell aunty all about it, because I'm eager to start,” Rose exclaimed, skipping ahead toward the parlor, where Miss Plenty was sitting alone, happily knitting, yet prepared to jump up at the first request for help from anyone.



      No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at the invitation she
      received to teach the child the domestic arts which were her only
      accomplishments, nor to relate how energetically she set about her
      pleasant task. Dolly dared not grumble, for Miss Plenty was the one person
      whom she obeyed, and Phebe openly rejoiced, for these new lessons brought
      Rose nearer to her, and glorified the kitchen in the good girl's eyes.
    
No need to say how surprised and happy she was to get the invitation to teach the child the domestic skills that were her only talents, nor to mention how enthusiastically she started her enjoyable task. Dolly didn’t dare complain, because Miss Plenty was the one person she obeyed, and Phebe was openly excited, as these new lessons brought Rose closer to her and made the kitchen feel special in the good girl's eyes.



      To tell the truth, the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they did not
      have quite their share of the little niece who had won their hearts long
      ago, and was the sunshine of the house. They talked it over together
      sometimes, but always ended by saying that as Alec had all the
      responsibility, he should have the larger share of the dear girl's love
      and time, and they would be contented with such crumbs of comfort as they
      could get.
    
To be honest, the older aunts sometimes felt like they didn’t get their fair share of the little niece who had captured their hearts long ago and was the light of the house. They would discuss it among themselves occasionally, but always concluded that since Alec had all the responsibility, he should receive more of the dear girl's love and attention, and they would be satisfied with whatever small bits of affection they could manage to get.



      Dr. Alec had found out this little secret, and, after reproaching himself
      for being blind and selfish, was trying to devise some way of mending
      matters without troubling anyone, when Rose's new whim suggested an
      excellent method of weaning her a little from himself. He did not know how
      fond he was of her till he gave her up to the new teacher, and often could
      not resist peeping in at the door to see how she got on, or stealing sly
      looks through the slide when she was deep in dough, or listening intently
      to some impressive lecture from Aunt Plenty. They caught him at it now and
      then, and ordered him off the premises at the point of the rolling-pin;
      or, if unusually successful, and, therefore, in a milder mood, they lured
      him away with bribes of ginger-bread, a stray pickle, or a tart that was
      not quite symmetrical enough to suit their critical eyes.
    
Dr. Alec had discovered this little secret, and after feeling guilty for being blind and selfish, he was trying to come up with a way to fix things without bothering anyone. Then Rose's new idea gave him a great way to distance her a bit from himself. He didn't realize how much he cared about her until he let her go to the new teacher, and he often couldn’t help sneaking a glance through the door to see how she was doing, or stealing quick looks through the slide while she was busy with dough, or listening closely to one of Aunt Plenty's impressive lectures. They caught him doing this from time to time and chased him off with a rolling pin; or, if they were in a good mood, they tempted him away with treats like gingerbread, a stray pickle, or a tart that wasn’t quite perfect enough for their picky standards.



      Of course he made a point of partaking copiously of all the delectable
      messes that now appeared at table, for both the cooks were on their
      mettle, and he fared sumptuously every day. But an especial relish was
      given to any dish when, in reply to his honest praise of it, Rose coloured
      up with innocent pride, and said modestly,
    
Of course, he made sure to enjoy all the delicious dishes that appeared on the table, as both cooks were really stepping up their game, and he ate very well every day. But any dish tasted even better when, in response to his genuine compliments, Rose blushed with innocent pride and said modestly,



      “I made that, uncle, and I'm glad you like it.”
     
“I made that, Uncle, and I'm really glad you like it.”



      It was some time before the perfect loaf appeared, for bread-making is an
      art not easily learned, and Aunt Plenty was very thorough in her teaching;
      so Rose studied yeast first, and through various stages of cake and
      biscuit came at last to the crowning glory of the “handsome, wholesome
      loaf.” It appeared at tea-time, on a silver salver, proudly borne in by
      Phebe, who could not refrain from whispering, with a beaming face, as she
      set it down before Dr. Alec,
    
It took a while for the perfect loaf to show up because baking bread is an art that’s not easy to master, and Aunt Plenty was very detailed in her teaching. So, Rose started by learning about yeast, and after going through different stages of making cake and biscuits, she finally arrived at the ultimate achievement: the “handsome, wholesome loaf.” It made its debut at tea time, presented on a silver tray, proudly carried by Phebe, who couldn't help but whisper with a big smile as she placed it down in front of Dr. Alec,



      “Ain't it just lovely, sir?”
     
"Isn't it just lovely, sir?"



      “It is a regularly splendid loaf! Did my girl make it all herself?” he
      asked, surveying the shapely, sweet-smelling object with real interest and
      pleasure.
    
“It’s a truly amazing loaf! Did my girl make it all by herself?” he asked, admiring the beautifully shaped, sweet-smelling creation with genuine interest and delight.



      “Every particle herself, and never asked a bit of help or advice from
      anyone,” answered Aunt Plenty, folding her hands with an air of
      unmitigated satisfaction, for her pupil certainly did her great credit.
    
“Every particle herself, and never asked for help or advice from anyone,” replied Aunt Plenty, folding her hands with an expression of complete satisfaction, as her student certainly reflected well on her.



      “I've had so many failures and troubles that I really thought I never
      should be able to do it alone. Dolly let one splendid batch burn up
      because I forgot it. She was there and smelt it, but never did a thing,
      for she said, when I undertook to bake bread I must give my whole mind to
      it. Wasn't it hard? She might have called me at least,” said Rose,
      recollecting, with a sigh, the anguish of that moment.
    
“I've had so many failures and problems that I honestly thought I’d never be able to do it on my own. Dolly let one perfect batch burn because I forgot about it. She was right there and smelled it, but never did anything, because she said that when I decided to bake bread, I had to focus completely on it. Wasn't that tough? She could have at least called me,” said Rose, remembering, with a sigh, the pain of that moment.



      “She meant you should learn by experience, as Rosamond did in that little
      affair of the purple jar, you remember.”
     
“She meant you should learn from experience, just like Rosamond did in that little incident with the purple jar, remember?”



      “I always thought it very unfair in her mother not to warn the poor thing
      a little bit; and she was regularly mean when Rosamond asked for a bowl to
      put the purple stuff in, and she said, in such a provoking way, 'I did not
      agree to lend you a bowl, but I will, my dear.' Ugh! I always want to
      shake that hateful woman, though she was a moral mamma.”
     
“I always thought it was really unfair of her mother not to give the poor girl a heads-up; and she was really cruel when Rosamond asked for a bowl to put the purple stuff in, and she said, in such an irritating way, 'I didn’t agree to lend you a bowl, but I will, sweetheart.' Ugh! I always want to shake that awful woman, even though she was a so-called moral mom.”



      “Never mind her now, but tell me all about my loaf,” said Dr. Alec, much
      amused at Rose's burst of indignation.
    
“Forget about her for now, but tell me all about my loaf,” said Dr. Alec, very amused by Rose's outburst of indignation.



      “There's nothing to tell, uncle, except that I did my best, gave my mind
      to it, and sat watching over it all the while it was in the oven till I
      was quite baked myself. Everything went right this time, and it came out a
      nice, round, crusty loaf, as you see. Now taste it, and tell me if it is
      good as well as handsome.”
     
“There's nothing to say, uncle, except that I did my best, focused on it, and watched it closely while it was in the oven until I felt like I was baked myself. Everything went perfectly this time, and it turned out to be a nice, round, crusty loaf, just like you see. Now taste it and tell me if it's as good as it looks.”



      “Must I cut it? Can't I put it under a glass cover and keep it in the
      parlor as they do wax flowers and fine works of that sort?”
     
“Do I have to cut it? Can’t I just put it under a glass cover and display it in the living room like they do with wax flowers and fancy things like that?”



      “What an idea, uncle! It would mould and be spoilt. Besides, people would
      laugh at us, and make fun of my old-fashioned accomplishment. You promised
      to eat it, and you must; not all at once, but as soon as you can, so I can
      make you some more.”
     
“What an idea, uncle! It would shape and go bad. Plus, people would laugh at us and make fun of my old-fashioned skill. You promised to eat it, and you have to; not all at once, but as soon as you can, so I can make you some more.”



      Dr. Alec solemnly cut off his favourite crusty slice, and solemnly ate it;
      then wiped his lips, and brushing back Rose's hair, solemnly kissed her on
      the forehead, saying, heartily,
    
Dr. Alec seriously cut off his favorite crusty slice and ate it with a sense of importance; then he wiped his lips and, while brushing back Rose's hair, kissed her on the forehead, saying warmly,



      “My dear, it is perfect bread, and you are an honour to your teacher. When
      we have our model school I shall offer a prize for the best bread, and you
      will get it.”
     
"My dear, this bread is amazing, and you really make your teacher proud. When we have our model school, I'll give a prize for the best bread, and you'll win it."



      “I've got it already, and I'm quite satisfied,” said Rose, slipping into
      her seat, and trying to hide her right hand which had a burn on it.
    
“I have it already, and I'm really happy,” said Rose, sitting down and trying to hide her right hand, which had a burn on it.



      But Dr. Alec saw it, guessed how it came there, and after tea insisted on
      easing the pain which she would hardly confess.
    
But Dr. Alec noticed it, figured out how it got there, and after tea insisted on relieving the pain that she would barely admit to.



      “Aunt Clara says I am spoiling my hands, but I don't care, for I've had
      such good times with Aunt Plenty, and I think she has enjoyed it as much
      as I have. Only one thing troubles me, uncle, and I want to ask you about
      it,” said Rose, as they paced up and down the hall in the twilight, the
      bandaged hand very carefully laid on Dr. Alec's arm.
    
“Aunt Clara says I’m ruining my hands, but I don’t care, because I’ve had such a great time with Aunt Plenty, and I think she’s enjoyed it just as much as I have. There’s just one thing that worries me, Uncle, and I want to ask you about it,” said Rose, as they walked back and forth in the hallway during twilight, her bandaged hand resting gently on Dr. Alec’s arm.



      “More little confidences? I like them immensely, so tell away, my dear.”
     
“More little secrets? I love them a lot, so go ahead and share, my dear.”



      “Well, you see I feel as if Aunt Peace would like to do something for me,
      and I've found out what it can be. You know she can't go about like Aunty
      Plen, and we are so busy nowadays that she is rather lonely, I'm afraid.
      So I want to take lessons in sewing of her. She works so beautifully, and
      it is a useful thing, you know, and I ought to be a good needlewoman as
      well as housekeeper, oughtn't I?”
     
“Well, I feel like Aunt Peace wants to help me, and I've figured out how she can. You know she can't get around like Aunty Plen, and we’re so busy these days that she’s a bit lonely, I think. So, I want to take sewing lessons from her. She sews so beautifully, and it's a practical skill, you know, and I should be a good seamstress as well as a housekeeper, right?”



      “Bless your kind little heart, that is what I was thinking of the other
      day when Aunt Peace said she saw you very seldom now, you were so busy I
      wanted to speak of it, but fancied you had as much on your hands as you
      could manage. It would delight the dear woman to teach you all her
      delicate handicraft, especially button-holes, for I believe that is where
      young ladies fail; at least, I've heard them say so. So, do you devote
      your mind to button-holes; make 'em all over my clothes if you want
      something to practice on. I'll wear any quantity.”
     
“Bless your sweet little heart, that’s what I was thinking about the other day when Aunt Peace mentioned that she rarely sees you now because you’re so busy. I wanted to bring it up, but I figured you had as much on your plate as you could handle. It would make the dear woman so happy to teach you all her delicate crafts, especially buttonholes, since I think that’s where young ladies struggle; at least, that’s what I've heard them say. So, why don’t you focus on buttonholes? You can redo all the ones on my clothes if you need something to practice on. I’m happy to wear as many as you want.”



      Rose laughed at this reckless offer, but promised to attend to that
      important branch, though she confessed that darning was her weak point.
      Whereupon Uncle Alec engaged to supply her with socks in all stages of
      dilapidation, and to have a new set at once, so that she could run the
      heels for him as a pleasant beginning.
    
Rose laughed at this crazy offer but promised to take care of that important task, although she admitted that darning wasn't her strong suit. Uncle Alec then agreed to provide her with socks in all states of disrepair and to get her a new set right away so she could start by running the heels for him as a nice way to begin.



      Then they went up to make their request in due form, to the great delight
      of gentle Aunt Peace, who got quite excited with the fun that went on
      while they would yarn, looked up darning needles, and fitted out a nice
      little mending basket for her pupil.
    
Then they went up to formally make their request, much to the delight of sweet Aunt Peace, who became quite excited by the fun that unfolded as they chatted. She looked for darning needles and put together a nice little mending basket for her student.



      Very busy and very happy were Rose's days now, for in the morning she went
      about the house with Aunt Plenty attending to linen-closets and
      store-rooms, pickling and preserving, exploring garret and cellar to see
      that all was right, and learning, in the good old-fashioned manner, to
      look well after the ways of the household.
    
Rose's days were now extremely busy and full of happiness. In the morning, she would move around the house with Aunt Plenty, organizing linen closets and storage rooms, pickling and preserving, searching through the attic and cellar to make sure everything was as it should be, and learning, in the good old-fashioned way, to take good care of the household.



      In the afternoon, after her walk or drive, she sat with Aunt Peace plying
      her needle, while Aunt Plenty, whose eyes were failing, knitted and
      chatted briskly, telling many a pleasant story of old times, till the
      three were moved to laugh and cry together, for the busy needles were
      embroidering all sorts of bright patterns on the lives of the workers,
      though they seemed to be only stitching cotton and darning hose.
    
In the afternoon, after her walk or drive, she sat with Aunt Peace working with her needle, while Aunt Plenty, whose vision was getting worse, knitted and talked happily, sharing many delightful stories from the past, until the three of them were moved to laugh and cry together, as the busy needles were creating all sorts of colorful patterns in the lives of the workers, even though it looked like they were just stitching cotton and repairing socks.



      It was a pretty sight to see the rosy-faced little maid sitting between
      the two old ladies, listening dutifully to their instructions, and
      cheering the lessons with her lively chatter and blithe laugh. If the
      kitchen had proved attractive to Dr. Alec when Rose was there at work, the
      sewing-room was quite irresistible, and he made himself so agreeable that
      no one had the heart to drive him away, especially when he read aloud or
      spun yarns.
    
It was a lovely sight to see the cheerful young maid sitting between the two elderly ladies, attentively listening to their instructions and brightening the lessons with her lively chatter and cheerful laugh. If the kitchen had been appealing to Dr. Alec when Rose was working there, the sewing room was even more inviting, and he made himself so pleasant that no one could bear to send him away, especially when he read aloud or told stories.



      “There! I've made you a new set of warm night-gowns with four button-holes
      in each. See if they are not neatly done,” said Rose, one day, some weeks
      after the new lessons began.
    
“There! I've made you a new set of warm nightgowns with four buttonholes in each. See if they are not neatly done,” said Rose, one day, a few weeks after the new lessons started.



      “Even to a thread, and nice little bars across the end so I can't tear
      them when I twitch the buttons out. Most superior work, ma'am, and I'm
      deeply grateful; so much so, that I'll sew on these buttons myself, and
      save those tired fingers from another prick.”
     
“Even to a thread, with neat little bars across the end so I can't tear them when I pull the buttons out. This is really high-quality work, ma'am, and I'm really thankful; so much so that I'll sew on these buttons myself and spare those tired fingers from another poke.”



      “You sew them on?” cried Rose, with her eyes wide open in amazement.
    
“You sew them on?” Rose exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement.



      “Wait a bit till I get my sewing tackle, and then you shall see what I can
      do.”
     
“Hold on a second while I grab my sewing kit, and then you'll see what I can do.”



      “Can he, really?” asked Rose of Aunt Peace, as Uncle Alec marched off with
      a comical air of importance.
    
“Can he, really?” Rose asked Aunt Peace as Uncle Alec strutted away with a funny sense of importance.



      “Oh, yes, I taught him years ago, before he went to sea; and I suppose he
      has had to do things for himself, more or less, ever since; so he has kept
      his hand in.”
     
“Oh, yes, I taught him years ago, before he went to sea; and I guess he has had to fend for himself, more or less, ever since; so he has stayed sharp.”



      He evidently had, for he was soon back with a funny little work-bag, out
      of which he produced a thimble without a top; and, having threaded his
      needle, he proceeded to sew on the buttons so handily that Rose was much
      impressed and amused.
    
He clearly did, because he soon returned with a quirky little work bag, from which he pulled out a thimble with no top; and after threading his needle, he started sewing on the buttons so skillfully that Rose was both impressed and amused.



      “I wonder if there is anything in the world that you cannot do,” she said,
      in a tone of respectful admiration.
    
“I wonder if there's anything in the world you can’t do,” she said, in a tone of respectful admiration.



      “There are one or two things that I am not up to yet,” he answered, with a
      laugh in the corner of his eye, as he waxed his thread with a flourish.
    
“There are a couple of things I’m not quite ready for yet,” he replied, with a laugh in the corner of his eye, as he dramatically waxed his thread.



      “I should like to know what?”
     
“What do you want to know?”



      “Bread and button-holes, ma'am.”
     
“Bread and buttonholes, ma'am.”




 


 












      Chapter 17—Good Bargains
    



      It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and four boys were trying to spend it
      quietly in the “liberry,” as Jamie called the room devoted to books and
      boys, at Aunt Jessie's. Will and Geordie were sprawling on the sofa, deep
      in the adventures of the scapegraces and ragamuffins whose histories are
      now the fashion. Archie lounged in the easy chair, surrounded by
      newspapers; Charlie stood upon the rug, in an Englishman's favourite
      attitude, and, I regret to say, both were smoking cigars.
    
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and four boys were trying to spend it quietly in the "library," as Jamie called the room dedicated to books and boys, at Aunt Jessie's. Will and Geordie were sprawled on the sofa, absorbed in the adventures of the scoundrels and misfits whose stories are currently in vogue. Archie lounged in the easy chair, surrounded by newspapers; Charlie stood on the rug, in an Englishman's favorite stance, and, I regret to say, both were smoking cigars.



      “It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end,” said Prince,
      with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder.
    
“It’s my belief that this day will never end,” said the Prince, with a yawn that almost tore him apart.



      “Read and improve your mind, my son,” answered Archie, peering solemnly
      over the paper behind which he had been dozing.
    
“Read and improve your mind, my son,” Archie replied, looking seriously over the paper he had been dozing behind.



      “Don't you preach, parson, but put on your boots and come out for a tramp,
      instead of mulling over the fire like a granny.”
     
“Stop preaching, pastor, and put on your boots to go for a hike, instead of sitting by the fire like an old woman.”



      “No, thank you, tramps in an easterly storm don't strike me as amusing.”
       There Archie stopped and held up his hand, for a pleasant voice was heard
      saying outside,
    
“No, thank you, people wandering around in an eastern storm don't seem funny to me.”  
       There Archie stopped and raised his hand, for a nice voice was heard saying outside,



      “Are the boys in the library, auntie?”
     
“Are the boys in the library, Auntie?”



      “Yes, dear, and longing for sunshine; so run in and make it for them,”
       answered Mrs. Jessie.
    
“Yes, dear, and wishing for some sunshine; so go inside and prepare it for them,” answered Mrs. Jessie.



      “It's Rose,” and Archie threw his cigar into the fire.
    
“It's Rose,” Archie said, tossing his cigar into the fire.



      “What's that for?” asked Charlie.
    
"What's that for?" Charlie asked.



      “Gentlemen don't smoke before ladies.”
     
“Men don’t smoke in front of women.”



      “True; but I'm not going to waste my weed,” and Prince poked his into the
      empty inkstand that served them for an ash tray.
    
“True; but I'm not going to waste my weed,” and Prince poked his into the empty inkstand that they used as an ashtray.



      A gentle tap at the door was answered by a chorus of “Come in,” and Rose
      appeared, looking blooming and breezy with the chilly air.
    
A soft knock at the door was met with a chorus of “Come in,” and Rose walked in, looking fresh and vibrant in the cool air.



      “If I disturb you, say so, and I'll go away,” she began, pausing on the
      threshold with modest hesitation, for something in the elder boys' faces
      excited her curiosity.
    
“If I’m bothering you, just let me know, and I’ll leave,” she said, stopping at the doorway with a bit of nervousness, because something in the older boys' expressions sparked her curiosity.



      “You never disturb us, cousin,” said the smokers, while the readers tore
      themselves from the heroes of the bar-room and gutter long enough to nod
      affably to their guest.
    
“You never interrupt us, cousin,” said the smokers, while the readers pulled themselves away from the heroes of the bar and street just long enough to nod kindly at their guest.



      As Rose bent to warm her hands, one end of Archie's cigar stuck out of the
      ashes, smoking furiously and smelling strongly.
    
As Rose bent down to warm her hands, one end of Archie's cigar poked out of the ashes, smoking intensely and giving off a strong smell.



      “Oh, you bad boys, how could you do it, to-day of all days?” she said
      reproachfully.
    
“Oh, you bad boys, how could you do this, of all days?” she said reproachfully.



      “Where's the harm?” asked Archie.
    
“What's the harm?” asked Archie.



      “You know as well as I do; your mother doesn't like it, and it's a bad
      habit, for it wastes money and does you no good.”
     
“You know just as well as I do; your mom doesn't like it, and it's a bad habit because it wastes money and doesn't benefit you at all.”



      “Fiddlesticks! every man smokes, even Uncle Alec, whom you think so
      perfect,” began Charlie, in his teasing way.
    
“Seriously! Every guy smokes, even Uncle Alec, who you think is perfect,” started Charlie, in his playful tone.



      “No, he doesn't! He has given it up, and I know why,” cried Rose eagerly.
    
“No, he doesn’t! He has given it up, and I know why,” Rose exclaimed eagerly.



      “Now I think of it, I haven't seen the old meerschaum since he came home.
      Did he stop it on our account?” asked Archie.
    
“Now that I think about it, I haven't seen the old meerschaum since he got back.  
      Did he put it away for our sake?” asked Archie.



      “Yes,” and Rose told the little scene on the seashore in the camping-out
      time.
    
“Yes,” and Rose described the little scene on the beach during their camping trip.



      Archie seemed much impressed, and said manfully, “He won't have done that
      in vain so far as I'm concerned. I don't care a pin about smoking, so can
      give it up as easy as not, and I promise you I will. I only do it now and
      then for fun.”
     
Archie seemed really impressed and said confidently, “He won’t have done that for nothing as far as I’m concerned. I don’t care at all about smoking, so I can quit just as easily as I started, and I promise I will. I only smoke occasionally for fun.”



      “You too?” and Rose looked up at the bonny Prince, who never looked less
      bonny than at that moment, for he had resumed his cigar just to torment
      her.
    
“You too?” Rose looked up at the handsome Prince, who looked less handsome than ever at that moment, because he had picked up his cigar again just to annoy her.



      Now Charlie cared as little as Archie about smoking, but it would not do
      to yield too soon: so he shook his head, gave a great puff, and said
      loftily,
    
Now Charlie didn’t care any more about smoking than Archie did, but it wouldn’t be wise to give in too quickly: so he shook his head, took a big puff, and said grandly,



      “You women are always asking us to give up harmless little things just
      because you don't approve of them. How would you like it if we did the
      same by you, miss?”
     
“You women are always asking us to give up harmless little things just because you don't like them. How would you feel if we did the same to you, miss?”



      “If I did harmful or silly things, I'd thank you for telling me of them,
      and I'd try to mend my ways,” answered Rose heartily.
    
“If I did something harmful or foolish, I’d appreciate you letting me know, and I’d work on changing my behavior,” Rose replied sincerely.



      “Well, now, we'll see if you mean what you say. I'll give up smoking to
      please you, if you will give up something to please me,” said Prince,
      seeing a good chance to lord it over the weaker vessel at small cost to
      himself.
    
“Well, now, let's see if you really mean what you say. I'll quit smoking to make you happy, if you’ll give up something to make me happy,” said Prince, seeing a great opportunity to take advantage of the weaker person at little expense to himself.



      “I'll agree if it is as foolish as cigars.”
     
"I'll agree if it's as silly as cigars."



      “Oh, it's ever so much sillier.”
     
“Oh, it's way sillier.”



      “Then I promise; what is it?” and Rose quite trembled with anxiety to know
      which of her pet habits or possessions she must lose.
    
“Then I promise; what is it?” Rose trembled with anxiety to find out which of her favorite habits or belongings she would have to give up.



      “Give up your ear-rings,” and Charlie laughed wickedly, sure that she
      would never hold to that bargain.
    
“Give up your earrings,” and Charlie laughed bitterly, confident that she would never stick to that deal.



      Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to her ears where the gold rings
      hung.
    
Rose let out a shout and covered her ears where the gold rings hung.



      “Oh, Charlie, wouldn't anything else do as well? I've been through so much
      teasing and trouble, I do want to enjoy my pretty ear-rings, for I can
      wear them now.”
     
“Oh, Charlie, couldn’t anything else work just as well? I’ve been through so much teasing and trouble; I really want to enjoy my pretty earrings since I can wear them now.”



      “Wear as many as you like, and I'll smoke in peace,” returned this bad
      boy.
    
“Wear as many as you want, and I’ll smoke in peace,” replied this troublemaker.



      “Will nothing else satisfy you?” imploringly.
    
“Will nothing else make you happy?” imploringly.



      “Nothing,” sternly.
    
"Nothing," said sternly.



      Rose stood silent for a minute, thinking of something Aunt Jessie once
      said “You have more influence over the boys than you know; use it for
      their good, and I shall thank you all my life.” Here was a chance to do
      some good by sacrificing a little vanity of her own. She felt it was right
      to do it, yet found it very hard, and asked wistfully,
    
Rose stood silent for a minute, thinking about something Aunt Jessie once said: “You have more influence over the boys than you realize; use it for their good, and I’ll be grateful to you for life.” This was an opportunity to do something good by giving up a bit of her own vanity. She felt it was the right thing to do, but it was really difficult, and she asked hopefully,



      “Do you mean never wear them, Charlie?”
     
“Are you saying you never wear them, Charlie?”



      “Never, unless you want me to smoke.”
     
“Never, unless you want me to smoke.”



      “I never do.”
     
"I don't ever."



      “Then clinch the bargain.”
     
“Then seal the deal.”



      He had no idea she would do it, and was much surprised when she took the
      dear rings from her ears, with a quick gesture, and held them out to him,
      saying, in a tone that made the colour come up to his brown cheek, it was
      so full of sweet good will,
    
He had no idea she would do it and was very surprised when she quickly took the lovely earrings out of her ears and held them out to him, saying in a tone that made his brown cheeks flush with color because it was so full of sweet goodwill,



      “I care more for my cousins than for my ear-rings, so I promise, and I'll
      keep my word.”
     
“I care more about my cousins than my earrings, so I promise, and I'll keep my word.”



      “For shame, Prince! let her wear her little danglers if she likes, and
      don't bargain about doing what you know is right,” cried Archie, coming
      out of his grove of newspapers with an indignant bounce.
    
“For shame, Prince! Let her wear her little earrings if she wants, and don’t haggle over doing what you know is right,” Archie exclaimed, emerging from his stack of newspapers with an indignant energy.



      But Rose was bent on showing her aunt that she could use her influence for
      the boys' good, and said steadily,
    
But Rose was determined to show her aunt that she could use her influence for the boys' benefit, and said firmly,



      “It is fair, and I want it to be so, then you will believe I'm in earnest.
      Here, each of you wear one of these on your watch-guard to remind you. I
      shall not forget, because very soon I cannot wear ear-rings if I want to.”
     
“It’s only right, and I want it to be this way, so you’ll know I’m serious. Here, each of you take one of these to keep on your watch-guard as a reminder. I won’t forget, because soon I won’t be able to wear earrings if I want to.”



      As she spoke, Rose offered a little ring to each cousin, and the boys,
      seeing how sincere she was, obeyed her. When the pledges were safe, Rose
      stretched a hand to each, and the lads gave hers a hearty grip, half
      pleased and half ashamed of their part in the compact.
    
As she spoke, Rose handed a small ring to each cousin, and the boys, noticing how genuine she was, followed her lead. Once the rings were secure, Rose reached out her hand to each of them, and the guys gave hers a firm shake, feeling both pleased and a bit embarrassed about their role in the agreement.



      Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie came in.
    
Just then, Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie walked in.



      “What's this? Dancing Ladies' Triumph on Sunday?” exclaimed Uncle Alec,
      surveying the trio with surprise.
    
“What's this? Dancing Ladies' Triumph on Sunday?” exclaimed Uncle Alec, looking at the trio in surprise.



      “No, sir, it is the Anti-Tobacco League. Will you join?” said Charlie,
      while Rose slipped away to her aunt, and Archie buried both cigars behind
      the back log.
    
“No, sir, it's the Anti-Tobacco League. Will you join?” said Charlie, while Rose quietly walked over to her aunt, and Archie hid both cigars behind the back log.



      When the mystery was explained, the elders were well pleased, and Rose
      received a vote of thanks, which made her feel as if she had done a
      service to her country, as she had, for every boy who grows up free from
      bad habits bids fair to make a good citizen.
    
When the mystery was solved, the elders were very happy, and Rose received a thank-you that made her feel like she had contributed to her country, which she had, because every boy who grows up free from bad habits is likely to become a good citizen.



      “I wish Rose would drive a bargain with Will and Geordie also, for I think
      these books are as bad for the small boys as cigars for the large ones,”
       said Mrs. Jessie, sitting down on the sofa between the readers, who
      politely curled up their legs to make room for her.
    
“I wish Rose would negotiate with Will and Geordie too, because I think these books are just as harmful for the little boys as cigars are for the grown ones,” said Mrs. Jessie, sitting down on the sofa between the readers, who politely tucked their legs up to make space for her.



      “I thought they were all the fashion,” answered Dr. Alec, settling in the
      big chair with Rose.
    
“I thought they were all the trend,” replied Dr. Alec, getting comfortable in the big chair with Rose.



      “So is smoking, but it is harmful. The writers of these popular stories
      intend to do good, I have no doubt, but it seems to me they fail because
      their motto is, 'Be smart, and you will be rich,' instead of 'Be honest,
      and you will be happy.' I do not judge hastily, Alec, for I have read a
      dozen, at least, of these stories, and, with much that is attractive to
      boys, I find a great deal to condemn in them, and other parents say the
      same when I ask them.”
     
“So is smoking, but it’s harmful. The authors of these popular stories mean well, I have no doubt, but it seems to me they miss the mark because their motto is, 'Be smart, and you will be rich,' instead of 'Be honest, and you will be happy.' I don’t judge quickly, Alec, because I have read at least a dozen of these stories, and while there’s a lot that appeals to boys, I see a lot to criticize in them, and other parents agree when I ask them.”



      “Now, Mum, that's too bad! I like 'em tip-top. This one is a regular
      screamer,” cried Will.
    
“Now, Mom, that’s a bummer! I like them in perfect shape. This one is really loud,” shouted Will.



      “They're bully books, and I'd like to know where's the harm,” added
      Geordie.
    
“They're bullying books, and I'd like to know what the problem is,” added Geordie.



      “You have just shown us one of the chief evils, and that is slang,”
       answered their mother quickly.
    
“You’ve just shown us one of the main problems, and that’s slang,” their mother replied quickly.



      “Must have it, ma'am. If these chaps talked all right, there'd be no fun
      in 'em,” protested Will.
    
“Gotta have it, ma'am. If these guys were decent at talking, there wouldn't be any fun in them,” protested Will.



      “A boot-black mustn't use good grammar, and a newsboy must swear a little,
      or he wouldn't be natural,” explained Geordie, both boys ready to fight
      gallantly for their favourites.
    
“A shoe shiner doesn't have to use proper grammar, and a newspaper boy has to curse a bit, or he wouldn't seem natural,” Geordie explained, both boys prepared to stand up vigorously for their favorites.



