〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Uncles-1

[tzhfsh6]

When Rose woke next morning, she was not sure whether she haddreamed what occurred the night before, or it had actuallyhappened. Oakley sunglasses,So she hopped up and dressed, although it was an hourearlier than she usually rose, for she could not sleep any more,being possessed with a strong desire to slip down and see if the bigportmanteau and packing cases were really in the hall. She seemedto remember tumbling over them when she went to bed, for theaunts had sent her off very punctually, because they wanted theirpet nephew all to themselves.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The sun was shining, and Rose opened her window to let in thesoft May air fresh from the sea. As she leaned over her littlebalcony, watching an early bird get the worm, and wondering howshe should like Uncle Alec, she saw a man leap the garden walland come whistling up the path.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, At first she thought it was sometrespasser, but a second look showed her that it was her unclereturning from an early dip into the sea. She had hardly dared tolook at him the night before, because whenever she tried to do soshe always found a pair of keen blue eyes looking at her. Now shecould take a good stare at him as he lingered along, looking abouthim as if glad to see the old place again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A brown, breezy man, in a blue jacket, with no hat on the curlyhead, which he shook now and then like a water dog;broad-shouldered, alert in his motions, and with a general air ofstrength and stability about him which pleased Rose, though shecould not explain the feeling of comfort it gave her. She had justsaid to herself, with a sense of relief, "I guess I shall like him,though he looks as if he made people mind," when he lifted hiseyes to examine the budding horse-chestnut overhead, and saw theeager face peering down at him. He waved his hand to her,nodded,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, and called out in a bluff, cheery voice"You are on deck early, little niece.""I got up to see if you had really come, uncle.""Did you? Well, come down here and make sure of it.""I'm not allowed to go out before breakfast, sir.""Oh, indeed!" with a shrug. "Then I'll come aboard and salute," headded; and, to Rose's great amazement, Uncle Alec went up one ofthe pillars of the back piazza hand over hand, stepped across theroof, and swung himself into her balcony, saying, as he landed onthe wide balustrade: "Have you any doubts about me now, ma'am?"Rose was so taken aback, she could only answer with a smile asshe went to meet him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How does my girl do this morning?" he asked, taking the littlecold hand she gave him in both his big warm ones.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Pretty well, thank you, sir.""Ah, but it should be very well. Why isn't it?""I always wake up with a headache, and feel tired.""Don't you sleep well?""I lie awake a long time, and then I dream, and my sleep does notseem to rest me much.""What do you do all day?""Oh, I read, and sew a little, and take naps, and sit with auntie.""No running about out of doors, or house-work, or riding, hey?""Aunt Plenty says I'm not strong enough for much exercise. I driveout with her sometimes,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap, but I don't care for it.""I'm not surprised at that," said Uncle Alec, half to himself, adding,in his quick way: "Who have you had to play with?""No one but Ariadne Blish, and she was such a goose I couldn'tbear her. The boys came yesterday, and seemed rather nice; but, ofcourse, I couldn't play with them.""Why not?""I'm too old to play with boys.""Not a bit of it; that's just what you need, for you've beenmolly-coddled too much. They are good lads, and you'll be mixedup with them more or less for years to come, so you may as wellbe friends and playmates at once. I will look you up some girlsalso, if I can find a sensible one who is not spoilt by hernonsensical education.""Phebe is sensible, I'm sure, and I like her, though I only saw heryesterday," cried Rose, waking up suddenly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And who is Phebe, if you please?"Rose eagerly told all she knew, and Uncle Alec listened, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,with anodd smile lurking about his mouth, though his eyes were quitesober as he watched the face before him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm glad to see that you are not aristocratic in your tastes, but Idon't quite make out why you like this young lady from thepoor-house.""You may laugh at me, but I do. I can't tell why, only she seems sohappy and busy, and sings so beautifully, and is strong enough toscrub and sweep, and hasn't any troubles to plague her," said Rose,making a funny jumble of reasons in her efforts to explain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How do you know that?""Oh, I was telling her about mine, and asked if she had any, andshe said, 'No, only I'd like to go to school, and I mean to someday.""So she doesn't call desertion, poverty, and hard work, troubles?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She's a brave little girl, and I shall be proud to know her." AndUncle Alec gave an approving nod, that made Rose wish she hadbeen the one to earn it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But what are these troubles of yours, child?" he asked, after aminute of silence.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Please don't ask me, uncle.""Can't you tell them to me as well as to Phebe?"Something in his tone made Rose feel that it would be better tospeak out and be done with it, so she answered, with sudden colourand averted eyes"The greatest one was losing dear papa."As she said that, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,Uncle Alec's arm came gently round her, and hedrew her to him, saying, in the voice so like papa's"That is a trouble which I cannot cure, my child; but I shall try tomake you feel it less. What else, dear?""I am so tired and poorly all the time, I can't do anything I want to,and it makes me cross," sighed Rose, rubbing the aching head likea fretful child.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That we can cure and we will," said her uncle, with a decided nodthat made the curls bob on his head, to that Rose saw the gray onesunderneath the brown.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Myra says I have no constitution, and never shall be strong,"observed Rose, in a pensive tone, as if it was rather a nice thing tobe an invalid.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Myra is a ahem! an excellent woman, but it is her hobby tobelieve that everyone is tottering on the brink of the grave; and,upon my life, I believe she is offended if people don't fall into it!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]We will show her how to make constitutions and turn pale-facedlittle ghosts into rosy, hearty girls. That's my business, cheap oakley sunglasses china,you know,"he added, more quietly, for his sudden outburst had rather startledRose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I had forgotten you were a doctor. I'm glad of it, for I do want tobe well, only I hope you won't give me much medicine, for I'vetaken quarts already, and it does me no good."As she spoke, Rose pointed to a little table just inside the window,on which appeared a regiment of bottles.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah, ha! Now we'll see what mischief these blessed women havebeen at." And, making a long arm, Dr. Alec set the bottles on thewide railing before him, examined each carefully, smiled oversome, frowned over others, and said, as he put down the last: "NowI'll show you the best way to take these messes." And, as quick as aflash, he sent one after another smashing down into the posy-bedsbelow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But Aunt Plenty won't like it; and Aunt Myra will be angry, forshe sent most of them!" cried Rose, half frightened and halfpleased at such energetic measures.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are my patient now, and I'll take the responsibility. My wayof giving physic is evidently the best, for you look better already,"he said, laughing so infectiously that Rose followed suit, sayingsaucily"If I don't like your medicines any better than those, I shall throwthem into the garden, and then what will you do?""When I prescribe such rubbish, I'll give you leave to pitch itoverboard as soon as you like. Oakley sunglasses,Now what is the next trouble?""I hoped you would forget to ask.""But how can I help you if I don't know them? Come, let us haveNo. 3.""It is very wrong, I suppose, but I do sometimes wish I had notquite so many aunts. They are all very good to me, and I want toplease them; but they are so different, I feel sort of pulled to piecesamong them," said Rose, trying to express the emotions of a straychicken with six hens all clucking over it at once.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec threw back his head and laughed like a boy, for hecould entirely understand how the good ladies had each put in heroar and tried to paddle her own way, to the great disturbance of thewaters and the entire bewilderment of poor Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I intend to try a course of uncles now, and see how that suits yourconstitution. I'm going to have you all to myself, and no one is togive a word of advice unless I ask it. There is no other way to keeporder aboard, and I am captain of this little craft, for a time atleast. What comes next?"But Rose stuck there, and grew so red, her uncle guessed what thattrouble was.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•uncle-2

"I don't think I can tell this one. It wouldn't be polite, and I feelpretty sure that it isn't going to be a trouble any more."As she blushed and stammered over these words, Dr. Alec turnedhis eyes away to the distant sea, and said so seriously, so tenderly,that she felt every word and long remembered them"My child, I don't expect you to love and trust me all at once, but Ido want you to believe that I shall give my whole heart to this newduty; and if I make mistakes, as I probably shall, no one will grieveover them more bitterly than I. It is my fault that I am a stranger toyou, when I want to be your best friend. That is one of mymistakes, and I never repented it more deeply than I do now. Yourfather and I had a trouble once, and I thought I could never forgivehim; so I kept away for years. Thank God, we made it all up thelast time I saw him, and he told me then, that if he was forced toleave her he should bequeath his little girl to me as a token of hislove. I can't fill his place, but I shall try to be a father to her; and ifshe learns to love me half as well as she did the good one she haslost, I shall be a proud and happy man. Will she believe this andtry?"Something in Uncle Alec's face touched Rose to the heart, andwhen he held out his hand with that anxious troubled look in hiseyes, she was moved to put up her innocent lips and seal thecontract with a confiding kiss. The strong arm held her close aminute, and she felt the broad chest heave once as if with a greatsigh of relief; but not a word was spoken till a tap at the door madeboth start.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose popped her head through the window to say "come in," whileDr. Alec hastily rubbed the sleeve of his jacket across his eyes andbegan to whistle again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Phebe appeared with a cup of coffee.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Debby told me to bring this and help you get up," she said,opening her black eyes wide, as if she wondered how on earth "thesailor man" got there.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm all dressed, so I don't need any help. I hope that is good andstrong," added Rose, eyeing the steaming cup with an eager look.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But she did not get it, for a brown hand took possession of it as heruncle said quickly"Hold hard, my lass, and let me overhaul that dose before you takeit. Do you drink all this strong coffee every morning, Rose?""Yes, sir, and I like it. Auntie says it 'tones' me up, and I alwaysfeel better after it.""This accounts for the sleepless nights, the flutter your heart getsinto at the least start, and this is why that cheek of yours is paleyellow instead of rosy red. No more coffee for you, my dear, andby and by you'll see that I am right. Any new milk downstairs,Phebe?""Yes, sir, plenty right in from the barn.""That's the drink for my patient. Go bring me a pitcherful, andanother cup; I want a draught myself. This won't hurt thehoneysuckles, for they have no nerves to speak of." And, to Rose'sgreat discomfort, the coffee went after the medicine.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec saw the injured look she put on, but took no notice, andpresently banished it by saying pleasantly"I've got a capital little cup among my traps, and I'll give it to youto drink your milk in, as it is made of wood that is supposed toimprove whatever is put into it something like a quassia cup. Thatreminds me; one of the boxes Phebe wanted to lug upstairs lastnight is for you. Knowing that I was coming home to find aready-made daughter, I picked up all sorts of odd and pretty triflesalong the way, hoping she would be able to find something sheliked among them all. Early to-morrow we'll have a grandrummage. Here's our milk! I propose the health of Miss RoseCampbell and drink it with all my heart."It was impossible for Rose to pout with the prospect of a delightfulboxful of gifts dancing before her eyes; so, in spite of herself, shesmiled as she drank her own health, and found that fresh milk wasnot a hard dose to take.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now I must be off, before I am caught again with my wig in atoss," said Dr. Alec, preparing to descend the way he came.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Do you always go in and out like a cat, uncle?" asked Rose, muchamused at his odd ways.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I used to sneak out of my window when I was a boy, so I need notdisturb the aunts, and now I rather like it, for it's the shortest road,and it keeps me limber when I have no rigging to climb. Good-byetill breakfast." And away he went down the water-spout, over theroof, and vanished among the budding honey-suckles below.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ain't he a funny guardeen?" exclaimed Phebe, as she went offwith the cups.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"He is a very kind one, I think," answered Rose, following, toprowl round the big boxes and try to guess which was hers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When her uncle appeared at sound of the bell, he found hersurveying with an anxious face a new dish that smoked upon thetable.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Got a fresh trouble, Rosy?" he asked, stroking her smooth head.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle, are you going to make me eat oatmeal?" asked Rose, in atragic tone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't you like it?""I de-test it!" answered Rose, with all the emphasis which aturned-up nose, a shudder, and a groan could give to the threewords.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are not a true Scotchwoman, if you don't like the 'parritch.'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It's a pity, for I made it myself, and thought we'd have such a goodtime with all that cream to float it in. Well, never mind." And hesat down with a disappointed air.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose had made up her mind to be obstinate about it, because shedid heartily "detest" the dish; but as Uncle Alec did not attempt tomake her obey, she suddenly changed her mind and thought shewould.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll try to eat it to please you, uncle; but people are always sayinghow wholesome it is, and that makes me hate it," she said,half-ashamed at her silly excuse.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I do want you to like it, because I wish my girl to be as well andstrong as Jessie's boys, who are brought up on this in the good oldfashion. No hot bread and fried stuff for them, and they are thebiggest and bonniest lads of the lot. Bless you, auntie, and goodmorning!"Dr. Alec turned to greet the old lady, and, with a firm resolve toeat or die in the attempt, Rose sat down.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In five minutes she forgot what she was eating, so interested wasshe in the chat that went on. It amused her very much to hear AuntPlenty call her forty-year-old nephew "my dear boy"; and UncleAlec was so full of lively gossip about all creation in general, andthe Aunt-hill in particular, that the detested porridge vanishedwithout a murmur.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You will go to church with us, I hope, Alec, if you are not tootired," said the old lady, when breakfast was over.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I came all the way from Calcutta for that express purpose, ma'am.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Only I must send the sisters word of my arrival, for they don'texpect me till to-morrow, you know, and there will be a row inchurch if those boys see me without warning.""I'll send Ben up the hill, and you can step over to Myra's yourself;it will please her, and you will have plenty of time."Dr. Alec was off at once, and they saw no more of him till the oldbarouche was at the door, and Aunt Plenty just rustling downstairsin her Sunday best, with Rose like a little black shadow behindher.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Away they drove in state, and all the way Uncle Alec's hat wasmore off his head than on, for everyone they met smiled andbowed, and gave him as blithe a greeting as the day permitted.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was evident that the warning had been a wise one, for, in spite oftime and place, the lads were in such a ferment that their elders satin momentary dread of an unseemly outbreak somewhere. It wassimply impossible to keep those fourteen eyes off Uncle Alec, andthe dreadful things that were done during sermon-time will hardlybe believed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose dared not look up after a while, for these bad boys ventedtheir emotions upon her till she was ready to laugh and cry withmingled amusement and vexation. Charlie winked rapturously ather behind his mother's fan; Mac openly pointed to the tall figurebeside her; Jamie stared fixedly over the back of his pew, till Rosethought his round eyes would drop out of his head; George fellover a stool and dropped three books in his excitement; Will drewsailors and Chinamen on his clean cuffs, and displayed them, toRose's great tribulation; Steve nearly upset the whole party byburning his nose with salts, as he pretended to be overcome by hisjoy; even dignified Archie disgraced himself by writing in hishymn book, "Isn't he blue and brown?" and passing it politely toRose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Her only salvation was trying to fix her attention upon Uncle Maca portly, placid gentleman, who seemed entirely unconscious ofthe iniquities of the Clan, and dozed peacefully in his pew corner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This was the only uncle Rose had met for years, for Uncle Jem andUncle Steve, the husbands of Aunt Jessie and Aunt Clara, were atsea, and Aunt Myra was a widow. Uncle Mac was a merchant, veryrich and busy, and as quiet as a mouse at home, for he was in sucha minority among the women folk he dared not open his lips, andlet his wife rule undisturbed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose liked the big, kindly, silent man who came to her when papadied, was always sending her splendid boxes of goodies at school,and often invited her into his great warehouse, full of teas andspices, wines and all sorts of foreign fruits, there to eat and carryaway whatever she liked. She had secretly regretted that he wasnot to be her guardian; but since she had seen Uncle Alec she feltbetter about it, for she did not particularly admire Aunt Jane.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When church was over, Dr. Alec got into the porch as quickly aspossible, and there the young bears had a hug all round, while thesisters shook hands and welcomed him with bright faces and gladhearts. Rose was nearly crushed flat behind a door in thatdangerous passage from pew to porch; but Uncle Mac rescued her,and put her into the carriage for safe keeping.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, girls, I want you to come and dine with Alec; Mac also, ofcourse. But I cannot ask the boys, for we did not expect this dearfellow till tomorrow, you know, so I made no preparations. Sendthe lads home, and let them wait till Monday, for really I wasshocked at their behaviour in church," said Aunt Plenty, as shefollowed Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In any other place the defrauded boys would have set up a howl; asit was, they growled and protested till Dr. Alec settled the matterby saying"Never mind, old chaps, I'll make it up to you to-morrow, if yousheer off quietly; if you don't, not a blessed thing shall you haveout of my big boxes."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•The Clan-1

