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+*The Project Gutenberg Etext Eight Cousins, by Louisa M. Alcott*
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+Title: Eight Cousins
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+Author: Louisa M. Alcott
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+July, 2001  [Etext #2726]
+[Date last updated: December 28, 2004]
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+Prepared by David Reed haradda@aol.com or davidr@inconnect.com
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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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"It is a mocking-bird. 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.
+
+"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
+
+"Did you hear that mocking-bird?"
+
+"I should call it a phebe-bird," answered the girl, looking up with a
+twinkle in her black eyes.
+
+"Where did it go?"
+
+"It is here still."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+Rose was so astonished that she nearly fell off her perch, and when
+the little concert was over clapped her hands delightedly.
+
+"Oh, it was lovely! Who taught you?"
+
+"The birds," answered the girl, with a smile, as she fell to work
+again.
+
+"It is very wonderful! I can sing, but nothing half so fine as that.
+What is your name, please?"
+
+"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."
+
+"Yes, indeed, if you want to," answered Phebe, wringing out her
+cloth in a capable sort of way that impressed Rose very much.
+
+"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.
+
+"You'd soon get tired, so you'd better keep tidy and look on."
+
+"I suppose you help your mother a good deal?"
+
+"I haven't got any folks."
+
+"Why, where do you live, then?"
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"You've had lots of schooling, I suppose?"
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Fearing that might not be considered proper, she said, in her
+cheery 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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+Phebe laughed with her as she said encouragingly,
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+Phebe laughed at her woe till the beans danced in the pan, but tried
+to comfort her by suggesting a means of 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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"It's thunder," said Phebe.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"You are wanted in the parlor, Miss Rose."
+
+"Has anybody come?"
+
+"Little girls shouldn't ask questions, but do as they are bid," was
+all Debby would answer.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+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
+
+"Don't be frightened. This is the Clan come 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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Archie came first, and, leaning over the chair-back, observed in a
+paternal tone
+
+"I'm glad you've come, cousin, and I hope you'll find the Aunt-hill
+pretty jolly."
+
+"I think I shall."
+
+Mac shook his hair out of his eyes, stumbled over a stool, and
+asked abruptly
+
+"Did you bring any books with you?"
+
+"Four boxes full. They are in the library."
+
+Mac vanished from the room, and Steve, striking an attitude which
+displayed his costume effectively, said with an affable smile
+
+"We were sorry not to see you last Wednesday. I hope your cold is
+better."
+
+"Yes, thank you." And a smile began to dimple about Rose's
+mouth, as she remembered her retreat under the bed-cover.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"Did you bring your monkey?"
+
+"No; he is dead."
+
+"Are you going to have a boat?"
+
+"I hope not."
+
+Here the two, with a right-about-face movement, abruptly marched
+away, and little Jamie demanded with childish frankness
+
+"Did you bring me anything 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.
+
+This proceeding rather startled Rose, for the other lads looked and
+laughed, and in her confusion she said hastily to the young usurper
+
+"Did you see the circus go by?"
+
+"When? Where?" cried all the boys in great excitement at once.
+
+"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--"
+
+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
+
+"It was our new dog-cart and the Shetland ponies. You'll never
+hear the last 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.
+
+"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.
+
+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 told us to amuse you, and we can do it ever so much better
+out here than poking round 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.
+
+"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
+
+"Step in, ma'am, and make yourself comfortable while we show
+you some fun."
+
+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.
+
+"How is that, my lassie?" 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.
+
+"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
+
+    'Sing for you, play for you
+     A dulcy melody."'
+
+answered Charlie, looking much elated 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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"Let's have a game of tag," cried the Prince, swinging himself up to
+a beam with a sounding slap on Stevie's 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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+"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
+
+"Them harum-scarum boys will certainly be the death of that
+delicate little creter!"
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Marmalade for me, auntie."
+
+"Plenty of plum-cake, please."
+
+"Tell Debby to trot out the baked pears."
+
+"I'm your man for lemon-pie, ma'am."
+
+"Do have fritters; Rose will like 'em."
+
+"She'd rather have tarts, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+She guessed his intention, and forestalled his demand by dropping
+a handful of sugar-plums down upon 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.
+
+"There she is, as fine as you please," cried Steve, kissing his hand
+to her.
+
+"Come on, Missy; tea is ready," added the Prince 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.
+
+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.
+
+"Did I ever see it?" asked Jamie.
+
+"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.
+
+"Who will have it first?" asked Will, with his mouth full of
+marmalade.
+
+"Aunt Plenty, I guess."
+
+"When will she have it?" demanded Geordie, bouncing in his seat
+with impatience.
+
+"Sometime on Monday."
+
+"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.
+
+"Doesn't auntie know?" asked a chorus of voices.
+
+"No; and that's the best of the joke, for she is desperately fond of
+it."
+
+"What colour is it?" asked Rose, joining in the fun.
+
+"Blue and brown."
+
+"Is it good to eat?" asked Jamie.
+
+"Some people think so, but I shouldn't like to try it," answered
+Charlie, laughing so he split his tea.
+
+"Who does it belong to?" put in Steve.
+
+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
+
+"To Grandfather 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.
+
+Soon after tea the Clan departed, singing "All the blue bonnets are
+over the border," at the tops of their voices.
+
+"Well, dear, how do you like your cousins?" asked Aunt Plenty, as
+the last pony frisked round the corner and the din died 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"This is my little girl, and I am 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"You are on deck early, little niece."