      “But my sons are neither boot-blacks nor newsboys, and I object to hearing
      them use such words as 'screamer,' 'bully,' and 'buster.' In fact, I fail
      to see the advantage of writing books about such people unless it is done
      in a very different way. I cannot think they will help to refine the
      ragamuffins if they read them, and I'm sure they can do no good to the
      better class of boys, who through these books are introduced to police
      courts, counterfeiters' dens, gambling houses, drinking saloons, and all
      sorts of low life.”
     
“But my sons are neither shoe shiners nor paperboys, and I don’t like hearing them use words like 'screamer,' 'bully,' and 'buster.' Honestly, I don’t see the benefit of writing books about people like that unless it’s done in a completely different way. I can't imagine these stories will help improve the rough kids if they read them, and I'm sure they won't do any good for the better class of boys, who are exposed to police courts, counterfeiters' hideouts, gambling houses, bars, and all kinds of low life through these books.”



      “Some of them are about first-rate boys, mother; and they go to sea and
      study, and sail round the world, having great larks all the way.”
     
“Some of them are about amazing guys, Mom; and they go out to sea, learn new things, and travel around the world, having a blast the whole time.”



      “I have read about them, Geordie, and though they are better than the
      others, I am not satisfied with these optical delusions, as I call them.
      Now, I put it to you, boys, is it natural for lads from fifteen to
      eighteen to command ships, defeat pirates, outwit smugglers, and so cover
      themselves with glory, that Admiral Farragut invites them to dinner,
      saying, 'Noble boy, you are an honour to your country!' Or, if the hero is
      in the army, he has hair-breadth escapes and adventures enough in one
      small volume to turn his hair white, and in the end he goes to Washington
      at the express desire of the President or Commander-in-chief to be
      promoted to no end of stars and bars. Even if the hero is merely an honest
      boy trying to get his living, he is not permitted to do so in a natural
      way, by hard work and years of patient effort, but is suddenly adopted by
      a millionaire whose pocket-book he has returned; or a rich uncle appears
      from sea just in the nick of time; or the remarkable boy earns a few
      dollars, speculates in pea-nuts or neckties, and grows rich so rapidly
      that Sinbad in the diamond valley is a pauper compared to him. Isn't it
      so, boys?”
     
"I've read about them, Geordie, and while they’re better than the others, I’m not impressed with these illusions, as I call them. Now, let me ask you, guys, is it normal for boys aged fifteen to eighteen to command ships, defeat pirates, outsmart smugglers, and become heroes so noteworthy that Admiral Farragut invites them to dinner, saying, 'Noble boy, you bring honor to your country!' Or, if the hero is in the army, he has enough narrow escapes and adventures in one small book to turn his hair white, and in the end, he goes to Washington at the special request of the President or Commander-in-chief to get promoted with endless stars and stripes. Even if the hero is just a regular boy trying to make a living, he can't do it the natural way, through hard work and years of effort, but instead, he suddenly gets adopted by a millionaire whose wallet he returned; or a wealthy uncle shows up just in time; or the exceptional boy makes a few bucks, invests in peanuts or ties, and gets rich so quickly that Sinbad in the diamond valley looks like a beggar next to him. Isn’t that right, guys?"



      “Well, the fellows in these books are mighty lucky, and very smart, I must
      say,” answered Will, surveying an illustration on the open page before
      him, where a small but virtuous youth is upsetting a tipsy giant in a
      bar-room, and under it the elegant inscription, “Dick Dauntless punches
      the head of Sam Soaker.”
     
“Well, the guys in these books are really lucky and pretty clever, I have to admit,” replied Will, looking at an illustration on the open page in front of him, where a small but virtuous young man is knocking out a drunken giant in a bar, and underneath it the stylish caption, “Dick Dauntless punches the head of Sam Soaker.”



      “It gives boys such wrong ideas of life and business; shows them so much
      evil and vulgarity that they need not know about, and makes the one
      success worth having a fortune, a lord's daughter, or some worldly honour,
      often not worth the time it takes to win. It does seem to me that some one
      might write stories that should be lively, natural and helpful tales in
      which the English should be good, the morals pure, and the characters such
      as we can love in spite of the faults that all may have. I can't bear to
      see such crowds of eager little fellows at the libraries reading such
      trash; weak, when it is not wicked, and totally unfit to feed the hungry
      minds that feast on it for want of something better. There! my lecture is
      done; now I should like to hear what you gentlemen have to say,” and Aunt
      Jessie subsided with a pretty flush on the face that was full of motherly
      anxiety for her boys.
    
“It gives boys such misleading ideas about life and business; it shows them so much evil and crudeness that they don’t need to know about, and makes the one success that really matters a fortune, a lord's daughter, or some worldly honor, often not worth the effort to achieve. It seems to me that someone could write stories that are lively, genuine, and uplifting, where the English characters are good, the morals are pure, and the characters are ones we can love despite their flaws. I can’t stand to see so many eager young boys at the libraries reading such garbage; it's weak when it’s not wicked, and completely unsuitable to nourish the hungry minds that devour it out of lack of something better. There! My rant is over; now I’d like to hear what you gentlemen have to say,” and Aunt Jessie settled down with a pretty flush on her face that was filled with motherly concern for her boys.



      “Tom Brown just suits mother, and me too, so I wish Mr. Hughes would write
      another story as good,” said Archie.
    
“Tom Brown is just perfect for Mom and me too, so I really hope Mr. Hughes writes another story that's just as good,” said Archie.



      “You don't find things of this sort in Tom Brown; yet these books are all
      in the Sunday-school libraries” and Mrs. Jessie read the following
      paragraph from the book she had taken from Will's hand,
    
“You won't find stuff like this in Tom Brown; but these books are all in the Sunday school libraries,” and Mrs. Jessie read the following paragraph from the book she had taken from Will's hand,



      “'In this place we saw a tooth of John the Baptist. Ben said he could see
      locust and wild honey sticking to it. I couldn't. Perhaps John used a
      piece of the true cross for a tooth-pick.'”
     
“'In this place, we saw a tooth of John the Baptist. Ben said he could see locusts and wild honey stuck to it. I couldn't. Maybe John used a piece of the true cross as a toothpick.'”



      “A larky sort of a boy says that, Mum, and we skip the parts where they
      describe what they saw in the different countries,” cried Will.
    
“A funny sort of boy says that, Mom, and we skip the parts where they describe what they saw in the different countries,” cried Will.



      “And those descriptions, taken mostly from guidebooks, I fancy, are the
      only parts of any real worth. The scrapes of the bad boys make up the rest
      of the story, and it is for those you read these books, I think,” answered
      his mother, stroking back the hair off the honest little face that looked
      rather abashed at this true statement of the case.
    
“And those descriptions, which I think are mostly from guidebooks, are the only parts that really matter. The trouble caused by the bad boys makes up the rest of the story, and that's what you read these books for, I believe,” his mother replied, gently brushing the hair away from the honest little face that appeared a bit embarrassed by this truthful comment.



      “Anyway, mother, the ship part is useful, for we learn how to sail her,
      and by and by that will all come handy when we go to sea,” put in Geordie.
    
“Anyway, Mom, the ship part is useful because we learn how to sail her, and eventually that will all come in handy when we go to sea,” Geordie added.



      “Indeed, then you can explain this manoeuvre to me, of course,” and Mrs.
      Jessie read from another page the following nautical paragraph,
    
“Sure, you can explain this move to me, of course,” and Mrs. Jessie read from another page the following nautical paragraph,



      “The wind is south-south-west, and we can have her up four points closer
      to the wind, and still be six points off the wind. As she luffs up we
      shall man the fore and main sheets, slack on the weather, and haul on the
      lee braces.”
     
“The wind is coming from the south-southwest, and we can steer her four points closer to the wind while still being six points off. As she turns into the wind, let’s take charge of the fore and main sheets, loosen the weather sheets, and pull on the lee braces.”



      “I guess I could, if I wasn't afraid of uncle. He knows so much more than
      I do, he'd laugh,” began Geordie, evidently puzzled by the question.
    
“I guess I could, if I wasn't scared of Uncle. He knows so much more than I do; he’d just laugh,” Geordie started, clearly confused by the question.



      “Ho, you know you can't, so why make believe? We don't understand half of
      the sea lingo, Mum, and I dare say it's all wrong,” cried Will, suddenly
      going over to the enemy, to Geordie's great disgust.
    
“Hey, you know you can’t, so why pretend? We don’t understand half of the sea talk, Mom, and I bet it’s all wrong,” shouted Will, suddenly switching sides, much to Geordie's annoyance.



      “I do wish the boys wouldn't talk to me as if I was a ship,” said Rose,
      bringing forward a private grievance. “Coming home from church this
      morning, the wind blew me about, and Will called out, right in the street,
      'Brail up the foresail, and take in the flying-jib, that will ease her.'”
     
“I really wish the guys wouldn’t talk to me like I’m a ship,” said Rose, bringing up a personal complaint. “On my way home from church this morning, the wind blew me around, and Will shouted, right in the street, ‘Trim the foresail, and roll in the flying jib, that’ll steady her.’”



      The boys shouted at the plaintive tone in which Rose repeated the words
      that offended her, and Will vainly endeavoured to explain that he only
      meant to tell her to wrap her cloak closer, and tie a veil over the
      tempest-tossed feathers in her hat.
    
The boys yelled at the sad way Rose kept saying the words that upset her, and Will tried in vain to explain that he only meant to tell her to wrap her cloak tighter and put a veil over the ruffled feathers in her hat.



      “To tell the truth, if the boys must have slang, I can bear the 'sea
      lingo,' as Will calls it, better than the other. It afflicts me less to
      hear my sons talk about 'brailing up the foresail' than doing as they
      'darn please,' and 'cut your cable' is decidedly preferable to 'let her
      rip.' I once made a rule that I would have no slang in the house. I give
      it up now, for I cannot keep it; but I will not have rubbishy books; so,
      Archie, please send these two after your cigars.”
     
“To be honest, if the boys are going to use slang, I can handle the 'sea lingo,' as Will calls it, better than the other stuff. It bothers me less to hear my sons talk about 'brailing up the foresail' than to hear them say 'darn please,' and 'cut your cable' is definitely better than 'let her rip.' I once made a rule that there would be no slang in the house. I’ve given that up now, because I just can’t enforce it; however, I won't allow trashy books, so, Archie, please send these two after your cigars.”



      Mrs. Jessie held both the small boys fast with an arm round each neck, and
      when she took this base advantage of them they could only squirm with
      dismay. “Yes, right behind the back log,” she continued, energetically.
      “There, my hearties (you like sea slang, so I'll give you a bit) now, I
      want you to promise not to read any more stuff for a month, and I'll agree
      to supply you with wholesome fare.”
     
Mrs. Jessie held both little boys tightly with an arm around each neck, and when she took this unfair advantage, they could only squirm in distress. “Yes, right behind the back log,” she continued enthusiastically. “There, my friends (you like sea slang, so I'll share some with you) now, I want you to promise not to read anything else for a month, and I’ll agree to provide you with good stuff.”



      “Oh, mother, not a single one?” cried Will.
    
“Oh, mom, not even one?” cried Will.



      “Couldn't we just finish those?” pleaded Geordie.
    
“Can’t we just finish those?” Geordie asked earnestly.



      “The boys threw away half-smoked cigars; and your books must go after
      them. Surely you would not be outdone by the 'old fellows,' as you call
      them, or be less obedient to little Mum than they were to Rose.”
     
“The boys tossed aside half-smoked cigars, and your books need to go with them. Surely you wouldn’t let the ‘old guys,’ as you call them, outshine you, or be less obedient to little Mum than they were to Rose.”



      “Course not! Come on, Geordie,” and Will took the vow like a hero. His
      brother sighed and obeyed, but privately resolved to finish his story the
      minute the month was over.
    
“Of course not! Come on, Geordie,” and Will accepted the vow bravely. His brother sighed and went along with it, but secretly planned to finish his story as soon as the month was up.



      “You have laid out a hard task for yourself, Jessie, in trying to provide
      good reading for boys who have been living on sensation stories. It will
      be like going from raspberry tarts to plain bread and butter; but you will
      probably save them from a bilious fever,” said Dr. Alec, much amused at
      the proceedings.
    
“You’ve set a tough challenge for yourself, Jessie, trying to offer good reading for boys who are used to sensational stories. It’ll be like going from raspberry tarts to plain bread and butter; but you’ll probably save them from feeling sick,” said Dr. Alec, quite amused by the situation.



      “I remember hearing grandpa say that a love for good books was one of the
      best safeguards a man could have,” began Archie, staring thoughtfully at
      the fine library before him.
    
“I remember hearing grandpa say that a love for good books was one of the best protections a person could have,” began Archie, staring thoughtfully at the beautiful library in front of him.



      “Yes, but there's no time to read nowadays; a fellow has to keep
      scratching round to make money or he's nobody,” cut in Charlie, trying to
      look worldly-wise.
    
“Yes, but there's no time to read these days; a guy has to keep hustling to make money or he's nobody,” interrupted Charlie, trying to look knowledgeable.



      “This love of money is the curse of America, and for the sake of it men
      will sell honour and honesty, till we don't know whom to trust, and it is
      only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time in
      getting rich,'” said Mrs. Jessie sadly.
    
“This obsession with money is the downfall of America, and because of it, people will sacrifice their honor and integrity, leaving us unsure of who to trust. It's only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time getting rich,'” said Mrs. Jessie sadly.



      “Do you want us to be poor, mother?” asked Archie, wondering.
    
“Do you want us to be poor, mom?” asked Archie, pondering.



      “No, dear, and you never need be, while you can use your hands; but I am
      afraid of this thirst for wealth, and the temptations it brings. O, my
      boys! I tremble for the time when I must let you go, because I think it
      would break my heart to have you fail as so many fail. It would be far
      easier to see you dead if it could be said of you as of Sumner 'No man
      dared offer him a bribe.'”
     
“No, darling, and you never have to be, as long as you can use your hands; but I’m worried about this desire for money and the temptations that come with it. Oh, my boys! I worry about the time when I have to let you go, because I think it would crush me to see you fail like so many do. It would be much easier to see you dead if it could be said of you, like Sumner, 'No man dared offer him a bribe.'”



      Mrs. Jessie was so earnest in her motherly anxiety that her voice faltered
      over the last words, and she hugged the yellow heads closer in her arms,
      as if she feared to let them leave that safe harbour for the great sea
      where so many little boats go down. The younger lads nestled closer to
      her, and Archie said, in his quiet, resolute way,
    
Mrs. Jessie was so sincere in her maternal worry that her voice wavered on the last words, and she held the yellow heads tighter in her arms, as if she was afraid to let them leave that safe haven for the vast ocean where so many small boats sink. The younger boys snuggled closer to her, and Archie said, in his calm, determined way,



      “I cannot promise to be an Agassiz or a Sumner, mother; but I do promise
      to be an honest man, please God.”
     
"I can't promise to be an Agassiz or a Sumner, Mom; but I do promise to be an honest man, God willing."



      “Then I'm satisfied!” and holding fast the hand he gave her, she sealed
      his promise with a kiss that had all a mother's hope and faith in it.
    
“Then I’m happy!” And holding tightly to the hand he gave her, she sealed his promise with a kiss full of a mother’s hope and faith.



      “I don't see how they ever can be bad, she is so fond and proud of them,”
       whispered Rose, quite touched by the little scene.
    
“I don’t see how they could ever be bad. She cares for them so much and is so proud of them,”  
       whispered Rose, quite moved by the little scene.



      “You must help her make them what they should be. You have begun already,
      and when I see those rings where they are, my girl is prettier in my sight
      than if the biggest diamonds that ever twinkled shone in her ears,”
       answered Dr. Alec, looking at her with approving eyes.
    
“You need to help her turn them into what they should be. You’ve already started, and when I see those rings as they are, my girl looks more beautiful to me than if the largest diamonds that ever sparkled were hanging in her ears,” Dr. Alec replied, looking at her with approving eyes.



      “I'm so glad you think I can do anything, for I perfectly ache to be
      useful; everyone is so good to me, especially Aunt Jessie.”
     
“I'm really happy you believe I can do anything because I really want to be helpful; everyone is so kind to me, especially Aunt Jessie.”



      “I think you are in a fair way to pay your debts, Rosy, for when girls
      give up their little vanities, and boys their small vices, and try to
      strengthen each other in well-doing, matters are going as they ought. Work
      away, my dear, and help their mother keep these sons fit friends for an
      innocent creature like yourself; they will be the manlier men for it, I
      can assure you.”
     
“I think you’re on the right track to pay off your debts, Rosy, because when girls let go of their little vanities and boys drop their small vices, and they support each other in doing good, things are going as they should. Keep working hard, my dear, and help their mother raise these sons to be good friends for an innocent person like you; they’ll be better men for it, I can promise you.”




 


 












      Chapter 18—Fashion and Physiology
    



      “Please, sir, I guess you'd better step up right away, or it will be too
      late, for I heard Miss Rose say she knew you wouldn't like it, and she'd
      never dare to let you see her.”
     
“Please, sir, I think you should come forward right away, or it will be too late, because I heard Miss Rose say she knew you wouldn't like it, and she'd never have the courage to let you see her.”



      Phebe said this as she popped her head into the study, where Dr. Alec sat
      reading a new book.
    
Phebe said this as she stuck her head into the study, where Dr. Alec was reading a new book.



      “They are at it, are they?” he said, looking up quickly, and giving
      himself a shake, as if ready for a battle of some sort.
    
“They're at it, huh?” he said, glancing up quickly and shaking himself off, as if gearing up for a fight.



      “Yes, sir, as hard as they can talk, and Miss Rose don't seem to know what
      to do, for the things are ever so stylish, and she looks elegant in 'em;
      though I like her best in the old ones,” answered Phebe.
    
“Yes, sir, they talk as much as they want, and Miss Rose doesn’t seem to know what to do because the outfits are really stylish, and she looks elegant in them; although I prefer her in the old ones,” Phebe replied.



      “You are a girl of sense. I'll settle matters for Rosy, and you'll lend a
      hand. Is everything ready in her room, and are you sure you understand how
      they go?”
     
“You're a sensible girl. I'll take care of things for Rosy, and you'll help out. Is everything set up in her room, and are you sure you know how they work?”



      “Oh, yes, sir; but they are so funny! I know Miss Rose will think it's a
      joke,” and Phebe laughed as if something tickled her immensely.
    
“Oh, yes, sir; but they’re so funny! I know Miss Rose will think it’s a joke,” and Phebe laughed as if something really amused her.



      “Never mind what she thinks so long as she obeys. Tell her to do it for my
      sake, and she will find it the best joke she ever saw. I expect to have a
      tough time of it, but we'll win yet,” said the Doctor, as he marched
      upstairs with the book in his hand, and an odd smile on his face.
    
“Forget what she thinks as long as she follows my orders. Tell her to do it for me, and she’ll see it’s the best joke she ever heard. I know it’s going to be hard, but we’ll win in the end,” said the Doctor, as he walked upstairs with the book in his hand and a strange smile on his face.



      There was such a clatter of tongues in the sewing-room that no one heard
      his tap at the door, so he pushed it open and took an observation. Aunt
      Plenty, Aunt Clara, and Aunt Jessie were all absorbed in gazing at Rose,
      who slowly revolved between them and the great mirror, in a full winter
      costume of the latest fashion.
    
There was so much noise in the sewing room that no one heard him knock at the door, so he pushed it open and took a look inside. Aunt Plenty, Aunt Clara, and Aunt Jessie were all focused on Rose, who was slowly turning around between them and the big mirror, wearing a full winter outfit in the latest style.



      “Bless my heart! worse even than I expected,” thought the Doctor, with an
      inward groan, for, to his benighted eyes, the girl looked like a trussed
      fowl, and the fine new dress had neither grace, beauty, nor fitness to
      recommend it.
    
“Bless my heart! This is even worse than I expected,” thought the Doctor, with an inward groan, for, to his untrained eyes, the girl looked like a tied-up chicken, and the nice new dress had no grace, beauty, or fit to recommend it.



      The suit was of two peculiar shades of blue, so arranged that patches of
      light and dark distracted the eye. The upper skirt was tied so lightly
      back that it was impossible to take a long step, and the under one was so
      loaded with plaited frills that it “wobbled” no other word will express it
      ungracefully, both fore and aft. A bunch of folds was gathered up just
      below the waist behind, and a great bow rode a-top. A small jacket of the
      same material was adorned with a high ruff at the back, and laid well open
      over the breast, to display some lace and a locket. Heavy fringes, bows,
      puffs, ruffles, and revers finished off the dress, making one's head ache
      to think of the amount of work wasted, for not a single graceful line
      struck the eye, and the beauty of the material was quite lost in the
      profusion of ornament.
    
The suit was made of two unusual shades of blue, arranged in a way that created patches of light and dark that distracted the eye. The upper skirt was tied back so loosely that taking a long step was impossible, while the lower one was so loaded with ruffled frills that it "wobbled"—no other word captures it—awkwardly, both in the front and back. A bunch of folds gathered just below the waist in the back, topped with a large bow. A small jacket made of the same material had a high ruff at the back and was left open at the front to show off some lace and a locket. Heavy fringes, bows, puffs, ruffles, and revers completed the dress, making one’s head ache just thinking about the amount of work wasted, since not a single graceful line caught the eye, and the beauty of the fabric was completely overshadowed by the excessive embellishment.



      A high velvet hat, audaciously turned up in front, with a bunch of pink
      roses and a sweeping plume, was cocked over one ear, and, with her curls
      braided into a club at the back of her neck, Rose's head looked more like
      that of a dashing young cavalier than a modest little girl's. High-heeled
      boots tilted her well forward, a tiny muff pinioned her arms, and a
      spotted veil, tied so closely over her face that her eyelashes were
      rumpled by it, gave the last touch of absurdity to her appearance.
    
A tall velvet hat, boldly flipped up in the front, with a bunch of pink roses and a flowing feather, was tilted to one side, and with her curls styled into a bun at the back of her neck, Rose's head looked more like that of a charming young gentleman than a modest little girl. High-heeled boots positioned her well forward, a small muff tucked her arms in, and a spotted veil, tied tightly over her face so that her eyelashes were tangled in it, added the final touch of absurdity to her look.



      “Now she looks like other girls, and as I like to see her,” Mrs. Clara was
      saying, with an air of great satisfaction.
    
“Now she looks like other girls, and just how I like to see her,” Mrs. Clara was saying, with a sense of great satisfaction.



      “She does look like a fashionable young lady, but somehow I miss my little
      Rose, for children dressed like children in my day,” answered Aunt Plenty,
      peering through her glasses with a troubled look, for she could not
      imagine the creature before her ever sitting in her lap, running to wait
      upon her, or making the house gay with a child's blithe presence.
    
“She does look like a stylish young lady, but I can’t help missing my little Rose, because kids dressed like kids in my day,” replied Aunt Plenty, looking through her glasses with a worried expression, since she couldn’t picture the person in front of her ever sitting in her lap, rushing to serve her, or filling the house with the cheerful energy of a child.



      “Things have changed since your day, Aunt, and it takes time to get used
      to new ways. But you, Jessie, surely like this costume better than the
      dowdy things Rose has been wearing all summer. Now, be honest, and own you
      do,” said Mrs. Clara, bent on being praised for her work.
    
“Things have changed since your time, Aunt, and it takes a while to adjust to new ways. But you, Jessie, must like this outfit better than the outdated clothes Rose has been wearing all summer. Now, be honest and admit that you do,” said Mrs. Clara, eager for compliments on her work.



      “Well, dear to be quite honest, then, I think it is frightful,” answered
      Mrs. Jessie, with a candour that caused revolving Rose to stop in dismay.
    
"Well, honestly, I think it’s terrible," replied Mrs. Jessie, with a frankness that made revolving Rose halt in shock.



      “Hear, hear,” cried a deep voice, and with a general start the ladies
      became aware that the enemy was among them.
    
“Hear, hear,” called a deep voice, and with a collective jump, the ladies realized the enemy was among them.



      Rose blushed up to her hat brim, and stood, looking, as she felt, like a
      fool, while Mrs. Clara hastened to explain.
    
Rose blushed all the way to the brim of her hat and stood there, feeling like a fool, while Mrs. Clara quickly stepped in to explain.



      “Of course, I don't expect you to like it, Alec, but I don't consider you
      a judge of what is proper and becoming for a young lady. Therefore, I have
      taken the liberty of providing a pretty street suit for Rose. She need not
      wear it if you object, for I know we promised to let you do what you liked
      with the poor dear for a year.”
     
“Of course, I don't expect you to like it, Alec, but I don't see you as someone who can decide what’s appropriate for a young lady. So, I've gone ahead and gotten a nice street suit for Rose. She doesn’t have to wear it if you disagree, since I remember we agreed to let you do what you wanted with the poor dear for a year.”



      “It is a street costume, is it?” asked the Doctor, mildly. “Do you know, I
      never should have guessed that it was meant for winter weather and brisk
      locomotion. Take a turn, Rosy, and let me see all its beauties and
      advantages.”
     
“It’s a street outfit, is it?” the Doctor asked gently. “You know, I never would have guessed it was made for winter weather and easy movement. Take a spin, Rosy, and let me see all its features and benefits.”



      Rose tried to walk off with her usual free tread, but the under-skirt got
      in her way, the over-skirt was so tight she could not take a long step,
      and her boots made it impossible to carry herself perfectly erect.
    
Rose attempted to walk away with her usual easy stride, but the under-skirt got in her way, the over-skirt was so tight she couldn't take a long step, and her boots made it hard to stand up straight.



      “I haven't got used to it yet,” she said, petulantly, kicking at her
      train, as she turned to toddle back again.
    
“I still haven’t gotten used to it,” she said, sulkily, kicking at her train as she turned to waddle back again.



      “Suppose a mad dog or a runaway horse was after you, could you get out of
      the way without upsetting, Colonel,” asked the Doctor, with a twinkle in
      the eyes that were fixed on the rakish hat.
    
“Imagine a rabid dog or a runaway horse was chasing you, could you dodge it without freaking out, Colonel?” the Doctor asked, a glimmer in his eyes fixed on the jaunty hat.



      “Don't think I could, but I'll try,” and Rose made a rush across the room.
      Her boot-heels caught on a rug, several strings broke, her hat tipped over
      her eyes, and she plunged promiscuously into a chair, where she sat
      laughing so infectiously that all but Mrs. Clara joined in her mirth.
    
“Don’t think I can, but I’ll try,” Rose said as she dashed across the room. Her boot heels snagged on a rug, several strings snapped, her hat fell over her eyes, and she stumbled into a chair, where she sat laughing so infectious that everyone except Mrs. Clara joined in her laughter.



      “I should say that a walking suit in which one could not walk, and a
      winter suit which exposes the throat, head, and feet to cold and damp, was
      rather a failure, Clara, especially as it has no beauty to reconcile one
      to its utter unfitness,” said Dr. Alec, as he helped Rose undo her veil,
      adding, in a low tone, “Nice thing for the eyes; you'll soon see spots
      when it's off as well as when it's on, and, by and by, be a case for an
      oculist.”
     
“I have to say that a walking suit you can’t actually walk in, and a winter suit that leaves your throat, head, and feet exposed to the cold and damp, is quite a disaster, Clara, especially since it’s not even pretty enough to make up for how unsuitable it is,” said Dr. Alec, as he helped Rose take off her veil, adding in a low voice, “It’s rough on the eyes; you’ll start seeing spots when it’s off just like when it’s on, and eventually, you’ll need to see an eye doctor.”



      “No beauty!” cried Mrs. Clara, warmly, “Now, that is just a man's
      blindness. This is the best of silk and camel's hair, real ostrich
      feathers, and an expensive ermine muff. What could be in better taste, or
      more proper for a young girl?”
     
“No beauty!” cried Mrs. Clara, passionately. “That’s just a man’s failure to see. This is the finest silk and camel’s hair, real ostrich feathers, and an expensive ermine muff. What could be more stylish or suitable for a young woman?”



      “I'll shew you, if Rose will go to her room and oblige me by putting on
      what she finds there,” answered the Doctor, with unexpected readiness.
    
“I'll show you, if Rose will go to her room and help me by putting on what she finds there,” replied the Doctor, surprisingly eager.



      “Alec, if it is a Bloomer, I shall protest. I've been expecting it, but I
      know I cannot bear to see that pretty child sacrificed to your wild ideas
      of health. Tell me it isn't a Bloomer!” and Mrs. Clara clasped her hands
      imploringly.
    
“Alec, if it's a Bloomer, I’ll be upset. I've been expecting it, but I really can't stand the thought of that sweet child being sacrificed to your crazy health ideas. Please tell me it isn't a Bloomer!” and Mrs. Clara clasped her hands desperately.



      “It is not.”
     
"Nope."



      “Thank Heaven!” and she resigned herself with a sigh of relief, adding
      plaintively, “I did hope you'd accept my suit, for poor Rose has been
      afflicted with frightful clothes long enough to spoil the taste of any
      girl.”
     
“Thank goodness!” she said, letting out a sigh of relief, then added sadly, “I really hoped you’d agree to my request, because poor Rose has had to deal with terrible clothes for so long that it’s ruined the taste of any girl.”



      “You talk of my afflicting the child, and then make a helpless guy like
      that of her!” answered the Doctor, pointing to the little fashion plate
      that was scuttling out of sight as fast as it could go.
    
“You're accusing me of harming the child, and then you go and make a helpless guy like that of her!” replied the Doctor, pointing to the little fashion plate that was darting out of sight as quickly as possible.



      He closed the door with a shrug, but before anyone could speak, his quick
      eye fell upon an object which caused him to frown, and demand in an
      indignant tone,
    
He closed the door with a shrug, but before anyone could say anything, his sharp gaze landed on something that made him frown and demand in an annoyed tone,



      “After all I have said, were you really going to tempt my girl with those
      abominable things?”
     
“After everything I've said, were you really going to tempt my girl with those disgusting things?”



      “I thought we put them away when she wouldn't wear them,” murmured Mrs.
      Clara, whisking a little pair of corsets out of sight with guilty haste.
      “I only brought them to try, for Rose is growing stout, and will have no
      figure if it is not attended to soon,” she added, with an air of calm
      conviction that roused the Doctor still more, for this was one of his
      especial abominations.
    
“I thought we put those away when she refused to wear them,” murmured Mrs. Clara, quickly hiding a small pair of corsets with a guilty rush. “I just brought them to try on because Rose is getting a little plump, and she won’t have any shape if it’s not dealt with soon,” she added, with a calm confidence that only irritated the Doctor more, since this was one of his especially strong dislikes.



      “Growing stout! Yes, thank Heaven, she is, and shall continue to do it,
      for Nature knows how to mould a woman better than any corset-maker, and I
      won't have her interfered with. My dear Clara, have you lost your senses
      that you can for a moment dream of putting a growing girl into an
      instrument of torture like this?” and with a sudden gesture he plucked
      forth the offending corsets from under the sofa cushion, and held them out
      with the expression one would wear on beholding the thumbscrews or the
      rack of ancient times.
    
“She's getting plump! Yes, thank goodness she is, and she will keep getting that way, because Nature knows how to shape a woman better than any corset-maker, and I won’t let anyone mess with that. My dear Clara, have you lost your mind to even think about putting a growing girl into something as torturous as this?” With a sudden motion, he pulled the offending corsets out from under the sofa cushion and held them up with the same expression someone would have when seeing thumbscrews or a medieval rack.



      “Don't be absurd, Alec. There is no torture about it, for tight lacing is
      out of fashion, and we have nice, sensible things nowadays. Everyone wears
      them; even babies have stiffened waists to support their weak little
      backs,” began Mrs. Clara, rushing to the defence of the pet delusion of
      most women.
    
“Don't be ridiculous, Alec. There’s nothing torturous about it, because tight lacing is out of style, and we have nice, practical options these days. Everyone wears them; even babies have structured waists to support their delicate little backs,” started Mrs. Clara, quickly defending the cherished belief of most women.