Rose scrambled into the china-closet as rapidly as possible, andthere refreshed herself by making faces at Debby, while she settledher plumage and screwed up her courage. Then she crept softlydown the hall and peeped into the parlor. No one appeared, and allwas so still she felt sure the company was upstairs. Oakley sunglasses.So she skippedboldly through the half-open folding-doors, to behold on the otherside a sight that nearly took her breath away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Seven boys stood in a row all ages, all sizes, all yellow-haired andblue-eyed, all in full Scotch costume, and all smiling, nodding, andsaying as with one voice, "How are you, cheap Oakley sunglasses,cousin?"Rose gave a little gasp, and looked wildly about her as if ready tofly, for fear magnified the seven and the room seemed full of boys.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Before she could run, however, the tallest lad stepped out of theline, saying pleasantly"Don't be frightened. This is the Clan come to welcome you; andI'm the chief, Archie, at your service."He held out his hand as he spoke, and Rose timidly put her owninto a brown paw, which closed over the white morsel and held itas the chief continued his introductions.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We came in full rig, for we always turn out in style on grandoccasions. Hope you like it. Now I'll tell you who these chaps are,and then we shall be all right. This big one is Prince Charlie, AuntClara's boy. cheap Oakleys,She has but one, so he is an extra good one. This oldfellow is Mac, the bookworm, called Worm for short. This sweetcreature is Steve the Dandy. Look at his gloves and top-knot, if youplease. They are Aunt Jane's lads, and a precious pair you'd betterbelieve. These are the Brats, my brothers, Geordie and Will, andJamie the Baby. Now, my men, step out and show your manners."At this command, to Rose's great dismay, six more hands wereoffered, and it was evident that she was expected to shake themall. It was a trying moment to the bashful child; but, rememberingthat they were her kinsmen come to welcome her, she tried herbest to return the greeting cordially.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This impressive ceremony being over, the Clan broke ranks, andboth rooms instantly appeared to be pervaded with boys. Oakley sunglasses cheap,Rosehastily retired to the shelter of a big chair and sat there watchingthe invaders and wondering when her aunt would come and rescueher.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As if bound to do their duty manfully, yet rather oppressed by it,each lad paused beside her chair in his wanderings, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,made a briefremark, received a still briefer answer, and then sheered off with arelieved expression.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Archie came first, and, leaning over the chair-back, observed in apaternal tone"I'm glad you've come, cousin, and I hope you'll find the Aunt-hillpretty jolly.""I think I shall."Mac shook his hair out of his eyes, stumbled over a stool, andasked abruptly"Did you bring any books with you?""Four boxes full. cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,They are in the library."Mac vanished from the room, and Steve, striking an attitude whichdisplayed his costume effectively, said with an affable smile"We were sorry not to see you last Wednesday. I hope your cold isbetter.""Yes, thank you." And a smile began to dimple about Rose'smouth, as she remembered her retreat under the bed-cover.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Feeling that he had been received with distinguished marks ofattention, Steve strolled away with his topknot higher than ever,and Prince Charlie pranced across the room, cheap oakley sunglasses china,saying in a free andeasy tone"Mamma sent her love and hopes you will be well enough to comeover for a day next week. It must be desperately dull here for alittle thing like you.""I'm thirteen and a half, though I do look small," cried Rose,forgetting her shyness in indignation at this insult to her newlyacquired teens.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Beg pardon, ma'am; never should have guessed it." And Charliewent off with a laugh, glad to have struck a spark out of his meekcousin.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Geordie and Will came together, two sturdy eleven and twelveyear olders, and, fixing their round blue eyes on Rose, fired off aquestion apiece, as if it was a shooting match and she the target.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Did you bring your monkey?""No; he is dead.""Are you going to have a boat?""I hope not."Here the two, with a right-about-face movement, abruptly marchedaway, and little Jamie demanded with childish frankness"Did you bring me anything nice?""Yes, lots of candy," answered Rose, whereupon Jamie ascendedinto her lap with a sounding kiss and the announcement that heliked her very much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This proceeding rather startled Rose, for the other lads looked andlaughed, and in her confusion she said hastily to the young usurper"Did you see the circus go by?""When? Where?" cried all the boys in great excitement at once.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Just before you came. At least I thought it was a circus, for I sawa red and black sort of cart and ever so many little ponies, and "She got no farther,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, for a general shout made her pause suddenly, asArchie explained the joke by saying in the middle of his laugh"It was our new dog-cart and the Shetland ponies. You'll neverhear the last of your circus, cousin.""But there were so many, and they went so fast, and the cart was sovery red," began Rose, trying to explain her mistake.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come and see them all!" cried the Prince. And before she knewwhat was happening, she was borne away to the barn andtumultuously introduced to three shaggy ponies and the gay newdog-cart.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She had never visited these regions before, and had her doubts asto the propriety of her being there now, but when she suggestedthat "Auntie might not like it," there was a general cry of"She told us to amuse you, and we can do it ever so much betterout here than poking round in the house.""I'm afraid I shall get cold without my sacque," began Rose, whowanted to stay, but felt rather out of her element.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, you won't! We'll fix you," cried the lads, as one clapped hiscap on her head, another tied a rough jacket round her neck by thesleeves, a third neatly smothered her in a carriage blanket, and afourth threw open the door of the old barouche that stood there,saying with a flourish"Step in, ma'am, and make yourself comfortable while we showyou some fun."So Rose sat in state enjoying herself very much, for the ladsproceeded to dance a Highland Fling with a spirit and skill thatmade her clap her hands and laugh as she had not done for weeks.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How is that, my lassie?" asked the Prince, coming up all flushedand breathless when the ballet was over.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It was splendid! I never went to the theatre but once, and thedancing was not half so pretty as this. What clever boys you mustbe!" said Rose, smiling upon her kinsmen like a little queen uponher subjects.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah, we're a fine lot, and that is only the beginning of our larks.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]We haven't got the pipes here or we'd'Sing for you, play for youA dulcy melody."'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]answered Charlie, looking much elated at her praise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I did not know we were Scotch; papa never said anything about it,or seemed to care about Scotland, except to have me sing the oldballads," said Rose, beginning to feel as if she had left Americabehind her somewhere.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Neither did we till lately. We've been reading Scott's novels, andall of a sudden we remembered that our grandfather was aScotchman. So we hunted up the old stories, got a bagpipe, put onour plaids, and went in, heart and soul, for the glory of the Clan.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]We've been at it some time now, and it's great fun. Our people likeit, and I think we are a pretty canny set."Archie said this from the other coach-step, where he had perched,while the rest climbed up before and behind to join in the chat asthey rested.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm Fitzjames and he's Roderick Dhu, and we'll give you thebroadsword combat some day. It's a great thing, you'd betterbelieve," added the Prince.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes, and you should hear Steve play the pipes. He makes 'em skirllike a good one," cried Will from the box, eager to air theaccomplishments of his race.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•The Clan-2

"Mac's the fellow to hunt up the old stories and tell us how to dressright, and pick out rousing bits for us to speak and sing," put inGeordie, saying a good word for the absent Worm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And what do you and Will do?" asked Rose of Jamie, who satbeside her as if bound to keep her in sight till the promised gift hadbeen handed over.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, I'm the little foot-page, and do errands, and Will and Geordieare the troops when we march, and the stags when we hunt, andthe traitors when we want to cut any heads off.""They are very obliging, I'm sure," said Rose, whereat the "utilitymen" beamed with modest pride and resolved to enact Wallaceand Montrose as soon as possible for their cousin's special benefit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let's have a game of tag," cried the Prince, swinging himself up toa beam with a sounding slap on Stevie's shoulder.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Regardless of his gloves, Dandy tore after him, and the restswarmed in every direction as if bent on breaking their necks anddislocating their joints as rapidly as possible.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a new and astonishing spectacle to Rose, fresh from a primboarding-school, and she watched the active lads with breathlessinterest, thinking their antics far superior to those of Mops, thedear departed monkey.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Will had just covered himself with glory by pitching off a high lofthead first and coming up all right, when Phebe appeared with acloak, hood, and rubbers, also a message from Aunt Plenty that"Miss Rose was to come in directly.""All right; we'll bring her!" answered Archie, issuing somemysterious order, which was so promptly obeyed that, before Rosecould get out of the carriage, the boys had caught hold of the poleand rattled her out of the barn, round the oval and up to the frontdoor with a cheer that brought two caps to an upper window, andcaused Debby to cry aloud from the back porch"Them harum-scarum boys will certainly be the death of thatdelicate little creter!"But the "delicate little creter" seemed all the better for her trip, andran up the steps looking rosy, gay, and dishevelled, to be receivedwith lamentation by Aunt Plenty, who begged her to go and liedown at once.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, please don't! We have come to tea with our cousin, and we'llbe as good as gold if you'll let us stay, auntie," clamoured the boys,who not only approved of "our cousin" but had no mind to losetheir tea, for Aunt Plenty's name but feebly expressed her bountifulnature.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, dears, you can; only be quiet, and let Rose go and take heriron and be made tidy, and then we will see what we can find forsupper," said the old lady as she trotted away, followed by a volleyof directions for the approaching feast.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Marmalade for me, auntie.""Plenty of plum-cake, please.""Tell Debby to trot out the baked pears.""I'm your man for lemon-pie, ma'am.""Do have fritters; Rose will like 'em.""She'd rather have tarts, I know."When Rose came down, fifteen minutes later, with every curlsmoothed and her most beruffled apron on, she found the boysloafing about the long hall, and paused on the half-way landing totake an observation, for till now she had not really examined hernew-found cousins.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There was a strong family resemblance among them, though someof the yellow heads were darker than others, some of the cheeksbrown instead of rosy, and the ages varied all the way fromsixteen-year-old Archie to Jamie, who was ten years younger.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]None of them were especially comely but the Prince, yet all werehearty, happy-looking lads, and Rose decided that boys were not asdreadful as she had expected to find them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They were all so characteristically employed that she could nothelp smiling as she looked. Archie and Charlie, evidently greatcronies, were pacing up and down, shoulder to shoulder, whistling"Bonnie Dundee"; Mac was reading in a corner, with his bookclose to his near-sighted eyes; Dandy was arranging his hair beforethe oval glass in the hat-stand; Geordie and Will investigating theinternal economy of the moon-faced clock; and Jamie lay kickingup his heels on the mat at the foot of the stairs, bent on demandinghis sweeties the instant Rose appeared.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She guessed his intention, and forestalled his demand by droppinga handful of sugar-plums down upon him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]At his cry of rapture the other lads looked up and smiledinvoluntarily, for the little kinswoman standing there above was awinsome sight with her shy, soft eyes, bright hair, and laughingface. The black frock reminded them of her loss, and filled theboyish hearts with a kindly desire to be good to "our cousin," whohad no longer any home but this.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There she is, as fine as you please," cried Steve, kissing his handto her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come on, Missy; tea is ready," added the Prince encouragingly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I shall take her in." And Archie offered his arm with great dignity,an honour that made Rose turn as red as a cherry and long to runupstairs again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was a merry supper, and the two elder boys added much to thefun by tormenting the rest with dark hints of some interestingevent which was about to occur. Something uncommonly fine,they declared it was, but enveloped in the deepest mystery for thepresent.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Did I ever see it?" asked Jamie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Not to remember it; but Mac and Steve have, and liked itimmensely," answered Archie, thereby causing the two mentionedto neglect Debby's delectable fritters for several minutes, whilethey cudgelled their brains.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Who will have it first?" asked Will, with his mouth full ofmarmalade.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Plenty, I guess.""When will she have it?" demanded Geordie, bouncing in his seatwith impatience.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Sometime on Monday.""Heart alive! what is the boy talking about?" cried the old ladyfrom behind the tall urn, which left little to be seen but thetopmost bow of her cap.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Doesn't auntie know?" asked a chorus of voices.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No; and that's the best of the joke, for she is desperately fond ofit.""What colour is it?" asked Rose, joining in the fun.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Blue and brown.""Is it good to eat?" asked Jamie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Some people think so, but I shouldn't like to try it," answeredCharlie, laughing so he split his tea.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Who does it belong to?" put in Steve.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Archie and the Prince stared at one another rather blankly for aminute, then Archie answered with a twinkle of the eye that madeCharlie explode again"To Grandfather Campbell."This was a poser, and they gave up the puzzle, though Jamieconfided to Rose that he did not think he could live till Mondaywithout knowing what this remarkable thing was.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Soon after tea the Clan departed, singing "All the blue bonnets areover the border," at the tops of their voices.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, dear, how do you like your cousins?" asked Aunt Plenty, asthe last pony frisked round the corner and the din died away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Pretty well, ma'am; but I like Phebe better." An answer whichcaused Aunt Plenty to hold up her hands in despair and trot awayto tell sister Peace that she never should understand that child, andit was a mercy Alec was coming soon to take the responsibility offtheir hands.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Fatigued by the unusual exertions of the afternoon, Rose curledherself up in the sofa corner to rest and think about the greatmystery, little guessing that she was to know it first of all.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Right in the middle of her meditations she fell asleep and dreamedshe was at home again in her own little bed. She seemed to wakeand see her father bending over her; to hear him say, "My littleRose"; to answer, "Yes, papa"; and then to feel him take her in hisarms and kiss her tenderly. So sweet, so real was the dream, thatshe started up with a cry of joy to find herself in the arms of abrown, bearded man, who held her close, and whispered in a voiceso like her father's that she clung to him involuntarily"This is my little girl, and I am Uncle Alec."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Aunts