+
+"I got up to see if you had really come, uncle."
+
+"Did you? Well, come down here and make sure of it."
+
+"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?"
+
+Rose was so taken aback, she could only answer 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.
+
+"Pretty well, thank you, sir."
+
+"Ah, but it should be very well. Why isn't it?"
+
+"I always wake up with a headache, and feel tired."
+
+"Don't you sleep well?"
+
+"I lie awake a long time, and then I dream, and my sleep does not
+seem to rest me much."
+
+"What do you do all day?"
+
+"Oh, I read, and sew a little, and take naps, and sit with auntie."
+
+"No running about out of doors, or house-work, or riding, hey?"
+
+"Aunt Plenty says I'm not strong enough for much exercise. I drive
+out with her sometimes, but I don't care for 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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I'm too old to play 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."
+
+"Phebe is sensible, I'm sure, and I like her, though I only saw her
+yesterday," cried Rose, waking up suddenly.
+
+"And who is Phebe, if you please?"
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"But what are these troubles of yours, child?" he asked, after a
+minute of silence.
+
+"Please don't ask me, uncle."
+
+"Can't you tell them to me as well as to 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
+
+"The greatest one was losing dear papa."
+
+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
+
+"That is a trouble which I cannot cure, my child; but I shall try to
+make you feel it less. 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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."
+
+As she spoke, Rose pointed to a little table just inside the window,
+on which appeared a regiment 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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
+
+"If I don't like your medicines any better than those, I shall throw
+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?"
+
+"I hoped you would forget to ask."
+
+"But how can I help you if I don't know them? Come, let us have
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+But Rose stuck there, and grew so red, her uncle guessed what that
+trouble was.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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?"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Phebe appeared 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.
+
+"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.
+
+But she did not get it, for a brown hand took possession of 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?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and I like it. Auntie says it 'tones' me up, and I always
+feel better after it."
+
+"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?"
+
+"Yes, sir, plenty 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.
+
+Dr. Alec saw the injured look she put on, but took no notice, and
+presently banished it by saying pleasantly
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Do you always go in and out like a cat, uncle?" asked Rose, much
+amused at his odd ways.
+
+"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.
+
+"Ain't he a funny guardeen?" exclaimed Phebe, as she went off
+with the cups.
+
+"He is a very kind one, I think," answered Rose, following, to
+prowl round the big boxes and try to guess which 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.
+
+"Got a fresh trouble, Rosy?" he asked, stroking her smooth head.
+
+"Uncle, are you going to make me eat oatmeal?" asked Rose, in a
+tragic tone.
+
+"Don't you 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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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 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!"
+
+Dr. Alec turned to greet the old lady, and, with a firm resolve to
+eat or die in the attempt, 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.
+
+"You will go to church with us, I hope, Alec, if you are 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'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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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 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.
+
+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!
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Uncle Alec, who had listened silently as each spoke, turned
+quickly towards the last sister, and said, with a decided 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."
+
+"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 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 never blamed him in the least, when I remember the perilous
+experiments you tried with poor Carrie," began Mrs. Jane, in her
+hard voice.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Hear, hear!" came from the corner where Uncle Mac was
+apparently wrapt in slumber.
+
+"You were appointed guardian, so we can do nothing. But I predict
+that the girl will be spoilt, utterly spoilt," answered Mrs. Jane,
+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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"No, thank you. Come and have a cigar, Mac," said Dr. Alec,
+abruptly.
+
+"Don't marry; women enough in the family already," muttered
+Uncle Mac; and then the gentlemen hastily fled.
+
+"Aunt Peace would like to see you all, she says," was the message
+Rose brought before the ladies could begin 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+As the clock struck eight, he called out
+
+"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."
+
+Rose ran in and listened with bright attentive face, while Dr. Alec
+said impressively
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"Take one in the morning, and a good-night to you, my dear," he
+said, dismissing his patient with a hearty kiss.
+
+Then, as she vanished, he put both hands into his hair, exclaiming,
+with a comical mixture of anxiety and amusement
+
+"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!"
+
+
+
+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
+
+"Where are you going, my pretty maid?"
+
+"I'm going a-milking, sir, she said," answered Rose, waving the
+cup; and then they finished the verse together in fine 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
+
+"What in the world are you doing about 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.
+
+"Any room you like, except sister's."
+
+"Thanks. And may I go rummaging round in the garrets and
+glory-holes to furnish it as I like?"
+
+"My dear boy, you may turn the house upside down if you will
+only stay in 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 inpossible! Put on your jacket, Rose. Don't tire her out with
+antics, Alec. Yes, sister, I'm coming!" and the cabbage vanished
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I'm too old for running, uncle; Miss Power said it was not
+lady-like for girls in their teens," answered Rose, 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"It isn't tight, sir; I can breathe perfectly well," began Rose, trying
+to compose 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"It will fall off if it is so loose," she said anxiously, as she stood
+watching him pull her precious belt about.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+Dr. Alec's eyed twinkled, but he said very soberly
+
+"Rose, are you vain?"
+
+"I'm afraid I am," answered a very meek voice from behind the veil
+of hair that hid the red face.
+
+"That is a sad fault." And he sighed as if grieved at the confession.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Phebe!" and Rose looked so amazed that her uncle nearly went
+off 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, 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
+
+"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 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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Can't I help you, uncle?" asked Rose, quite burning to be useful.