      “I know it, and so the poor little souls have weak backs all their days,
      as their mothers had before them. It is vain to argue the matter, and I
      won't try, but I wish to state, once for all, that if I ever see a pair of
      corsets near Rose, I'll put them in the fire, and you may send the bill to
      me.”
     
“I know it, and that's why the poor little souls have weak backs all their lives, just like their mothers did before them. It's pointless to argue about it, and I won't attempt to, but I want to make it clear that if I ever see a pair of corsets near Rose, I'll throw them in the fire, and you can send the bill to me.”



      As he spoke the corsets were on their way to destruction, but Mrs. Jessie
      caught his arm, exclaiming merrily, “Don't burn them, for mercy sake,
      Alec; they are full of whalebones, and will make a dreadful odour. Give
      them to me. I'll see that they do no harm.”
     
As he talked, the corsets were headed for destruction, but Mrs. Jessie grabbed his arm and said cheerfully, “Don’t burn them, for heaven’s sake, Alec; they’re packed with whalebones and will smell terrible. Hand them over to me. I’ll make sure they won't cause any trouble.”



      “Whalebones, indeed! A regular fence of them, and metal gate-posts in
      front. As if our own bones were not enough, if we'd give them a chance to
      do their duty,” growled the Doctor, yielding up the bone of contention
      with a last shake of contempt. Then his face cleared suddenly, and he held
      up his finger, saying, with a smile, “Hear those girls laugh; cramped
      lungs could not make hearty music like that.”
     
“Whalebones, really! A whole fence made of them, with metal gate posts out front. As if our own bones weren't enough, if we just let them do their job,” the Doctor grumbled, giving up the argument with a final shake of disdain. Then his expression brightened, and he raised his finger, saying with a smile, “Listen to those girls laugh; no strained lungs could create such joyful sounds.”



      Peals of laughter issued from Rose's room, and smiles involuntarily
      touched the lips of those who listened to the happy sound.
    
Laughter filled Rose's room, and smiles naturally appeared on the faces of those who heard the joyful sound.



      “Some new prank of yours, Alec?” asked Aunt Plenty, indulgently, for she
      had come to believe in most of her nephew's odd notions, because they
      seemed to work so well.
    
“Another one of your pranks, Alec?” Aunt Plenty asked, indulgently, since she had come to trust many of her nephew's quirky ideas because they seemed to work so effectively.



      “Yes, ma'am, my last, and I hope you will like it. I discovered what Clara
      was at, and got my rival suit ready for to-day. I'm not going to 'afflict'
      Rose, but let her choose, and if I'm not entirely mistaken, she will like
      my rig best. While we wait I'll explain, and then you will appreciate the
      general effect better. I got hold of this little book, and was struck with
      its good sense and good taste, for it suggests a way to clothe women both
      healthfully and handsomely, and that is a great point. It begins at the
      foundations, as you will see if you will look at these pictures, and I
      should think women would rejoice at this lightening of their burdens.”
     
“Yes, ma'am, this is my last one, and I hope you'll like it. I figured out what Clara was planning and got my rival outfit ready for today. I won’t 'afflict' Rose, but I’ll let her choose, and if I’m not totally wrong, she’ll prefer my outfit. While we wait, I'll explain, and then you'll appreciate the overall effect better. I found this little book, and I was impressed by its common sense and style because it suggests a way for women to dress that’s both healthy and attractive, which is really important. It starts with the basics, as you’ll see if you look at these pictures, and I’d think women would be happy about this lightening of their burdens.”



      As he spoke, the Doctor laid the book before Aunt Plenty, who obediently
      brought her spectacles to bear upon the illustrations, and after a long
      look exclaimed, with a scandalised face,
    
As he talked, the Doctor placed the book in front of Aunt Plenty, who dutifully put on her glasses to examine the illustrations, and after a long look, exclaimed with a shocked expression,



      “Mercy on us, these things are like the night-drawers Jamie wears! You
      don't mean to say you want Rose to come out in this costume? It's not
      proper, and I won't consent to it!”
     
“Seriously, these look just like the pajamas Jamie wears! You can’t be saying you want Rose to wear this outfit, right? It’s not appropriate, and I’m not okay with it!”



      “I do mean it, and I'm sure my sensible aunt will consent when she
      understands that these well I'll call them by an Indian name, and say
      pajamas are for underwear, and Rose can have as pretty frocks as she likes
      outside. These two suits of flannel, each in one piece from head to foot,
      with a skirt or so hung on this easily-fitting waist, will keep the child
      warm without burdening her with belts, and gathers, and buckles, and
      bunches round the waist, and leave free the muscles that need plenty of
      room to work in. She shall never have the back-ache if I can help it, nor
      the long list of ills you dear women think you cannot escape.”
     
“I really mean it, and I’m sure my practical aunt will agree once she realizes that these—I'll just call them by an Indian name—pajamas are meant for underwear, and Rose can wear as many pretty dresses as she wants outside. These two flannel suits, each a single piece from head to toe, with a skirt or two attached to this easily fitting waist, will keep the child warm without weighing her down with belts, gathers, buckles, and bunches around the waist, allowing her muscles plenty of space to move. She’ll never have back pain if I can help it, nor the long list of issues that you dear women think are unavoidable.”



      “I don't consider it modest, and I'm sure Rose will be shocked at it,”
       began Mrs. Clara, but stopped suddenly, as Rose appeared in the doorway,
      not looking shocked a bit.
    
“I don't think it's modest, and I'm sure Rose will be shocked by it,”  
       started Mrs. Clara, but she suddenly stopped as Rose walked in through the doorway,  
      looking completely unshocked.



      “Come on, my hygienic model, and let us see you,” said her uncle, with an
      approving glance, as she walked in, looking so mischievously merry, that
      it was evident she enjoyed the joke.
    
“Come on, my clean and tidy model, let’s see you,” said her uncle, giving her an approving look as she walked in, looking so playfully happy that it was clear she was enjoying the joke.



      “Well, I don't see anything remarkable. That is a neat, plain suit; the
      materials are good, and it's not unbecoming, if you want her to look like
      a little school-girl; but it has not a particle of style, and no one would
      ever give it a second glance,” said Mrs. Clara, feeling that her last
      remark condemned the whole thing.
    
“Well, I don't see anything special. It's a tidy, basic suit; the materials are nice, and it doesn’t look bad if you want her to appear like a little schoolgirl; but it has no sense of style, and no one would ever look at it twice,” said Mrs. Clara, realizing that her last statement judged the entire outfit.



      “Exactly what I want,” answered the provoking Doctor, rubbing his hands
      with a satisfied air. “Rosy looks now like what she is, a modest little
      girl, who does not want to be stared at. I think she would get a glance of
      approval, though, from people who like sense and simplicity rather than
      fuss and feathers. Revolve, my Hebe, and let me refresh my eyes by the
      sight of you.”
     
“Exactly what I want,” replied the teasing Doctor, rubbing his hands with a look of satisfaction. “Rosy now looks exactly like what she is, a modest young girl who doesn’t want to be gawked at. I think she would catch a nod of approval from those who appreciate sense and simplicity over showiness. Spin around, my Hebe, and let me enjoy the sight of you.”



      There was very little to see, however, only a pretty Gabrielle dress, of a
      soft warm shade of brown, coming to the tops of a trim pair of boots with
      low heels. A seal-skin sack, cap, and mittens, with a glimpse of scarlet
      at the throat, and the pretty curls tied up with a bright velvet of the
      same colour, completed the external adornment, making her look like a
      robin redbreast wintry, yet warm.
    
There wasn't much to see, just a lovely Gabrielle dress in a soft, warm shade of brown, reaching the tops of a neat pair of low-heeled boots. She had a seal-skin bag, a hat, and mittens, with a hint of red at her neckline, and her pretty curls were tied up with a bright velvet in the same color, making her look like a winter robin, yet cozy.



      “How do you like it, Rosy?” asked the Doctor, feeling that her opinion was
      more important to the success of his new idea than that of all the aunts
      on the hill.
    
“How do you like it, Rosy?” asked the Doctor, feeling that her opinion was more important to the success of his new idea than that of all the aunts on the hill.



      “I feel very odd and light, but I'm warm as a toast, and nothing seems to
      be in my way,” answered Rose, with a skip which displayed shapely gaiters
      on legs that now might be as free and active as a boy's under the modest
      skirts of the girl.
    
“I feel really strange and light, but I’m warm as toast, and nothing seems to be in my way,” replied Rose, with a skip that showed off her stylish gaiters on legs that could now be as free and active as a boy’s under the modest skirts of the girl.



      “You can run away from the mad dogs, and walk off at a smart pace without
      tumbling on your nose, now, I fancy?”
     
"You can escape from the crazy dogs and walk quickly without tripping over, right?"



      “Yes, uncle! suppose the dog coming, I just hop over a wall so and when I
      walk of a cold day, I go like this.”
     
“Yes, uncle! If the dog comes, I just hop over a wall like this, and when I walk on a cold day, I go like this.”



      Entering fully into the spirit of the thing, Rose swung herself over the
      high back of the sofa as easily as one of her cousins, and then went down
      the long hall as if her stout boots were related to the famous
      seven-leaguers.
    
Entering fully into the spirit of the moment, Rose vaulted over the high back of the sofa just as effortlessly as one of her cousins, and then strode down the long hall as if her sturdy boots were connected to the legendary seven-leaguers.



      “There! you see how it will be; dress her in that boyish way and she will
      act like a boy. I do hate all these inventions of strong-minded women!”
       exclaimed Mrs. Clara, as Rose came back at a run.
    
“There! You see how it will be; dress her in that boyish way and she’ll act like a boy. I really hate all these ideas from strong-minded women!” exclaimed Mrs. Clara as Rose ran back.



      “Ah, but you see some of these sensible inventions come from the brain of
      a fashionable modiste, who will make you more lovely, or what you value
      more 'stylish' outside and comfortable within. Mrs. Van Tassel has been to
      Madame Stone, and is wearing a full suit of this sort. Van himself told
      me, when I asked how she was, that she had given up lying on the sofa, and
      was going about in a most astonishing way, considering her feeble health.”
     
“Ah, but you know some of these practical inventions come from the mind of a trendy dressmaker, who will make you more beautiful, or what you care about even more, 'stylish' on the outside and comfortable on the inside. Mrs. Van Tassel has been to Madame Stone and is wearing a complete outfit like this. Van himself mentioned to me, when I asked how she was doing, that she had stopped lounging on the sofa and was moving around in a really amazing way, especially considering her weak health.”



      “You don't say so! Let me see that book a moment,” and Aunt Clara examined
      the new patterns with a more respectful air, for if the elegant Mrs. Van
      Tassel wore these “dreadful things” it would never do to be left behind,
      in spite of her prejudices.
    
“You're kidding! Let me see that book for a sec,” and Aunt Clara looked over the new patterns with a more respectful attitude, because if the stylish Mrs. Van Tassel wore these “terrible things,” it wouldn’t be acceptable to be left behind, despite her biases.



      Dr. Alec looked at Mrs. Jessie, and both smiled, for “little Mum” had been
      in the secret, and enjoyed it mightily.
    
Dr. Alec looked at Mrs. Jessie, and both smiled, for “little Mum” had been in on the secret and enjoyed it a lot.



      “I thought that would settle it,” he said with a nod.
    
“I thought that would put an end to it,” he said with a nod.



      “I didn't wait for Mrs. Van to lead the way, and for once in my life I
      have adopted a new fashion before Clara. My freedom suit is ordered, and
      you may see me playing tag with Rose and the boys before long,” answered
      Mrs. Jessie, nodding back at him.
    
“I didn't wait for Mrs. Van to show me the way, and for once in my life, I’ve embraced a new style before Clara. My freedom outfit is ordered, and you might see me playing tag with Rose and the boys pretty soon,” replied Mrs. Jessie, nodding back at him.



      Meantime Aunt Plenty was examining Rose's costume, for the hat and sack
      were off, and the girl was eagerly explaining the new under-garments.
    
Meantime, Aunt Plenty was looking over Rose's outfit since the hat and sack were off, and the girl was eagerly explaining the new undergarments.



      “See, auntie, all nice scarlet flannel, and a gay little petticoat, and
      long stockings, oh, so warm! Phebe and I nearly died laughing when I put
      this rig on, but I like it ever so much. The dress is so comfortable, and
      doesn't need any belt or sash, and I can sit without rumpling any
      trimming, that's such a comfort! I like to be tidy, and so, when I wear
      fussed-up things, I'm thinking of my clothes all the time, and that's
      tiresome. Do say you like it. I resolved I would, just to please uncle,
      for he does know more about health than anyone else, I'm sure, and I'd
      wear a bag if he asked me to do it.”
     
"Look, Auntie, all nice red flannel, and a cute little petticoat, and long stockings, oh, so warm! Phebe and I almost died laughing when I put this outfit on, but I really like it a lot. The dress is so comfortable, and it doesn’t need any belt or sash, and I can sit without wrinkling any trim, which is such a relief! I like to be neat, so when I wear fancy things, I’m always thinking about my clothes, and that’s tiring. Please say you like it. I decided I would, just to make Uncle happy, because he knows more about health than anyone else, I’m sure, and I’d wear a bag if he asked me to."



      “I don't ask that, Rose, but I wish you'd weigh and compare the two suits,
      and then choose which seems best. I leave it to your own commonsense,”
       answered Dr. Alec, feeling pretty sure he had won.
    
“I’m not asking you to do that, Rose, but I wish you’d look at both suits and decide which one seems best. I trust your judgment,” answered Dr. Alec, feeling pretty confident he had won.



      “Why, I take this one, of course, uncle. The other is fashionable, and yes
      I must say I think it's pretty but it's very heavy, and I should have to
      go round like a walking doll if I wore it. I'm much obliged to auntie, but
      I'll keep this, please.”
     
“Of course, I’ll take this one, Uncle. The other one is stylish, and while I do think it's nice, it's really heavy, and I’d feel like a walking doll if I wore it. I'm really grateful to Auntie, but I’d like to keep this one, please.”



      Rose spoke gently but decidedly, though there was a look of regret when
      her eye fell on the other suit which Phebe had brought in; and it was very
      natural to like to look as other girls did. Aunt Clara sighed; Uncle Alec
      smiled, and said heartily,
    
Rose spoke softly but firmly, although she seemed a bit regretful when she noticed the other outfit that Phebe had brought in; it’s completely normal to want to look like other girls. Aunt Clara sighed, while Uncle Alec smiled and said warmly,



      “Thank you, dear; now read this book and you will understand why I ask it
      of you. Then, if you like, I'll give you a new lesson; you asked for one
      yesterday, and this is more necessary than French or housekeeping.”
     
“Thank you, dear; now read this book and you will see why I’m asking you to. Then, if you want, I’ll give you a new lesson; you asked for one yesterday, and this is more important than French or housekeeping.”



      “Oh, what?” and Rose caught up the book which Mrs. Clara had thrown down
      with a disgusted look.
    
“Oh, what?” Rose exclaimed as she picked up the book that Mrs. Clara had tossed aside with a frustrated expression.



      Though Dr. Alec was forty, the boyish love of teasing was not yet dead in
      him, and, being much elated at his victory, he could not resist the
      temptation of shocking Mrs. Clara by suggesting dreadful possibilities, so
      he answered, half in earnest, half in jest, “Physiology, Rose. Wouldn't
      you like to be a little medical student, with Uncle Doctor for teacher,
      and be ready to take up his practice when he has to stop? If you agree,
      I'll hunt up my old skeleton to-morrow.”
     
Though Dr. Alec was forty, his playful teasing side was still very much alive, and feeling quite pleased with his victory, he couldn’t help but try to surprise Mrs. Clara with some shocking ideas. So he replied, half serious, half joking, “Physiology, Rose. Wouldn't you like to be a little medical student, with Uncle Doctor as your teacher, and be ready to take over his practice when he has to step back? If you're on board, I’ll dig out my old skeleton tomorrow.”



      That was too much for Aunt Clara, and she hastily departed, with her mind
      in a sad state of perturbation about Mrs. Van Tassel's new costume and
      Rose's new study.
    
That was overwhelming for Aunt Clara, and she quickly left, feeling upset about Mrs. Van Tassel's new outfit and Rose's new class.




 


 












      Chapter 19—Brother Bones
    



      Rose accepted her uncle's offer, as Aunt Myra discovered two or three days
      later. Coming in for an early call, and hearing voices in the study, she
      opened the door, gave a cry and shut it quickly, looking a good deal
      startled. The Doctor appeared in a moment, and begged to know what the
      matter was.
    
Rose accepted her uncle's offer, which Aunt Myra found out two or three days later. When she came in for an early visit and heard voices in the study, she opened the door, gasped, and quickly shut it, looking quite startled. The Doctor appeared a moment later and asked what was wrong.



      “How can you ask when that long box looks so like a coffin I thought it
      was one, and that dreadful thing stared me in the face as I opened the
      door,” answered Mrs. Myra, pointing to the skeleton that hung from the
      chandelier cheerfully grinning at all beholders.
    
“How can you ask when that long box looks so much like a coffin? I thought it was one, and that creepy thing stared me down as I opened the door,” replied Mrs. Myra, pointing to the skeleton hanging from the chandelier, grinning cheerfully at everyone who looked.



      “This is a medical college where women are freely admitted, so walk in,
      madam, and join the class if you'll do me the honour,” said the Doctor,
      waving her forward with his politest bow.
    
“This is a medical college where women are welcome, so come in, madam, and join the class if you would do me the honor,” said the Doctor, gesturing for her to come forward with his most polite bow.



      “Do, auntie, it's perfectly splendid,” cried Rose's voice, and Rose's
      blooming face was seen behind the ribs of the skeleton, smiling and
      nodding in the gayest possible manner.
    
“Come on, auntie, it’s absolutely wonderful,” shouted Rose, her cheerful voice ringing out as her bright face peeked out from behind the skeleton’s ribs, smiling and nodding in the most cheerful way.



      “What are you doing, child?” demanded Aunt Myra, dropping into a chair and
      staring about her.
    
“What are you doing, kid?” Aunt Myra asked, collapsing into a chair and looking around.



      “Oh, I'm learning bones to-day, and I like it so much. There are twelve
      ribs, you know, and the two lower ones are called floating ribs, because
      they are not fastened to the breastbone. That's why they go in so easily
      if you lace tight and squeeze the lungs and heart in the let me see, what
      was that big word oh, I know thoracic cavity,” and Rose beamed with pride
      as she aired her little bit of knowledge.
    
“Oh, I’m learning about bones today, and I really enjoy it. There are twelve ribs, and the two lower ones are called floating ribs because they aren’t attached to the breastbone. That’s why they move easily if you lace up tight and squeeze the lungs and heart in the, let me think, what was that big word? Oh, I know, thoracic cavity,” and Rose smiled proudly as she shared her little bit of knowledge.



      “Do you think that is a good sort of thing for her to be poking over? She
      is a nervous child, and I'm afraid it will be bad for her,” said Aunt
      Myra, watching Rose as she counted vertebrae, and waggled a hip-joint in
      its socket with an inquiring expression.
    
“Do you think it’s a good idea for her to be messing with that? She’s a nervous kid, and I’m worried it might be bad for her,” said Aunt Myra, watching Rose as she counted vertebrae and moved a hip joint in its socket with a curious look.



      “An excellent study, for she enjoys it, and I mean to teach her how to
      manage her nerves so that they won't be a curse to her, as many a woman's
      become through ignorance or want of thought. To make a mystery or terror
      of these things is a mistake, and I mean Rose shall understand and respect
      her body so well that she won't dare to trifle with it as most women do.”
     
“It's a great study because she enjoys it, and I plan to teach her how to manage her nerves so they won’t be a burden, like they’ve become for many women due to ignorance or thoughtlessness. Making these issues a mystery or something to fear is a mistake, and I want Rose to understand and appreciate her body so well that she won’t even think about messing with it the way most women do.”



      “And she really likes it?”
     
“And she actually likes it?”



      “Very much, auntie! It's all so wonderful, and so nicely planned, you can
      hardly believe what you see. Just think, there are 600,000,000 air cells
      in one pair of lungs, and 2,000 pores to a square inch of surface; so you
      see what quantities of air we must have, and what care we should take of
      our skin so all the little doors will open and shut right. And brains,
      auntie, you've no idea how curious they are; I haven't got to them yet,
      but I long to, and uncle is going to show me a manikin that you can take
      to pieces. Just think how nice it will be to see all the organs in their
      places; I only wish they could be made to work as ours do.”
     
“Thanks a lot, auntie! Everything is so amazing and so well-organized, it’s hard to believe what you're seeing. Just think, there are 600,000,000 air cells in one pair of lungs and 2,000 pores per square inch of surface; so you can see how much air we need and how much care we should take of our skin so all the little doors will open and close properly. And brains, auntie, you have no idea how fascinating they are; I haven't gotten to them yet, but I can’t wait, and uncle is going to show me a model that you can take apart. Just think how cool it will be to see all the organs in their places; I only wish they could function like ours do.”



      It was funny to see Aunt Myra's face as Rose stood before her talking
      rapidly with one hand laid in the friendliest manner on the skeleton's
      shoulder. Every word both the Doctor and Rose uttered hit the good lady in
      her weakest spot, and as she looked and listened a long array of bottles
      and pill-boxes rose up before her, reproaching her with the “ignorance and
      want of thought” that made her what she was, a nervous, dyspeptic, unhappy
      old woman.
    
It was amusing to see Aunt Myra's expression as Rose stood in front of her, talking quickly with one hand friendly placed on the skeleton's shoulder. Every word from both the Doctor and Rose struck the good lady right at her weakest point, and as she watched and listened, a long line of bottles and pillboxes appeared before her, reminding her of the “ignorance and lack of consideration” that had turned her into a nervous, unhappy old woman with digestive issues.



      “Well, I don't know but you may be right, Alec, only I wouldn't carry it
      too far. Women don't need much of this sort of knowledge, and are not fit
      for it. I couldn't bear to touch that ugly thing, and it gives me the
      creeps to hear about 'organs,'” said Aunt Myra, with a sigh and her hand
      on her side.
    
"Well, I don't know, but you might be right, Alec. I just wouldn't take it too far. Women don't really need much of this kind of knowledge, and it's not really for them. I can't stand the thought of touching that ugly thing, and it totally creeps me out to hear about 'organs,'" said Aunt Myra, with a sigh and her hand on her side.



      “Wouldn't it be a comfort to know that your liver was on the right side,
      auntie, and not on the left!” asked Rose with a naughty laugh in her eyes,
      for she had lately learnt that Aunt Myra's liver complaint was not in the
      proper place.
    
“Wouldn't it be nice to know that your liver was on the right side, auntie, and not the left?” Rose asked with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, since she had recently discovered that Aunt Myra's liver issue was not in the correct spot.



      “It's a dying world, child, and it don't much matter where the pain is,
      for sooner or later we all drop off and are seen no more,” was Aunt Myra's
      cheerful reply.
    
“It's a dying world, kid, and it doesn't really matter where the pain is, for sooner or later we all fade away and are gone,” was Aunt Myra's cheerful reply.



      “Well, I intend to know what kills me if I can, and meantime, I'm going to
      enjoy myself in spite of a dying world. I wish you'd do so too, and come
      and study with uncle, it would do you good, I'm sure,” and Rose went back
      to counting vertebrae with such a happy face, that Aunt Myra had not the
      heart to say a word to dampen her ardour.
    
“Well, I want to figure out what’s killing me if I can, and in the meantime, I’m going to enjoy myself despite the dying world. I wish you’d do the same and come study with Uncle; it would be good for you, I’m sure,” and Rose went back to counting vertebrae with such a happy face that Aunt Myra didn’t have the heart to say anything to dampen her enthusiasm.



      “Perhaps it's as well to let her do what she likes the little while she is
      with us. But pray be careful of her, Alec, and not allow her to overwork,”
       she whispered as she went out.
    
“Maybe it’s best to let her do what she wants for a little while while she’s with us. But please be careful with her, Alec, and don’t let her overwork herself,” she whispered as she left.



      “That's exactly what I'm trying to do, ma'am, and rather a hard job I find
      it,” he added, as he shut the door, for the dear aunts were dreadfully in
      his way sometimes.
    
“That's exactly what I'm trying to do, ma'am, and it's a pretty tough job, I find,” he added, as he closed the door, because the dear aunts were really in his way sometimes.



      Half an hour later came another interruption in the shape of Mac, who
      announced his arrival by the brief but elegant remark,
    
Half an hour later, there was another interruption when Mac showed up, announcing his arrival with a quick yet classy comment,



      “Hullo! what new game is this?”
     
“Halo! What new game is this?”



      Rose explained, Mac gave a long whistle of surprise, and then took a
      promenade round the skeleton, observing gravely,
    
Rose explained, and Mac let out a long whistle of surprise before taking a walk around the skeleton, looking thoughtfully.



      “Brother Bones looks very jolly, but I can't say much for his beauty.”
     
“Brother Bones looks really cheerful, but I can't say he’s very good-looking.”



      “You mustn't make fun of him, for he's a good old fellow, and you'd be
      just as ugly if your flesh was off,” said Rose, defending her new friend
      with warmth.
    
“You shouldn’t make fun of him because he’s a really good guy, and you’d look just as bad if you were in his position,” said Rose, passionately defending her new friend.



      “I dare say, so I'll keep my flesh on, thank you. You are so busy you
      can't read to a fellow, I suppose?” asked Mac, whose eyes were better, but
      still too weak for books.
    
“I suppose you’re too busy to read to me, right?” asked Mac, whose eyesight was better but still too weak for reading. “I dare say, I’ll just keep my flesh on, thanks.”



      “Don't you want to come and join my class? Uncle explains it all to us,
      and you can take a look at the plates as they come along. We'll give up
      bones today and have eyes instead; that will be more interesting to you,”
       added Rose, seeing no ardent thirst for physiological information in his
      face.
    
“Don’t you want to come and join my class? Uncle explains everything to us, and you can check out the plates as they come along. We’re going to skip the bones today and have eyes instead; that should be more interesting for you,” added Rose, noticing that he didn’t seem very eager for physiological information.



      “Rose, we must not fly about from one thing to another in this way,” began
      Dr. Alec, but she whispered quickly, with a nod towards Mac, whose goggles
      were turned wistfully in the direction of the forbidden books,
    
“Rose, we can’t keep jumping from one thing to another like this,” started Dr. Alec, but she quickly whispered, nodding toward Mac, whose goggles were gazing longingly at the forbidden books,



      “He's blue to-day, and we must amuse him; give a little lecture on eyes,
      and it will do him good. No matter about me, uncle.”
     
“He's feeling down today, and we need to cheer him up; give a little talk about eyes, and it will help him. Don't worry about me, uncle.”



      “Very well; the class will please be seated,” and the Doctor gave a
      sounding rap on the table.
    
"All right; let the class please take their seats," the Doctor said, giving the table a firm tap.



      “Come, sit by me, dear, then we can both see the pictures; and if your
      head gets tired you can lie down,” said Rose, generously opening her
      little college to a brother, and kindly providing for the weaknesses that
      all humanity is subject to.
    
“Come, sit with me, dear, so we can both see the pictures; and if you get tired, you can lie down,” said Rose, generously inviting her brother to join her and thoughtfully accommodating the frailties that everyone experiences.



      Side by side they sat and listened to a very simple explanation of the
      mechanism of the eye, finding it as wonderful as a fairy tale, for fine
      plates illustrated it, and a very willing teacher did his best to make the
      lesson pleasant.
    
Side by side they sat and listened to a very simple explanation of the mechanism of the eye, finding it as wonderful as a fairy tale, with detailed illustrations, and a very enthusiastic teacher did his best to make the lesson enjoyable.



      “Jove! if I'd known what mischief I was doing to that mighty delicate
      machine of mine, you wouldn't have caught me reading by firelight, or
      studying with a glare of sunshine on my book,” said Mac, peering solemnly
      at a magnified eye-ball; then, pushing it away, he added indignantly, “Why
      isn't a fellow taught all about his works, and how to manage 'em, and not
      left to go blundering into all sorts of worries? Telling him after he's
      down isn't much use, for then he's found it out himself and won't thank
      you.”
     
“Wow! If I had known what trouble I was causing that really sensitive machine of mine, you wouldn't have found me reading by firelight or studying with the sunlight glaring on my book,” said Mac, seriously examining a big image of an eyeball; then, pushing it aside, he added angrily, “Why isn't a guy taught everything about his equipment and how to take care of it, instead of being left to stumble into all kinds of problems? Telling him after he’s messed up isn’t very helpful because by then he’s already figured it out himself and won’t appreciate it.”



      “Ah, Mac, that's just what I keep lecturing about, and people won't
      listen. You lads need that sort of knowledge so much, and fathers and
      mothers ought to be able to give it to you. Few of them are able, and so
      we all go blundering, as you say. Less Greek and Latin and more knowledge
      of the laws of health for my boys, if I had them. Mathematics are all very
      well, but morals are better, and I wish, how I wish that I could help
      teachers and parents to feel it as they ought.”
     
“Ah, Mac, that's exactly what I keep talking about, but people won’t listen. You guys really need that kind of knowledge, and parents should be able to provide it. But very few can, and so we all just fumble around, as you say. Less Greek and Latin, and more understanding of health laws for my boys, if I had any. Math is great, but morals are more important, and I wish, oh how I wish I could help teachers and parents see that as they should.”



      “Some do; Aunt Jessie and her boys have capital talks, and I wish we
      could; but mother's so busy with her housekeeping, and father with his
      business, there never seems to be any time for that sort of thing; even if
      there was, it don't seem as if it would be easy to talk to them, because
      we've never got into the way of it, you know.”
     
“Some do; Aunt Jessie and her boys have great conversations, and I wish we could too; but mom is so busy with housework, and dad with his job, there never seems to be any time for that sort of thing. Even if there was, it doesn't seem like it would be easy to talk to them, because we’ve never really gotten into the habit of it, you know.”



      Poor Mac was right there, and expressed a want that many a boy and girl
      feels. Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping
      to study their children, and cherish that sweet and natural confidence
      which is a child's surest safeguard, and a parent's subtlest power. So the
      young hearts hide trouble or temptation till the harm is done, and mutual
      regret comes too late. Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely
      to father or mother, sure of pity, help, and pardon; and thrice happy the
      parents who, out of their own experience, and by their own virtues, can
      teach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible.
    
Poor Mac was right there, and expressed a desire that many boys and girls feel. Parents are too caught up in work and household responsibilities to truly understand their children and nurture that sweet, natural trust that serves as a child's best protection and a parent's greatest strength. As a result, young hearts keep their troubles or temptations hidden until it’s too late, leading to regret. How fortunate are the boys and girls who can share everything with their mom or dad, knowing they will receive compassion, support, and forgiveness; and even more fortunate are the parents who, drawing from their own experiences and qualities, can guide and inspire the lives they are responsible for.



      This longing stirred in the hearts of Rose and Mac, and by a natural
      impulse both turned to Dr. Alec, for in this queer world of ours, fatherly
      and motherly hearts often beat warm and wise in the breasts of bachelor
      uncles and maiden aunts; and it is my private opinion that these worthy
      creatures are a beautiful provision of nature for the cherishing of other
      people's children. They certainly get great comfort out of it, and receive
      much innocent affection that otherwise would be lost.
    
This longing stirred in the hearts of Rose and Mac, and by a natural impulse both turned to Dr. Alec, because in this strange world, fatherly and motherly hearts often beat warmly and wisely in the chests of bachelor uncles and maiden aunts; and I personally believe that these wonderful people are a beautiful gift from nature for taking care of other people's children. They definitely find a lot of comfort in it and receive plenty of innocent affection that would otherwise go unfulfilled.



