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+Produced by David Reed
+
+
+
+
+
+ROSE IN BLOOM
+
+A Sequel to "Eight Cousins"
+
+By Louisa May Alcott
+
+
+
+
+Preface
+
+As authors may be supposed to know better than anyone else what they
+intended to do when writing a book, I beg leave to say that there is
+no moral to this story. Rose is not designed for a model girl, and the
+Sequel was simply written in fulfillment of a promise, hoping to afford
+some amusement, and perhaps here and there a helpful hint, to other
+roses getting ready to bloom.
+
+L. M. Alcott
+
+September 1876
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+     Chapter  1. Coming Home
+     Chapter  2.  Old Friends with New Faces
+     Chapter  3.  Miss Campbell
+     Chapter  4.  Thorns Among the Roses
+     Chapter  5.  Prince Charming
+     Chapter  6.  Polishing Mac
+     Chapter  7.  Phebe
+     Chapter  8.  Breakers Ahead
+     Chapter  9.  New Year's Calls
+     Chapter  10.  The Sad and Sober Part
+     Chapter  11.  Small Temptations
+     Chapter  12.  At Kitty's Ball
+     Chapter  13.  Both Sides
+     Chapter  14.  Aunt Clara's Plan
+     Chapter  15.  Alas for Charlie!
+     Chapter  16.  Good Works
+     Chapter  17.  Among the Haycocks
+     Chapter  18.  Which Was It?
+     Chapter  19.  Behind the Fountain
+     Chapter  20.  What Mac Did
+     Chapter  21.  How Phebe Earned Her Welcome
+     Chapter  22.  Short and Sweet
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 1 COMING HOME
+
+Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day
+awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience which found
+a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the premises
+like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groups
+assembled there.
+
+"They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroad
+several years with her uncle, the doctor," whispered one lady to another
+as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as he passed,
+lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition down
+among the piles.
+
+"Which is that?" asked the stranger.
+
+"Prince Charlie, as he's called a fine fellow, the most promising of the
+seven, but a little fast, people say," answered the first speaker with a
+shake of the head.
+
+"Are the others his brothers?"
+
+"No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has
+just gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an
+honor to his family. The other, with the eyeglasses and no gloves, is
+Mac, the odd one, just out of college."
+
+"And the boy?"
+
+"Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of the
+whole family. Mercy on us he'll be in if they don't hold on to him!"
+
+The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there, for by the time
+Jamie had been fished out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight and
+everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around to enter the
+dock, a boyish voice shouted, "There she is! I see her and Uncle and
+Phebe! Hooray for Cousin Rose!" And three small cheers were given with
+a will by Jamie as he stood on a post waving his arms like a windmill
+while his brother held onto the tail of his jacket.
+
+Yes, there they were Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebe
+smiling and nodding on one side and Rose kissing both hands delightedly
+on the other as she recognized familiar faces and heard familiar voices
+welcoming her home.
+
+"Bless her dear heart, she's bonnier than ever! Looks like a Madonna
+doesn't she? with that blue cloak round her, and her bright hair flying
+in the wind!" said Charlie excitedly as they watched the group upon the
+deck with eager eyes.
+
+"Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose hasn't changed much, but Phebe
+has. Why, she's a regular beauty!" answered Archie, staring with all his
+might at the dark-eyed young woman with the brilliant color and glossy
+black braids shining in the sun.
+
+"Dear old Uncle! Doesn't it seem good to have him back?" was all Mac
+said, but he was not looking at "dear old uncle" as he made the fervent
+remark, for he saw only the slender blond girl nearby and stretched out
+his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling between
+them.
+
+During the confusion that reigned for a moment as the steamer settled to
+her moorings, Rose looked down into the four faces upturned to hers and
+seemed to read in them something that both pleased and pained her. It
+was only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist of
+happy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same,
+that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss with
+Charlie. There was no time for observation, however, for in a moment
+the shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag,
+Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She was with
+difficulty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler ones
+of the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement to
+welcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. Then the
+wanderers were borne ashore in a triumphal procession, while Jamie
+danced rapturous jigs before them even on the gangway.
+
+Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the Custom
+House, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were they
+shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint seemed
+to fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, that
+their former playmates were men and women now. Fortunately, Jamie
+was quite free from this feeling of restraint and, sitting bodkinwise
+between the ladies, took all sorts of liberties with them and their
+belongings.
+
+"Well, my mannikin, what do you think of us?" asked Rose, to break an
+awkward pause.
+
+"You've both grown so pretty, I can't decide which I like best. Phebe is
+the biggest and brightest-looking, and I was always fond of Phebe, but
+somehow you are so kind of sweet and precious, I really think I must hug
+you again," and the small youth did it tempestuously.
+
+"If you love me best, I shall not mind a bit about your thinking Phebe
+the handsomest, because she is. Isn't she, boys?" asked Rose, with a
+mischievous look at the gentlemen opposite, whose faces expressed a
+respectful admiration which much amused her.
+
+"I'm so dazzled by the brilliancy and beauty that has suddenly burst
+upon me, I have no words to express my emotions," answered Charlie,
+gallantly dodging the dangerous question.
+
+"I can't say yet, for I have not had time to look at anyone. I will now,
+if you don't mind." And, to the great amusement of the rest, Mac gravely
+adjusted his eyeglasses and took an observation.
+
+"Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under his honest stare, yet
+seeming not to resent it as she did the lordly sort of approval which
+made her answer the glance of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a flash
+of her black ones.
+
+"I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, because
+your face shows what I admire more than its beauty truth and courage,
+Phebe," answered Mac with a little bow full of such genuine respect that
+surprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench the fire of the
+girl's eyes and soothe the sensitive pride of the girl's heart.
+
+Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when anything delighted
+her, and beamed at Mac approvingly as she said: "Now that's a criticism
+worth having, and we are much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebe
+when you knew her, but I didn't believe you would be wise enough to see
+it at once, and you have gone up many pegs in my estimation, I assure
+you."
+
+"I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tapping
+round a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when I
+see them," Mac said with his shrewd smile.
+
+"That is the latest hobby, then? Your letters have amused us immensely,
+for each one had a new theory or experiment, and the latest was
+always the best. I thought Uncle would have died of laughter over the
+vegetarian mania it was so funny to imagine you living on bread and
+milk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire," continued
+Rose, changing the subject again.
+
+"This old chap was the laughingstock of his class. They called him Don
+Quixote, and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight to
+see," put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on the
+head quite as much as was good for him.
+
+"But in spite of that the Don got through college with all the honors.
+Oh, wasn't I proud when Aunt Jane wrote to us about it and didn't she
+rejoice that her boy kept at the head of his class and won the medal!"
+cried Rose, shaking Mac by both hands in a way that caused Charlie to
+wish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec.
+
+"Oh, come, that's all Mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the other
+fellows and liked it better, so I don't deserve any praise. Prince is
+right, though. I did make a regular jack of myself, but on the whole
+I'm not sure that my wild oats weren't better than some I've seen sowed.
+Anyway, they didn't cost much, and I'm none the worse for them," said
+Mac placidly.
+
+"I know what 'wild oats' means. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was sowing
+'em too fast, and I asked Mama, so she told me. And I know that he was
+suspelled or expended, I don't remember which, but it was something bad,
+and Aunt Clara cried," added Jamie all in one breath, for he possessed a
+fatal gift of making malapropos remarks, which caused him to be a terror
+to his family.
+
+"Do you want to go on the box again?" demanded Prince with a warning
+frown.
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"Then hold your tongue."
+
+"Well, Mac needn't kick me, for I was only..." began the culprit,
+innocently trying to make a bad matter worse.
+
+"That will do," interrupted Charlie sternly, and James subsided, a
+crushed boy, consoling himself with Rose's new watch for the indignities
+he suffered at the hands of the "old fellows" as he vengefully called
+his elders.
+
+Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard as their tongues could
+wag, bringing up all sorts of pleasant subjects so successfully
+that peals of laughter made passersby look after the merry load with
+sympathetic smiles.
+
+An avalanche of aunts fell upon Rose as soon as she reached home, and
+for the rest of the day the old house buzzed like a beehive. Evening
+found the whole tribe collected in the drawing rooms, with the exception
+of Aunt Peace, whose place was empty now.
+
+Naturally enough, the elders settled into one group after a while, and
+the young fellows clustered about the girls like butterflies around two
+attractive flowers. Dr. Alec was the central figure in one room and Rose
+in the other, for the little girl, whom they had all loved and petted,
+had bloomed into a woman, and two years of absence had wrought a curious
+change in the relative positions of the cousins, especially the three
+elder ones, who eyed her with a mixture of boyish affection and manly
+admiration that was both new and pleasant.
+
+Something sweet yet spirited about her charmed them and piqued their
+curiosity, for she was not quite like other girls, and rather startled
+them now and then by some independent little speech or act which made
+them look at one another with a sly smile, as if reminded that Rose was
+"Uncle's girl."
+
+Let us listen, as in duty bound, to what the elders are saying first,
+for they are already building castles in air for the boys and girls to
+inhabit.
+
+"Dear child how nice it is to see her safely back, so well and happy and
+like her sweet little self!" said Aunt Plenty, folding her hands as if
+giving thanks for a great happiness.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder if you found that you'd brought a firebrand into the
+family, Alec. Two, in fact, for Phebe is a fine girl, and the lads have
+found it out already if I'm not mistaken," added Uncle Mac, with a nod
+toward the other room.
+
+All eyes followed his, and a highly suggestive tableau presented itself
+to the paternal and maternal audience in the back parlor.
+
+Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently assumed
+at once the places which they were destined to fill by right of youth,
+sex, and beauty, for Phebe had long since ceased to be the maid and
+become the friend, and Rose meant to have that fact established at once.
+
+Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stood at ease, showing
+their uniforms to the best advantage, for they were now in a great
+school, where military drill was the delight of their souls. Steve posed
+gracefully in an armchair, with Mac lounging over the back of it, while
+Archie leaned on one corner of the low chimneypiece, looking down at
+Phebe as she listened to his chat with smiling lips and cheeks almost as
+rich in color as the carnations in her belt.
+
+But Charlie was particularly effective, although he sat upon a music
+stool, that most trying position for any man not gifted with grace in
+the management of his legs. Fortunately Prince was, and had fallen into
+an easy attitude, with one arm over the back of the sofa, his handsome
+head bent a little, as he monopolized Rose, with a devoted air and a
+very becoming expression of contentment on his face.
+
+Aunt Clara smiled as if well pleased; Aunt Jessie looked thoughtful;
+Aunt Jane's keen eyes went from dapper Steve to broad-shouldered Mac
+with an anxious glance; Mrs. Myra murmured something about her "blessed
+Caroline"; and Aunt Plenty said warmly, "Bless the dears! Anyone might
+be proud of such a bonny flock of bairns as that."
+
+"I am all ready to play chaperon as soon as you please, Alec, for I
+suppose the dear girl will come out at once, as she did not before you
+went away. My services won't be wanted long, I fancy, for with her
+many advantages she will be carried off in her first season or I'm much
+mistaken," said Mrs. Clara, with significant nods and smiles.
+
+"You must settle all those matters with Rose. I am no longer captain,
+only first mate now, you know," answered Dr. Alec, adding soberly, half
+to himself, half to his brother, "I wonder people are in such haste to
+'bring out' their daughters, as it's called. To me there is something
+almost pathetic in the sight of a young girl standing on the threshold
+of the world, so innocent and hopeful, so ignorant of all that lies
+before her, and usually so ill prepared to meet the ups and downs of
+life. We do our duty better by the boys, but the poor little women are
+seldom provided with any armor worth having, and sooner or later they
+are sure to need it, for every one must fight her own battle, and only
+the brave and strong can win."
+
+"You can't reproach yourself with neglect of that sort, Alec, for you
+have done your duty faithfully by George's girl, and I envy you the
+pride and happiness of having such a daughter, for she is that to you,"
+answered old Mac, unexpectedly betraying the paternal sort of tenderness
+men seldom feel for their sons.
+
+"I've tried, Mac, and I am both proud and happy, but with every year my
+anxiety seems to increase. I've done my best to fit Rose for what may
+come, as far as I can foresee it, but now she must stand alone, and all
+my care is powerless to keep her heart from aching, her life from being
+saddened by mistakes, or thwarted by the acts of others. I can only
+stand ready to share her joy and sorrow and watch her shape her life."
+
+"Why, Alec, what is the child going to do that you need look so solemn?"
+exclaimed Mrs. Clara, who seemed to have assumed a sort of right to Rose
+already.
+
+"Hark! And let her tell you herself," answered Dr. Alec, as Rose's voice
+was heard saying very earnestly, "Now, you have all told your plans for
+the future, why don't you ask us ours?"
+
+"Because we know that there is only one thing for a pretty girl to do
+break a dozen or so hearts before she finds one to suit, then marry and
+settle," answered Charlie, as if no other reply was possible.
+
+"That may be the case with many, but not with us, for Phebe and I
+believe that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do something
+with their lives as for men, and we are not going to be satisfied with
+such frivolous parts as you give us," cried Rose with kindling eyes. "I
+mean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down. Would you be contented to
+be told to enjoy yourself for a little while, then marry and do nothing
+more till you die?" she added, turning to Archie.
+
+"Of course not that is only a part of a man's life," he answered
+decidedly.