All dinner-time Rose felt that she was going to be talked about,and afterward she was sure of it, for Aunt Plenty whispered to heras they went into the parlour"Run up and sit awhile with Sister Peace, my dear. She likes tohave you read while she rests, and we are going to be busy."Rose obeyed,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, and the quiet rooms above were so like a church thatshe soon composed her ruffled feelings, and was unconsciously alittle minister of happiness to the sweet old lady, who for years hadsat there patiently waiting to be set free from pain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose knew the sad romance of her life, and it gave a certain tendercharm to this great-aunt of hers, whom she already loved. WhenPeace was twenty, she was about to be married; all was done, thewedding dress lay ready, the flowers were waiting to be put on, thehappy hour at hand, when word came that the lover was dead.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]They thought that gentle Peace would die, too; but she bore itbravely, put away her bridal gear, took up her life afresh, and livedon a beautiful, meek woman, with hair as white as snow andcheeks that never bloomed again. cheap Oakley sunglasses,She wore no black, but soft, palecolours, as if always ready for the marriage that had never come.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]For thirty years she had lived on, fading slowly, but cheerful, busy,and full of interest in all that went on in the family; especially thejoys and sorrows of the young girls growing up about her, and tothem she was adviser, cheap Oakleys,confidante, and friend in all their tendertrials and delights. A truly beautiful old maiden, with her silveryhair, tranquil face, and an atmosphere of repose about her thatsoothed whoever came to her!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Aunt Plenty was utterly dissimilar, being a stout, brisk old lady,with a sharp eye, a lively tongue, and a face like a winter-apple.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Always trotting, chatting, and bustling, she was a regular Martha,cumbered with the cares of this world and quite happy in them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was right; and while she softly read psalms to Aunt Peace,the other ladies were talking about her little self in the frankestmanner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, Alec, how do you like your ward?" began Aunt Jane, as theyall settled down, and Uncle Mac deposited himself in a corner tofinish his doze.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I should like her better if I could have begun at the beginning, andso got a fair start. Poor George led such a solitary life that the childhas suffered in many ways, and since he died she has been goingon worse than ever, judging from the state I find her in.""My dear boy, Oakley sunglasses cheap,we did what we thought best while waiting for youto wind up your affairs and get home. I always told George he waswrong to bring her up as he did; but he never took my advice, andnow here we are with this poor dear child upon our hands. I, forone, freely confess that I don't know what to do with her any morethan if she was one of those strange, outlandish birds you used tobring home from foreign parts." And Aunt Plenty gave a perplexedshake of the head which caused great commotion among the stiffloops of purple ribbon that bristled all over the cap like crocusbuds.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If my advice had been taken, she would have remained at theexcellent school where I placed her. But our aunt thought best toremove her because she complained, and she has been dawdlingabout ever since she came. A most ruinous state of things for amorbid, spoilt girl like Rose," said Mrs. Jane, severely.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She had never forgiven the old ladies for yielding to Rose'spathetic petition that she might wait her guardian's arrival beforebeginning another term at the school, which was a regular Blimberhot-bed, and turned out many a feminine Toots.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I never thought it the proper school for a child in goodcircumstances an heiress, in fact, as Rose is. It is all very well forgirls who are to get their own living by teaching, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,and that sort ofthing; but all she needs is a year or two at a fashionable finishingschool, so that at eighteen she can come out with eclat," put inAunt Clara, who had been a beauty and a belle, and was still ahandsome woman.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Dear, dear! how short-sighted you all are to be discussingeducation and plans for the future, when this unhappy child is soplainly marked for the tomb," sighed Aunt Myra, with a lugubrioussniff and a solemn wag of the funereal bonnet, which she refusedto remove, being afflicted with a chronic catarrh.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, it is my opinion that the dear thing only wants freedom,rest, and care. There is look in her eyes that goes to my heart, for itshows that she feels the need of what none of us can give her amother," said Aunt Jessie, with tears in her own bright eyes at thethought of her boys being left, as Rose was, to the care of others.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec, who had listened silently as each spoke, turnedquickly towards the last sister, and said, with a decided nod ofapproval"You've got it, Jessie; and, with you to help me, I hope to make thechild feel that she is not quite fatherless and motherless.""I'll do my best, Alec; and I think you will need me, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,for, wise asyou are, you cannot understand a tender, timid little creature likeRose as a woman can," said Mrs. Jessie, smiling back at him witha heart full of motherly goodwill.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I cannot help feeling that I, who have had a daughter of my own,can best bring up a girl; and I am very much surprised that Georgedid not entrust her to me," observed Aunt Myra, with an air ofmelancholy importance, for she was the only one who had given adaughter to the family, and she felt that she had distinguishedherself, though ill-natured people said that she had dosed herdarling to death.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I never blamed him in the least, when I remember the perilousexperiments you tried with poor Carrie," began Mrs. Jane, in herhard voice.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Jane Campbell, I will not hear a word! My sainted Caroline is asacred object," cried Aunt Myra, rising as if to leave the room.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec detained her, feeling that he must define his position atonce, and maintain it manfully if he hoped to have any success inhis new undertaking.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, my dear souls, don't let us quarrel and make Rose a bone ofcontention though, upon my word, she is almost a bone, poor littlelass! You have had her among you for a year, and done what youliked. I cannot say that your success is great, but that is owing totoo many fingers in the pie. Now, I intend to try my way for a year,and if at the end of it she is not in better trim than now, I'll give upthe case, and hand her over to someone else. That's fair, I think.""She will not be here a year hence, poor darling, so no one needdread future responsibility," said Aunt Myra, folding her blackgloves as if all ready for the funeral.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"By Jupiter! Myra, you are enough to damp the ardour of a saint!"cried Dr. Alec, with a sudden spark in his eyes. "Your croakingwill worry that child out of her wits, for she is an imaginative puss,and will fret and fancy untold horrors. cheap oakley sunglasses china,You have put it into herhead that she has no constitution, and she rather likes the idea. Ifshe had not had a pretty good one, she would have been 'markedfor the tomb' by this time, at the rate you have been going on withher. I will not have any interference please understand that; so justwash your hands of her, and let me manage till I want help, thenI'll ask for it.""Hear, hear!" came from the corner where Uncle Mac wasapparently wrapt in slumber.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You were appointed guardian, so we can do nothing. But I predictthat the girl will be spoilt, utterly spoilt," answered Mrs. Jane,grimly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Thank you, sister. I have an idea that if a woman can bring up twoboys as perfectly as you do yours, a man, if he devotes his wholemind to it, may at least attempt as much with one girl," replied Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, with a humorous look that tickled the others immensely, forit was a well-known fact in the family that Jane's boys were moreindulged than all the other lads put together.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I am quite easy, for I really do think that Alec will improve thechild's health; and by the time his year is out, it will be quite soonenough for her to go to Madame Roccabella's and be finished off,"said Aunt Clara, settling her rings, and thinking, with languidsatisfaction, of the time when she could bring out a pretty andaccomplished niece.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I suppose you will stay here in the old place, unless you think ofmarrying, and it's high time you did," put in Mrs. Jane, muchnettled at her brother's last hit.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, thank you. Come and have a cigar, Mac," said Dr. Alec,abruptly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't marry; women enough in the family already," mutteredUncle Mac; and then the gentlemen hastily fled.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Aunt Peace would like to see you all, she says," was the messageRose brought before the ladies could begin again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Hectic, hectic! dear me, dear me!" murmured Aunt Myra, as theshadow of her gloomy bonnet fell upon Rose, and the stiff tips of ablack glove touched the cheek where the colour deepened under somany eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I am glad these pretty curls are natural; they will be invaluable byand by," said Aunt Clara, taking an observation with her head onone side.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now that your uncle has come, I no longer expect you to reviewthe studies of the past year. I trust your time will not be entirelywasted in frivolous sports, however," added Aunt Jane, sailing outof the room with the air of a martyr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Aunt Jessie said not a word, but kissed her little niece, with a lookof tender sympathy that made Rose cling to her a minute, andfollow her with grateful eyes as the door closed behind her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]After everybody had gone home, Dr. Alec paced up and down thelower hall in the twilight for an hour, thinking so intently thatsometimes he frowned, sometimes he smiled, and more than oncehe stood still in a brown study. All of a sudden he said, Oakley sunglasses,half aloud,as if he had made up his mind"I might as well begin at once, and give the child something new tothink about, for Myra's dismals and Jane's lectures have made heras blue as a little indigo bag."Diving into one of the trunks that stood in a corner, he brought up,after a brisk rummage, a silken cushion, prettily embroidered, anda quaint cup of dark carved wood.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"This will do for a start," he said, as he plumped up the cushionand dusted the cup. "It won't do to begin too energetically, or Rosewill be frightened. I must beguile her gently and pleasantly alongtill I've won her confidence, and then she will be ready foranything."Just then Phebe came out of the dining-room with a plate of brownbread, for Rose had been allowed no hot biscuit for tea.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll relieve you of some of that," said Dr. Alec, and, helpinghimself to a generous slice, he retired to the study, leaving Phebeto wonder at his appetite.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She would have wondered still more if she had seen him makingthat brown bread into neat little pills, which he packed into anattractive ivory box, out of which he emptied his own bits oflovage.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"There! if they insist on medicine, I'll order these, and no harmwill be done. I will have my own way, but I'll keep the peace, ifpossible, and confess the joke when my experiment hassucceeded," he said to himself, looking very much like amischievous boy, as he went on with his innocent prescriptions.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was playing softly on the small organ that stood in the upperhall, so that Aunt Peace could enjoy it; and all the while he talkedwith the old ladies, Uncle Alec was listening to the fitful music ofthe child, and thinking of another Rose who used to play for him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As the clock struck eight, he called out"Time for my girl to be abed, else she won't be up early, and I'mfull of jolly plans for to-morrow. Come and see what I've found foryou to begin upon."Rose ran in and listened with bright attentive face, while Dr. Alecsaid impressively"In my wanderings over the face of the earth, I have picked upsome excellent remedies, and, as they are rather agreeable ones, Ithink you and I will try them. This is a herb-pillow, given to me bya wise old woman when I was ill in India. It is filled with saffron,poppies, and other soothing plants; so lay your little head on itto-night, sleep sweetly without a dream, and wake to-morrowwithout a pain.""Shall I really? How nice it smells." And Rose willingly receivedthe pretty pillow, and stood enjoying its faint, sweet odour, as shelistened to the doctor's next remedy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"This is the cup I told you of. Its virtue depends, they say, on thedrinker filling it himself; so you must learn to milk. I'll teach you.""I'm afraid I never can," said Rose; but she surveyed the cup withfavour, for a funny little imp danced on the handle, as if all readyto take a header into the white sea below.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Don't you think she ought to have something more strengtheningthan milk, Alec? I really shall feel anxious if she does not have atonic of some sort," said Aunt Plenty, eyeing the new remediessuspiciously, for she had more faith in her old-fashioned dosesthan all the magic cups and poppy pillows of the East.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, ma'am, I'm willing to give her a pill, if you think best. It is avery simple one, and very large quantities may be taken withoutharm. You know hasheesh is the extract of hemp? Well, this is apreparation of corn and rye, much used in old times, and I hope itwill be again.""Dear me, how singular!" said Aunt Plenty, bringing her spectaclesto bear upon the pills, with a face so full of respectful interest thatit was almost too much for Dr. Alec's gravity.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Take one in the morning, and a good-night to you, my dear," hesaid, dismissing his patient with a hearty kiss.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then, as she vanished, he put both hands into his hair, exclaiming,with a comical mixture of anxiety and amusement"When I think what I have undertaken, I declare to you, aunt, I feellike running away and not coming back till Rose is eighteen!"

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Belt and a Box-1

When Rose came out of her chamber, cup in hand, next morning,the first person she saw was Uncle Alec standing on the thresholdof the room opposite, which he appeared to be examining withcare. When he heard her step, he turned about and began to sing"Where are you going, my pretty maid?""I'm going a-milking, sir, she said," answered Rose, waving thecup; and then they finished the verse together in fine style.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Before either spoke, a head, in a nightcap so large and beruffledthat it looked like a cabbage, popped out of a room farther downthe hall, and an astonished voice exclaimed"What in the world are you doing about so early?""Clearing our pipes for the day, ma'am. Look here, auntie, can Ihave this room?" said Dr. Alec, making her a sailor's bow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Any room you like, except sister's.""Thanks. And may I go rummaging round in the garrets andglory-holes to furnish it as I like?""My dear boy, you may turn the house upside down if you willonly stay in it.""That's a handsome offer,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses. I'm sure. I'll stay, ma'am; here's my littleanchor, so you will get more than you want of me this time.""That's inpossible! Put on your jacket, Rose. Don't tire her out withantics, Alec. Yes, sister, I'm coming!" and the cabbage vanishedsuddenly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The first milking lesson was a droll one; but after several scaresand many vain attempts, Rose at last managed to fill her cup, cheap Oakley sunglasses,whileBen held Clover's tail so that it could not flap, and Dr. Alec kepther from turning to stare at the new milkmaid, who objected toboth these proceedings very much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You look chilly in spite of all this laughing. Take a smart runround the garden and get up a glow," said the doctor, as they leftthe barn.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm too old for running, uncle; Miss Power said it was notlady-like for girls in their teens," answered Rose, primly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I take the liberty of differing from Madame Prunes and Prisms,and, as your physician, I order you to run. Off with you!" saidUncle Alec, with a look and a gesture that made Rose scurry awayas fast as she could go.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Anxious to please him, she raced round the beds till she came backto the porch where he stood, cheap Oakleys,and, dropping down upon the steps,she sat panting, with cheeks as rosy as the rigolette on hershoulders.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Very well done, child; I see you have not lost the use of yourlimbs though you are in your teens. That belt is too tight; unfastenit, then you can take a long breath without panting so.""It isn't tight, sir; I can breathe perfectly well," began Rose, tryingto compose herself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Her uncle's only answer was to lift her up and unhook the new beltof which she was so proud. The moment the clasp was open thebelt flew apart several inches, for it was impossible to restrain theinvoluntary sigh of relief that flatly contradicted her words.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Why, I didn't know it was tight! it didn't feel so a bit. Of course itwould open if I puff like this, but I never do, because I hardly everrun," explained Rose, rather discomfited by this discovery.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I see you don't half fill your lungs, and so you can wear thisabsurd thing without feeling it. The idea of cramping a tender littlewaist in a stiff band of leather and steel just when it ought to begrowing," said Dr. Alec, Oakley sunglasses cheap,surveying the belt with great disfavour ashe put the clasp forward several holes, to Rose's secret dismay, forshe was proud of her slender figure, and daily rejoiced that shewasn't as stout as Luly Miller, a former schoolmate, who vainlytried to repress her plumpness.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It will fall off if it is so loose," she said anxiously, as she stoodwatching him pull her precious belt about.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Not if you keep taking long breaths to hold it on. That is what Iwant you to do, and when you have filled this out we will go onenlarging it till your waist is more like that of Hebe, goddess ofhealth, and less like that of a fashion-plate the ugliest thingimaginable.""How it does look!" and Rose gave a glance of scorn at the loosebelt hanging round her trim little waist. "cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,It will be lost, and then Ishall feel badly, for it cost ever so much, and is real steel andRussia leather. Just smell how nice.""If it is lost I'll give you a better one. A soft silken sash is muchfitter for a pretty child like you than a plated harness like this; andI've got no end of Italian scarfs and Turkish sashes among mytraps. Ah! that makes you feel better, doesn't it?" and he pinchedthe cheek that had suddenly dimpled with a smile.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is very silly of me, but I can't help liking to know that" here shestopped and blushed and held down her head, ashamed to add,"you think I am pretty."Dr. Alec's eyed twinkled, but he said very soberly"Rose, are you vain?""I'm afraid I am," answered a very meek voice from behind the veilof hair that hid the red face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That is a sad fault." And he sighed as if grieved at the confession.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I know it is, and I try not to be; but people praise me, and I can'thelp liking it, for I really don't think I am repulsive."The last word and the funny tone in which it was uttered were toomuch for Dr. Alec, and he laughed in spite of himself, to Rose'sgreat relief.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I quite agree with you; and in order that you may be still lessrepulsive, I want you to grow as fine a girl as Phebe.""Phebe!" and Rose looked so amazed that her uncle nearly wentoff again.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•A Belt and a Box-2