      Dr. Alec was one of these, and his big heart had room for every one of the
      eight cousins, especially orphaned Rose and afflicted Mac; so, when the
      boy uttered that unconscious reproach to his parents, and Rose added with
      a sigh, “It must be beautiful to have a mother!” the good Doctor yearned
      over them, and, shutting his book with a decided slam, said in that
      cordial voice of his,
    
Dr. Alec was one of those people, and he had a big heart that welcomed all eight cousins, especially orphaned Rose and troubled Mac. So, when the boy unintentionally blamed his parents, and Rose sighed, “It must be wonderful to have a mother!” the kind Doctor felt for them deeply. Closing his book with a firm snap, he said in his friendly voice,



      “Now, look here, children, you just come and tell me all your worries, and
      with God's help, I'll settle them for you. That is what I'm here for, I
      believe, and it will be a great happiness to me if you can trust me.”
     
“Now, listen up, kids, come and share all your worries with me, and with God's help, I'll help you work them out. That's what I'm here for, and it will really make me happy if you can trust me.”



      “We can, uncle, and we will!” both answered, with a heartiness that
      gratified him much.
    
“We can, Uncle, and we will!” they both replied, with an enthusiasm that pleased him greatly.



      “Good! now school is dismissed, and I advise you to go and refresh your
      600,000,000 air cells by a brisk run in the garden. Come again whenever
      you like, Mac, and we'll teach you all we can about your 'works,' as you
      call them, so you can keep them running smoothly.”
     
“Great! Now that school is over, I suggest you go recharge your 600,000,000 air cells with a quick run in the garden. Feel free to come back anytime, Mac, and we'll teach you everything we can about your 'works,' as you call them, so you can keep them running smoothly.”



      “We'll come, sir, much obliged,” and the class in physiology went out to
      walk.
    
“We'll come, sir, thanks a lot,” and the physiology class went out for a walk.



      Mac did come again, glad to find something he could study in spite of his
      weak eyes, and learned much that was of more value than anything his
      school had ever taught him.
    
Mac visited again, happy to discover something he could explore despite his poor eyesight, and learned a lot that was more valuable than anything his school had ever taught him.



      Of course, the other lads made great fun of the whole thing, and plagued
      Dr. Alec's students half out of their lives. But they kept on
      persistently, and one day something happened which made the other fellows
      behave themselves for ever after.
    
Of course, the other guys had a great time mocking the whole situation and tormented Dr. Alec's students for what felt like forever. But they continued relentlessly, and one day, something occurred that made the other guys straighten up for good.



      It was a holiday, and Rose up in her room thought she heard the voices of
      her cousins, so she ran down to welcome them, but found no one there.
    
It was a holiday, and Rose, up in her room, thought she heard her cousins' voices, so she ran downstairs to greet them, but found no one there.



      “Never mind, they will be here soon, and then we'll have a frolic,” she
      said to herself, and thinking she had been mistaken she went into the
      study to wait. She was lounging over the table looking at a map when an
      odd noise caught her ear. A gentle tapping somewhere, and following the
      sound it seemed to come from the inside of the long case in which the
      skeleton lived when not professionally engaged. This case stood upright in
      a niche between two book-cases at the back of the room, a darkish corner,
      where Brother Bones, as the boys would call him, was out of the way.
    
“Never mind, they’ll be here soon, and then we’ll have some fun,” she said to herself, thinking she might have been mistaken, and went into the study to wait. She was lounging over the table, looking at a map when she heard an unusual noise. A gentle tapping coming from somewhere, and following the sound, it seemed to be coming from inside the long case where the skeleton lived when it wasn't in use. This case stood upright in a niche between two bookcases at the back of the room, a dim corner where Brother Bones, as the boys called him, was out of sight.



      As Rose stood looking in that direction, and wondering if a rat had got
      shut in, the door of the case swung slowly open, and with a great start
      she saw a bony arm lifted, and a bony finger beckon to her. For a minute
      she was frightened, and ran to the study door with a fluttering heart, but
      just as she touched the handle a queer, stifled sort of giggle made her
      stop short and turn red with anger. She paused an instant to collect
      herself, and then went softly toward the bony beckoner. A nearer look
      revealed black threads tied to the arm and fingers, the ends of threads
      disappearing through holes bored in the back of the case. Peeping into the
      dark recess, she also caught sight of the tip of an elbow covered with a
      rough gray cloth which she knew very well.
    
As Rose stood there staring in that direction, wondering if a rat had gotten trapped inside, the door of the case slowly swung open. With a sudden jolt, she saw a bony arm lifted and a bony finger motioning for her to come closer. For a moment, she felt fear and dashed to the study door with her heart racing, but just as she grabbed the handle, a strange, muffled giggle made her stop dead in her tracks and flush with anger. She took a moment to gather herself, then quietly approached the bony beckoner. A closer look revealed black threads tied to the arm and fingers, the ends of which disappeared through holes drilled in the back of the case. Peering into the dark space, she also spotted the tip of an elbow covered with a rough gray fabric that she recognized immediately.



      Quick as a flash she understood the joke, her fear vanished, and with a
      wicked smile, she whipped out her scissors, cut the threads, and the bony
      arm dropped with a rattle. Before she could say, “Come out, Charlie, and
      let my skeleton alone,” a sudden irruption of boys, all in a high state of
      tickle, proclaimed to the hidden rogue that his joke was a failure.
    
Quick as a flash, she got the joke, her fear disappeared, and with a mischievous smile, she pulled out her scissors, snipped the threads, and the bony arm fell with a clatter. Before she could say, “Come out, Charlie, and leave my skeleton alone,” a sudden burst of boys, all in fits of laughter, revealed to the hidden trickster that his joke had flopped.



      “I told him not to do it, because it might give you a start,” explained
      Archie, emerging from the closet.
    
“I told him not to do it because it might surprise you,” Archie said, coming out of the closet.



      “I had a smelling bottle all ready if she fainted away,” added Steve,
      popping up from behind the great chair.
    
“I had a smelling bottle all ready in case she fainted,” added Steve, popping up from behind the big chair.



      “It's too bad of you not to squawk and run; we depended on it, it's such
      fun to howl after you,” said Will and Geordie, rolling out from under the
      sofa in a promiscuous heap.
    
“It's a shame you didn't make a sound and take off; we were counting on it, it's so much fun to chase after you,” said Will and Geordie, tumbling out from under the sofa in a messy pile.



      “You are getting altogether too strong-minded, Rose; most girls would have
      been in a jolly twitter to see this old fellow waggling his finger at
      them,” complained Charlie, squeezing out from his tight quarters, dusty
      and disgusted.
    
“You're becoming way too assertive, Rose; most girls would be all flustered seeing this old guy wagging his finger at them,” complained Charlie, clambering out from his cramped space, dusty and annoyed.



      “I'm used to your pranks now, so I'm always on the watch and prepared. But
      I won't have Brother Bones made fun of. I know uncle wouldn't like it, so
      please don't,” began Rose just as Dr. Alec came in, and, seeing the state
      of the case at a glance, he said quietly,
    
“I'm used to your pranks now, so I’m always on guard and ready. But I won’t let anyone make fun of Brother Bones. I know Uncle wouldn’t like it, so please don’t,” Rose started just as Dr. Alec walked in, and, assessing the situation immediately, he said quietly,



      “Hear how I got that skeleton, and then I'm sure you will treat it with
      respect.”
     
“Hear how I got that skeleton, and then I'm sure you will treat it with respect.”



      The boys settled down at once on any article of furniture that was nearest
      and listened dutifully.
    
The boys immediately sat down on the nearest piece of furniture and listened attentively.



      “Years ago, when I was in the hospital, a poor fellow was brought there
      with a rare and very painful disease. There was no hope for him, but we
      did our best, and he was so grateful that when he died he left us his body
      that we might discover the mysteries of his complaint, and so be able to
      help others afflicted in the same way. It did do good, and his brave
      patience made us remember him long after he was gone. He thought I had
      been kind to him, and said to a fellow-student of mine, 'Tell the Doctor I
      lave him me bones, for I've nothing else in the wide world, and I'll nos
      be wanting 'em at all, at all, when the great pain hat kilt me entirely.'
      So that is how they came to be mine, and why I've kept them carefully,
      for, though only a poor, ignorant fellow, Mike Nolan did what he could to
      help others, and prove his gratitude to those who tried to help him.”
     
“Years ago, when I was in the hospital, a poor guy was brought in with a rare and extremely painful disease. There was no hope for him, but we did our best, and he was so grateful that when he passed away, he left us his body so we could uncover the mysteries of his illness and help others suffering in the same way. It did make a difference, and his brave patience made us remember him long after he was gone. He thought I had been kind to him, and he told a fellow student of mine, 'Tell the Doctor I leave him my bones, because I have nothing else in this wide world, and I won’t need them at all when the great pain has taken me completely.' So that’s how they came to be mine, and why I've kept them carefully, because, even though he was just a poor, ignorant guy, Mike Nolan did what he could to help others and show his gratitude to those who tried to help him.”



      As Dr. Alec paused, Archie closed the door of the case as respectfully as
      if the mummy of an Egyptian king was inside; Will and Geordie looked
      solemnly at one another, evidently much impressed, and Charlie pensively
      remarked from the coal-hod where he sat,
    
As Dr. Alec stopped speaking, Archie closed the case's door as carefully as if it held the mummy of an Egyptian king. Will and Geordie exchanged serious looks, clearly impressed, while Charlie, sitting on the coal-hod, remarked thoughtfully,



      “I've often heard of a skeleton in the house, but I think few people have
      one as useful and as interesting as ours.”
     
“I've often heard of skeletons in the closet, but I think few people have one as useful and interesting as ours.”




 


 












      Chapter 20—Under The Mistletoe
    



      Rose made Phebe promise that she would bring her stocking into the
      “Bower,” as she called her pretty room, on Christmas morning, because that
      first delicious rummage loses half its charm if two little night-caps at
      least do not meet over the treasures, and two happy voices Oh and Ah
      together.
    
Rose made Phebe promise that she would bring her stocking into the “Bower,” as she called her lovely room, on Christmas morning, because that first delightful rummage loses half its charm if at least two little nightcaps don’t meet over the treasures, and two happy voices don’t say Oh and Ah together.



      So when Rose opened her eyes that day they fell upon faithful Phebe,
      rolled up in a shawl, sitting on the rug before a blazing fire, with her
      untouched stocking laid beside her.
    
So when Rose opened her eyes that day, they landed on loyal Phebe, curled up in a shawl, sitting on the rug in front of a roaring fire, with her untouched stocking next to her.



      “Merry Christmas!” cried the little mistress smiling gaily.
    
“Merry Christmas!” exclaimed the little girl, smiling brightly.



      “Merry Christmas!” answered the little maid, so heartily that it did one
      good to hear her.
    
“Merry Christmas!” the little maid replied cheerfully, so genuinely that it was uplifting to hear her.



      “Bring the stockings right away, Phebe, and let's see what we've got,”
       said Rose, sitting up among the pillows, and looking as eager as a child.
    
“Bring the stockings right now, Phebe, and let's see what we have,” said Rose, sitting up among the pillows and looking as excited as a child.



      A pair of long knobby hose were laid out upon the coverlet, and their
      contents examined with delight, though each knew every blessed thing that
      had been put into the other's stocking.
    
A pair of long, bumpy stockings were spread out on the bedspread, and they inspected their contents with joy, even though each knew every single item that had been placed in the other's stocking.



      Never mind what they were; it is evident that they were quite
      satisfactory, for as Rose leaned back, she said, with a luxurious sigh of
      satisfaction, “Now, I believe I've got everything in the world that I
      want,” and Phebe answered, smiling over a lapful of treasures, “This is
      the most splendid Christmas I ever had since I was born.” Then she added
      with an important air,
    
Never mind what they were; it's clear that they were pretty great, because when Rose leaned back, she said with a satisfied sigh, “I think I have everything I could ever want,” and Phebe replied, smiling as she looked at her pile of treasures, “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had in my life.” Then she added with a proud expression,



      “Do wish for something else, because I happen to know of two more presents
      outside the door this minute.”
     
“Please wish for something else, because I know there are two more gifts just outside the door right now.”



      “Oh, me, what richness!” cried Rose, much excited. “I used to wish for a
      pair of glass slippers like Cinderella's, but as I can't have them, I
      really don't know what to ask for.”
     
“Oh my, what wealth!” exclaimed Rose, feeling very excited. “I used to wish for a pair of glass slippers like Cinderella's, but since I can’t have them, I honestly don’t know what to wish for.”



      Phebe clapped her hands as she skipped off the bed and ran to the door,
      saying merrily, “One of them is for your feet, anyway. I don't know what
      you'll say to the other, but I think it's elegant.”
     
Phebe clapped her hands as she jumped off the bed and dashed to the door, saying cheerfully, “One of them is for your feet, at least. I’m not sure what you’ll think of the other, but I think it’s really nice.”



      So did Rose, when a shining pair of skates and a fine sled appeared.
    
So did Rose when a shiny pair of skates and a nice sled showed up.



      “Uncle sent those; I know he did; and, now I see them, I remember that I
      did want to skate and coast. Isn't it a beauty? See! they fit nicely,”
       and, sitting on the new sled, Rose tried a skate on her little bare foot,
      while Phebe stood by admiring the pretty tableau.
    
“Uncle sent those; I know he did; and now that I see them, I remember that I wanted to skate and sled. Isn’t it beautiful? Look! They fit perfectly,” and, sitting on the new sled, Rose tried on a skate with her little bare foot, while Phebe stood by admiring the lovely scene.



      “Now we must hurry and get dressed, for there is a deal to do to-day, and
      I want to get through in time to try my sled before dinner.”
     
“Now we need to hurry and get dressed because we have things to do today, and I want to finish in time to try out my sled before dinner.”



      “Gracious me, and I ought to be dusting my parlors this blessed minute!”
       and mistress and maid separated with such happy faces that anyone would
      have known what day it was without being told.
    
“Wow, I really should be cleaning my living room right now!”  
      The mistress and the maid parted with such cheerful faces that anyone would have known what day it was without being told.



      “Birnam Wood has come to Dunsinane, Rosy,” said Dr. Alec, as he left the
      breakfast table to open the door for a procession of holly, hemlock, and
      cedar boughs that came marching up the steps.
    
“Birnam Wood has come to Dunsinane, Rosy,” Dr. Alec said as he got up from the breakfast table to open the door for a procession of holly, hemlock, and cedar branches that were marching up the steps.



      Snowballs and “Merry Christmases!” flew about pretty briskly for several
      minutes; then all fell to work trimming the old house, for the family
      always dined together there on that day.
    
Snowballs and "Merry Christmases!" were tossed around pretty quickly for several minutes; then everyone got to work decorating the old house, because the family always had dinner together there on that day.



      “I rode miles and mileses, as Ben says, to get this fine bit, and I'm
      going to hang it there as the last touch to the rig-a-madooning,” said
      Charlie, as he fastened a dull green branch to the chandelier in the front
      parlor.
    
“I rode miles and miles, like Ben says, to get this nice piece, and I'm going to hang it there as the final touch to the whole setup,” Charlie said, as he attached a dull green branch to the chandelier in the front parlor.



      “It isn't very pretty,” said Rose, who was trimming the chimney-piece with
      glossy holly sprays.
    
“It’s not very pretty,” said Rose, who was decorating the mantel with shiny holly branches.



      “Never mind that, it's mistletoe, and anyone who stands under it will get
      kissed whether they like it or not. Now's your time, ladies,” answered the
      saucy Prince, keeping his place and looking sentimentally at the girls,
      who retired precipitately from the dangerous spot.
    
“Forget about that, it's mistletoe, and anyone who stands under it will get kissed whether they want to or not. Now's your chance, ladies,” replied the cheeky prince, staying put and gazing romantically at the girls, who quickly moved away from the risky spot.



      “You won't catch me,” said Rose, with great dignity.
    
"You won't catch me," Rose said, holding her head high.



      “See if I don't!”
     
“Watch me!”



      “I've got my eye on Phebe,” observed Will, in a patronising tone that made
      them all laugh.
    
“I’m keeping an eye on Phebe,” Will said, in a condescending tone that made everyone laugh.



      “Bless the dear; I shan't mind it a bit,” answered Phebe, with such a
      maternal air that Will's budding gallantry was chilled to death.
    
“Bless her heart; I won’t mind it at all,” replied Phebe, with such a maternal vibe that Will's growing charm was completely deflated.



      “Oh, the mistletoe bough,” sang Rose.
    
“Oh, the mistletoe branch,” sang Rose.



      “Oh, the mistletoe bough!” echoed all the boys, and the teasing ended in
      the plaintive ballad they all liked so well.
    
“Oh, the mistletoe bough!” echoed all the boys, and the teasing ended in the sad song they all liked so much.



      There was plenty of time to try the new skates before dinner, and then
      Rose took her first lesson on the little bay, which seemed to have frozen
      over for that express purpose. She found tumbling down and getting up
      again warm work for a time, but with six boys to teach her, she managed at
      last to stand alone; and, satisfied with that success, she refreshed
      herself with a dozen grand coasts on the Amazon, as her sled was called.
    
There was plenty of time to try out the new skates before dinner, and then Rose had her first lesson on the little bay, which seemed to have frozen over just for that purpose. She found that falling down and getting back up was quite a workout for a while, but with six boys helping her, she eventually managed to stand on her own. Happy with that achievement, she took a dozen thrilling runs on the Amazon, as her sled was called.



      “Ah, that fatal colour! it breaks my heart to see it,” croaked Aunt Myra,
      as Rose came down a little late, with cheeks almost as ruddy as the holly
      berries on the wall, and every curl as smooth as Phebe's careful hands
      could make it.
    
“Ah, that terrible color! It breaks my heart to see it,” croaked Aunt Myra, as Rose came down a little late, with cheeks almost as red as the holly berries on the wall, and every curl as smooth as Phebe's careful hands could make it.



      “I'm glad to see that Alec allows the poor child to make herself pretty in
      spite of his absurd notions,” added Aunt Clara, taking infinite
      satisfaction in the fact that Rose's blue silk dress had three frills on
      it.
    
“I'm glad to see that Alec lets the poor girl make herself pretty despite his silly ideas,” Aunt Clara added, taking great pleasure in the fact that Rose's blue silk dress had three frills on it.



      “She's a very intelligent child, and has a nice little manner of her own,”
       observed Aunt Jane, with unusual affability; for Rose had just handed Mac
      a screen to guard his eyes from the brilliant fire.
    
“She's a really smart kid and has her own charming way about her,” observed Aunt Jane, unusually friendly; for Rose had just given Mac a screen to protect his eyes from the bright fire.



      “If I had a daughter like that to show my Jem when he gets home, I should
      be a very proud and happy woman,” thought Aunt Jessie, and then reproached
      herself for not being perfectly satisfied with her four brave lads.
    
“If I had a daughter like that to show my Jem when he gets home, I would be a very proud and happy woman,” thought Aunt Jessie, and then chided herself for not being completely satisfied with her four brave sons.



      Aunt Plenty was too absorbed in the dinner to have an eye for anything
      else; if she had not been, she would have seen what an effect her new cap
      produced upon the boys. The good lady owned that she did “love a dressy
      cap,” and on this occasion her head gear was magnificent; for the towering
      structure of lace was adorned with buff ribbons to such an extent that it
      looked as if a flock of yellow butterflies had settled on her dear old
      head. When she trotted about the rooms the ruches quivered, the little
      bows all stood erect, and the streamers waved in the breeze so comically
      that it was absolutely necessary for Archie to smother the Brats in the
      curtains till they had had their first laugh out.
    
Aunt Plenty was too focused on dinner to notice anything else; if she had been, she would have seen how much her new cap affected the boys. The kind lady admitted that she “loved a fancy cap,” and on this occasion, her headpiece was stunning; the tall lace structure was decorated with buff ribbons so much that it looked like a swarm of yellow butterflies had landed on her beloved old head. As she walked around the rooms, the ruches shimmered, the little bows stood straight up, and the streamers waved in the breeze so humorously that Archie had to hide the Brats in the curtains until they had their first good laugh.



      Uncle Mac had brought Fun See to dinner, and it was a mercy he did, for
      the elder lads found a vent for their merriment in joking the young
      Chinaman on his improved appearance. He was in American costume now, with
      a cropped head, and spoke remarkably good English after six months at
      school; but, for all that, his yellow face and beady eyes made a curious
      contrast to the blonde Campbells all about him. Will called him the
      “Typhoon,” meaning Tycoon, and the name stuck to him to his great disgust.
    
Uncle Mac brought Fun See to dinner, and it was a good thing he did, because the older boys found a way to have fun by teasing the young Chinese guy about his improved looks. He was dressed in American clothes now, with a short haircut, and he spoke really good English after six months at school; however, his yellow skin and beady eyes looked strikingly different from the blonde Campbells around him. Will called him the "Typhoon," which was a play on "Tycoon," and the name stuck, much to his annoyance.



      Aunt Peace was brought down and set in the chair of state at table, for
      she never failed to join the family on this day, and sat smiling at them
      all, “like an embodiment of Peace on earth,” Uncle Alec said, as he took
      his place beside her, while Uncle Mac supported Aunt Plenty at the other
      end.
    
Aunt Peace was brought down and settled into the chair of honor at the table, as she never missed being with the family on this day. She sat there smiling at everyone, “like an embodiment of Peace on earth,” Uncle Alec remarked as he took his place next to her, while Uncle Mac helped Aunt Plenty at the other end.



      “I ate hardly any breakfast, and I've done everything I know to make
      myself extra hungry, but I really don't think I can eat straight through,
      unless I burst my buttons off,” whispered Geordie to Will, as he surveyed
      the bounteous stores before him with a hopeless sigh.
    
“I barely had any breakfast, and I've tried everything I can think of to work up an appetite, but I honestly don’t think I can eat nonstop, unless I pop my buttons off,” Geordie whispered to Will, as he looked at the abundant food in front of him with a defeated sigh.



      “A fellow never knows what he can do till he tries,” answered Will,
      attacking his heaped-up plate with an evident intention of doing his duty
      like a man.
    
“A guy never knows what he can do until he tries,” Will replied, digging into his piled-up plate with a clear intention of fulfilling his duty like a man.



      Everybody knows what a Christmas dinner is, so we need waste no words in
      describing this one, but hasten at once to tell what happened at the end
      of it. The end, by the way, was so long in coming that the gas was lighted
      before dessert was over, for a snow flurry had come on and the wintry
      daylight faded fast. But that only made it all the jollier in the warm,
      bright rooms, full of happy souls. Everyone was very merry, but Archie
      seemed particularly uplifted so much so, that Charlie confided to Rose
      that he was afraid the Chief had been at the decanters.
    
Everyone knows what a Christmas dinner is, so we don’t need to waste words describing this one, but let's get straight to what happened at the end of it. The end took so long to arrive that they turned on the lights before dessert was finished, as a snow flurry had started and the winter daylight faded quickly. But that just made it all the more cheerful in the warm, bright rooms filled with happy people. Everyone was having a great time, but Archie seemed especially high-spirited—so much so that Charlie told Rose he was worried the Chief had been hitting the drinks.



      Rose indignantly denied the insinuation, for when healths were drunk in
      the good old-fashioned way to suit the elders, she had observed that Aunt
      Jessie's boys filled their glasses with water, and had done the same
      herself in spite of the Prince's jokes about “the rosy.”
     
Rose angrily rejected the suggestion because when toasts were made in the traditional way to respect the older generation, she noticed that Aunt Jessie's sons filled their glasses with water, and she did the same despite the Prince's teasing about “the rosy.”



      But Archie certainly was unusually excited, and when someone remembered
      that it was the anniversary of Uncle Jem's wedding, and wished he was
      there to make a speech, his son electrified the family by trying to do it
      for him. It was rather incoherent and flowery, as maiden speeches are apt
      to be, but the end was considered superb; for, turning to his mother with
      a queer little choke in his voice, he said that she “deserved to be
      blessed with peace and plenty, to be crowned with roses and lads'-love,
      and to receive the cargo of happiness sailing home to her in spite of wind
      or tide to add another Jem to the family jewels.”
     
But Archie was definitely unusually excited, and when someone remembered that it was the anniversary of Uncle Jem's wedding and wished he were there to give a speech, his son shocked the family by trying to do it for him. It was a bit jumbled and overly dramatic, as first speeches tend to be, but the ending was considered amazing; because, turning to his mother with a funny little catch in his voice, he said that she “deserved to be blessed with peace and plenty, to be crowned with roses and sweet grass, and to receive a shipload of happiness sailing home to her despite the wind or tide to add another Jem to the family collection.”



      That allusion to the Captain, now on his return trip, made Mrs. Jessie sob
      in her napkin, and set the boys cheering. Then, as if that was not
      sensation enough, Archie suddenly dashed out of the room, as if he had
      lost his wits.
    
That reference to the Captain, now on his way back, made Mrs. Jessie cry into her napkin and got the boys cheering. Then, as if that wasn’t enough excitement, Archie suddenly ran out of the room like he had lost his mind.



      “Too bashful to stay and be praised,” began Charlie, excusing the
      peculiarities of his chief as in duty bound.
    
“Too shy to stick around and be complimented,” started Charlie, justifying his boss's quirks as he felt he should.



      “Phebe beckoned to him; I saw her,” cried Rose, staring hard at the door.
    
“Phebe waved to him; I saw her,” Rose exclaimed, staring intently at the door.



      “Is it more presents coming?” asked Jamie, just as his brother
      re-appeared, looking more excited than ever.
    
“Are there more presents coming?” asked Jamie, just as his brother reappeared, looking more excited than ever.



      “Yes; a present for mother, and here it is!” roared Archie, flinging wide
      the door to let in a tall man, who cried out,
    
“Yes; a gift for mom, and here it is!” shouted Archie, throwing open the door to let in a tall man, who exclaimed,



      “Where's my little woman? The first kiss for her, then the rest may come
      on as fast as they like.”
     
“Where's my little woman? The first kiss is for her, and then the rest can come as fast as they want.”



      Before the words were out of his mouth, Mrs. Jessie was half-hidden under
      his rough great-coat, and four boys were prancing about him clamouring for
      their turn.
    
Before he could finish speaking, Mrs. Jessie was half-covered by his rough great-coat, and four boys were dancing around him, eager for their turn.



      Of course, there was a joyful tumult for a time, during which Rose slipped
      into the window recess and watched what went on, as if it were a chapter
      in a Christmas story. It was good to see bluff Uncle Jem look proudly at
      his tall son, and fondly hug the little ones. It was better still to see
      him shake his brothers' hands as if he would never leave off, and kiss all
      the sisters in a way that made even solemn Aunt Myra brighten up for a
      minute. But it was best of all to see him finally established in
      grandfather's chair, with his “little woman” beside him, his three
      youngest boys in his lap, and Archie hovering over him like a large-sized
      cherub. That really was, as Charlie said, “A landscape to do one's heart
      good.”
     
Of course, there was a joyful chaos for a while, during which Rose slipped into the window nook and watched what was happening, as if it were a scene from a Christmas story. It felt good to see boisterous Uncle Jem proudly looking at his tall son and affectionately hugging the little ones. It was even better to see him eagerly shake his brothers' hands as if he would never stop, and kiss all the sisters in a way that made even serious Aunt Myra light up for a moment. But the best part was seeing him finally settled in grandfather's chair, with his “little woman” next to him, his three youngest boys on his lap, and Archie hovering over him like a big cherub. That really was, as Charlie said, “A sight that would warm anyone's heart.”



      “All hearty and all here, thank God!” said Captain Jem in the first pause
      that came, as he looked about him with a grateful face.
    
"All safe and sound, thank God!" said Captain Jem during the first moment of silence that arrived, as he glanced around with a thankful expression.



      “All but Rose,” answered loyal little Jamie, remembering the absent.
    
"Everyone except Rose," replied loyal little Jamie, thinking of the one who was missing.



      “Faith, I forgot the child! Where is George's little girl?” asked the
      Captain, who had not seen her since she was a baby.
    
“Faith, I forgot about the child! Where is George's little girl?” asked the Captain, who hadn't seen her since she was a baby.



      “You'd better say Alec's great girl,” said Uncle Mac, who professed to be
      madly jealous of his brother.
    
“You should call Alec's girl amazing,” said Uncle Mac, who claimed to be really jealous of his brother.



      “Here I am, sir,” and Rose appeared from behind the curtains, looking as
      if she had rather have stayed there.
    
“Here I am, sir,” Rose said as she stepped out from behind the curtains, looking like she would have preferred to stay there.



      “Saint George Germain, how the mite has grown!” cried Captain Jem, as he
      tumbled the boys out of his lap, and rose to greet the tall girl, like a
      gentleman as he was. But, somehow, when he shook her hand it looked so
      small in his big one, and her face reminded him so strongly of his dead
      brother, that he was not satisfied with so cold a welcome, and with a
      sudden softening of the keen eyes he took her up in his arms, whispering,
      with a rough cheek against her smooth one,
    
“Saint George Germain, how much you’ve grown!” exclaimed Captain Jem as he pushed the boys off his lap and stood up to greet the tall girl, just like a gentleman should. But somehow, when he shook her hand, it seemed so small in his large one, and her face reminded him so much of his deceased brother that he couldn’t just give her such a chilly welcome. With a sudden softness in his sharp eyes, he lifted her into his arms, whispering, with his rough cheek against her smooth one,



      “God bless you, child! forgive me if I forgot you for a minute, and be
      sure that not one of your kinsfolk is happier to see you here than Uncle
      Jem.”
     
“God bless you, kid! I'm sorry if I overlooked you for a moment, and just know that none of your relatives are happier to see you here than Uncle Jem.”



      That made it all right; and when he set her down, Rose's face was so
      bright it was evident that some spell had been used to banish the feeling
      of neglect that had kept her moping behind the curtain so long.
    
That made everything better; and when he put her down, Rose's face was so bright that it was clear some kind of magic had lifted the feeling of neglect that had made her sulk behind the curtain for so long.



      That everyone sat round and heard all about the voyage home how the
      Captain had set his heart on getting there in time to keep Christmas; how
      everything had conspired to thwart his plan; and how, at the very last
      minute, he had managed to do it, and had sent a telegram to Archie,
      bidding him keep the secret, and be ready for his father at any moment,
      for the ship got into another port, and he might be late.
    
That everyone gathered around and heard all about the journey home, how the Captain was determined to arrive in time for Christmas; how everything seemed to work against his plan; and how, at the very last moment, he pulled it off and sent a text to Archie, asking him to keep it a secret and be ready for his dad at any time, since the ship had docked at another port, and he might be delayed.



      Then Archie told how that telegram had burnt in his pocket all
      dinner-time; how he had to take Phebe into his confidence, and how clever
      she was to keep the Captain back till the speech was over and he could
      come in with effect.
    
Then Archie explained how that telegram had burned a hole in his pocket all through dinner; how he had to confide in Phebe, and how smart she was to hold the Captain off until the speech was done so he could come in with impact.



      The elders would have sat and talked all the evening, but the young folks
      were bent on having their usual Christmas frolic; so, after an hour of
      pleasant chat, they began to get restless, and having consulted together
      in dumb show, they devised a way to very effectually break up the family
      council.
    
The older folks could have spent the whole evening chatting, but the young people were determined to have their usual Christmas fun; so, after an hour of enjoyable conversation, they started to get restless. After some silent agreeing among themselves, they came up with a clever plan to effectively disrupt the family meeting.



      Steve vanished, and, sooner than the boys imagined Dandy could get himself
      up, the skirl of the bag-pipe was heard in the hall, and the bonny piper
      came to lead Clan Campbell to the revel.
    
Steve disappeared, and before the boys thought Dandy could get ready, the sound of the bagpipes echoed in the hall, and the lively piper arrived to lead Clan Campbell to the celebration.



      “Draw it mild, Stevie, my man; ye play unco weel, but ye mak a most
      infernal din,” cried Uncle Jem, with his hands over his ears, for this
      accomplishment was new to him, and “took him all aback,” as he expressed
      it.
    
“Take it easy, Stevie, my man; you play really well, but it's such an awful noise,” cried Uncle Jem, covering his ears, since this skill was new to him and “took him by surprise,” as he put it.