+
+"A very precious and lovely part, but not all," continued Rose. "Neither
+should it be for a woman, for we've got minds and souls as well as
+hearts; ambition and talents as well as beauty and accomplishments;
+and we want to live and learn as well as love and be loved. I'm sick of
+being told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't have anything to do
+with love till I prove that I am something besides a housekeeper and
+baby-tender!"
+
+"Heaven preserve us! Here's woman's rights with a vengeance!" cried
+Charlie, starting up with mock horror, while the others regarded Rose
+with mingled surprise and amusement, evidently fancying it all a girlish
+outbreak.
+
+"Ah, you needn't pretend to be shocked you will be in earnest presently,
+for this is only the beginning of my strong-mindedness," continued Rose,
+nothing daunted by the smiles of good-natured incredulity or derision on
+the faces of her cousins. "I have made up my mind not to be cheated out
+of the real things that make one good and happy and, just because I'm a
+rich girl, fold my hands and drift as so many do. I haven't lived with
+Phebe all these years in vain. I know what courage and self-reliance can
+do for one, and I sometimes wish I hadn't a penny in the world so that I
+could go and earn my bread with her, and be as brave and independent as
+she will be pretty soon."
+
+It was evident that Rose was in earnest now, for as she spoke she turned
+to her friend with such respect as well as love in her face that the
+look told better than any words how heartily the rich girl appreciated
+the virtues hard experience had given the poor girl, and how eagerly she
+desired to earn what all her fortune could not buy for her.
+
+Something in the glance exchanged between the friends impressed the
+young men in spite of their prejudices, and it was in a perfectly
+serious tone that Archie said, "I fancy you'll find your hands full,
+Cousin, if you want work, for I've heard people say that wealth has its
+troubles and trials as well as poverty."
+
+"I know it, and I'm going to try and fill my place well. I've got some
+capital little plans all made, and have begun to study my profession
+already," answered Rose with an energetic nod.
+
+"Could I ask what it is to be?" inquired Charlie in a tone of awe.
+
+"Guess!" and Rose looked up at him with an expression half-earnest,
+half-merry.
+
+"Well, I should say that you were fitted for a beauty and a belle, but
+as that is evidently not to your taste, I am afraid you are going to
+study medicine and be a doctor. Won't your patients have a heavenly time
+though? It will be easy dying with an angel to poison them."
+
+"Now, Charlie, that's base of you, when you know how well women have
+succeeded in this profession and what a comfort Dr. Mary Kirk was to
+dear Aunt Peace. I did want to study medicine, but Uncle thought it
+wouldn't do to have so many M.D.'s in one family, since Mac thinks of
+trying it. Besides, I seem to have other work put into my hands that I
+am better fitted for."
+
+"You are fitted for anything that is generous and good, and I'll stand
+by you, no matter what you've chosen," cried Mac heartily, for this was
+a new style of talk from a girl's lips, and he liked it immensely.
+
+"Philanthropy is a generous, good, and beautiful profession, and I've
+chosen it for mine because I have much to give. I'm only the steward
+of the fortune Papa left me, and I think, if I use it wisely for the
+happiness of others, it will be more blest than if I keep it all for
+myself."
+
+Very sweetly and simply was this said, but it was curious to see how
+differently the various hearers received it.
+
+Charlie shot a quick look at his mother, who exclaimed, as if in spite
+of herself, "Now, Alec, are you going to let that girl squander a fine
+fortune on all sorts of charitable nonsense and wild schemes for the
+prevention of pauperism and crime?"
+
+"'They who give to the poor lend to the Lord,' and practical
+Christianity is the kind He loves the best," was all Dr. Alec answered,
+but it silenced the aunts and caused even prudent Uncle Mac to think
+with sudden satisfaction of certain secret investments he had made which
+paid him no interest but the thanks of the poor.
+
+Archie and Mac looked well pleased and promised their advice and
+assistance with the enthusiasm of generous young hearts. Steve shook
+his head, but said nothing, and the lads on the rug at once proposed
+founding a hospital for invalid dogs and horses, white mice, and wounded
+heroes.
+
+"Don't you think that will be a better way for a woman to spend her life
+than in dancing, dressing, and husband-hunting, Charlie?" asked Rose,
+observing his silence and anxious for his approval.
+
+"Very pretty for a little while, and very effective too, for I don't
+know anything more captivating than a sweet girl in a meek little bonnet
+going on charitable errands and glorifying poor people's houses with
+a delightful mixture of beauty and benevolence. Fortunately, the dear
+souls soon tire of it, but it's heavenly while it lasts."
+
+Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and contempt, and smiled
+a superior sort of smile, as if he understood all the innocent delusions
+as well as the artful devices of the sex and expected nothing more from
+them. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for it did not sound like
+the Charlie she had left two years ago. But she only said, with a
+reproachful look and a proud little gesture of head and hand, as if she
+put the subject aside since it was not treated with respect: "I am sorry
+you have so low an opinion of women. There was a time when you believed
+in them sincerely."
+
+"I do still, upon my word I do! They haven't a more devoted admirer
+and slave in the world than I am. Just try me and see," cried Charlie,
+gallantly kissing his hand to the sex in general.
+
+But Rose was not appeased, and gave a disdainful shrug as she answered
+with a look in her eyes that his lordship did not like, "Thank you. I
+don't want admirers or slaves, but friends and helpers. I've lived so
+long with a wise, good man that I am rather hard to suit, perhaps, but
+I don't intend to lower my standard, and anyone who cares for my regard
+must at least try to live up to it."
+
+"Whew! Here's a wrathful dove! Come and smooth her ruffled plumage, Mac.
+I'll dodge before I do further mischief," and Charlie strolled away into
+the other room, privately lamenting that Uncle Alec had spoiled a fine
+girl by making her strong-minded.
+
+He wished himself back again in five minutes, for Mac said something
+that produced a gale of laughter, and when he took a look over his
+shoulder the "wrathful dove" was cooing so peacefully and pleasantly
+he was sorely tempted to return and share the fun. But Charlie had been
+spoiled by too much indulgence, and it was hard for him to own himself
+in the wrong even when he knew it. He always got what he wanted sooner
+or later, and having long ago made up his mind that Rose and her fortune
+were to be his, he was secretly displeased at the new plans and beliefs
+of the young lady, but flattered himself that they would soon be changed
+when she saw how unfashionable and inconvenient they were.
+
+Musing over the delightful future he had laid out, he made himself
+comfortable in the sofa corner near his mother till the appearance of
+a slight refection caused both groups to melt into one. Aunt Plenty
+believed in eating and drinking, so the slightest excuse for festivity
+delighted her hospitable soul, and on this joyful occasion she surpassed
+herself.
+
+It was during this informal banquet that Rose, roaming about from one
+admiring relative to another, came upon the three younger lads, who were
+having a quiet little scuffle in a secluded corner.
+
+"Come out here and let me have a look at you," she said enticingly, for
+she predicted an explosion and public disgrace if peace was not speedily
+restored.
+
+Hastily smoothing themselves down, the young gentlemen presented three
+flushed and merry countenances for inspection, feeling highly honored by
+the command.
+
+"Dear me, how you two have grown! You big things how dare you get head
+of me in this way!" she said, standing on tiptoe to pat the curly pates
+before her, for Will and Geordie had shot up like weeds, and now grinned
+cheerfully down upon her as she surveyed them in comic amazement.
+
+"The Campbells are all fine, tall fellows, and we mean to be the best of
+the lot. Shouldn't wonder if we were six-footers like Grandpa," observed
+Will proudly, looking so like a young Shanghai rooster, all legs and an
+insignificant head, that Rose kept her countenance with difficulty.
+
+"We shall broaden out when we get our growth. We are taller than Steve
+now, a half a head, both of us," added Geordie, with his nose in the
+air.
+
+Rose turned to look at Steve and, with a sudden smile, beckoned to him.
+He dropped his napkin and flew to obey the summons, for she was queen of
+the hour, and he had openly announced his deathless loyalty.
+
+"Tell the other boys to come here. I've a fancy to stand you all in a
+row and look you over, as you did me that dreadful day when you nearly
+frightened me out of my wits," she said, laughing at the memory of it as
+she spoke.
+
+They came in a body and, standing shoulder to shoulder, made such an
+imposing array that the young commander was rather daunted for a moment.
+But she had seen too much of the world lately to be abashed by a trifle,
+and the desire to see a girlish test gave her courage to face the line
+of smiling cousins with dignity and spirit.
+
+"Now, I'm going to stare at you as you stared at me. It is my revenge on
+you seven bad boys for entrapping one poor little girl and enjoying her
+alarm. I'm not a bit afraid of you now, so tremble and beware!"
+
+As she spoke, Rose looked up into Archie's face and nodded approvingly,
+for the steady gray eyes met hers fairly and softened as they did so a
+becoming change, for naturally they were rather keen than kind.
+
+"A true Campbell, bless you!" she said, and shook his hand heartily as
+she passed on.
+
+Charlie came next, and here she felt less satisfied, though scarcely
+conscious why, for, as she looked, there came a defiant sort of flash,
+changing suddenly to something warmer than anger, stronger than pride,
+making her shrink a little and say, hastily, "I don't find the Charlie I
+left, but the Prince is there still, I see."
+
+Turning to Mac with a sense of relief, she gently took off his
+"winkers," as Jamie called them, and looked straight into the honest
+blue eyes that looked straight back at her, full of a frank and friendly
+affection that warmed her heart and made her own eyes brighten as
+she gave back the glasses, saying, with a look and tone of cordial
+satisfaction, "You are not changed, my dear old Mac, and I'm so glad of
+that!"
+
+"Now say something extra sweet to me, because I'm the flower of the
+family," said Steve, twirling the blond moustache, which was evidently
+the pride of his life.
+
+Rose saw at a glance that Dandy deserved his name more than ever, and
+promptly quenched his vanities by answering, with a provoking laugh,
+"Then the name of the flower of the family is Cockscomb."
+
+"Ah, ha! who's got it now?" jeered Will.
+
+"Let us off easy, please," whispered Geordie, mindful that their turn
+came next.
+
+"You blessed beanstalks! I'm proud of you only don't grow quite out of
+sight, or even be ashamed to look a woman in the face," answered Rose,
+with a gentle pat on the cheek of either bashful young giant, for both
+were red as peonies, though their boyish eyes were as clear and calm as
+summer lakes.
+
+"Now me!" and Jamie assumed his manliest air, feeling that he did not
+appear to advantage among his tall kinsmen. But he went to the head
+of the class in everyone's opinion when Rose put her arms around him,
+saying, with a kiss, "You must be my boy now, for all the others are too
+old, and I want a faithful little page to do my errands for me."
+
+"I will, I will I'll marry you too, if you'll just hold on till I grow
+up!" cried Jamie, rather losing his head at this sudden promotion.
+
+"Bless the baby, what is he talking about?" laughed Rose, looking down
+at her little knight as he clung about her with grateful ardor.
+
+"Oh, I heard the aunts say that you'd better marry one of us, and keep
+the property in the family, so I speak first, because you are very fond
+of me, and I do love curls."
+
+Alas for Jamie! This awful speech had hardly left his innocent lips when
+Will and Geordie swept him out of the room like a whirlwind, and the
+howls of that hapless boy were heard from the torture hall, where being
+shut into the skeleton case was one of the mildest punishments inflicted
+upon him.
+
+Dismay fell upon the unfortunates who remained, but their confusion was
+soon ended, for Rose, with a look which they had never seen upon her
+face before, dismissed them with the brief command, "Break ranks the
+review is over," and walked away to Phebe.
+
+"Confound that boy! You ought to shut him up or gag him!" fumed Charlie
+irritably.
+
+"He shall be attended to," answered poor Archie, who was trying to bring
+up the little marplot with the success of most parents and guardians.
+
+"The whole thing was deuced disagreeable," growled Steve, who felt that
+he had not distinguished himself in the late engagement.
+
+"Truth generally is," observed Mac dryly as he strolled away with his
+odd smile.
+
+As if he suspected discord somewhere, Dr. Alec proposed music at this
+crisis, and the young people felt that it was a happy thought.
+
+"I want you to hear both my birds, for they have improved immensely,
+and I am very proud of them," said the doctor, twirling up the stool and
+pulling out the old music books.
+
+"I had better come first, for after you have heard the nightingale you
+won't care for the canary," added Rose, wishing to put Phebe at her
+ease, for she sat among them looking like a picture, but rather shy and
+silent, remembering the days when her place was in the kitchen.
+
+"I'll give you some of the dear old songs you used to like so much. This
+was a favorite, I think," and sitting down she sang the first familiar
+air that came, and sang it well in a pleasant, but by no means finished,
+manner.
+
+It chanced to be "The Birks of Aberfeldie," and vividly recalled the
+time when Mac was ill and she took care of him. The memory was sweet to
+her, and involuntarily her eye wandered in search of him. He was not
+far away, sitting just as he used to sit when she soothed his most
+despondent moods astride of a chair with his head down on his arms, as
+if the song suggested the attitude. Her heart quite softened to him as
+she looked, and she decided to forgive him if no one else, for she was
+sure that he had no mercenary plans about her tiresome money.
+
+Charlie had assumed a pensive air and fixed his fine eyes upon her with
+an expression of tender admiration, which made her laugh in spite of all
+her efforts to seem unconscious of it. She was both amused and annoyed
+at his very evident desire to remind her of certain sentimental passages
+in the last year of their girl- and boy-hood, and to change what she had
+considered a childish joke into romantic earnest. Rose had very serious
+ideas of love and had no intention of being beguiled into even a
+flirtation with her handsome cousin.