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]"Yes, Phebe; for she has what you need health. If you dear littlegirls would only learn what real beauty is, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,and not pinch and starveand bleach yourselves out so, you'd save an immense deal of timeand money and pain. A happy soul in a healthy body makes thebest sort of beauty for man or woman. Do you understand that, mydear?""Yes, sir," answered Rose, much taken down by this comparisonwith the girl from the poor-house. It nettled her sadly, and sheshowed that it did by saying quickly"I suppose you would like to have me sweep and scrub, and wearan old brown dress, and go round with my sleeves rolled up, asPhebe does?""I should very much, if you could work as well as she does, andshow as strong a pair of arms as she can. I haven't seen a prettierpicture for some time than she made of herself this morning, up tothe elbows in suds, singing like a blackbird whilst she scrubbed onthe back stoop.""Well, I do think you are the queerest man that ever lived!" was allRose could find to say after this display of bad taste.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I haven't begun to show you my oddities yet, so you must make upyour mind to worse shocks than this," he said, with such awhimsical look that she was glad the sound of a bell prevented hershowing more plainly what a blow her little vanities had alreadyreceived.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You will find your box all open up in auntie's parlor, and thereyou can amuse her and yourself by rummaging to your heart'scontent; I've got to be cruising round all the morning getting myroom to rights," said Dr. Alec, as they rose from breakfast.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Can't I help you, uncle?" asked Rose, quite burning to be useful.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, thank you, I'm going to borrow Phebe for a while, if AuntPlenty can spare her.""Anybody anything, Alec. You will want me, I know, so I'll giveorders about dinner and be all ready to lend a hand"; and the oldlady bustled away full of interest and good-will.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle will find that I can do some things that Phebe can't, sonow!" thought Rose, with a toss of the head as she flew to AuntPeace and the long-desired box.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Every little girl can easily imagine what an extra good time shehad diving into a sea of treasures and fishing up one pretty thingafter another, till the air was full of the mingled odours of muskand sandalwood, the room gay with bright colours, and Rose in arapture of delight. She began to forgive Dr. Alec for the oatmealdiet when she saw a lovely ivory workbox; became resigned to thestate of her belt when she found a pile of rainbow-coloured sashes;and when she came to some distractingly pretty bottles of attar ofrose, she felt that they almost atoned for the great sin of thinkingPhebe the finer girl of the two.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec meanwhile had apparently taken Aunt Plenty at her word,and was turning the house upside down. A general revolution wasevidently going on in the green-room, for the dark damask curtainswere seen bundling away in Phebe's arms; the air-tight stoveretiring to the cellar on Ben's shoulder; and the great bedsteadgoing up garret in a fragmentary state, escorted by three bearers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Aunt Plenty was constantly on the trot among her store-rooms,camphor-chests, and linen-closets, looking as if the new order ofthings both amazed and amused her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Half the peculiar performances of Dr. Alec cannot be revealed; butas Rose glanced up from her box now and then she caughtglimpses of him striding by, bearing a bamboo chair, a pair ofancient andirons, a queer Japanese screen, a rug or two, and finallya large bathing-pan upon his head.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What a curious room it will be," she said, as she sat resting andrefreshing herself with "Lumps of Delight," all the way fromCairo.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I fancy you will like it, deary," answered Aunt Peace, looking upwith a smile from some pretty trifle she was making with blue silkand white muslin.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose did not see the smile, for just at that moment her unclepaused at the door, and she sprang up to dance before him, saying,with a face full of childish happiness"Look at me! look at me! I'm splendid I don't know myself.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, Ihaven't put these things on right, I dare say, but I do like them somuch!""You look as gay as a parrot in your fez and cabaja, and it does myheart good to see the little black shadow turned into a rainbow,"said Uncle Alec, surveying the bright figure before him with greatapprobation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]He did not say it, but he thought she made a much prettier picturethan Phebe at the wash-tub, for she had stuck a purple fez on herblonde head, tied several brilliant scarfs about her waist, and puton a truly gorgeous scarlet jacket with a golden sun embroideredon the back, a silver moon on the front, and stars of all sizes on thesleeves. A pair of Turkish slippers adorned her feet, and necklacesof amber, coral, and filigree hung about her neck, while one handheld a smelling-bottle, and the other the spicy box of orientalsweetmeats.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I feel like a girl in the 'Arabian Nights,' and expect to find a magiccarpet or a wonderful talisman somewhere. Only I don't see how Iever can thank you for all these lovely things," she said, stoppingher dance, as if suddenly oppressed with gratitude.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll tell you how by leaving off the black clothes, that never shouldhave been kept so long on such a child, and wearing the gay onesI've brought. It will do your spirits good, and cheer up this soberold house. Won't it, auntie?""I think you are right, Alec, and it is fortunate that we have notbegun on her spring clothes yet, for Myra thought she ought not towear anything brighter than violet, and she is too pale for that.""You just let me direct Miss Hemming how to make some of thesethings. You will be surprised to see how much I know about pipinghems and gathering arm-holes and shirring biases," began Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, patting a pile of muslin, cloth and silk with a knowing air.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Aunt Peace and Rose laughed so that he could not display hisknowledge any farther, till they stopped, when he saidgood-naturedly"That will go a great way toward filling out the belt, so laughaway, Morgiana, and I'll go back to my work, or I never shall bedone.""I couldn't help it, 'shirred biases' were so very funny!" Rose said,as she turned to her box after the splendid laugh. "But really,auntie," she added soberly, "I feel as if I ought not to have so manynice things. I suppose it wouldn't do to give Phebe some of them?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle might not like it.""He would not mind; but they are not suitable for Phebe. Some ofthe dresses you are done with would be more useful, if they can bemade over to fit her," answered Aunt Peace in the prudent,moderate tone which is so trying to our feelings when we indulgein little fits of charitable enthusiasm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'd rather give her new ones, for I think she is a little bit proud andmight not like old things. If she was my sister it would do, becausesisters don't mind, but she isn't, and that makes it bad, you see. Iknow how I can manage beautifully; I'll adopt her!" and Roselooked quite radiant with this new idea.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm afraid you could not do it legally till you are older, but youmight see if she likes the plan, and at any rate you can be very kindto her, for in one sense we are all sisters, and should help oneanother."The sweet old face looked at her so kindly that Rose was firedwith a desire to settle the matter at once, and rushed away to thekitchen, just as she was. Phebe was there, polishing up the antiqueandirons so busily that she started when a voice cried out: "Smellthat, taste this, and look at me!"Phebe sniffed attar of rose, crunched the "Lump of Delight" tuckedinto her mouth, and stared with all her eyes at little Morgianaprancing about the room like a brilliant paroquet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My stars, ain't you splendid!" was all she could say, holding uptwo dusty hands.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I've got heaps of lovely things upstairs, and I'll show them all toyou, and I'd go halves, only auntie thinks they wouldn't be useful,so I shall give you something else; and you won't mind, will you?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]because I want to adopt you as Arabella was in the story. Won'tthat be nice?""Why, Miss Rose, have you lost your wits?"No wonder Phebe asked, for Rose talked very fast, and looked soodd in her new costume, and was so eager she could not stop toexplain. Seeing Phebe's bewilderment, she quieted down and said,with a pretty air of earnestness"It isn't fair that I should have so much and you so little, and I wantto be as good to you as if you were my sister, for Aunt Peace sayswe are all sisters really. I thought if I adopted you as much as I cannow, it would be nicer. Will you let me, please?"To Rose's great surprise, Phebe sat down on the floor and hid herface in her apron for a minute without answering a word.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, dear, now she's offended, and I don't know what to do,"thought Rose, much discouraged by this reception of her offer.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Please, forgive me; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, and hopeyou won't think " she faltered presently, feeling that she must undothe mischief, if possible.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But Phebe gave her another surprise, by dropping the apron andshowing a face all smiles, in spite of tears in the eyes, as she putboth arms round Rose and said, with a laugh and sob"I think you are the dearest girl in the world, and I'll let you doanything you like with me.""Then you do like the plan? You didn't cry because I seemed to bekind of patronising? I truly didn't mean to be," cried Rose,delighted.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I guess I do like it! and cried because no one was ever so good tome before, and I couldn't help it. As for patronising, you may walkon me if you want to, and I won't mind," said Phebe, in a burst ofgratitude, for the words, "we are sisters" went straight to her lonelyheart and nestled there.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, now, we can play I'm a good sprite out of the box, or, whatis better, a fairy godmother come down the chimney, and you areCinderella, and must say what you want," said Rose, trying to putthe question delicately.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Phebe understood that, for she had a good deal of naturalrefinement, though she did come from the poor-house.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't feel as if I wanted anything now, Miss Rose, but to findsome way of thanking you for all you've done," she said, Oakley sunglasses,rubbingoff a tear that went rolling down the bridge of her nose in the mostunromantic way.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Why, I haven't done anything but given you a bit of candy! Here,have some more, and eat 'em while you work, and think what I cando. I must go and clear up, so good-bye, and don't forget I'veadopted you.""You've given me sweeter things than candy, and I'm not likely toforget it." And carefully wiping off the brick-dust, Phebe pressedthe little hand Rose offered warmly in both her hard ones, whilethe black eyes followed the departing visitor with a grateful lookthat made them very soft and bright.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Uncle Alec's Room-1

Soon after dinner, and before she had got acquainted with half hernew possessions, Dr. Alec proposed a drive, to carry round the firstinstalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was quite readyto go, being anxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box,which not only possessed a most engaging little hood, but hadfunny tassels bobbing in all directions.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The big carriage was full of parcels, and even Ben's seat wasloaded with Indian war clubs, a Chinese kite of immense size, anda pair of polished ox-horns from Africa. Uncle Alec, very blue asto his clothes, and very brown as to his face, sat bolt upright,surveying well known places with interest, Oakley sunglasses,while Rose, feelingunusually elegant and comfortable, leaned back folded in her softmantle, and played she was an Eastern princess making a royalprogress among her subjects.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]At three of the places their calls were brief, for Aunt Myra'scatarrh was unusually bad; Aunt Clara had a room full ofcompany; and Aunt Jane showed such a tendency to discuss thepopulation, productions, and politics of Europe, Asia and Africa,that even Dr. Alec was dismayed, and got away as soon aspossible.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now we will have a good time! I do hope the boys will be athome," said Rose, with a sigh of relief, as they wound yet higherup the hill to Aunt Jessie's.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I left this for the last call, so that we might find the lads just infrom school. Yes, there is Jamie on the gate watching for us; nowyou'll see the Clan gather; they are always swarming abouttogether."[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses,The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrillwhistle, which was answered by echoes from meadow, house andbarn, as the cousins came running from all directions, shouting,"Hooray for Uncle Alec!" They went at the carriage likehighwaymen, robbed it of every parcel, took the occupantsprisoners, and marched them into the house with great exultation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Little Mum! little Mum! here they are with lots of goodies! Comedown and see the fun right away! Quick!" bawled Will andGeordie amidst a general ripping off of papers and a recklesscutting of strings that soon turned the tidy room into a chaos.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on, but such abeaming face below it that one rather thought the fly-awayhead-gear an improvement than otherwise. She had hardly time togreet Rose and the doctor before the boys were about her, eachclamouring for her to see his gift and rejoice over it with him, cheap Oakleys,for"little Mum" went halves in everything. The great hornsskirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling; the war clubshurtled over her head as if to annihilate her; an amazing medleyfrom the four quarters of the globe filled her lap, and seven excitedboys all talked to her at once.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But she liked it; oh dear, yes! and sat smiling, admiring, andexplaining, quite untroubled by the din, which made Rose cover upher ears and Dr. Alec threaten instant flight if the riot was notquelled. Oakley sunglasses cheap,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap,That threat produced a lull, and while the uncle receivedthanks in one corner, the aunt had some little confidences made toher in the other.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, dear, and how are things going with you now? Better, Ihope, than they were a week ago.""Aunt Jessie, I think I'm going to be very happy, now uncle hascome. He does the queerest things, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,but he is so good to me I can'thelp loving him"; and, nestling closer to little Mum, Rose told allthat had happened, ending with a rapturous account of the splendidbox.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I am very glad, dear. But, Rose, I must warn you of one thing;don't let uncle spoil you.""But I like to be spoilt, auntie.""I don't doubt it; but if you turn out badly when the year is over hewill be blamed, and his experiment prove a failure. That would bea pity, wouldn't it? when he wants to do so much for you, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,and cando it if his kind heart does not get in the way of his goodjudgment.""I never thought of that, and I'll try not to be spoilt. But how can Ihelp it?" asked Rose anxiously.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"By not complaining of the wholesome things he wants you to do;by giving him cheerful obedience as well as love; and even makingsome small sacrifices for his sake.""I will, I truly will! and when I get in a worry about things may Icome to you? Uncle told me to, and I feel as if I shouldn't beafraid.""You may, darling; this is the place where little troubles are bestcured, and this is what mothers are for, I fancy"; cheap oakley sunglasses china,and Aunt Jessiedrew the curly head to her shoulder with a tender look that provedhow well she knew what medicine the child most needed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat still enjoying it till alittle voice said"Mamma, don't you think Pokey would like some of my shells?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose gave Phebe some of her nice things, and it was very good ofher. Can I?""Who is Pokey?" asked Rose, popping up her head, attracted by theodd name.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My dolly; do you want to see her?" asked Jamie, who had beenmuch impressed by the tale of adoption he had overheard.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes; I'm fond of dollies, only don't tell the boys, or they will laughat me.""They don't laugh at me, and they play with my dolly a great deal;but she likes me best"; and Jamie ran away to produce his pet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I brought my old doll, but I keep her hidden because I am too bigto play with her, and yet I can't bear to throw her away, I'm so fondof her," said Rose, continuing her confidences in a whisper.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You can come and play with Jamie's whenever you like, for webelieve in dollies up here," began Aunt Jessie, smiling to herself asif something amused her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Just then Jamie came back, and Rose understood the smile, for hisdolly proved to be a pretty four-year-old little girl, who trotted inas fast as her fat legs would carry her, and making straight for theshells, scrambled up an armful, saying, with a laugh that showedher little white teeth"All for Dimmy and me, for Dimmy and me!""That's my dolly; isn't she a nice one?" asked Jamie, proudlysurveying his pet with his hands behind him and his short legsrather far apart a manly attitude copied from his brothers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She is a dear dolly. But why call her Pokey?" asked Rose,charmed with the new plaything.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She is such an inquisitive little body she is always poking thatmite of a nose into everything; and as Paul Pry did not suit, theboys fell to calling her Pokey. Not a pretty name, but veryexpressive."It certainly was, for, having examined the shells, the busy tot laidhold of everything she could find, and continued her researches tillArchie caught her sucking his carved ivory chessmen to see if theywere not barley sugar. Rice paper pictures were also discoveredcrumpled up in her tiny pocket, and she nearly smashed Will'sostrich egg by trying to sit upon it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Here, Jim, take her away; she's worse than the puppies, and wecan't have her round," commanded the elder brother, picking herup and handing her over to the little fellow, who received her withopen arms and the warning remark"You'd better mind what you do, for I'm going to 'dopt Pokey likeRose did Phebe, and then you'll have to be very good to her, youbig fellows.""'Dopt away, baby, and I'll give you a cage to keep her in, or youwon't have her long, for she is getting worse than a monkey"; andArchie went back to his mates, while Aunt Jessie, foreseeing acrisis, proposed that Jamie should take his dolly home, as she wasborrowed, and it was time her visit ended.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My dolly is better than yours, isn't she? 'cause she can walk andtalk and sing and dance, and yours can't do anything, can she?"asked Jamie with pride, as he regarded his Pokey, who just thenhad been moved to execute a funny little jig and warble thewell-known couplet"'Puss-tat, puss-tat, where you been?'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]'I been Lunnin, to saw a Tween."'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]After which superb display she retired, escorted by Jamie, bothmaking a fearful din blowing on conch shells.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We must tear ourselves away, Rose, because I want to get youhome before sunset. Will you come for a drive, Jessie?" said Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, as the music died away in the distance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, thank you; but I see the boys want a scamper, so, if you don'tmind, they may escort you home, but not go in. That is onlyallowed on holidays."The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archiesaid, in a tone of command"Pass the word, lads. Boot and saddle, and be quick about it.""All right!" And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but thelitter on the floor.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose clingto her uncle's arm, for the fat old horses got excited by the anticsof the ponies careering all about them, and went as fast as theycould pelt, with the gay dog-cart rattling in front, for Archie andCharlie scorned shelties since this magnificent equipage had beenset up. Ben enjoyed the fun, and the lads cut up capers till Rosedeclared that "circus" was the proper name for them after all.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When they reached the house they dismounted, and stood, three oneach side the steps, in martial attitudes, while her ladyship washanded out with great elegance by Uncle Alec. Then the Clansaluted, mounted at word of command, and with a wild whoop toredown the avenue in what they considered the true Arab style.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That was splendid, now it is safely ended," said Rose, skipping upthe steps with her head over her shoulder to watch the dear tasselsbob about.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I shall get you a pony as soon as you are a little stronger," said Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, watching her with a smile.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, I couldn't ride one of those horrid, frisky little beasts! Theyroll their eyes and bounce about so, I should die of fright," criedRose, clasping her hands tragically.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Are you a coward?""About horses I am.""Never mind, then; come and see my new room"; and he led theway upstairs without another word.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As Rose followed she remembered her promise to Aunt Jessie, andwas sorry she had objected so decidedly. She was a great dealmore sorry five minutes later, and well she might be.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, take a good look, and tell me what you think of it," said Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, opening the door and letting her enter before him, whilePhebe was seen whisking down the backstairs with a dust-pan.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose walked to the middle of the room, stood still, and gazedabout her with eyes that brightened as they looked, for all waschanged.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This chamber had been built out over the library to suit somefancy, and had been unused for years, except at Christmas times,when the old house overflowed. It had three windows one to theeast, that overlooked the bay; one to the south, where thehorse-chestnuts waved their green fans; and one to the west,towards the hill and the evening sky. A ruddy sunset burned therenow, filling the room with an enchanted glow; the soft murmur ofthe sea was heard, and a robin chirped "Good-night!" among thebudding trees.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose saw and heard these things first, and felt their beauty with achild's quick instinct; then her eye took in the altered aspect of theroom, once so shrouded, still and solitary, now so full of light andwarmth and simple luxury.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Uncle Alec's Room-2

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]India matting covered the floor, with a gay rug here and there; theantique andirons shone on the wide hearth, where a cheery blazedispelled the dampness of the long-closed room. Bamboo loungesand chairs stood about, and quaint little tables in cosy corners; onebearing a pretty basket, one a desk, and on a third lay severalfamiliar-looking books. In a recess stood a narrow white bed, witha lovely Madonna hanging over it. The Japanese screen half-foldedback showed a delicate toilet service of blue and white set forth ona marble slab, and near by was the great bath-pan, with Turkishtowels and a sponge as big as Rose's head.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle must love cold water like a duck," she thought, with ashiver.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then her eye went on to the tall cabinet, where a half-open doorrevealed a tempting array of the drawers, shelves and "cubbyholes," which so delight the hearts of children.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What a grand place for my new things," she thought, wonderingwhat her uncle kept in that cedar retreat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh me, what a sweet toilet table!" was her next mentalexclamation, as she approached this inviting spot.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A round old-fashioned mirror hung over it, with a gilt eagle a-top,holding in his beak the knot of blue ribbon that tied up a curtain ofmuslin falling on either side of the table, where appeared littleivory-handled brushes, two slender silver candle-sticks, a porcelainmatch-box, several pretty trays for small matters, and, mostimposing of all, a plump blue silk cushion, coquettishly trimmedwith lace, and pink rose-buds at the corners.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That cushion rather astonished Rose; in fact, the whole table did,and she was just thinking, with a sly smile"Uncle is a dandy, but I never should have guessed it," when heopened the door of a large closet, saying, with a careless wave ofthe hand"Men like plenty of room for their rattle-traps; don't you think thatought to satisfy me?"Rose peeped in and gave a start, though all she saw was what oneusually finds in closets clothes and boots, boxes and bags. Ah! butyou see these clothes were small black and white frocks; the rowof little boots that stood below had never been on Dr. Alec's feet;the green bandbox had a gray veil straying out of it, and yes! thebag hanging on the door was certainly her own piece-bag, with ahole in one corner. She gave a quick look round the room andunderstood now why it had seemed too dainty for a man, why herTestament and Prayer Book were on the table by the bed, and whatthose rose-buds meant on the blue cushion. It came upon her inone delicious burst that this little paradise was all for her, and, notknowing how else to express her gratitude, she caught Dr. Alecround the neck, saying impetuously"O uncle, you are too good to me! I'll do anything you ask me; ridewild horses and take freezing baths and eat bad-tasting messes, andlet my clothes hang on me, to show how much I thank you for thisdear, sweet, lovely room!""You like it, then? But why do you think it is yours, my lass?"asked Dr. Alec, as he sat down looking well pleased, and drew hisexcited little niece to his knee.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't think, I know it is for me; I see it in your face, and I feel asif I didn't half deserve it. Aunt Jessie said you would spoil me, andI must not let you. I'm afraid this looks like it, and perhaps oh me!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]perhaps I ought not to have this beautiful room after all!" and Rosetried to look as if she could be heroic enough to give it up if it wasbest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I owe Mrs. Jessie one for that," said Dr. Alec, trying to frown,though in his secret soul he felt that she was quite right. Then hesmiled that cordial smile, which was like sunshine on his brownface, as he said"This is part of the cure, Rose, and I put you here that you mighttake my three great remedies in the best and easiest way. Plenty ofsun, fresh air, and cold water; also cheerful surroundings, andsome work; for Phebe is to show you how to take care of thisroom, and be your little maid as well as friend and teacher. Doesthat sound hard and disagreeable to you, dear?""No, sir; very, very pleasant, and I'll do my best to be a goodpatient. But I really don't think anyone could be sick in thisdelightful room," she said, with a long sigh of happiness as her eyewent from one pleasant object to another.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Then you like my sort of medicine better than Aunt Myra's, anddon't want to throw it out of the window, hey?"