      So Steve droned out a Highland reel as softly as he could, and the boys
      danced it to a circle of admiring relations. Captain Jem was a true
      sailor, however, and could not stand idle while anything lively was going
      on; so, when the piper's breath gave out, he cut a splendid pigeon-wing
      into the middle of the hall, saying, “Who can dance a Fore and After?”
       and, waiting for no reply, began to whistle the air so invitingly that Mrs
      Jessie “set” to him laughing like a girl; Rose and Charlie took their
      places behind, and away went the four with a spirit and skill that
      inspired all the rest to “cut in” as fast as they could.
    
So Steve played a Highland reel as softly as he could, and the guys danced it in front of a circle of family members who were admiring them. Captain Jem was a real sailor, though, and couldn’t just stand by while something fun was happening; so, when the piper ran out of breath, he pulled off an impressive pigeon-wing in the middle of the hall, saying, “Who can dance a Fore and After?” and, without waiting for an answer, started whistling the tune so invitingly that Mrs. Jessie jumped in with him, laughing like a girl; Rose and Charlie took their places behind them, and the four of them went at it with such energy and skill that it made everyone else want to join in as quickly as they could.



      That was a grand beginning, and they had many another dance before anyone
      would own they were tired. Even Fun See distinguished himself with Aunt
      Plenty, whom he greatly admired as the stoutest lady in the company;
      plumpness being considered a beauty in his country. The merry old soul
      professed herself immensely flattered by his admiration, and the boys
      declared she “set her cap at him,” else he would never have dared to catch
      her under the mistletoe, and, rising on the tips of his own toes,
      gallantly salute her fat cheek.
    
That was an amazing start, and they had plenty more dances before anyone admitted they were tired. Even Fun See stood out with Aunt Plenty, whom he really admired as the heaviest lady in the group; being plump was seen as attractive in his culture. The cheerful old woman said she was really flattered by his attention, and the guys joked that she “had her eye on him,” or else he would never have had the courage to catch her under the mistletoe and, standing on his tiptoes, politely kiss her chubby cheek.



      How they all laughed at her astonishment, and how Fun's little black eyes
      twinkled over this exploit! Charlie put him up to it, and Charlie was so
      bent on catching Rose, that he laid all sorts of pitfalls for her, and
      bribed the other lads to help him. But Rose was wide-awake, and escaped
      all his snares, professing great contempt for such foolish customs. Poor
      Phebe did not fare so well, and Archie was the only one who took a base
      advantage of her as she stood innocently offering tea to Aunt Myra, whom
      she happened to meet just under the fatal bough. If his father's arrival
      had not rather upset him, I doubt if the dignified Chief would have done
      it, for he apologized at once in the handsomest manner, and caught the
      tray that nearly dropped from Phebe's hands.
    
They all laughed at her surprise, and Fun's little black eyes sparkled at this. Charlie encouraged him, and he was so determined to catch Rose that he set all kinds of traps for her and paid the other boys to help him. But Rose was alert and avoided all his tricks, showing great disdain for such silly customs. Poor Phebe didn’t have the same luck, and Archie was the only one who took advantage of her while she was innocently offering tea to Aunt Myra, whom she happened to meet right under the dangerous branch. If his father hadn't arrived and thrown him off balance, I doubt the dignified Chief would have done it, because he immediately apologized in the most polite way and caught the tray that was almost slipping from Phebe's hands.



      Jamie boldly invited all the ladies to come and salute him; and as for
      Uncle Jem, he behaved as if the entire room was a grove of mistletoe.
      Uncle Alec slyly laid a bit of it on Aunt Peace's cap, and then softly
      kissed her; which little joke seemed to please her very much, for she
      liked to have part in all the home pastimes, and Alec was her favourite
      nephew.
    
Jamie confidently invited all the ladies to come and greet him; as for Uncle Jem, he acted as if the whole room was filled with mistletoe. Uncle Alec playfully placed a bit of it on Aunt Peace's hat and then gently kissed her; this little joke seemed to delight her a lot, as she enjoyed being involved in all the family activities, and Alec was her favorite nephew.



      Charlie alone failed to catch his shy bird, and the oftener she escaped
      the more determined he was to ensnare her. When every other wile had been
      tried in vain, he got Archie to propose a game with forfeits.
    
Charlie was the only one who couldn't catch his shy bird, and the more she got away, the more determined he became to capture her. After trying every other trick without success, he asked Archie to suggest a game with penalties.



      “I understand that dodge,” thought Rose, and was on her guard so carefully
      that not one among the pile soon collected belonged to her.
    
“I get that dodge,” thought Rose, and she was so careful about it that none of the things she collected soon belonged to her.



      “Now let us redeem them and play something else,” said Will, quite
      unconscious of the deeply-laid plots all about him.
    
“Now let’s save them and play something else,” said Will, completely unaware of the intricate schemes happening all around him.



      “One more round and then we will,” answered the Prince, who had now baited
      his trap anew.
    
“One more round and then we will,” replied the Prince, who had now set his trap again.



      Just as the question came to Rose, Jamie's voice was heard in the hall,
      crying distressfully, “Oh, come quick, quick!” Rose started up, missed the
      question, and was greeted with a general cry of “Forfeit! forfeit!” in
      which the little traitor came to join.
    
Just as the question reached Rose, Jamie's voice echoed in the hallway, crying out in distress, “Oh, come quick, quick!” Rose jumped up, missed the question, and was met with a chorus of “Forfeit! forfeit!” that the little traitor joined in on.



      “Now I've got her,” thought the young rascal, exulting in his fun-loving
      soul.
    
"Now I've got her," thought the young troublemaker, delighting in his playful spirit.



      “Now I'm lost,” thought Rose, as she gave up her pin-cushion with a
      sternly defiant look that would have daunted anyone but the reckless
      Prince. In fact, it made even him think twice, and resolve to “let Rose
      off easy,'' she had been so clever.
    
“Now I'm lost,” thought Rose, as she surrendered her pin-cushion with a fiercely defiant look that would have intimidated anyone but the reckless Prince. In fact, it even made him second-guess himself, and he decided to “let Rose off easy,” since she had been so clever.



      “Here's a very pretty pawn, and what shall be done to redeem it?” asked
      Steve, holding the pin-cushion over Charlie's head, for he had insisted on
      being judge, and kept that for the last.
    
“Here’s a really nice pawn, and what should we do to redeem it?” asked Steve, holding the pin-cushion over Charlie’s head, since he had insisted on being the judge and saved that for last.



      “Fine or superfine?”
     
“Fine or extra fine?”



      “Super.”
     
Awesome.



      “Hum, well, she shall take old Mac under the mistletoe, and kiss him
      prettily. Won't he be mad, though?” and this bad boy chuckled over the
      discomfort he had caused two harmless beings.
    
“Hmm, well, she’ll take old Mac under the mistletoe and give him a sweet kiss. Won’t he be angry, though?” and this mischievous boy laughed at the trouble he had caused for two innocent people.



      There was an impressive pause among the young folks in their corner, for
      they all knew that Mac would “be mad,” since he hated nonsense of this
      sort, and had gone to talk with the elders when the game began. At this
      moment he was standing before the fire, listening to a discussion between
      his uncles and his father, looking as wise as a young owl, and blissfully
      unconscious of the plots against him.
    
There was a noticeable silence among the young people in their corner, as they all knew that Mac would "be mad," because he couldn’t stand nonsense like this and had gone to talk with the adults when the game started. Right now, he was standing by the fire, listening to a conversation between his uncles and his dad, looking as wise as a young owl and happily unaware of the plans being made against him.



      Charlie expected that Rose would say, “I won't!” therefore he was rather
      astonished, not to say gratified, when, after a look at the victim, she
      laughed suddenly, and, going up to the group of gentlemen, drew her uncle
      Mac under the mistletoe and surprised him with a hearty kiss.
    
Charlie thought Rose would say, “I won't!” so he was pretty shocked, not to mention pleased, when, after glancing at the victim, she suddenly laughed and walked over to the group of gentlemen, pulled her uncle Mac under the mistletoe, and surprised him with a big kiss.



      “Thank you, my dear,” said the innocent gentleman, looking much pleased at
      the unexpected honour.
    
“Thank you, my dear,” said the kind gentleman, looking quite happy at the unexpected honor.



      “Oh, come; that's not fair,” began Charlie. But Rose cut him short by
      saying, as she made him a fine courtesy,
    
“Oh, come on; that's not fair,” Charlie started. But Rose interrupted him by saying, as she made a graceful curtsy,



      “You said 'Old Mac,' and though it was very disrespectful, I did it. That
      was your last chance, sir, and you've lost it.”
     
“You called him 'Old Mac,' and even though that was really disrespectful, I went along with it. That was your last chance, and you've missed it.”



      He certainly had, for, as he spoke, Rose pulled down the mistletoe and
      threw it into the fire, while the boys jeered at the crestfallen Prince,
      and exalted quick-witted Rose to the skies.
    
He definitely did, because as he spoke, Rose took down the mistletoe and tossed it into the fire, while the boys mocked the disappointed Prince and praised quick-witted Rose to the heavens.



      “What's the joke?” asked young Mac, waked out of a brown study by the
      laughter, in which the elders joined.
    
“What's the joke?” asked young Mac, waking from a deep thought by the laughter that the older folks joined in.



      But there was a regular shout when, the matter having been explained to
      him, Mac took a meditative stare at Rose through his goggles, and said in
      a philosophical tone, “Well, I don't think I should have minded much if
      she had done it.”
     
But there was a loud shout when, after he had been told what happened, Mac took a thoughtful look at Rose through his goggles and said in a reflective tone, “Well, I don't think I would have cared much if she had done it.”



      That tickled the lads immensely, and nothing but the appearance of a
      slight refection would have induced them to stop chaffing the poor Worm,
      who could not see anything funny in the beautiful resignation he had shown
      on this trying occasion.
    
That really amused the guys, and only the sight of a small reflection would have made them stop teasing the poor Worm, who couldn’t see anything funny in the graceful acceptance he had displayed in this difficult situation.



      Soon after this, the discovery of Jamie curled up in the sofa corner, as
      sound asleep as a dormouse, suggested the propriety of going home, and a
      general move was made.
    
Soon after this, finding Jamie curled up in the corner of the sofa, sound asleep like a dormouse, indicated that it was time to head home, and everyone started to gather their things.



      They were all standing about the hall lingering over the good-nights, when
      the sound of a voice softly singing “Sweet Home,” made them pause and
      listen. It was Phebe, poor little Phebe, who never had a home, never knew
      the love of father or mother, brother or sister; who stood all alone in
      the wide world, yet was not sad nor afraid, but took her bits of happiness
      gratefully, and sung over her work without a thought of discontent.
    
They were all hanging around the hall saying their good-nights when they heard a voice softly singing “Sweet Home.” They paused to listen. It was Phebe, poor little Phebe, who never had a home, never experienced the love of a father or mother, brother or sister; who stood all alone in the vast world, yet was neither sad nor afraid, but gratefully accepted her little bits of happiness and sang while she worked, without a hint of discontent.



      I fancy the happy family standing there together remembered this and felt
      the beauty of it, for when the solitary voice came to the burden of its
      song, other voices took it up and finished it so sweetly, that the old
      house seemed to echo the word “Home” in the ears of both the orphan girls,
      who had just spent their first Christmas under its hospitable roof.
    
I imagine the happy family standing there together remembered this and felt the beauty of it, because when the solo voice reached the main part of its song, other voices joined in and completed it so beautifully that the old house seemed to resonate the word “Home” in the ears of both orphan girls, who had just spent their first Christmas under its welcoming roof.




 


 












      Chapter 21—A Scare
    



      “Brother Alec, you surely don't mean to allow that child to go out such a
      bitter cold day as this,” said Mrs. Myra, looking into the study, where
      the Doctor sat reading his paper, one February morning.
    
“Brother Alec, you can’t seriously think about letting that kid go out on a freezing day like this,” Mrs. Myra said, peeking into the study where the Doctor was reading his newspaper on a February morning.



      “Why not? If a delicate invalid like yourself can bear it, surely my
      hearty girl can, especially as she is dressed for cold weather,” answered
      Dr. Alec with provoking confidence.
    
“Why not? If a fragile person like you can handle it, then my strong girl definitely can, especially since she's dressed for the cold,” Dr. Alec replied with annoying confidence.



      “But you have no idea how sharp the wind is. I am chilled to the very
      marrow of my bones,” answered Aunt Myra, chafing the end of her purple
      nose with her sombre glove.
    
"But you have no idea how biting the wind is. I'm chilled to the bone," replied Aunt Myra, rubbing the tip of her purple nose with her dark glove.



      “I don't doubt it, ma'am, if you will wear crape and silk instead of fur
      and flannel. Rosy goes out in all weathers, and will be none the worse for
      an hour's brisk skating.”
     
“I believe it, ma'am, if you choose to wear crape and silk instead of fur and flannel. Rosy goes out in all kinds of weather and won’t be any worse for an hour of energetic skating.”



      “Well, I warn you that you are trifling with the child's health, and
      depending too much on the seeming improvement she has made this year. She
      is a delicate creature for all that, and will drop away suddenly at the
      first serious attack, as her poor mother did,” croaked Aunt Myra, with a
      despondent wag of the big bonnet.
    
"Well, I warn you that you are playing around with the child's health and relying too much on the apparent improvement she's made this year. She's a fragile child despite that, and will suddenly weaken at the first serious illness, just like her poor mother did," Aunt Myra croaked, shaking her head under her big bonnet.



      “I'll risk it,” answered Dr. Alec, knitting his brows, as he always did
      when any allusion was made to that other Rose.
    
“I'll take the chance,” replied Dr. Alec, furrowing his brow, as he always did when any mention was made of that other Rose.



      “Mark my words, you will repent it,” and with that awful prophecy, Aunt
      Myra departed like a black shadow.
    
“Remember what I said, you’ll regret it,” and with that ominous warning, Aunt Myra left like a dark shadow.



      Now it must be confessed that among the Doctor's failings and he had his
      share was a very masculine dislike of advice which was thrust upon him
      unasked. He always listened with respect to the great-aunts, and often
      consulted Mrs. Jessie; but the other three ladies tried his patience
      sorely, by constant warnings, complaints and counsels. Aunt Myra was an
      especial trial, and he always turned contrary the moment she began to
      talk. He could not help it, and often laughed about it with comic
      frankness. Here now was a sample of it, for he had just been thinking that
      Rose had better defer her run till the wind went down and the sun was
      warmer. But Aunt Myra spoke, and he could not resist the temptation to
      make light of her advice, and let Rose brave the cold. He had no fear of
      its harming her, for she went out every day, and it was a great
      satisfaction to him to see her run down the avenue a minute afterward,
      with her skates on her arm, looking like a rosy-faced Esquimaux in her
      seal-skin suit, as she smiled at Aunt Myra stalking along as solemnly as a
      crow.
    
Now, it must be admitted that among the Doctor's flaws—because he definitely had a few—was a strong dislike for unsolicited advice. He always listened respectfully to the great-aunts and often consulted Mrs. Jessie, but the other three ladies really tested his patience with their constant warnings, complaints, and suggestions. Aunt Myra was a particular challenge, and he always became contrary the moment she started speaking. He couldn't help it, and often joked about it with amusing honesty. Here was a perfect example: he had just been thinking that Rose should wait to go out until the wind calmed down and the sun was warmer. But once Aunt Myra spoke, he couldn't resist the urge to disregard her advice and let Rose face the cold. He wasn't worried it would harm her since she went out every day, and it pleased him greatly to see her run down the avenue a minute later, skates in her hand, looking like a rosy-faced Eskimo in her seal-skin outfit, smiling at Aunt Myra, who was trudging along as seriously as a crow.



      “I hope the child won't stay out long, for this wind is enough to chill
      the marrow in younger bones than Myra's,” thought Dr. Alec, half an hour
      later, as he drove toward the city to see the few patients he had
      consented to take for old acquaintance' sake.
    
“I hope the kid won't be out too long, because this wind is cold enough to chill even younger bones than Myra's,” Dr. Alec thought half an hour later as he drove toward the city to see the few patients he had agreed to take on for old times' sake.



      The thought returned several times that morning, for it was truly a bitter
      day, and, in spite of his bear-skin coat, the Doctor shivered. But he had
      great faith in Rose's good sense, and it never occurred to him that she
      was making a little Casabianca of herself, with the difference of freezing
      instead of burning at her post.
    
The thought came back to him several times that morning because it was genuinely a cold day, and even with his bear-skin coat, the Doctor felt chilly. However, he had a lot of trust in Rose's good judgment, and it never crossed his mind that she was putting herself in a similar situation to Casabianca, only freezing instead of burning while holding her ground.



      You see, Mac had made an appointment to meet her at a certain spot, and
      have a grand skating bout as soon as the few lessons he was allowed were
      over. She had promised to wait for him, and did so with a faithfulness
      that cost her dear, because Mac forgot his appointment when the lessons
      were done, and became absorbed in a chemical experiment, till a general
      combustion of gases drove him out of his laboratory. Then he suddenly
      remembered Rose, and would gladly have hurried away to her, but his mother
      forbade his going out, for the sharp wind would hurt his eyes.
    
You see, Mac had set up a time to meet her at a specific spot for an exciting skating session right after his few allowed lessons were over. She had promised to wait for him, and she did so faithfully, which cost her dearly because Mac forgot their appointment when the lessons ended and got caught up in a chemical experiment until a build-up of gases forced him out of the lab. Then he suddenly remembered Rose and would have happily rushed to her, but his mom wouldn’t let him go out because the cold wind would be bad for his eyes.



      “She will wait and wait, mother, for she always keeps her word, and I told
      her to hold on till I came,” explained Mac, with visions of a shivering
      little figure watching on the windy hill-top.
    
“She will wait and wait, Mom, because she always keeps her promises, and I told her to hold on until I got there,” Mac explained, imagining a cold little figure watching on the windy hilltop.



      “Of course, your uncle won't let her go out such a day as this. If he
      does, she will have the sense to come here for you, or to go home again
      when you don't appear,” said Aunt Jane, returning to her “Watts on the
      Mind.”
     
“Of course, your uncle won't let her go out on a day like this. If he does, she'll have the sense to come here for you or head home again if you don't show up,” said Aunt Jane, going back to her “Watts on the Mind.”



      “I wish Steve would just cut up and see if she's there, since I can't go,”
       began Mac, anxiously.
    
“I wish Steve would just go check to see if she's there, since I can't,” began Mac, anxiously.



      “Steve won't stir a peg, thank you. He's got his own toes to thaw out, and
      wants his dinner,” answered Dandy, just in from school, and wrestling
      impatiently with his boots.
    
“Steve isn't going to help, thanks. He has his own feet to warm up and wants his dinner,” replied Dandy, just back from school and struggling impatiently with his boots.



      So Mac resigned himself, and Rose waited dutifully till dinner-time
      assured her that her waiting was in vain. She had done her best to keep
      warm, had skated till she was tired and hot, then stood watching others
      till she was chilled; tried to get up a glow again by trotting up and down
      the road, but failed to do so, and finally cuddled disconsolately under a
      pine-tree to wait and watch. When she at length started for home, she was
      benumbed with cold, and could hardly make her way against the wind that
      buffeted the frost-bitten rose most unmercifully.
    
So Mac accepted his fate, and Rose patiently waited until dinner time, knowing her wait was probably pointless. She had done her best to stay warm, skated until she was tired and hot, then stood watching others until she felt cold; she tried to warm up again by jogging up and down the road but couldn’t manage it, and finally curled up sadly under a pine tree to wait and watch. When she finally started heading home, she was numb from the cold and could barely make her way against the wind that harshly battered the frostbitten rose.



      Dr. Alec was basking in the warmth of the study fire, after his drive,
      when the sound of a stifled sob made him hurry to the door and look
      anxiously into the hall. Rose lay in a shivering bunch near the register,
      with her things half off, wringing her hands, and trying not to cry with
      the pain returning warmth brought to her half-frozen fingers.
    
Dr. Alec was enjoying the warmth of the fire in the study after his drive when he heard a muffled sob. He quickly went to the door and peered anxiously into the hallway. Rose was huddled up near the heater, partially undressed, wringing her hands and trying not to cry as the pain from the returning warmth hit her half-frozen fingers.



      “My darling, what is it?” and Uncle Alec had her in his arms in a minute.
    
“My darling, what’s wrong?” and Uncle Alec had her in his arms in an instant.



      “Mac didn't come I can't get warm the fire makes me ache!” and with a long
      shiver Rose burst out crying, while her teeth chattered, and her poor
      little nose was so blue, it made one's heart ache to see it.
    
"Mac didn't come. I can't get warm; the fire makes me ache!" With a long shiver, Rose started crying as her teeth chattered, and her poor little nose was so blue that it made your heart ache to see it.



      In less time than it takes to tell it, Dr. Alec had her on the sofa rolled
      up in the bear-skin coat, with Phebe rubbing her cold feet while he rubbed
      the aching hands, and Aunt Plenty made a comfortable hot drink, and Aunt
      Peace sent down her own foot-warmer and embroidered blanket “for the
      dear.”
     
In no time at all, Dr. Alec had her on the sofa wrapped up in the bear-skin coat, with Phebe rubbing her cold feet while he massaged her aching hands. Aunt Plenty made a cozy hot drink, and Aunt Peace sent down her own foot-warmer and embroidered blanket “for the dear.”



      Full of remorseful tenderness, Uncle Alec worked over his new patient till
      she declared she was all right again. He would not let her get up to
      dinner, but fed her himself, and then forgot his own while he sat watching
      her fall into a drowse, for Aunt Plenty's cordial made her sleepy.
    
Filled with heartfelt regret, Uncle Alec cared for his new patient until she said she was feeling better. He wouldn’t let her get up for dinner, but fed her himself, and then forgot about his own meal as he sat watching her drift off to sleep, since Aunt Plenty's tonic made her drowsy.



      She lay so several hours for the drowse deepened into a heavy sleep, and
      Uncle Alec, still at his post, saw with growing anxiety that a feverish
      colour began to burn in her cheeks, that her breathing was quick and
      uneven, and now and then she gave a little moan, as if in pain. Suddenly
      she woke up with a start, and seeing Aunt Plenty bending over her, put out
      her arms like a sick child, saying wearily,
    
She lay there for several hours as her dozing deepened into a heavy sleep, and Uncle Alec, still at his post, felt an increasing sense of worry as he noticed a feverish flush start to color her cheeks, her breathing becoming quick and uneven, and occasionally she let out a little moan, as if in pain. Suddenly, she woke up with a start, and seeing Aunt Plenty leaning over her, she stretched out her arms like a sick child, saying wearily,



      “Please, could I go to bed?”
     
“Can I go to bed, please?”



      “The best place for you, deary. Take her right up, Alec; I've got the hot
      water ready, and after a nice bath, she shall have a cup of my sage tea,
      and be rolled up in blankets to sleep off her cold,” answered the old
      lady, cheerily, as she bustled away to give orders.
    
“The best place for you, dear. Take her right up, Alec; I've got the hot water ready, and after a nice bath, she’ll have a cup of my sage tea and be wrapped up in blankets to sleep off her cold,” said the old lady cheerfully as she hurried away to give instructions.



      “Are you in pain, darling?” asked Uncle Alec, as he carried her up.
    
“Are you hurt, sweetheart?” asked Uncle Alec, as he carried her up.



      “My side aches when I breathe, and I feel stiff and queer; but it isn't
      bad, so don't be troubled, uncle,” whispered Rose, with a little hot hand
      against his cheek.
    
“My side hurts when I breathe, and I feel stiff and weird; but it’s not that bad, so don’t worry, uncle,” whispered Rose, with a little warm hand against his cheek.



      But the poor doctor did look troubled, and had cause to do so, for just
      then Rose tried to laugh at Dolly charging into the room with a
      warming-pan, but could not, for the sharp pain took her breath away and
      made her cry out.
    
But the poor doctor did look worried, and had good reason to, for just then Rose tried to laugh at Dolly bursting into the room with a warming pan, but she couldn't, because the sharp pain took her breath away and made her cry out.



      “Pleurisy,” sighed Aunt Plenty, from the depths of the bath-tub.
    
“Pleurisy,” sighed Aunt Plenty from the depths of the bathtub.



      “Pewmonia!” groaned Dolly, burrowing among the bedclothes with the
      long-handled pan, as if bent on fishing up that treacherous disease.
    
“Pneumonia!” groaned Dolly, burrowing among the bedclothes with the long-handled pan, as if determined to fish up that treacherous disease.



      “Oh, is it bad?” asked Phebe, nearly dropping a pail of hot water in her
      dismay, for she knew nothing of sickness, and Dolly's suggestion had a
      peculiarly dreadful sound to her.
    
“Oh, is it serious?” asked Phebe, almost spilling a bucket of hot water in her panic, because she knew nothing about illness, and Dolly's suggestion sounded especially frightening to her.



      “Hush!” ordered the Doctor, in a tone that silenced all further
      predictions, and made everyone work with a will.
    
“Hush!” commanded the Doctor, in a tone that silenced any more predictions and motivated everyone to work diligently.



      “Make her as comfortable as you can, and when she is in her little bed
      I'll come and say good-night,” he added, when the bath was ready and the
      blankets browning nicely before the fire.
    
“Make her as comfortable as you can, and when she's in her little bed, I'll come and say good-night,” he added, when the bath was ready and the blankets were warming nicely by the fire.



      Then he went away to talk quite cheerfully to Aunt Peace about its being
      “only a chill”; after which he tramped up and down the hall, pulling his
      beard and knitting his brows, sure signs of great inward perturbation.
    
Then he went off to chat cheerfully with Aunt Peace about it just being “a chill”; after that, he paced back and forth in the hall, tugging at his beard and furrowing his brow, clear signs of deep inner turmoil.



      “I thought it would be too good luck to get through the year without a
      downfall. Confound my perversity! Why couldn't I take Myra's advice and
      keep Rose at home. It's not fair that the poor child should suffer for my
      sinful over-confidence. She shall not suffer for it! Pneumonia, indeed! I
      defy it,” and he shook his fist in the ugly face of an Indian idol that
      happened to be before him, as if that particularly hideous god had some
      spite against his own little goddess.
    
“I thought it would be too lucky to get through the year without a setback. Damn my stubbornness! Why couldn't I follow Myra's advice and keep Rose at home? It's not fair that the poor girl should pay the price for my foolish overconfidence. She won’t suffer for it! Pneumonia, really! I challenge it,” and he shook his fist at the ugly face of an Indian idol that happened to be in front of him, as if that particularly hideous god had some grudge against his own little goddess.



      In spite of his defiance his heart sunk when he saw Rose again, for the
      pain was worse, and the bath and blankets, the warming-pan and piping-hot
      sage tea, were all in vain. For several hours there was no rest for the
      poor child, and all manner of gloomy forebodings haunted the minds of
      those who hovered about her with faces full of the tenderest anxiety.
    
In spite of his defiance, his heart sank when he saw Rose again, because the pain was worse, and the bath and blankets, the warming pan, and the piping-hot sage tea were all useless. For several hours, the poor child found no rest, and all sorts of dark thoughts plagued the minds of those who stayed close to her, their faces filled with the deepest concern.



      In the midst of the worst paroxysm Charlie came to leave a message from
      his mother, and was met by Phebe coming despondently downstairs with a
      mustard plaster that had brought no relief.
    
In the middle of the worst attack, Charlie came to leave a message from his mom and ran into Phebe, who was coming down the stairs looking defeated with a mustard plaster that hadn’t helped at all.



      “What the dickens is the matter? You look as dismal as a tombstone,” he
      said, as she held up her hand to stop his lively whistling.
    
“What on earth is wrong? You look as gloomy as a tombstone,” he said, as she raised her hand to stop his cheerful whistling.



      “Miss Rose is dreadful sick.”
     
“Miss Rose is really sick.”



      “The deuce she is!”
     
"That's crazy!"



      “Don't swear, Mr. Charlie; she really is, and it's Mr. Mac's fault,” and
      Phebe told the sad tale in a few sharp words, for she felt at war with the
      entire race of boys at that moment.
    
“Don't curse, Mr. Charlie; she really is, and it's Mr. Mac's fault,” and Phebe recounted the sad story in a few quick words, as she felt hostile towards all boys at that moment.



      “I'll give it to him, make your mind easy about that,” said Charlie, with
      an ominous doubling up of his fist. “But Rose isn't dangerously ill, is
      she?” he added anxiously, as Aunt Plenty was seen to trot across the upper
      hall, shaking a bottle violently as she went.
    
“I'll handle it, so don't worry about that,” Charlie said, his fist clenching ominously. “But Rose isn't seriously sick, right?” he asked nervously, as Aunt Plenty was spotted hurrying across the upper hall, shaking a bottle violently as she went.



      “Oh, but she is though. The Doctor don't say much, but he don't call it a
      'chill' any more. It's 'pleurisy' now, and I'm so afraid it will be
      pewmonia to-morrow,” answered Phebe, with a despairing glance at the
      plaster.
    
“Oh, but she really is. The Doctor doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t call it a ‘chill’ anymore. It’s ‘pleurisy’ now, and I’m so afraid it will be pneumonia by tomorrow,” answered Phebe, with a despairing glance at the plaster.



      Charlie exploded into a stifled laugh at the new pronunciation of
      pneumonia, to Phebe's great indignation.
    
Charlie burst into a suppressed laugh at the new way of saying pneumonia, much to Phebe's annoyance.



      “How can you have the heart to do it, and she in such horrid pain? Hark to
      that, and then laugh if you darst,” she said with a tragic gesture, and
      her black eyes full of fire.
    
“How can you have the heart to do it when she's in such terrible pain? Listen to that, and then laugh if you dare,” she said with a dramatic gesture, her dark eyes full of intensity.



      Charlie listened and heard little moans that went to his heart and made
      his face as sober as Phebe's. “O uncle, please stop the pain, and let me
      rest a minute! Don't tell the boys I wasn't brave. I try to bear it, but
      it's so sharp I can't help crying.”
     
Charlie listened and heard soft moans that tugged at his heart and made his expression as serious as Phebe's. “Oh uncle, please make the pain stop, and let me rest for a minute! Don’t tell the guys I wasn’t brave. I’m trying to handle it, but it hurts so much I can't help crying.”



      Neither could Charlie, when he heard the broken voice say that; but,
      boy-like, he wouldn't own it, and said pettishly, as he rubbed his sleeve
      across his eyes,
    
Neither could Charlie when he heard the broken voice say that; but, acting like a typical boy, he wouldn't admit it, and replied petulantly as he rubbed his sleeve across his eyes,



      “Don't hold that confounded thing right under my nose; the mustard makes
      my eyes smart.”
     
“Don't put that annoying thing right in front of me; the mustard makes my eyes sting.”



      “Don't see how it can, when it hasn't any more strength in it than meal.
      The Doctor said so, and I'm going to get some better,” began Phebe, not a
      bit ashamed of the great tears that were bedewing the condemned plaster.
    
“Can't see how it can when it doesn't have any more strength than flour. The Doctor said so, and I'm going to get something better,” Phebe started, not at all ashamed of the big tears that were soaking the ruined plaster.



      “I'll go!” and Charlie was off like a shot, glad of an excuse to get out
      of sight for a few minutes.
    
“I'll go!” and Charlie took off like a rocket, pleased to have an excuse to be out of sight for a few minutes.



      When he came back all inconvenient emotion had been disposed of, and,
      having delivered a box of the hottest mustard procurable for money, he
      departed to “blow up” Mac, that being his next duty in his opinion. He did
      it so energetically and thoroughly that the poor Worm was cast into the
      depths of remorseful despair, and went to bed that evening feeling that he
      was an outcast from among men, and bore the mark of Cain upon his brow.
    
When he came back, all the awkward emotions had been set aside, and after delivering a box of the hottest mustard he could buy, he went off to “blow up” Mac, which he thought was his next task. He did it so energetically and completely that the poor Worm was plunged into deep remorse and despair, going to bed that night feeling like an outcast and marked like Cain.



