〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•＂The Other Fellows＂-2

[tzhfsh6]

[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose had gone to drive with Uncle Alec, who declared she wasgetting as pale as a potato sprout, living so much in a dark room.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But her thoughts were with her boy all the while, and she ran up tohim the moment she returned, to find things in a fine state ofconfusion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]With the best intentions in life, the lads had done more harm thangood, and the spectacle that met Nurse Rose's eye was a tryingone. The puppies were yelping, the small boys romping, and thebig boys all talking at once; the curtains were up, the room close,berries scattered freely about, Mac's shade half off, Oakley sunglasses cheap,his cheeksflushed, his temper ruffled, and his voice loudest of all as hedisputed hotly with Steve about lending certain treasured bookswhich he could no longer use.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now Rose considered this her special kingdom, and came downupon the invaders with an energy which amazed them and quelledthe riot at once. They had never seen her roused before, and theeffect was tremendous; also comical, for she drove the whole flockof boys out of the room like an indignant little hen defending herbrood. They all went as meekly as sheep; the small lads fled fromthe house precipitately, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,but the three elder ones only retired to thenext room, and remained there hoping for a chance to explain andapologise, and so appease the irate young lady, who had suddenlyturned the tables and clattered them about their ears.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As they waited, they observed her proceedings through thehalf-open door, and commented upon them briefly butexpressively, feeling quite bowed down with remorse at the harmthey had innocently done.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She's put the room to rights in a jiffey. What jacks we were to letthose dogs in and kick up such a row," observed Steve, after aprolonged peep.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"The poor old Worm turns as if she was treading on him instead ofcuddling him like a pussy cat. Isn't he cross, though?" addedCharlie, as Mac was heard growling about his "confounded head.""She will manage him; but it's mean in us to rumple him up andthen leave her to smooth him down. cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,I'd go and help, but I don'tknow how," said Archie. looking much depressed, for he was aconscientious fellow, and blamed himself for his want of thought.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, more do I. Odd, isn't it, what a knack women have for takingcare of sick folks?" and Charlie fell a-musing over this undeniablefact.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She has been ever so good to Mac," began Steve, in aself-reproachful tone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Better than his own brother, hey?" cut in Archie, finding relief forhis own regret in the delinquencies of another.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, you needn't preach; you didn't any of you do any more, andyou might have, for Mac likes you better than he does me. I alwaysfret him, he says, and it isn't my fault if I am a quiddle," protestedSteve, in self-defence.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We have all been selfish and neglected him, so we won't fightabout it, but try and do better," said Archie, generously takingmore than his share of blame, for he had been less inattentive thaneither of the others.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Rose has stood by him like a good one, and it's no wonder he likesto have her round best. I should myself if I was down on my luckas he is," put in Charlie, feeling that he really had not done "thelittle thing" justice.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll tell you what it is, boys we haven't been half good enough toRose, 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Girls are such geese sometimes, I can't help it," said Steve,confessing his transgressions handsomely, and feeling quite readyto atone for them if he only knew how.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll go down on my knees and beg her pardon for treating her as ifshe was a child. Don't it make her mad, though? Come to think ofit, she's only two years or so younger than I am. But she is so smalland pretty, cheap oakley sunglasses china,she always seems like a dolly to me," and the Princelooked down from his lofty height of five feet five as if Rose wasindeed a pygmy beside him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That dolly has got a real good little heart, and a bright mind of herown, you'd better believe. Mac says she understands some thingsquicker than he can, and mother thinks she is an uncommonly nicegirl, 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 thanyou; 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 likesthe Chief best; they ought to, and I'll punch their heads if theydon't. So calm yourself, Dandy, and mend your own mannersbefore you come down on other people's."Thus the Prince with great dignity and perfect good nature,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, whileArchie looked modestly gratified with the flattering opinions of hiskinsfolk, and Steve subsided, feeling he had done his duty as acousin and a brother. A pause ensued, during which Aunt Janeappeared in the other room, accompanied by a tea-traysumptuously spread, and prepared to feed her big nestling, as thatwas a task she allowed no one to share with her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If you have a minute to spare before you go, child, I wish you'djust make Mac a fresh shade; this has got a berry stain on it, and hemust 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 Macslopped his tea about without receiving a word of reproof.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, aunt," answered Rose, so meekly that the boys could hardlybelieve it could be the same voice which had issued the sterncommand, "Out of this room, every one of you!" not very long ago.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They had not time to retire, without unseemly haste, before shewalked into the parlour and sat down at the work-table without aword. It was funny to see the look the three tall lads cast at thelittle person sedately threading a needle with green silk. They allwanted to say something expressive of repentance, but no oneknew how to begin, and it was evident, from the prim expressionof Rose's face, that she intended to stand upon her dignity till theyhad properly abased themselves. The pause was becoming veryawkward, when Charlie, who possessed all the persuasive arts of aborn 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 answeredgravely"It is Mac's pardon you should ask, not mine, for you haven't hurtme, and I shouldn't wonder if you had him a great deal, with allthat light and racket, and talk about things that only worry him.""Do you really think we've hurt him, cousin?" asked Archie, with atroubled look, while Charlie settled down in a remorseful heapamong the table legs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, I do, for he has got a raging headache, and his eyes are as redas as this emery bag," answered Rose, solemnly plunging herneedle into a fat flannel strawberry.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Steve tore his hair, metaphorically speaking, for he clutched hischerished top-knot, and wildly dishevelled it, as if that was theheaviest penance he could inflict upon himself at such shortnotice. Charlie laid himself out flat, melodramatically beggingsomeone to take him away and hang him; but Archie, who feltworst of all, said nothing except to vow within himself that hewould read to Mac till his own eyes were as red as a dozen emerybags combined.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Seeing the wholesome effects of her treatment upon these culprits,Rose felt that she might relent and allow them a gleam of hope.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She found it impossible to help trampling upon the prostratePrince a little, in words at least, for he had hurt her feelings oftenerthan he knew; so she gave him a thimble-pie on the top of hishead, and said, with an air of an infinitely superior being"Don't be silly, but get up, and I'll tell you something much betterto do than sprawling on the floor and getting all over lint."Charlie obediently sat himself upon a hassock at her feet; the othersinners drew near to catch the words of wisdom about to fall fromher lips, and Rose, softened by this gratifying humility, addressedthem in her most maternal tone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, boys, if you really want to be good to Mac, you can do it inthis way. Don't keep talking about things he can't do, or go and tellwhat fun you have had batting your ridiculous balls about. Getsome nice book and read quietly; cheer him up about school, andoffer 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 allsorts of headachy stuff.""Yes, but you can do heaps of things better than we can; you'veproved that," said Archie, with an approving look that delightedRose, though she could not resist giving Charlie one more rebuke,by saying, with a little bridling of the head, and a curl of the lipthat wanted to smile instead"I'm glad you think so, though I am a 'queer chicken."'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This scathing remark caused the Prince to hide his face for shame,and Steve to erect his head in the proud consciousness that thisshot was not meant for him. Archie laughed, and Rose, seeing amerry blue eye winking at her from behind two brown hands, gaveCharlie's ear a friendly tweak, and extended the olive-branch ofpeace.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now we'll all be good, and plan nice things for poor Mac," shesaid, smiling so graciously that the boys felt as if the sun hadsuddenly burst out from behind a heavy cloud and was shiningwith great brilliancy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The storm had cleared the air, and quite a heavenly calmsucceeded, during which plans of a most varied and surprising sortwere laid, for everyone burned to make noble sacrifices upon theshrine of "poor Mac," and Rose was the guiding star to whom theothers looked with most gratifying submission. Of course, thiselevated state of things could not endure long, but it was very nicewhile it lasted, and left an excellent effect upon the minds of allwhen the first ardour had subsided.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There, that's ready for to-morrow, and I do hope it will becloudy," said Rose, as she finished off the new shade, the progressof which the boys had watched with interest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'd bespoken an extra sunny day, but I'll tell the clerk of theweather to change it. He's an obliging fellow, and he'll attend to it,so make yourself easy," said Charlie, who had become quite perkyagain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is very easy for you to joke, but how would you like to wear ablinder like that for weeks and weeks, sir?" and Rose quenched hisrising spirits by slipping the shade over his eyes, as he still sat onthe cushion at her feet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's horrid! Take it off, take it off! I don't wonder the poor old boyhas the blues with a thing like that on"; and Charlie sat looking atwhat seemed to him an instrument of torture, with such a soberface that Rose took it gently away, and went in to bid Macgood-night.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I shall go home with her, for it is getting darkish, and she is rathertimid," said Archie, forgetting that he had often laughed at thisvery timidity.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I think I might, for she's taking care of my brother," put in Steve,asserting his rights.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let's all go, that will please her"; proposed Charlie, with a burstof gallantry which electrified his mates.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We will!" they said with one voice, and they did, to Rose's greatsurprise and secret contentment; though Archie had all the care ofher, for the other two were leaping fences, running races, andhaving wrestling matches all the way down.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They composed themselves on reaching the door, however; shookhands cordially all round, made their best bows, and retired withgreat elegance and dignity, leaving Rose to say to herself, withgirlish satisfaction, as she went in"Now, that is the way I like to be treated."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Cosey Corner

Vacation was over, the boys went back to school, and poor Macwas left lamenting. He was out of the darkened room now, andpromoted to blue goggles, through which he took a gloomy view oflife, as might have been expected; for there was nothing he coulddo but wander about, and try to amuse himself without using hiseyes. Anyone who has ever been condemned to that sort ofidleness knows how irksome it is, and can understand the state ofmind which caused Mac to say to Rose in a desperate tone one day"Look here, if you don't invent some new employment oramusement for me, I shall knock myself on the head as sure as youlive."Rose flew to Uncle Alec for advice, and he ordered both patientand nurse to the mountains for a month, with Aunt Jessie andJamie as escort. Pokey and her mother joined the party, and onebright September morning six very happy-looking people wereaboard the express train for Portland two smiling mammas, ladenwith luncheon baskets and wraps; a pretty young girl with a bag ofbooks on her arm; a tall thin lad with his hat over his eyes; and twosmall children,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, who sat with their short legs straight out beforethem, and their chubby faces beaming with the first speechlessdelight of "truly travelling."An especially splendid sunset seemed to have been prepared towelcome them when, after a long day's journey, they drove into awide, green door-yard, where a white colt, a red cow, two cats,four kittens, many hens, and a dozen people, old and young, weregaily disporting themselves. Everyone nodded and smiled in thefriendliest manner, and a lively old lady kissed the new-comers allround, as she said heartily"Well, now, I'm proper glad to see you! Come right in and rest, andwe'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 inwith the trunks; and Jenny and I will have the table all ready by thetime you come down. Bless the dears, they want to go see thepussies, and so they shall!"The three pretty daughters did "fly round," and everyone felt athome at once, all were so hospitable and kind. Aunt Jessie hadraptures over the home-made carpets, quilts and quaint furniture;Rose could not keep away from the windows, for each framed alovely picture; and the little folks made friends at once with theother children, who filled their arms with chickens and kittens, anddid the honours handsomely.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The toot of a horn called all to supper, and a goodly party,including six children besides the Camp-bells, assembled in thelong dining-room, armed with mountain appetites and the gayestspirits. It was impossible for anyone to be shy or sober, for suchgales of merriment arose they blew the starch out of the stiffest,and made the saddest jolly. Mother Atkinson, as all called theirhostess, was the merriest there, and the busiest; for she kept flyingup to wait on the children, to bring out some new dish, or to banishthe live stock, who were of such a social turn that the colt cameinto the entry and demanded sugar; the cats sat about in people'slaps,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, winking suggestively at the food; and speckled hens clearedthe kitchen floor of crumbs, as they joined in the chat with acheerful clucking.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Everybody turned out after tea to watch the sunset till all the lovelyred was gone, and mosquitoes wound their shrill horns to soundthe retreat. The music of an organ surprised the new-comers, andin the parlor they found Father Atkinson playing sweetly on thelittle instrument made by himself. All the children gathered abouthim, and, led by the tuneful sisters, sang prettily till Pokey fellasleep behind the door, cheap Oakleys,and Jamie gaped audibly right in themiddle 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 sametime, and slept like tops in home-spun sheets, on husk mattressesmade by Mother Atkinson, who seemed to have put some soothingpowder among them, so deep and sweet was the slumber thatcame.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Next day began the wholesome out-of-door life, which works suchwonders with tired minds and feeble bodies. The weather wasperfect, and the mountain air made the children as frisky as younglambs; while the elders went about smiling at one another, andsaying, "Isn't it splendid?" Even Mac, the "slow coach," was seento leap over a fence as if he really could not help it; and whenRose ran after him with his broad-brimmed hat, Oakley sunglasses cheap,he made thespirited proposal to go into the woods and hunt for a catamount.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Jamie and Pokey were at once enrolled in the Cosey Corner LightInfantry a truly superb company, composed entirely of officers, allwearing cocked hats, carrying flags, waving swords, or beatingdrums. It was a spectacle to stir the dullest soul when this gallantband marched out of the yard in full regimentals, with CaptainDove a solemn, big-headed boy of eleven issuing his orders withthe gravity of a general, and his Falstaffian regiment obeying themwith more docility than skill. The little Snow children did verywell, and Lieutenant Jack Dove was fine to see; so was DrummerFrank, the errand-boy of the house, as he rub-a-dub-dubbed withall his heart and drumsticks. Jamie had "trained" before, and wasmade a colonel at once;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, but Pokey was the best of all, and calledforth a spontaneous burst of applause from the spectators as shebrought up the rear, her cocked hat all over one eye, her flagtrailing over her shoulder, and her wooden sword straight up in theair; her face beaming and every curl bobbing with delight as herfat legs tottered in the vain attempt to keep step manfully.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Mac and Rose were picking blackberries in the bushes beside theroad when the soldiers passed without seeing them, and theywitnessed a sight that was both pretty and comical. A little fartheron was one of the family burial spots so common in those parts,and just this side of it Captain Fred Dove ordered his company tohalt, explaining his reason for so doing in the following words"That's a graveyard,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men, and it's proper to muffle the drums and lowerthe flags as we go by, and we'd better take off our hats, too; it'smore respectable, I think.""Isn't that cunning of the dears?" whispered Rose, as the little troopmarched slowly by to the muffled roll of the drums, every flag andsword held low, all the little heads uncovered, and the childishfaces very sober as the leafy shadows flickered over them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let's follow and see what they are after," proposed Mac, whofound sitting on the wall and being fed with blackberries luxuriousbut tiresome.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So they followed and heard the music grow lively, saw the bannerswave in the breeze again when the graveyard was passed, andwatched the company file into the dilapidated old church thatstood at the corner of three woodland roads. Presently the sound ofsinging made the outsiders quicken their steps, and, stealing up,they peeped in at one of the broken windows.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Captain Dove was up in the old wooden pulpit, gazing solemnlydown upon his company, who, having stacked their arms in theporch, now sat in the bare pews singing a Sunday-school hymnwith great vigour and relish.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let us pray," said Captain Dove, with as much reverence as anarmy chaplain; and, folding his hands, he repeated a prayer whichhe thought all would know an excellent little prayer, but notexactly appropriate to the morning, cheap oakley sunglasses china,for it was"Now I lay me down to sleep."Everyone joined in saying it, and it was a pretty sight to see thelittle creatures bowing their curly heads and lisping out the wordsthey knew so well. Tears came into Rose's eyes as she looked; Mactook his hat off involuntarily, and then clapped it on again as ifashamed of showing any feeling.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now I shall preach you a short sermon, and my text is, 'Littlechildren, love one another.' I asked mamma to give me one, andshe thought that would be good; so you all sit still and I'll preach it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You mustn't whisper, Marion, but hear me. It means that weshould be good to each other, and play fair, and not quarrel as wedid this very day about the wagon. Jack can't always drive, andneedn't be mad because I like to go with Frank. Annette ought tobe horse sometimes and not always driver; and Willie may as wellmake up his mind to let Marion build her house by his, for she willdo 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 inchurch or put their hats on. Now you must all remember what I tellyou, because I am the captain, and you should mind me."Here Lieutenant Jack spoke right out in meeting with therebellious remark"Don't care if you are; you'd better mind yourself, and tell how youtook away my strap, and kept the biggest doughnut, and didn'tdraw fair when we had the truck.""Yes, and you slapped Frank; I saw you!" bawled Willie Snow,bobbing up in his pew.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And you took my book away and hid it 'cause I wouldn't go andswing when you wanted me to," added Annette, the oldest of theSnow trio.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I shan't build my house by Willie's if he don't want me to, sonow!" put in little Marion, joining the mutiny.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Captain Dove looked rather taken aback at this outbreak in theranks; but, being a dignified and calm personage, he quelled therising rebellion with great tact and skill, by saying, briefly"We'll sing the last hymn; 'Sweet, sweet good-by' you all knowthat, so do it nicely, and then we will go and have luncheon."Peace was instantly restored, and a burst of melody drowned thesuppressed giggles of Rose and Mac, who found it impossible tokeep sober during the latter part of this somewhat remarkableservice. Fifteen minutes of repose rendered it a physicalimpossibility for the company to march out as quietly as they hadmarched in. I grieve to state that the entire troop raced home ashard as they could pelt, and were soon skirmishing briskly overtheir lunch, utterly oblivious of what Jamie (who had been muchimpressed 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 hehad expected, was busiest of all. He was invited to survey and layout Skeeterville, a town which the children were getting up in ahuckleberry pasture; and he found much amusement in planninglittle roads,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, staking off house-lots, attending to the water-works,and consulting with the "selectmen" about the best sites for publicbuildings; for Mac was a boy still, in spite of his fifteen years andhis love of books.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then he went fishing with a certain jovial gentleman from theWest; and though they seldom caught anything but colds, they hadgreat fun and exercise chasing the phantom trout they were boundto have. Mac also developed a geological mania, and went tappingabout at rocks and stones, discoursing wisely of "strata, periods,and fossil remains"; while Rose picked up leaves and lichens, andgave him lessons in botany in return for his lectures on geology.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They led a very merry life; for the Atkinson girls kept up a sort ofperpetual picnic; and did it so capitally, that one was never tired ofit. So their visitors throve finely, and long before the month wasout it was evident that Dr. Alec had prescribed the right medicinefor his patients.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Happy Birthday-1