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Trip to China-1

"Come, little girl, I've got another dose for you. I fancy you won'ttake it as well as you did the last, but you will like it better after awhile," said Dr. Alec, about a week after the grand surprise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose was sitting in her pretty room, where she would gladly havespent all her time if it had been allowed; but she looked up with asmile, for she had ceased to fear her uncle's remedies, and wasalways ready to try a new one. The last had been a set of lightgardening tools, with which she had helped him put theflower-beds in order, learning all sorts of new and pleasant thingsabout the plants as she worked, for, though she had studied botanyat school, it seemed very dry stuff compared with Uncle Alec'slively lesson.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What is it now?" she asked, shutting her work-box without amurmur.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Salt-water.""How must I take it?""Put on the new suit Miss Hemming sent home yesterday, andcome down to the beach; then I'll show you.""Yes, sir," answered Rose obediently, adding to herself, with ashiver, as he went off: "It is too early for bathing, so I know it issomething to do with a dreadful boat."[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china,Putting on the new suit of blue flannel, prettily trimmed withwhite, and the little sailor-hat with long streamers, diverted hermind from the approaching trial, till a shrill whistle reminded herthat her uncle was waiting. Away she ran through the garden,down the sandy path, out upon the strip of beach that belonged tothe house, and here she found Dr. Alec busy with a slender red andwhite boat that lay rocking on the rising tide.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That is a dear little boat; and 'Bonnie Belle' is a pretty name," shesaid, trying not to show how nervous she felt.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is for you; so sit in the stern and learn to steer, till you are readyto learn to row.""Do all boats wiggle about in that way?" she asked, lingering as ifto tie her hat more firmly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, yes, pitch about like nutshells when the sea is a bit rough,"answered her sailor uncle, never guessing her secret woe.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Is it rough to-day?""Not very; it looks a trifle squally to the eastward, but we are allright till the wind changes. Come.""Can you swim, uncle?" asked Rose, clutching at his arm as hetook her hand.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Like a fish. Now then.""Oh, please hold me very tight till I get there! Why do you have thestern so far away?" and, stifling several squeaks of alarm in herpassage, Rose crept to the distant seat, and sat there holding onwith both hands and looking as if she expected every wave to bringa sudden shipwreck.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec took no notice of her fear, but patiently instructed herin the art of steering, till she was so absorbed in rememberingwhich was starboard and which larboard, that she forgot to say"OW!" every time a big wave slapped against the boat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now where shall we go?" she asked, as the wind blew freshly inher face, and a few, long swift strokes sent them half across thelittle bay.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Suppose we go to China?""Isn't that rather a long voyage?""Not as I go. Steer round the Point into the harbour, and I'll giveyou a glimpse of China in twenty minutes or so.""I should like that!" and Rose sat wondering what he meant, whileshe enjoyed the new sights all about her.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Behind them the green Aunt-hill sloped gently upward to the groveat the top, and all along the seaward side stood familiar houses,stately, cosy,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, or picturesque. As they rounded the Point, the greatbay opened before them full of shipping, and the city lay beyond,its spires rising above the tall masts with their gay streamers.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Are we going there?" she asked, for she had never seen this aspectof the rich and busy old city before.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yes. Uncle Mac has a ship just in from Hong Kong, and I thoughtyou would like to go and see it.""Oh, I should. I love dearly to go poking about in the warehouseswith Uncle Mac; everything is so curious and new to me; cheap Oakleys,and I'mspecially interested in China because you have been there.""I'll show you two genuine Chinamen who have just arrived. Youwill like to welcome Whang Lo and Fun See, I'm sure.""Don't ask me to speak to them, uncle; I shall be sure to laugh atthe odd names and the pig-tails and the slanting eyes. Please let mejust trot round after you; I like that best.""Very well; now steer toward the wharf where the big ship with thequeer flag is. That's the 'Rajah,' and we will go aboard if we can."In among the ships they went, by the wharves where the water wasgreen and still, and queer barnacles grew on the slippery piles. Oddsmells saluted her nose, and odd sights met her eyes, but Roseliked it all, and played she was really landing in Hong Kong whenthey glided up to the steps in the shadow of the tall "Rajah." Boxesand bales were rising out of the hold and being carried into thewarehouse by stout porters, who tugged and bawled and clatteredabout with small trucks, or worked cranes with iron claws thatcame down and clutched heavy weights, whisking them aloft towhere wide doors like mouths swallowed them up.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Dr. Alec took her aboard the ship, and she had the satisfaction ofpoking her inquisitive little nose into every available corner, at therisk of being crushed, lost, or drowned.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Trip to China-2

[FONT=宋体]　[/FONT]"Well, child, how would you like to take a voyage round the worldwith me in a jolly old craft like this?" asked her uncle, as theyrested a minute in the captain's cabin.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I should like to see the world, but not in such a small, untidy,smelly place as this. We would go in a yacht all clean andcomfortable; Oakley sunglasses cheap,Charlie says that is the proper way," answered Rose,surveying the close quarters with little favour.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are not a true Campbell if you don't like the smell of tar andsalt-water, nor Charlie either, with his luxurious yacht. Now comeashore and chin-chin with the Celestials."After a delightful progress through the great warehouse, peepingand picking as they went, they found Uncle Mac and the yellowgentlemen in his private room, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,where samples, gifts, curiosities,and newly arrived treasures of all sorts were piled up in pleasingpro-fusion and con-fusion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]As soon as possible Rose retired to a corner, with a porcelain godon one side, a green dragon on the other, and, what was still moreembarrassing, Fun See sat on a tea-chest in front, and stared at herwith his beady black eyes till she did not know where to look.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Mr. Whang Lo was an elderly gentleman in American costume,with his pig-tail neatly wound round his head. He spoke English,and was talking busily with Uncle Mac in the most commonplaceway so Rose considered him a failure.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men, But Fun See wasdelightfully Chinese from his junk-like shoes to the button on hispagoda hat; for he had got himself up in style, and was a mass ofsilk jackets and slouchy trousers. He was short and fat, andwaddled comically; his eyes were very "slanting," as Rose said; hisqueue was long, so were his nails; his yellow face was plump andshiny, and he was altogether a highly satisfactory Chinaman.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec told her that Fun See had come out to be educated andcould only speak a little pigeon English; so she must be kind to thepoor fellow, for he was only a lad, though he looked nearly as oldas Mr. Whang Lo. Rose said she would be kind; but had not theleast idea how to entertain the queer guest, who looked as if he hadwalked out of one of the rice-paper landscapes on the wall, and satnodding at her so like a toy Mandarin that she could hardly keepsober.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]In the midst of her polite perplexity, Uncle Mac saw the two youngpeople gazing wistfully at one another, and seemed to enjoy thejoke of this making acquaintance under difficulties. Taking a boxfrom his table, he gave it to Fun See, with an order that seemed toplease him very much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Descending from his perch, he fell to unpacking it with greatneatness and despatch, while Rose watched him, wondering whatwas going to happen. Presently, out from the wrappings came ateapot, which caused her to clasp her hands with delight, for it wasmade in the likeness of a plump little Chinaman. His hat was thecover, his queue the handle, and his pipe the nose. It stood uponfeet in shoes turned up at the toes, and the smile on the fat, sleepyface was so like that on Fun's when he displayed the teapot, thatRose couldn't help laughing, which pleased him much.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Two pretty cups with covers, and a fine scarlet tray completed theset, and made one long to have a "dish of tea," even in Chinesestyle, without cream or sugar.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]When he had arranged them on a little table before her, Funsignified in pantomime that they were hers, from her uncle. Shereturned her thanks in the same way, whereupon he returned to histea-chest, and, having no other means of communication, they satsmiling and nodding at one another in an absurd sort of way till anew idea seemed to strike Fun. Tumbling off his seat, he waddledaway as fast as his petticoats permitted, leaving Rose hoping thathe had not gone to get a roasted rat, a stewed puppy, or any otherforeign mess which civility would oblige her to eat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]While she waited for her funny new friend, she improved her mindin a way that would have charmed Aunt Jane. The gentlemen weretalking over all sorts of things, and she listened attentively, storingup much of what she heard, for she had an excellent memory, andlonged to distinguish herself by being able to produce some usefulinformation when reproached with her ignorance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She was just trying to impress upon her mind that Amoy was twohundred and eighty miles from Hong Kong, when Fun camescuffling back, bearing what she thought was a small sword, till heunfurled an immense fan, and presented it with a string of Chinesecompliments, the meaning of which would have amused her evenmore than the sound, if she could have understood it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She had never seen such an astonishing fan, and at once becameabsorbed in examining it. Of course, there was no perspectivewhatever, which only gave it a peculiar charm to Rose, for in oneplace a lovely lady, with blue knitting-needles in her hair, satdirectly upon the spire of a stately pagoda. In another charmingview a brook appeared to flow in at the front door of a stoutgentleman's house, and out at his chimney. In a third a zig-zag wallwent up into the sky like a flash of lightning, and a bird with twotails was apparently brooding over a fisherman whose boat wasjust going aground upon the moon.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It was altogether a fascinating thing, and she would have satwafting it to and fro all the afternoon, to Fun's great satisfaction, ifDr. Alec's attention had not suddenly been called to her by abreeze from the big fan that blew his hair into his eyes, andreminded him that they must go. So the pretty china was repacked,Rose furled her fan, and with several parcels of choice teas for theold ladies stowed away in Dr. Alec's pockets, they took their leave,after Fun had saluted them with "the three bendings and the nineknockings," as they salute the Emperor, or "Son of Heaven," athome.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I feel as if I had really been to China, and I'm sure I look so," saidRose, as they glided out of the shadow of the "Rajah."She certainly did, for Mr. Whang Lo had given her a Chineseumbrella; Uncle Alec had got some lanterns to light up herbalcony;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, the great fan lay in her lap, and the tea-set reposed at herfeet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"This is not a bad way to study geography, is it?" asked her uncle,who had observed her attention to the talk.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is a very pleasant way, and I really think I have learned moreabout China to-day than in all the lessons I had at school, though Iused to rattle off the answers as fast as I could go. No oneexplained anything to us, so all I remember is that tea and silkcome from there, and the women have little bits of feet. I saw Funlooking at mine, and he must have thought them perfectlyimmense," answered Rose, surveying her stout boots with suddencontempt.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We will have out the maps and the globe, and I'll show you someof my journeys, telling stories as we go. That will be next best todoing it actually.""You are so fond of travelling, I should think it would be very dullfor you here, uncle. Do you know, Aunt Plenty says she is sure youwill be off in a year or two.""Very likely.""Oh, me! what shall I do then?" sighed Rose, in a tone of despairthat made Uncle Alec's face brighten with a look of genuinepleasure as he said significantly"Next time I go I shall take my little anchor with me. How will thatsuit?""Really, uncle?""Really, niece."Rose gave a little bounce of rapture which caused the boat to"wiggle" in a way that speedily quieted her down. But she satbeaming joyfully and trying to think which of some hundredquestions she would ask first, when Dr. Alec said, pointing to aboat that was coming up behind them in great style"How well those fellows row! Look at them, and take notes foryour own use by and by."The "Stormy Petrel" was manned by half a dozen jaunty lookingsailors, who made a fine display of blue shirts and shiny hats, withstars and anchors in every direction.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How beautifully they go, and they are only boys. Why, I dobelieve they are our boys! Yes, I see Charlie laughing over hisshoulder. Row, uncle, row! Oh, please do, and not let them catchup with us!" cried Rose, in such a state of excitement that the newumbrella nearly went overboard.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"All right, here we go!" and away they did go with a long steadysweep of the oars that carried the "Bonnie Belle" through the waterwith a rush.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The lads pulled their prettiest, but Dr. Alec would have reachedthe Point first, if Rose, in her flurry, had not retarded him byjerking the rudder ropes in a most unseamanlike way, and just asshe got right again her hat blew off. That put an end to the race,and while they were still fishing for the hat the other boat camealongside, with all the oars in the air, and the jolly young tars readyfor a frolic.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Did you catch a crab, uncle?""No, a blue-fish," he answered, as the dripping hat was landed on aseat to dry.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What have you been doing?""Seeing Fun.""Good for you, Rose! I know what you mean. We are going to havehim up to show us how to fly the big kite, for we can't get the hangof it. Isn't he great fun, though?""No, little Fun.""Come, stop joking, and show us what you've got.""You'd better hoist that fan for a sail.""Lend Dandy your umbrella; he hates to burn his pretty nose.""I say, uncle, are you going to have a Feast of Lanterns?""No, I'm going to have a feast of bread and butter, for it's tea-time.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]If that black cloud doesn't lie, we shall have a gust before long, soyou had better get home as soon as you can, or your mother will beanxious, Archie.""Ay, ay, skipper. Good-night, Rose; come out often, and we'llteach you all there is to know about rowing," was Charlie's modestinvitation.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then the boats parted company, and across the water from the"Petrel's" crew came a verse from one of the Nonsense songs inwhich the boys delighted.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, Timballoo! how happy we are,We live in a sieve and a crockery jar!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]And all night long, in the starlight pale,We sail away, with a pea-green sail,And whistle and warble a moony songTo the echoing sound of a coppery gong.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Far and few, far and fewAre the lands where the Jumblies live;Their heads are green, and their hands are blue,And they went to sea in a sieve."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•And what came of it