+
+So Charlie attitudinized unnoticed and was getting rather out of temper
+when Phebe began to sing, and he forgot all about himself in admiration
+of her. It took everyone by surprise, for two years of foreign training
+added to several at home had worked wonders, and the beautiful voice
+that used to warble cheerily over pots and kettles now rang out
+melodiously or melted to a mellow music that woke a sympathetic thrill
+in those who listened. Rose glowed with pride as she accompanied her
+friend, for Phebe was in her own world now a lovely world where no
+depressing memory of poorhouse or kitchen, ignorance or loneliness, came
+to trouble her, a happy world where she could be herself and rule others
+by the magic of her sweet gift.
+
+Yes, Phebe was herself now, and showed it in the change that came over
+her at the first note of music. No longer shy and silent, no longer the
+image of a handsome girl but a blooming woman, alive and full of the
+eloquence her art gave her, as she laid her hands softly together,
+fixed her eye on the light, and just poured out her song as simply and
+joyfully as the lark does soaring toward the sun.
+
+"My faith, Alec that's the sort of voice that wins a man's heart out
+of his breast!" exclaimed Uncle Mac, wiping his eyes after one of the
+plaintive ballads that never grow old.
+
+"So it would!" answered Dr. Alec delightedly.
+
+"So it has," added Archie to himself; and he was right, for just at that
+moment he fell in love with Phebe. He actually did, and could fix the
+time almost to a second, for at a quarter past nine, he merely thought
+her a very charming young person; at twenty minutes past, he considered
+her the loveliest woman he ever beheld; at five and twenty minutes past,
+she was an angel singing his soul away; and at half after nine he was
+a lost man, floating over a delicious sea to that temporary heaven on
+earth where lovers usually land after the first rapturous plunge.
+
+If anyone had mentioned this astonishing fact, nobody would have
+believed it; nevertheless, it was quite true, and sober, businesslike
+Archie suddenly discovered a fund of romance at the bottom of his
+hitherto well-conducted heart that amazed him. He was not quite clear
+what had happened to him at first, and sat about in a dazed sort of way,
+seeing, hearing, knowing nothing but Phebe, while the unconscious idol
+found something wanting in the cordial praise so modestly received
+because Mr. Archie never said a word.
+
+This was one of the remarkable things which occurred that evening.
+Another was that Mac paid Rose a compliment, which was such an
+unprecedented fact, it produced a great sensation, though only one
+person heard it.
+
+Everybody had gone but Mac and his father, who was busy with the doctor.
+Aunt Plenty was counting the teaspoons in the dining room, and Phebe was
+helping her as of old. Mac and Rose were alone he apparently in a brown
+study, leaning his elbows on the chimneypiece, and she lying back in a
+low chair looking thoughtfully at the fire. She was tired, and the quiet
+was grateful to her, so she kept silence and Mac respectfully held his
+tongue. Presently, however, she became conscious that he was looking at
+her as intently as eyes and glasses could do it, and without stirring
+from her comfortable attitude, she said, smiling up at him, "He looks as
+wise as an owl I wonder what he's thinking about?"
+
+"You, Cousin."
+
+"Something good, I hope?"
+
+"I was thinking Leigh Hunt was about right when he said, 'A girl is the
+sweetest thing God ever made.'"
+
+"Why, Mac!" and Rose sat bolt upright with an astonished face this was
+such an entirely unexpected sort of remark for the philosopher to make.
+
+Evidently interested in the new discovery, Mac placidly continued, "Do
+you know, it seems as if I never really saw a girl before, or had
+any idea what agreeable creatures they could be. I fancy you are a
+remarkably good specimen, Rose."
+
+"No, indeed! I'm only hearty and happy, and being safe at home again
+may make me look better than usual perhaps, but I'm no beauty except to
+Uncle."
+
+"'Hearty and happy' that must be it," echoed Mac, soberly investigating
+the problem. "Most girls are sickly or silly, I think I have observed,
+and that is probably why I am so struck with you."
+
+"Of all the queer boys you are the queerest! Do you really mean that
+you don't like or notice girls?" asked Rose, much amused at this new
+peculiarity of her studious cousin.
+
+"Well, no, I am only conscious of two sorts noisy and quiet ones. I
+prefer the latter, but, as a general thing, I don't notice any of them
+much more than I do flies, unless they bother me, then I'd like to flap
+them away, but as that won't do, I hide."
+
+Rose leaned back and laughed until her eyes were full. It was so comical
+to hear Mac sink his voice to a confidential whisper at the last
+words and see him smile with sinful satisfaction at the memory of the
+tormentors he had eluded.
+
+"You needn't laugh it's a fact, I assure you. Charlie likes the
+creatures, and they spoil him. Steve follows suit, of course. Archie is
+a respectful slave when he can't help himself. As for me, I don't
+often give them a chance, and when I get caught I talk science and dead
+languages till they run for their lives. Now and then I find a sensible
+one, and then we get on excellently."
+
+"A sad prospect for Phebe and me," sighed Rose, trying to keep sober.
+
+"Phebe is evidently a quiet one. I know she is sensible, or you wouldn't
+care for her. I can see that she is pleasant to look at, so I fancy
+I shall like her. As for you, I helped bring you up, therefore I am a
+little anxious to see how you turn out. I was afraid your foreign polish
+might spoil you, but I think it has not. In fact, I find you quite
+satisfactory so far, if you don't mind my saying it. I don't quite know
+what the charm is, though. Must be the power of inward graces, since you
+insist that you have no outer ones."
+
+Mac was peering at her with a shrewd smile on his lips, but such a
+kindly look behind the glasses that she found both words and glance very
+pleasant and answered merrily, "I am glad you approve of me, and much
+obliged for your care of my early youth. I hope to be a credit to you
+and depend on your keeping me straight, for I'm afraid I shall be spoilt
+among you all."
+
+"I'll keep my eye on you upon one condition," replied the youthful
+mentor.
+
+"Name it."
+
+"If you are going to have a lot of lovers around, I wash my hands of
+you. If not, I'm your man."
+
+"You must be sheep dog and help keep them away, for I don't want any yet
+awhile and, between ourselves, I don't believe I shall have any if it is
+known that I am strong-minded. That fact will scare most men away like a
+yellow flag," said Rose, for, thanks to Dr. Alec's guardianship, she had
+wasted neither heart nor time in the foolish flirtations so many girls
+fritter away their youth upon.
+
+"Hum! I rather doubt that," muttered Mac as he surveyed the damsel
+before him.
+
+She certainly did not look unpleasantly strong-minded, and she was
+beautiful in spite of her modest denials. Beautiful with the truest sort
+of beauty, for nobility of character lent its subtle charm to the bloom
+of youth, the freshness of health, the innocence of a nature whose sweet
+maidenliness Mac felt but could not describe. Gentle yet full of spirit,
+and all aglow with the earnestness that suggests lovely possibilities
+and makes one hope that such human flowers may have heaven's purest air
+and warmest sunshine to blossom in.
+
+"Wait and see," answered Rose; then, as her uncle's voice was heard in
+the hall, she held out her hand, adding pleasantly, "The old times are
+to begin again, so come soon and tell me all your doings and help me
+with mine just as you used to do."
+
+"You really mean it?" And Mac looked much pleased.
+
+"I really do. You are so little altered, except to grow big, that I
+don't feel at all strange with you and want to begin where we left off."
+
+"That will be capital. Good night, Cousin," and to her great amazement,
+he gave her a hearty kiss.
+
+"Oh, but that is not the old way at all!" cried Rose, stepping back
+in merry confusion while the audacious youth assumed an air of mild
+surprise as he innocently asked: "Didn't we always say good night in
+that way? I had an impression that we did and were to begin just as we
+left off."
+
+"Of course not. No power on earth would have bribed you to do it, as you
+know well enough. I don't mind the first night, but we are too old for
+that sort of thing now."
+
+"I'll remember. It was the force of habit, I suppose, for I'm sure
+I must have done it in former times, it seemed so natural. Coming,
+Father!" and Mac retired, evidently convinced he was right.
+
+"Dear old thing! He is as much a boy as ever, and that is such a
+comfort, for some of the others have grown up very fast," said Rose to
+herself, recalling Charlie's sentimental airs and Archie's beatified
+expression while Phebe sang.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 2 OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES
+
+"It is so good to be home again! I wonder how we ever made up our minds
+to go away!" exclaimed Rose as she went roaming about the old house next
+morning, full of the satisfaction one feels at revisiting familiar nooks
+and corners and finding them unchanged.
+
+"That we might have the pleasure of coming back again," answered Phebe,
+walking down the hall beside her little mistress, as happy as she.
+
+"Everything seems just as we left it, even to the rose leaves we used to
+tuck in here," continued the younger girl, peeping into one of the tall
+India jars that stood about the hall.
+
+"Don't you remember how Jamie and Pokey used to play Forty Thieves with
+them, and how you tried to get into that blue one and got stuck, and the
+other boys found us before I could pull you out?" asked Phebe, laughing.
+
+"Yes, indeed, and speaking of angels, one is apt to hear the rustling
+of their wings," added Rose, as a shrill whistle came up the avenue
+accompanied by the clatter of hoofs.
+
+"It is the circus!" cried Phebe gaily as they both recalled the red cart
+and the charge of the clan.
+
+There was only one boy now, alas, but he made noise enough for half a
+dozen, and before Rose could run to the door, Jamie came bouncing in
+with a "shining morning face," a bat over his shoulder, a red and white
+jockey cap on his head, one pocket bulging with a big ball, the other
+overflowing with cookies, and his mouth full of the apple he was just
+finishing off in hot haste.
+
+"Morning! I just looked in to make sure you'd really come and see that
+you were all right," he observed, saluting with bat and doffing the gay
+cap with one effective twitch.
+
+"Good morning, dear. Yes, we really are here, and getting to rights as
+fast as possible. But it seems to me you are rather gorgeous, Jamie.
+What do you belong to a fire company or a jockey club?" asked Rose,
+turning up the once chubby face, which now was getting brown and square
+about the chin.
+
+"No, ma'am! Why, don't you know? I'm captain of the Base Ball Star
+Club. Look at that, will you?" And, as if the fact were one of national
+importance, Jamie flung open his jacket to display upon his proudly
+swelling chest an heart-shaped red flannel shield decorated with a white
+cotton star the size of a tea plate.
+
+"Superb! I've been away so long I forgot there was such a game. And you
+the captain?" cried Rose, deeply impressed by the high honor to which
+her kinsman had arrived.
+
+"I just am, and it's no joke you'd better believe, for we knock our
+teeth out, black our eyes, and split our fingers almost as well as the
+big fellows. You come down to the Common between one and two and see us
+play a match, then you'll understand what hard work it is. I'll teach
+you to bat now if you'll come out on the lawn," added Jamie, fired with
+a wish to exhibit his prowess.
+
+"No, thank you, captain. The grass is wet, and you'll be late at school
+if you stay for us."
+
+"I'm not afraid. Girls are not good for much generally, but you never
+used to mind a little wet and played cricket like a good one. Can't you
+ever do that sort of thing now?" asked the boy, with a pitying look
+at these hapless creatures debarred from the joys and perils of manly
+sports.
+
+"I can run still and I'll get to the gate before you, see if I don't."
+And, yielding to the impulse of the moment, Rose darted down the steps
+before astonished Jamie could mount and follow.
+
+He was off in a moment, but Rose had the start, and though old Sheltie
+did his best, she reached the goal just ahead, and stood there laughing
+and panting, all rosy with fresh October air, a pretty picture for
+several gentlemen who were driving by.
+
+"Good for you, Rose!" said Archie, jumping out to shake hands while Will
+and Geordie saluted and Uncle Mac laughed at Jamie, who looked as if
+girls had risen slightly in his opinion.
+
+"I'm glad it is you, because you won't be shocked. But I'm so happy to
+be back I forgot I was not little Rose still," said Atalanta, smoothing
+down her flying hair.
+
+"You look very like her, with the curls on your shoulders in the old
+way. I missed them last night and wondered what it was. How are Uncle
+and Phebe?" asked Archie, whose eyes had been looking over Rose's head
+while he spoke toward the piazza, where a female figure was visible
+among the reddening woodbines.
+
+"All well, thanks. Won't you come up and see for yourselves?"
+
+"Can't, my dear, can't possibly. Business, you know, business. This
+fellow is my right-hand man, and I can't spare him a minute. Come, Arch,
+we must be off, or these boys will miss their train," answered Uncle
+Mac, pulling out his watch.
+
+With a last look from the light-haired figure at the gate to the
+dark-haired one among the vines, Archie drove away and Jamie cantered
+after, consoling himself for his defeat with apple number two.
+
+Rose lingered a moment, feeling much inclined to continue her run and
+pop in upon all the aunts in succession, but, remembering her uncovered
+head, was about to turn back when a cheerful "Ahoy! ahoy!" made her look
+up to see Mac approaching at a great pace, waving his hat as he came.
+
+"The Campbells are coming, thick and fast this morning, and the more the
+merrier," she said, running to meet him. "You look like a good boy going
+to school, and virtuously conning your lesson by the way," she added,
+smiling to see him take his finger out of the book he had evidently been
+reading, and tuck it under his arm, just as he used to do years ago.