The twelfth of October was Rose's birthday, but no one seemed toremember that interesting fact, and she felt delicate aboutmentioning it, so fell asleep the night before wondering if shewould have any presents. That question was settled early the nextmorning, for she was awakened by a soft tap on her face, andopening her eyes she beheld a little black and white figure sittingon her pillow, staring at her with a pair of round eyes very likeblueberries, while one downy paw patted her nose to attract hernotice. It was Kitty Comet, the prettiest of all the pussies, Oakley sunglasses,andComet evidently had a mission to perform, for a pink bow adornedher 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 thefun, for surprises and presents kept popping out in the mostdelightful manner all through the day, the Atkinson girls beingfamous jokers and Rose a favourite. But the best gift of all cameon the way to Mount Windy-Top, where it was decided to picnic inhonour of the great occasion. Three jolly loads set off soon afterbreakfast, for everybody went, and everybody seemed bound tohave an extra good time, especially Mother Atkinson, who wore ahat as broad-brimmed as an umbrella, and took the dinner-horn tokeep her flock from straying away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm going to drive auntie and a lot of the babies, so you must ridethe pony. And please stay behind us a good bit when we go to thestation, for a parcel is coming, and you are not to see it tilldinner-time. You won't mind, will you?" said Mac, in aconfidential aside during the wild flurry of the start.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Not a bit," answered Rose. "It hurts my feelings very much to betold to keep out of the way at any other time, but birthdays andChristmas it is part of the fun to be blind and stupid, and pokedinto corners. I'll be ready as soon as you are, Giglamps.""Stop under the big maple till I call then you can't possibly seeanything," cheap Oakley sunglasses,added Mac, as he mounted her on the pony his fatherhad sent up for his use. "Barkis" was so gentle and so "willin',"however, that Rose was ashamed to be afraid to ride him; so shehad 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Away they went, and, coming to the red maple, Rose obedientlypaused; but could not help stealing a glance in the forbiddendirection before the call came. Yes, there was a hamper goingunder the seat, and then she caught sight of a tall man whom Macseemed to be hustling into the carriage in a great hurry.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, One lookwas enough, and with a cry of delight, Rose was off down the roadas fast as Barkis could go.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 stillmore bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance downthe steep, stony road. The approach would have been a finesuccess if, Oakley sunglasses cheap,just as Rose was about to pull up and salute, two orthree distracted hens had not scuttled across the road with a greatsquawking, which caused Barkis to shy and stop so suddenly thathis careless rider landed in an ignominious heap just under oldSorrel's astonished nose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was up again before Dr. Alec was out of the carryall, andthrew 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 ofgoodies, and so dear of you to come!""But aren't you hurt, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,child! That was a rough tumble, and I'm afraidyou must be damaged somewhere," answered the Doctor, full offond anxiety, as he surveyed his girl with pride.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My feelings are hurt, but my bones are all safe. It's too bad! I wasgoing to do it so nicely, and those stupid hens spoilt it all," saidRose, quite crestfallen, as well as much shaken.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I couldn't believe my eyes when I asked 'Where is Rose?' and Macpointed to the little Amazon pelting down the hill at such a rate.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You couldn't have done anything that would please me more, andI'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 AuntJessie proposed a start, for the others were beckoning them tofollow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 hadrefrained from teasing when so good a chance offered.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Pride does go before a fall, but I wonder if a sprained anklealways 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."[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,She was up and away as she spoke, doing her best to efface thememory of her downfall by sitting very erect, elbows down, headwell up, and taking the motion of the pony as Barkis canteredalong as easily as a rocking-chair.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You ought to see her go over a fence and race when we ridetogether. She can scud, too, like a deer when we play 'Follow theleader,' and skip stones and bat balls almost as well as I can," saidMac, in reply to his uncle's praise of his pupil.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm afraid you will think her a sad tomboy, Alec; but really sheseems so well and happy, I have not the heart to check her. She hasbroken out in the most unexpected way, and frisks like a colt; forshe says she feels so full of spirits she must run and shout whetherit is proper or not," added Mrs. Jessie, who had been a prettyhoyden years ago herself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Good good! that's the best news you could tell me," and Dr. Alecrubbed his hands heartily. "Let the girl run and shout as much asshe will it is a sure sign of health, and as natural to a happy childas frisking is to any young animal full of life. Tomboys makestrong women usually, and I had far rather find Rose playingfootball with Mac than puttering over bead-work like that affectedmidget, Ariadne Blish.""But she cannot go on playing football very long, and we must notforget that she has a woman's work to do by and by," began Mrs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Jessie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Neither will Mac play football much longer, but he will be all thebetter fitted for business, because of the health it gives him. Polishis easily added, if the foundations are strong; but no amount ofgilding 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 sixmonths as I have the last, my experiment will succeed.""It certainly will; for when I contrast that bright, blooming facewith the pale, listless one that made my heart ache a while ago, cheap oakley sunglasses china,Ican believe in almost any miracle," said Mrs. Jessie, as Roselooked round to point out a lovely view, with cheeks like the ruddyapples in the orchard near by, eyes clear as the autumn skyoverhead, and vigour in every line of her girlish figure.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A general scramble among the rocks was followed by a regulargypsy lunch, which the young folks had the rapture of helping toprepare. Mother Atkinson put on her apron, turned up her sleeves,and fell to work as gaily as if in her own kitchen, boiling the kettleslung on three sticks, over a fire of cones and fir boughs; while thegirls spread the mossy table with a feast of country goodies, andthe children tumbled about in everyone's way till the toot of thehorn made them settle down like a flock of hungry birds.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As soon as the merry meal and a brief interval of repose were over,it was unanimously voted to have some charades. A smooth, greenspot between two stately pines was chosen for the stage; shawlshung up, properties collected, audience and actors separated, and aword quickly chosen.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The first scene discovered Mac in a despondent attitude andshabby dress, evidently much troubled in mind. To him entered aremarkable creature with a brown paper bag over its head. A littlepink nose peeped through one hole in the middle, white teeththrough another, and above two eyes glared fiercely. Spires ofgrass stuck in each side of the mouth seemed meant to representwhiskers; the upper corners of the bag were twisted like ears, andno one could doubt for a moment that the black scarf pinned onbehind was a tail.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This singular animal seemed in pantomime to be comforting hismaster and offering advice, which was finally acted upon, for Macpulled off his boots, helped the little beast into them, and gave hima bag; then, kissing his paw, with a hopeful gesture, the creatureretired, purring so successfully that there was a general cry of "Cat,puss, boots!""Cat is the word," replied a voice, and the curtain fell.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The next scene was a puzzler, for in came another animal, onall-fours this time, with a new sort of tail and long ears. A grayshawl concealed its face, but an inquisitive sunbeam betrayed theglitter as of goggles under the fringe. On its back rode a smallgentleman in Eastern costume, who appeared to find somedifficulty in keeping his seat as his steed jogged along. Suddenly aspirit appeared, all in white, with long newspaper wings upon itsback and golden locks about its face. Singularly enough, the beastbeheld this apparition and backed instantly, but the rider evidentlysaw nothing and whipped up unmercifully, also unsuccessfully, forthe spirit stood directly in the path, and the amiable beast wouldnot budge a foot. A lively skirmish followed, which ended in theEastern gentleman being upset into a sweet-fern bush, while thebetter bred animal abased itself before the shining one.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The children were all in the dark till Mother Atkinson said, in aninquiring tone"If that isn't Balaam and the ass, I'd like to know what it is. Rosemakes a sweet angel, doesn't she?""Ass" was evidently the word, and the angel retired, smiling withmundane satisfaction over the compliment that reached her ears.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The next was a pretty little scene from the immortal story of"Babes in the Wood." Jamie and Pokey came trotting in, hand inhand, and, having been through the parts many times before, actedwith great ease and much fluency, audibly directing each otherfrom time to time as they went along. The berries were picked,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, theway lost, tears shed, baby consolation administered, and then thelittle pair lay down among the brakes and died with their eyes wideopen and the toes of their four little boots turned up to the daisiesin the most pathetic manner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now the wobins tum. You be twite dead, Dimmy, and I'll peep inand see 'em," one defunct innocent was heard to say.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I hope they'll be quick, for I'm lying on a stone, and ants arewalking up my leg like fury," murmured the other.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Here the robins came flapping in with red scarves over theirbreasts and leaves in their mouths, which they carefully laid uponthe babes wherever they would show best. A prickly blackberryleaf placed directly over Pokey's nose caused her to sneeze soviolently that her little legs flew into the air; Jamie gave a startled"Ow!" and the pitying fowls fled giggling.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This scene discovered Annette Snow in bed, evidently very ill;Miss Jenny was her anxious mamma, and her merry conversationamused the audience till Mac came in as a physician, and madegreat fun with his big watch, pompous manner, and absurdquestions. He prescribed one pellet with an unpronounceablename, and left after demanding twenty dollars for his brief visit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The pellet was administered, and such awful agonies immediatelyset in that the distracted mamma bade a sympathetic neighbour runfor Mother Know-all. The neighbour ran, and in came a brisk littleold lady in cap and specs, with a bundle of herbs under her arm,which she at once applied in all sorts of funny ways, explainingtheir virtues as she clapped a plantain poultice here, put a poundedcatnip plaster there, or tied a couple of mullein leaves round thesufferer's throat. Instant relief ensued, the dying child sat up anddemanded baked beans. The grateful parent offered fifty dollars;but Mother Know-all indignantly refused it and went smilingaway, declaring that a neighbourly turn needed no reward, and adoctor's fee was all a humbug.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The audience were in fits of laughter over this scene, for Roseimitated Mrs. Atkinson capitally, and the herb cure was a good hitat the excellent lady's belief that "yarbs" would save mankind ifproperly applied. No one enjoyed it more than herself, and thesaucy children prepared for the grand finale in high feather.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This closing scene was brief but striking, for two trains of carswhizzed in from opposite sides, met with a terrible collision in themiddle of the stage, and a general smash-up completed the wordcatastrophe.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Happy Birthday-2

"Now let us act a proverb. I've got one all ready," said Rose, whowas dying to distinguish herself in some way before Uncle Alec.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So everyone but Mac, the gay Westerner, and Rose, took theirplaces on the rocky seats and discussed the late beautiful andvaried charade, in which Pokey frankly pronounced her own scenethe "bestest of all."In five minutes the curtain was lifted; nothing appeared but a verylarge sheet of brown paper pinned to a tree, and on it was drawn aclock-face, the hands pointing to four. A small note belowinformed the public that 4 A.M. was the time. Hardly had theaudience grasped this important fact when a long waterproofserpent was seen uncoiling itself from behind a stump. Aninch-worm, perhaps, would be a better description, for it travelledin the same humpy way as that pleasing reptile. Suddenly a verywide-awake and active fowl advanced, pecking, chirping, andscratching vigorously. A tuft of green leaves waved upon his crest,a larger tuft of brakes made an umbrageous tail, and a shawl ofmany colours formed his flapping wings. A truly noble bird, whoselegs had the genuine strut, whose eyes shone watchfully, andwhose voice had a ring that evidently struck terror into thecatterpillar's soul, if it was a catterpillar. He squirmed, hewriggled, he humped as fast as he could, trying to escape; but all invain. The tufted bird espied him, gave one warbling sort of crow,pounced upon him, and flapped triumphantly away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That early bird got such a big worm he could hardly carry himoff," laughed Aunt Jessie, as the children shouted over the jokesuggested by Mac's nickname.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That is one of uncle's favourite proverbs, so I got it up for hisespecial benefit," said Rose, coming up with the two-legged wormbeside her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Very clever; what next?" asked Dr. Alec as she sat down besidehim.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"The Dove boys are going to give us an 'Incident in the Life ofNapoleon,' as they call it; the children think it very splendid, andthe little fellows do it rather nicely," answered Mac withcondescension.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A tent appeared, and pacing to and fro before it was a littlesentinel, who, in a brief soliloquy, informed the observers that theelements were in a great state of confusion, that he had marchedsome hundred miles or so that day, and that he was dying for wantof sleep. Then he paused, leaned upon his gun, and seemed todoze; dropped slowly down, overpowered with slumber, andfinally lay flat, with his gun beside him, a faithless little sentinel.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Enter Napoleon, cocked hat, gray coat, high boots, folded arms,grim mouth, and a melodramatic stride. Freddy Dove alwayscovered himself with glory in this part, and "took the stage" with aNapoleonic attitude that brought down the house; for thebig-headed boy, with solemn, dark eyes and square brow, was "thevery moral of that rascal, Boneyparty," Mother Atkinson said.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Some great scheme was evidently brewing in his mighty mind atrip across the Alps, a bonfire at Moscow, or a little skirmish atWaterloo perhaps, for he marched in silent majesty till suddenly agentle snore disturbed the imperial reverie. He saw the sleepingsoldier 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, asemperors are in the habit of doing, when something in the face ofthe weary sentinel appears to touch him. And well it might, for amost engaging little warrior was Jack as he lay with his shako halfoff, his childish face trying to keep sober, and a great blackmoustache over his rosy mouth. It would have softened the heart ofany Napoleon, and the Little Corporal proved himself a man byrelenting, and saying, with a lofty gesture of forgiveness"Brave fellow, he is worn out; I will let him sleep, and mountguard in his place."Then, shouldering the gun, this noble being strode to and fro witha dignity which thrilled the younger spectators. The sentinelawakes, sees what has happened, and gives himself up for lost. Butthe Emperor restores his weapon, and, with that smile which wonall hearts, says, pointing to a high rock whereon a crow happens tobe sitting, "Be brave, be vigilant, and remember that from yonderPyramid generations are beholding you," and with thesememorable words he vanishes, leaving the grateful soldier boltupright, with his hand at his temple and deathless devotionstamped upon his youthful countenance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The applause which followed this superb piece had hardlysubsided, when a sudden splash and a shrill cry caused a generalrush toward the waterfall that went gambolling down the rocks,singing sweetly as it ran. Pokey had tried to gambol also, and hadtumbled into a shallow pool, whither Jamie had gallantly followed,in a vain attempt to fish her out, and both were paddling about halffrightened, half pleased with the unexpected bath.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This mishap made it necessary to get the dripping infants home assoon as possible; so the wagons were loaded up, and away theywent, as merry as if the mountain air had really been "OxygenatedSweets not Bitters," as Dr. Alec suggested when Mac said he feltas jolly as if he had been drinking champagne instead of thecurrent wine that came with a great frosted cake wreathed withsugar roses in Aunt Plenty's hamper of goodies.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose took part in all the fun, and never betrayed by look or wordthe twinges of pain she suffered in her ankle. She excused herselffrom the games in the evening, however, and sat talking to UncleAlec in a lively way, that both amazed and delighted him; for sheconfided to him that she played horse with the children, drilledwith the light infantry, climbed trees, and did other dreadful thingsthat would have caused the aunts to cry aloud if they knew ofthem.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't care a pin what they say if you don't mind, uncle," sheanswered, when he pictured the dismay of the good ladies.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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, andcan put me in a strait-jacket if you like;" and Rose laughed in hisface, even while she nestled closer with a confiding gesturepleasant to see.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Upon my word, Rosy, I begin to feel like the man who bought anelephant, and then didn't know what to do with him. I thought Ihad got a pet and plaything for years to come; but here you aregrowing up like a bean-stalk, and I shall find I've got astrong-minded little woman on my hands before I can turn round.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There's predicament for a man and an uncle!"Dr. Alec's comic distress was mercifully relieved for the timebeing by a dance of goblins on the lawn, where the children, withpumpkin lanterns on their heads, frisked about likewill-o'-the-wisps, as a parting surprise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When Rose went to bed, she found that Uncle Alec had notforgotten her; for on the table stood a delicate little easel, holdingtwo miniatures set in velvet. She knew them both, and stoodlooking at them till her eyes brimmed over with tears that wereboth sweet and sad; for they were the faces of her father andmother, beautifully copied from portraits fast fading away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Presently, she knelt down, and, putting her arms round the littleshrine, kissed one after the other, saying with an earnest voice, "I'lltruly try to make them glad to see me by and by."And that was Rose's little prayer on the night of her fourteenthbirthday.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Two days later the Campbells went home, a larger party than whenthey came; for Dr. Alec was escort and Kitty Comet was borne instate in a basket, with a bottle of milk, some tiny sandwiches, anda doll's dish to drink out of, as well as a bit of carpet to lie on inher palace car, out of which she kept popping her head in the mostfascinating manner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 littlepies, hot from the oven, "for the dears, who might get tired ofbread and butter during that long day's travel."Another start, and another halt; for the Snow children cameshrieking up to demand the three kittens that Pokey was coolycarrying off in a travelling bag. The unhappy kits were rescued,half smothered, and restored to their lawful owners, amid direlamentation 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 hailedthem with the luncheon basket, which had been forgotten, aftereveryone had protested that it was safely in.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]All went well after that, and the long journey was pleasantlybeguiled by Pokey and Pussy, who played together so prettily thatthey were considered public benefactors.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Rose doesn't want to go home, for she knows the aunts won't lether rampage as she did up at Cosey Corner," said Mac, as theyapproached the old house.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I can't rampage if I want to for a time, at least; and I'll tell youwhy. I sprained my ankle when I tumbled off of Barkis, and it getsworse 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 browswith pain, as she prepared to descend, wishing her uncle wouldtake her instead of her bundles.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]How he did it, she never knew; but Mac had her up the steps andon the parlour sofa before she could put her foot to the ground.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There you are right side up with care; and mind, now, if yourankle bothers you, and you are laid up with it, I am to be yourfootman. It's only fair, you know; for I don't forget how good youhave been to me." And Mac went to call Phebe, so full of gratitudeand good-will that his very goggles shone.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Ear-Rings-1