      Thanks to the skill of the Doctor, and the devotion of his helpers, Rose
      grew easier about midnight, and all hoped that the worst was over. Phebe
      was making tea by the study fire, for the Doctor had forgotten to eat and
      drink since Rose was ill, and Aunt Plenty insisted on his having a “good
      cordial dish of tea” after his exertions. A tap on the window startled
      Phebe, and, looking up, she saw a face peering in. She was not afraid, for
      a second look showed her that it was neither ghost nor burglar, but Mac,
      looking pale and wild in the wintry moonlight.
    
Thanks to the Doctor's skill and the dedication of his helpers, Rose started to feel better around midnight, and everyone hoped that the worst was behind them. Phebe was making tea by the study fireplace because the Doctor had forgotten to eat or drink since Rose fell ill, and Aunt Plenty insisted he have a “good, hearty cup of tea” after all his hard work. A knock on the window startled Phebe, and when she looked up, she saw a face peering in. She wasn't scared because a second glance revealed it was neither a ghost nor a burglar, but Mac, looking pale and frantic in the winter moonlight.



      “Come and let a fellow in,” he said in a low tone, and when he stood in
      the hall he clutched Phebe's arm, whispering gruffly, “How is Rose?”
     
“Come and let a guy in,” he said quietly, and when he stood in the hallway, he grabbed Phebe's arm, whispering gruffly, “How's Rose?”



      “Thanks be to goodness, she's better,” answered Phebe, with a smile that
      was like broad sunshine to the poor lad's anxious heart.
    
“Thank goodness, she's better,” replied Phebe, with a smile that felt like bright sunshine to the poor guy's worried heart.



      “And she will be all right again to-morrow?”
     
“And she’ll be okay again tomorrow?”



      “Oh, dear no! Dolly says she's sure to have rheumatic fever, if she don't
      have noo-monia!” answered Phebe, careful to pronounce the word rightly
      this time.
    
“Oh, no way! Dolly says she's definitely going to get rheumatic fever if she doesn't get pneumonia!” replied Phebe, making sure to say the word correctly this time.



      Down went Mac's face, and remorse began to gnaw at him again as he gave a
      great sigh and said doubtfully,
    
Down went Mac's face, and regret started to eat away at him again as he let out a big sigh and said uncertainly,



      “I suppose I couldn't see her?”
     
“I guess I couldn't see her?”



      “Of course not at this time of night, when we want her to go to sleep!”
     
“Of course not at this time of night, when we want her to go to bed!”



      Mac opened his mouth to say something more, when a sneeze came upon him
      unawares, and a loud “Ah rash hoo!” awoke the echoes of the quiet house.
    
Mac opened his mouth to say something more when a sudden sneeze caught him off guard, and a loud “Ah-choo!” broke the silence of the quiet house.



      “Why didn't you stop it?” said Phebe reproachfully. “I dare say you've
      waked her up.”
     
“Why didn't you stop it?” Phebe said with disapproval. “I bet you've woken her up.”



      “Didn't know it was coming. Just my luck!” groaned Mac, turning to go
      before his unfortunate presence did more harm.
    
“Didn’t see that coming. Just my luck!” groaned Mac, turning to leave before his unwanted presence caused more trouble.



      But a voice from the stair-head called softly, “Mac, come up; Rose wants
      to see you.”
     
But a voice from the top of the stairs called softly, “Mac, come up; Rose wants to see you.”



      Up he went, and found his uncle waiting for him.
    
Up he went and found his uncle waiting for him.



      “What brings you here at this hour, my boy?” asked the Doctor in a
      whisper.
    
“What brings you here at this hour, my boy?” the Doctor asked quietly.



      “Charlie said it was all my fault, and if she died I'd killed her. I
      couldn't sleep, so I came to see how she was, and no one knows it but
      Steve,” he said with such a troubled face and voice that the Doctor had
      not the heart to blame him.
    
“Charlie said it was all my fault, and if she died, I’d be the one who killed her. I couldn’t sleep, so I came to see how she was doing, and no one knows it but Steve,” he said, his face and voice so troubled that the Doctor couldn’t bring himself to blame him.



      Before he could say anything more a feeble voice called “Mac!” and with a
      hasty “Stay a minute just to please her, and then slip away, for I want
      her to sleep,” the Doctor led him into the room.
    
Before he could say anything else, a weak voice called out, “Mac!” With a quick, “Just stay for a minute to make her happy, and then slip away because I want her to rest,” the Doctor brought him into the room.



      The face on the pillow looked very pale and childish, and the smile that
      welcomed Mac was very faint, for Rose was spent with pain, yet could not
      rest till she had said a word of comfort to her cousin.
    
The face on the pillow looked very pale and youthful, and the smile that greeted Mac was barely there, since Rose was exhausted from pain, yet she couldn’t relax until she had offered a word of comfort to her cousin.



      “I knew your funny sneeze, and I guessed that you came to see how I did,
      though it is very late. Don't be worried, I'm better now, and it is my
      fault I was ill, not yours; for I needn't have been so silly as to wait in
      the cold just because I said I would.”
     
“I recognized your funny sneeze, and I figured you came to check on me, even though it's really late. Don't worry, I'm feeling better now, and it was my fault I was sick, not yours; I shouldn't have been so silly to wait in the cold just because I said I would.”



      Mac hastened to explain, to load himself with reproaches, and to beg her
      not to die on any account, for Charlie's lecture had made a deep
      impression on the poor boy's mind.
    
Mac rushed to explain, to burden himself with guilt, and to plead with her not to die under any circumstances, as Charlie's lecture had left a strong impact on the poor boy's mind.



      “I didn't know there was any danger of my dying,” and Rose looked up at
      him with a solemn expression in her great eyes.
    
“I didn't know there was any risk of me dying,” Rose said, looking up at him with a serious expression in her large eyes.



      “Oh, I hope not; but people do sometimes go suddenly, you know, and I
      couldn't rest till I'd asked you to forgive me,” faltered Mac, thinking
      that Rose looked very like an angel already, with the golden hair loose on
      the pillow, and the meekness of suffering on her little white face.
    
“Oh, I hope not; but people do sometimes leave us unexpectedly, you know, and I couldn't relax until I asked you to forgive me,” Mac stammered, thinking that Rose already looked a lot like an angel, with her golden hair spread out on the pillow and the gentle look of suffering on her small white face.



      “I don't think I shall die; uncle won't let me; but if I do, remember I
      forgave you.”
     
“I don't think I'm going to die; my uncle won't let that happen; but if I do, just know that I forgave you.”



      She looked at him with a tender light in her eyes, and, seeing how
      pathetic his dumb grief was, she added softly, drawing his head down, “I
      wouldn't kiss you under the mistletoe, but I will now, for I want you to
      be sure I do forgive and love you just the same.”
     
She looked at him with a warm glow in her eyes, and seeing how heartbreaking his silent sorrow was, she said gently, pulling his head down, “I wouldn’t kiss you under the mistletoe, but I will now, because I want you to know that I forgive you and love you just the same.”



      That quite upset poor Mac; he could only murmur his thanks and get out of
      the room as fast as possible, to grope his way to the couch at the far end
      of the hall, and lie there till he fell asleep, worn out with trying not
      to “make a baby” of himself.
    
That really upset poor Mac; he could only mumble his thanks and leave the room as quickly as he could, feeling his way to the couch at the far end of the hall, and lie there until he fell asleep, exhausted from trying not to “act like a baby.”




 


 












      Chapter 22—Something to do
    



      Whatever danger there might have been from the effects of that sudden
      chill, it was soon over, though, of course, Aunt Myra refused to believe
      it, and Dr. Alec cherished his girl with redoubled vigilance and
      tenderness for months afterward. Rose quite enjoyed being sick, because as
      soon as the pain ended the fun began, and for a week or two she led the
      life of a little princess secluded in the Bower, while every one served,
      amused, and watched over her in the most delightful manner. But the doctor
      was called away to see an old friend, who was dangerously ill, and then
      Rose felt like a young bird deprived of its mother's sheltering wing;
      especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking their naps, and the
      house was very still within while snow fell softly without.
    
Whatever danger there might have been from that sudden chill was soon gone, but Aunt Myra refused to believe it, and Dr. Alec took extra care of his girl with increased vigilance and tenderness for months afterward. Rose actually enjoyed being sick because as soon as the pain faded, the fun began, and for a week or two, she lived like a little princess hidden away in the Bower, while everyone around her served, entertained, and watched over her in the most delightful way. However, the doctor was called away to help an old friend who was seriously ill, and then Rose felt like a young bird without its mother's protective wing; especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking their naps, and the house was quiet inside while the snow fell softly outside.



      “I'll go and hunt up Phebe, she is always nice and busy, and likes to have
      me help her. If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramels and surprise
      the boys when they come,” Rose said to herself, as she threw down her book
      and felt ready for society of some sort.
    
“I'll go find Phebe; she’s always busy and appreciates my help. If Dolly is out of the way, we can make caramels and surprise the boys when they arrive,” Rose said to herself as she put down her book and felt ready for some company.



      She took the precaution to peep through the slide before she entered the
      kitchen, for Dolly allowed no messing when she was round. But the coast
      was clear, and no one but Phebe appeared, sitting at the table with her
      head on her arms apparently asleep. Rose was just about to wake her with a
      “Boo!” when she lifted her head, dried her wet eyes with her blue apron,
      and fell to work with a resolute face on something she was evidently much
      interested in. Rose could not make out what it was, and her curiosity was
      greatly excited, for Phebe was writing with a sputtering pen on some bits
      of brown paper, apparently copying something from a little book.
    
She made sure to peek through the door before entering the kitchen, since Dolly didn't tolerate any messes when she was around. But the coast was clear, and the only person there was Phebe, sitting at the table with her head resting on her arms, seemingly asleep. Rose was just about to surprise her with a “Boo!” when Phebe lifted her head, wiped her tear-streaked eyes with her blue apron, and got to work with a determined look on her face, focusing intently on something. Rose couldn’t figure out what it was, and her curiosity was really piqued, as Phebe was writing with a sputtering pen on some pieces of brown paper, clearly copying something from a little book.



      “I must know what the dear thing is about, and why she cried, and then set
      her lips tight and went to work with all her might,” thought Rose,
      forgetting all about the caramels, and, going round to the door, she
      entered the kitchen, saying pleasantly,
    
“I need to find out what’s going on with her and why she was crying,” thought Rose, putting the caramels out of her mind. She walked around to the door, entered the kitchen, and said cheerfully,



      “Phebe, I want something to do. Can't you let me help you about anything,
      or shall I be in the way?”
     
“Phebe, I want something to do. Can’t you let me help you with anything, or will I just be in the way?”



      “Oh, dear no, miss; I always love to have you round when things are tidy.
      What would you like to do?” answered Phebe, opening a drawer as if about
      to sweep her own affairs out of sight; but Rose stopped her, exclaiming,
      like a curious child,
    
“Oh, no, miss; I always enjoy having you around when things are neat. What would you like to do?” Phebe replied, opening a drawer as if to put her own things away; but Rose stopped her, exclaiming like a curious child,



      “Let me see! What is it? I won't tell if you'd rather not have Dolly
      know.”
     
“Let me see! What is it? I won’t say anything if you don’t want Dolly to know.”



      “I'm only trying to study a bit; but I'm so stupid I don't get on much,”
       answered the girl reluctantly, permitting her little mistress to examine
      the poor contrivances she was trying to work with.
    
“I'm just trying to study a little; but I'm so dumb I can't really manage,”  
       replied the girl hesitantly, allowing her young mistress to look over the  
      poor tools she was attempting to use.



      A broken slate that had blown off the roof, an inch or two of pencil, an
      old almanac for a reader, several bits of brown or yellow paper ironed
      smoothly and sewn together for a copy-book, and the copies sundry receipts
      written in Aunt Plenty's neat hand. These, with a small bottle of ink and
      a rusty pen, made up Phebe's outfit, and it was little wonder that she did
      not “get on” in spite of the patient persistence that dried the desponding
      tears and drove along the sputtering pen with a will.
    
A broken piece of slate that had blown off the roof, a couple of inches of pencil, an old almanac for reading, several pieces of brown or yellow paper that were smoothed out and sewn together to make a copybook, and various receipts written in Aunt Plenty's neat handwriting. These, along with a small bottle of ink and a rusty pen, made up Phebe's supplies, and it was no surprise that she struggled to "get by" despite her determined effort that dried her discouraging tears and pushed the sputtering pen forward with determination.



      “You may laugh if you want to, Miss Rose, I know my things are queer, and
      that's why I hide 'em; but I don't mind since you've found me out, and I
      ain't a bit ashamed except of being so backward at my age,” said Phebe
      humbly, though her cheeks grew redder as she washed out some crooked
      capitals with a tear or two not yet dried upon the slate.
    
“You can laugh if you want to, Miss Rose. I know my stuff is unusual, and that's why I keep it hidden; but I don't mind since you've discovered it, and I'm not really ashamed except for being so behind at my age,” Phebe said humbly, though her cheeks flushed even more as she wiped away some messy capital letters with a tear or two still not dried on the slate.



      “Laugh at you! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl I am,
      to have loads of books and things and never remember to give you some. Why
      didn't you come and ask me, and not go struggling along alone in this way?
      It was very wrong of you, Phebe, and I'll never forgive you if you do so
      again,” answered Rose, with one hand on Phebe's shoulder, while the other
      gently turned the leaves of the poor little copy-book.
    
“Laugh at you! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl I am, to have so many books and never remember to share any with you. Why didn’t you come and ask me instead of struggling alone like this? It was really wrong of you, Phebe, and I won’t forgive you if you do that again,” Rose said, with one hand on Phebe's shoulder while the other gently flipped through the poor little copybook.



      “I didn't like to ask for anything more when you are so good to me all the
      time, miss, dear,” began Phebe, looking up with grateful eyes.
    
“I didn’t want to ask for anything else when you’re so good to me all the time, miss, dear,” Phebe started, looking up with grateful eyes.



      “O you proud thing! just as if it wasn't fun to give away, and I had the
      best of it. Now, see here, I've got a plan and you mustn't say no, or I
      shall scold. I want something to do, and I'm going to teach you all I
      know; it won't take long,” and Rose laughed as she put her arm around
      Phebe's neck, and patted the smooth dark head with the kind little hand
      that so loved to give.
    
“O you proud thing! as if it wasn't fun to give away, and I had the best of it. Now, listen, I've got a plan and you can't say no, or I'll be upset. I want something to do, and I'm going to teach you everything I know; it won't take long,” and Rose laughed as she put her arm around Phebe's neck and patted the smooth dark head with her kind little hand that loved to give so much.



      “It would be just heavenly!” and Phebe's face shone at the mere idea; but
      fell again as she added wistfully, “Only I'm afraid I ought not to let you
      do it, Miss Rose. It will take time, and maybe the Doctor wouldn't like
      it.”
     
“It would be amazing!” and Phebe's face lit up at the thought; but then she looked down as she added sadly, “But I’m worried I shouldn’t let you do that, Miss Rose. It will take time, and maybe the Doctor wouldn’t approve.”



      “He didn't want me to study much, but he never said a word about teaching,
      and I don't believe he will mind a bit. Anyway, we can try it till he
      comes, so pack up your things and go right to my room and we'll begin this
      very day; I'd truly like to do it, and we'll have nice times, see if we
      don't!” cried Rose eagerly.
    
“He didn’t want me to study much, but he never mentioned anything about teaching, and I don’t think he’ll mind at all. Anyway, we can give it a shot until he gets here, so grab your stuff and head straight to my room, and we’ll start today; I really want to do this, and we’re going to have a great time, just wait and see!” Rose exclaimed eagerly.



      It was a pretty sight to see Phebe bundle her humble outfit into her
      apron, and spring up as if the desire of her heart had suddenly been made
      a happy fact to her; it was a still prettier sight to see Rose run gaily
      on before, smiling like a good fairy as she beckoned to the other, singing
      as she went,
    
It was a lovely sight to see Phebe gather her simple outfit into her apron and jump up as if her heart's wish had just come true; it was an even prettier sight to see Rose happily running ahead, smiling like a kind fairy as she waved to the other, singing as she went.


    “The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
     And many are the curious things I'll show you when you're there.
     Will you, will you walk in, Phebe dear?”
 
    “The entrance to my room is up a winding staircase,  
     And there are so many fascinating things I'll show you when you arrive.  
     Will you, will you come in, Phebe dear?”



      “Oh, won't I!” answered Phebe fervently, adding, as they entered the
      Bower, “You are the dearest spider that ever was, and I'm the happiest
      fly.”
     
“Oh, absolutely!” replied Phebe passionately, as they stepped into the Bower, “You are the sweetest spider there ever was, and I'm the happiest fly.”



      “I'm going to be very strict, so sit down in that chair and don't say a
      word till school is ready to open,” ordered Rose, delighted with the
      prospect of such a useful and pleasant “something to do.”
     
“I'm going to be really strict, so sit down in that chair and don't say a word until school is ready to start,” commanded Rose, excited about the idea of having such a useful and enjoyable “something to do.”



      So Phebe sat demurely in her place while her new teacher laid forth books
      and slates, a pretty inkstand and a little globe; hastily tore a bit off
      her big sponge, sharpened pencils with more energy than skill, and when
      all was ready gave a prance of satisfaction that set the pupil laughing.
    
So Phebe sat quietly in her spot while her new teacher laid out books and slates, a nice inkstand, and a small globe; quickly tore a piece off her big sponge, sharpened pencils with more enthusiasm than skill, and when everything was ready, she did a little dance of satisfaction that made the student laugh.



      “Now the school is open, and I shall hear you read, so that I may know in
      which class to put you, Miss Moore,” began Rose with great dignity, as she
      laid a book before her scholar, and sat down in the easy chair with a long
      rule in her hand.
    
“Now that school is in session, I’d like to hear you read so I can decide which class to put you in, Miss Moore,” Rose began with great seriousness, placing a book in front of her student and settling into the easy chair with a long ruler in her hand.



      Phebe did pretty well, only tripping now and then over a hard word, and
      pronouncing identical “identickle,” in a sober way that tickled Rose,
      though never a smile betrayed her. The spelling lesson which followed was
      rather discouraging; Phebe's ideas of geography were very vague, and
      grammar was nowhere, though the pupil protested that she tried so hard to
      “talk nice like educated folks” that Dolly called her “a stuck-up piece
      who didn't know her place.”
     
Phebe did pretty well, only stumbling now and then over a tough word, and pronouncing identical as “identickle” in a serious way that made Rose laugh, although she never showed it. The spelling lesson that came after was somewhat discouraging; Phebe’s understanding of geography was pretty vague, and grammar was non-existent, even though the student insisted she was trying really hard to “talk nicely like educated people,” which led Dolly to call her “a stuck-up person who didn’t know her place.”



      “Dolly's an old goose, so don't you mind her, for she will say 'nater,'
      'vittles,' and 'doos' as long as she lives, and insist that they are
      right. You do talk very nicely, Phebe, I've observed it, and grammar will
      help you, and show you some things are right and others ain't are not, I
      mean,” added Rose, correcting herself, and feeling that she must mind her
      own parts of speech if she was to serve as an example for Phebe.
    
“Dolly's an old goose, so don’t pay any attention to her because she’ll say ‘nater,’ ‘vittles,’ and ‘doos’ for as long as she lives and insist that they’re correct. You speak very nicely, Phebe; I’ve noticed that, and grammar will help you and show you what’s right and what isn’t, I mean,” added Rose, correcting herself and realizing that she needed to be careful with her own grammar if she wanted to set an example for Phebe.



      When the arithmetic came, the little teacher was surprised to find her
      scholar quicker in some things than herself, for Phebe had worked away at
      the columns in the butcher's and baker's books till she could add so
      quickly and correctly that Rose was amazed, and felt that in this branch
      the pupil would soon excel the teacher if she kept on at the same pace.
      Her praise cheered Phebe immensely, and they went bravely on, both getting
      so interested that time flew unheeded till Aunt Plenty appeared,
      exclaiming, as she stared at the two heads bent over one slate,
    
When it was time for math, the little teacher was surprised to find her student quicker at some things than she was. Phebe had been practicing the columns in the butcher's and baker's books until she could add quickly and accurately, which amazed Rose. She realized that if Phebe kept going at this pace, she'd soon outshine her in this subject. Rose's praise lifted Phebe's spirits, and they continued working with such interest that they lost track of time until Aunt Plenty showed up, exclaiming as she looked at the two heads focused on the same slate,



      “Bless my heart, what is going on now?”
     
“Bless my heart, what’s happening now?”



      “School, aunty. I'm teaching Phebe, and it's great fun!” cried Rose,
      looking up with a bright face.
    
“School, aunt! I’m teaching Phebe, and it’s so much fun!” exclaimed Rose, looking up with a bright smile.



      But Phebe's was brighter, though she added with a wistful look,
    
But Phebe's was brighter, though she added with a longing look,



      “Maybe I ought to have asked leave first; only when Miss Rose proposed
      this, I was so happy I forgot to. Shall I stop, ma'am?”
     
“Maybe I should have asked for permission first; but when Miss Rose suggested this, I was so happy that I forgot to. Should I stop, ma'am?”



      “Of course not, child; I'm glad to see you fond of your book, and to find
      Rose helping you along. My blessed mother used to sit at work with her
      maids about her, teaching them many a useful thing in the good old fashion
      that's gone by now. Only don't neglect your work, dear, or let the books
      interfere with the duties.”
     
“Of course not, kid; I'm happy to see you enjoying your book and to find Rose helping you out. My wonderful mother used to work with her maids around her, teaching them many useful things in the good old days that are long gone. Just don’t forget your work, sweetie, or let the books get in the way of your responsibilities.”



      As Aunt Plenty spoke, with her kind old face beaming approvingly upon the
      girls, Phebe glanced at the clock, saw that it pointed to five, knew that
      Dolly would soon be down, expecting to find preparations for supper under
      way, and, hastily dropping her pencil, she jumped up, saying,
    
As Aunt Plenty spoke, her warm, aged face shining approvingly at the girls, Phebe looked at the clock, saw it was five, realized Dolly would be coming down soon, expecting to find dinner preparations underway, and quickly dropping her pencil, she jumped up, saying,



      “Please, can I go? I'll clear up after I've done my chores.”
     
“Can I go, please? I’ll tidy up once I finish my chores.”



      “School is dismissed,” answered Rose, and with a grateful “Thank you,
      heaps and heaps!” Phebe ran away singing the multiplication table as she
      set the tea ditto.
    
“School is out,” replied Rose, and with a grateful “Thanks a lot!” Phebe ran off singing the multiplication table as she set the tea the same way.



      That was the way it began, and for a week the class of one went on with
      great pleasure and profit to all concerned; for the pupil proved a bright
      one, and came to her lessons as to a feast, while the young teacher did
      her best to be worthy the high opinion held of her, for Phebe firmly
      believed that Miss Rose knew everything in the way of learning.
    
That’s how it all started, and for a week, the one-on-one class went on with great enjoyment and benefit for everyone involved; the student turned out to be very bright and approached her lessons like a feast, while the young teacher did her best to live up to the high opinion others had of her, since Phebe was convinced that Miss Rose knew everything there was to know about learning.



      Of course the lads found out what was going on, and chaffed the girls
      about the “Seminary,” as they called the new enterprise; but they thought
      it a good thing on the whole, kindly offered to give lessons in Greek and
      Latin gratis, and decided among themselves that “Rose was a little trump
      to give the Phebe-bird such a capital boost.”
     
Of course, the guys found out what was happening and teased the girls about the “Seminary,” as they called the new venture; but they generally thought it was a good idea, kindly offered to give lessons in Greek and Latin for free, and agreed among themselves that “Rose was really awesome to give the Phebe-bird such a great boost.”



      Rose herself had some doubts as to how it would strike her uncle, and
      concocted a wheedlesome speech which should at once convince him that it
      was the most useful, wholesome, and delightful plan ever devised. But she
      got no chance to deliver her address, for Dr. Alec came upon her so
      unexpectedly that it went out of her head entirely. She was sitting on the
      floor in the library, poring over a big book laid open in her lap, and
      knew nothing of the long-desired arrival till two large, warm hands met
      under her chin and gently turned her head back, so that someone could kiss
      her heartily on either cheek, while a fatherly voice said, half
      reproachfully, “Why is my girl brooding over a dusty Encyclopedia when she
      ought to be running to meet the old gentleman who couldn't get on another
      minute without her?”
     
Rose had her doubts about how her uncle would react, so she came up with a charming speech to convince him that her plan was the most useful, wholesome, and delightful idea ever. But she never got the chance to deliver it because Dr. Alec surprised her out of nowhere, making her forget all about it. She was sitting on the floor in the library, absorbed in a thick book resting on her lap, completely unaware of his long-awaited arrival until two big, warm hands came under her chin and gently turned her head back, allowing someone to kiss her affectionately on both cheeks. A fatherly voice then said, half playfully chiding, “Why is my girl lost in a dusty encyclopedia when she should be hurrying to greet the old gentleman who’s been longing to see her?”



      “O uncle! I'm so glad! and so sorry! Why didn't you let us know what time
      you'd be here, or call out the minute you came? Haven't I been home-sick
      for you? and now I'm so happy to have you back I could hug your dear old
      curly head off,” cried Rose, as the Encyclopedia went down with a bang,
      and she up with a spring that carried her into Dr. Alec's arms, to be kept
      there in the sort of embrace a man gives to the dearest creature the world
      holds for him.
    
“Oh uncle! I'm so happy! and so sorry! Why didn’t you let us know what time you’d be here or give us a call as soon as you arrived? Haven't I missed you so much? Now that you're back, I’m so thrilled I could hug your dear old curly head off,” Rose exclaimed, as the Encyclopedia slammed shut, and she jumped up, landing in Dr. Alec's arms, where he held her in the kind of embrace a man gives to the most precious person in the world.



      Presently he was in his easy chair with Rose upon his knee smiling up in
      his face and talking as fast as her tongue could go, while he watched her
      with an expression of supreme content, as he stroked the smooth round
      cheek, or held the little hand in his, rejoicing to see how rosy was the
      one, how plump and strong the other.
    
Currently, he was sitting in his comfortable chair with Rose on his lap, smiling up at him and talking as quickly as she could, while he looked at her with a look of complete happiness, stroking her smooth, round cheek or holding her small hand in his, delighted to see how rosy her cheek was and how plump and strong her little hand felt.



      “Have you had a good time? Did you save the poor lady? Aren't you glad to
      be home again with your girl to torment you?”
     
“Did you have a good time? Did you save the poor woman? Aren't you happy to be home again with your girl to bug you?”



      “Yes, to all those questions. Now tell me what you've been at, little
      sinner? Aunty Plen says you want to consult me about some new and
      remarkable project which you have dared to start in my absence.”
     
“Yes, to all those questions. Now tell me what you've been up to, little sinner? Aunty Plen says you want to talk to me about some new and exciting project that you've decided to start while I wasn't around.”



      “She didn't tell you, I hope?”
     
"She didn’t tell you, did she?"



      “Not a word more expect that you were rather doubtful how I'd take it, and
      so wanted to 'fess' yourself and get round me as you always try to do,
      though you don't often succeed. Now, then, own up and take the
      consequences.”
     
“Don’t say anything more except that you were a bit unsure how I’d react, so you wanted to come clean and try to charm me like you usually do, even if you don’t often pull it off. Now, just admit it and face the music.”



      So Rose told about her school in her pretty, earnest way, dwelling on
      Phebe's hunger for knowledge, and the delight it was to help her, adding,
      with a wise nod,
    
So Rose described her school in her charming, sincere manner, focusing on Phebe's thirst for knowledge and how rewarding it was to assist her, adding, with a knowing nod,



      “And it helps me too, uncle, for she is so quick and eager I have to do my
      best or she will get ahead of me in some things. To-day, now, she had the
      word 'cotton' in a lesson and asked all about it, and I was ashamed to
      find I really knew so little that I could only say that it was a plant
      that grew down South in a kind of a pod, and was made into cloth. That's
      what I was reading up when you came, and to-morrow I shall tell her all
      about it, and indigo too. So you see it teaches me also, and is as good as
      a general review of what I've learned, in a pleasanter way than going over
      it alone.”
     
“And it helps me too, Uncle, because she’s so quick and eager that I have to do my best, or she’ll get ahead of me in some things. Today, she had the word 'cotton' in a lesson and asked all about it, and I was embarrassed to realize I knew so little. I could only say that it was a plant that grew in the South in a kind of pod and was made into cloth. That’s what I was studying when you came, and tomorrow I’ll tell her all about it, and indigo too. So you see, it teaches me as well, and it’s like a general review of what I’ve learned, but in a more enjoyable way than going over it on my own.”



      “You artful little baggage! that's the way you expect to get round me, is
      it? That's not studying, I suppose?”
     
“You clever little trickster! Is that how you think you can get past me? I guess that's not what you call studying?”



      “No, sir, it's teaching; and please, I like it much better than having a
      good time by myself. Besides, you know, I adopted Phebe and promised to be
      a sister to her, so I am bound to keep my word, am I not?” answered Rose,
      looking both anxious and resolute as she waited for her sentence.
    
“No, sir, it’s teaching; and honestly, I enjoy it way more than just having fun by myself. Plus, you know, I adopted Phebe and promised to be a sister to her, so I have to keep my word, right?” Rose replied, looking both worried and determined as she waited for her sentence.



      Dr. Alec was evidently already won, for Rose had described the old slate
      and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect, and the excellent man had
      not only decided to send Phebe to school long before the story was done,
      but reproached himself for forgetting his duty to one little girl in his
      love for another. So when Rose tried to look meek and failed utterly, he
      laughed and pinched her cheek, and answered in that genial way which adds
      such warmth and grace to any favour,
    
Dr. Alec was clearly already convinced, because Rose had described the old slate and brown paper notebook in such a touching way, and the kind man had not only decided to send Phebe to school long before she finished the story, but he also felt guilty for neglecting his responsibility to one little girl because of his affection for another. So when Rose attempted to appear modest and completely missed the mark, he laughed and pinched her cheek, responding in that friendly manner that brings so much warmth and charm to any kindness.



      “I haven't the slightest objection in the world. In fact, I was beginning
      to think I might let you go at your books again, moderately, since you are
      so well; and this is an excellent way to try your powers. Phebe is a
      brave, bright lass, and shall have a fair chance in the world, if we can
      give it to her, so that if she ever finds her friends they need not be
      ashamed of her.”
     
"I don't have any objections at all. In fact, I was starting to think that I might let you get back to your books again, in moderation, since you’re doing so well; and this is a great way to test your abilities. Phebe is a strong, bright girl, and she deserves a fair shot in the world, so that if she ever finds her friends, they won’t have to be ashamed of her."



      “I think she has found some already,” began Rose eagerly.
    
“I think she’s already found some,” Rose said eagerly.



      “Hey? what? has anyone turned up since I've been gone?” asked Dr. Alec
      quickly, for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebe would prove to
      be “somebody” sooner or later.
    
“Hey? What? Has anyone shown up since I left?” asked Dr. Alec quickly, as the family firmly believed that Phebe would eventually become “somebody.”



      “No, her best friend turned up when you came home, uncle,” answered Rose
      with an approving pat, adding gratefully, “I can't half thank you for
      being so good to my girl, but she will, because I know she is going to
      make a woman to be proud of, she's so strong and true, and loving.”
     
“No, her best friend showed up when you got home, uncle,” Rose replied with an appreciative pat, adding gratefully, “I can’t thank you enough for being so good to my girl, but she will, because I know she’s going to grow up to be someone we can all be proud of; she’s so strong, honest, and loving.”



      “Bless your dear heart, I haven't begun to do anything yet, more shame to
      me! But I'm going at it now, and as soon as she gets on a bit, she shall
      go to school as long as she likes. How will that do for a beginning?”
     
“Bless your sweet heart, I haven't started doing anything yet, how embarrassing! But I'm getting to it now, and as soon as she settles in a bit, she'll be able to go to school for as long as she wants. How does that sound for a start?”