+
+"No, thank you, I'm going to borrow Phebe for a while, 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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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!"
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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'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 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."
+
+"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.
+
+Aunt Peace and Rose laughed so that he could not display his
+knowledge any farther, till they stopped, when he said
+good-naturedly
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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'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."
+
+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!"
+
+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.
+
+"My stars, ain't you splendid!" was all she could say, holding up
+two dusty 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?"
+
+"Why, Miss Rose, have you lost your wits?"
+
+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
+
+"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?"
+
+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.
+
+"Oh, dear, now she's offended, and I don't know what to do,"
+thought Rose, much discouraged by this reception of her offer.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"I think you are the dearest girl in the world, and I'll let you do
+anything you like 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Phebe understood that, for she had a good deal of natural
+refinement, though she did come from the poor-house.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Well, dear, and how are things going with you now? Better, I
+hope, 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.
+
+"I am very glad, dear. But, Rose, I must warn you of one thing;
+don't let uncle spoil you."
+
+"But I like to be spoilt, 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 never thought of that, and I'll try not to be spoilt. 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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat still enjoying it till 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?"
+
+"Who is Pokey?" asked Rose, popping up her head, attracted by the
+odd name.
+
+"My dolly; do you want to see her?" asked Jamie, who had been
+much impressed by the tale of adoption he had overheard.
+
+"Yes; I'm fond of dollies, only don't tell the boys, or they will laugh
+at 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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.
+
+"She is a dear dolly. But why call her Pokey?" asked Rose,
+charmed with the new plaything.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.
+
+"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
+
+    "'Puss-tat, puss-tat, where you been?'
+     'I been Lunnin, to saw a Tween."'
+
+After which superb display she retired, escorted by Jamie, both
+making a fearful din 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.
+
+"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."
+
+The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archie
+said, in a tone of command
+
+"Pass the word, lads. Boot and saddle, and be quick about it."
+
+"All right!" And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but the
+litter 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I shall get you a pony as soon as you are a little 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.
+
+"Are you a coward?"
+
+"About horses I am."
+
+"Never mind, then; come and see my new room"; and he led the
+way upstairs without another word.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Uncle must love cold water like a duck," she thought, with a
+shiver.
+
+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.
+
+"What a grand 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.
+
+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.
+
+That cushion rather astonished Rose; in fact, 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
+
+"Men like plenty of room for their rattle-traps; don't you think that
+ought to satisfy 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
+
+"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!"
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"Then you like my sort of medicine better than Aunt Myra's, and
+don't want to throw it out of the window, hey?"
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"What is it now?" she asked, shutting her work-box without a
+murmur.
+
+"Salt-water."
+
+"How must I take it?"
+
+"Put on the new suit Miss Hemming sent home 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."
+
+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.
+
+"That is a dear little boat; and 'Bonnie Belle' is a pretty name," she
+said, trying not to show 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."
+
+"Do all boats wiggle about in that way?" she asked, lingering as if
+to tie her hat more firmly.
+
+"Oh, yes, pitch about like nutshells when the sea is a bit rough,"
+answered her sailor uncle, never guessing her secret woe.
+
+"Is it rough to-day?"
+
+"Not very; it looks a trifle squally to the eastward, but we are all
+right till the wind changes. Come."
+
+"Can you swim, uncle?" asked Rose, clutching at his arm as he
+took her hand.
+
+"Like a fish. Now then."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Suppose we go to China?"
+
+"Isn't that rather a long voyage?"
+
+"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."
+
+"I should like that!" and Rose sat wondering what he meant, while
+she enjoyed the new sights all about 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.
+
+"Are we going there?" she asked, for she had never seen this aspect
+of the rich and busy 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."
+
+"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."
+
+"I'll show you two genuine Chinamen who have just arrived. You
+will like to welcome Whang Lo and Fun See, I'm sure."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"This is not a bad way to study geography, is it?" asked her uncle,
+who had observed her attention to the talk.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"Very 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
+
+"Next time I go I shall take my little anchor with me. How will that
+suit?"
+
+"Really, uncle?"
+
+"Really, 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
+
+"How well those fellows row! Look at them, and take notes for
+your own use by and by."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"Did you catch a crab, uncle?"
+
+"No, a blue-fish," he answered, as the dripping hat was landed on a
+seat to dry.
+
+"What have you been doing?"
+
+"Seeing 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?"
+
+"No, little Fun."
+
+"Come, stop joking, and show us what you've got."
+
+"You'd better hoist that fan for a sail."
+
+"Lend Dandy your umbrella; he hates to burn his pretty nose."
+
+"I say, uncle, are you going to have a Feast of Lanterns?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"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'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 shall shake my head when you write, if you don't do it better
+than you did in making out this catalogue."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"Is that meant for 'Pulverized Bones,' ma'am?"
+
+"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."
+
+Rose looked hard at the scrawl, and presently announced, with an
+air of superior wisdom
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"I dare say; but if your French grammar was no better than your
+English, I think the praise was not 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."
+
+"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.' "
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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 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."
+
+"Gracious me! as if I wouldn't trust you with millions of billions if
+I had them," cried Rose, scandalised at the mere 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.
+
+Rose peeped over his shoulder at it, and then turned to the
+arithmetical puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair.
+
+"Uncle, when you add up your expenses do you ever find you have
+got more money than you had in the beginning?"
+
+"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?"