Rose's sprain proved to be a serious one, owing to neglect, and Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec ordered her to lie on the sofa for a fortnight at least; whereatshe groaned dismally, but dared not openly complain, lest the boysturn upon her with some of the wise little sermons on patiencewhich she had delivered for their benefit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 devotedmost of it to Rose. He took many steps for her, and even allowedher to teach him to knit, after assuring himself that many a braveScotchman knew how to "click the pricks." She was obliged totake 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 ofany of the Clan his knitting vanished as if by magic, whichfrequent "chucking" out of sight did not improve the stripe he wasdoing for Rose's new afghan.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She was busy with this pretty work one bright October afternoon,all nicely established on her sofa in the upper hall, while Jamieand Pokey (lent for her amusement) were keeping house in acorner, with Comet and Rose's old doll for their "childerns."Presently, Phebe appeared with a card. Rose read it, made agrimace, then laughed and said"I'll see Miss Blish," and immediately put on her company face,pulled out her locket, and settled her curls.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You dear thing, how do you do? I've been trying to call every daysince you got back, but I have so many engagements, I reallycouldn't manage it till to-day. So glad you are alone, for mammasaid I could sit awhile, and I brought my lace-work to show you,for it's perfectly lovely." cried Miss Blish, greeting Rose with akiss, which was not very warmly returned, though Rose politelythanked her for coming, and bid Phebe roll up the easy chair.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How nice to have a maid!" said Ariadne, as she settled herselfwith much commotion. "Still, dear, you must be very lonely, andfeel the need of a bosom friend.""I have my cousins," began Rose, with dignity, for her visitor'spatronising manner ruffled her temper.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Gracious, child! you don't make friends of those great boys, doyou? Mamma says she really doesn't think it's proper for you to bewith them so much.""They are like brothers, and my aunts do think it's proper," repliedRose, Oakley sunglasses,rather sharply, for it struck her that this was none of MissBlish's business.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I was merely going to say I should be glad to have you for mybosom 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. Justthink, she never paid back one of the caramels I've given her, andnever 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,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, andI 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, thankyou," said Rose, as Ariadne stopped to bridle and shake her flaxenhead over the delinquent Hatty Mason.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now, in her heart Miss Blish thought Rose "a stuck-up puss," butthe other girls wanted to know her and couldn't, the old house wasa charming place to visit, the lads were considered fine fellows,and the Campbells "are one of our first families," mamma said. SoAriadne concealed her vexation at Rose's coolness, cheap Oakleys,and changedthe subject as fast as possible.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Studying French, I see; who is your teacher?" she asked, flittingover the leaves of "Paul and Virginia," that lay on the table.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't study it, for I read French as well as English, and uncle andI often speak it for hours. He talks like a native, and says I have aremarkably good accent."Rose really could not help this small display of superiority, Oakley sunglasses cheap,forFrench was one of her strong points, and she was vain of it, thoughshe usually managed to hide this weakness. She felt that Ariadnewould be the better for a little crushing, and could not resist thetemptation to patronise in her turn.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, indeed!" said Miss Blish, rather blankly, for French was nother strong point by any means.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I am to go abroad with uncle in a year or two, and he knows howimportant it is to understand the languages. Half the girls wholeave school can't speak decent French, and when they go abroadthey 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 feelingswithin her instead of sawdust, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,and these feelings were hurt byRose's lofty tone. She thought her more "stuck up" than ever, butdid not know how to bring her down, yet longed to do it, for shefelt as if she had received a box on the ear, and involuntarily puther hand up to it. The touch of an ear-ring consoled her, andsuggested a way of returning tit for tat in a telling manner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Thank you, dear; I don't need any help, for our teacher is fromParis, and of course he speaks better French than your uncle."Then she added, with a gesture of her head that set the little bellson her ears to tingling: "How do you like my new ear-rings? Papagave them to me last week, and everyone says they are lovely."Rose came down from her high horse with a rapidity that wascomical,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men, for Ariadne had the upper hand now. Rose adored prettythings, longed to wear them, and the desire of her girlish soul wasto have her ears bored, only Dr. Alec thought it foolish, so shenever had done it. She would gladly have given all the French shecould jabber for a pair of golden bells with pearl-tipped tongues,like those Ariadne wore; and, clasping her hands, she answered, ina tone that went to the hearer's heart"They are too sweet for anything! If uncle would only let me wearsome, I should be perfectly happy.""I wouldn't mind what he says. Papa laughed at me at first, but helikes them now, and says I shall have diamond solitaires when Iam eighteen," said Ariadne, quite satisfied with her shot.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I've got a pair now that were mamma's, and a beautiful little pairof pearl and turquoise ones, that I am dying to wear," sighed Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Then do it. I'll pierce your ears, and you must wear a bit of silk inthem till they are well; your curls will hide them nicely; then,some day, slip in your smallest ear-rings, and see if your uncledon't like them.""I asked him if it wouldn't do my eyes good once when they werered, and he only laughed. People do cure weak eyes that way, don'tthey?""Yes, indeed, and yours are sort of red. Let me see. Yes, cheap oakley sunglasses china,I reallythink you ought to do it before they get worse," said Ariadne,peering into the large clear eye offered for inspection.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Does it hurt much?" asked Rose, wavering.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh dear, no; just a prick and a pull, and it's all over. I've done lotsof ears, and know just how. Come, push up your hair and get a bigneedle.""I don't quite like to do it without asking uncle's leave," falteredRose, when all was ready for the operation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Did he ever forbid it?" demanded Ariadne, hovering over her preylike a vampire.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, never!""Then do it, unless you are afraid," cried Miss Blish, bent onaccomplishing the deed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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, thoughshe turned pale and her eyes were full of tears of anguish.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There! Now pull the bits of silk often, and cold-cream your earsevery night, and you'll soon be ready for the rings," said Ariadne,well pleased with her job, for the girl who spoke French with "afine accent" lay flat upon the sofa, looking as exhausted as if shehad had both ears cut off.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It does hurt dreadfully, and I know uncle won't like it," sighedRose, as remorse began to gnaw. "Promise not to tell, or I shall beteased to death," she added, anxiously, entirely forgetting the twolittle pitchers gifted with eyes as well as ears, who had beenwatching the whole performance from afar.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Never. Mercy me, what's that?" and Ariadne started as a suddensound of steps and voices came up from below.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's the boys! Hide the needle. Do my ears show? Don't breathe aword!" whispered Rose, scrambling about to conceal all traces oftheir iniquity from the sharp eyes of the Clan.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Up they came, all in good order, laden with the proceeds of anutting expedition, for they always reported to Rose and paidtribute to their queen in the handsomest manner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How many, and how big! We'll have a grand roasting frolic aftertea, won't we?" said Rose,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, plunging both hands into a bag of glossybrown nuts, while the Clan "stood at ease" and nodded to Ariadne.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That lot was picked especially for you, Rosy. I got every onemyself, and they are extra whackers," said Mac, presenting abushel or so.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You should have seen Giglamps when he was after them. Hepitched out of the tree, and would have broken his blessed oldneck if Arch had not caught him," observed Steve, as he loungedgracefully in the window seat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You needn't talk, Dandy, when you didn't know a chestnut from abeech, and kept on thrashing till I told you of it," retorted Mac,festooning himself over the back of the sofa, being a privilegedboy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't make mistakes when I thrash you, old Worm, so you'dbetter mind what you are about," answered Steve, without a ray ofproper respect for his elder brother.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is getting dark, and I must go, or mamma will be alarmed," saidAriadne, rising in sudden haste, though she hoped to be asked toremain to the nut-party.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]No one invited her; and all the while she was putting on her thingsand chatting to Rose the boys were telegraphing to one another thesad fact that someone ought to escort the young lady home. Not aboy felt heroic enough to cast himself into the breach, however;even polite Archie shirked the duty, saying to Charlie, as theyquietly slipped into an adjoining room"I'm not going to do all the gallivanting. Let Steve take that chithome and show his manners.""I'll be hanged if I do!" answered Prince, who disliked Miss Blishbecause she tried to be coquettish with him.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Ear-Rings-2

"Then I will," and, to the dismay of both recreant lads, Dr. Alecwalked out of the room to offer his services to the "chit."He was too late, however, for Mac, obeying a look from Rose, hadalready made a victim of himself, and trudged meekly away,wishing the gentle Ariadne at the bottom of the Red Sea.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Then I will take this lady down to tea, as the other one has founda gentleman to go home with her. I see the lamps are lightedbelow, and I smell a smell which tells me that auntie hassomething extra nice for us to-night."As he spoke, Dr. Alec was preparing to carry Rose downstairs asusual; but Archie and Prince rushed forward, begging with penitenteagerness for the honour of carrying her in an arm-chair. Roseconsented, fearing that her uncle's keen eye would discover thefatal bits of silk; so the boys crossed hands, and, taking a good gripof each curly pate, she was borne down in state, while the othersfollowed by way of the banisters.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Tea was ordered earlier than usual, so that Jamie and his dollycould have a taste, at least, of the holiday fun, for they were to staytill seven, and be allowed twelve roasted chestnuts apiece, whichthey were under bonds not to eat till next day.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Tea was despatched rapidly, therefore, and the party gatheredround the wide hearth in the dining-room, where the nuts weresoon dancing gaily on hot shovels or bouncing out among thecompany, thereby causing delightful panics among the little ones.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come, Rosy, tell us a story while we work, for you can't helpmuch, and must amuse us as your share," proposed Mac, who satin the shade pricking nuts, and who knew by experience what acapital little Scheherazade his cousin was.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, we poor monkeys can't burn our paws for nothing, so tellaway, Pussy," added Charlie, as he threw several hot nuts into herlap and shook his fingers afterwards.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 thanyou," answered Rose, who was rather fond of telling instructivetales.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Fire away," said Geordie, and she obeyed, little thinking what adisastrous story it would prove to herself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, once upon a time, a little girl went to see a young lady whowas 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 abasketful of bandages, all nicely rolled and ready. The little girlliked to play with this basket, and one day, when she thought noone saw her, she took one of the rolls without asking leave, and putit in her pocket."Here Pokey, who had been peering lovingly down at the five warmnuts that lay at the bottom of her tiny pocket, suddenly looked upand said, "Oh!" in a startled tone, as if the moral tale had becomeintensely interesting all at once.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose heard and saw the innocent betrayal of the small sinner, andwent on in a most impressive manner, while the boys nudged oneanother and winked as they caught the joke.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But an eye did see this naughty little girl, and whose eye do youthink it was?""Eye of Dod," murmured conscience-stricken Pokey, spreadingtwo chubby little hands before the round face, which they were nothalf big enough to hide.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was rather taken aback by this reply, but, feeling that she wasproducing a good effect, she added seriously"Yes, God saw her, and so did the young lady, but she did not sayanything; she waited to see what the little girl would do about it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She had been very happy before she took the bandage, but when itwas in her pocket she seemed troubled, and pretty soon stoppedplaying, and sat down in a corner looking very sober. She thoughta few minutes, and then went and put back the roll very softly, andher face cleared up, and she was a happy child again. The younglady was glad to see that, and wondered what made the little girlput it back.""Tonscience p'icked her," murmured a contrite voice from behindthe small hands pressed tightly over Pokey's red face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And why did she take it, do you suppose?" asked Rose, in aschool-marmish tone, feeling that all the listeners were interestedin her tale and its unexpected application.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It was so nice and wound, and she wanted it deffly," answered thelittle voice.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, I'm glad she had such a good conscience. The moral is thatpeople who steal don't enjoy what they take, and are not happy tillthey put it back. What makes that little girl hide her face?" askedRose, as she concluded.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Me's so 'shamed of Pokey," sobbed the small culprit, quiteovercome by remorse and confusion at this awful disclosure.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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," beganDr. Alec, taking the weeper on his knee and administeringconsolation in the shape of kisses and nuts.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Before Rose could express her regret, Jamie, who had beenreddening and ruffling like a little turkey-cock for several minutes,burst out indignantly, bent on avenging the wound given to hisbeloved dolly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I know something bad that you did, and I'm going to tell right out.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You thought we didn't see you, but we did, and you said unclewouldn't like it, and the boys would tease, and you made Ariadnepromise not to tell, and she punched holes in your ears to putear-rings in. So now! and that's much badder than to take an oldpiece of rag; and I hate you for making my Pokey cry."Jamie's somewhat incoherent explosion produced such an effectthat Pokey's small sin was instantly forgotten, and Rose felt thather hour had come.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What! what! what!" cried the boys in a chorus, dropping theirshovels and knives to gather round Rose, for a guilty clutching ather ears betrayed her, and with a feeble cry of "Ariadne made me!"she hid her head among the pillows like an absurd little ostrich.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now she'll go prancing round with bird cages and baskets andcarts and pigs, for all I know, in her ears, as the other girls do, andwon't she look like a goose?" asked one tormentor, tweaking a curlthat strayed out from the cushions.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I didn't think she'd be so silly," said Mac, in a tone ofdisappointment that told Rose she had sunk in the esteem of herwise cousin.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That Blish girl is a nuisance, and ought not to be allowed to comehere with her nonsensical notions," said the Prince, feeling a strongdesire to shake that young person as an angry dog might shake amischievous kitten.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How do you like it, uncle?" asked Archie, who, being the head ofa family himself, believed in preserving discipline at all costs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I am very much surprised; but I see she is a girl, after all, andmust have her vanities like all the rest of them," answered Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, with a sigh, as if he had expected to find Rose a sort ofangel, above all earthly temptations.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What shall you do about it, sir?" inquired Geordie, wonderingwhat punishment would be inflicted on a feminine culprit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"As she is fond of ornaments, perhaps we had better give her anose-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 asif to carry out his suggestion in earnest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Good! good! We'll do it right away! Here's a gimlet, so you holdher, boys, while I get her dear little nose all ready," cried Charlie,whisking away the pillow as the other boys danced about the sofain true Fiji style.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a dreadful moment, for Rose could not run away she couldonly 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 byhis strong arm, she confessed her folly in such humiliation ofspirit, that the lads, after a good laugh at her, decided to forgiveher and lay all the blame on the tempter, Ariadne. Even Dr. Alecrelented so far as to propose two gold rings for the ears instead ofone copper one for the nose; a proceeding which proved that ifRose had all the weakness of her sex for jewellery, he had all theinconsistency of his in giving a pretty penitent exactly what shewanted, spite of his better judgment.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Bread and Button-Holes-1

"What in the world is my girl thinking about all alone here, withsuch a solemn face?" asked Dr. Alec, coming into the study, oneNovember day, to find Rose sitting there with folded hands and avery thoughtful aspect.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle, I want to have some serious conversation with you, if youhave time," she said, coming out of a brown study, as if she hadnot heard his question.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm entirely at your service, and most happy to listen," heanswered, in his politest manner, for when Rose put on herwomanly little airs he always treated her with a playful sort ofrespect that pleased her very much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 youto advise me.""Trade, my dear?" and Dr. Alec looked so astonished that shehastened to explain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I forgot that you didn't hear the talk about it up at Cosey Corner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You see we used to sit under the pines and sew, and talk a greatdeal all the ladies, I mean and I liked it very much. MotherAtkinson thought that everyone should have a trade, or somethingto make a living out of, for rich people may grow poor, you know,and poor people have to work. Her girls were very clever, andcould do ever so many things, and Aunt Jessie thought the old ladywas right;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, so when I saw how happy and independent those youngladies were, I wanted to have a trade, and then it wouldn't matterabout money, though I like to have it well enough."Dr. Alec listened to this explanation with a curious mixture ofsurprise, pleasure, and amusement in his face, and looked at hislittle niece as if she had suddenly changed into a young woman.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She had grown a good deal in the last six months, and an amountof thinking had gone on in that young head which would haveastonished him greatly could he have known it all, for Rose wasone of the children who observe and meditate much, and now andthen nonplus their friends by a wise or curious remark.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I quite agree with the ladies, and shall be glad to help you decideon something if I can," said the Doctor seriously. "What do youincline to? A natural taste or talent is a great help in choosing, youknow.""I haven't any talent, cheap Oakley sunglasses,or any especial taste that I can see, and that iswhy I can't decide, uncle. So, I think it would be a good plan topick out some very useful business and learn it, because I don't doit for pleasure, you see, but as a part of my education, and to beready in case I'm ever poor," answered Rose, looking as if sherather longed for a little poverty so that her useful gift might beexercised.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, now, there is one very excellent, necessary, and womanlyaccomplishment that no girl should be without, for it is a help torich and poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. Thisfine talent is neglected nowadays,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, and considered old-fashioned,which is a sad mistake, and one that I don't mean to make inbringing 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 thebest and pleasantest manner.""Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in thishelpful and cordial way.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Housekeeping!" answered Dr. Alec.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Is that an accomplishment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, forshe had indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful dreams.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes; it is one of the most beautiful as well as useful of all the artsa woman can learn. Not so romantic, perhaps, as singing, painting,writing, or teaching, even; but one that makes many happy andcomfortable, and home the sweetest place in the world. Yes, youmay open your big eyes; but it is a fact that I had rather see you agood housekeeper than the greatest belle in the city.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap, It need notinterfere with any talent you may possess, but it is a necessary partof your training, and I hope that you will set about it at once, nowthat you are well and strong.""Who is the lady?" asked Rose, rather impressed by her uncle'searnest speech.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Plenty.""Is she accomplished?" began Rose in a wondering tone, for thisgreat-aunt of hers had seemed the least cultivated of them all.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"In the good old-fashioned way she is very accomplished, and hasmade this house a happy home to us all, ever since we canremember. She is not elegant, but genuinely good, and so belovedand respected that there will be universal mourning for her whenher place is empty. No one can fill it, for the solid, homely virtuesof the dear soul have gone out of fashion, as I say, and nothing newcan be half so satisfactory, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,to me at least.""I should like to have people feel so about me. Can she teach me todo what she does, and to grow as good?" asked Rose, with a littleprick of remorse for even thinking that Aunt Plenty was acommonplace old lady.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, if you don't despise such simple lessons as she can give. Iknow it would fill her dear old heart with pride and pleasure tofeel that anyone cared to learn of her, for she fancies her day goneby. 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 tryat home; but I had no one to tell me, so I never did much but spoilmy aprons. Pies are great fun, only Dolly is so cross, I don't believeshe will ever let me do a thing in the kitchen.""Then we'll cook in the parlour. I fancy Aunt Plenty will manageher, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,so don't be troubled. Only mind this, I'd rather you learnedhow to make good bread than the best pies ever baked. When youbring me a handsome, wholesome loaf, entirely made by yourself,I shall be more pleased than if you offered me a pair of slippersembroidered in the very latest style. I don't wish to bribe you, butI'll give you my heartiest kiss, and promise to eat every crumb ofthe loaf myself.""It's a bargain! it's a bargain! Come and tell aunty all about it, forI'm in a hurry to begin," cried Rose, dancing before him toward theparlor, where Miss Plenty sat alone knitting contentedly, yet readyto run at the first call for help of any sort, from any quarter.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]No need to tell how surprised and gratified she was at theinvitation she received to teach the child the domestic arts whichwere her only accomplishments, nor to relate how energeticallyshe set about her pleasant task. Dolly dared not grumble, for MissPlenty was the one person whom she obeyed, and Phebe openlyrejoiced, for these new lessons brought Rose nearer to her, andglorified the kitchen in the good girl's eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]To tell the truth, the elder aunts had sometimes felt that they didnot have quite their share of the little niece who had won theirhearts long ago, and was the sunshine of the house. They talked itover together sometimes, but always ended by saying that as Alechad all the responsibility, he should have the larger share of thedear girl's love and time, and they would be contented with suchcrumbs of comfort as they could get.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec had found out this little secret, and, after reproachinghimself for being blind and selfish, was trying to devise some wayof mending matters without troubling anyone, when Rose's newwhim suggested an excellent method of weaning her a little fromhimself. He did not know how fond he was of her till he gave herup to the new teacher, and often could not resist peeping in at thedoor to see how she got on, or stealing sly looks through the slidewhen she was deep in dough, or listening intently to someimpressive lecture from Aunt Plenty. They caught him at it nowand then,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, and ordered him off the premises at the point of therolling-pin; or, if unusually successful, and, therefore, in a mildermood, they lured him away with bribes of ginger-bread, a straypickle, or a tart that was not quite symmetrical enough to suit theircritical eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Of course he made a point of partaking copiously of all thedelectable messes that now appeared at table, for both the cookswere on their mettle, and he fared sumptuously every day. But anespecial relish was given to any dish when, in reply to his honestpraise of it, Rose coloured up with innocent pride, and saidmodestly"I made that, uncle, and I'm glad you like it."It was some time before the perfect loaf appeared, forbread-making is an art not easily learned, and Aunt Plenty wasvery thorough in her teaching; so Rose studied yeast first, andthrough various stages of cake and biscuit came at last to thecrowning glory of the "handsome, wholesome loaf." It appeared attea-time, on a silver salver, proudly borne in by Phebe, who couldnot refrain from whispering, with a beaming face, as she set itdown before Dr. Alec"Ain't it just lovely, sir?""It is a regularly splendid loaf! Oakley sunglasses,Did my girl make it all herself?" heasked, surveying the shapely, sweet-smelling object with realinterest and pleasure.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Every particle herself, and never asked a bit of help or advicefrom anyone," answered Aunt Plenty, folding her hands with an airof unmitigated satisfaction, for her pupil certainly did her greatcredit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I've had so many failures and troubles that I really thought I nevershould be able to do it alone. Dolly let one splendid batch burn upbecause I forgot it. She was there and smelt it, but never did athing, for she said, when I undertook to bake bread I must give mywhole mind to it. Wasn't it hard? She might have called me atleast," said Rose, recollecting, with a sigh, the anguish of thatmoment.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She meant you should learn by experience, as Rosamond did inthat little affair of the purple jar, you remember.""I always thought it very unfair in her mother not to warn the poorthing a little bit; and she was regularly mean when Rosamondasked for a bowl to put the purple stuff in, and she said, in such aprovoking way, 'I did not agree to lend you a bowl, but I will, mydear.' Ugh! I always want to shake that hateful woman, though shewas 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There's nothing to tell, uncle, except that I did my best, gave mymind to it, and sat watching over it all the while it was in the oventill I was quite baked myself. Everything went right this time, andit came out a nice, round, crusty loaf, as you see. Now taste it, andtell 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 theparlor 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-fashionedaccomplishment. You promised to eat it, and you must; not all atonce, but as soon as you can, so I can make you some more."Dr. Alec solemnly cut off his favourite crusty slice, and solemnlyate it; then wiped his lips, and brushing back Rose's hair, solemnlykissed her on the forehead, saying, heartily"My dear, it is perfect bread, and you are an honour to yourteacher. When we have our model school I shall offer a prize forthe best bread, and you will get it.""I've got it already, and I'm quite satisfied," said Rose, slipping intoher seat, and trying to hide her right hand which had a burn on it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But Dr. Alec saw it, guessed how it came there, and after teainsisted on easing the pain which she would hardly confess.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Clara says I am spoiling my hands, but I don't care, for I'vehad such good times with Aunt Plenty, and I think she has enjoyedit as much as I have. Only one thing troubles me, uncle, and I wantto ask you about it," said Rose, as they paced up and down the hallin the twilight, the bandaged hand very carefully laid on Dr. Alec'sarm.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Ear-Rings-1