      “It will be 'just heavenly,' as Phebe says, for it is the wish of her life
      to 'get lots of schooling,' and she will be too happy when I tell her. May
      I, please? it will be so lovely to see the dear thing open her big eyes
      and clap her hands at the splendid news.”
     
“It’s going to be 'just amazing,' as Phebe says, because it’s her lifelong dream to 'get lots of education,' and she’ll be so happy when I tell her. Can I, please? It will be so wonderful to see the dear girl’s big eyes light up and clap her hands at the fantastic news.”



      “No one shall have a finger in this nice little pie; you shall do it all
      yourself, only don't go too fast, or make too many castles in the air, my
      dear; for time and patience must go into this pie of ours if it is to turn
      out well.”
     
“No one should meddle in this nice little project; you have to handle it all yourself, just don’t rush it or dream too big, my dear; because time and patience need to be part of this project of ours if it’s going to succeed.”



      “Yes, uncle, only when it is opened won't 'the birds begin to sing?”'
      laughed Rose, taking a turn about the room as a vent for the joyful
      emotions that made her eyes shine. All of a sudden she stopped and asked
      soberly,
    
“Yes, uncle, only when it opens won't 'the birds start singing?'” laughed Rose, walking around the room as a way to express the joyful feelings that lit up her eyes. Suddenly, she stopped and asked seriously,



      “If Phebe goes to school who will do her work? I'm willing, if I can.”
     
“If Phebe goes to school, who will do her chores? I'm happy to help if I can.”



      “Come here and I'll tell you a secret. Dolly's 'bones' are getting so
      troublesome, and her dear old temper so bad, that the aunts have decided
      to pension her off and let her go and live with her daughter, who has
      married very well. I saw her this week, and she'd like to have her mother
      come, so in the spring we shall have a grand change, and get a new cook
      and chamber-girl if any can be found to suit our honoured relatives.”
     
“Come here and I'll tell you a secret. Dolly's issues are becoming such a hassle, and her temper is so terrible, that the aunts have decided to retire her and let her go live with her daughter, who has married quite well. I saw her this week, and she’d like her mother to come, so in the spring we’ll have a big change and find a new cook and housekeeper if we can find anyone to please our esteemed relatives.”



      “Oh, me! how can I ever get on without Phebe? Couldn't she stay, just so I
      could see her? I'd pay her board rather than have her go, I'm so fond of
      her.”
     
“Oh, how am I supposed to get by without Phebe? Couldn’t she stay, just so I could see her? I’d pay her board instead of letting her go, I like her so much.”



      How Dr. Alec laughed at that proposal, and how satisfied Rose was when he
      explained that Phebe was still to be her maid, with no duties except such
      as she could easily perform between school-hours.
    
How Dr. Alec laughed at that suggestion, and how happy Rose was when he explained that Phebe would still be her maid, with no responsibilities except those she could easily handle between classes.



      “She is a proud creature, for all her humble ways, and even from us would
      not take a favour if she did not earn it somewhere. So this arrangement
      makes it all square and comfortable, you see, and she will pay for the
      schooling by curling these goldilocks a dozen times a day if you let her.”
     
“She’s a proud person, despite her modest demeanor, and she wouldn’t accept a favor from us unless she felt she earned it in some way. So this arrangement makes everything fair and easy, you see, and she will pay for the schooling by curling her hair a dozen times a day if you let her.”



      “Your plans are always so wise and kind! That's why they work so well, I
      suppose, and why people let you do what you like with them. I really don't
      see how other girls get along without an Uncle Alec!” answered Rose, with
      a sigh of pity for those who had missed so great a blessing.
    
“Your plans are always so smart and thoughtful! That’s probably why they succeed so well, and why people let you do what you want with them. I honestly don’t understand how other girls manage without an Uncle Alec!” replied Rose, with a sigh of sympathy for those who had missed out on such a wonderful blessing.



      When Phebe was told the splendid news, she did not “stand on her head with
      rapture,” as Charlie prophesied she would, but took it quietly, because it
      was such a happy thing she had no words “big and beautiful enough to thank
      them in,” she said; but every hour of her day was brightened by this
      granted wish, and dedicated to the service of those who gave it.
    
When Phebe heard the amazing news, she didn't “stand on her head with excitement,” as Charlie predicted she would, but took it calmly, since it was such a happy thing that she had no words “big and beautiful enough to thank them in,” she said; but every hour of her day was brightened by this fulfilled wish and dedicated to the people who made it happen.



      Her heart was so full of content that if overflowed in music, and the
      sweet voice singing all about the house gave thanks so blithely that no
      other words were needed. Her willing feet were never tired of taking steps
      for those who had smoothed her way; her skilful hands were always busy in
      some labour of love for them, and on the face fast growing in comeliness
      there was an almost womanly expression of devotion, which proved how well
      Phebe had already learned one of life's great lessons gratitude.
    
Her heart was so filled with happiness that it overflowed into music, and the sweet voice singing all around the house expressed gratitude so joyfully that no other words were necessary. Her eager feet never grew tired of taking steps for those who had helped her along the way; her skilled hands were always busy with some act of love for them, and on her face, which was becoming more beautiful, there was an almost womanly look of devotion, showing how well Phebe had already learned one of life's important lessons: gratitude.




 


 












      Chapter 23—Peace-Making
    



      “Steve, I want you to tell me something,” said Rose to Dandy, who was
      making faces at himself in the glass, while he waited for an answer to the
      note he brought from his mother to Aunt Plenty.
    
“Steve, I need you to tell me something,” Rose said to Dandy, who was making faces at himself in the mirror as he waited for a reply to the note he brought from his mom to Aunt Plenty.



      “P'raps I will, and p'raps I won't. What is it?”
     
“Maybe I will, and maybe I won't. What is it?”



      “Haven't Arch and Charlie quarrelled?”
     
"Haven't Arch and Charlie argued?"



      “Dare say; we fellows are always having little rows, you know. I do
      believe a sty is coming on my star-board eye,” and Steve affected to be
      absorbed in a survey of his yellow lashes.
    
“Honestly, we guys are always getting into small arguments, you know. I think I'm getting a sty on my right eye,” and Steve pretended to be focused on examining his yellow eyelashes.



      “No, that won't do; I want to know all about it; for I'm sure something
      more serious than a 'little row' is the matter. Come, please tell me,
      Stenie, there's a dear.”
     
“No, that's not good enough; I want to know everything about it because I'm sure something more serious than just a 'little fight' is going on. Please, tell me, Stenie, sweetheart.”



      “Botheration! you don't want me to turn telltale, do you?” growled Steve,
      pulling his top-knot, as he always did when perplexed.
    
“Ugh! You don’t want me to spill the beans, do you?” growled Steve, tugging at his hair, like he always did when he was confused.



      “Yes, I do,” was Rose's decided answer for she saw from his manner that
      she was right, and determined to have the secret out of him if coaxing
      would do it. “I don't wish you to tell things to everyone, of course, but
      to me you may, and you must, because I have a right to know. You boys need
      somebody to look after you, and I'm going to do it, for girls are nice
      peacemakers, and know how to manage people. Uncle said so, and he is never
      wrong.”
     
“Yes, I do,” Rose replied firmly, as she noticed from his demeanor that she was correct, and she was set on getting the secret out of him through gentle persuasion. “I don't want you to share everything with everyone, of course, but with me, you can and you have to, because I have a right to know. You guys need someone to take care of you, and I’m going to be that person, because girls are great at bringing peace and know how to handle people. Uncle said so, and he’s never wrong.”



      Steve was about to indulge in a derisive hoot at the idea of her looking
      after them, but a sudden thought restrained him, and suggested a way in
      which he could satisfy Rose, and better himself at the same time.
    
Steve was about to laugh mockingly at the idea of her taking care of them, but a sudden thought stopped him and gave him a way to please Rose while also improving his own situation.



      “What will you give me if I'll tell you every bit about it?” he asked,
      with a sudden red in his cheeks and an uneasy look in his eyes, for he was
      half ashamed of the proposition.
    
“What will you give me if I tell you everything about it?” he asked, his cheeks suddenly flushing and an anxious look in his eyes, feeling half ashamed of the offer.



      “What do you want?” and Rose looked up rather surprised at his question.
    
“What do you want?” Rose asked, looking up, surprised by his question.



      “I'd like to borrow some money. I shouldn't think of asking you, only Mac
      never has a cent. since he's set up his old chemical shop, where he'll
      blow himself to bits some day, and you and uncle will have the fun of
      putting him together again,” and Steve tried to look as if the idea amused
      him.
    
“I'd like to borrow some money. I really shouldn’t ask you, but Mac never has any cash. Ever since he opened his old chemical shop, he's bound to blow himself up one day, and you and Uncle will get to have the fun of piecing him back together,” and Steve tried to look like he found the idea funny.



      “I'll lend it to you with pleasure, so tell away,” said Rose, bound to get
      at the secret.
    
“I'll happily lend it to you, so go ahead and share,” said Rose, eager to uncover the secret.



      Evidently much relieved by the promise, Steve set his top-knot cheerfully
      erect again, and briefly stated the case.
    
Clearly much relieved by the promise, Steve perked up his top-knot cheerfully and briefly explained the situation.



      “As you say, it's all right to tell you, but don't let the boys know I
      blabbed, or Prince will take my head off. You see, Archie don't like some
      of the fellows Charlie goes with, and cuts 'em. That makes Prince mad, and
      he holds on just to plague Arch, so they don't speak to one another, if
      they can help it, and that's the row.”
     
“As you mentioned, it’s fine for me to tell you, but don’t let the guys know I spilled the beans, or Prince will be angry with me. You see, Archie doesn’t like some of the guys Charlie hangs out with, so he ignores them. That makes Prince mad, and he keeps hanging around just to annoy Archie, so they avoid talking to each other whenever they can, and that’s the whole issue.”



      “Are those boys bad?” asked Rose, anxiously.
    
“Are those boys trouble?” asked Rose, worried.



      “Guess not, only rather wild. They are older than our fellows, but they
      like Prince, he's such a jolly boy; sings so well, dances jigs and
      breakdowns, you know, and plays any game that's going. He beat Morse at
      billiards, and that's something to brag of, for Morse thinks he knows
      everything. I saw the match, and it was great fun!”
     
“Guess not, just a bit crazy. They’re older than our friends, but they like Prince; he’s such a fun guy. He sings really well, dances jigs and breakdowns, you know, and plays any game that’s happening. He beat Morse at billiards, and that’s worth bragging about because Morse thinks he knows everything. I saw the match, and it was a lot of fun!”



      Steve got quite excited over the prowess of Charlie, whom he admired
      immensely, and tried to imitate. Rose did not know half the danger of such
      gifts and tastes as Charlie's, but felt instinctively that something must
      be wrong if Archie disapproved.
    
Steve got really excited about Charlie's skills, which he admired a lot and tried to copy. Rose didn't fully understand the dangers of Charlie's talents and interests, but she sensed that something must be off if Archie disapproved.



      “If Prince likes any billiard-playing boy better than Archie, I don't
      think much of his sense,” she said severely.
    
“If Prince likes any boy who plays billiards more than Archie, I don’t think much of his judgment,” she said sternly.



      “Of course he doesn't; but, you see, Charlie and Arch are both as proud as
      they can be, and won't give in. I suppose Arch is right, but I don't blame
      Charlie a bit for liking to be with the others sometimes, they are such a
      jolly set,” and Steve shook his head morally, even while his eye twinkled
      over the memory of some of the exploits of the “jolly set.”
     
“Of course he doesn't; but, you see, Charlie and Arch are both as proud as they can be and won't budge. I guess Arch is right, but I don’t blame Charlie at all for wanting to hang out with the others sometimes; they’re such a fun group,” and Steve shook his head with a sense of rightness, even while his eye twinkled at the memory of some of the adventures of the “fun group.”



      “Oh, dear me!” sighed Rose, “I don't see what I can do about it, but I
      wish the boys would make up, for Prince can't come to any harm with
      Archie, he's so good and sensible.”
     
“Oh, dear me!” sighed Rose, “I don't know what I can do about it, but I wish the boys would make up because Prince can't get hurt with Archie around; he's so good and sensible.”



      “That's the trouble; Arch preaches, and Prince won't stand it. He told
      Arch he was a prig and a parson, and Arch told him he wasn't a gentleman.
      My boots! weren't they both mad, though! I thought for a minute they'd
      pitch into one another and have it out. Wish they had, and not gone
      stalking round stiff and glum ever since. Mac and I settle our rows with a
      bat or so over the head, and then we are all right.”
     
“That's the problem; Arch preaches, and Prince can't take it. He told Arch he was a self-righteous moralizer, and Arch called him a brute. My goodness! Weren't they both acting crazy, though! I thought for a moment they were going to throw down and get it over with. I wish they had instead of just stomping around all stiff and gloomy since then. Mac and I settle our disputes with a swing or two over the head, and then we're good.”



      Rose couldn't help laughing as Steve sparred away at a fat sofa-pillow, to
      illustrate his meaning; and, having given it several scientific whacks, he
      pulled down his cuffs and smiled upon her with benign pity for her
      feminine ignorance of this summary way of settling a quarrel.
    
Rose couldn't help laughing as Steve punched a big sofa pillow to make his point; after giving it a few scientific hits, he adjusted his cuffs and smiled at her with a kind of amused pity for her cluelessness about this straightforward way of resolving a conflict.



      “What droll things boys are!” she said, with a mixture of admiration and
      perplexity in her face, which Steve accepted as a compliment to his sex.
    
“What funny creatures boys are!” she said, with a mix of admiration and confusion on her face, which Steve took as a compliment to his gender.



      “We're a pretty clever invention, miss, and you can't get on without us,”
       he answered, with his nose in the air. Then, taking a sudden plunge into
      business, he added, “How about that bit of money you were going to lend
      me? I've told, now you pay up.”
     
“We're a pretty smart invention, miss, and you can't manage without us,” he replied, holding his head high. Then, shifting to a more business-like tone, he added, “What about that money you were going to lend me? I've talked, now you need to pay up.”



      “Of course I will! How much do you want?” and Rose pulled out her purse.
    
“Of course I will! How much do you need?” and Rose took out her wallet.



      “Could you spare five dollars? I want to pay a little debt of honour that
      is rather pressing,” and Steve put on a mannish air that was comical to
      see.
    
“Could you lend me five dollars? I need to settle a small matter of honor that’s pretty urgent,” and Steve affected a manly demeanor that was amusing to witness.



      “Aren't all debts honourable?” asked innocent Rose.
    
“Aren't all debts honorable?” asked innocent Rose.



      “Yes, of course; but this is a bet I made, and it ought to be settled up
      at once,” began Steve, finding it awkward to explain.
    
“Yeah, of course; but this is a bet I made, and it needs to be settled right away,” started Steve, feeling awkward trying to explain.



      “Oh, don't bet, it's not right, and I know your father wouldn't like it.
      Promise you won't do so again; please promise!” and Rose held fast the
      hand into which she had just put the money.
    
“Oh, don’t bet, it’s not right, and I know your dad wouldn’t approve.  
      Promise you won’t do it again; please promise!” and Rose held tightly to the  
      hand where she had just placed the money.



      “Well, I won't. It's worried me a good deal, but I was joked into it. Much
      obliged, cousin, I'm all right now,” and Steve departed hastily.
    
"Well, I won't. It's been on my mind a lot, but I was teased into it. Thanks a lot, cousin, I'm fine now," and Steve left quickly.



      Having decided to be a peace-maker, Rose waited for an opportunity, and
      very soon it came.
    
Having decided to be a peacemaker, Rose waited for a chance, and it came quickly.



      She was spending the day with Aunt Clara, who had been entertaining some
      young guests, and invited Rose to meet them, for she thought it high time
      her niece conquered her bashfulness and saw a little of society. Dinner
      was over, and everyone had gone. Aunt Clara was resting before going out
      to an evening party, and Rose was waiting for Charlie to come and take her
      home.
    
She was spending the day with Aunt Clara, who had been entertaining some young guests and invited Rose to meet them, believing it was high time her niece overcame her shyness and experienced a bit of social life. Dinner was over, and everyone had left. Aunt Clara was resting before heading out to an evening party, and Rose was waiting for Charlie to come and take her home.



      She sat alone in the elegant drawing-room, feeling particularly nice and
      pretty, for she had her best frock on, a pair of gold bands her aunt had
      just given her, and a tea-rose bud in her sash, like the beautiful Miss
      Van Tassel, whom everyone admired. She had spread out her little skirts to
      the best advantage, and, leaning back in a luxurious chair, sat admiring
      her own feet in new slippers with rosettes almost as big as dahlias.
      Presently Charlie came lounging in, looking rather sleepy and queer, Rose
      thought. On seeing her, however, he roused up and said with a smile that
      ended in a gape,
    
She sat alone in the stylish living room, feeling really nice and pretty because she was wearing her favorite dress, a pair of gold bracelets her aunt had just given her, and a tea rose bud in her sash, just like the stunning Miss Van Tassel, who everyone admired. She had spread her little skirts out nicely and, leaning back in a comfy chair, was admiring her own feet in new slippers with rosettes almost as big as dahlias. Soon, Charlie strolled in, looking a bit sleepy and strange, Rose thought. But when he saw her, he perked up and said with a smile that turned into a yawn,



      “I thought you were with mother, so I took forty winks after I got those
      girls off. Now, I'm at your service, Rosamunda, whenever you like.”
     
“I thought you were with Mom, so I took a quick nap after I got those girls sorted out. Now, I'm here for you, Rosamunda, whenever you need me.”



      “You look as if your head ached. If it does, don't mind me. I'm not afraid
      to run home alone, it's so early,” answered Rose, observing the flushed
      cheeks and heavy eyes of her cousin.
    
“You look like you have a headache. If you do, don’t worry about me. I’m not scared to head home by myself; it’s still early,” Rose said, noticing her cousin’s flushed cheeks and heavy eyes.



      “I think I see myself letting you do it. Champagne always makes my
      headache, but the air will set me up.”
     
“I think I can see myself letting you do it. Champagne always gives me a headache, but the fresh air will help me out.”



      “Why do you drink it, then?” asked Rose, anxiously.
    
“Why do you drink it, then?” Rose asked, concerned.



      “Can't help it, when I'm host. Now, don't you begin to lecture; I've had
      enough of Archie's old-fashioned notions, and I don't want any more.”
     
“Can't help it, when I'm the host. Now, don't start lecturing me; I’ve had enough of Archie’s outdated ideas, and I don’t want any more.”



      Charlie's tone was decidedly cross, and his whole manner so unlike his
      usual merry good-nature, that Rose felt crushed, and answered meekly,
    
Charlie's tone was clearly irritated, and his entire demeanor was so different from his usual cheerful disposition that Rose felt defeated and replied softly,



      “I wasn't going to lecture, only when people like other people, they can't
      bear to see them suffer pain.”
     
“I wasn’t going to preach, but when people care about each other, they can’t stand to see them in pain.”



      That brought Charlie round at once, for Rose's lips trembled a little,
      though she tried to hide it by smelling the flower she pulled from her
      sash.
    
That caught Charlie's attention right away, because Rose's lips shook a little, even though she tried to hide it by smelling the flower she took from her sash.



      “I'm a regular bear, and I beg your pardon for being so cross, Rosy,” he
      said in the old frank way that was so winning.
    
“I'm just an ordinary bear, and I’m sorry for being so grumpy, Rosy,” he said in that honest way that was so charming.



      “I wish you'd beg Archie's too, and be good friends again. You never were
      cross when he was your chum,” Rose said, looking up at him as he bent
      toward her from the low chimney-piece, where he had been leaning his
      elbows.
    
“I wish you’d ask Archie to be friends again. You were never mad when he was your buddy,” Rose said, looking up at him as he leaned toward her from the low mantelpiece, where he had been resting his elbows.



      In an instant he stood as stiff and straight as a ramrod, and the heavy
      eyes kindled with an angry spark as he said, in his high and mighty
      manner,
    
In a moment, he stood as straight and stiff as a board, and his heavy eyes lit up with an angry spark as he said, in his haughty tone,



      “You'd better not meddle with what you don't understand, cousin.”
     
"You shouldn't mess with things you don't get, cousin."



      “But I do understand, and it troubles me very much to see you so cold and
      stiff to one another. You always used to be together, and now you hardly
      speak. You are so ready to beg my pardon I don't see why you can't beg
      Archie's, if you are in the wrong.”
     
“But I do get it, and it really bothers me to see you both so distant and rigid with each other. You used to spend so much time together, and now you barely talk. You're so quick to apologize to me; I don't understand why you can't do the same for Archie if you messed up.”



      “I'm not!” this was so short and sharp that Rose started, and Charlie
      added in a calmer but still very haughty tone: “A gentleman always begs
      pardon when he has been rude to a lady, but one man doesn't apologize to
      another man who has insulted him.”
     
“I'm not!” This was so abrupt and intense that Rose jumped, and Charlie interjected in a more composed but still very arrogant tone: “A gentleman always apologizes when he's been rude to a lady, but one man doesn't apologize to another man who has insulted him.”



      “Oh, my heart, what a pepperpot!” thought Rose, and, hoping to make him
      laugh, she added slyly: “I was not talking about men, but boys, and one of
      them a Prince, who ought to set a good example to his subjects.”
     
“Oh, my heart, what a character!” thought Rose, and, hoping to make him laugh, she added playfully: “I wasn’t talking about men, but boys, and one of them a Prince, who should set a good example for his subjects.”



      But Charlie would not relent, and tried to turn the subject by saying
      gravely, as he unfastened the little gold ring from his watch-guard,
    
But Charlie wouldn’t give in and tried to change the subject by saying seriously, as he took the little gold ring off his watch chain,



      “I've broken my word, so I want to give this back and free you from the
      bargain. I'm sorry, but I think it a foolish promise, and don't intend to
      keep it. Choose a pair of ear-rings to suit yourself, as my forfeit. You
      have a right to wear them now.”
     
“I’ve gone back on my promise, so I want to return this and release you from the deal. I’m sorry, but I think it’s a silly commitment, and I don’t plan to stick to it. Pick a pair of earrings you like as my penalty. You have the right to wear them now.”



      “No, I can only wear one, and that is no use, for Archie will keep his
      word I'm sure!” Rose was so mortified and grieved at this downfall of her
      hopes that she spoke sharply, and would not take the ring the deserter
      offered her.
    
“No, I can only wear one, and that’s no good because I know Archie will keep his promise!” Rose was so embarrassed and upset about this disappointment that she spoke sharply and refused to take the ring the traitor offered her.



      He shrugged his shoulders, and threw it into her lap, trying to look cool
      and careless, but failing entirely, for he was ashamed of himself, and out
      of sorts generally. Rose wanted to cry, but pride would not let her, and,
      being very angry, she relieved herself by talk instead of tears. Looking
      pale and excited, she rose out of her chair, cast away the ring, and said
      in a voice that she vainly tried to keep steady,
    
He shrugged and tossed it into her lap, trying to appear relaxed and indifferent, but he completely failed because he felt ashamed and generally out of sorts. Rose wanted to cry, but her pride held her back, and feeling very angry, she expressed herself through words instead of tears. Looking pale and agitated, she stood up from her chair, threw the ring away, and said in a voice she desperately tried to keep steady,



      “You are not at all the boy I thought you were, and I don't respect you
      one bit. I've tried to help you be good, but you won't let me, and I shall
      not try any more. You talk a great deal about being a gentleman, but you
      are not, for you've broken your word, and I can never trust you again. I
      don't wish you to go home with me. I'd rather have Mary. Good-night.”
     
“You’re not at all the guy I thought you were, and I don’t respect you at all. I’ve tried to help you be better, but you won’t let me, and I’m done trying. You talk a lot about being a gentleman, but you’re not, because you’ve broken your word, and I can never trust you again. I don’t want you to come home with me. I’d rather have Mary. Goodnight.”



      And with that last dreadful blow, Rose walked out of the room, leaving
      Charlie as much astonished as if one of his pet pigeons had flown in his
      face and pecked at him. She was so seldom angry, that when her temper did
      get the better of her it made a deep impression on the lads, for it was
      generally a righteous sort of indignation at some injustice or
      wrong-doing, not childish passion.
    
And with that last terrible blow, Rose walked out of the room, leaving Charlie as shocked as if one of his pet pigeons had flown up in his face and pecked at him. She was rarely angry, so when her temper flared up, it made a strong impression on the guys, because it was usually a justified kind of anger at some unfairness or wrongdoing, not just childish rage.



      Her little thunderstorm cleared off in a sob or two as she put on her
      things in the entry-closet, and when she emerged she looked the brighter
      for the shower. A hasty good-night to Aunt Clara now under the hands of
      the hairdresser and then she crept down to find Mary the maid. But Mary
      was out, so was the man, and Rose slipped away by the back-door,
      flattering herself that she had escaped the awkwardness of having Charlie
      for escort.
    
Her little tantrum calmed down with a tear or two as she got dressed in the entryway, and when she stepped out, she looked brighter after the storm. She quickly said goodnight to Aunt Clara, who was now in the hands of the hairdresser, and then she quietly headed down to find Mary the maid. But Mary was out, and so was the man, so Rose slipped out the back door, feeling pleased that she had avoided the awkwardness of having Charlie as her escort.



      There she was mistaken, however, for the gate had hardly closed behind her
      when a well-known tramp was heard, and the Prince was beside her, saying
      in a tone of penitent politeness that banished Rose's wrath like magic,
    
There she was wrong, though, because the gate had barely closed behind her when a familiar tramp was heard, and the Prince was next to her, speaking in a tone of sincere politeness that wiped away Rose's anger like magic,



      “You needn't speak to me if you don't choose, but I must see you safely
      home, cousin.”
     
“You don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to, but I have to make sure you get home safely, cousin.”



      She turned at once, put out her hand, and answered heartily,
    
She immediately turned, extended her hand, and replied warmly,



      “I was the cross one. Please forgive me, and let's be friends again.”
     
“I was the angry one. Please forgive me, and let's be friends again.”



      Now that was better than a dozen sermons on the beauty of forgiveness, and
      did Charlie more good, for it showed him how sweet humility was, and
      proved that Rose practised as she preached.
    
Now that was better than a dozen sermons on the beauty of forgiveness, and it helped Charlie more because it showed him how sweet humility was and proved that Rose practiced what she preached.



      He shook the hand warmly, then drew it through his arm and said, as if
      anxious to recover the good opinion with the loss of which he had been
      threatened,
    
He shook the hand warmly, then linked it through his arm and said, as if eager to regain the good opinion he had been at risk of losing,



      “Look here, Rosy, I've put the ring back, and I'm going to try again. But
      you don't know how hard it is to stand being laughed at.”
     
“Listen, Rosy, I've returned the ring, and I'm going to give it another shot. But you have no idea how tough it is to deal with being mocked.”



      “Yes, I do! Ariadne plagues me every time I see her, because I don't wear
      ear-rings after all the trouble I had getting ready for them.”
     
“Yes, I do! Ariadne gives me a hard time every time I see her because I don’t wear earrings after all the effort I put into getting ready for them.”



      “Ah, but her twaddle isn't half as bad as the chaffing I get. It takes a
      deal of pluck to hold out when you are told you are tied to an apron
      string, and all that sort of thing,” sighed Charlie.
    
“Ah, but her nonsense isn't nearly as bad as the teasing I get. It takes a lot of courage to stand firm when people say you’re tied to an apron string, and all that kind of stuff,” sighed Charlie.



      “I thought you had a 'deal of pluck,' as you call it. The boys all say you
      are the bravest of the seven,” said Rose.
    
“I thought you had a lot of courage, as you call it. The guys all say you are the bravest of the seven,” said Rose.



      “So I am about some things, but I cannot bear to be laughed at.”
     
“So I care about some things, but I can't stand being laughed at.”



      “It is hard, but if one is right won't that make it easier?”
     
“It’s tough, but if you’re right, won’t that make it easier?”



      “Not to me; it might to a pious parson like Arch.”
     
“Not to me; it might to a devout pastor like Arch.”



      “Please don't call him names! I guess he has what is called moral courage,
      and you physical courage. Uncle explained the difference to me, and moral
      is the best, though often it doesn't look so,” said Rose thoughtfully.
    
“Please don’t call him names! I guess he has what’s called moral courage, and you have physical courage. Uncle explained the difference to me, and moral is the better one, even though it doesn’t always seem that way,” Rose said thoughtfully.



      Charlie didn't like that, and answered quickly, “I don't believe he'd
      stand it any better than I do, if he had those fellows at him.”
     
Charlie didn't like that and quickly replied, “I don't think he’d handle it any better than I do if he had those guys after him.”



      “Perhaps that's why he keeps out of their way, and wants you to.”
     
“Maybe that’s why he stays away from them and wants you to as well.”



      Rose had him there, and Charlie felt it, but would not give in just yet,
      though he was going fast, for somehow, in the dark he seemed to see things
      clearer than in the light, and found it very easy to be confidential when
      it was “only Rose.”
     
Rose had him in a tough spot, and Charlie felt it, but he wasn’t ready to back down just yet, even though he was moving fast. Somehow, in the darkness, he seemed to see things more clearly than in the light, and he found it really easy to open up when it was “just Rose.”



      “If he was my brother, now, he'd have some right to interfere,” began
      Charlie, in an injured tone.
    
“If he were my brother, then he’d have some right to interfere,” Charlie started, sounding hurt.



      “I wish he was!” cried Rose.
    
"I wish he were!" cried Rose.



      “So do I,” answered Charlie, and then they both laughed at his
      inconsistency.
    
“So do I,” replied Charlie, and then they both laughed at his inconsistency.



      The laugh did them good, and when Prince spoke again, it was in a
      different tone pensive, not proud nor perverse.
    
The laugh was good for them, and when the Prince spoke again, it was in a different tone—thoughtful, neither proud nor stubborn.



      “You see, it's hard upon me that I have no brothers and sisters. The
      others are better off and needn't go abroad for chums if they don't like.
      I am all alone, and I'd be thankful even for a little sister.”
     
“You see, it’s tough for me not having any brothers or sisters. The others are better off and don’t have to go out of town to find friends if they don’t want to. I’m all alone, and I’d appreciate even having a little sister.”



      Rose thought that very pathetic, and, overlooking the uncomplimentary word
      “even” in that last sentence, she said, with a timid sort of earnestness
      that conquered her cousin at once,
    
Rose found that quite pathetic, and while ignoring the unflattering word “even” in that last sentence, she said, with a shy kind of sincerity that won her cousin over immediately,



      “Play I was a little sister. I know I'm silly, but perhaps I'm better than
      nothing, and I'd dearly love to do it.”
     
“Play I was a little sister. I know I’m goofy, but maybe I’m better than nothing, and I would really love to do it.”



      “So should I! and we will, for you are not silly, my dear, but a very
      sensible girl, we all think, and I'm proud to have you for a sister.
      There, now!” and Charlie looked down at the curly head bobbing along
      beside him with real affection in his face.
    
“So should I! And we will, because you’re not silly, my dear, but a very sensible girl, as we all agree. I’m proud to have you as my sister. There, now!” Charlie said, looking down at the curly head bobbing along beside him, his face showing genuine affection.



      Rose gave a skip of pleasure, and laid one seal-skin mitten over the other
      on his arm, as she said happily,
    
Rose skipped with joy and placed one seal-skin mitten over the other on his arm as she said happily,



      “That's so nice of you! Now, you needn't be lonely any more, and I'll try
      to fill Archie's place till he comes back, for I know he will, as soon as
      you let him.”
     
"That's really nice of you! You don't have to be lonely anymore, and I'll do my best to take Archie's place until he comes back, because I know he will as soon as you let him."



      “Well, I don't mind telling you that while he was my mate I never missed
      brothers and sisters, or wanted anyone else; but since he cast me off,
      I'll be hanged if I don't feel as forlorn as old Crusoe before Friday
      turned up.”
     
“Well, I’ll be honest with you—when he was my friend, I never missed having brothers or sisters, or wished for anyone else. But now that he’s turned his back on me, I swear I feel as alone as Robinson Crusoe did before Friday showed up.”