"Uncle, could you lend me a ninepence? I'll return it as soon as Iget my pocket-money," said Rose, coming into the library in agreat hurry that evening.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I think I could, and I won't charge any interest for it, so you neednot be in any hurry to repay me. Come back here and help mesettle these books if you have nothing pleasanter to do," answeredDr. Alec, handing out the money with that readiness which is sodelightful when we ask small loans.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'll come in a minute; I've been longing to fix my books, but didn'tdare to touch them, because you always shake your head when Iread.""I shall shake my head when you write, if you don't do it betterthan you did in making out this catalogue.""[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses,I know it's bad, but I was in a hurry when I did it, and I am in onenow." And away went Rose, glad to escape a lecture.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But she got it when she came back, for Uncle Alec was stillknitting his brows over the list of books, and sternly demanded,pointing to a tipsy-looking title staggering down the page"Is that meant for 'Pulverized Bones,' ma'am?""No, sir; it's 'Paradise Lost.' ""Well, I'm glad to know it, for I began to think you were planningto study surgery or farming. And what is this, if you please?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]'Babies' Aprons' is all I can make of it."Rose looked hard at the scrawl, and presently announced, with anair of superior wisdom"Oh, that's 'Bacon's Essays.' ""Miss Power did not teach anything so old-fashioned as writing, Isee. Now look at this memorandum Aunt Plenty gave me, and seewhat a handsome plain hand that is. She went to a dame-schooland learnt a few useful things well; that is better than a smatteringof half a dozen so-called higher branches, cheap Oakley sunglasses,I take the liberty ofthinking.""Well, I'm sure I was considered a bright girl at school, and learnedeverything I was taught. Luly and me were the first in all ourclasses, and 'specially praised for our French and music and thosesort of things," said Rose, rather offended at Uncle Alec'scriticism.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I dare say; but if your French grammar was no better than yourEnglish, I think the praise was not deserved, my dear.""Why, uncle, we did study English grammar, and I could parsebeautifully. Miss Power used to have us up to show off whenpeople came. I don't see but I talk as right as most girls.""[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china,I dare say you do, but we are all too careless about our English.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Now, think a minute, and tell me if these expressions are correct'Luly and me,' 'those sort of things,' and 'as right as most girls.' "Rose pulled her pet curl and put up her lip, but had to own that shewas wrong, and said meekly, after a pause which threatened to besulky"I suppose I should have said 'Luly and I,' in that case, and 'that sortof things' and 'rightly,' though 'correctly' would have been a betterword, I guess.""Thank you; and if you will kindly drop 'I guess,' I shall like mylittle Yankee all the better. Now, see here, Rosy, I don't pretend toset myself up for a model in anything, and you may come down onmy grammar, manners or morals as often as you think I'm wrong,and I'll thank you. I've been knocking about the world for years,and have got careless, but I want my girl to be what I callwell-educated, even if she studies nothing but the three 'Rs' for ayear to come. cheap Oakleys,Let us be thorough, no matter how slowly we go."He spoke so earnestly and looked so sorry to have ruffled her thatRose went and sat on the arm of his chair, saying, with a pretty airof penitence"I'm sorry I was cross, uncle, when I ought to thank you for takingso much interest in me. I guess no, I think you are right aboutbeing thorough, for I used to understand a great deal better whenpapa taught me a few lessons than when Miss Power hurried methrough so many. I declare my head used to be such a jumble ofFrench and German, history and arithmetic, grammar and music, Iused to feel sometimes as if it would split. I'm sure I don't wonderit ached." And she held on to it as if the mere memory of the"jumble" made it swim.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Yet that is considered an excellent school, I find, and I dare say itwould be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cramher pupils like Thanks-giving turkeys, instead of feeding them in anatural and wholesome way. It is the fault with most Americanschools, and the poor little heads will go on aching till we learnbetter."This was one of Dr. Alec's hobbies, and Rose was afraid he was offfor a gallop, but he reined himself in and gave her thoughts a newturn by saying suddenly, as he pulled out a fat pocket-book"Uncle Mac has put all your affairs into my hands now, and here isyour month's pocket money. You keep your own little accounts, Isuppose?""Thank you. Yes, Uncle Mac gave me an account book when Iwent to school, and I used to put down my expenses, but I couldn'tmake them go very well,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses cheap, for figures are the one thing I am not atall clever about," said Rose, rummaging in her desk for adilapidated little book, which she was ashamed to show when shefound it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, as figures are rather important things to most of us, and youmay have a good many accounts to keep some day, wouldn't it bewise to begin at once and learn to manage your pennies before thepounds come to perplex you?""I thought you would do all that fussy part and take care of thepounds, as you call them. Need I worry about it? I do hate sums,so!""I shall take care of things till you are of age, but I mean that youshall know how your property is managed, and do as much of it asyou can by and by; then you won't be dependent on the honesty ofother people.""Gracious me![FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, as if I wouldn't trust you with millions of billions ifI had them," cried Rose, scandalised at the mere suggestion.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah, but I might be tempted; guardians are sometimes; so you'dbetter keep your eye on me, and in order to do that you must learnall about these affairs," answered Dr. Alec, as he made an entry inhis own very neat account-book.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose peeped over his shoulder at it, and then turned to thearithmetical puzzle in her hand with a sigh of despair.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle, when you add up your expenses do you ever find you havegot more money than you had in the beginning?""No; I usually find that I have a good deal less than I had in thebeginning. Are you troubled in the peculiar way you mention?""[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,Yes; it is very curious, but I never can make things come outsquare.""Perhaps I can help you," began Uncle Alec, in the most respectfultone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I think you had better, for if I have got to keep accounts I may aswell begin in the right way. But please don't laugh! I know I'm verystupid, and my book is a disgrace, but I never could get it straight."And with great trepidation, Rose gave up her funny little accounts.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It really was good in Dr. Alec not to laugh, and Rose felt deeplygrateful when he said in a mildly suggestive tone"The dollars and cents seem to be rather mixed, perhaps if I juststraightened them out a bit we should find things all right.""Please do, and then show me on a fresh leaf how to make minelook nice and ship-shape as yours do."As Rose stood by him watching the ease with which he quicklybrought order out of chaos, she privately resolved to hunt up herold arithmetic and perfect herself in the four first rules, with agood tug at fractions, before she read any more fairy tales.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Am I a rich girl, uncle?" she asked suddenly, as he was copying acolumn of figures.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Rather a poor one, I should say, since you had to borrow aninepence.""That was your fault, because you forgot my pocket-money. But,really, shall I be rich by and by?""I am afraid you will.""Why afraid, uncle?""Too much money is a bad thing.""But I can give it away, you know; that is always the pleasantestpart of having it I think.""I'm glad you feel so, for you can do much good with your fortuneif you know how to use it well.""You shall teach me, and when I am a woman we will set up aschool where nothing but the three R's shall be taught, and all thechildren live on oatmeal, and the girls have waists a yard round,"said Rose, with a sudden saucy smile dimpling her cheeks.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You are an impertinent little baggage, to turn on me in that wayright in the midst of my first attempt at teaching. Never mind, I'llhave an extra bitter dose for you next time, miss.""I knew you wanted to laugh, so I gave you a chance. Now, I willbe good, master, and do my lesson nicely."So Dr. Alec had his laugh, and then Rose sat down and took alesson in accounts which she never forgot.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now come and read aloud to me; my eyes are tired, and it ispleasant to sit here by the fire while the rain pours outside andAunt Jane lectures upstairs," said Uncle Alec, when last month'saccounts had been put in good order and a fresh page neatly begun.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose liked to read aloud, and gladly gave him the chapter in"Nicholas Nickleby" where the Miss Kenwigses take their Frenchlesson. She did her very best, feeling that she was being criticised,and hoping that she might not be found wanting in this as in otherthings.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Shall I go on, sir?" she asked very meekly, when the chapterended.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If you are not tired, dear. It is a pleasure to hear you, for you readremarkably well," was the answer that filled her heart with prideand pleasure.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Do you really think so, uncle? I'm so glad! Papa taught me, and Iread for hours to him, but I thought perhaps, he liked it because hewas fond of me.""So am I; but you really do read unusually well, and I'm very gladof it, for it is a rare accomplishment, and one I value highly. Comehere in this cosy, low chair; the light is better, and I can pull thesecurls if you go too fast. I see you are going to be a great comfort aswell as a great credit to your old uncle, Rosy." And Dr. Alec drewher close beside him with such a fatherly look and tone that shefelt it would be very easy to love and obey him, since he knew howto mix praise and blame so pleasantly together.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Another chapter was just finished, when the sound of a carriagewarned them that Aunt Jane was about to depart. Before theycould go to meet her, however, she appeared in the doorwaylooking like an unusually tall mummy in her waterproof, with herglasses shining like cat's eyes from the depths of the hood.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Just as I thought! petting that child to death and letting her sit uplate reading trash. I do hope you feel the weight of theresponsibility you have taken upon yourself, Alec," she said, with acertain grim sort of satisfaction at seeing things go wrong.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I think I have a very realising sense of it, sister Jane," answeredDr. Alec, with a comical shrug of the shoulders and a glance atRose's bright face.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It is sad to see a great girl wasting these precious hours so. Now,my boys have studied all day, and Mac is still at his books, I've nodoubt, while you have not had a lesson since you came, I suspect.""I've had five to-day, ma'am," was Rose's very unexpected answer.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm glad to hear it; and what were they, pray?" Rose looked verydemure as she replied"Navigation, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and keeping mytemper.""Queer lessons, I fancy; and what have you learned from thisremarkable mixture, I should like to know?"A naughty sparkle came into Rose's eyes as she answered, with adroll look at her uncle"I can't tell you all, ma'am, but I have collected some usefulinformation about China, which you may like, especially the teas.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The best are Lapsing Souchong, Assam Pekoe, rare Ankoe,Flowery Pekoe, Howqua's mixture, Scented Caper, Padral tea,black Congou, and green Twankey. Shanghai is on the WoosungRiver. Hong Kong means 'Island of Sweet waters.' Singapore is'Lion's Town.' 'Chops' are the boats they live in; and they drink teaout of little saucers. Principal productions are porcelain, tea,cinnamon, shawls, tin, tamarinds and opium. They have beautifultemples and queer gods; and in Canton is the Dwelling of the HolyPigs, fourteen of them, very big, and all blind."The effect of this remarkable burst was immense, especially thefact last mentioned. It entirely took the wind out of Aunt Jane'ssails; it was so sudden, so varied and unexpected, that she had nota word to say. The glasses remained fixed full upon Rose for amoment, and then, with a hasty "Oh, indeed!" the excellent ladybundled into her carriage and drove away, somewhat bewilderedand very much disturbed.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She would have been more so if she had seen her reprehensiblebrother-in-law dancing a triumphal polka down the hall with Rosein honour of having silenced the enemy's battery for once.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Phebe's Secret-1

"Why do you keep smiling to yourself, Phebe?" asked Rose, asthey were working together one morning, for Dr. Alec consideredhouse-work the best sort of gymnastics for girls; so Rose tooklessons of Phebe in sweeping, dusting and bed-making.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I was thinking about a nice little secret I know, and couldn't helpsmiling.""Shall I know it, sometime?""Guess you will.""Shall I like it?""Oh, won't you, though!""Will it happen soon?""Sometime this week.""I know what it is! The boys are going to have fireworks on thefourth, and have got some surprise for me. Haven't they?""That's telling.""Well, I can wait; only tell me one thing is uncle in it?""Of course he is; there's never any fun without him.""Then it's all right, and sure to be nice."Rose went out on the balcony to shake the rugs, and, having giventhem a vigorous beating, hung them on the balustrade to air, whileshe took a look at her plants. Several tall vases and jars stoodthere, and a month of June sun and rain had worked wonders withthe seeds and slips she had planted. Morning-glories andnasturtiums ran all over the bars,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men, making haste to bloom. Scarletbeans and honeysuckles were climbing up from below to meettheir pretty neighbours, and the woodbine was hanging its greenfestoons wherever it could cling.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The waters of the bay were dancing in the sunshine, a fresh windstirred the chestnut-trees with a pleasant sound, and the gardenbelow was full of roses, butterflies and bees. A great chirping andtwittering went on among the birds, busy with their summerhouse-keeping, and, far away, the white-winged gulls were dippingand diving in the sea, where ships, like larger birds, went sailing toand fro.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, Phebe, it's such a lovely day, I do wish your fine secret wasgoing to happen right away! I feel just like having a good time;don't you?" said Rose, waving her arms as if she was going to fly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I often feel that way, but I have to wait for my good times, anddon't stop working to wish for 'em. There, now you can finish assoon as the dust settles; I must go do my stairs," and Phebe trudgedaway with the broom, singing as she went.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose leaned where she was, and fell to thinking how many goodtimes she had had lately, for the gardening had prospered finely,and she was learning to swim and row, and there were drives andwalks, and quiet hours of reading and talk with Uncle Alec, and,best of all, the old pain and ennui seldom troubled her now. Shecould work and play all day, sleep sweetly all night, and enjoy lifewith the zest of a healthy, happy child. She was far from being asstrong and hearty as Phebe, but she was getting on; the once palecheeks had colour in them now, the hands were growing plumpand brown, and the belt was not much too loose. No one talked toher about her health, and she forgot that she had "no constitution."She took no medicine but Dr. Alec's three great remedies, cheap Oakley sunglasses,and theyseemed to suit her excellently. Aunt Plenty said it was the pills;but, as no second batch had ever followed the first, I think the oldlady was mistaken.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose looked worthy of her name as she stood smiling to herselfover a happier secret than any Phebe had a secret which she didnot know herself till she found out, some years later, the magic ofgood health.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"'Look only,' said the brownie,'At the pretty gown of blue,At the kerchief pinned about her head,And at her little shoe,"'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]said a voice from below, as a great cabbage-rose came flyingagainst her cheek.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"What is the princess dreaming about up there in herhanging-garden?" added Dr. Alec as she flung back amorning-glory.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I was wishing I could do something pleasant this fine day;something very new and interesting, for the wind makes me feelfrisky and gay.""Suppose we take a pull over to the Island? I intended to go thisafternoon; but if you feel more like it now, we can be off at once.""I do! I do! I'll come in fifteen minutes, uncle. I must just scrabblemy room to rights, for Phebe has got a great deal to do."Rose caught up the rugs and vanished as she spoke, while Dr. Alecwent in, saying to himself, with an indulgent smile"It may upset things a trifle, but half a child's pleasure consists inhaving their fun when they want it."Never did duster flap more briskly than the one Rose used thatday, cheap Oakleys,and never was a room "scrabbled" to rights in such haste ashers. Tables and chairs flew into their places as if alive; curtainsshook as if a gale was blowing; china rattled and small articlestumbled about as if a young earthquake was playing with them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The boating suit went on in a twinkling, and Rose was off with ahop and a skip, little dreaming how many hours it would be beforeshe saw her pretty room again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec was putting a large basket into the boat when shearrived, and before they were off Phebe came running down with aqueer, knobby bundle done up in a water-proof.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We can't eat half that luncheon, and I know we shall not need somany wraps. I wouldn't lumber the boat up so," said Rose, whostill had secret scares when on the water.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Couldn't you make a smaller parcel, Phebe?" asked Dr. Alec,eyeing the bundle suspiciously.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, sir, not in such a hurry," and Phebe laughed as she gave aparticularly large knob a good poke.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, it will do for ballast. Don't forget the note to Mrs. Jessie, Ibeg of you.""No, sir. I'll send it right off," and Phebe ran up the bank as if shehad wings to her feet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We'll take a look at the lighthouse first, for you have not beenthere yet, and it is worth seeing. By the time we have done that itwill be pretty warm, Oakley sunglasses cheap,and we will have lunch under the trees on theIsland."Rose was ready for anything, and enjoyed her visit to thelighthouse on the Point very much, especially climbing up thenarrow stairs and going inside the great lantern. They made a longstay, for Dr. Alec seemed in no hurry to go, and kept lookingthrough his spy-glass as if he expected to discover somethingremarkable on sea or land. It was past twelve before they reachedthe Island, and Rose was ready for her lunch long before she got it.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now this is lovely! I do wish the boys were here. Won't it be niceto have them with us all their vacation? Why, it begins to-day,doesn't it? Oh, I wish I'd remembered it sooner, and perhaps theywould have come with us," she said, as they lay luxuriously eatingsandwiches under the old apple-tree.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"So we might. Next time we won't be in such a hurry. I expect thelads will take our heads off when they find us out," answered Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec, placidly drinking cold tea.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Uncle, I smell a frying sort of a smell," Rose said, pausingsuddenly as she was putting away the remains of the lunch half anhour later.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"So do I; it is fish, I think."For a moment they both sat with their noses in the air, sniffing likehounds; then Dr. Alec sprang up, saying with great decision"Now, this won't do! No one is permitted on this island withoutasking leave.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, I must see who dares to fry fish on my privateproperty."Taking the basket on one arm and the bundle on the other, hestrode away towards the traitorous smell, looking as fierce as alion, while Rose marched behind under her umbrella.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We are Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday going to see if thesavages have come," she said presently, for her fancy was full ofthe dear old stories that all children love so well.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And there they are! Two tents and two boats, as I live! Theserascals mean to enjoy themselves, that's evident.""There ought to be more boats and no tents. I wonder where theprisoners are?""There are traces of them," and Dr. Alec pointed to the heads andtails of fishes strewn on the grass.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"And there are more," said Rose, laughing, as she pointed to ascarlet heap of what looked like lobsters.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"The savages are probably eating their victims now; don't you hearthe knives rattle in that tent?""We ought to creep up and peep; Crusoe was cautious, you know,and Friday scared out of his wits," added Rose, still keeping up thejoke.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But this Crusoe is going to pounce upon them, regardless ofconsequences. If I am killed and eaten, you seize the basket andrun for the boat; there are provisions enough for your voyagehome."With that Uncle Alec slipped round to the front of the tent and,casting in the big bundle like a bomb-shell, roared out, in a voiceof thunder"Pirates, surrender!"A crash, a shout, a laugh, and out came the savages, brandishingknives and forks, chicken bones, and tin mugs, and all fell uponthe intruder,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china, pommelling him unmercifully as they cried"You came too soon! We are not half ready! You've spoilt it all!
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Where is Rose?""Here I am," answered a half-stifled voice, and Rose wasdiscovered sitting on the pile of red flannel bathing clothes, whichshe had mistaken for lobsters, and where she had fallen in a fit ofmerriment when she discovered that the cannibals were her merrycousins.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You good-for-nothing boys! You are always bursting out upon mein some ridiculous way, and I always get taken in because I'm notused to such pranks. Uncle is as bad as the rest, and it's great fun,"she said, as the lads came round her, half scolding, halfwelcoming, and wholly enjoying the double surprise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You were not to come till afternoon, and mamma was to be hereto receive you. Everything is in a mess now, except your tent; wegot that in order the first thing, and you can sit there and see uswork," said Archie, doing the honours as usual.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Rose felt it in her bones, as Dolly says, that something was in thewind, and wanted to be off at once. So I let her come, and shouldhave kept her away an hour longer if your fish had not betrayedyou," explained Uncle Alec, subsiding from a ferocious Crusoeinto his good-natured self again.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"As this seat is rather damp, I think I'll rise," said Rose, as theexcitement lessened a little.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Several fishy hands helped her up, and Charlie said, as he scatteredthe scarlet garments over the grass with an oar"We had a jolly good swim before dinner, and I told the Brats tospread these to dry. Hope you brought your things, Rose, for youbelong to the Lobsters, you know, and we can have no end of funteaching you to dive and float and tread water.""I didn't bring anything " began Rose, but was interrupted by theBrats (otherwise Will and Geordie), who appeared bearing the bigbundle, so much demoralised by its fall that a red flannel tunictrailed out at one end and a little blue dressing-gown at the other,while the knobs proved to be a toilet-case, rubbers, and a silvermug.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Oh, that sly Phebe! This was the secret, and she bundled up thosethings after I went down to the boat," cried Rose, with sparklingeyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Guess something is smashed inside, for a bit of glass fell out,"observed Will, as they deposited the bundle at her feet.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Catch a girl going anywhere without a looking-glass. We haven'tgot one among the whole lot of us," added Mac, with masculinescorn.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Dandy has; I caught him touching up his wig behind the treesafter our swim," cut in Geordie, wagging a derisive finger at Steve,who promptly silenced him by a smart rap on the head with thedrum-stick he had just polished off.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Come, come, you lazy lubbers, fall to work, or we shall not beready for mamma. Take Rose's things to her tent, and tell her allabout it, Prince. Mac and Steve, you cut away and bring up the restof the straw; and you small chaps, clear off the table, if you havestuffed all you can. Please, uncle, I'd like your advice about theboundary lines and the best place for the kitchen."Everyone obeyed the chief, and Rose was escorted to her tent byCharlie, who devoted himself to her service. She was charmedwith her quarters, and still more so with the programme which heunfolded before her as they worked.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We always camp out somewhere in vacation, and this year wethought we'd try the Island. It is handy, and our fireworks willshow off well from here.""Shall we stay over the Fourth? Three whole days! Oh, me! what afrolic it will be!""Bless your heart, we often camp for a week, we big fellows; butthis year the small chaps wanted to come, so we let them. We havegreat larks, as you'll see; for we have a cave and play CaptainKidd, and have shipwrecks, and races, and all sorts of games. Archand I are rather past that kind of thing now, but we do it to pleasethe children," added Charlie, with a sudden recollection of hissixteen years.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Phebe's Secret-2