+
+"Yes; it is very curious, but I never can make things come out
+square."
+
+"Perhaps I can help you," began Uncle Alec, in the most 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.
+
+It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh, and Rose felt deeply
+grateful when he said in a mildly 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."
+
+"Please do, and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make mine
+look nice and ship-shape as yours do."
+
+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.
+
+"Am I a rich girl, uncle?" she asked suddenly, as he was copying a
+column of figures.
+
+"Rather a poor one, I should say, since you had to borrow a
+ninepence."
+
+"That was your fault, because you forgot my pocket-money. But,
+really, shall I be rich by and by?"
+
+"I am afraid you will."
+
+"Why afraid, uncle?"
+
+"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."
+
+"I'm glad you feel so, for you can do much good with your fortune
+if you know how to use it well."
+
+"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 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."
+
+"I knew you wanted to laugh, so I gave you a chance. Now, I will
+be good, master, and do my lesson nicely."
+
+So Dr. Alec had his laugh, and then Rose sat down and took a
+lesson in accounts which 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.
+
+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.
+
+"Shall I go on, sir?" she asked very meekly, 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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"I've had five to-day, ma'am," was Rose's very unexpected answer.
+
+"I'm glad to hear it; and what were they, pray?" Rose looked very
+demure as she replied
+
+"Navigation, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and keeping my
+temper."
+
+"Queer lessons, I fancy; and what have you learned from this
+remarkable mixture, I should like to know?"
+
+A naughty sparkle came into Rose's eyes as she answered, with a
+droll look 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"I was thinking about a nice little secret I know, and couldn't help
+smiling."
+
+"Shall I know it, sometime?"
+
+"Guess you will."
+
+"Shall I like it?"
+
+"Oh, won't you, though!"
+
+"Will it happen soon?"
+
+"Sometime this week."
+
+"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?"
+
+"That's telling."
+
+"Well, I can wait; only tell me one thing is uncle in it?"
+
+"Of course he is; there's never any fun without him."
+
+"Then it's all right, and sure 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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 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.
+
+    "'Look only,' said the brownie,
+     'At the pretty gown of blue,
+     At the kerchief pinned about her head,
+     And at her little shoe,"'
+
+said a voice from below, as a great cabbage-rose came flying
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+Rose caught up the rugs and vanished as she spoke, while Dr. Alec
+went in, saying to himself, with an indulgent smile
+
+"It may upset things a trifle, but half a child's pleasure consists in
+having their fun when they want it."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Couldn't you make a smaller parcel, Phebe?" asked Dr. Alec,
+eyeing the bundle suspiciously.
+
+"No, sir, not in such a hurry," and 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."
+
+"No, sir. I'll send it right off," and Phebe ran up the bank as if she
+had wings to 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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"So do I; it is fish, I think."
+
+For a moment they both sat with their noses in the air, sniffing like
+hounds; then Dr. Alec sprang up, saying with great decision
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"And there they are! Two tents and two boats, as I live! These
+rascals mean to enjoy themselves, that's evident."
+
+"There ought to 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.
+
+"And there are more," said Rose, laughing, as she pointed to a
+scarlet heap of what looked like lobsters.
+
+"The savages are probably eating their victims now; don't you hear
+the knives rattle 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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"Pirates, surrender!"
+
+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
+
+"You came too soon! We are not half ready! You've spoilt it all!
+Where is 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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"As this seat is rather damp, I think I'll rise," said Rose, as the
+excitement lessened a little.
+
+Several fishy hands helped her up, and Charlie said, as he scattered
+the scarlet garments 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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Guess something is smashed inside, for a bit of glass fell out,"
+observed Will, as they deposited 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Shall we stay over the Fourth? Three whole days! Oh, me! what a
+frolic 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"No, thank you. I think I'll leave the rest till auntie comes, and go
+and help you somewhere else, if I may."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"How Phebe would like this! I wonder uncle did not 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?"
+
+"She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us. It's too bad 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"What is my girl doing here?"
+
+"Having a good time," answered Rose, not at all startled.
+
+"I wonder what she was thinking about with such a sober look."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I suppose you have made a great many? Would you mind telling
+me one of them?" asked Rose, arrested by the sigh.
+
+"My last was to give up smoking," was the very unromantic answer
+to her pensive question.
+
+"Why did you?"
+
+"Bad example for the boys."
+
+"That was very good of you, uncle! Was it hard?"
+
+"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.' "
+
+Rose pondered over the saying as if it pleased her, and then said,
+with a clear, bright look
+
+"A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy very
+much, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Doing it one's own self because one loves another person very
+much and wants her to be happy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And doing it pleasantly, and being glad about it, and not minding
+the praise if it 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."
+
+"I think they will," began Rose, and there stopped short.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Archie, didn't I hear uncle ask you to row home in the morning
+for fresh milk and things?"
+
+"Yes, 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.
+
+"I'm willing, and I guess Charlie won't mind."
+
+"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
+
+"By yonder moon I swear!"
+
+"Hush! it's all right, go along"; and Rose departed as if satisfied.
+
+"She's a queer little thing, isn't she, Prince?"
+
+"Rather a nice little thing, I think. I'm quite fond of her."
+
+Rose's quick ears caught both remarks, and she retired to her tent,
+saying 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"But why not come now? What are you about, miss? Uncle won't
+like it," protested Charlie, in great amazement.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+This was the note Phebe bore:
+
+"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
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home, and
+declared that she should not enjoy herself one bit 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"I hope someone wishes I was there!"