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]"More little confidences? I like them immensely, so tell away, mydear.""Well, you see I feel as if Aunt Peace would like to do somethingfor me, and I've found out what it can be. You know she can't goabout like Aunty Plen, and we are so busy nowadays that she israther lonely, I'm afraid. So I want to take lessons in sewing of her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She works so beautifully, and it is a useful thing, you know, and Iought to be a good needlewoman as well as housekeeper, oughtn'tI?""Bless your kind little heart, that is what I was thinking of theother 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 asmuch on your hands as you could manage. It would delight thedear woman to teach you all her delicate handicraft, especiallybutton-holes, for I believe that is where young ladies fail; at least,I've heard them say so. So, do you devote your mind tobutton-holes; make 'em all over my clothes if you want somethingto practice on. I'll wear any quantity."Rose laughed at this reckless offer, but promised to attend to thatimportant branch, though she confessed that darning was her weakpoint. Whereupon Uncle Alec engaged to supply her with socks inall stages of dilapidation, and to have a new set at once, so that shecould run the heels for him as a pleasant beginning.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then they went up to make their request in due form, to the greatdelight of gentle Aunt Peace, who got quite excited with the funthat went on while they would yarn, looked up darning needles,and fitted out a nice little mending basket for her pupil.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Very busy and very happy were Rose's days now, for in themorning she went about the house with Aunt Plenty attending tolinen-closets and store-rooms, pickling and preserving, exploringgarret and cellar to see that all was right, and learning, in the goodold-fashioned manner, to look well after the ways of thehousehold.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In the afternoon, after her walk or drive, she sat with Aunt Peaceplying her needle, while Aunt Plenty, whose eyes were failing,knitted and chatted briskly, telling many a pleasant story of oldtimes, till the three were moved to laugh and cry together, for thebusy needles were embroidering all sorts of bright patterns on thelives of the workers, though they seemed to be only stitchingcotton and darning hose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a pretty sight to see the rosy-faced little maid sittingbetween the two old ladies, listening dutifully to their instructions,and cheering the lessons with her lively chatter and blithe laugh. Ifthe kitchen had proved attractive to Dr. Alec when Rose was thereat work, the sewing-room was quite irresistible, and he madehimself so agreeable that no one had the heart to drive him away,especially when he read aloud or spun yarns.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There! I've made you a new set of warm night-gowns with fourbutton-holes in each. See if they are not neatly done," said Rose,one day, some weeks after the new lessons began.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Even to a thread, and nice little bars across the end so I can't tearthem 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 buttonsmyself, and save those tired fingers from another prick.""You sew them on?" cried Rose, with her eyes wide open inamazement.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Wait a bit till I get my sewing tackle, and then you shall see whatI can do.""Can he, really?" asked Rose of Aunt Peace, as Uncle Alecmarched off with a comical air of importance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, yes, I taught him years ago, before he went to sea; and Isuppose he has had to do things for himself, more or less, eversince; so he has kept his hand in."He evidently had, for he was soon back with a funny littlework-bag, out of which he produced a thimble without a top; and,having threaded his needle, he proceeded to sew on the buttons sohandily that Rose was much impressed and amused.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I wonder if there is anything in the world that you cannot do," shesaid, in a tone of respectful admiration.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 aflourish.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I should like to know what?""Bread and button-holes, ma'am."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Good Bargains-1

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and four boys were trying tospend it quietly in the "liberry," as Jamie called the room devotedto books and boys, at Aunt Jessie's. Will and Geordie weresprawling on the sofa, deep in the adventures of the scapegracesand ragamuffins whose histories are now the fashion. Archielounged in the easy chair, surrounded by newspapers; Charliestood upon the rug, in an Englishman's favourite attitude, and, Iregret to say, both were smoking cigars.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end," saidPrince, with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Read and improve your mind, my son," answered Archie, peeringsolemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't you preach, parson, but put on your boots and come out fora tramp, instead of mulling over the fire like a granny.""No, thank you, tramps in an easterly storm don't strike me asamusing." There Archie stopped and held up his hand, Oakley sunglasses,for apleasant voice was heard saying outside"Are the boys in the library, auntie?""Yes, dear, and longing for sunshine; so run in and make it forthem," answered Mrs. Jessie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's Rose," and Archie threw his cigar into the fire.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What's that for?" asked Charlie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Gentlemen don't smoke before ladies.""True; but I'm not going to waste my weed," and Prince poked hisinto the empty inkstand that served them for an ash tray.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A gentle tap at the door was answered by a chorus of "Come in,"and Rose appeared, looking blooming and breezy with the chillyair.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If I disturb you, say so, and I'll go away," she began, pausing onthe threshold with modest hesitation, for something in the elderboys' faces excited her curiosity.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You never disturb us, cousin," said the smokers, while the readerstore themselves from the heroes of the bar-room and gutter longenough to nod affably to their guest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As Rose bent to warm her hands, one end of Archie's cigar stuckout of the ashes, smoking furiously and smelling strongly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, you bad boys, how could you do it, to-day of all days?" shesaid reproachfully.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Where's the harm?" asked Archie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You know as well as I do; your mother doesn't like it, and it's abad habit, for it wastes money and does you no good.""Fiddlesticks! every man smokes, even Uncle Alec, whom youthink so perfect," began Charlie, in his teasing way.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, he doesn't! He has given it up, and I know why," cried Roseeagerly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now I think of it, I haven't seen the old meerschaum since hecame home. Did he stop it on our account?" asked Archie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes," and Rose told the little scene on the seashore in thecamping-out time.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Archie seemed much impressed, and said manfully, "He won'thave done that in vain so far as I'm concerned. I don't care a pinabout smoking, so can give it up as easy as not, and I promise you Iwill. I only do it now and then for fun.""You too?" and Rose looked up at the bonny Prince,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, who neverlooked less bonny than at that moment, for he had resumed hiscigar just to torment her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now Charlie cared as little as Archie about smoking, but it wouldnot 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 thingsjust because you don't approve of them. How would you like it ifwe did the same by you, miss?""If I did harmful or silly things, cheap Oakleys,I'd thank you for telling me ofthem, and I'd try to mend my ways," answered Rose heartily.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, now, we'll see if you mean what you say. I'll give upsmoking to please you, if you will give up something to pleaseme," said Prince, Oakley sunglasses cheap,seeing a good chance to lord it over the weakervessel at small cost to himself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 anxietyto know which of her pet habits or possessions she must lose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Give up your ear-rings," and Charlie laughed wickedly, sure thatshe would never hold to that bargain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose uttered a cry and clapped both hands to her ears where thegold rings hung.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, Charlie, wouldn't anything else do as well? I've been throughso much teasing and trouble, I do want to enjoy my prettyear-rings,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, for I can wear them now.""Wear as many as you like, and I'll smoke in peace," returned thisbad boy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Will nothing else satisfy you?" imploringly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Nothing," sternly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose stood silent for a minute, thinking of something Aunt Jessieonce 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 achance to do some good by sacrificing a little vanity of her own.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She felt it was right to do it, yet found it very hard, and askedwistfully"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 shetook the dear rings from her ears, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,with a quick gesture, and heldthem out to him, saying, in a tone that made the colour come up tohis 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, anddon't bargain about doing what you know is right," cried Archie,coming out of his grove of newspapers with an indignant bounce.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But Rose was bent on showing her aunt that she could use herinfluence for the boys' good, and said steadily"It is fair, and I want it to be so, then you will believe I'm inearnest. Here, each of you wear one of these on your watch-guardto remind you. I shall not forget, because very soon I cannot wearear-rings if I want to."As she spoke, cheap oakley sunglasses china,Rose offered a little ring to each cousin, and theboys, seeing how sincere she was, obeyed her. When the pledgeswere safe, Rose stretched a hand to each, and the lads gave hers ahearty grip, half pleased and half ashamed of their part in thecompact.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie came in.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What's this? Dancing Ladies' Triumph on Sunday?" exclaimedUncle Alec, surveying the trio with surprise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, sir, it is the Anti-Tobacco League. Will you join?" saidCharlie, while Rose slipped away to her aunt, and Archie buriedboth cigars behind the back log.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When the mystery was explained, the elders were well pleased,and Rose received a vote of thanks, which made her feel as if shehad done a service to her country, as she had, for every boy whogrows up free from bad habits bids fair to make a good citizen.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I wish Rose would drive a bargain with Will and Geordie also, forI think these books are as bad for the small boys as cigars for thelarge ones," said Mrs. Jessie, sitting down on the sofa between thereaders, who politely curled up their legs to make room for her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I thought they were all the fashion," answered Dr. Alec, settling inthe big chair with Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"So is smoking, but it is harmful. The writers of these popularstories intend to do good, I have no doubt, but it seems to me theyfail because their motto is, 'Be smart, and you will be rich,' insteadof 'Be honest, and you will be happy.' I do not judge hastily, Oakley sunglasses,Alec,for I have read a dozen, at least, of these stories, and, with muchthat 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 regularscreamer," cried Will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"They're bully books, and I'd like to know where's the harm,"added Geordie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You have just shown us one of the chief evils, and that is slang,"answered their mother quickly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Must have it, ma'am. If these chaps talked all right, there'd be nofun in 'em," protested Will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"A boot-black mustn't use good grammar, and a newsboy mustswear a little, or he wouldn't be natural," explained Geordie, bothboys ready to fight gallantly for their favourites.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But my sons are neither boot-blacks nor newsboys, and I object tohearing them use such words as 'screamer,' 'bully,' and 'buster.' Infact, I fail to see the advantage of writing books about such peopleunless it is done in a very different way. I cannot think they willhelp to refine the ragamuffins if they read them, and I'm sure theycan do no good to the better class of boys, who through thesebooks 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 seaand study, and sail round the world, having great larks all theway.""I have read about them, Geordie, and though they are better thanthe others, I am not satisfied with these optical delusions, as I callthem. Now, I put it to you, boys, is it natural for lads from fifteento eighteen to command ships, defeat pirates, outwit smugglers,and so cover themselves with glory, that Admiral Farragut invitesthem to dinner, saying, 'Noble boy, you are an honour to yourcountry!' Or, if the hero is in the army, he has hair-breadth escapesand adventures enough in one small volume to turn his hair white,and in the end he goes to Washington at the express desire of thePresident or Commander-in-chief to be promoted to no end of starsand bars. Even if the hero is merely an honest boy trying to get hisliving, he is not permitted to do so in a natural way, by hard workand years of patient effort, but is suddenly adopted by a millionairewhose pocket-book he has returned; or a rich uncle appears fromsea just in the nick of time; or the remarkable boy earns a fewdollars, speculates in pea-nuts or neckties, and grows rich sorapidly that Sinbad in the diamond valley is a pauper compared tohim. 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 openpage before him, where a small but virtuous youth is upsetting atipsy 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 themso much evil and vulgarity that they need not know about, andmakes the one success worth having a fortune, a lord's daughter, orsome worldly honour, often not worth the time it takes to win. Itdoes seem to me that some one might write stories that should belively, natural and helpful tales in which the English should begood, the morals pure, and the characters such as we can love inspite of the faults that all may have. I can't bear to see such crowdsof eager little fellows at the libraries reading such trash; weak,when it is not wicked, and totally unfit to feed the hungry mindsthat feast on it for want of something better. There! my lecture isdone; now I should like to hear what you gentlemen have to say,"and Aunt Jessie subsided with a pretty flush on the face that wasfull of motherly anxiety for her boys.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Tom Brown just suits mother, and me too, so I wish Mr. Hugheswould write another story as good," said Archie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You don't find things of this sort in Tom Brown; yet these booksare all in the Sunday-school libraries" and Mrs. Jessie read thefollowing paragraph from the book she had taken from Will's hand" 'In this place we saw a tooth of John the Baptist. Ben said hecould see locust and wild honey sticking to it. I couldn't. PerhapsJohn 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 wherethey describe what they saw in the different countries," cried Will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And those descriptions, taken mostly from guidebooks, I fancy,are the only parts of any real worth. The scrapes of the bad boysmake up the rest of the story, and it is for those you read thesebooks, I think," answered his mother, stroking back the hair off thehonest little face that looked rather abashed at this true statementof the case.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Anyway, mother, the ship part is useful, for we learn how to sailher, and by and by that will all come handy when we go to sea,"put in Geordie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Indeed, then you can explain this man uvre to me, of course " andMrs. Jessie read from another page the following nauticalparagraph"The wind is south-south-west, and we can have her up four pointscloser to the wind, and still be six points off the wind. As she luffsup 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 muchmore than I do, he'd laugh," began Geordie, evidently puzzled bythe question.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ho, you know you can't, so why make believe? We don'tunderstand half of the sea lingo, Mum, and I dare say it's allwrong," cried Will, suddenly going over to the enemy, to Geordie'sgreat disgust.

 

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〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Good Bargains-2

"I do wish the boys wouldn't talk to me as if I was a ship," saidRose, bringing forward a private grievance. "Coming home fromchurch 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 thewords that offended her, and Will vainly endeavoured to explainthat he only meant to tell her to wrap her cloak closer, and tie aveil over the tempest-tossed feathers in her hat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"To tell the truth, if the boys must have slang, I can bear the 'sealingo,' as Will calls it, better than the other. It afflicts me less tohear my sons talk about 'brailing up the foresail' than doing as they'darn please,' and 'cut your cable' is decidedly preferable to 'let herrip.' I once made a rule that I would have no slang in the house. Igive it up now, for I cannot keep it; but I will not have rubbishybooks; so, Archie, please send these two after your cigars."Mrs. Jessie held both the small boys fast with an arm round eachneck, and when she took this base advantage of them they couldonly squirm with dismay. "Yes, right behind the back log," shecontinued, energetically. "There, my hearties (you like sea slang,so I'll give you a bit) now, I want you to promise not to read anymore stuff for a month, and I'll agree to supply you withwholesome fare.""Oh, mother, not a single one?" cried Will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Couldn't we just finish those?" pleaded Geordie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"The boys threw away half-smoked cigars; and your books must goafter them. Surely you would not be outdone by the 'old fellows,' asyou call them, or be less obedient to little Mum than they were toRose.""Course not! Come on, Geordie," and Will took the vow like ahero. His brother sighed and obeyed, but privately resolved tofinish his story the minute the month was over.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You have laid out a hard task for yourself, Jessie, in trying toprovide good reading for boys who have been living on sensationstories. It will be like going from raspberry tarts to plain bread andbutter; but you will probably save them from a bilious fever," saidDr. Alec, much amused at the proceedings.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I remember hearing grandpa say that a love for good books wasone of the best safeguards a man could have," began Archie,staring thoughtfully at the fine library before him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, but there's no time to read nowadays; a fellow has to keepscratching round to make money or he's nobody," cut in Charlie,trying to look worldly-wise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"This love of money is the curse of America, and for the sake of itmen will sell honour and honesty, till we don't know whom totrust, and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannotwaste my time in getting rich,' " said Mrs. Jessie sadly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Do you want us to be poor, mother?" asked Archie, wondering.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 itbrings. 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 somany fail. It would be far easier to see you dead if it could be saidof you as of Sumner 'No man dared offer him a bribe.' "Mrs. Jessie was so earnest in her motherly anxiety that her voicefaltered over the last words, and she hugged the yellow headscloser in her arms, as if she feared to let them leave that safeharbour for the great sea where so many little boats go down. Theyounger 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 dopromise to be an honest man, please God.""Then I'm satisfied!" and holding fast the hand he gave her, shesealed his promise with a kiss that had all a mother's hope andfaith in it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't see how they ever can be bad, she is so fond and proud ofthem," whispered Rose, quite touched by the little scene.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You must help her make them what they should be. You havebegun already, and when I see those rings where they are, my girlis prettier in my sight than if the biggest diamonds that evertwinkled shone in her ears," answered Dr. Alec, looking at herwith approving eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm so glad you think I can do anything, for I perfectly ache to beuseful; everyone is so good to me, especially Aunt Jessie.""I think you are in a fair way to pay your debts, Rosy, for whengirls give up their little vanities, and boys their small vices, and tryto strengthen each other in well-doing, matters are going as theyought. Work away, my dear, and help their mother keep these sonsfit friends for an innocent creature like yourself; they will be themanlier men for it, I can assure you."

