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Message: <blockquote data-quote="tzhfsh6" data-source="post: 11441974" data-attributes="member: 380662">〈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?"</blockquote>

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