+
+"I am a schoolboy, going to the school I like best," he answered, waving
+a plumy spray of asters as if pointing out the lovely autumn world about
+them, full of gay hues, fresh airs, and mellow sunshine.
+
+"That reminds me that I didn't get a chance to hear much about your
+plans last night the other boys all talked at once, and you only got a
+word now and then. What have you decided to be, Mac?" asked Rose as they
+went up the avenue side by side.
+
+"A man first, and a good one if possible. After that, what God pleases."
+
+Something in the tone, as well as the words, made Rose look up quickly
+into Mac's face to see a new expression there. It was indescribable, but
+she felt as she had often done when watching the mists part suddenly,
+giving glimpses of some mountaintop, shining serene and high against the
+blue.
+
+"I think you will be something splendid, for you really look quite
+glorified, walking under this arch of yellow leaves with the sunshine on
+your face," she exclaimed, conscious of a sudden admiration never felt
+before, for Mac was the plainest of all the cousins.
+
+"I don't know about that, but I have my dreams and aspirations, and
+some of them are pretty high ones. Aim at the best, you know, and keep
+climbing if you want to get on," he said, looking at the asters with an
+inward sort of smile, as if he and they had some sweet secret between
+them.
+
+"You are queerer than ever. But I like your ambition, and hope you will
+get on. Only mustn't you begin at something soon? I fancied you would
+study medicine with Uncle that used to be our plan, you know."
+
+"I shall, for the present at least, because I quite agree with you that
+it is necessary to have an anchor somewhere and not go floating off into
+the world of imagination without ballast of the right sort. Uncle and
+I had some talk about it last night and I'm going to begin as soon as
+possible, for I've mooned long enough," and giving himself a shake, Mac
+threw down the pretty spray, adding half aloud:
+
+    "Chide me not, laborious band,
+      For the idle flowers I brought:
+
+    Every aster in my hand
+      Goes home laden with a thought."
+
+Rose caught the words and smiled, thinking to herself, "Oh, that's it
+he is getting into the sentimental age and Aunt Jane has been lecturing
+him. Dear me, how we are growing up!"
+
+"You look as if you didn't like the prospect very well," she said
+aloud, for Mac had rammed the volume of Shelley into his pocket and the
+glorified expression was so entirely gone, Rose fancied she had been
+mistaken about the mountaintop behind the mists.
+
+"Yes, well enough I always thought the profession a grand one, and
+where could I find a better teacher than Uncle? I've got into lazy ways
+lately, and it is high time I went at something useful, so here I go,"
+and Mac abruptly vanished into the study while Rose joined Phebe in Aunt
+Plenty's room.
+
+The dear old lady had just decided, after long and earnest discussion,
+which of six favorite puddings should be served for dinner, and thus had
+a few moments to devote to sentiment, so when Rose came in she held out
+her arms, saying fondly: "I shall not feel as if I'd got my child back
+again until I have her in my lap a minute. No, you're not a bit too
+heavy, my rheumatism doesn't begin much before November, so sit here,
+darling, and put your two arms round my neck."
+
+Rose obeyed, and neither spoke for a moment as the old woman held the
+young one close and appeased the two years' longing of a motherly heart
+by the caresses women give the creatures dearest to them. Right in the
+middle of a kiss, however, she stopped suddenly and, holding out one
+arm, caught Phebe, who was trying to steal away unobserved.
+
+"Don't go there's room for both in my love, though there isn't in my
+lap. I'm so grateful to get my dear girls safely home again that I
+hardly know what I'm about," said Aunt Plenty, embracing Phebe so
+heartily that she could not feel left out in the cold and stood there
+with her black eyes shining through the happiest tears.
+
+"There, now I've had a good hug, and feel as if I was all right again. I
+wish you'd set that cap in order, Rose I went to bed in such a hurry,
+I pulled the strings off it and left it all in a heap. Phebe, dear, you
+shall dust round a mite, just as you used to, for I haven't had anyone
+to do it as I like since you've been gone, and it will do me good to see
+all my knickknacks straightened out in your tidy way," said the elder
+lady, getting up with a refreshed expression on her rosy old face.
+
+"Shall I dust in here too?" asked Phebe, glancing toward an inner room
+which used to be her care.
+
+"No, dear, I'd rather do that myself. Go in if you like, nothing is
+changed. I must go and see to my pudding." And Aunt Plenty trotted
+abruptly away with a quiver of emotion in her voice which made even her
+last words pathetic.
+
+Pausing on the threshold as if it was a sacred place, the girls looked
+in with eyes soon dimmed by tender tears, for it seemed as if the gentle
+occupant was still there. Sunshine shone on the old geraniums by the
+window; the cushioned chair stood in its accustomed place, with the
+white wrapper hung across it and the faded slippers lying ready. Books
+and basket, knitting and spectacles, were all just as she had left them,
+and the beautiful tranquility that always filled the room seemed so
+natural, both lookers turned involuntarily toward the bed, where Aunt
+Peace used to greet them with a smile. There was no sweet old face upon
+the pillow now, yet the tears that wet the blooming cheeks were not for
+her who had gone, but for her who was left, because they saw something
+which spoke eloquently of the love which outlives death and makes the
+humblest things beautiful and sacred.
+
+A well-worn footstool stood beside the bed, and in the high-piled
+whiteness of the empty couch there was a little hollow where a gray head
+nightly rested while Aunt Plenty said the prayers her mother taught her
+seventy years ago.
+
+Without a word, the girls softly shut the door. And while Phebe put the
+room in the most exquisite order, Rose retrimmed the plain white cap,
+where pink and yellow ribbons never rustled now, both feeling honored
+by their tasks and better for their knowledge of the faithful love and
+piety which sanctified a good old woman's life.
+
+"You darling creature, I'm so glad to get you back! I know it's
+shamefully early, but I really couldn't keep away another minute. Let
+me help you I'm dying to see all your splendid things. I saw the trunks
+pass and I know you've quantities of treasures," cried Annabel Bliss all
+in one breath as she embraced Rose an hour later and glanced about the
+room bestrewn with a variety of agreeable objects.
+
+"How well you are looking! Sit down and I'll show you my lovely
+photographs. Uncle chose all the best for me, and it's a treat to see
+them," answered Rose, putting a roll on the table and looking about for
+more.
+
+"Oh, thanks! I haven't time now one needs hours to study such things.
+Show me your Paris dresses, there's a dear I'm perfectly aching to see
+the last styles," and Annabel cast a hungry eye toward certain large
+boxes delightfully suggestive of French finery.
+
+"I haven't got any," said Rose, fondly surveying the fine photographs as
+she laid them away.
+
+"Rose Campbell! You don't mean to say that you didn't get one Paris
+dress at least?" cried Annabel, scandalized at the bare idea of such
+neglect.
+
+"Not one for myself. Aunt Clara ordered several, and will be charmed to
+show them when her box comes."
+
+"Such a chance! Right there and plenty of money! How could you love your
+uncle after such cruelty?" sighed Annabel, with a face full of sympathy.
+
+Rose looked puzzled for a minute, then seemed to understand, and assumed
+a superior air which became her very well as she said, good-naturedly
+opening a box of laces, "Uncle did not forbid my doing it, and I had
+money enough, but I chose not to spend it on things of that sort."
+
+"Could and didn't! I can't believe it!" And Annabel sank into a chair,
+as if the thought was too much for her.
+
+"I did rather want to at first, just for the fun of the thing. In fact,
+I went and looked at some amazing gowns. But they were very expensive,
+very much trimmed, and not my style at all, so I gave them up and kept
+what I valued more than all the gowns Worth every made."
+
+"What in the world was it?" cried Annabel, hoping she would say
+diamonds.
+
+"Uncle's good opinion," answered Rose, looking thoughtfully into the
+depths of a packing case, where lay the lovely picture that would always
+remind her of the little triumph over girlish vanity, which not only
+kept but increased "Uncle's good opinion."
+
+"Oh, indeed!" said Annabel blankly, and fell to examining Aunt Plenty's
+lace while Rose went on with a happy smile in her eyes as she dived into
+another trunk.
+
+"Uncle thinks one has no right to waste money on such things, but he
+is very generous and loves to give useful, beautiful, or curious gifts.
+See, all these pretty ornaments are for presents, and you shall choose
+first whatever you like."
+
+"He's a perfect dear!" cried Annabel, reveling in the crystal, filigree,
+coral, and mosaic trinkets spread before her while Rose completed her
+rapture by adding sundry tasteful trifles fresh from Paris.
+
+"Now tell me, when do you mean to have your coming-out party? I ask
+because I've nothing ready and want plenty of time, for I suppose it
+will be the event of the season," asked Annabel a few minutes later as
+she wavered between a pink coral and a blue lava set.
+
+"I came out when I went to Europe, but I suppose Aunty Plen will want to
+have some sort of merry-making to celebrate our return. I shall begin
+as I mean to go on, and have a simple, sociable sort of party and invite
+everyone whom I like, no matter in what 'set' they happen to belong. No
+one shall ever say I am aristocratic and exclusive so prepare yourself
+to be shocked, for old friends and young, rich and poor, will be asked
+to all my parties."
+
+"Oh, my heart! You are going to be odd, just as Mama predicted!" sighed
+Annabel, clasping her hands in despair and studying the effect of three
+bracelets on her chubby arm in the midst of her woe.
+
+"In my own house I'm going to do as I think best, and if people call me
+odd, I can't help it. I shall endeavor not to do anything very dreadful,
+but I seem to inherit Uncle's love for experiments and mean to try some.
+I daresay they will fail and I shall get laughed at. I intend to do it
+nevertheless, so you had better drop me now before I begin," said Rose
+with an air of resolution that was rather alarming.
+
+"What shall you wear at this new sort of party of yours?" asked Annabel,
+wisely turning a deaf ear to all delicate or dangerous topics and
+keeping to matters she understood.
+
+"That white thing over there. It is fresh and pretty, and Phebe has one
+like it. I never want to dress more than she does, and gowns of that
+sort are always most becoming and appropriate to girls of our age."
+
+"Phebe! You don't mean to say you are going to make a lady of her!"
+gasped Annabel, upsetting her treasures as she fell back with a gesture
+that made the little chair creak again, for Miss Bliss was as plump as a
+partridge.
+
+"She is one already, and anybody who slights her slights me, for she is
+the best girl I know and the dearest," cried Rose warmly.
+
+"Yes, of course I was only surprised you are quite right, for she may
+turn out to be somebody, and then how glad you'll feel that you were so
+good to her!" said Annabel, veering around at once, seeing which way the
+wind blew.
+
+Before Rose could speak again, a cheery voice called from the hall,
+"Little mistress, where are you?"
+
+"In my room, Phebe, dear," and up came the girl Rose was going to "make
+a lady of," looking so like one that Annabel opened her china-blue eyes
+and smiled involuntarily as Phebe dropped a little curtsey in playful
+imitation of her old manner and said quietly: "How do you do, Miss
+Bliss?"
+
+"Glad to see you back, Miss Moore," answered Annabel, shaking hands in a
+way that settled the question of Phebe's place in her mind forever, for
+the stout damsel had a kind heart in spite of a weak head and was really
+fond of Rose. It was evidently "Love me, love my Phebe," so she made up
+her mind on the spot that Phebe was somebody, and that gave an air of
+romance even to the poorhouse.
+
+She could not help staring a little as she watched the two friends work
+together and listened to their happy talk over each new treasure as
+it came to light, for every look and word plainly showed that years
+of close companionship had made them very dear to one another. It was
+pretty to see Rose try to do the hardest part of any little job herself
+still prettier to see Phebe circumvent her and untie the hard knots,
+fold the stiff papers, or lift the heavy trays with her own strong
+hands, and prettiest of all to hear her say in a motherly tone, as she
+put Rose into an easy chair: "Now, my deary, sit and rest, for you
+will have to see company all day, and I can't let you get tired out so
+early."
+
+"That is no reason why I should let you either. Call Jane to help or
+I'll bob up again directly," answered Rose, with a very bad assumption
+of authority.
+
+"Jane may take my place downstairs, but no one shall wait on you here
+except me, as long as I'm with you," said stately Phebe, stooping to put
+a hassock under the feet of her little mistress.
+
+"It is very nice and pretty to see, but I don't know what people will
+say when she goes into society with the rest of us. I do hope Rose won't
+be very odd," said Annabel to herself as she went away to circulate
+the depressing news that there was to be no grand ball and, saddest
+disappointment of all, that Rose had not a single Paris costume with
+which to refresh the eyes and rouse the envy of her amiable friends.
+
+"Now I've seen or heard from all the boys but Charlie, and I suppose he
+is too busy. I wonder what he is about," thought Rose, turning from the
+hall door, whither she had courteously accompanied her guest.
+
+The wish was granted a moment after, for, going into the parlor to
+decide where some of her pictures should hang, she saw a pair of brown
+boots at one end of the sofa, a tawny-brown head at the other, and
+discovered that Charlie was busily occupied in doing nothing.
+
+"The voice of the Bliss was heard in the land, so I dodged till she went
+upstairs, and then took a brief siesta while waiting to pay my respects
+to the distinguished traveler, Lady Hester Stanhope," he said, leaping
+up to make his best bow.
+
+"The voice of the sluggard would be a more appropriate quotation, I
+think. Does Annabel still pine for you?" asked Rose, recalling certain
+youthful jokes upon the subject of unrequited affections.
+
+"Not a bit of it. Fun has cut me out, and the fair Annabella will be
+Mrs. Tokio before the winter is over if I'm not much mistaken."