 

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〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Fashion and Physiology-1

"Please, sir, I guess you'd better step up right away, or it will be toolate, for I heard Miss Rose say she knew you wouldn't like it, andshe'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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"They are at it, are they?" he said, looking up quickly, and givinghimself a shake, as if ready for a battle of some sort.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, sir, as hard as they can talk, and Miss Rose don't seem toknow what to do, for the things are ever so stylish, and she lookselegant in 'em; though I like her best in the old ones," answeredPhebe.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are a girl of sense. I'll settle matters for Rosy, and you'll lenda hand. Is everything ready in her room, and are you sure youunderstand how they go?""Oh, yes, sir; but they are so funny! I know Miss Rose will thinkit's a joke," and Phebe laughed as if something tickled herimmensely.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Never mind what she thinks so long as she obeys. Tell her to do itfor my sake, and she will find it the best joke she ever saw. Iexpect to have a tough time of it, but we'll win yet," said theDoctor, as he marched upstairs with the book in his hand, and anodd smile on his face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There was such a clatter of tongues in the sewing-room that no oneheard his tap at the door, so he pushed it open and took anobservation. Aunt Plenty, Aunt Clara, and Aunt Jessie were allabsorbed in gazing at Rose,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, who slowly revolved between themand the great mirror, in a full winter costume of the latest fashion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Bless my heart! worse even than I expected," thought the Doctor,with an inward groan, for, to his benighted eyes, the girl lookedlike a trussed fowl, and the fine new dress had neither grace,beauty, nor fitness to recommend it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The suit was of two peculiar shades of blue, so arranged thatpatches of light and dark distracted the eye. The upper skirt wastied so lightly back that it was impossible to take a long step, andthe under one was so loaded with plaited frills that it "wobbled" noother word will express it ungracefully, both fore and aft. A bunchof folds was gathered up just below the waist behind, and a greatbow rode a-top. cheap Oakley sunglasses,A small jacket of the same material was adornedwith a high ruff at the back, and laid well open over the breast, todisplay some lace and a locket. Heavy fringes, bows, puffs, ruffles,and revers finished off the dress, making one's head ache to thinkof the amount of work wasted, for not a single graceful line struckthe eye, and the beauty of the material was quite lost in theprofusion of ornament.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A high velvet hat, audaciously turned up in front, with a bunch ofpink 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'shead looked more like that of a dashing young cavalier than amodest little girl's. High-heeled boots tilted her well forward, cheap Oakleys,atiny muff pinioned her arms, and a spotted veil, tied so closelyover her face that her eyelashes were rumpled by it, gave the lasttouch of absurdity to her appearance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now she looks like other girls, and as I like to see her," Mrs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Clara was saying, with an air of great satisfaction.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She does look like a fashionable young lady, but somehow I missmy little Rose, for children dressed like children in my day,"answered Aunt Plenty, peering through her glasses with a troubledlook, for she could not imagine the creature before her ever sittingin her lap, running to wait upon her, or making the house gay witha child's blithe presence.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Things have changed since your day, Aunt, and it takes time toget used to new ways. But you, Jessie, surely like this costumebetter than the dowdy things Rose has been wearing all summer.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now, be honest, and own you do," said Mrs. Clara, bent on beingpraised for her work.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, dear to be quite honest, then, I think it is frightful,"answered Mrs. Jessie, with a candour that caused revolving Roseto stop in dismay.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Hear, hear," cried a deep voice, and with a general start the ladiesbecame aware that the enemy was among them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose blushed up to her hat brim, and stood, looking, as she felt,like a fool, while Mrs. Clara hastened to explain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Of course, I don't expect you to like it, Alec, but I don't consideryou a judge of what is proper and becoming for a young lady.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Therefore, I have taken the liberty of providing a pretty street suitfor Rose. She need not wear it if you object, for I know wepromised to let you do what you liked with the poor dear for ayear.""It is a street costume, is it?" asked the Doctor,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap, mildly. "Do youknow, I never should have guessed that it was meant for winterweather and brisk locomotion. Take a turn, Rosy, and let me seeall its beauties and advantages."Rose tried to walk off with her usual free tread, but the under-skirtgot in her way, the over-skirt was so tight she could not take a longstep, and her boots made it impossible to carry herself perfectlyerect.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I haven't got used to it yet," she said, petulantly, kicking at hertrain, as she turned to toddle back again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Suppose a mad dog or a runaway horse was after you, could youget out of the way without upsetting, Colonel," asked the Doctor,with a twinkle in the eyes that were fixed on the rakish hat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't think I could, but I'll try," and Rose made a rush across theroom. Her boot-heels caught on a rug, several strings broke, herhat tipped over her eyes, and she plunged promiscuously into achair, where she sat laughing so infectiously that all but Mrs. Clarajoined in her mirth.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I should say that a walking suit in which one could not walk, anda winter suit which exposes the throat, head, and feet to cold anddamp, was rather a failure, Clara, especially as it has no beauty toreconcile one to its utter unfitness," said Dr. Alec, as he helpedRose 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, byand by, be a case for an oculist.""No beauty!" cried Mrs. Clara, warmly, "Now, that is just a man'sblindness. cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,This is the best of silk and camel's hair, real ostrichfeathers, and an expensive ermine muff. What could be in bettertaste, or more proper for a young girl?""I'll shew you, if Rose will go to her room and oblige me byputting on what she finds there," answered the Doctor, withunexpected readiness.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Alec, if it is a Bloomer, I shall protest. I've been expecting it, but Iknow I cannot bear to see that pretty child sacrificed to your wildideas of health. Tell me it isn't a Bloomer!" and Mrs. Clara claspedher hands imploringly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 Rosehas been afflicted with frightful clothes long enough to spoil thetaste of any girl.""You talk of my afflicting the child, and then make a helpless guylike that of her!" answered the Doctor, pointing to the little fashionplate that was scuttling out of sight as fast as it could go.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]He closed the door with a shrug, but before anyone could speak,his quick eye fell upon an object which caused him to frown, anddemand in an indignant tone"After all I have said, were you really going to tempt my girl withthose 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 sightwith guilty haste. "I only brought them to try, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,for Rose is growingstout, and will have no figure if it is not attended to soon," sheadded, with an air of calm conviction that roused the Doctor stillmore, for this was one of his especial abominations.

 

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〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Fashion and Physiology-2

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]"Growing stout! Yes, thank Heaven, she is, and shall continue todo it, for Nature knows how to mould a woman better than anycorset-maker, and I won't have her interfered with. My dear Clara,have you lost your senses that you can for a moment dream ofputting a growing girl into an instrument of torture like this?" andwith a sudden gesture he plucked forth the offending corsets fromunder the sofa cushion, and held them out with the expression onewould wear on beholding the thumbscrews or the rack of ancienttimes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't be absurd, Alec. There is no torture about it, for tight lacingis out of fashion, and we have nice, sensible things nowadays.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Everyone wears them; even babies have stiffened waists to supporttheir weak little backs," began Mrs. Clara, rushing to the defenceof the pet delusion of most women.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I know it, and so the poor little souls have weak backs all theirdays, as their mothers had before them. It is vain to argue thematter, and I won't try, but I wish to state, once for all, that if I eversee a pair of corsets near Rose, I'll put them in the fire, and youmay send the bill to me."As he spoke the corsets were on their way to destruction, but Mrs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Jessie caught his arm, exclaiming merrily, "Don't burn them, formercy sake, Alec; they are full of whalebones, and will make adreadful odour. Give them to me. I'll see that they do no harm.""Whalebones, indeed! A regular fence of them, and metalgate-posts in front. As if our own bones were not enough, if we'dgive them a chance to do their duty," growled the Doctor, yieldingup the bone of contention with a last shake of contempt. Then hisface cleared suddenly, and he held up his finger, saying, with asmile, "Hear those girls laugh; cramped lungs could not makehearty music like that."Peals of laughter issued from Rose's room, and smilesinvoluntarily touched the lips of those who listened to the happysound.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, ma'am, my last, and I hope you will like it. I discovered whatClara was at, and got my rival suit ready for to-day. I'm not goingto '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 youwill appreciate the general effect better.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, I got hold of this littlebook, and was struck with its good sense and good taste, for itsuggests a way to clothe women both healthfully and handsomely,and that is a great point. It begins at the foundations, as you willsee if you will look at these pictures, and I should think womenwould rejoice at this lightening of their burdens."As he spoke, the Doctor laid the book before Aunt Plenty, whoobediently 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!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You don't mean to say you want Rose to come out in this costume?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 sheunderstands that these well I'll call them by an Indian name, andsay pajamas are for underwear, and Rose can have as pretty frocksas she likes outside. These two suits of flannel, each in one piecefrom head to foot, with a skirt or so hung on this easily-fittingwaist, will keep the child warm without burdening her with belts,and gathers, and buckles, and bunches round the waist, and leavefree the muscles that need plenty of room to work in. She shallnever have the back-ache if I can help it, nor the long list of illsyou dear women think you cannot escape.""I don't consider it modest, and I'm sure Rose will be shocked atit," began Mrs. Clara, but stopped suddenly, as Rose appeared inthe doorway, not looking shocked a bit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come on, my hygienic model, and let us see you," said her uncle,with an approving glance, as she walked in, looking somischievously merry, that it was evident she enjoyed the joke.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 tolook like a little school-girl; but it has not a particle of style, andno one would ever give it a second glance," said Mrs. Clara,feeling that her last remark condemned the whole thing.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Exactly what I want," answered the provoking Doctor, rubbing hishands with a satisfied air. "Rosy looks now like what she is, amodest little girl, who does not want to be stared at. I think shewould get a glance of approval, though, from people who likesense and simplicity rather than fuss and feathers. Revolve, myHebe, 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 ofboots with low heels. A seal-skin sack, cap, and mittens, with aglimpse of scarlet at the throat, and the pretty curls tied up with abright velvet of the same colour, completed the externaladornment, making her look like a robin redbreast wintry, yetwarm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How do you like it, Rosy?" asked the Doctor, feeling that heropinion was more important to the success of his new idea thanthat of all the aunts on the hill.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I feel very odd and light, but I'm warm as a toast, and nothingseems to be in my way," answered Rose, with a skip whichdisplayed shapely gaiters on legs that now might be as free andactive as a boy's under the modest skirts of the girl.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You can run away from the mad dogs, and walk off at a smartpace without tumbling on your nose, now, I fancy?""Yes, uncle! suppose the dog coming, I just hop over a wall so andwhen I walk of a cold day, I go like this "Entering fully into the spirit of the thing, Rose swung herself overthe high back of the sofa as easily as one of her cousins, and thenwent down the long hall as if her stout boots were related to thefamous seven-leaguers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There! you see how it will be; dress her in that boyish way andshe will act like a boy. I do hate all these inventions ofstrong-minded women!" exclaimed Mrs. Clara, as Rose came backat a run.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah, but you see some of these sensible inventions come from thebrain of a fashionable modiste, who will make you more lovely, orwhat you value more 'stylish' outside and comfortable within. Mrs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Van Tassel has been to Madame Stone, and is wearing a full suitof this sort. Van himself told me, when I asked how she was, thatshe had given up lying on the sofa, and was going about in a mostastonishing way, considering her feeble health.""You don't say so! Let me see that book a moment," and AuntClara examined the new patterns with a more respectful air, for ifthe elegant Mrs. Van Tassel wore these "dreadful things" it wouldnever do to be left behind, in spite of her prejudices.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec looked at Mrs. Jessie, and both smiled, for "little Mum"had been in the secret, and enjoyed it mightily.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I thought that would settle it," he said with a nod.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I didn't wait for Mrs. Van to lead the way, and for once in my lifeI have adopted a new fashion before Clara. My freedom suit isordered, and you may see me playing tag with Rose and the boysbefore long," answered Mrs. Jessie, nodding back at him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Meantime Aunt Plenty was examining Rose's costume, for the hatand sack were off, and the girl was eagerly explaining the newunder-garments.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"See, auntie, all nice scarlet flannel, and a gay little petticoat, andlong stockings, oh, so warm! Phebe and I nearly died laughingwhen I put this rig on, but I like it ever so much. The dress is socomfortable, and doesn't need any belt or sash, and I can sitwithout rumpling any trimming, that's such a comfort! I like to betidy, and so, when I wear fussed-up things, I'm thinking of myclothes all the time, and that's tiresome. Do say you like it. Iresolved I would, just to please uncle, for he does know moreabout health than anyone else, I'm sure, and I'd wear a bag if heasked me to do it.""I don't ask that, Rose, but I wish you'd weigh and compare the twosuits, and then choose which seems best. I leave it to your owncommonsense," answered Dr. Alec, feeling pretty sure he had won.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 Ishould have to go round like a walking doll if I wore it. I'm muchobliged to auntie, but I'll keep this, please."Rose spoke gently but decidedly, though there was a look of regretwhen 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 Clarasighed; Uncle Alec smiled, and said heartily"Thank you, dear;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, now read this book and you will understand whyI ask it of you. Then, if you like, I'll give you a new lesson; youasked for one yesterday, and this is more necessary than French orhousekeeping.""Oh, what?" and Rose caught up the book which Mrs. Clara hadthrown down with a disgusted look.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Though Dr. Alec was forty, the boyish love of teasing was not yetdead in him, and, being much elated at his victory, he could notresist the temptation of shocking Mrs. Clara by suggesting dreadfulpossibilities, 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 practicewhen he has to stop? If you agree, I'll hunt up my old skeletonto-morrow."That was too much for Aunt Clara, and she hastily departed, withher mind in a sad state of perturbation about Mrs. Van Tassel'snew costume and Rose's new study.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Brother Bones

Rose accepted her uncle's offer, as Aunt Myra discovered two orthree days later. Coming in for an early call, and hearing voices inthe 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How can you ask when that long box looks so like a coffin Ithought it was one, and that dreadful thing stared me in the face asI opened the door," answered Mrs. Myra, pointing to the skeletonthat hung from the chandelier cheerfully grinning at all beholders.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"This is a medical college where women are freely admitted, sowalk in, madam, and join the class if you'll do me the honour,"said the Doctor, waving her forward with his politest bow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Do, auntie, it's perfectly splendid," cried Rose's voice, and Rose'sblooming face was seen behind the ribs of the skeleton, smilingand nodding in the gayest possible manner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What are you doing, child?" demanded Aunt Myra, dropping intoa chair and staring about her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, I'm learning bones to-day, and I like it so much. There aretwelve ribs, you know, and the two lower ones are called floatingribs, because they are not fastened to the breastbone. That's whythey go in so easily if you lace tight and squeeze the lungs andheart in the let me see, what was that big word oh, I know thoraciccavity," and Rose beamed with pride as she aired her little bit ofknowledge.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Do you think that is a good sort of thing for her to be pokingover? She is a nervous child, and I'm afraid it will be bad for her,"said Aunt Myra, watching Rose as she counted vertebr‘, andwaggled a hip-joint in its socket with an inquiring expression.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"An excellent study, for she enjoys it, and I mean to teach her howto manage her nerves so that they won't be a curse to her, as manya woman's become through ignorance or want of thought. To makea mystery or terror of these things is a mistake, and I mean Roseshall understand and respect her body so well that she won't dareto trifle with it as most women do.""And she really likes it?""Very much,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, auntie! It's all so wonderful, and so nicely planned,you can hardly believe what you see. Just think, there are600,000,000 air cells in one pair of lungs, and 2,000 pores to asquare inch of surface; so you see what quantities of air we musthave, and what care we should take of our skin so all the littledoors will open and shut right. And brains, auntie, you've no ideahow curious they are; I haven't got to them yet, but I long to, anduncle is going to show me a manikin that you can take to pieces.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Just think how nice it will be to see all the organs in their places; Ionly wish they could be made to work as ours do."It was funny to see Aunt Myra's face as Rose stood before hertalking rapidly with one hand laid in the friendliest manner on theskeleton's shoulder. Every word both the Doctor and Rose utteredhit the good lady in her weakest spot, cheap Oakley sunglasses,and as she looked andlistened a long array of bottles and pill-boxes rose up before her,reproaching her with the "ignorance and want of thought" thatmade her what she was, a nervous, dyspeptic, unhappy old woman.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, I don't know but you may be right, Alec, only I wouldn'tcarry 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 itgives me the creeps to hear about 'organs,' " said Aunt Myra, with asigh and her hand on her side.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Wouldn't it be a comfort to know that your liver was on the rightside, auntie, and not on the left!" asked Rose with a naughty laughin her eyes, for she had lately learnt that Aunt Myra's livercomplaint was not in the proper place.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's a dying world, child, and it don't much matter where the painis, for sooner or later we all drop off and are seen no more," wasAunt Myra's cheerful reply.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, I intend to know what kills me if I can, and meantime, I'mgoing to enjoy myself in spite of a dying world. I wish you'd do sotoo, and come and study with uncle, it would do you good, I'msure," and Rose went back to counting vertebr‘ with such a happyface, that Aunt Myra had not the heart to say a word to dampen herardour.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Perhaps it's as well to let her do what she likes the little while sheis with us. But pray be careful of her, Alec, and not allow her tooverwork," she whispered as she went out.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That's exactly what I'm trying to do, ma'am, and rather a hard jobI find it," he added, as he shut the door, for the dear aunts weredreadfully in his way sometimes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 tooka promenade round the skeleton, cheap Oakleys,observing gravely"Brother Bones looks very jolly, but I can't say much for hisbeauty.""You mustn't make fun of him, for he's a good old fellow, andyou'd be just as ugly if your flesh was off," said Rose, defendingher new friend with warmth.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I dare say, so I'll keep my flesh on, thank you. You are so busyyou can't read to a fellow, I suppose?" asked Mac, whose eyeswere better, but still too weak for books.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't you want to come and join my class? Uncle explains it all tous, and you can take a look at the plates as they come along. We'llgive up bones today and have eyes instead; that will be moreinteresting to you," added Rose, seeing no ardent thirst forphysiological information in his face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Rose, we must not fly about from one thing to another in thisway," began Dr. Alec, but she whispered quickly, with a nodtowards Mac, whose goggles were turned wistfully in the directionof the forbidden books"He's blue to-day,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap, and we must amuse him; give a little lecture oneyes, and it will do him good. No matter about me, uncle.""Very well; the class will please be seated," and the Doctor gave asounding rap on the table.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come, sit by me, dear, then we can both see the pictures; and ifyour head gets tired you can lie down," said Rose, generouslyopening her little college to a brother, and kindly providing for theweaknesses that all humanity is subject to.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Side by side they sat and listened to a very simple explanation ofthe mechanism of the eye, finding it as wonderful as a fairy tale,for fine plates illustrated it, and a very willing teacher did his bestto make the lesson pleasant.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Jove! if I'd known what mischief I was doing to that mightydelicate machine of mine, you wouldn't have caught me reading byfirelight, or studying with a glare of sunshine on my book," saidMac, peering solemnly at a magnified eye-ball; then, pushing itaway, he added indignantly, "Why isn't a fellow taught all abouthis works, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,and how to manage 'em, and not left to go blunderinginto all sorts of worries? Telling him after he's down isn't muchuse, 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'tlisten. You lads need that sort of knowledge so much, and fathersand mothers ought to be able to give it to you. Few of them areable, and so we all go blundering, as you say. Less Greek and Latinand more knowledge of the laws of health for my boys, if I hadthem. Mathematics are all very well, but morals are better, and Iwish, how I wish that I could help teachers and parents to feel it asthey ought.""Some do; Aunt Jessie and her boys have capital talks, and I wishwe could; but mother's so busy with her housekeeping, and fatherwith his business, there never seems to be any time for that sort ofthing; even if there was, it don't seem as if it would be easy to talkto 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 boyand girl feels. Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in businessand housekeeping to study their children, and cherish that sweetand natural confidence which is a child's surest safeguard, and aparent's subtlest power. So the young hearts hide trouble ortemptation till the harm is done, and mutual regret comes too late.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely to father ormother, sure of pity, help, and pardon; and thrice happy the parentswho, out of their own experience, and by their own virtues, canteach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This longing stirred in the hearts of Rose and Mac, and by anatural impulse both turned to Dr. Alec, for in this queer world ofours, fatherly and motherly hearts often beat warm and wise in thebreasts of bachelor uncles and maiden aunts; and it is my privateopinion that these worthy creatures are a beautiful provision ofnature for the cherishing of other people's children. They certainlyget great comfort out of it, and receive much innocent affectionthat otherwise would be lost.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec was one of these, and his big heart had room for everyone of the eight cousins, especially orphaned Rose and afflictedMac; so, when the boy uttered that unconscious reproach to hisparents, and Rose added with a sigh, "It must be beautiful to have amother!" the good Doctor yearned over them, and, shutting hisbook with a decided slam, said in that cordial voice of his"Now, look here, children, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,you just come and tell me all yourworries, and with God's help, I'll settle them for you. That is whatI'm here for, I believe, and it will be a great happiness to me if youcan trust me.""We can, uncle, and we will!" both answered, with a heartinessthat gratified him much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Good! now school is dismissed, and I advise you to go and refreshyour 600,000,000 air cells by a brisk run in the garden. Comeagain whenever you like, Mac, and we'll teach you all we canabout your 'works,' as you call them, so you can keep them runningsmoothly.""We'll come, sir, much obliged," and the class in physiology wentout to walk.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Mac did come again, glad to find something he could study in spiteof his weak eyes, and learned much that was of more value thananything his school had ever taught thim.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Of course, the other lads made great fun of the whole thing, andplagued Dr. Alec's students half out of their lives. But they kept onpersistently, and one day something happened which made theother fellows behave themselves for ever after.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a holiday, and Rose up in her room thought she heard thevoices of her cousins, so she ran down to welcome them, but foundno one there.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 wentinto the study to wait. She was lounging over the table looking at amap when an odd noise caught her ear. A gentle tappingsomewhere, and following the sound it seemed to come from theinside of the long case in which the skeleton lived when notprofessionally engaged. This case stood upright in a niche betweentwo book-cases at the back of the room, cheap oakley sunglasses china,a darkish corner, whereBrother Bones, as the boys would call him, was out of the way.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As Rose stood looking in that direction, and wondering if a rat hadgot shut in, the door of the case swung slowly open, and with agreat start she saw a bony arm lifted, and a bony finger beckon toher. For a minute she was frightened, and ran to the study doorwith 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She paused an instant to collect herself, and then went softlytoward the bony beckoner. A nearer look revealed black threadstied to the arm and fingers, the ends of threads disappearingthrough holes bored in the back of the case. Peeping into the darkrecess, she also caught sight of the tip of an elbow covered with arough gray cloth which she knew very well.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Quick as a flash she understood the joke, her fear vanished, andwith 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 irruptionof boys, all in a high state of tickle, proclaimed to the hidden roguethat his joke was a failure.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I told him not to do it, because it might give you a start,"explained Archie, emerging from the closet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I had a smelling bottle all ready if she fainted away," added Steve,popping up from behind the great chair.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's too bad of you not to squawk and run; we depended on it, it'ssuch fun to howl after you," said Will and Geordie, rolling outfrom under the sofa in a promiscuous heap.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are getting altogether too strong-minded, Rose; most girlswould have been in a jolly twitter to see this old fellow wagglinghis finger at them," complained Charlie, squeezing out from histight quarters, dusty and disgusted.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm used to your pranks now, so I'm always on the watch andprepared. But I won't have Brother Bones made fun of. I knowuncle wouldn't like it, so please don't," began Rose just as Dr. Aleccame in, and, seeing the state of the case at a glance, he saidquietly"Hear how I got that skeleton, and then I'm sure you will treat itwith respect."The boys settled down at once on any article of furniture that wasnearest and listened dutifully.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Years ago, when I was in the hospital, a poor fellow was broughtthere with a rare and very painful disease. There was no hope forhim, but we did our best, and he was so grateful that when he diedhe left us his body that we might discover the mysteries of hiscomplaint, and so be able to help others afflicted in the same way.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It did do good, and his brave patience made us remember him longafter he was gone. He thought I had been kind to him, and said to afellow-student of mine, 'Tell the Doctor I lave him me bones, forI've nothing else in the wide world, and I'll nos be wanting 'em atall, at all, when the great pain hat kilt me entirely.' So that is howthey came to be mine, Oakley sunglasses,and why I've kept them carefully, for,though only a poor, ignorant fellow, Mike Nolan did what he couldto help others, and prove his gratitude to those who tried to helphim."As Dr. Alec paused, Archie closed the door of the case asrespectfully as if the mummy of an Egyptian king was inside; Willand Geordie looked solemnly at one another, evidently muchimpressed, and Charlie pensively remarked from the coal-hodwhere he sat"I've often heard of a skeleton in the house, but I think few peoplehave one as useful and as interesting as ours."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Under The Mistletoe-1