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"But, uncle," began Rose, feeling as if she ought to refuse even a
+glimpse of bliss, "perhaps "
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"Is it a rose, uncle?" she asked, clasping her hands with delight as
+she recognised the handsome flower.
+
+"Of course it is! Look again, and guess what those are," answered
+Uncle Mac, chuckling and enjoying it all like a boy.
+
+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
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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."
+
+
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+A time soon came, however, when Rose, quite unconsciously, won
+not only the respect of her cousins, but their gratitude and
+affection likewise.
+
+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.
+
+Poor Mac's eyes gave out; and well they might, for he had abused
+them, and never being very strong, they suffered doubly 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"I don't know what I should do without that child," 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"What day of the month is it?"
+
+"The seventh of August, I believe."
+
+"More than half my vacation gone, and I've only had a week of it! I
+call that hard," and he groaned dismally.
+
+"So it is; but there is more to come, and you may 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?"
+
+"I guess he does, unless your eyes get on faster than they have yet."
+
+"Has he said anything more lately?"
+
+"I haven't seen him, you know. Shall I begin?  this looks rather
+nice."
+
+"Read away; it's all one to me." And Mac cast himself down upon
+the old lounge, where his heavy head felt easiest.
+
+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
+
+"Stop! I don't hear a word, and you may 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.
+
+"Now, look here, I want to know something, and you've got to tell
+me."
+
+"Please, don't--" began Rose, beseechingly.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"I believe he did," faltered Rose.
+
+"I thought so! Did he say I should be able to go to school when it
+begins?"
+
+"No, Mac," very low.
+
+"Ah!"
+
+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
+
+"How soon does he think I can study 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.
+
+"Not for a good many months."
+
+"How many?" he asked with a pathetic sort of gruffness.
+
+"A year, perhaps."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"No!"
+
+"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 "
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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'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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh, I wish, I 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
+
+"You are a good little soul, Rosy. Give us 'The Birks'; that is a
+drowsy one that always sends me off."
+
+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
+
+    "Bonny lassie, will ye gang, will ye gang
+     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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"She has been ever so good to Mac," began Steve, in a
+self-reproachful tone.
+
+"Better than his own brother, hey?" cut in Archie, finding relief for
+his own regret in the delinquencies of another.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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'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'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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"Please forgive me this time, and I'll never do so any more."
+
+It was very hard to keep sober, but Rose managed it and answered
+gravely
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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
+
+"I'm glad you think so, though I am a 'queer chicken."'
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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 think I might, for she's taking care of my brother," put in Steve,
+asserting his rights.
+
+"Let's all go, that will please her"; proposed Charlie, with a burst
+of gallantry which electrified his mates.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"Now, that is the way 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
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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
+
+"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!"
+
+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 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.
+
+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
+
+    "Coo," said the little doves: "Coo," said she,
+    "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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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
+
+    "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.
+
+"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."
+
+Here Lieutenant Jack spoke right out in 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."
+
+"Yes, and you slapped Frank; I saw you!" bawled Willie Snow,
+bobbing up in his pew.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 will tiss Dimmy! and I tored up my hat 'tause a pin picked me,"
+shouted Pokey, regardless of Jamie's efforts to restrain her.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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!"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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
+
+"I prefer to ride. Come on, and see who will 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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!"
+
+"Cat is the word," replied a voice, and the curtain fell.
+
+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 children were all in the dark till Mother Atkinson said, in an
+inquiring 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?"
+
+"Ass" was evidently the word, and the angel retired, smiling with
+mundane satisfaction over the compliment that reached her ears.
+
+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.
+
+"Now the wobins tum. You be twite dead, Dimmy, and I'll peep in
+and see 'em," one defunct 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"Very clever; what next?" asked Dr. Alec as she sat down beside
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"Ha! asleep at his post! Death is the penalty he must die!"
+
+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
+
+"Brave fellow, he is worn out; I will let him sleep, and mount
+guard in his place."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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!"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+Presently, Phebe appeared with a card. Rose read it, made a
+grimace, then laughed and said
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"I have my cousins," began Rose, with dignity, for her visitor's
+patronising manner ruffled her temper.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"Studying French, I see; who is your teacher?" she asked, flitting
+over the leaves of "Paul and Virginia," that lay 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."
+
+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.
+
+"Oh, indeed!" said Miss Blish, rather blankly, for French was not
+her strong point by any means.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"They are too sweet for anything! If uncle would only let me wear
+some, I should be perfectly 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'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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"Does it hurt much?" asked Rose, wavering.
+
+"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."
+
+"I don't quite like to do it without asking uncle's leave," faltered
+Rose, when all was ready for the operation.
+
+"Did he ever forbid it?" demanded Ariadne, hovering over her prey
+like a vampire.
+
+"No, never!"
+
+"Then do it, unless you are afraid," cried Miss Blish, bent on
+accomplishing the deed.
+
+That last word settled the matter, and, closing her eyes, Rose said
+"Punch!" in the tone of one giving the fatal order "Fire!"
+
+Ariadne punched, and the victim bore it in heroic silence, though
+she turned pale and her eyes were full of 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Never. Mercy me, what's that?" and Ariadne started as a sudden
+sound of steps and voices came up 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"I'm not going to do all the gallivanting. Let Steve take that chit
+home and show his manners."