+
+"What, little Fun See? How droll it seems to think of him grown up and
+married to Annabel of all people! She never said a word about him, but
+this accounts for her admiring my pretty Chinese things and being so
+interested in Canton."
+
+"Little Fun is a great swell now, and much enamored of our fat friend,
+who will take to chopsticks whenever he says the word. I needn't ask how
+you do, Cousin, for you beat that Aurora all hollow in the way of color.
+I should have been up before, but I thought you'd like a good rest after
+your voyage."
+
+"I was running a race with Jamie before nine o'clock. What were you
+doing, young man?"
+
+"'Sleeping I dreamed, love, dreamed, love, of thee,'" began Charlie, but
+Rose cut him short by saying as reproachfully as she could, while the
+culprit stood regarding her with placid satisfaction: "You ought to have
+been up and at work like the rest of the boys. I felt like a drone in
+a hive of very busy bees when I saw them all hurrying off to their
+business."
+
+"But, my dear girl, I've got no business. I'm making up my mind, you
+see, and do the ornamental while I'm deciding. There always ought to
+be one gentleman in a family, and that seems to be rather my line,"
+answered Charlie, posing for the character with an assumption of languid
+elegance which would have been very effective if his twinkling eyes had
+not spoilt it.
+
+"There are none but gentlemen in our family, I hope," answered Rose,
+with the proud air she always wore when anything was said derogatory to
+the name of Campbell.
+
+"Of course, of course. I should have said gentleman of leisure. You see
+it is against my principles to slave as Archie does. What's the use?
+Don't need the money, got plenty, so why not enjoy it and keep jolly
+as long as possible? I'm sure cheerful people are public benefactors in
+this world of woe."
+
+It was not easy to object to this proposition, especially when made by
+a comely young man who looked the picture of health and happiness as he
+sat on the arm of the sofa smiling at his cousin in the most engaging
+manner. Rose knew very well that the Epicurean philosophy was not the
+true one to begin life upon, but it was difficult to reason with Charlie
+because he always dodged sober subjects and was so full of cheery
+spirits, one hated to lessen the sort of sunshine which certainly is a
+public benefactor.
+
+"You have such a clever way of putting things that I don't know how to
+contradict you, though I still think I'm right," she said gravely. "Mac
+likes to idle as well as you, but he is not going to do it because he
+knows it's bad for him to fritter away his time. He is going to study
+a profession like a wise boy, though he would much prefer to live among
+his beloved books or ride his hobbies in peace."
+
+"That's all very well for him, because he doesn't care for society and
+may as well be studying medicine as philandering about the woods
+with his pockets full of musty philosophers and old-fashioned poets,"
+answered Charlie with a shrug which plainly expressed his opinion of
+Mac.
+
+"I wonder if musty philosophers, like Socrates and Aristotle, and
+old-fashioned poets, like Shakespeare and Milton, are not safer company
+for him to keep than some of the more modern friends you have?" said
+Rose, remembering Jamie's hints about wild oats, for she could be a
+little sharp sometimes and had not lectured "the boys" for so long it
+seemed unusually pleasant.
+
+But Charlie changed the subject skillfully by exclaiming with an anxious
+expression: "I do believe you are going to be like Aunt Jane, for that's
+just the way she comes down on me whenever she gets the chance!
+Don't take her for a model, I beg she is a good woman but a mighty
+disagreeable one in my humble opinion."
+
+The fear of being disagreeable is a great bugbear to a girl, as this
+artful young man well knew, and Rose fell into the trap at once, for
+Aunt Jane was far from being her model, though she could not help
+respecting her worth.
+
+"Have you given up your painting?" she asked rather abruptly, turning to
+a gilded Fra Angelico angel which leaned in the sofa corner.
+
+"Sweetest face I ever saw, and very like you about the eyes, isn't
+it?" said Charlie, who seemed to have a Yankee trick of replying to one
+question with another.
+
+"I want an answer, not a compliment," and Rose tried to look severe as
+she put away the picture more quickly than she had taken it up.
+
+"Have I given up painting? Oh, no! I daub a little in oils, slop a
+little in watercolors, sketch now and then, and poke about the studios
+when the artistic fit comes on."
+
+"How is the music?"
+
+"More flourishing. I don't practice much, but sing a good deal in
+company. Set up a guitar last summer and went troubadouring round in
+great style. The girls like it, and it's jolly among the fellows."
+
+"Are you studying anything?"
+
+"Well, I have some lawbooks on my table good, big, wise-looking chaps
+and I take a turn at them semioccasionally when pleasure palls or
+parents chide. But I doubt if I do more than learn what 'a allybi' is
+this year," and a sly laugh in Charlie's eye suggested that he sometimes
+availed himself of this bit of legal knowledge.
+
+"What do you do then?"
+
+"Fair catechist, I enjoy myself. Private theatricals have been the rage
+of late, and I have won such laurels that I seriously think of adopting
+the stage as my profession."
+
+"Really!" cried Rose, alarmed.
+
+"Why not? If I must go to work, isn't that as good as anything?"
+
+"Not without more talent than I think you possess. With genius one can
+do anything without it one had better let the stage alone."
+
+"There's a quencher for the 'star of the goodlie companie' to which I
+belong. Mac hasn't a ray of genius for anything, yet you admire him for
+trying to be an M.D.," cried Charlie, rather nettled at her words.
+
+"It is respectable, at all events, and I'd rather be a second-rate
+doctor than a second-rate actor. But I know you don't mean it, and only
+say so to frighten me."
+
+"Exactly. I always bring it up when anyone begins to lecture and it
+works wonders. Uncle Mac turns pale, the aunts hold up their hands in
+holy horror, and a general panic ensues. Then I magnanimously promise
+not to disgrace the family and in the first burst of gratitude the dear
+souls agree to everything I ask, so peace is restored and I go on my way
+rejoicing."
+
+"Just the way you used to threaten to run off to sea if your mother
+objected to any of your whims. You are not changed in that respect,
+though you are in others. You had great plans and projects once,
+Charlie, and now you seem to be contented with being a 'jack of all
+trades and master of none'".
+
+"Boyish nonsense! Time has brought wisdom, and I don't see the sense of
+tying myself down to one particular thing and grinding away at it year
+after year. People of one idea get so deucedly narrow and tame, I've
+no patience with them. Culture is the thing, and the sort one gets by
+ranging over a wide field is the easiest to acquire, the handiest to
+have, and the most successful in the end. At any rate, it is the kind I
+like and the only kind I intend to bother myself about."
+
+With this declaration, Charlie smoothed his brow, clasped his hands over
+his head, and, leaning back, gently warbled the chorus of a college song
+as if it expressed his views of life better than he could:
+
+    "While our rosy fillets shed
+    Blushes o'er each fervid head,
+    With many a cup and many a smile
+    The festal moments we beguile."
+
+"Some of my saints here were people of one idea, and though they were
+not very successful from a worldly point of view while alive, they were
+loved and canonized when dead," said Rose, who had been turning over a
+pile of photographs on the table and just then found her favorite, St.
+Francis, among them.
+
+"This is more to my taste. Those worn-out, cadaverous fellows give me
+the blues, but here's a gentlemanly saint who takes things easy and does
+good as he goes along without howling over his own sins or making other
+people miserable by telling them of theirs." And Charlie laid a handsome
+St. Martin beside the brown-frocked monk.
+
+Rose looked at both and understood why her cousin preferred the
+soldierly figure with the sword to the ascetic with his crucifix. One
+was riding bravely through the world in purple and fine linen, with
+horse and hound and squires at his back; and the other was in a
+lazar-house, praying over the dead and dying. The contrast was a strong
+one, and the girl's eyes lingered longest on the knight, though she said
+thoughtfully, "Yours is certainly the pleasantest and yet I never heard
+of any good deed he did, except divide his cloak with a beggar, while
+St. Francis gave himself to charity just when life was most tempting and
+spent years working for God without reward. He's old and poor, and in a
+dreadful place, but I won't give him up, and you may have your gay St.
+Martin if you want him."
+
+"No, thank you, saints are not in my line but I'd like the golden-haired
+angel in the blue gown if you'll let me have her. She shall be my little
+Madonna, and I'll pray to her like a good Catholic," answered Charlie,
+turning to the delicate, deep-eyed figure with the lilies in its hand.
+
+"With all my heart, and any others that you like. Choose some for your
+mother and give them to her with my love."
+
+So Charlie sat down beside Rose to turn and talk over the pictures for
+a long and pleasant hour. But when they went away to lunch, if there
+had been anyone to observe so small but significant a trifle, good St.
+Francis lay face downward behind the sofa, while gallant St. Martin
+stood erect upon the chimneypiece.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 3 MISS CAMPBELL
+
+While the travelers unpack their trunks, we will pick up, as briefly as
+possible, the dropped stitches in the little romance we are weaving.
+
+Rose's life had been a very busy and quiet one for the four years
+following the May day when she made her choice. Study, exercise,
+housework, and many wholesome pleasures kept her a happy, hearty
+creature, yearly growing in womanly graces, yet always preserving
+the innocent freshness girls lose so soon when too early set upon the
+world's stage and given a part to play.
+
+Not a remarkably gifted girl in any way, and far from perfect; full of
+all manner of youthful whims and fancies; a little spoiled by much love;
+rather apt to think all lives as safe and sweet as her own; and,
+when want or pain appealed to her, the tender heart overflowed with a
+remorseful charity which gave of its abundance recklessly. Yet, with
+all her human imperfections, the upright nature of the child kept her
+desires climbing toward the just and pure and true, as flowers struggle
+to the light; and the woman's soul was budding beautifully under the
+green leaves behind the little thorns.
+
+At seventeen, Dr. Alec pronounced her ready for the voyage around the
+world, which he considered a better finishing off than any school
+could give her. But just then Aunt Peace began to fail and soon slipped
+quietly away to rejoin the lover she had waited for so long. Youth
+seemed to come back in a mysterious way to touch the dead face with lost
+loveliness, and all the romance of her past to gather around her memory.
+Unlike most aged women, her friends were among the young, and at her
+funeral the grayheads gave place to the band of loving girls who made
+the sweet old maiden ready for her rest, bore her pall, and covered her
+grave with the white flowers she had never worn.
+
+When this was over poor Aunt Plenty seemed so lost without her lifelong
+charge that Dr. Alec would not leave her, and Rose gladly paid the debt
+she owed by the tender service which comforts without words. But Aunt
+Plenty, having lived for others all her days, soon rebelled against this
+willing sacrifice, soon found strength in her own sincere piety, solace
+in cheerful occupation, and amusement in nursing Aunt Myra, who was a
+capital patient, as she never died and never got well.
+
+So at last the moment came when, with free minds, the travelers could
+set out, and on Rose's eighteenth birthday, with Uncle Alec and the
+faithful Phebe, she sailed away to see and study the big, beautiful
+world which lies ready for us all if we only know how to use and enjoy
+it.
+
+Phebe was set to studying music in the best schools, and while she
+trained her lovely voice with happy industry, Rose and her uncle roamed
+about in the most delightful way till two years were gone like a dream
+and those at home clamored for their return.
+
+Back they came, and now the heiress must make ready to take her place,
+for at twenty-one she came into possession of the fortune she had been
+trying to learn how to use well. Great plans fermented in her brain,
+for, though the heart was as generous as ever, time had taught her
+prudence and observation shown her that the wisest charity is that which
+helps the poor to help themselves.
+
+Dr. Alec found it a little difficult to restrain the ardor of this young
+philanthropist who wanted to begin at once to endow hospitals, build
+homes, adopt children, and befriend all mankind.
+
+"Take a little time to look about you and get your bearings, child. The
+world you have been living in is a much simpler, honester one than that
+you are now to enter. Test yourself a bit and see if the old ways seem
+best after all, for you are old enough to decide, and wise enough to
+discover, what is for your truest good, I hope," he said, trying to feel
+ready to let the bird escape from under his wing and make little flights
+alone.
+
+"Now, Uncle, I'm very much afraid you are going to be disappointed in
+me," answered Rose with unusual hesitation yet a very strong desire
+visible in her eyes. "You like to have me quite honest, and I've learned
+to tell you all my foolish thoughts so I'll speak out, and if you find
+my wish very wrong and silly, please say so, for I don't want you to
+cast me off entirely, though I am grown up. You say, wait a little, test
+myself, and try if the old ways are best. I should like to do that, and
+can I in a better way than leading the life other girls lead? Just for a
+little while," she added, as her uncle's face grew grave.
+
+He was disappointed, yet acknowledged that the desire was natural and
+in a moment saw that a trial of this sort might have its advantages.
+Nevertheless, he dreaded it, for he had intended to choose her society
+carefully and try to keep her unspoiled by the world as long as
+possible, like many another fond parent and guardian. But the spirit of
+Eve is strong in all her daughters forbidden fruit will look rosier to
+them than any in their own orchards, and the temptation to take just one
+little bite proves irresistible to the wisest. So Rose, looking out from
+the safe seclusion of her girlhood into the woman's kingdom which she
+was about to take possession of, felt a sudden wish to try its pleasures
+before assuming its responsibilities, and was too sincere to hide the
+longing.
+
+"Very well, my dear, try it if you like, only take care of your health
+be temperate in your gaiety and don't lose more than you gain, if that
+is possible," he added under his breath, endeavoring to speak cheerfully
+and not look anxious.