Rose made Phebe promise that she would bring her stocking intothe "Bower," as she called her pretty room, on Christmas morning,because that first delicious rummage loses half its charm if twolittle night-caps at least do not meet over the treasures, and twohappy voices Oh and Ah together.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So when Rose opened her eyes that day they fell upon faithfulPhebe, rolled up in a shawl, sitting on the rug before a blazing fire,with her untouched stocking laid beside her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Merry Christmas!" cried the little mistress smiling gaily.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Merry Christmas!" answered the little maid, so heartily that it didone good to hear her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Bring the stockings right away, Phebe, and let's see what we'vegot," said Rose, sitting up among the pillows, and looking as eageras a child.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A pair of long knobby hose were laid out upon the coverlet, andtheir contents examined with delight, though each knew everyblessed thing that had been put into the other's stocking.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Never mind what they were; it is evident that they were quitesatisfactory, for as Rose leaned back, she said, with a luxurioussigh of satisfaction, "Now, I believe I've got everything in theworld that I want," and Phebe answered, smiling over a lapful oftreasures, "This is the most splendid Christmas I ever had since Iwas born." Then she added with an important air"Do wish for something else, because I happen to know of twomore presents outside the door this minute.""Oh, me, what richness!" cried Rose,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, much excited. "I used to wishfor a pair of glass slippers like Cinderella's, but as I can't havethem, I really don't know what to ask for."Phebe clapped her hands as she skipped off the bed and ran to thedoor, saying merrily, "One of them is for your feet, anyway. I don'tknow 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 sledappeared.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle sent those; I know he did; and, now I see them, I rememberthat I did want to skate and coast. Isn't it a beauty? See! they fitnicely," and, sitting on the new sled, Rose tried a skate on her littlebare foot, while Phebe stood by admiring the pretty tableau.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now we must hurry and get dressed, for there is a deal to doto-day, and I want to get through in time to try my sled beforedinner.""Gracious me,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, and I ought to be dusting my parlors this blessedminute!" and mistress and maid separated with such happy facesthat anyone would have known what day it was without being told.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Birnam Wood has come to Dunsinane, Rosy," said Dr. Alec, as heleft the breakfast table to open the door for a procession of holly,hemlock, and cedar boughs that came marching up the steps.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Snowballs and "Merry Christmases!" flew about pretty briskly forseveral minutes; then all fell to work trimming the old house, forthe family always dined together there on that day.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I rode miles and mileses, as Ben says, to get this fine bit, and I'mgoing 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 inthe front parlor.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It isn't very pretty," said Rose, who was trimming thechimney-piece with glossy holly sprays.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Never mind that, it's mistletoe, and anyone who stands under itwill get kissed whether they like it or not. Now's your time, ladies,"answered the saucy Prince, keeping his place and lookingsentimentally at the girls, who retired precipitately from thedangerous spot.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You won't catch me," said Rose, with great dignity.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"See if I don't!""I've got my eye on Phebe," observed Will, in a patronising tonethat made them all laugh.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Bless the dear; I shan't mind it a bit," answered Phebe, with such amaternal air that Will's budding gallantry was chilled to death.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, the mistletoe bough," sang Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, the mistletoe bough!" echoed all the boys, and the teasingended in the plaintive ballad they all liked so well.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There was plenty of time to try the new skates before dinner, andthen Rose took her first lesson on the little bay, which seemed tohave frozen over for that express purpose. She found tumblingdown and getting up again warm work for a time, cheap Oakleys,but with six boysto teach her, she managed at last to stand alone; and, satisfied withthat success, she refreshed herself with a dozen grand coasts on theAmazon, as her sled was called.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah, that fatal colour! it breaks my heart to see it," croaked AuntMyra, as Rose came down a little late, with cheeks almost as ruddyas the holly berries on the wall, and every curl as smooth asPhebe's careful hands could make it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm glad to see that Alec allows the poor child to make herselfpretty in spite of his absurd notions," added Aunt Clara, takinginfinite satisfaction in the fact that Rose's blue silk dress had threefrills on it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She's a very intelligent child, and has a nice little manner of herown," observed Aunt Jane, with unusual affability; for Rose hadjust handed Mac a screen to guard his eyes from the brilliant fire.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If I had a daughter like that to show my Jem when he gets home, Ishould be a very proud and happy woman," thought Aunt Jessie,and then reproached herself for not being perfectly satisfied withher four brave lads.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Aunt Plenty was too absorbed in the dinner to have an eye foranything else; if she had not been, she would have seen what aneffect her new cap produced upon the boys. The good lady ownedthat she did "love a dressy cap," and on this occasion her head gearwas magnificent; for the towering structure of lace was adornedwith buff ribbons to such an extent that it looked as if a flock ofyellow butterflies had settled on her dear old head. When shetrotted about the rooms the ruches quivered, Oakley sunglasses cheap,the little bows allstood erect, and the streamers waved in the breeze so comicallythat it was absolutely necessary for Archie to smother the Brats inthe curtains till they had had their first laugh out.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Mac had brought Fun See to dinner, and it was a mercy hedid, for the elder lads found a vent for their merriment in jokingthe young Chinaman on his improved appearance. He was inAmerican costume now, with a cropped head, and spokeremarkably good English after six months at school; but, for allthat, his yellow face and beady eyes made a curious contrast to theblonde Campbells all about him. Will called him the "Typhoon,"meaning Tycoon, and the name stuck to him to his great disgust.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 smilingat them all, "like an embodiment of Peace on earth," Uncle Alecsaid, as he took his place beside her, while Uncle Mac supportedAunt Plenty at the other end.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I ate hardly any breakfast, and I've done everything I know tomake myself extra hungry, but I really don't think I can eat straightthrough, unless I burst my buttons off," whispered Geordie to Will,as he surveyed the bounteous stores before him with a hopelesssigh.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"A fellow never knows what he can do till he tries," answeredWill, attacking his heaped-up plate with an evident intention ofdoing his duty like a man.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Everybody knows what a Christmas dinner is, so we need waste nowords in describing this one, but hasten at once to tell whathappened at the end of it. The end, by the way, was so long incoming that the gas was lighted before dessert was over, for asnow flurry had come on and the wintry daylight faded fast. Butthat only made it all the jollier in the warm, bright rooms, full ofhappy souls. cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,Everyone was very merry, but Archie seemedparticularly uplifted so much so, that Charlie confided to Rose thathe was afraid the Chief had been at the decanters.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose indignantly denied the insinuation, for when healths weredrunk in the good old-fashioned way to suit the elders, she hadobserved that Aunt Jessie's boys filled their glasses with water, andhad done the same herself in spite of the Prince's jokes about "therosy."But Archie certainly was unusually excited, and when someoneremembered that it was the anniversary of Uncle Jem's wedding,and wished he was there to make a speech, his son electrified thefamily by trying to do it for him. It was rather incoherent andflowery, as maiden speeches are apt to be, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,but the end wasconsidered superb; for, turning to his mother with a queer littlechoke in his voice, he said that she "deserved to be blessed withpeace and plenty, to be crowned with roses and lads'-love, and toreceive the cargo of happiness sailing home to her in spite of windor tide to add another Jem to the family jewels."That allusion to the Captain, now on his return trip, made Mrs.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Jessie sob in her napkin, and set the boys cheering. Then, as if thatwas not sensation enough, Archie suddenly dashed out of theroom, as if he had lost his wits.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Too bashful to stay and be praised," began Charlie, excusing thepeculiarities of his chief as in duty bound.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Under The Mistletoe-1

[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Phebe beckoned to him; I saw her," cried Rose, staring hard at thedoor.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Is it more presents coming?" asked Jamie, just as his brotherre-appeared, looking more excited than ever.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes; a present for mother, and here it is!" roared Archie, flingingwide the door to let in a tall man, who cried out"Where's my little woman? The first kiss for her, then the rest maycome on as fast as they like."Before the words were out of his mouth, Mrs. Jessie washalf-hidden under his rough great-coat, and four boys wereprancing about him clamouring for their turn.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Of course, there was a joyful tumult for a time, during which Roseslipped into the window recess and watched what went on, as if itwere a chapter in a Christmas story. It was good to see bluff UncleJem look proudly at his tall son, and fondly hug the little ones. Itwas better still to see him shake his brothers' hands as if he wouldnever leave off, and kiss all the sisters in a way that made evensolemn Aunt Myra brighten up for a minute. But it was best of allto see him finally established in grandfather's chair, with his "littlewoman" beside him, his three youngest boys in his lap, and Archiehovering over him like a large-sized cherub. That really was, asCharlie said, "A landscape to do one's heart good.""All hearty and all here, thank God!" said Captain Jem in the firstpause that came, as he looked about him with a grateful face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"All but Rose," answered loyal little Jamie, remembering theabsent.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Faith, I forgot the child! Where is George's little girl?" asked theCaptain, who had not seen her since she was a baby.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You'd better say Alec's great girl," said Uncle Mac, who professedto be madly jealous of his brother.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Here I am, sir," and Rose appeared from behind the curtains,looking as if she had rather have stayed there.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Saint George Germain, how the mite has grown!" cried CaptainJem, as he tumbled the boys out of his lap, and rose to greet thetall girl, like a gentleman as he was. But, somehow, when he shookher hand it looked so small in his big one, and her face remindedhim so strongly of his dead brother, that he was not satisfied withso cold a welcome, and with a sudden softening of the keen eyeshe took her up in his arms, whispering, with a rough cheek againsther smooth one"God bless you, child! forgive me if I forgot you for a minute, andbe sure that not one of your kinsfolk is happier to see you here thanUncle Jem."That made it all right; and when he set her down, Rose's face wasso bright it was evident that some spell had been used to banish thefeeling of neglect that had kept her moping behind the curtain solong.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That everyone sat round and heard all about the voyage home howthe Captain had set his heart on getting there in time to keepChristmas; how everything had conspired to thwart his plan; andhow, at the very last minute, cheap oakley sunglasses china,he had managed to do it, and had senta telegram to Archie, bidding him keep the secret, and be ready forhis father at any moment, for the ship got into another port, and hemight be late.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then Archie told how that telegram had burnt in his pocket alldinner-time; how he had to take Phebe into his confidence, andhow clever she was to keep the Captain back till the speech wasover and he could come in with effect.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The elders would have sat and talked all the evening, but theyoung folks were bent on having their usual Christmas frolic; so,after an hour of pleasant chat, they began to get restless, andhaving consulted together in dumb show, they devised a way tovery effectually break up the family council.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Steve vanished, and, sooner than the boys imagined Dandy couldget himself up, the skirl of the bag-pipe was heard in the hall, andthe bonny piper came to lead Clan Campbell to the revel.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Draw it mild, Stenie, my man; ye play unco weel, but ye mak amost 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So Steve droned out a Highland reel as softly as he could, and theboys danced it to a circle of admiring relations. Captain Jem was atrue sailor, however, and could not stand idle while anything livelywas going on; so, when the piper's breath gave out, he cut asplendid pigeon-wing into the middle of the hall, saying, "Who candance a Fore and After?" and, waiting for no reply, Oakley sunglasses,began towhistle the air so invitingly that Mrs Jessie "set" to him laughinglike a girl; Rose and Charlie took their places behind, and awaywent the four with a spirit and skill that inspired all the rest to "cutin" as fast as they could.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That was a grand beginning, and they had many another dancebefore anyone would own they were tired. Even Fun Seedistinguished himself with Aunt Plenty, whom he greatly admiredas the stoutest lady in the company; plumpness being considered abeauty in his country. The merry old soul professed herselfimmensely flattered by his admiration, and the boys declared she"set her cap at him," else he would never have dared to catch herunder the mistletoe, and, rising on the tips of his own toes,gallantly salute her fat cheek.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]How they all laughed at her astonishment, and how Fun's littleblack eyes twinkled over this exploit! Charlie put him up to it, andCharlie was so bent on catching Rose, that he laid all sorts ofpitfalls for her, and bribed the other lads to help him. But Rosewas wide-awake, and escaped all his snares, professing greatcontempt for such foolish customs. Poor Phebe did not fare sowell, and Archie was the only one who took a base advantage ofher as she stood innocently offering tea to Aunt Myra, whom shehappened to meet just under the fatal bough. If his father's arrivalhad not rather upset him, I doubt if the dignified Chief would havedone it, for he apologized at once in the handsomest manner, andcaught the tray that nearly dropped from Phebe's hands.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Jamie boldly invited all the ladies to come and salute him; and asfor Uncle Jem, he behaved as if the entire room was a grove ofmistletoe. Uncle Alec slyly laid a bit of it on Aunt Peace's cap, andthen softly kissed her; which little joke seemed to please her verymuch, for she liked to have part in all the home pastimes, and Alecwas her favourite nephew.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Charlie alone failed to catch his shy bird, and the oftener sheescaped the more determined he was to ensnare her. When everyother wile had been tried in vain, he got Archie to propose a gamewith forfeits.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I understand that dodge," thought Rose, and was on her guard socarefully that not one among the pile soon collected belonged toher.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now let us redeem them and play something else," said Will,quite unconscious of the deeply-laid plots all about him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"One more round and then we will," answered the Prince, who hadnow baited his trap anew.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Just as the question came to Rose, Jamie's voice was heard in thehall, crying distressfully, "Oh, come quick, quick!" Rose startedup, missed the question, and was greeted with a general cry of"Forfeit! forfeit!" in which the little traitor came to join.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now I've got her," thought the young rascal, exulting in hisfun-loving soul.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now I'm lost," thought Rose, as she gave up her pin-cushion witha sternly defiant look that would have daunted anyone but thereckless Prince. In fact, it made even him think twice, and resolveto "let Rose off easy,'' she had been so clever.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 hehad insisted on being judge, and kept that for the last.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Fine or superfine?""Super.""Hum, well, she shall take old Mac under the mistletoe, and kisshim prettily. Won't he be mad, though?" and this bad boy chuckledover the discomfort he had caused two harmless beings.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There was an impressive pause among the young folks in theircorner, for they all knew that Mac would "be mad," since he hatednonsense of this sort, and had gone to talk with the elders when thegame began. At this moment he was standing before the fire,listening to a discussion between his uncles and his father, lookingas wise as a young owl, and blissfully unconscious of the plotsagainst him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Charlie expected that Rose would say, "I won't!" therefore he wasrather astonished, not to say gratified, when, after a look at thevictim, she laughed suddenly, and, going up to the group ofgentlemen, drew her uncle Mac under the mistletoe and surprisedhim with a hearty kiss.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Thank you, my dear," said the innocent gentleman, looking muchpleased at the unexpected honour.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, come; that's not fair," began Charlie. But Rose cut him shortby saying, as she made him a fine courtesy"You said 'Old Mac,' and though it was very disrespectful, I did it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That was your last chance, sir, and you've lost it."He certainly had, for, as he spoke, Rose pulled down the mistletoeand threw it into the fire, while the boys jeered at the crestfallenPrince, and exalted quick-witted Rose to the skies.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What's the joke?" asked young Mac, waked out of a brown studyby the laughter, in which the elders joined.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But there was a regular shout when, the matter having beenexplained to him, Mac took a meditative stare at Rose through hisgoggles, and said in a philosophical tone, "Well, I don't think Ishould have minded much if she had done it."That tickled the lads immensely, and nothing but the appearance ofa slight refection would have induced them to stop chaffing thepoor Worm, who could not see anything funny in the beautifulresignation he had shown on this trying occasion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Soon after this, the discovery of Jamie curled up in the sofa corner,as sound asleep as a dormouse, suggested the propriety of goinghome, and a general move was made.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They were all standing about the hall lingering over thegood-nights, when the sound of a voice softly singing "SweetHome," made them pause and listen. It was Phebe, poor littlePhebe, who never had a home, never knew the love of father ormother, brother or sister; who stood all alone in the wide world,yet was not sad nor afraid, but took her bits of happinessgratefully, and sung over her work without a thought of discontent.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]I fancy the happy family standing there together remembered thisand felt the beauty of it, for when the solitary voice came to theburden of its song, other voices took it up and finished it sosweetly, that the old house seemed to echo the word "Home" in theears of both the orphan girls, who had just spent their firstChristmas under its hospitable roof.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Scare-1