+
+"I'll be hanged if I do!" answered Prince, who disliked Miss Blish
+because she tried to be coquettish 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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Fire away," said Geordie, and she obeyed, little thinking what a
+disastrous story it would prove to herself.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"But an eye did see this naughty 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.
+
+Rose was rather taken aback by this reply, but, feeling that she was
+producing a good effect, she added seriously
+
+"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."
+
+"Tonscience p'icked her," murmured a contrite 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.
+
+"It was so nice and wound, and she wanted it deffly," 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.
+
+"Me's so 'shamed of Pokey," sobbed the small culprit, quite
+overcome by remorse and confusion at this awful disclosure.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"How do you like it, uncle?" asked Archie, who, being the head of
+a family himself, believed in preserving 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.
+
+"What shall you do about it, sir?" inquired Geordie, wondering
+what punishment would be inflicted on a feminine culprit.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"O uncle, save me, save 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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Now, as he sat down beside her, she said, very soberly
+
+"I've been trying to decide what trade I would learn, and I want you
+to advise me."
+
+"Trade, my dear?" and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that she
+hastened 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."
+
+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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in this
+helpful and cordial way.
+
+"Housekeeping!" answered Dr. Alec.
+
+"Is that an accomplishment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, for
+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."
+
+"Who is the lady?" asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle's
+earnest speech.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"I will, uncle. But how shall I begin?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"I made that, uncle, and I'm 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
+
+"Ain'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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"She meant you should learn by experience, as Rosamond did in
+that little affair of the purple jar, you 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."
+
+"Never mind her now, but tell me all about my loaf," said Dr. Alec,
+much amused at Rose's burst 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."
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+But Dr. Alec saw it, guessed how it came there, and after tea
+insisted on easing the pain which she would hardly confess.
+
+"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.
+
+"More little confidences? I like them immensely, so tell away, 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?"
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"You sew them on?" cried Rose, with her eyes wide open in
+amazement.
+
+"Wait a bit till I get my sewing tackle, and then you shall see what
+I can do."
+
+"Can he, really?" asked Rose of Aunt Peace, as Uncle Alec
+marched off with a comical air 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."
+
+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.
+
+"I wonder if there is anything in the world that you cannot 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.
+
+"I should like to know what?"
+
+"Bread and button-holes, 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 is my opinion that this day will never come to an end," said
+Prince, with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder.
+
+"Read and improve your mind, my son," answered Archie, peering
+solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing.
+
+"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."
+
+"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
+
+"Are the boys in the library, auntie?"
+
+"Yes, dear, and longing for sunshine; so run in and make it for
+them," answered Mrs. Jessie.
+
+"It's Rose," and Archie threw his cigar into the fire.
+
+"What's that for?" asked Charlie.
+
+"Gentlemen don't smoke before ladies."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+As Rose bent to warm her hands, one end of Archie's cigar stuck
+out of the ashes, smoking furiously and smelling strongly.
+
+"Oh, you bad boys, how could you do it, to-day of all days?" she
+said reproachfully.
+
+"Where'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."
+
+"Fiddlesticks! every man smokes, even Uncle Alec, whom you
+think so perfect," began Charlie, in his teasing way.
+
+"No, he doesn't! He has given it up, and I know why," cried Rose
+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.
+
+"Yes," and Rose told the little scene on the seashore in the
+camping-out time.
+
+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."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I'll agree if it is as foolish as cigars."
+
+"Oh, it's ever so much 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.
+
+"Give up your ear-rings," and Charlie laughed wickedly, sure that
+she would never hold to that bargain.
+
+Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to 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."
+
+"Wear as many as you like, and I'll smoke in peace," returned this
+bad boy.
+
+"Will nothing else satisfy you?" imploringly.
+
+"Nothing," 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
+
+"Do you mean never wear them, Charlie?"
+
+"Never, unless you want me to smoke."
+
+"I never do."
+
+"Then clinch the bargain."
+
+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
+
+"I care more for my cousins than for my ear-rings, 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.
+
+But Rose was bent on showing her aunt that she could use her
+influence for the boys' good, and said steadily
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie came in.
+
+"What's this? Dancing Ladies' Triumph on Sunday?" exclaimed
+Uncle Alec, surveying the trio with 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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 thought they were all the fashion," answered Dr. Alec, settling 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."
+
+"Now, Mum, that's too bad! I like 'em tip-top. This one is a regular
+screamer," cried Will.
+
+"They're bully books, and I'd like to know where's the harm,"
+added Geordie.
+
+"You have just shown us one of the chief evils, and that is slang,"
+answered their mother quickly.
+
+"Must have it, ma'am. If these chaps talked all right, there'd be no
+fun in 'em," 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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"Tom Brown just suits mother, and me too, so I wish Mr. Hughes
+would write another story 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
+
+" '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.' "
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Indeed, then you can explain this manoeuvre 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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.' "
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+"Oh, mother, not a single one?" cried Will.
+
+"Couldn't we just finish those?" pleaded Geordie.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Do you want us to be poor, mother?" asked Archie, wondering.
+
+"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.' "
+
+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
+
+"I cannot promise to be an Agassiz or a Sumner, mother; but I do
+promise to be an honest man, please God."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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."
+
+
+
+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."
+
+Phebe said this as she popped her head into the study, where Dr.
+Alec sat 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Now she looks like other girls, and as I like to see her," Mrs.