+
+"I know it is foolish, but I do want to be a regular butterfly for a
+little while and see what it is like. You know I couldn't help seeing a
+good deal of fashionable life abroad, though we were not in it, and here
+at home the girls tell me about all sorts of pleasant things that are to
+happen this winter, so if you won't despise me very much, I should like
+to try it."
+
+"For how long?"
+
+"Would three months be too long? New Year is a good time to take a fresh
+start. Everyone is going to welcome me, so I must be gay in spite of
+myself, unless I'm willing to seem very ungrateful and morose," said
+Rose, glad to have so good a reason to offer for her new experiment.
+
+"You may like it so well that the three months may become years.
+Pleasure is very sweet when we are young."
+
+"Do you think it will intoxicate me?"
+
+"We shall see, my dear."
+
+"We shall!" And Rose marched away, looking as if she had taken a pledge
+of some sort, and meant to keep it.
+
+It was a great relief to the public mind when it became known that Miss
+Campbell was really coming out at last, and invitations to Aunt Plenty's
+party were promptly accepted. Aunt Clara was much disappointed about the
+grand ball she had planned, but Rose stood firm, and the dear old lady
+had her way about everything.
+
+The consequence was a delightfully informal gathering of friends to
+welcome the travelers home. Just a good, old-fashioned, hospitable
+housewarming, so simple, cordial, and genuine that those who came to
+criticize remained to enjoy, and many owned the charm they could neither
+describe nor imitate.
+
+Much curiosity was felt about Phebe, and much gossip went on behind fans
+that evening, for those who had known her years ago found it hard to
+recognize the little housemaid in the handsome young woman who bore
+herself with such quiet dignity and charmed them all with her fine
+voice. "Cinderella has turned out a princess," was the general verdict,
+and Rose enjoyed the little sensation immensely, for she had had many
+battles to fight for her Phebe since she came among them, and now her
+faith was vindicated.
+
+Miss Campbell herself was in great demand and did the honors so prettily
+that even Miss Bliss forgave her for her sad neglect of Worth, though
+she shook her head over the white gowns, just alike except that Phebe
+wore crimson and Rose, blue trimmings.
+
+The girls swarmed eagerly around their recovered friend, for Rose had
+been a favorite before she went away and found her throne waiting for
+her now. The young men privately pronounced Phebe the handsomest "But
+then you know there's neither family nor money, so it's no use." Phebe,
+therefore, was admired as one of the ornamental properties belonging to
+the house and left respectfully alone.
+
+But bonny Rose was "all right," as these amiable youths expressed it,
+and many a wistful eye followed the bright head as it flitted about the
+rooms as if it were a second Golden Fleece to be won with difficulty,
+for stalwart kinsmen hedged it round, and watchful aunts kept guard.
+
+Little wonder that the girl found her new world an enchanting one and
+that her first sip of pleasure rather went to her head, for everybody
+welcomed and smiled on her, flattered and praised, whispered agreeable
+prophecies in her ear, and looked the compliments and congratulations
+they dared not utter till she felt as if she must have left her old self
+somewhere abroad and suddenly become a new and wonderfully gifted being.
+
+"It is very nice, Uncle, and I'm not sure I mayn't want another three
+months of it when the first are gone," she whispered to Dr. Alec as he
+stood watching the dance she was leading with Charlie in the long hall
+after supper.
+
+"Steady, my lass, steady, and remember that you are not really a
+butterfly but a mortal girl with a head that will ache tomorrow," he
+answered, watching the flushed and smiling face before him. "I almost
+wish there wasn't any tomorrow, but that tonight would last forever it
+is so pleasant, and everyone so kind," she said with a little sigh of
+happiness as she gathered up her fleecy skirts like a white bird pluming
+itself for flight.
+
+"I'll ask your opinion about that at two A.M.," began her uncle with a
+warning nod.
+
+"I'll give it honestly," was all Rose had time to say before Charlie
+swept her away into the particolored cloud before them.
+
+"It's no use, Alec train a girl as wisely as you choose, she will break
+loose when the time comes and go in for pleasure as eagerly as the most
+frivolous, for ''tis their nature to,'" said Uncle Mac, keeping time
+to the music as if he would not mind "going in" for a bit of pleasure
+himself.
+
+"My girl shall taste and try, but unless I'm much mistaken, a little
+bit of it will satisfy her. I want to see if she will stand the test,
+because if not, all my work is a failure and I'd like to know it,"
+answered the doctor with a hopeful smile on his lips but an anxious look
+in his eyes.
+
+"She will come out all right bless her heart! so let her sow her
+innocent wild oats and enjoy herself till she is ready to settle down.
+I wish all our young folks were likely to have as small a crop and get
+through as safely as she will," added Uncle Mac with a shake of the head
+as he glanced at some of the young men revolving before him.
+
+"Nothing amiss with your lads, I hope?"
+
+"No, thank heaven! So far I've had little trouble with either, though
+Mac is an odd stick and Steve a puppy. I don't complain, for both will
+outgrow that sort of thing and are good fellows at heart, thanks to
+their mother. But Clara's boy is in a bad way, and she will spoil him as
+a man as she has as a boy if his father doesn't interfere."
+
+"I told brother Stephen all about him when I was in Calcutta last year,
+and he wrote to the boy, but Clara has got no end of plans in her head
+and so she insisted on keeping Charlie a year longer when his father
+ordered him off to India," replied the doctor as they walked away.
+
+"It is too late to 'order' Charlie is a man now, and Stephen will find
+he has been too easy with him all these years. Poor fellow, it has been
+hard lines for him, and is likely to be harder, I fancy, unless he comes
+home and straightens things out."
+
+"He won't do that if he can help it. He has lost all his energy living
+in that climate and hates worry more than ever, so you can imagine what
+an effort it would be to manage a foolish woman and a headstrong boy. We
+must lend a hand, Mac, and do our best for poor old Steve."
+
+"The best we can do for the lad is to marry and settle him as soon as
+possible."
+
+"My dear fellow, he is only three and twenty," began the doctor, as
+if the idea was preposterous. Then a sudden change came over him as
+he added with a melancholy smile, "I forget how much one can hope and
+suffer, even at twenty-three."
+
+"And be all the better for, if bravely outlived," said Uncle Mac, with
+his hand on his brother's shoulder and the sincerest approval in
+his voice. Then, kindly returning to the younger people, he went on
+inquiringly, "You don't incline to Clara's view of a certain matter, I
+fancy?"
+
+"Decidedly not. My girl must have the best, and Clara's training would
+spoil an angel," answered Dr. Alec quickly.
+
+"But we shall find it hard to let our little Rose go out of the family.
+How would Archie do? He has been well brought up and is a thoroughly
+excellent lad."
+
+The brothers had retired to the study by this time and were alone, yet
+Dr. Alec lowered his voice as he said with a tender sort of anxiety
+pleasant to see: "You know I do not approve of cousins marrying, so I'm
+in a quandary, Mac, for I love the child as if she were my own and feel
+as if I could not give her up to any man whom I did not know and trust
+entirely. It is of no use for us to plan, for she must choose for
+herself yet I do wish we could keep her among us and give one of our
+boys a wife worth having."
+
+"We must, so never mind your theories but devote yourself to testing our
+elder lads and making one of them a happy fellow. All are heart-whole,
+I believe, and, though young still for this sort of thing, we can be
+gently shaping matters for them, since no one knows how soon the moment
+may come. My faith it is like living in a powder mill to be among a lot
+of young folks nowadays! All looks as calm as possible till a sudden
+spark produces an explosion, and heaven only knows where we find
+ourselves after it is over."
+
+And Uncle Mac sat himself comfortably down to settle Rose's fate while
+the doctor paced the room, plucking at his beard and knitting his brows
+as if he found it hard to see his way.
+
+"Yes, Archie is a good fellow," he said, answering the question he had
+ignored before. "An upright, steady, intelligent lad who will make an
+excellent husband if he ever finds out that he has a heart. I suppose
+I'm an old fool, but I do like a little more romance in a young man than
+he seems to have more warmth and enthusiasm, you know. Bless the boy! He
+might be forty instead of three or four and twenty, he's so sober, calm,
+and cool. I'm younger than he is, and could go a-wooing like a Romeo if
+I had any heart to offer a woman."
+
+The doctor looked rather shamefaced as he spoke, and his brother
+burst out laughing. "See here, Alec, it's a pity so much romance and
+excellence as yours should be lost, so why don't you set these young
+fellows an example and go a-wooing yourself? Jessie has been wondering
+how you have managed to keep from falling in love with Phebe all this
+time, and Clara is quite sure that you waited only till she was safe
+under Aunt Plenty's wing to offer yourself in the good old-fashioned
+style."
+
+"I!" And the doctor stood aghast at the mere idea, then he gave a
+resigned sort of sigh and added like a martyr, "If those dear women
+would let me alone, I'd thank them forever. Put the idea out of their
+minds for heaven's sake, Mac, or I shall be having that poor girl flung
+at my head and her comfort destroyed. She is a fine creature and I'm
+proud of her, but she deserves a better lot than to be tied to an old
+fellow like me whose only merit is his fidelity."
+
+"As you please, I was only joking," and Uncle Mac dropped the subject
+with secret relief. The excellent man thought a good deal of family and
+had been rather worried at the hints of the ladies. After a moment's
+silence he returned to a former topic, which was rather a pet plan of
+his. "I don't think you do Archie justice, Alec. You don't know him as
+well as I do, but you'll find that he has heart enough under his cool,
+quiet manner. I've grown very fond of him, think highly of him, and
+don't see how you could do better for Rose than to give her to him."
+
+"If she will go," said the doctor, smiling at his brother's businesslike
+way of disposing of the young people.
+
+"She'll do anything to please you," began Uncle Mac in perfect good
+faith, for twenty-five years in the society of a very prosaic wife had
+taken nearly all the romance out of him.
+
+"It is of no use for us to plan, and I shall never interfere except to
+advise, and if I were to choose one of the boys, I should incline to my
+godson," answered the doctor gravely.
+
+"What, my Ugly Duckling!" exclaimed Uncle Mac in great surprise.
+
+"The Ugly Duckling turned out a swan, you remember. I've always been
+fond of the boy because he's so genuine and original. Crude as a green
+apple now, but sound at the core, and only needs time to ripen. I'm sure
+he'll turn out a capital specimen of the Campbell variety."
+
+"Much obliged, Alec, but it will never do at all. He's a good fellow,
+and may do something to be proud of by and by, but he's not the mate
+for our Rose. She needs someone who can manage her property when we are
+gone, and Archie is the man for that, depend upon it."
+
+"Confound the property!" cried Dr. Alec impetuously. "I want her to
+be happy, and I don't care how soon she gets rid of her money if it is
+going to be a millstone round her neck. I declare to you, I dreaded the
+thought of this time so much that I've kept her away as long as I could
+and trembled whenever a young fellow joined us while we were abroad.
+Had one or two narrow escapes, and now I'm in for it, as you can see
+by tonight's 'success' as Clara calls it. Thank heaven I haven't many
+daughters to look after!"
+
+"Come, come, don't be anxious take Archie and settle it right up safely
+and happily. That's my advice, and you'll find it sound," replied the
+elder conspirator, like one having experience.
+
+"I'll think of it, but mind you, Mac, not a word of this to the sisters.
+We are a couple of old fools to be matchmaking so soon but I see what is
+before me and it's a comfort to free my mind to someone."
+
+"So it is. Depend on me not a breath even to Jane," answered Uncle Mac,
+with a hearty shake and a sympathetic slap on the shoulder.
+
+"Why, what dark and awful secrets are going on here? Is it a Freemason's
+Lodge and those the mystic signs?" asked a gay voice at the door; and
+there stood Rose, full of smiling wonder at the sight of her two uncles
+hand in hand, whispering and nodding to one another mysteriously.
+
+They stared like schoolboys caught plotting mischief and looked so
+guilty that she took pity on them, innocently imagining the brothers
+were indulging in a little sentiment on this joyful occasion, so she
+added quickly, as she beckoned, without crossing the threshold, "Women
+not allowed, of course, but both of you dear Odd Fellows are wanted, for
+Aunt Plenty begs we will have an old-fashioned contra dance, and I'm to
+lead off with Uncle Mac. I chose you, sir, because you do it in style,
+pigeon wings and all. So, please come and Phebe is waiting for you,
+Uncle Alec. She is rather shy you know, but will enjoy it with you to
+take care of her."
+
+"Thank you, thank you!" cried both gentlemen, following with great
+alacrity.
+
+Unconscious, Rose enjoyed that Virginia reel immensely, for the
+pigeon wings were superb, and her partner conducted her through the
+convolutions of the dance without a fault, going down the middle in his
+most gallant style. Landing safely at the bottom, she stood aside to let
+him get his breath, for stout Uncle Mac was bound to do or die on that
+occasion and would have danced his pumps through without a murmur if she
+had desired it.
+
+Leaning against the wall with his hair in his eyes, and a decidedly
+bored expression of countenance, was Mac, Jr., who had been surveying
+the gymnastics of his parent with respectful astonishment.
+
+"Come and take a turn, my lad. Rose is fresh as a daisy, but we old
+fellows soon get enough of it, so you shall have my place," said his
+father, wiping his face, which glowed like a cheerful peony.
+
+"No, thank you, sir I can't stand that sort of thing. I'll race you
+round the piazza with pleasure, Cousin, but his oven is too much for
+me," was Mac's uncivil reply as he backed toward the open window, as if
+glad of an excuse to escape.