"Brother Alec, you surely don't mean to allow that child to go outsuch a bitter cold day as this," said Mrs. Myra, looking into thestudy, where the Doctor sat reading his paper, one Februarymorning.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Why not? If a delicate invalid like yourself can bear it, surely myhearty girl can, especially as she is dressed for cold weather,"answered Dr. Alec with provoking confidence.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But you have no idea how sharp the wind is. I am chilled to thevery marrow of my bones," answered Aunt Myra, chafing the endof her purple nose with her sombre glove.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't doubt it, ma'am, if you will wear crape and silk instead offur and flannel. Rosy goes out in all weathers, and will be none theworse for an hour's brisk skating.""Well, I warn you that you are trifling with the child's health, anddepending too much on the seeming improvement she has madethis year. Oakley sunglasses,She is a delicate creature for all that, and will drop awaysuddenly at the first serious attack, as her poor mother did,"croaked Aunt Myra, with a despondent wag of the big bonnet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll risk it," answered Dr. Alec, knitting his brows, as he alwaysdid when any allusion was made to that other Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Mark my words, you will repent it," and with that awful prophecy,Aunt Myra departed like a black shadow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now it must be confessed that among the Doctor's failings and hehad his share was a very masculine dislike of advice which wasthrust upon him unasked. He always listened with respect to thegreat-aunts, and often consulted Mrs. Jessie; but the other threeladies tried his patience sorely, by constant warnings, complaintsand counsels. cheap Oakley sunglasses,Aunt Myra was an especial trial, and he alwaysturned contrary the moment she began to talk. He could not help it,and often laughed about it with comic frankness. Here now was asample of it, for he had just been thinking that Rose had betterdefer her run till the wind went down and the sun was warmer. ButAunt Myra spoke, and he could not resist the temptation to makelight of her advice, and let Rose brave the cold. He had no fear ofits harming her, for she went out every day, and it was a greatsatisfaction to him to see her run down the avenue a minuteafterward, with her skates on her arm, looking like a rosy-facedEsquimaux in her seal-skin suit, as she smiled at Aunt Myrastalking along as solemnly as a crow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I hope the child won't stay out long, for this wind is enough tochill the marrow in younger bones than Myra's," thought Dr. Alec,half an hour later, as he drove toward the city to see the fewpatients he had consented to take for old acquaintance' sake.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The thought returned several times that morning, for it was truly abitter day, and, in spite of his bear-skin coat, the Doctor shivered.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But he had great faith in Rose's good sense, and it never occurredto him that she was making a little Casabianca of herself, with thedifference of freezing instead of burning at her post.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You see, Mac had made an appointment to meet her at a certainspot, and have a grand skating bout as soon as the few lessons hewas allowed were over. She had promised to wait for him, and didso with a faithfulness that cost her dear, because Mac forgot hisappointment when the lessons were done, cheap Oakleys,and became absorbed ina chemical experiment, till a general combustion of gases drovehim out of his laboratory. Then he suddenly remembered Rose,and would gladly have hurried away to her, but his mother forbadehis going out, for the sharp wind would hurt his eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 visionsof a shivering little figure watching on the windy hill-top.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Of course, your uncle won't let her go out such a day as this. If hedoes, she will have the sense to come here for you, or to go homeagain 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'tgo," began Mac, anxiously.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Steve won't stir a peg, thank you. He's got his own toes to thawout, and wants his dinner," answered Dandy, just in from school,and wrestling impatiently with his boots.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So Mac resigned himself, and Rose waited dutifully tilldinner-time assured her that her waiting was in vain. She had doneher best to keep warm, had skated till she was tired and hot, thenstood watching others till she was chilled; Oakley sunglasses cheap,tried to get up a glowagain by trotting up and down the road, but failed to do so, andfinally cuddled disconsolately under a pine-tree to wait and watch.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When she at length started for home, she was benumbed with cold,and could hardly make her way against the wind that buffeted thefrost-bitten rose most unmercifully.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec was basking in the warmth of the study fire, after hisdrive, when the sound of a stifled sob made him hurry to the doorand look anxiously into the hall. Rose lay in a shivering bunchnear the register, with her things half off, wringing her hands, andtrying not to cry with the pain returning warmth brought to herhalf-frozen fingers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My darling, what is it?" and Uncle Alec had her in his arms in aminute.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Mac didn't come I can't get warm the fire makes me ache!" andwith 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 seeit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In less time than it takes to tell it, Dr. Alec had her on the sofarolled up in the bear-skin coat, with Phebe rubbing her cold feetwhile he rubbed the aching hands, and Aunt Plenty made acomfortable hot drink, and Aunt Peace sent down her ownfoot-warmer and embroidered blanket "for the dear."Full of remorseful tenderness, Uncle Alec worked over his newpatient till she declared she was all right again.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, He would not lether get up to dinner, but fed her himself, and then forgot his ownwhile he sat watching her fall into a drowse, for Aunt Plenty'scordial made her sleepy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She lay so several hours for the drowse deepened into a heavysleep, and Uncle Alec, still at his post, saw with growing anxietythat a feverish colour began to burn in her cheeks, that herbreathing was quick and uneven, and now and then she gave alittle moan, as if in pain. Suddenly she woke up with a start, andseeing Aunt Plenty bending over her, put out her arms like a sickchild, saying wearily"Please, could I go to bed?""The best place for you, deary. Take her right up, Alec; I've got thehot water ready, and after a nice bath, she shall have a cup of mysage tea, and be rolled up in blankets to sleep off her cold,"answered the old lady, cheerily, as she bustled away to give orders.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Are you in pain, darling?" asked Uncle Alec, as he carried her up.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My side aches when I breathe, and I feel stiff and queer; but itisn't bad, so don't be troubled, uncle," whispered Rose, with a littlehot hand against his cheek.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But the poor doctor did look troubled, and had cause to do so, forjust then Rose tried to laugh at Dolly charging into the room with awarming-pan, but could not, for the sharp pain took her breathaway and made her cry out.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Pleurisy," sighed Aunt Plenty, from the depths of the bath-tub.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Pewmonia!" groaned Dolly, burrowing among the bedclothes withthe long-handled pan, as if bent on fishing up that treacherousdisease.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, is it bad?" asked Phebe, nearly dropping a pail of hot water inher dismay, for she knew nothing of sickness, and Dolly'ssuggestion had a peculiarly dreadful sound to her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Hush!" ordered the Doctor, in a tone that silenced all furtherpredictions, and made everyone work with a will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Make her as comfortable as you can, and when she is in her littlebed I'll come and say good-night," he added, when the bath wasready and the blankets browning nicely before the fire.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then he went away to talk quite cheerfully to Aunt Peace about itsbeing "only a chill"; after which he tramped up and down the hall,pulling his beard and knitting his brows, sure signs of great inwardperturbation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I thought it would be too good luck to get through the yearwithout a downfall. Confound my perversity! Why couldn't I takeMyra's advice and keep Rose at home. It's not fair that the poorchild should suffer for my sinful over-confidence. She shall notsuffer for it! Pneumonia, indeed! I defy it," cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,and he shook his fist inthe ugly face of an Indian idol that happened to be before him, asif that particularly hideous god had some spite against his ownlittle goddess.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In spite of his defiance his heart sunk when he saw Rose again, forthe pain was worse, and the bath and blankets, the warming-panand piping-hot sage tea, were all in vain. For several hours therewas no rest for the poor child, and all manner of gloomyforebodings haunted the minds of those who hovered about herwith faces full of the tenderest anxiety.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In the midst of the worst paroxysm Charlie came to leave amessage from his mother, and was met by Phebe comingdespondently downstairs with a mustard plaster that had broughtno relief.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What the dickens is the matter? You look as dismal as atombstone," he said, as she held up her hand to stop his livelywhistling.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 warwith the entire race of boys at that moment.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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'tdangerously ill, is she?" he added anxiously, as Aunt Plenty wasseen to trot across the upper hall, shaking a bottle violently as shewent.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, but she is though. The Doctor don't say much, but he don'tcall it a 'chill' any more. It's 'pleurisy' now, and I'm so afraid it willbe pewmonia to-morrow," answered Phebe, with a despairingglance at the plaster.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Charlie exploded into a stifled laugh at the new pronunciation ofpneumonia, to Phebe's great indignation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How can you have the heart to do it, and she in such horrid pain?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Hark to that, and then laugh if you darst," she said with a tragicgesture, and her black eyes full of fire.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Scare-2

Charlie listened and heard little moans that went to his heart andmade 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 tobear it, but it's so sharp I can't help crying."Neither could Charlie, when he heard the broken voice say that;but,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, boy-like, he wouldn't own it, and said pettishly, as he rubbedhis sleeve across his eyes"Don't hold that confounded thing right under my nose; themustard makes my eyes smart.""Don't see how it can, when it hasn't any more strength in it thanmeal. The Doctor said so, and I'm going to get some better," beganPhebe, not a bit ashamed of the great tears that were bedewing thecondemned plaster.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll go!" and Charlie was off like a shot, glad of an excuse to getout of sight for a few minutes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When he came back all inconvenient emotion had been disposedof, and, having delivered a box of the hottest mustard procurablefor money, he departed to "blow up" Mac, that being his next dutyin his opinion. He did it so energetically and thoroughly that thepoor Worm was cast into the depths of remorseful despair, andwent to bed that evening feeling that he was an outcast fromamong men, and bore the mark of Cain upon his brow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Thanks to the skill of the Doctor, and the devotion of his helpers,Rose grew easier about midnight, and all hoped that the worst wasover. Phebe was making tea by the study fire, for the Doctor hadforgotten to eat and drink since Rose was ill, and Aunt Plentyinsisted on his having a "good cordial dish of tea" after hisexertions. A tap on the window startled Phebe, and, looking up,she saw a face peering in. She was not afraid, for a second lookshowed her that it was neither ghost nor burglar, but Mac, lookingpale and wild in the wintry moonlight.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come and let a fellow in," he said in a low tone, and when hestood in the hall he clutched Phebe's arm, whispering gruffly,"How is Rose?""Thanks be to goodness, she's better," answered Phebe, with asmile that was like broad sunshine to the poor lad's anxious heart.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And she will be all right again to-morrow?""Oh, dear no! Dolly says she's sure to have rheumatic fever, if shedon't have noo-monia!" answered Phebe, careful to pronounce theword rightly this time.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Down went Mac's face, and remorse began to gnaw at him again ashe 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 tosleep!"Mac opened his mouth to say something more, when a sneezecame upon him unawares, and a loud "Ah rash hoo!" awoke theechoes of the quiet house.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Why didn't you stop it?" said Phebe reproachfully. "I dare sayyou've waked her up.""Didn't know it was coming. Just my luck!" groaned Mac, turningto go before his unfortunate presence did more harm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But a voice from the stair-head called softly, "Mac, come up; Rosewants to see you."Up he went, and found his uncle waiting for him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What brings you here at this hour, my boy?" asked the Doctor in awhisper.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Charlie said it was all my fault, and if she died I'd killed her. Icouldn't sleep, so I came to see how she was, and no one knows itbut Steve," he said with such a troubled face and voice that theDoctor had not the heart to blame him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Before he could say anything more a feeble voice called "Mac!"and with a hasty "Stay a minute just to please her, and then slipaway, for I want her to sleep," the Doctor led him into the room.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The face on the pillow looked very pale and childish, and the smilethat 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I knew your funny sneeze, and I guessed that you came to see howI did, though it is very late. Don't be worried, I'm better now, and itis my fault I was ill, not yours; for I needn't have been so silly as towait in the cold just because I said I would."Mac hastened to explain, to load himself with reproaches, and tobeg her not to die on any account,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, for Charlie's lecture had made adeep impression on the poor boy's mind.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I didn't know there was any danger of my dying," and Rose lookedup at him with a solemn expression in her great eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 thegolden hair loose on the pillow, and the meekness of suffering onher little white face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't think I shall die; uncle won't let me; but if I do, remember Iforgave you."She looked at him with a tender light in her eyes, and, seeing howpathetic his dumb grief was, she added softly, drawing his headdown, "I wouldn't kiss you under the mistletoe, but I will now, for Iwant you to be sure I do forgive and love you just the same."That quite upset poor Mac; he could only murmur his thanks andget out of the room as fast as possible, to grope his way to thecouch 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.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Something to do-1