+Clara was saying, with an air 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Hear, hear," cried a deep voice, and with a general start the ladies
+became aware that 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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"I haven't got used to it yet," she said, petulantly, kicking at her
+train, as she turned to toddle 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"It is not."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"After all I have said, were you really going to tempt my girl with
+those abominable 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+"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."
+
+Peals of laughter issued from Rose's room, and smiles
+involuntarily touched the lips of those who listened to the happy
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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!"
+
+"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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"You can run away from the mad dogs, and walk off at a smart
+pace without tumbling on your nose, now, I fancy?"
+
+"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 "
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+Dr. Alec looked at Mrs. Jessie, and both smiled, for "little Mum"
+had been in the secret, and enjoyed it mightily.
+
+"I thought that would settle 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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"Oh, what?" and Rose caught up the book which Mrs. Clara had
+thrown down with a disgusted look.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"What are you doing, child?" demanded Aunt Myra, dropping into
+a chair and staring about her.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"And she really 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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Half an hour later came another interruption in the shape of Mac,
+who announced his arrival by the brief but elegant remark
+
+"Hullo! what new game is this?"
+
+Rose explained, Mac gave a long whistle of surprise, and then took
+a promenade round the skeleton, observing gravely
+
+"Brother Bones looks very jolly, but I can't say much for his
+beauty."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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
+
+"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."
+
+"Very well; the class will please be seated," and the Doctor gave a
+sounding rap on the table.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"We can, uncle, and we will!" both answered, with a heartiness
+that gratified him much.
+
+"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."
+
+"We'll come, sir, much obliged," and the class in physiology went
+out to 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"I told him not to do it, because it might give you a start,"
+explained Archie, emerging from the closet.
+
+"I had a smelling bottle all ready if she fainted away," added Steve,
+popping up from behind the great 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"I've often heard of a skeleton in the house, but I think few people
+have one as useful and as 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.
+
+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.
+
+"Merry Christmas!" cried the little mistress smiling gaily.
+
+"Merry Christmas!" answered the little maid, so heartily that it did
+one good 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"Do wish for something else, because I happen to know of two
+more presents outside the door this minute."
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+So did Rose, when a shining pair of skates and a fine sled
+appeared.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"It isn't very pretty," said Rose, who was trimming the
+chimney-piece with glossy holly sprays.
+
+"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.
+
+"You won't catch me," said Rose, with great dignity.
+
+"See if I don't!"
+
+"I've got my eye on Phebe," observed Will, in a patronising tone
+that made them all 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.
+
+"Oh, the mistletoe bough," sang Rose.
+
+"Oh, the mistletoe bough!" echoed all the boys, and the teasing
+ended in the plaintive ballad they all liked so well.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+"Too bashful to stay and be praised," began Charlie, excusing the
+peculiarities of his chief as in duty bound.
+
+"Phebe beckoned to him; I saw her," cried Rose, staring hard at the
+door.
+
+"Is it more presents coming?" asked Jamie, just as his brother
+re-appeared, 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
+
+"Where's my little woman? The first kiss for her, then the rest may
+come on as fast as they like."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+"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 but Rose," answered loyal little Jamie, remembering the
+absent.
+
+"Faith, I forgot the child! Where is George's little girl?" asked the
+Captain, who had not 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.
+
+"Here I am, sir," and Rose appeared from behind the curtains,
+looking as if she had rather have stayed 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
+
+"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."
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Draw it mild, Stenie, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"I understand that dodge," thought Rose, and was on her guard so
+carefully that not one among the pile soon collected belonged to
+her.
+
+"Now let us redeem them and play something else," said Will,
+quite unconscious of the deeply-laid plots all about him.
+
+"One more round and then we will," answered the Prince, who had
+now baited his trap anew.
+
+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.
+
+"Now I've got her," thought the young rascal, exulting in his
+fun-loving soul.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Fine or superfine?"
+
+"Super."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Thank you, my dear," said the innocent gentleman, looking much
+pleased at the unexpected honour.
+
+"Oh, come; that's not fair," began Charlie. But Rose cut him short
+by saying, as she made him a fine courtesy
+
+"You said 'Old Mac,' and though it was very disrespectful, I did it.
+That was your last chance, sir, and you've lost 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.
+
+"What's the joke?" asked young Mac, waked out of a brown study
+by the laughter, in which the elders joined.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"I'll risk it," answered Dr. Alec, knitting his brows, as he always
+did when any allusion was made to that other Rose.
+
+"Mark my words, you will repent it," and with that awful prophecy,
+Aunt Myra departed like a black 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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"I wish Steve would just cut up and see if she's there, since I can't
+go," 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"My darling, what is it?" and Uncle Alec had her in his arms in a
+minute.
+
+"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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"Please, could I go to bed?"
+
+"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.
+
+"Are you in pain, darling?" 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.
+
+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.
+
+"Pleurisy," sighed Aunt Plenty, from the depths of the bath-tub.
+
+"Pewmonia!" groaned Dolly, burrowing among the bedclothes with
+the long-handled pan, as if bent on fishing 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.
+
+"Hush!" ordered the Doctor, in a tone that silenced all further
+predictions, and made everyone work with a will.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"Miss Rose is dreadful sick."
+
+"The deuce she is!"
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Charlie exploded into a stifled laugh at the new pronunciation of
+pneumonia, to Phebe's great indignation.
+
+"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.
+
+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."