+
+"Fragile creature, don't stay on my account, I beg. I can't leave my
+guests for a moonlight run, even if I dared to take it on a frosty night
+in a thin dress," said Rose, fanning herself and not a bit ruffled by
+Mac's refusal, for she knew his ways and they amused her.
+
+"Not half so bad as all this dust, gas, heat, and noise. What do you
+suppose lungs are made of?" demanded Mac, ready for a discussion then
+and there.
+
+"I used to know, but I've forgotten now. Been so busy with other things
+that I've neglected the hobbies I used to ride five or six years ago,"
+she said, laughing.
+
+"Ah, those were times worth having! Are you going in for much of
+this sort of thing, Rose?" he asked with a disapproving glance at the
+dancers.
+
+"About three months of it, I think."
+
+"Then good-bye till New Year." And Mac vanished behind the curtains.
+
+"Rose, my dear, you really must take that fellow in hand before he gets
+to be quite a bear. Since you have been gone he has lived in his books
+and got on so finely that we have let him alone, though his mother
+groans over his manners. Polish him up a bit, I beg of you, for it is
+high time he mended his odd ways and did justice to the fine gifts he
+hides behind them," said Uncle Mac, scandalized at the bluntness of his
+son.
+
+"I know my chestnut burr too well to mind his prickles. But others do
+not, so I will take him in hand and make him a credit to his family,"
+answered Rose readily.
+
+"Take Archie for your model he's one of a thousand, and the girl who
+gets him gets a prize, I do assure you," added Uncle Mac, who found
+matchmaking to his taste and thought that closing remark a deep one.
+
+"Oh, me, how tired I am!" cried Rose, dropping into a chair as the last
+carriage rolled away somewhere between one and two.
+
+"What is your opinion now, Miss Campbell?" asked the doctor, addressing
+her for the first time by the name which had been uttered so often that
+night.
+
+"My opinion is that Miss Campbell is likely to have a gay life if she
+goes on as she has begun, and that she finds it very delightful so far,"
+answered the girl, with lips still smiling from their first taste of
+what the world calls pleasure.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 4 THORNS AMONG THE ROSES
+
+For a time everything went smoothly, and Rose was a happy girl. The
+world seemed a beautiful and friendly place, and fulfillment of her
+brightest dreams appeared to be a possibility. Of course this could not
+last, and disappointment was inevitable, because young eyes look for a
+Paradise and weep when they find a workaday world which seems full of
+care and trouble till one learns to gladden and glorify it with high
+thoughts and holy living.
+
+Those who loved her waited anxiously for the disillusion which must come
+in spite of all their cherishing, for till now Rose had been so busy
+with her studies, travels, and home duties that she knew very little
+of the triumphs, trials, and temptations of fashionable life. Birth and
+fortune placed her where she could not well escape some of them, and Dr.
+Alec, knowing that experience is the best teacher, wisely left her to
+learn this lesson as she must many another, devoutly hoping that it
+would not be a hard one.
+
+October and November passed rapidly, and Christmas was at hand, with all
+its merry mysteries, home gatherings, and good wishes.
+
+Rose sat in her own little sanctum, opening from the parlor, busily
+preparing gifts for the dear five hundred friends who seemed to grow
+fonder and fonder as the holidays drew near. The drawers of her commode
+stood open, giving glimpses of dainty trifles, which she was tying up
+with bright ribbons.
+
+A young girl's face at such moments is apt to be a happy one, but Rose's
+was very grave as she worked, and now and then she threw a parcel into
+the drawer with a careless toss, as if no love made the gift precious.
+So unusual was this expression that it struck Dr. Alec as he came in
+and brought an anxious look to his eyes, for any cloud on that other
+countenance dropped its shadow over his.
+
+"Can you spare a minute from your pretty work to take a stitch in my old
+glove?" he asked, coming up to the table strewn with ribbon, lace, and
+ papers.
+
+"Yes, Uncle, as many as you please."
+
+The face brightened with sudden sunshine; both hands were put out
+to receive the shabby driving glove, and the voice was full of that
+affectionate alacrity which makes the smallest service sweet.
+
+"My Lady Bountiful is hard at work, I see. Can I help in any way?" he
+asked, glancing at the display before him.
+
+"No, thank you, unless you can make me as full of interest and pleasure
+in these things as I used to be. Don't you think preparing presents a
+great bore, except for those you love and who love you?" she added in a
+tone which had a slight tremor in it as she uttered the last words.
+
+"I don't give to people whom I care nothing for. Can't do it, especially
+at Christmas, when goodwill should go into everything one does. If all
+these 'pretties' are for dear friends, you must have a great many."
+
+"I thought they were friends, but I find many of them are not, and
+that's the trouble, sir."
+
+"Tell me all about it, dear, and let the old glove go," he said, sitting
+down beside her with his most sympathetic air.
+
+But she held the glove fast, saying eagerly, "No, no, I love to do
+this! I don't feel as if I could look at you while I tell what a bad,
+suspicious girl I am," she added, keeping her eyes on her work.
+
+"Very well, I'm ready for confessions of any iniquity and glad to get
+them, for sometimes lately I've seen a cloud in my girl's eyes and
+caught a worried tone in her voice. Is there a bitter drop in the cup
+that promised to be so sweet, Rose?"
+
+"Yes, Uncle. I've tried to think there was not, but it is there, and I
+don't like it. I'm ashamed to tell, and yet I want to, because you will
+show me how to make it sweet or assure me that I shall be the better for
+it, as you used to do when I took medicine."
+
+She paused a minute, sewing swiftly; then out came the trouble all in
+one burst of girlish grief and chagrin.
+
+"Uncle, half the people who are so kind to me don't care a bit for me,
+but for what I can give them, and that makes me unhappy, because I was
+so glad and proud to be liked. I do wish I hadn't a penny in the world,
+then I should know who my true friends were."
+
+"Poor little lass! She has found out that all that glitters is not
+gold, and the disillusion has begun," said the doctor to himself, adding
+aloud, smiling yet pitiful, "And so all the pleasure is gone out of the
+pretty gifts and Christmas is a failure?"
+
+"Oh, no not for those whom nothing can make me doubt! It is sweeter than
+ever to make these things, because my heart is in every stitch and I
+know that, poor as they are, they will be dear to you, Aunty Plen, Aunt
+Jessie, Phebe, and the boys."
+
+She opened a drawer where lay a pile of pretty gifts, wrought with
+loving care by her own hands, touching them tenderly as she spoke and
+patting the sailor's knot of blue ribbon on one fat parcel with a smile
+that told how unshakable her faith in someone was. "But these," she
+said, pulling open another drawer and tossing over its gay contents with
+an air half sad, half scornful, "these I bought and give because they
+are expected. These people care only for a rich gift, not one bit for
+the giver, whom they will secretly abuse if she is not as generous as
+they expect. How can I enjoy that sort of thing, Uncle?"
+
+"You cannot, but perhaps you do some of them injustice, my dear. Don't
+let the envy or selfishness of a few poison your faith in all. Are you
+sure that none of these girls care for you?" he asked, reading a name
+here and there on the parcels scattered about.
+
+"I'm afraid I am. You see I heard several talking together the other
+evening at Annabel's, only a few words, but it hurt me very much, for
+nearly everyone was speculating on what I would give them and hoping it
+would be something fine. 'She's so rich she ought to be generous,' said
+one. 'I've been perfectly devoted to her for weeks and hope she won't
+forget it,' said another. 'If she doesn't give me some of her gloves, I
+shall think she's very mean, for she has heaps, and I tried on a pair in
+fun so she could see they fitted and take a hint,' added a third. I did
+take the hint, you see." And Rose opened a handsome box in which lay
+several pairs of her best gloves, with buttons enough to satisfy the
+heart of the most covetous.
+
+"Plenty of silver paper and perfume, but not much love went into that
+bundle, I fancy?" And Dr. Alec could not help smiling at the disdainful
+little gesture with which Rose pushed away the box.
+
+"Not a particle, nor in most of these. I have given them what they
+wanted and taken back the confidence and respect they didn't care for.
+It is wrong, I know, but I can't bear to think all the seeming goodwill
+and friendliness I've been enjoying was insincere and for a purpose.
+That's not the way I treat people."
+
+"I am sure of it. Take things for what they are worth, dear, and try to
+find the wheat among the tares, for there is plenty if one knows how to
+look. Is that all the trouble?"
+
+"No, sir, that is the lightest part of it. I shall soon get over my
+disappointment in those girls and take them for what they are worth as
+you advise, but being deceived in them makes me suspicious of others,
+and that is hateful. If I cannot trust people I'd rather keep by myself
+and be happy. I do detest maneuvering and underhanded plots and plans!"
+
+Rose spoke petulantly and twitched her silk till it broke, while regret
+seemed to give place to anger as she spoke.
+
+"There is evidently another thorn pricking. Let us have it out, and
+then I'll kiss the place to make it well as I used to do when I took the
+splinters from the fingers you are pricking so unmercifully," said the
+doctor, anxious to relieve his pet patient as soon as possible.
+
+Rose laughed, but the color deepened in her cheeks as she answered with
+a pretty mixture of maidenly shyness and natural candor.
+
+"Aunt Clara worries me by warning me against half the young men I meet
+and insisting that they want only my money. Now that is dreadful, and
+I won't listen, but I can't help thinking of it sometimes, for they
+are very kind to me and I'm not vain enough to think it is my beauty. I
+suppose I am foolish, but I do like to feel that I am something besides
+an heiress."
+
+The little quiver was in Rose's voice again as she ended, and Dr. Alec
+gave a quick sigh as he looked at the downcast face so full of the
+perplexity ingenuous spirits feel when doubt first mars their faith
+and dims the innocent beliefs still left from childhood. He had been
+expecting this and knew that what the girl just began to perceive and
+try modestly to tell had long ago been plain to worldlier eyes. The
+heiress was the attraction to most of the young men whom she met. Good
+fellows enough, but educated, as nearly all are nowadays, to believe
+that girls with beauty or money are brought to market to sell or buy as
+the case may be.
+
+Rose could purchase anything she liked, as she combined both advantages,
+and was soon surrounded by many admirers, each striving to secure the
+prize. Not being trained to believe that the only end and aim of a
+woman's life was a good match, she was a little disturbed, when the
+first pleasing excitement was over, to discover that her fortune was her
+chief attraction.
+
+It was impossible for her to help seeing, hearing, guessing this from a
+significant glance, a stray word, a slight hint here and there, and
+the quick instinct of a woman felt even before it understood the
+self-interest which chilled for her so many opening friendships. In her
+eyes love was a very sacred thing, hardly to be thought of till it came,
+reverently received and cherished faithfully to the end. Therefore, it
+is not strange that she shrank from hearing it flippantly discussed and
+marriage treated as a bargain to be haggled over, with little thought
+of its high duties, great responsibilities, and tender joys. Many
+things perplexed her, and sometimes a doubt of all that till now she had
+believed and trusted made her feel as if at sea without a compass,
+for the new world was so unlike the one she had been living in that it
+bewildered while it charmed the novice.
+
+Dr. Alec understood the mood in which he found her and did his best to
+warn without saddening by too much worldly wisdom.
+
+"You are something besides an heiress to those who know and love you, so
+take heart, my girl, and hold fast to the faith that is in you. There
+is a touchstone for all these things, and whatever does not ring true,
+doubt and avoid. Test and try men and women as they come along, and I
+am sure conscience, instinct, and experience will keep you from any dire
+mistake," he said, with a protecting arm about her and a trustful look
+that was very comforting.
+
+After a moment's pause she answered, while a sudden smile dimpled around
+her mouth and the big glove went up to hide her telltale cheeks: "Uncle,
+if I must have lovers, I do wish they'd be more interesting. How can I
+like or respect men who go on as some of them do and then imagine women
+can feel honored by the offer of their hands? Hearts are out of fashion,
+so they don't say much about them."
+
+"Ah, ha! That is the trouble, is it? And we begin to have delicate
+distresses, do we?" said Dr. Alec, glad to see her brightening and full
+of interest in the new topic, for he was a romantic old fellow, as he
+had confessed to his brother.
+
+Rose put down the glove and looked up with a droll mixture of amusement
+and disgust in her face. "Uncle, it is perfectly disgraceful! I've
+wanted to tell you, but I was ashamed, because I never could boast of
+such things as some girls do, and they were so absurd I couldn't feel as
+if they were worth repeating even to you. Perhaps I ought, though,
+for you may think it proper to command me to make a good match, and of
+course I should have to obey," she added, trying to look meek.
+
+"Tell, by all means. Don't I always keep your secrets and give you the
+best advice, like a model guardian? You must have a confidant, and where
+find a better one than here?" he asked, tapping his waistcoat with an
+inviting gesture.
+
+"Nowhere so I'll tell all but the names. I'd best be prudent, for I'm
+afraid you may get a little fierce you do sometimes when people vex
+me," began Rose, rather liking the prospect of a confidential chat with
+Uncle, for he had kept himself a good deal in the background lately.
+
+"You know our ideas are old-fashioned, so I was not prepared to have
+men propose at all times and places with no warning but a few smiles and
+soft speeches. I expected things of that sort would be very interesting
+and proper, not to say thrilling, on my part but they are not, and I
+find myself laughing instead of crying, feeling angry instead of glad,
+and forgetting all about it very soon. Why, Uncle, one absurd boy
+proposed when we'd met only half a dozen times. But he was dreadfully in
+debt, so that accounted for it perhaps." And Rose dusted her fingers, as
+if she had soiled them.