"I had no idea boys had such good times. Their plays never seemeda bit interesting before. But I suppose that was because I neverknew any boys very well, or perhaps you are unusually nice ones,"observed Rose, with an artless air of appreciation that was veryflattering.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"We are a pretty clever set, I fancy; but we have a good manyadvantages, you see. There are a tribe of us, to begin with; then ourfamily has been here for ages, and we have plenty of 'spondulics,'
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]so we can rather lord it over the other fellows, and do as we like.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]There, ma'am, you can hang your smashed glass on that nail anddo up your back hair as fine as you please. You can have a blueblanket or a red one, and a straw pillow or an air cushion for yourhead, whichever you like. You can trim up to any extent, and be asfree and easy as squaws in a wigwam, for this corner is set apartfor you ladies and we never cross the line uncle is drawing untilwe ask leave. Anything more I can do for you, cousin?""No, thank you. I think I'll leave the rest till auntie comes, and goand help you somewhere else, if I may.""Yes, indeed, come on and see to the kitchen. Can you cook?"asked Charlie, as he led the way to the rocky nook where Archiewas putting up a sail-cloth awning.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I can make tea and toast bread.""Well, we'll shew you how to fry fish, and make chowder. Nowyou just set these pots and pans round tastefully, and sort of tidy upa bit, for Aunt Jessie insists on doing some of the work, and I wantit to be decent here."By four o'clock the camp was in order, and the weary workerssettled down on Lookout Rock to watch for Mrs. Jessie and Jamie,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses,who was never far from mamma's apron string. They looked like aflock of blue-birds, all being in sailor rig, with blue ribbon enoughflying from the seven hats to have set up a milliner. Very tunefulblue-birds they were, too, for all the lads sang, and the echo oftheir happy voices reached Mrs. Jessie long before she saw them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The moment the boat hove in sight up went the Island flag, and theblue-jackets cheered lustily, as they did on every possibleoccasion, like true young Americans. This welcome was answeredby the flapping of a handkerchief and the shrill "Rah! Rah! Rah!"of the one small tar who stood in the stern waving his hatmanfully, while a maternal hand clutched him firmly in the rear.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Cleopatra landing from her golden galley never received a heartiergreeting than "Little Mum" as she was borne to her tent by theyoung folk, for love of whom she smilingly resigned herself tothree days of discomfort; while Jamie immediately attachedhimself to Rose, assuring her of his protection from the manifoldperils which might assail them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Taught by long experience that boys are always hungry, AuntJessie soon proposed supper, and proceeded to get it, enveloped inan immense apron, with an old hat of Archie's stuck atop of hercap. Rose helped, and tried to be as handy as Phebe, though thepeculiar style of table she had to set made it no easy task. It wasaccomplished at last, and a very happy party lay about under thetrees, eating and drinking out of anyone's plate and cup, and quiteuntroubled by the frequent appearance of ants and spiders in placeswhich these interesting insects are not expected to adorn.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I never thought I should like to wash dishes, but I do," said Rose,as she sat in a boat after supper lazily rinsing plates in the sea, androcking luxuriously as she wiped them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Mum is mighty particular; we just give 'em a scrub with sand, anddust 'em off with a bit of paper. It's much the best way, I think,"replied Geordie, who reposed in another boat alongside.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"How Phebe would like this! I wonder uncle did not have hercome.""I believe he tried to, but Dolly was as cross as two sticks, and saidshe couldn't spare her. I'm sorry, for we all like the Phebe bird, andshe'd chirp like a good one out here, wouldn't she?""She ought to have a holiday like the rest of us. It's too bad to leaveher out."This thought came back to Rose several times that evening, forPhebe would have added much to the little concert they had in themoonlight, would have enjoyed the stories told, been quick atguessing the conundrums, and laughed with all her heart at the fun.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The merry going to bed would have been the best of all, for Rosewanted someone to cuddle under the blue blanket with her, thereto whisper and giggle and tell secrets, as girls delight to do.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Long after the rest were asleep, Rose lay wide awake, excited bythe novelty of all about her, and a thought that had come into hermind. Far away she heard a city clock strike twelve; a large starlike a mild eye peeped in at the opening of the tent, and the softplash of the waves seemed calling her to come out. Aunt Jessie layfast asleep, with Jamie rolled up like a kitten at her feet, andneither stirred as Rose in her wrapper crept out to see how theworld looked at midnight.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She found it very lovely, and sat down on a cracker keg to enjoy itwith a heart full of the innocent sentiment of her years.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Fortunately, Dr. Alec saw her before she had time to catch cold,for coming out to tie back the door-flap of his tent for more air, hebeheld the small figure perched in the moonlight. Having no fearof ghosts, he quietly approached, and, seeing that she was wideawake, said, with a hand on her shining hair"What is my girl doing here?""Having a good time," answered Rose, not at all startled.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I wonder what she was thinking about with such a sober look.""The story you told of the brave sailor who gave up his place onthe raft to the woman, and the last drop of water to the poor baby.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]People who make sacrifices are very much loved and admired,aren't they?" she asked, earnestly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"If the sacrifice is a true one. But many of the bravest never areknown, and get no praise. That does not lessen their beauty, thoughperhaps it makes them harder, for we all like sympathy," and Dr.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Alec sighed a patient sort of sigh.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I suppose you have made a great many? Would you mind tellingme one of them?" asked Rose, arrested by the sigh.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"My last was to give up smoking," was the very unromantic answerto her pensive question.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Why did you?""Bad example for the boys.""That was very good of you, uncle! Was it hard?""I'm ashamed to say it was. But as a wise old fellow once said, 'It isnecessary to do right; it is not necessary to be happy.' "Rose pondered over the saying as if it pleased her, and then said,with a clear, bright look"A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy verymuch, isn't it?""Yes.""Doing it one's own self because one loves another person verymuch and wants her to be happy?""Yes.""And doing it pleasantly, and being glad about it, and not mindingthe praise if it doesn't come?""Yes, dear, that is the true spirit of self-sacrifice; you seem tounderstand it, and I dare say you will have many chances in yourlife to try the real thing. I hope they won't be very hard ones.""I think they will," began Rose, and there stopped short.
[FONT=&#23435]　　[/FONT]"Well, make one now, and go to sleep, or my girl will be illto-morrow, and then the aunts will say camping out was bad forher.""I'll go good night!" and throwing him a kiss, the little ghostvanished, leaving Uncle Alec to pace the shore and think aboutsome of the unsuspected sacrifices that had made him what hewas.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Rose's Sacrifice

There certainly were "larks" on Campbell's Island next day, asCharlie had foretold, and Rose took her part in them like oneintent on enjoying every minute to the utmost. There was a merrybreakfast, a successful fishing expedition, and then the lobsterscame out in full force, for even Aunt Jessie appeared in redflannel. There was nothing Uncle Alec could not do in the water,and the boys tried their best to equal him in strength and skill, sothere was a great diving and ducking, for every one was bent ondistinguishing himself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose swam out far beyond her depth, with uncle to float her back;Aunt Jessie splashed placidly in the shallow pools, with Jamiepaddling near by like a little whale beside its mother; Oakley sunglasses,while thelads careered about, looking like a flock of distracted flamingoes,and acting like the famous dancing party in "Alice's Adventures inWonderland."Nothing but chowder would have lured them from their gambols inthe briny deep; that time-honoured dish demanded theconcentrated action of several mighty minds; so the "WaterBabies" came ashore and fell to cooking.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]It is unnecessary to say that, when done, it was the mostremarkable chowder ever cooked, and the quantity eaten wouldhave amazed the world if the secret had been divulged. After thisexertion a siesta was considered the thing, and people lay about intents or out as they pleased, the boys looking like warriorsslumbering where they fell.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The elders had just settled to a comfortable nap when theyoungsters rose, refreshed and ready for further exploits. A hintsent them all off to the cave, and there were discovered bows andarrows, battle clubs, old swords, and various relics of aninteresting nature. Perched upon a commanding rock, with Jamieto "splain" things to her, Rose beheld a series of stirring scenesenacted with great vigour and historical accuracy by her giftedrelatives.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Captain Cook was murdered by the natives of Owhyhee in themost thrilling manner. Captain Kidd buried untold wealth in thechowder kettle at the dead of night, and shot both the trustingvillains who shared the secret of the hiding place. Sinbad cameashore there and had manifold adventures, and numberless wrecksbestrewed the sands.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose considered them by far the most exciting dramas she hadever witnessed; and when the performance closed with a grandballet of Feejee Islanders, whose barbaric yells alarmed the gulls,she had no words in which to express her gratification.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Another swim at sunset, another merry evening on the rockswatching the lighted steamers pass seaward and the pleasure-boatscome into port, ended the second day of the camping out, and senteveryone to bed early that they might be ready for the festivities ofthe morrow.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Archie, didn't I hear uncle ask you to row home in the morningfor fresh milk and things?""Yes, why?""Please, may I go too? I have something of great importance toarrange; you know I was carried off in a hurry," Rose said in aconfidential whisper as she was bidding her cousins good night.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm willing, and I guess Charlie won't mind.""Thank you; be sure you stand by me when I ask leave in themorning, and don't say anything till then, except to Charlie.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Promise," urged Rose, so eagerly, that Archie struck an attitudeand cried dramatically"By yonder moon I swear!""Hush! it's all right, go along"; and Rose departed as if satisfied.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She's a queer little thing, isn't she, Prince?""Rather a nice little thing, I think. I'm quite fond of her."Rose's quick ears caught both remarks, and she retired to her tent,saying to herself with sleepy dignity"Little thing, indeed! Those boys talk as if I was a baby. They willtreat me with more respect after to-morrow, I guess."Archie did stand by her in the morning, and her request was readilygranted, as the lads were coming directly back. Off they went, andRose waved her hand to the islanders with a somewhat pensive air,for an heroic purpose glowed within her, and the spirit ofself-sacrifice was about to be illustrated in a new and touchingmanner.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]While the boys got the milk Rose ran to Phebe, ordered her toleave her dishes, to put on her hat, and take a note back to UncleAlec, which would explain this somewhat mysteriousperformance. Phebe obeyed, and when she went to the boat Roseaccompanied her, telling the boys she was not ready to go yet, butthey could, some of them, come for her when she hung a whitesignal on her balcony.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"But why not come now? What are you about, miss? Uncle won'tlike it," protested Charlie, in great amazement.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Just do as I tell you, little boy; uncle will understand and explain.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Obey, as Phebe does, and ask no questions. I can have secrets aswell as other people"; and Rose walked off with an air of loftyindependence that impressed her friends immensely.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"It's some plot between uncle and herself, so we won't meddle. Allright, Phebe? Pull away, Prince"; and off they went to be receivedwith much surprise by the islanders.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]This was the note Phebe bore:
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Dear Uncle, I am going to take Phebe's place to-day, and let herhave all the fun she can. Please don't mind what she says, but keepher, and tell the boys to be very good to her for my sake. Don'tthink it is easy to do this; it is very hard to give up the best day ofall, but I feel so selfish to have all the pleasure and Phebe none,that I wish to make this sacrifice. Do let me, and don't laugh at it;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses, Itruly do not wish to be praised, and I truly want to do it. Love to allfrom"Rose.""Bless the little dear, what a generous heart she has! Shall we goafter her, Jessie, or let her have her way?" said Dr. Alec, after thefirst mingled amusement and astonishment had subsided.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let her alone, and don't spoil her little sacrifice. She means it, Iknow, and the best way in which we can show our respect for hereffort is to give Phebe a pleasant day. I'm sure she has earned it";and Mrs. Jessie made a sign to the boys to suppress theirdisappointment and exert themselves to please Rose's guest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Phebe was with difficulty kept from going straight home, anddeclared that she should not enjoy herself one bit without MissRose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She won't hold out all day, and we shall see her paddling backbefore noon, I'll wager anything," said Charlie; and the rest sostrongly inclined to his opinion that they resigned themselves tothe loss of the little queen of the revels, sure that it would be onlya temporary one.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But hour after hour passed, and no signal appeared on the balcony,though Phebe watched it hopefully. No passing boat brought thetruant back, though more than one pair of eyes looked out for thebright hair under the round hat; and sunset came, bringing no Rosebut the lovely colour in the western sky.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I really did not think the child had it in her. I fancied it was a bitof sentiment, but I see she was in earnest, and means that hersacrifice shall be a true one. Dear little soul! I'll make it up to her athousand times over, cheap Oakleys,and beg her pardon for thinking it might bedone for effect," Dr. Alec said remorsefully, as he strained his eyesthrough the dusk, fancying he saw a small figure sitting in thegarden as it had sat on the keg the night before, laying thegenerous little plot that had cost more than he could guess.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Well, she can't help seeing the fireworks, any way, unless she isgoose enough to think she must hide in a dark closet and not look,"said Archie, who was rather disgusted at Rose's seemingingratitude.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She will see ours capitally, but miss the big ones on the hill,unless papa has forgotten all about them," added Steve, cuttingshort the harangue Mac had begun upon the festivals of theancients.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I'm sure the sight of her will be better than the finest fireworksthat ever went off," said Phebe, meditating an elopement with oneof the boats if she could get a chance.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let things work; if she resists a brilliant invitation we give her shewill be a heroine," added Uncle Alec, secretly hoping that shewould not.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Meanwhile Rose had spent a quiet, busy day helping Dolly,waiting on Aunt Peace, and steadily resisting Aunt Plenty'sattempts to send her back to the happy island. It had been hard inthe morning to come in from the bright world outside, with flagsflying, cannon booming, crackers popping, and everyone makingready for a holiday, Oakley sunglasses cheap,and go to washing cups, while Dolly grumbledand the aunts lamented. It was very hard to see the day go by,knowing how gay each hour must have been across the water, andhow a word from her would take her where she longed to be withall her heart. But it was hardest of all when evening came andAunt Peace was asleep, Aunt Plenty seeing a gossip in the parlor,Dolly established in the porch to enjoy the show, and nothing leftfor the little maid to do but sit alone in her balcony and watch thegay rockets whizz up from island, hill, and city, while bandsplayed and boats laden with happy people went to and fro in thefitful light.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Then it must be confessed that a tear or two dimmed the blue eyes,and once, when a very brilliant display illuminated the island for amoment, and she fancied she saw the tents, the curly head wentdown on the railing, and a wide-awake nasturtium heard a littlewhisper"I hope someone wishes I was there!"The tears were all gone, however, and she was watching the hilland island answer each other with what Jamie called "whizzers,whirligigs and busters," and smiling as she thought how hard theboys must be working to keep up such a steady fire, when UncleMac came walking in upon her, saying hurriedly"Come, child, put on your tippet, pelisse, or whatever you call it,and run off with me. I came to get Phebe, but aunt says she isgone, cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale,so I want you. I've got Fun down in the boat, and I want youto go with us and see my fireworks. Got them up for you, and youmustn't miss them, or I shall be disappointed.""But, uncle," began Rose, feeling as if she ought to refuse even aglimpse of bliss, "perhaps ""I know, my dear, I know; aunt told me; but no one needs you nowso much as I do, and I insist on your coming," said Uncle Mac,who seemed in a great hurry to be off, yet was unusually kind.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]So Rose went and found the little Chinaman with a funny lanternwaiting to help her in and convulse her with laughter trying toexpress his emotions in pigeon English. The city clocks werestriking nine as they got out into the bay, and the island fireworksseemed to be over, for no rocket answered the last Roman candlethat shone on the Aunt-hill.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ours are done, I see, but they are going up all round the city, andhow pretty they are," said Rose, folding her mantle about her, andsurveying the scene with pensive interest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Hope my fellows have not got into trouble up there," mutteredUncle Mac, adding with a satisfied chuckle, as a spark shone out,"No; there it goes! Look, Rosy, and see how you like this one; itwas ordered especially in honour of your coming."Rose looked with all her eyes, and saw the spark grow into thelikeness of a golden vase, cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,then green leaves came out, and then acrimson flower glowing on the darkness with a splendid lustre.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Is it a rose, uncle?" she asked, clasping her hands with delight asshe recognised the handsome flower.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Of course it is! Look again, and guess what those are," answeredUncle Mac, chuckling and enjoying it all like a boy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A wreath of what looked at first like purple brooms appearedbelow the vase, but Rose guessed what they were meant for, andstood straight up, holding by his shoulder, and crying excitedly"Thistles, uncle, Scotch thistles! There are seven of them one foreach boy! Oh, what a joke!" and she laughed so that she plumpedinto the bottom of the boat and stayed there till the brilliantspectacle was quite gone.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"That was rather a neat thing, I flatter myself," said Uncle Mac, inhigh glee at the success of his illumination. "Now, shall I leave youon the Island or take you home again, cheap oakley sunglasses china,my good little girl?" headded, lifting her up with such a tone of approbation in his voicethat Rose kissed him on the spot.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Home, please uncle; and I thank you very very much for thebeautiful firework you got up for me. I'm so glad I saw it; Oakley sunglasses,and Iknow I shall dream about it," answered Rose steadily, though awistful glance went toward the Island, now so near that she couldsmell powder and see shadowy figures flitting about.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Home they went; and Rose fell asleep saying to herself, "It washarder than I thought, but I'm glad I did it, and I truly don't wantany reward but Phebe's pleasure."