      This burst of confidence confirmed Rose in her purpose of winning
      Charlie's Mentor back to him, but she said no more, contented to have done
      so well. They parted excellent friends, and Prince went home, wondering
      why “a fellow didn't mind saying things to a girl or woman which they
      would die before they'd own to another fellow.”
     
This boost of confidence solidified Rose's determination to win Charlie's Mentor back for him, but she didn't say anything more, satisfied with how well she had done. They parted as great friends, and Prince went home, puzzled about why "a guy wouldn't hesitate to say things to a girl or woman that he'd never admit to another guy."



      Rose also had some sage reflections upon the subject, and fell asleep
      thinking that there were a great many curious things in this world, and
      feeling that she was beginning to find out some of them.
    
Rose also had some thoughtful insights on the subject and fell asleep thinking about all the interesting things in this world, feeling like she was starting to discover some of them.



      Next day she trudged up the hill to see Archie, and having told him as
      much as she thought best about her talk with Charlie, begged him to forget
      and forgive.
    
The next day, she walked up the hill to see Archie, and after sharing only what she thought was necessary about her conversation with Charlie, she asked him to forget and forgive.



      “I've been thinking that perhaps I ought to, though I am in the right. I'm
      no end fond of Charlie, and he's the best-hearted lad alive; but he can't
      say No, and that will play the mischief with him, if he does not take
      care,” said Archie in his grave, kind way.
    
“I've been thinking that maybe I should, even though I'm right. I really like Charlie, and he's the kindest guy around; but he can't say No, and that could get him into trouble if he's not careful,” said Archie in his serious, kind way.



      “While father was home, I was very busy with him, so Prince got into a set
      I don't like. They try to be fast, and think it's manly, and they flatter
      him, and lead him on to do all sorts of things play for money, and bet,
      and loaf about. I hate to have him do so, and tried to stop it, but went
      to work the wrong way, so we got into a mess.”
     
“While Dad was around, I was really busy with him, so Prince got involved with a scene I don't like. They try to act tough, thinking it makes them look strong, they praise him, and encourage him to do all sorts of things like playing for money, gambling, and hanging out aimlessly. I really dislike him doing that, and I tried to intervene, but I went about it the wrong way, so things got messy.”



      “He is all ready to make up if you don't say much, for he owned to me he
      was wrong; but I don't think he will own it to you, in words,” began Rose.
    
“He's all set to apologize if you don't say much, because he admitted to me that he was wrong; but I don't think he'll admit it to you, verbally,” Rose started.



      “I don't care for that; if he'll just drop those row-dies and come back,
      I'll hold my tongue and not preach. I wonder if he owes those fellows
      money, and so doesn't like to break off till he can pay it. I hope not,
      but don't dare to ask; though, perhaps, Steve knows, he's always after
      Prince, more's the pity,” and Archie looked anxious.
    
“I don’t care about that; if he’ll just stop hanging out with those guys and come back, I’ll keep quiet and not lecture him. I wonder if he owes them money and doesn’t want to cut ties until he can pay it off. I hope not, but I’m too afraid to ask; although, maybe Steve knows since he’s always looking out for Prince, which is too bad,” Archie said, looking worried.



      “I think Steve does know, for he talked about debts of honour the day I
      gave him—” There Rose stopped short and turned scarlet.
    
“I think Steve does know, because he talked about debts of honor the day I gave him—” There Rose stopped abruptly and turned red.



      But Archie ordered her to “fess,” and had the whole story in five minutes,
      for none dared disobey the Chief. He completed her affliction by putting a
      five-dollar bill into her pocket by main force, looking both indignant and
      resolute as he said,
    
But Archie told her to "fess up," and he got the whole story in five minutes because no one dared to disobey the Chief. He added to her distress by shoving a five-dollar bill into her pocket with determination, looking both angry and determined as he said,



      “Never do so again; but send Steve to me, if he is afraid to go to his
      father. Charlie had nothing to do with that; he wouldn't borrow a penny of
      a girl, don't think it. But that's the harm he does Steve, who adores him,
      and tries to be like him in all things. Don't say a word; I'll make it all
      right, and no one shall blame you.”
     
“Don't ever do that again; just send Steve to me if he’s too scared to go to his dad. Charlie had nothing to do with it; he wouldn’t borrow a penny from a girl, so don’t think that. But that’s the damage he does to Steve, who looks up to him and tries to copy him in everything. Don’t say a word; I’ll fix it all, and no one will hold it against you.”



      “Oh me! I always make trouble by trying to help, and then letting out the
      wrong thing,” sighed Rose, much depressed by her slip of the tongue.
    
“Oh no! I always cause problems by trying to help and then saying the wrong thing,” sighed Rose, feeling really down about her slip of the tongue.



      Archie comforted her with the novel remark that it was always best to tell
      the truth, and made her quite cheerful by promising to heal the breach
      with Charlie as soon as possible.
    
Archie reassured her with the refreshing idea that it's always best to be honest, and made her feel much better by promising to mend things with Charlie as soon as he could.



      He kept his word so well that the very next afternoon, as Rose looked out
      of the window, she beheld the joyful spectacle of Archie and Prince coming
      up the avenue, arm-in-arm, as of old, talking away as if to make up for
      the unhappy silence of the past weeks.
    
He kept his promise so well that the very next afternoon, as Rose looked out of the window, she saw the joyful sight of Archie and Prince coming up the avenue, arm-in-arm, just like before, chatting away as if to make up for the unhappy silence of the past few weeks.



      Rose dropped her work, hurried to the door, and, opening it wide, stood
      there smiling down upon them so happily, that the faces of the lads
      brightened as they ran up the steps eager to show that all was well with
      them.
    
Rose put down her work, rushed to the door, and, swinging it wide open, stood there smiling down at them so happily that the boys' faces lit up as they ran up the steps, eager to show that everything was fine with them.



      “Here's our little peace-maker!” said Archie, shaking hands with vigour.
    
“Here’s our little peacemaker!” said Archie, shaking hands enthusiastically.



      But Charlie added, with a look that made Rose very proud and happy, “And
      my little sister.”
     
But Charlie added, with a look that made Rose really proud and happy, “And my little sister.”




 


 












      Chapter 24—Which?
    



      “Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for,” said Rose, the day
      after the reconciliation of Archie and the Prince.
    
“Uncle, I’ve figured out what girls are meant for,” said Rose, the day after Archie and the Prince made up.



      “Well, my dear, what is it?” asked Dr. Alec, who was “planking the deck,”
       as he called his daily promenade up and down the hall.
    
“Well, my dear, what is it?” asked Dr. Alec, who was “walking the deck,” as he called his daily stroll up and down the hall.



      “To take care of boys,” answered Rose, quite beaming with satisfaction as
      she spoke. “Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girls had
      better learn to take care of themselves first. But that's because she
      hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have.”
     
“To take care of boys,” answered Rose, smiling with satisfaction as she spoke. “Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girls should learn to take care of themselves first. But that's because she doesn't have seven boy cousins like I do.”



      “She is right, nevertheless, Rosy, and so are you, for the two things go
      together, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doing much to
      improve one lass,” said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod and smile at the
      bright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair, after a lively game
      of battledore and shuttlecock, in place of a run which a storm prevented.
    
“She’s right, though, Rosy, and so are you, because the two things are connected, and by helping seven boys, you’re unknowingly doing a lot to help one girl,” said Dr. Alec, pausing to nod and smile at the cheerful figure lounging on the old bamboo chair after a lively game of battledore and shuttlecock, instead of going for a run which a storm stopped them from doing.



      “Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must take
      care of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, and ask
      advice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what to do, and
      I'm going to consult you privately and then surprise them with my wisdom.”
     
“Am I? I'm happy to hear that; but honestly, uncle, I really feel like I have to look out for the boys, because they come to me with all kinds of problems and ask for my advice, and I enjoy it a lot. The only thing is, I don't always know what to do, so I'm planning to talk to you in private and then impress them with my knowledge.”



      “All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you have something on
      your little mind, so come and tell uncle.”
     
“All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I can tell you have something on your mind, so come and tell me, uncle.”



      Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all about
      Charlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be a real
      sister to him.
    
Rose linked her arm with his and, walking back and forth, told him everything about Charlie, asking what she could do to support him and truly be a sister to him.



      “Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara a month?”
       asked the Doctor, when she ended.
    
“Could you decide to go and stay with Aunt Clara for a month?” asked the Doctor when she finished.



      “Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?”
     
“Yes, sir; but I wouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?”



      “The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Rose and
      water, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?” laughed
      Dr. Alec.
    
“The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of rose water, or rose and water, or rose and water; will you make sure he takes it?” laughed Dr. Alec.



      “You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stay at
      home and keep out of mischief?”
     
“You're saying that if I'm around and try to make things nice, he'll stay home and avoid getting into trouble?”



      “Exactly.”
     
“Exactly.”



      “But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys.”
     
“But could I make it enjoyable? He would want the guys.”



      “No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you like bees
      after their queen. Haven't you found that out?”
     
“No danger that he wouldn't have the boys, because they swarm after you like bees after their queen. Haven't you figured that out?”



      “Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so much before I
      came, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemed so natural to
      have them round.”
     
“Aunt Plen often says they never used to be around as much before I came, but I never thought I made a difference; it felt so natural to have them here.”



      “Little modesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she will find it
      out some day,” and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek that had grown rosy
      with pleasure at the thought of being so much loved. “Now, you see, if I
      move the magnet to Aunt Clara's, the lads will go there as sure as iron to
      steel, and Charlie will be so happy at home he won't care for these
      mischievous mates of his I hope,” added the Doctor, well knowing how hard
      it was to wean a seventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is
      called “seeing life,” which, alas! often ends in seeing death.
    
“Little modesty doesn’t realize what a magnet she is; but she’ll figure it out one day,” the Doctor said as he gently stroked the cheek that had turned rosy with the joy of knowing she was so loved. “Now, you see, if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara’s, the boys will head over there just like iron to steel, and I hope Charlie will be so happy at home that he won't care about these mischievous friends of his,” the Doctor added, fully aware of how difficult it was to pull a seventeen-year-old boy away from his first taste of what’s called “seeing life,” which, unfortunately, often ends in facing death.



      “I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, and will be
      glad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and see lots of
      company, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let it hurt me; and
      if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you,” answered
      Rose, good-will conquering timidity.
    
“I'll go, Uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking for me, and she’ll be glad to have me. I’ll have to get dressed and eat dinner late, meet a lot of people, and be very trendy, but I’ll try not to let it affect me; and if I ever feel confused or worried about anything, I can come to you,” Rose replied, her eagerness overcoming her shyness.



      So it was decided, and without saying much about the real reason for this
      visit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling that she had a work
      to do, and very eager to do it well.
    
So it was decided, and without saying much about the real reason for this visit, Rose moved to Aunt Clara's, feeling like she had a job to do and really wanting to do it well.



      Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow their queen,
      and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity in making calls,
      dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics. Charlie was a
      devoted host, and tried to show his gratitude by being very kind to his
      “little sister,” for he guessed why she came, and his heart was touched by
      her artless endeavours to “help him be good.”
     
Dr. Alec was right about the bees, because the boys did follow their queen, and surprised Mrs. Clara with their sudden eagerness to make visits, come over for dinner, and organize evening fun. Charlie was a dedicated host and tried to express his thanks by being very nice to his “little sister,” since he understood why she was there, and he was moved by her sincere attempts to “help him be good.”



      Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simpler pleasures
      and more useful duties of the life there; but, having made up her mind, in
      spite of Phebe, that “girls were made to take care of boys,” here motherly
      little soul found much to enjoy in the new task she had undertaken.
    
Rose often wished she could return to the old house, where life was simpler and the chores felt more meaningful. However, having decided, despite Phebe's opinions, that “girls were meant to take care of boys,” her nurturing spirit found plenty to enjoy in the new responsibilities she had taken on.



      It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl among the
      flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please them with a
      patient affection that worked many a small miracle unperceived. Slang,
      rough manners, and careless habits were banished or bettered by the
      presence of a little gentlewoman; and all the manly virtues cropping up
      were encouraged by the hearty admiration bestowed upon them by one whose
      good opinion all valued more than they confessed; while Rose tried to
      imitate the good qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish
      vanities and fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well as
      modest, kind, and beautiful.
    
It was a lovely sight to see the earnest, sweet-faced girl among the group of tall guys, trying to understand them, help them, and please them with a patient affection that worked many unnoticed little miracles. Slang, rough behavior, and careless habits faded or improved with the presence of a little lady; and all the manly virtues that emerged were encouraged by the genuine admiration given to them by someone whose approval they valued more than they admitted. Meanwhile, Rose tried to imitate the good qualities she admired in them, setting aside her girlish vanities and fears, aspiring to be strong, fair, honest, brave, as well as modest, kind, and beautiful.



      This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac and Steve
      demanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling that she would like
      to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did at parting, “I wish I could
      keep you all my life, dear.”
     
This trial went so well that by the end of the month, Mac and Steve asked for a visit in return, and Rose went, hoping to hear stern Aunt Jane say, just like Aunt Clara did when they parted, “I wish I could keep you all my life, dear.”



      After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company bore her away
      for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she felt as if she would
      like to stay for ever, if she could have Uncle Alec also.
    
After Mac and Steve had their turn, Archie and the gang took her away for a few weeks; and with them, she was so happy that she felt like she could stay forever, if only Uncle Alec could be there too.



      Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secret despair,
      Rose went to the “Mausoleum,” as the boys called her gloomy abode.
      Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alec dropped in so often that
      her visit was far less dismal than she expected. Between them, they
      actually made Aunt Myra laugh heartily more than once; and Rose did her so
      much good by letting in the sunshine, singing about the silent house,
      cooking wholesome messes, and amusing the old lady with funny little
      lectures on physiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up
      “Mum's Elixir,” because she slept so well, after the long walks and drives
      she was beguiled into taking, that she needed no narcotic.
    
Of course, Aunt Myra couldn’t be overlooked, and, with a heavy heart, Rose went to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called her gloomy home. Luckily, she was very close by, and Dr. Alec visited so often that her time there turned out to be much less depressing than she had expected. Together, they actually made Aunt Myra laugh out loud more than once; and Rose brought so much joy by letting in the sunshine, singing songs in the quiet house, cooking healthy meals, and entertaining the old lady with quirky little talks about physiology, that Aunt Myra forgot to take her pills and stopped using “Mum's Elixir,” because she slept so well after the long walks and drives that Rose coaxed her into taking, that she didn’t need any sedatives.



      So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose was fairly
      settled again at home. They called her the “Monthly Rose,” because she had
      spent a month with each of the aunts, and left such pleasant memories of
      bloom and fragrance behind her, that all wanted the family flower back
      again.
    
So winter quickly passed, and by May, Rose was finally settled back at home. They called her the “Monthly Rose” because she had spent a month with each of her aunts, leaving behind such happy memories of beauty and sweetness that everyone wanted the family flower back again.



      Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as the time
      drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many a secret fear
      that Rose might like to make her home for the next twelve month with Aunt
      Jessie, or even Aunt Clara, for Charlie's sake. He said nothing, but
      waited with much anxiety for the day when the matter should be decided;
      and while he waited he did his best to finish as far as possible the task
      he had begun so well.
    
Dr. Alec was really happy to have his treasure back, but as the end of his year of experiments approached, he secretly worried that Rose might want to spend the next year living with Aunt Jessie or even Aunt Clara, especially for Charlie’s sake. He didn't say anything, but he anxiously awaited the day when the decision would be made; in the meantime, he focused on finishing the work he had started so well.



      Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying the beautiful
      awakening of the world, for spring came bright and early, as if anxious to
      do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded round her windows, green
      things sprung up like magic in the garden under her hands, hardy flowers
      bloomed as fast as they could, the birds sang blithely overhead, and every
      day a chorus of pleasant voices cried, “Good morning, cousin, isn't it
      jolly weather?”
     
Rose was really happy now, spending nearly all day soaking up the beautiful awakening of the world. Spring arrived bright and early, eager to do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded around her windows, green things sprang up like magic in the garden under her care, hardy flowers bloomed as quickly as they could, the birds sang happily overhead, and every day a chorus of friendly voices called out, “Good morning, cousin, isn't it great weather?”



      No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which resulted in
      the Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least); so when the aunts
      were invited to tea one Saturday they came quite unsuspiciously, and were
      all sitting together having a social chat, when Brother Alec entered with
      two photographs in his hand.
    
No one recalled the date of the significant conversation that led to the Doctor's experiment (no one except him, at least); so when the aunts were invited to tea one Saturday, they came without any suspicion and were all sitting together having a friendly chat when Brother Alec walked in with two photographs in his hand.



      “Do you remember that?” he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, who happened
      to be nearest.
    
“Do you remember that?” he asked, showing one to Aunt Clara, who was the closest.



      “Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad,
      unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes.”
     
“Yes, definitely; it’s very much like her when she first arrived. That same sad, mature expression and her thin little face with those big, dark eyes.”



      The picture was passed round, and all agreed that “it was very like Rose a
      year ago.” This point being settled, the Doctor showed the second picture,
      which was received with great approbation, and pronounced a “charming
      likeness.”
     
The picture was passed around, and everyone agreed that “it looked a lot like Rose a year ago.” Once that was settled, the Doctor showed the second picture, which was met with much approval and called a “charming likeness.”



      It certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was a
      blooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with no sign of
      melancholy, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and the lines about the
      lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
    
It definitely was, and a striking contrast to the first one, because it was a vibrant, smiling face, full of youthful energy and health, with no hint of sadness, even though the gentle eyes were contemplative, and the lines around the lips revealed a sensitive nature.



      Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, falling back a
      step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for several minutes,
      then wheeled round, saying briefly, as he pointed to the two faces,
    
Dr. Alec placed both photographs on the mantelpiece and, stepping back a bit, examined them with immense satisfaction for several minutes. Then he turned and said shortly, pointing at the two faces,



      “Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded, ladies?”
     
“Time's up; how do you think my experiment went, ladies?”



      “Bless me, so it is!” cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in her
      surprise.
    
“Bless me, it really is!” Aunt Plenty exclaimed, dropping a stitch in her surprise.



      “Beautifully, dear,” answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval.
    
“Beautifully, dear,” Aunt Peace replied, smiling with complete approval.



      “She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and she had no
      constitution to build upon,” croaked Aunt Myra.
    
“She has definitely improved, but looks can be misleading, and she had nothing to build on,” Aunt Myra croaked.



      “I am willing to allow that, as far as mere health goes, the experiment is
      a success,” graciously observed Aunt Jane, unable to forget Rose's
      kindness to her Mac.
    
“I’m willing to admit that, in terms of just health, the experiment is a success,” Aunt Jane said graciously, unable to forget Rose's kindness to her Mac.



      “So am I; and I'll go farther, for I really do believe Alec has done
      wonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years,” added
      Aunt Clara, feeling that she could say nothing better than that.
    
“So am I; and I’ll go further, because I genuinely believe Alec has done amazing things for the child; she’s going to be a beauty in two or three years,” Aunt Clara added, feeling that she couldn't say anything better than that.



      “I always knew he would succeed, and I'm so glad you all allow it, for he
      deserves more credit than you know, and more praise than he will ever
      get,” cried Aunt Jessie, clapping her hands with an enthusiasm that caused
      Jamie's little red stocking to wave like a triumphal banner in the air.
    
“I always knew he would succeed, and I’m so glad you all support it, because he deserves more recognition than you realize, and more praise than he’ll ever receive,” Aunt Jessie exclaimed, clapping her hands with such excitement that Jamie's little red stocking waved like a celebratory banner in the air.



      Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and then said
      soberly,
    
Dr. Alec gave them a gracious bow, clearly pleased, and then said seriously,



      “Thank you; now the question is, shall I go on? for this is only the
      beginning. None of you know the hindrances I've had, the mistakes I've
      made, the study I've given the case, and the anxiety I've often felt.
      Sister Myra is right is one thing Rose is a delicate creature, quick to
      flourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop without it. She has no
      special weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitive nature, and needs
      the wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardent little soul from wearing
      out a finely organised little body. I think I have found the right
      treatment, and; with you to help me, I believe we may build up a lovely
      and a noble woman, who will be a pride and comfort to us all.”
     
“Thank you; now the question is, should I continue? This is just the beginning. None of you know the challenges I've faced, the mistakes I've made, the research I've done, and the worry I've often felt. Sister Myra is right—Rose is a sensitive person, quick to thrive in the light, and just as quick to wilt without it. She doesn’t have a particular weakness, but she has her mother’s sensitive nature, and she needs the most thoughtful and gentle care to prevent her passionate spirit from overwhelming her delicately balanced body. I believe I’ve found the right approach, and with your support, I think we can develop a wonderful and strong woman who will be a source of pride and comfort for us all.”



      There Dr. Alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken very
      earnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words. A gentle
      murmur from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and he went on with an
      engaging smile, for the good man was slyly trying to win all the ladies to
      vote for him when the time came.
    
There, Dr. Alec paused to catch his breath, as he had spoken very passionately, and his voice became a bit hoarse towards the end. A soft murmur from the aunts seemed to motivate him, and he continued with a charming smile, as the good man was cleverly trying to persuade all the ladies to vote for him when the time came.



      “Now, I don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because I am her guardian,
      and I shall leave Rose free to choose for herself. We all want her, and if
      she likes to make her home with any of you rather than with me, she shall
      do so. In fact, I encouraged her visits last winter, that she might see
      what we can all offer her, and judge where she will be happiest. Is not
      that the fairest way? Will you agree to abide by her choice, as I do?”
     
“Now, I don’t want to be selfish or unfair, since I’m her guardian, and I’ll let Rose choose for herself. We all want her, and if she prefers to live with any of you instead of me, she can absolutely do that. Actually, I encouraged her visits last winter so she could see what each of us has to offer and decide where she’ll be happiest. Isn’t that the fairest way? Will you agree to respect her choice, just like I do?”



      “Yes, we will,” said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement at
      the prospect of having Rose for a whole year.
    
“Yes, we will,” said all the aunts, buzzing with excitement at the idea of having Rose for an entire year.



      “Good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle the question for
      another year. A most important year, mind you, for she has got a good
      start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goes well with her. So I beg of
      you don't undo my work, but deal very wisely and gently with my little
      girl, for if any harm come to her, I think it would break my heart.”
     
“Great! She'll be here soon, and then we can figure things out for another year. It’s a really important year, you know, because she’s off to a good start and will grow quickly now if everything goes smoothly for her. So please, don’t mess up what I’ve done, and treat my little girl with care and kindness, because if anything happens to her, I think it would crush me.”



      As he spoke, Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly and affected to be
      examining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dear the child
      was to the solitary man who had loved her mother years ago, and who now
      found his happiness in cherishing the little Rose who was so like her. The
      good ladies nodded and sighed, and telegraphed to one another that none of
      them would complain if not chosen, or ever try to rob Brother Alec of his
      “Heart's Delight,” as the boys called Rose.
    
As he spoke, Dr. Alec suddenly turned his back and pretended to be looking at the pictures again; but the aunts understood how much the child meant to the lonely man who had loved her mother years ago, and who now found joy in caring for the little Rose who resembled her so much. The kind ladies nodded and sighed, silently agreeing that none of them would mind if they weren’t chosen, or ever try to take Brother Alec's “Heart's Delight,” as the boys called Rose.



      Just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the garden, and
      smiles broke out on all serious faces. Dr. Alec turned at once, saying, as
      he threw back his head, “There she is; now for it!”
     
Just then, a cheerful sound of laughter floated up from the garden, and smiles appeared on all the serious faces. Dr. Alec immediately turned, throwing his head back, and said, “There she is; let’s do this!”



      The cousins had been a-Maying, and soon came flocking in laden with the
      spoils.
    
The cousins had been out celebrating May Day, and soon came rushing in loaded with the treasures.



      “Here is our bonny Scotch rose with all her thorns about her,” said Dr.
      Alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as she went to show
      Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, fresh leaves, and curious
      lichens.
    
“Here is our lovely Scottish rose with all her thorns,” said Dr. Alec, looking at her with unusual pride and tenderness as she went to show Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, fresh leaves, and interesting lichens.



      “Leave your clutter in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if you choose
      to stop here, for we are busy,” said Aunt Plenty, shaking her finger at
      the turbulent Clan, who were bubbling over with the jollity born of spring
      sunshine and healthy exercise.
    
“Leave your mess in the hallway, boys, and sit down quietly if you want to stay here, because we’re busy,” said Aunt Plenty, wagging her finger at the rowdy Clan, who were full of the cheerfulness that comes from spring sunshine and being active.



      “Of course, we choose to stay! Wouldn't miss our Saturday high tea for
      anything,” said the Chief, as he restored order among his men with a nod,
      a word, and an occasional shake.
    
“Of course, we’re staying! Wouldn’t miss our Saturday high tea for anything,” said the Chief, as he brought his men back to order with a nod, a word, and an occasional shake.



      “What is up? a court-martial?” asked Charlie, looking at the assembled
      ladies with affected awe and real curiosity, for these faces betrayed that
      some interesting business was afloat.
    
“What’s going on? A court-martial?” asked Charlie, glancing at the gathered women with feigned amazement and genuine curiosity, as their expressions revealed that something intriguing was happening.



      Dr. Alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief and calm as he
      could; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, for each of the lads
      began at once to bribe, entice, and wheedle “our cousin” to choose his
      home.
    
Dr. Alec explained in just a few words, keeping it as brief and calm as possible; but the effect was still thrilling, as each of the boys immediately started to bribe, persuade, and charm "our cousin" into picking his home.



      “You really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish, you know,
      for she must be perfectly satiated with boys,” began Archie, using the
      strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
    
“You really should come to us for Mom's sake, as a treat, you know, because she must be completely fed up with boys,” started Archie, using the best argument he could think of at that moment.



      “Oh, do! we'll never slam, or bounce at you or call you 'fraid cat,' if
      you only will,” besought Geordie and Will, distorting their countenances
      in the attempt to smile with overpowering sweetness.
    
“Oh, please! We promise we won't slam, bounce at you, or call you a scaredy cat, if you just agree,” pleaded Geordie and Will, twisting their faces in an effort to smile with overwhelming sweetness.



      “And I'll always wash my hands 'fore I touch you, and you shall be my
      dolly, 'cause Pokey's gone away, and I'll love you *hard*,” cried Jamie,
      clinging to her with his chubby face full of affection.
    
“And I'll always wash my hands before I touch you, and you will be my doll, because Pokey's gone away, and I'll love you *hard*,” cried Jamie, holding on to her with his chubby face full of affection.



      “Brothers and sister ought to live together; especially when the brother
      needs some one to make home pleasant for him,” added Charlie, with the
      wheedlesome tone and look that Rose always found so difficult to resist.
    
“Brothers and sisters should live together; especially when the brother needs someone to make home enjoyable for him,” added Charlie, with the charming tone and look that Rose always found so hard to resist.



      “You had her longest, and it's our turn now; Mac needs her more than you
      do, Prince, for she's 'the light of his eyes,' he says. Come, Rose, choose
      us, and I'll never use the musky pomade you hate again as long as I live,”
       said Steve, with his most killing air, as he offered this noble sacrifice.
    
“You had her the longest, and now it’s our turn; Mac needs her more than you do, Prince, because she’s ‘the light of his eyes,’ he says. Come on, Rose, choose us, and I promise I’ll never use that musky pomade you hate again for the rest of my life,” Steve said, putting on his most charming face as he made this grand proposal.



      Mac peered wistfully over his goggles, saying in an unusually wide-awake
      and earnest way, --
    
Mac looked longingly over his goggles and said in a surprisingly alert and sincere way, --



      “Do, cousin, then we can study chemistry together. My experiments don't
      blow up very often now, and the gases aren't at all bad when you get used
      to them.”
     
“Come on, cousin, then we can study chemistry together. My experiments don’t blow up very often anymore, and the gases aren’t that bad once you get used to them.”



      Rose meantime had stood quite still, with the flowers dropping from her
      hands as her eyes went from one eager face to another, while smiles
      rippled over her own at the various enticements offered her. During the
      laugh that followed Mac's handsome proposition, she looked at her uncle,
      whose eyes were fixed on her with an expression of love and longing that
      went to her heart.
    
Rose stood completely still, letting the flowers fall from her hands as her eyes moved from one eager face to another, while smiles spread across her own at the different temptations presented to her. During the laughter that followed Mac's charming offer, she glanced at her uncle, whose eyes were locked on her with a look of love and yearning that touched her heart.



      “Ah! yes,” she thought, “he wants me most! I've often longed to give him
      something that he wished for very much, and now I can.”
     
“Ah! yes,” she thought, “he wants me the most! I've often wanted to give him something he really wanted, and now I can.”



      So, when, at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace, silence fell, Rose said
      slowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseeching look about
      the room, as if asking pardon of the boys,
    
So, when Aunt Peace made a sudden gesture and silence fell, Rose said slowly, her cheeks flushed and a pleading look in her eyes, as if she were asking the boys for forgiveness,



      “It's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me; therefore I
      think I'd better go to the one who seems to need me most.”
     
"It's really tough to decide when everyone cares about me so much; so I think it's better to go with the one who seems to need me the most."



      “No, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with,” said Dr.
      Alec quickly, as a doleful sniff from Aunt Myra, and a murmur of “My
      sainted Caroline,” made Rose pause and look that way.
    
“No, dear, the one you love the most and will be happiest with,” Dr. Alec said quickly, as Aunt Myra let out a sad sniff and murmured, “My beloved Caroline,” causing Rose to pause and look that way.



      “Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, and
      remember, 'Codlin's your friend,'” added Charlie, hopeful still.
    
“Take your time, cousin; don’t rush into a decision, and remember, ‘Codlin’s your friend,’” added Charlie, still feeling hopeful.



      “I don't want any time! I know who I love best, who I'm happiest with, and
      I choose uncle. Will he have me?” cried Rose, in a tone that produced a
      sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so full of tender confidence
      and love.
    
“I don't want any time! I know who I love the most, who makes me happiest, and I choose Uncle. Will he have me?” cried Rose, in a tone that created a sympathetic thrill among the listeners, so full of tender confidence and love.



      If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished it
      without a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them, feeling
      that home was there.
    
If she really had any doubts, the expression on Dr. Alec's face wiped them away without him saying a word, as he opened his arms wide, and she ran into them, feeling that home was right there.



      No one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion among the
      aunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before the water-works
      began to play. So they took hands and began to prance about uncle and
      niece, singing, with sudden inspiration, the nursery rhyme,
    
No one said anything for a minute, but you could see the aunts were feeling emotional, which made the boys realize they needed to do something before the tears started flowing. So they joined hands and started dancing around uncle and niece, suddenly inspired to sing the nursery rhyme,


    “Ring around a Rosy!”
 
"Ring a Ring o' Roses!"



      Of course that put an end to all sentiment, and Rose emerged laughing from
      Dr. Alec's bosom, with the mark of a waistcoat button nicely imprinted on
      her left cheek. He saw it, and said with a merry kiss that half effaced
      it, “This is my ewe lamb, and I have set my mark on her, so no one can
      steal her away.”
     
Of course, that ended all sentiment, and Rose came out laughing from Dr. Alec's embrace, with the imprint of a button from his waistcoat on her left cheek. He noticed it and said, giving her a playful kiss that almost wiped it away, “This is my ewe lamb, and I've marked her, so no one can take her away.”



      That tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of,
    
That made the boys laugh, and they started cheering,


    “Uncle had a little lamb!”
 
"Uncle had a pet lamb!"



      But Rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and making them
      dance prettily like lads and lasses round a May-pole; while Phebe, coming
      in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter, chirp, and coo, as
      if all the birds of the air had come to join in the spring revel of the
      eight cousins.
    
But Rose quieted the chatter by joining the circle and making them dance beautifully like guys and girls around a Maypole; while Phebe, coming in with fresh water for the flowers, started to twitter, chirp, and coo, as if all the birds in the sky had come to join in the spring celebration of the eight cousins.


















        
        
    

    
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