Whatever danger there might have been from the effects of thatsudden chill, it was soon over, though, of course, Aunt Myrarefused to believe it, and Dr. Alec cherished his girl withredoubled vigilance and tenderness for months afterward. Rosequite enjoyed being sick, because as soon as the pain ended the funbegan, and for a week or two she led the life of a little princesssecluded in the Bower, while every one served, amused, andwatched over her in the most delightful manner. But the doctorwas called away to see an old friend, who was dangerously ill, andthen Rose felt like a young bird deprived of its mother's shelteringwing; especially on one afternoon when the aunts were taking theirnaps, and the house was very still within while snow fell softlywithout.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll go and hunt up Phebe, she is always nice and busy, and likes tohave me help her. If Dolly is out of the way we can make caramelsand surprise the boys when they come," Rose said to herself, as shethrew down her book and felt ready for society of some sort.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She took the precaution to peep through the slide before sheentered the kitchen, for Dolly allowed no messing when she wasround.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses,But the coast was clear, and no one but Phebe appeared,sitting at the table with her head on her arms apparently asleep.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was just about to wake her with a "Boo!" when she lifted herhead, dried her wet eyes with her blue apron, and fell to work witha resolute face on something she was evidently much interested in.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose could not make out what it was, and her curiosity was greatlyexcited, for Phebe was writing with a sputtering pen on some bitsof brown paper, apparently copying something from a little book.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I must know what the dear thing is about, and why she cried, andthen set her lips tight and went to work with all her might,"thought Rose, forgetting all about the caramels, and, going roundto the door, she entered the kitchen, saying pleasantly"Phebe, I want something to do. Can't you let me help you aboutanything, or shall I be in the way?""Oh, dear no, miss; I always love to have you round when thingsare tidy. What would you like to do?" answered Phebe, opening adrawer as if about to sweep her own affairs out of sight; but Rosestopped her, exclaiming, like a curious child"Let me see! What is it?[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, I won't tell if you'd rather not have Dollyknow.""I'm only trying to study a bit; but I'm so stupid I don't get onmuch," answered the girl reluctantly, permitting her little mistressto examine the poor contrivances she was trying to work with.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A broken slate that had blown off the roof, an inch or two ofpencil, an old almanac for a reader, several bits of brown or yellowpaper ironed smoothly and sewn together for a copy-book, and thecopies 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 thepatient persistence that dried the desponding tears and drove alongthe sputtering pen with a will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You may laugh if you want to, Miss Rose, I know my things arequeer, and that's why I hide 'em; but I don't mind since you'vefound me out, cheap Oakleys,and I ain't a bit ashamed except of being sobackward at my age," said Phebe humbly, though her cheeks grewredder as she washed out some crooked capitals with a tear or twonot yet dried upon the slate.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Laugh at you! I feel more like crying to think what a selfish girl Iam, to have loads of books and things and never remember to giveyou some. Why didn't you come and ask me, and not go strugglingalong alone in this way? It was very wrong of you, Phebe, and I'llnever forgive you if you do so again," answered Rose, with onehand on Phebe's shoulder, while the other gently turned the leavesof the poor little copy-book.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I didn't like to ask for anything more when you are so good to meall the time, miss, dear," began Phebe, looking up with gratefuleyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"O you proud thing! just as if it wasn't fun to give away, and I hadthe best of it. Now, see here, I've got a plan and you mustn't say no,or I shall scold. Oakley sunglasses cheap,I want something to do, and I'm going to teach youall I know; it won't take long," and Rose laughed as she put herarm around Phebe's neck, and patted the smooth dark head withthe kind little hand that so loved to give.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It would be just heavenly!" and Phebe's face shone at the mereidea; but fell again as she added wistfully, "Only I'm afraid I oughtnot to let you do it, Miss Rose. It will take time, and maybe theDoctor wouldn't like it.""He didn't want me to study much, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,but he never said a word aboutteaching, and I don't believe he will mind a bit. Anyway, we cantry it till he comes, so pack up your things and go right to my roomand we'll begin this very day; I'd truly like to do it, and we'll havenice times, see if we don't!" cried Rose eagerly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a pretty sight to see Phebe bundle her humble outfit into herapron, and spring up as if the desire of her heart had suddenly beenmade a happy fact to her; it was a still prettier sight to see Roserun gaily on before, smiling like a good fairy as she beckoned tothe 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Will you, will you walk in, Phebe dear?""Oh, won't I!" answered Phebe fervently, adding, as they enteredthe Bower, "You are the dearest spider that ever was, and I'm thehappiest fly.""I'm going to be very strict, so sit down in that chair and don't say aword till school is ready to open," ordered Rose, delighted with theprospect of such a useful and pleasant "something to do."So Phebe sat demurely in her place while her new teacher laidforth books and slates, a pretty inkstand and a little globe; hastilytore a bit off her big sponge, sharpened pencils with more energythan skill, and when all was ready gave a prance of satisfactionthat set the pupil laughing.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now the school is open, and I shall hear you read, so that I mayknow in which class to put you, Miss Moore," began Rose withgreat dignity, as she laid a book before her scholar, and sat downin the easy chair with a long rule in her hand.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Phebe did pretty well, only tripping now and then over a hardword, and pronouncing identical "identickle," in a sober way thattickled Rose, though never a smile betrayed her. The spellinglesson which followed was rather discouraging; Phebe's ideas ofgeography were very vague, and grammar was nowhere, thoughthe pupil protested that she tried so hard to "talk nice like educatedfolks" that Dolly called her "a stuck-up piece who didn't know herplace.""Dolly's an old goose, so don't you mind her, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,for she will say'nater,' 'vittles,' and 'doos' as long as she lives, and insist that theyare right. You do talk very nicely, Phebe, I've observed it, andgrammar will help you, and show you some things are right andothers ain't are not, I mean," added Rose, correcting herself, andfeeling that she must mind her own parts of speech if she was toserve as an example for Phebe.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When the arithmetic came, the little teacher was surprised to findher scholar quicker in some things than herself, for Phebe hadworked away at the columns in the butcher's and baker's books tillshe could add so quickly and correctly that Rose was amazed, andfelt that in this branch the pupil would soon excel the teacher ifshe kept on at the same pace. Her praise cheered Phebeimmensely, and they went bravely on, both getting so interestedthat time flew unheeded till Aunt Plenty appeared, exclaiming, asshe 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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But Phebe's was brighter, though she added with a wistful look"Maybe I ought to have asked leave first; only when Miss Roseproposed 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 tofind Rose helping you along. My blessed mother used to sit atwork with her maids about her, teaching them many a useful thingin the good old fashion that's gone by now. Only don't neglect yourwork, dear, or let the books interfere with the duties."As Aunt Plenty spoke, with her kind old face beaming approvinglyupon the girls, Phebe glanced at the clock, saw that it pointed tofive, knew that Dolly would soon be down, expecting to findpreparations for supper under way, and, hastily dropping herpencil, cheap oakley sunglasses china,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 "Thankyou, heaps and heaps!" Phebe ran away singing the multiplicationtable as she set the tea ditto.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That was the way it began, and for a week the class of one went onwith great pleasure and profit to all concerned; for the pupilproved a bright one, and came to her lessons as to a feast, whilethe young teacher did her best to be worthy the high opinion heldof her, for Phebe firmly believed that Miss Rose knew everythingin the way of learning.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Of course the lads found out what was going on, and chaffed thegirls about the "Seminary," as they called the new enterprise; butthey thought it a good thing on the whole, kindly offered to givelessons in Greek and Latin gratis, and decided among themselvesthat "Rose was a little trump to give the Phebe-bird such a capitalboost."Rose herself had some doubts as to how it would strike her uncle,and concocted a wheedlesome speech which should at onceconvince him that it was the most useful, wholesome, anddelightful plan ever devised. But she got no chance to deliver heraddress, for Dr. Alec came upon her so unexpectedly that it wentout 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 ofthe long-desired arrival till two large, warm hands met under herchin and gently turned her head back, so that someone could kissher heartily on either cheek, while a fatherly voice said, halfreproachfully, "Why is my girl brooding over a dusty Encyclopediawhen she ought to be running to meet the old gentleman whocouldn't get on another minute without her?""O uncle! I'm so glad! and so sorry! Oakley sunglasses,Why didn't you let us knowwhat time you'd be here, or call out the minute you came? Haven'tI been home-sick for you? and now I'm so happy to have you backI could hug your dear old curly head off," cried Rose, as theEncyclopedia went down with a bang, and she up with a springthat carried her into Dr. Alec's arms, to be kept there in the sort ofembrace a man gives to the dearest creature the world holds forhim.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Presently he was in his easy chair with Rose upon his knee smilingup in his face and talking as fast as her tongue could go, while hewatched her with an expression of supreme content, as he strokedthe smooth round cheek, or held the little hand in his, rejoicing tosee how rosy was the one, how plump and strong the other.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Have you had a good time? Did you save the poor lady? Aren'tyou glad to be home again with your girl to torment you?""Yes, to all those questions. Now tell me what you've been at, littlesinner? Aunty Plen says you want to consult me about some newand remarkable project which you have dared to start in myabsence.""She didn't tell you, I hope?""Not a word more expect that you were rather doubtful how I'dtake it, and so wanted to 'fess' yourself and get round me as youalways try to do, though you don't often succeed. Now, then, ownup and take the consequences."So Rose told about her school in her pretty, earnest way, dwellingon Phebe's hunger for knowledge, and the delight it was to helpher, adding, with a wise nod"And it helps me too, uncle, for she is so quick and eager I have todo 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 onlysay that it was a plant that grew down South in a kind of a pod, andwas 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 yousee it teaches me also, and is as good as a general review of whatI've learned, in a pleasanter way than going over it alone.""You artful little baggage! that's the way you expect to get roundme, is it? That's not studying, I suppose?""No, sir, it's teaching; and please, I like it much better than havinga good time by myself. Besides, you know, I adopted Phebe andpromised to be a sister to her, so I am bound to keep my word, amI not?" answered Rose, looking both anxious and resolute as shewaited for her sentence.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Something to do-2

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]Dr. Alec was evidently already won, for Rose had described theold slate and brown paper copy-book with pathetic effect, and theexcellent man had not only decided to send Phebe to school longbefore the story was done, but reproached himself for forgettinghis duty to one little girl in his love for another. So when Rosetried to look meek and failed utterly, he laughed and pinched hercheek, and answered in that genial way which adds such warmthand grace to any favour"I haven't the slightest objection in the world. In fact, I wasbeginning to think I might let you go at your books again,moderately, since you are so well; and this is an excellent way totry your powers. Phebe is a brave, bright lass, and shall have a fairchance in the world, if we can give it to her, so that if she everfinds her friends they need not be ashamed of her.""I think she has found some already," began Rose eagerly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Hey? what? has anyone turned up since I've been gone?" askedDr. Alec quickly, for it was a firm belief in the family that Phebewould prove to be "somebody" sooner or later.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, her best friend turned up when you came home, uncle,"answered Rose with an approving pat, adding gratefully, "I can'thalf thank you for being so good to my girl, but she will, because Iknow she is going to make a woman to be proud of, she's so strongand true, and loving.""Bless your dear heart, I haven't begun to do anything yet, moreshame to me! But I'm going at it now, and as soon as she gets on abit, she shall go to school as long as she likes. How will that do fora beginning?""It will be 'just heavenly,' as Phebe says, for it is the wish of herlife to 'get lots of schooling,' and she will be too happy when I tellher. May I, please? it will be so lovely to see the dear thing openher 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 allyourself, 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 isto turn out well.""Yes, uncle, only when it is opened won't 'the birds begin to sing?"'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]laughed Rose, taking a turn about the room as a vent for the joyfulemotions that made her eyes shine. All of a sudden she stoppedand asked soberly"If Phebe goes to school who will do her work? I'm willing, if Ican.""Come here and I'll tell you a secret. Dolly's 'bones' are getting sotroublesome, and her dear old temper so bad, that the aunts havedecided to pension her off and let her go and live with herdaughter, who has married very well. I saw her this week, andshe'd like to have her mother come, so in the spring we shall havea grand change, and get a new cook and chamber-girl if any can befound 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 Rosewas when he explained that Phebe was still to be her maid, with noduties except such as she could easily perform betweenschool-hours.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She is a proud creature, for all her humble ways, and even fromus would not take a favour if she did not earn it somewhere. Sothis arrangement makes it all square and comfortable, you see, andshe will pay for the schooling by curling these goldilocks a dozentimes a day if you let her.""Your plans are always so wise and kind! That's why they work sowell, I suppose, and why people let you do what you like withthem. I really don't see how other girls get along without an UncleAlec!" answered Rose, with a sigh of pity for those who hadmissed so great a blessing.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When Phebe was told the splendid news, she did not "stand on herhead with rapture," as Charlie prophesied she would, but took itquietly, because it was such a happy thing she had no words "bigand beautiful enough to thank them in," she said; but every hour ofher day was brightened by this granted wish, and dedicated to theservice of those who gave it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Her heart was so full of content that if overflowed in music, andthe sweet voice singing all about the house gave thanks so blithelythat no other words were needed. Her willing feet were never tiredof taking steps for those who had smoothed her way; her skilfulhands were always busy in some labour of love for them, and onthe face fast growing in comeliness there was an almost womanlyexpression of devotion, which proved how well Phebe had alreadylearned one of life's great lessons gratitude.

​

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Peace-Making-1

"Steve, I want you to tell me something," said Rose to Dandy, whowas making faces at himself in the glass, while he waited for ananswer to the note he brought from his mother to Aunt Plenty.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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. Ido believe a sty is coming on my star-board eye," and Steveaffected to be absorbed in a survey of his yellow lashes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, that won't do; I want to know all about it; for I'm suresomething 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?" growledSteve, pulling his top-knot, as he always did when perplexed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, I do," was Rose's decided answer for she saw from hismanner that she was right, and determined to have the secret out ofhim if coaxing would do it. "I don't wish you to tell things toeveryone, of course, but to me you may, and you must, because Ihave a right to know. You boys need somebody to look after you,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses,and I'm going to do it, for girls are nice peacemakers, and knowhow to manage people. Uncle said so, and he is never wrong."Steve was about to indulge in a derisive hoot at the idea of herlooking after them, but a sudden thought restrained him, andsuggested a way in which he could satisfy Rose, and better himselfat the same time.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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, forhe was half ashamed of the proposition.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What do you want?" and Rose looked up rather surprised at hisquestion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 willhave the fun of putting him together again," and Steve tried to lookas if the idea amused him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll lend it to you with pleasure, so tell away," said Rose, bound toget at the secret.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Evidently much relieved by the promise, cheap Oakley sunglasses,Steve set his top-knotcheerfully erect again, and briefly stated the case.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"As you say, it's all right to tell you, but don't let the boys know Iblabbed, or Prince will take my head off. You see, Archie don'tlike some of the fellows Charlie goes with, and cuts 'em. Thatmakes Prince mad, and he holds on just to plague Arch, so theydon't speak to one another, if they can help it, and that's the row.""Are those boys bad?" asked Rose, anxiously.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Guess not, only rather wild. They are older than our fellows, butthey like Prince, he's such a jolly boy; sings so well, dances jigsand breakdowns, you know, and plays any game that's going. Hebeat Morse at billiards, and that's something to brag of, for Morsethinks he knows everything. I saw the match, and it was great fun!"Steve got quite excited over the prowess of Charlie, whom headmired immensely,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, and tried to imitate. Rose did not know halfthe danger of such gifts and tastes as Charlie's, but feltinstinctively that something must be wrong if Archie disapproved.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If Prince likes any billiard-playing boy better than Archie, I don'tthink much of his sense," she said severely.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Of course he doesn't; but, you see, Charlie and Arch are both asproud as they can be, and won't give in. I suppose Arch is right, butI don't blame Charlie a bit for liking to be with the otherssometimes, they are such a jolly set," and Steve shook his headmorally, even while his eye twinkled over the memory of some ofthe exploits of the "jolly set.""Oh, dear me!" sighed Rose, "I don't see what I can do about it, butI wish the boys would make up, for Prince can't come to any harmwith Archie, Oakley sunglasses cheap,he's so good and sensible.""That's the trouble; Arch preaches, and Prince won't stand it. Hetold Arch he was a prig and a parson, and Arch told him he wasn'ta gentleman. My boots! weren't they both mad, though! I thoughtfor a minute they'd pitch into one another and have it out. Wishthey had, and not gone stalking round stiff and glum ever since.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Mac and I settle our rows with a bat or so over the head, and thenwe are all right."Rose couldn't help laughing as Steve sparred away at a fatsofa-pillow, to illustrate his meaning; and, having given it severalscientific whacks, he pulled down his cuffs and smiled upon herwith benign pity for her feminine ignorance of this summary wayof settling a quarrel.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What droll things boys are!" she said, with a mixture ofadmiration and perplexity in her face, which Steve accepted as acompliment to his sex.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We're a pretty clever invention, miss, and you can't get on withoutus," he answered, with his nose in the air. Then, taking a suddenplunge into business, he added, "How about that bit of money youwere going to lend me? I've told, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,now you pay up.""Of course I will! How much do you want?" and Rose pulled outher purse.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Could you spare five dollars? I want to pay a little debt of honourthat is rather pressing," and Steve put on a mannish air that wascomical to see.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aren't all debts honourable?" asked innocent Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, of course; but this is a bet I made, and it ought to be settledup at once," began Steve, finding it awkward to explain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, don't bet, it's not right, and I know your father wouldn't like it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Promise you won't do so again; please promise!" and Rose heldfast the hand into which she had just put the money.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, I won't. It's worried me a good deal, but I was joked into it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Much obliged, cousin, I'm all right now," and Steve departedhastily.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Having decided to be a peace-maker, Rose waited for anopportunity, and very soon it came.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She was spending the day with Aunt Clara, who had beenentertaining some young guests, and invited Rose to meet them,for she thought it high time her niece conquered her bashfulnessand saw a little of society. Dinner was over, and everyone hadgone. Aunt Clara was resting before going out to an evening party,and Rose was waiting for Charlie to come and take her home.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She sat alone in the elegant drawing-room, feeling particularlynice and pretty, for she had her best frock on, a pair of gold bandsher aunt had just given her, and a tea-rose bud in her sash, like thebeautiful Miss Van Tassel, whom everyone admired. She hadspread out her little skirts to the best advantage, and, leaning backin a luxurious chair, sat admiring her own feet in new slippers withrosettes almost as big as dahlias. Presently Charlie came loungingin, 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 gotthose girls off.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men, Now, I'm at your service, Rosamunda, wheneveryou like.""You look as if your head ached. If it does, don't mind me. I'm notafraid to run home alone, it's so early," answered Rose, observingthe flushed cheeks and heavy eyes of her cousin.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I think I see myself letting you do it. Champagne always makesmy headache, but the air will set me up.""Why do you drink it, then?" asked Rose, anxiously.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Can't help it, when I'm host. Now, don't you begin to lecture; I'vehad enough of Archie's old-fashioned notions, and I don't want anymore."Charlie's tone was decidedly cross, and his whole manner so unlikehis usual merry good-nature, that Rose felt crushed, and answeredmeekly"I wasn't going to lecture, only when people like other people, theycan't bear to see them suffer pain."That brought Charlie round at once, for Rose's lips trembled alittle, though she tried to hide it by smelling the flower she pulledfrom her sash.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I wish you'd beg Archie's too, and be good friends again. Younever were cross when he was your chum," Rose said, looking upat him as he bent toward her from the low chimney-piece, wherehe had been leaning his elbows.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In an instant he stood as stiff and straight as a ramrod, and theheavy eyes kindled with an angry spark as he said, in his high andmighty 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 socold and stiff to one another. You always used to be together, andnow you hardly speak. You are so ready to beg my pardon I don'tsee 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, andCharlie added in a calmer but still very haughty tone: "Agentleman always begs pardon when he has been rude to a lady,but one man doesn't apologize to another man who has insultedhim.""Oh, my heart, what a pepperpot!" thought Rose, and, hoping tomake him laugh, she added slyly: "I was not talking about men, butboys, and one of them a Prince, who ought to set a good exampleto his subjects."But Charlie would not relent, and tried to turn the subject bysaying gravely, as he unfastened the little gold ring from hiswatch-guard"I've broken my word, so I want to give this back and free youfrom the bargain. I'm sorry, but I think it a foolish promise, anddon't intend to keep it. Choose a pair of ear-rings to suit yourself,as my forfeit.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, You have a right to wear them now.""No, I can only wear one, and that is no use, for Archie will keephis word I'm sure!" Rose was so mortified and grieved at thisdownfall of her hopes that she spoke sharply, and would not takethe ring the deserter offered her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]He shrugged his shoulders, and threw it into her lap, trying to lookcool and careless, but failing entirely, for he was ashamed ofhimself, and out of sorts generally. Rose wanted to cry, but pridewould not let her, and, being very angry, she relieved herself bytalk instead of tears. Looking pale and excited, she rose out of herchair, cast away the ring, and said in a voice that she vainly tried tokeep steady"You are not at all the boy I thought you were, and I don't respectyou 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 agentleman, but you are not, for you've broken your word, and I cannever trust you again. I don't wish you to go home with me. I'drather 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 hadflown in his face and pecked at him. She was so seldom angry, thatwhen her temper did get the better of her it made a deepimpression on the lads, for it was generally a righteous sort ofindignation at some injustice or wrong-doing, not childish passion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Her little thunderstorm cleared off in a sob or two as she put onher things in the entry-closet, and when she emerged she lookedthe brighter for the shower. A hasty good-night to Aunt Clara nowunder the hands of the hairdresser and then she crept down to findMary the maid. But Mary was out, so was the man, and Roseslipped away by the back-door, flattering herself that she hadescaped the awkwardness of having Charlie for escort.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There she was mistaken, however, for the gate had hardly closedbehind her when a well-known tramp was heard, and the Princewas beside her, saying in a tone of penitent politeness thatbanished Rose's wrath like magic"You needn't speak to me if you don't choose, but I must see yousafely 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 offorgiveness, and did Charlie more good, for it showed him howsweet humility was, and proved that Rose practised as shepreached.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 hehad been threatened"Look here, Rosy, I've put the ring back, and I'm going to try again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]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 Idon't wear ear-rings after all the trouble I had getting ready forthem.""Ah, but her twaddle isn't half as bad as the chaffing I get. It takesa deal of pluck to hold out when you are told you are tied to anapron string, and all that sort of thing," sighed Charlie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I thought you had a 'deal of pluck,' as you call it. The boys all sayyou are the bravest of the seven," said Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"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 moralcourage, and you physical courage. Uncle explained the differenceto me, and moral is the best, though often it doesn't look so," saidRose thoughtfully.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Charlie didn't like that, and answered quickly, "I don't believe he'dstand 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 justyet, though he was going fast, for somehow, in the dark he seemedto see things clearer than in the light, and found it very easy to beconfidential when it was "only Rose.""If he was my brother, now, Oakley sunglasses,he'd have some right to interfere,"began Charlie, in an injured tone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I wish he was!" cried Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"So do I," answered Charlie, and then they both laughed at hisinconsistency.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The laugh did them good, and when Prince spoke again, it was in adifferent tone pensive, not proud nor perverse.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You see, it's hard upon me that I have no brothers and sisters. Theothers are better off and needn't go abroad for chums if they don'tlike. I am all alone, and I'd be thankful even for a little sister."Rose thought that very pathetic, and, overlooking theuncomplimentary word "even" in that last sentence, she said, witha 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 betterthan nothing, and I'd dearly love to do it.""So should I! and we will, for you are not silly, my dear, but a verysensible girl, we all think, and I'm proud to have you for a sister.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There, now!" and Charlie looked down at the curly head bobbingalong beside him with real affection in his face.