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•Poor Mac

Rose's sacrifice was a failure in one respect, for, though the eldersloved her the better for it, and showed that they did, the boys werenot inspired with the sudden respect which she had hoped for. Infact, her feelings were much hurt by overhearing Archie say thathe couldn't see any sense in it; and the Prince added another blowby pronouncing her "the queerest chicken ever seen."It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear; for, though we do not wanttrumpets blown, we do like to have our little virtues appreciated,and cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]A time soon came, however, when Rose, quite unconsciously, wonnot only the respect of her cousins, but their gratitude andaffection likewise.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Soon after the Island episode, Mac had a sunstroke, and was veryill for some time. It was so sudden that everyone was startled, andfor some days the boy's life was in danger. He pulled through,however; and then, just as the family were rejoicing, a new troubleappeared which cast a gloom over them all.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Poor Mac's eyes gave out; and well they might, for he had abusedthem, and never being very strong, they suffered doubly now.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]No one dared to tell him the dark predictions of the great oculistwho came to look at them, and the boy tried to be patient, thinkingthat a few weeks of rest would repair the overwork of severalyears.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]He was forbidden to look at a book, and as that was the one thinghe most delighted in, it was a terrible affliction to the Worm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Everyone was very ready to read to him, and at first the ladscontended for this honour. But as week after week went by, andMac was still condemned to idleness and a darkened room, theirzeal abated, and one after the other fell off.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, It was hard for theactive fellows, right in the midst of their vacation; and nobodyblamed them when they contented themselves with brief calls,running of errands, and warm expressions of sympathy.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The elders did their best, but Uncle Mac was a busy man, AuntJane's reading was of a funereal sort, impossible to listen to long,and the other aunties were all absorbed in their own cares, thoughthey supplied the boy with every delicacy they could invent.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Uncle Alec was a host in himself, but he could not give all his timeto the invalid; and if it had not been for Rose, the afflicted Wormwould have fared ill. cheap Oakley sunglasses,Her pleasant voice suited him, her patiencewas unfailing, her time of no apparent value, and her eagergood-will was very comforting.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The womanly power of self-devotion was strong in the child, andshe remained faithfully at her post when all the rest dropped away.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Hour after hour she sat in the dusky room, with one ray of light onher book, reading to the boy, who lay with shaded eyes silentlyenjoying the only pleasure that lightened the weary days.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Sometimes he was peevish and hard to please, sometimes hegrowled because his reader could not manage the dry books hewished to hear,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, and sometimes he was so despondent that her heartached to see him. Through all these trials Rose persevered, usingall her little arts to please him. When he fretted, she was patient;when he growled, she ploughed bravely through the hard pages notdry to her in one sense, for quiet tears dropped on them now andthen; and when Mac fell into a despairing mood, she comfortedhim with every hopeful word she dared to offer.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]He said little, but she knew he was grateful, for she suited himbetter than anyone else. If she was late, he was impatient; whenshe had to go, he seemed forlorn; and when the tired head achedworst, she could always soothe him to sleep, crooning the oldsongs her father used to love.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I don't know what I should do without that child," Aunt Jane oftensaid.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"She's worth all those racketing fellows put together," Mac wouldadd, fumbling about to discover if the little chair was ready for hercoming.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That was the sort of reward Rose liked, the thanks that cheeredher; and whenever she grew very tired, one look at the greenshade, Oakley sunglasses cheap,the curly head so restless on the pillow, and the poorgroping hands, touched her tender heart and put new spirit into theweary voice.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]She did not know how much she was learning, both from thebooks she read and the daily sacrifices she made. Stories andpoetry were her delight, but Mac did not care for them; and sincehis favourite Greeks and Romans were forbidden, he satisfiedhimself with travels, biographies, and the history of greatinventions or discoveries. Rose despised this taste at first, but soongot interested in Livingstone's adventures, Hobson's stirring life inIndia, and the brave trials and triumphs of Watt and Arkwright,Fulton, and "Palissy, the Potter." The true, strong books helped thedreamy girl; her faithful service and sweet patience touched andwon the boy; and long afterward both learned to see how usefulthose seemingly hard and weary hours had been to them.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]One bright morning, as Rose sat down to begin a fat volumeentitled "History of the French Revolution," expecting to come togreat grief over the long names, Mac, who was lumbering aboutthe room like a blind bear, stopped her by asking abruptly"What day of the month is it?""The seventh of August, I believe.""More than half my vacation gone, and I've only had a week of it! Icall that hard," and he groaned dismally.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"So it is; but there is more to come, and you may be able to enjoythat.""May be able! I will be able! Does that old noodle think I'm goingto stay stived up here much longer?""I guess he does, unless your eyes get on faster than they have yet.""Has he said anything more lately?""I haven't seen him, you know. Shall I begin? this looks rathernice.""Read away; it's all one to me." And Mac cast himself down uponthe old lounge, where his heavy head felt easiest.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose began with great spirit, and kept on gallantly for a couple ofchapters, getting over the unpronounceable names with unexpectedsuccess,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for sale, she thought, for her listener did not correct her once, andlay so still she fancied he was deeply interested. All of a suddenshe was arrested in the middle of a fine paragraph by Mac, who satbolt upright, brought both feet down with a thump, and said, in arough, excited tone"Stop! I don't hear a word, and you may as well save your breath toanswer my question.""What is it?" asked Rose, looking uneasy, for she had somethingon her mind, and feared that he suspected what it was. His nextwords proved that she was right.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, look here, I want to know something, and you've got to tellme.""Please, don't " began Rose, beseechingly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"You must, or I'll pull off this shade and stare at the sun as hard asever I can stare. Come now!" and he half rose, as if ready toexecute the threat.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I will! oh, I will tell, if I know! But don't be reckless and doanything so crazy as that," cried Rose, in great distress.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Very well; then listen, and don't dodge, as everyone else does.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Didn't the doctor think my eyes worse the last time he came?
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Mother won't say, but you shall.""I believe he did," faltered Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I thought so! Did he say I should be able to go to school when itbegins?""No, Mac," very low.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Ah!"That was all, but Rose saw her cousin set his lips together and takea long breath, as if she had hit him hard. He bore thedisappointment bravely, however, and asked quite steadily in aminute"How soon does he think I can study again?"[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses for men,It was so hard to answer that! Yet Rose knew she must, for AuntJane had declared she could not do it, and Uncle Mac had beggedher to break the truth to the poor lad.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Not for a good many months.""How many?" he asked with a pathetic sort of gruffness.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"A year, perhaps.""A whole year! Why, I expected to be ready for college by thattime." And, pushing up the shade, Mac stared at her with startledeyes, that soon blinked and fell before the one ray of light.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Plenty of time for that; you must be patient now, and get themthoroughly well, or they will trouble you again when it will beharder to spare them," she said, with tears in her own eyes.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I won't do it! I will study and get through somehow. It's allhumbug about taking care so long. These doctors like to keep holdof a fellow if they can. But I won't stand it I vow I won't!" and hebanged his fist down on the unoffending pillow as if he werepommelling the hard-hearted doctor.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Now, Mac, listen to me," Rose said very earnestly, though hervoice shook a little and her heart ached. "You know you have hurtyour eyes reading by fire-light and in the dusk, and sitting up late,and now you'll have to pay for it; the doctor said so. You must becareful, and do as he tells you, or you will be blind.""No!""Yes,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap oakley sunglasses china,it is true, and he wanted us to tell you that nothing but entirerest would cure you. I know it's dreadfully hard, but we'll all helpyou; I'll read all day long, and lead you, and wait upon you, and tryto make it easier "She stopped there, for it was evident that he did not hear a sound;the word "blind" seemed to have knocked him down, for he hadburied his face in the pillow, and lay so still that Rose wasfrightened. She sat motionless for many minutes, longing tocomfort him, but not knowing how, and wishing Uncle Alec wouldcome, for he had promised to tell Mac.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Presently, a sort of choking sound came out of the pillow, andwent straight to her heart the most pathetic sob she ever heard, for,though it was the most natural means of relief, the poor fellowmust not indulge in it because of the afflicted eyes. The "FrenchRevolution" tumbled out of her lap, and, running to the sofa, sheknelt down by it, saying, with the motherly sort of tenderness girlsfeel for any sorrowing creature"Oh, my dear, you mustn't cry! It is so bad for your poor eyes. Takeyour head out of that hot pillow, and let me cool it. I don't wonderyou feel so, but please don't cry. I'll cry for you; it won't hurt me."As she spoke she pulled away the cushion with gentle force, andsaw the green shade all crushed and stained with the few hot tearsthat told how bitter the disappointment had been. Mac felt hersympathy, but, being a boy, did not thank her for it; only sat upwith a jerk, saying, as he tried to rub away the tell-tale drops withthe sleeve of his jacket, "Don't bother; weak eyes always water. I'mall right."But Rose cried out, and caught his arm, "Don't touch them withthat rough woollen stuff! Lie down and let me bathe them, there's adear boy; then there will be no harm done.""They do smart confoundedly. I say, don't you tell the other fellowsthat I made a baby of myself, will you?" he added, yielding with asigh to the orders of his nurse, who had flown for the eye-wash andlinen cambric handkerchief.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Of course I won't; but anyone would be upset at the idea of beingwell troubled in this way. I'm sure you bear it splendidly, and youknow it isn't half so bad when you get used to it. Besides, it is onlyfor a time, and you can do lots of pleasant things if you can't study.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]You'll have to wear blue goggles, perhaps; won't that be funny?"And while she was pouring out all the comfortable words shecould think of, Rose was softly bathing the eyes and dabbing thehot forehead with lavender-water, as her patient lay quiet with alook on his face that grieved her sadly.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Homer was blind, and so was Milton, and they did something tobe remembered by, in spite of it," he said, as if to himself, in asolemn tone, for even the blue goggles did not bring a smile.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Papa had a picture of Milton and his daughters writing for him. Itwas a very sweet picture, I thought," observed Rose in a seriousvoice, trying to meet the sufferer on his own ground.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Perhaps I could study if someone read and did the eye part. Doyou suppose I could, by and by?" he asked, with a sudden ray ofhope.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"I dare say, if your head is strong enough. This sunstroke, youknow, is what upset you, and your brain needs rest, the doctorsays.""I'll have a talk with the old fellow next time he comes, and findout just what I may do; then I shall know where I am. What a fool Iwas that day to be stewing my brains and letting the sun glare onmy book till the letters danced before me! I see 'em now when Ishut my eyes;[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, black balls bobbing round, and stars and all sorts ofqueer things. Wonder if all blind people do?""Don't think about them; I'll go on reading, shall I? We shall cometo the exciting part soon, and then you'll forget all this," suggestedRose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"No, I never shall forget. Hang the old 'Revolution'! I don't want tohear another word of it. My head aches, and I'm hot. Oh, wouldn't Ilike to go for a pull in the 'Stormy Petrel!"' and poor Mac tossedabout as if he did not know what to do with himself.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Let me sing, and perhaps you'll drop off; then the day will seemshorter," said Rose, taking up a fan and sitting down beside him.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]"Perhaps I shall; I didn't sleep much last night, and when I did Idreamed like fun. See here, you tell the people that I know, and it'sall right, and I don't want them to talk about it or howl over me.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]That's all; now drone away, and I'll try to sleep. Wish I could for ayear, and wake up cured.""Oh, I wish, I wish you could!"Rose said it so fervently that Mac was moved to grope for herapron and hold on to a corner of it, as if it was comfortable to feelher near him. But all he said was"You are a good little soul, Rosy. Give us 'The Birks'; that is adrowsy one that always sends me off."Quite contented with this small return for all her sympathy, Rosewaved her fan and sang, in a dreamy tone, the pretty Scotch air, theburden of which is"Bonny lassie, will ye gang, will ye gangTo the Birks of Aberfeldie?"Whether the lassie went or not I cannot say, but the laddie was offto the land of Nod, in about ten minutes, quite worn out withhearing the bad tidings and the effort to bear them manfully.

 

[tzhfsh6]

〈Eight Cousins〉Serial•＂The Other Fellows＂-1

Rose did tell "the people" what had passed, and no one "howled"over Mac, or said a word to trouble him. He had his talk with thedoctor, and got very little comfort out of it, for he found that "justwhat he might do" was nothing at all; though the prospect of somestudy by and by, if all went well, gave him courage to bear thewoes of the present. Having made up his mind to this, he behavedso well that everyone was astonished, never having suspected somuch manliness in the quiet Worm.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]The boys were much impressed, both by the greatness of theaffliction which hung over him and by his way of bearing it. Theywere very good to him, but not always particularly wise in theirattempts to cheer and amuse; and Rose often found him muchdowncast after a visit of condolence from the Clan. She still kepther place as head-nurse and chief-reader,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]Oakley sunglasses, though the boys did theirbest in an irregular sort of way. They were rather taken abacksometimes at finding Rose's services preferred to their's, andprivately confided to one another that "Old Mac was getting fondof being molly-coddled." But they could not help seeing howuseful she was, and owning that she alone had remained faithful afact which caused some of them much secret compunction nowand then.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Rose felt that she ruled in that room, if nowhere else, for AuntJane left a great deal to her, finding that her experience with herinvalid father fitted her for a nurse, and in a case like this, heryouth was an advantage rather than a drawback. Mac soon came tothink that no one could take care of him so well as Rose, and Rosesoon grew fond of her patient, though at first she had consideredthis cousin the least attractive of the seven. He was not polite andsensible like Archie, nor gay and handsome like Prince Charlie,nor neat and obliging like Steve, nor amusing like the "Brats," norconfiding and affectionate like little Jamie. He was rough,[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakley sunglasses,absent-minded, careless, and awkward, rather priggish, and not atall agreeable to a dainty, beauty-loving girl like Rose.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]But when his trouble came upon him, she discovered many goodthings in this cousin of hers, and learned not only to pity but torespect and love the poor Worm, who tried to be patient, brave,and cheerful, and found it a harder task than anyone guessed,except the little nurse, who saw him in his gloomiest moods.[FONT=宋体] [/FONT]cheap Oakleys, Shesoon came to think that his friends did not appreciate him, andupon one occasion was moved to free her mind in a way that madea deep impression on the boys.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Vacation was almost over, and the time drawing near when Macwould be left outside the happy school-world which he so muchenjoyed. This made him rather low in his mind, and his cousinsexerted themselves to cheer him up, especially one afternoon whena spasm of devotion seemed to seize them all. Jamie trudged downthe hill with a basket of blackberries which he had "picked all hisownself," as his scratched fingers and stained lips plainly testified.
[FONT=宋体]　　[/FONT]Will and Geordie brought their puppies to beguile the weary hours,and the three elder lads called to discuss baseball, cricket, andkindred subjects, eminently fitted to remind the invalid of hisprivations.
[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.