+
+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
+
+"Don't hold that confounded thing right under my nose; the
+mustard makes my eyes smart."
+
+"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.
+
+"I'll go!" and Charlie was off like a shot, glad of an excuse to get
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"Thanks be to goodness, she's better," answered Phebe, with a
+smile that was like broad sunshine to the poor lad's anxious heart.
+
+"And she will be all right again to-morrow?"
+
+"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.
+
+Down went Mac's face, and remorse began to gnaw at him again as
+he gave a great sigh and said doubtfully
+
+"I suppose I couldn't see her?"
+
+"Of course not at this time of night, when we want her to go to
+sleep!"
+
+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.
+
+"Why didn't you stop it?" said Phebe reproachfully. "I dare say
+you've waked her up."
+
+"Didn't know it was coming. Just my luck!" groaned Mac, turning
+to go before his unfortunate presence did more harm.
+
+But a voice from the stair-head called softly, "Mac, come up; Rose
+wants to see you."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"I don't think I shall die; uncle won't let me; but if I do, remember 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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
+
+"Phebe, I want something to do. Can't you let me help you about
+anything, or shall I 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
+
+"Let me see! What is it? I won't tell if you'd rather not have Dolly
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+    "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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"Bless my heart, what is going on now?"
+
+"School, aunty. I'm teaching Phebe, and it's great fun!" cried Rose,
+looking up with a bright face.
+
+But Phebe's was brighter, though she added with a wistful 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?"
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"Please, can I go? I'll clear up after I've done 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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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?"
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"She didn't tell you, I hope?"
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"You artful little baggage! that's the way you expect to get round
+me, is it? That's not studying, I suppose?"
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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 think she has found some already," began Rose 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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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?"
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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
+
+"If Phebe goes to school who will do her work? I'm willing, 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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+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.
+
+"P'raps I will, and p'raps I won't. What is it?"
+
+"Haven't Arch and Charlie quarrelled?"
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Botheration! you don't want me to turn telltale, do you?" growled
+Steve, pulling his top-knot, as he always did when perplexed.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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 do you want?" and Rose looked up rather surprised at 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'll lend it to you with pleasure, so tell away," said Rose, bound to
+get at the secret.
+
+Evidently much relieved by the promise, Steve set his top-knot
+cheerfully erect again, and briefly stated the case.
+
+"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."
+
+"Are those boys bad?" asked Rose, anxiously.
+
+"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!"
+
+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.
+
+"If Prince likes any billiard-playing boy better than Archie, I don't
+think much of his sense," she said severely.
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"Of course I will! How much do you want?" and Rose pulled out
+her purse.
+
+"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.
+
+"Aren't all debts honourable?" 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Having decided to be a peace-maker, Rose waited for an
+opportunity, and very soon it came.
+
+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 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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"I think I see myself letting you do it. Champagne always makes
+my headache, but the air will set me up."
+
+"Why do you drink it, then?" asked Rose, anxiously.
+
+"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."
+
+Charlie's tone was decidedly cross, and his whole manner so unlike
+his usual merry good-nature, that Rose felt crushed, and answered
+meekly
+
+"I wasn't going to lecture, only when people like other people, they
+can't bear to see them suffer 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.
+
+"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 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.
+
+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
+
+"You'd better not meddle with what you don't understand, 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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"You needn't speak to me if you don't choose, but I must see you
+safely home, cousin."
+
+She turned at once, put out her hand, and answered heartily
+
+"I was the cross 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.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"So I am about some things, but I cannot bear to be laughed at."
+
+"It is hard, but if one is right won't that make it easier?"
+
+"Not to me; it might to a pious parson 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.
+
+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."
+
+"Perhaps that's why he keeps out of their way, and wants you to."
+
+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."
+
+"If he was my brother, now, he'd have some right to interfere,"
+began Charlie, in an injured tone.
+
+"I wish he was!" cried Rose.
+
+"So do I," answered 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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+Rose gave a skip of pleasure, and laid 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."
+
+"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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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 think Steve does know, for he talked about debts of honour the
+day I gave him--" There Rose stopped short and turned scarlet.
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"Here's our little peace-maker!" said Archie, shaking hands with
+vigour.
+
+But Charlie added, with a look that made Rose very 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+"All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you have
+something on your little mind, so come and tell 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.
+
+"Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara a
+month?" asked the Doctor, when she ended.
+
+"Yes, sir; but I shouldn'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.
+
+"You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stay
+at home and keep out of mischief?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys."
+
+"No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you like
+bees after their queen. Haven't you found 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."
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+"Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, who
+happened to be nearest.
+
+"Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad,
+unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the 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."
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+"Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded,
+ladies?"
+
+"Bless me, so it is!" cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in her
+surprise.
+
+"Beautifully, dear," answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval.
+
+"She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and
+she had no constitution to build upon," croaked Aunt Myra.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and
+then said soberly
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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?"
+
+"Yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement at
+the prospect of having Rose for a whole 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."
+
+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.
+
+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!"
+
+The cousins had been a-Maying, and soon came flocking in laden
+with the spoils.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+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
+
+"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."
+
+"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.
+
+"Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, and
+remember, 'Codlin's your friend,' " added Charlie, hopeful still.
+
+"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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+
+    "Ring around a Rosy!"
+
+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."
+
+That tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of
+
+    "Uncle had a little 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+For the sequel, see "The Rose in Bloom."
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext Eight Cousins, by Louisa M. Alcott
+
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