+
+"I know him, and I thought he'd do it," observed the doctor with a
+shrug.
+
+"You see and know everything, so there's no need of going on, is there?"
+
+"Do, do! Who else? I won't even guess."
+
+"Well, another went down upon his knees in Mrs. Van's greenhouse and
+poured forth his passion manfully, with a great cactus pricking his poor
+legs all the while. Kitty found him there, and it was impossible to keep
+sober, so he has hated me ever since."
+
+The doctor's "Ha! Ha!" was good to hear, and Rose joined him, for it was
+impossible to regard these episodes seriously, since no true sentiment
+redeemed them from absurdity.
+
+"Another sent me reams of poetry and went on so Byronically that I
+began to wish I had red hair and my name was Betsy Ann. I burnt all the
+verses, so don't expect to see them, and he, poor fellow, is consoling
+himself with Emma. But the worst of all was the one who would make love
+in public and insisted on proposing in the middle of a dance. I seldom
+dance round dances except with our boys, but that night I did because
+the girls laughed at me for being so 'prudish,' as they called it. I
+don't mind them now, for I found I was right, and felt that I deserved
+my fate."
+
+"Is that all?" asked her uncle, looking "fierce," as she predicted,
+at the idea of his beloved girl obliged to listen to a declaration,
+twirling on the arm of a lover.
+
+"One more but him I shall not tell about, for I know he was in earnest
+and really suffered, though I was as kind as I knew how to be. I'm young
+in these things yet, so I grieved for him, and treat his love with the
+tenderest respect."
+
+Rose's voice sank almost to a whisper as she ended, and Dr. Alec bent
+his head, as if involuntarily saluting a comrade in misfortune. Then
+he got up, saying with a keen look into the face he lifted by a finger
+under the chin: "Do you want another three months of this?"
+
+"I'll tell you on New Year's Day, Uncle."
+
+"Very well. Try to keep a straight course, my little captain, and if you
+see dirty weather ahead, call on your first mate."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir. I'll remember."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 5 PRINCE CHARMING
+
+The old glove lay upon the floor forgotten while Rose sat musing, till a
+quick step sounded in the hall and a voice drew near, tunefully humming.
+
+    "As he was walkin' doun the street
+    The city for to view,
+    Oh, there he spied a bonny lass,
+    The window lookin' through."
+
+    "Sae licht he jumped up the stair,
+    And tirled at the pin;
+    Oh, wha sae ready as hersel'
+    To let the laddie in?"
+
+sang Rose as the voice paused and a tap came at the door.
+
+"Good morning, Rosamunda, here are your letters, and your most devoted
+ready to execute any commissions you may have for him," was Charlie's
+greeting as he came in looking comely, gay, and debonair as usual.
+
+"Thanks. I've no errands unless you mail my replies, if these need
+answering, so by your leave, Prince," and Rose began to open the handful
+of notes he threw into her lap.
+
+"Ha! What sight is this to blast mine eyes?" ejaculated Charlie, as
+he pointed to the glove with a melodramatic start, for, like most
+accomplished amateur actors, he was fond of introducing private
+theatricals into his daily talk and conversation.
+
+"Uncle left it."
+
+"'Tis well. Methought perchance a rival had been here," and, picking
+it up, Charlie amused himself with putting it on the head of a little
+Psyche which ornamented the mantelpiece, softly singing as he did so,
+another verse of the old song:
+
+    "He set his Jenny on his knee,
+    All in his Highland dress;
+    For brawly well he kenned the way
+    To please a bonny lass."
+
+Rose went on reading her letters, but all the while was thinking of her
+conversation with her uncle as well as something else suggested by the
+newcomer and his ditty.
+
+During the three months since her return she had seen more of this
+cousin than any of the others, for he seemed to be the only one who had
+leisure to "play with Rose," as they used to say years ago. The other
+boys were all at work, even little Jamie, many of whose play hours were
+devoted to manful struggles with Latin grammar, the evil genius of
+his boyish life. Dr. Alec had many affairs to arrange after his long
+absence; Phebe was busy with her music; and Aunt Plenty still actively
+superintended her housekeeping. Thus it fell out, quite naturally, that
+Charlie should form the habit of lounging in at all hours with letters,
+messages, bits of news, and agreeable plans for Rose. He helped her with
+her sketching, rode with her, sang with her, and took her to parties
+as a matter of course, for Aunt Clara, being the gaiest of the sisters,
+played chaperon on all occasions.
+
+For a time it was very pleasant, but, by and by, Rose began to wish
+Charlie would find something to do like the rest and not make dawdling
+after her the business of his life. The family was used to his
+self-indulgent ways, and there was an amiable delusion in the minds of
+the boys that he had a right to the best of everything, for to them
+he was still the Prince, the flower of the flock, and in time to be an
+honor to the name. No one exactly knew how, for, though full of talent,
+he seemed to have no especial gift or bias, and the elders began to
+shake their heads because, in spite of many grand promises and projects,
+the moment for decisive action never came.
+
+Rose saw all this and longed to inspire her brilliant cousin with some
+manful purpose which should win for him respect as well as admiration.
+But she found it very hard, for though he listened with imperturbable
+good humor, and owned his shortcomings with delightful frankness, he
+always had some argument, reason, or excuse to offer and out-talked her
+in five minutes, leaving her silenced but unconvinced.
+
+Of late she had observed that he seemed to feel as if her time and
+thoughts belonged exclusively to him and rather resented the approach
+of any other claimant. This annoyed her and suggested the idea that
+her affectionate interest and efforts were misunderstood by him,
+misrepresented and taken advantage of by Aunt Clara, who had been most
+urgent that she should "use her influence with the dear boy," though the
+fond mother resented all other interference. This troubled Rose and made
+her feel as if caught in a snare, for, while she owned to herself that
+Charlie was the most attractive of her cousins, she was not ready to be
+taken possession of in this masterful way, especially since other and
+sometimes better men sought her favor more humbly.
+
+These thoughts were floating vaguely in her mind as she read her letters
+and unconsciously influenced her in the chat that followed.
+
+"Only invitations, and I can't stop to answer them now or I shall never
+get through this job," she said, returning to her work.
+
+"Let me help. You do up, and I'll direct. Have a secretary, do now, and
+see what a comfort it will be," proposed Charlie, who could turn his
+hand to anything and had made himself quite at home in the sanctum.
+
+"I'd rather finish this myself, but you may answer the notes if you
+will. Just regrets to all but two or three. Read the names as you go
+along and I'll tell you which."
+
+"To hear is to obey. Who says I'm a 'frivolous idler' now?" And Charlie
+sat down at the writing table with alacrity, for these hours in the
+little room were his best and happiest.
+
+"Order is heaven's first law, and the view a lovely one, but I don't see
+any notepaper," he added, opening the desk and surveying its contents
+with interest.
+
+"Right-hand drawer violet monogram for the notes, plain paper for the
+business letter. I'll see to that, though," answered Rose, trying to
+decide whether Annabel or Emma should have the laced handkerchief.
+
+"Confiding creature! Suppose I open the wrong drawer and come upon the
+tender secrets of your soul?" continued the new secretary, rummaging out
+the delicate notepaper with masculine disregard of order.
+
+"I haven't got any," answered Rose demurely.
+
+"What, not one despairing scrawl, one cherished miniature, one faded
+floweret, etc., etc.? I can't believe it, Cousin," and he shook his head
+incredulously.
+
+"If I had, I certainly should not show them to you, impertinent
+person! There are a few little souvenirs in that desk, but nothing very
+sentimental or interesting."
+
+"How I'd like to see 'em! But I should never dare to ask," observed
+Charlie, peering over the top of the half-open lid with a most
+persuasive pair of eyes.
+
+"You may if you want to, but you'll be disappointed, Paul Pry. Lower
+left-hand drawer with the key in it."
+
+"'Angel of goodness, how shall I requite thee? Interesting moment, with
+what palpitating emotions art thou fraught!'" And, quoting from the
+"Mysteries of Udolpho," he unlocked and opened the drawer with a tragic
+gesture.
+
+"Seven locks of hair in a box, all light, for 'here's your straw color,
+your orange tawny, your French crown color, and your perfect yellow'
+Shakespeare. They look very familiar, and I fancy I know the heads they
+thatched."
+
+"Yes, you all gave me one when I went away, you know, and I carried them
+round the world with me in that very box."
+
+"I wish the heads had gone too. Here's a jolly little amber god with
+a gold ring in his back and a most balmy breath," continued Charlie,
+taking a long sniff at the scent bottle.
+
+"Uncle brought me that long ago, and I'm very fond of it."
+
+"This now looks suspicious man's ring with a lotus cut on the stone and
+a note attached. I tremble as I ask, who, when, and where?"
+
+"A gentleman, on my birthday, in Calcutta."
+
+"I breathe again it was my sire?"
+
+"Don't be absurd. Of course it was, and he did everything to make my
+visit pleasant. I wish you'd go and see him like a dutiful son, instead
+of idling here."
+
+"That's what Uncle Mac is eternally telling me, but I don't intend to
+be lectured into the treadmill till I've had my fling first," muttered
+Charlie rebelliously.
+
+"If you fling yourself in the wrong direction, you may find it hard to
+get back again," began Rose gravely.
+
+"No fear, if you look after me as you seem to have promised to do,
+judging by the thanks you get in this note. Poor old governor! I should
+like to see him, for it's almost four years since he came home last and
+he must be getting on."
+
+Charlie was the only one of the boys who ever called his father
+"governor," perhaps because the others knew and loved their fathers,
+while he had seen so little of his that the less respectful name came
+more readily to his lips, since the elder man in truth seemed a governor
+issuing requests or commands, which the younger too often neglected or
+resented.
+
+Long ago Rose had discovered that Uncle Stephen found home made so
+distasteful by his wife's devotion to society that he preferred to exile
+himself, taking business as an excuse for his protracted absences.
+
+The girl was thinking of this as she watched her cousin turn the ring
+about with a sudden sobriety which became him well; and, believing that
+the moment was propitious, she said earnestly: "He is getting on. Dear
+Charlie, do think of duty more than pleasure in this case and I'm sure
+you never will regret it."
+
+"Do you want me to go?" he asked quickly.
+
+"I think you ought."
+
+"And I think you'd be much more charming if you wouldn't always be
+worrying about right and wrong! Uncle Alec taught you that along with
+the rest of his queer notions."
+
+"I'm glad he did!" cried Rose warmly, then checked herself and said with
+a patient sort of sigh, "You know women always want the men they care
+for to be good and can't help trying to make them so."
+
+"So they do, and we ought to be a set of angels, but I've a strong
+conviction that, if we were, the dear souls wouldn't like us half as
+well. Would they now?" asked Charlie with an insinuating smile.
+
+"Perhaps not, but that is dodging the point. Will you go?" persisted
+Rose unwisely.
+
+"No, I will not."
+
+That was sufficiently decided and an uncomfortable pause followed,
+during which Rose tied a knot unnecessarily tight and Charlie went on
+exploring the drawer with more energy than interest.
+
+"Why, here's an old thing I gave you ages ago!" he suddenly exclaimed in
+a pleased tone, holding up a little agate heart on a faded blue ribbon.
+"Will you let me take away the heart of stone and give you a heart of
+flesh?" he asked, half in earnest, half in jest, touched by the little
+trinket and the recollections it awakened.
+
+"No, I will not," answered Rose bluntly, much displeased by the
+irreverent and audacious question.
+
+Charlie looked rather abashed for a moment, but his natural
+lightheartedness made it easy for him to get the better of his own
+brief fits of waywardness and put others in good humor with him and
+themselves.
+
+"Now we are even let's drop the subject and start afresh," he said with
+irresistible affability as he coolly put the little heart in his pocket
+and prepared to shut the drawer. But something caught his eye, and
+exclaiming, "What's this? What's this?" he snatched up a photograph
+which lay half under a pile of letters with foreign postmarks.
+
+"Oh! I forgot that was there," said Rose hastily.
+
+"Who is the man?" demanded Charlie, eyeing the good-looking countenance
+before him with a frown.
+
+"That is the Honorable Gilbert Murray, who went up the Nile with us and
+shot crocodiles and other small game, being a mighty hunter, as I told
+you in my letters," answered Rose gaily, though ill pleased at the
+little discovery just then, for this had been one of the narrow escapes
+her uncle spoke of.
+
+"And they haven't eaten him yet, I infer from the pile of letters?" said
+Charlie jealously.
+
+"I hope not. His sister did not mention it when she wrote last."
+
+"Ah! Then she is your correspondent? Sisters are dangerous things
+sometimes." And Charlie eyed the packet suspiciously.
+
+"In this case, a very convenient thing, for she tells me all about her
+brother's wedding, as no one else would take the trouble to do."
+
+"Oh! Well, if he's married, I don't care a straw about him. I fancied
+I'd found out why you are such a hard-hearted charmer. But if there is
+no secret idol, I'm all at sea again." And Charlie tossed the photograph
+into the drawer as if it no longer interested him.
+
+"I'm hard-hearted because I'm particular and, as yet, do not find anyone
+at all to my taste."
+
+"No one?" with a tender glance.
+
+"No one" with a rebellious blush, and the truthful addition "I see
+much to admire and like in many persons, but none quite strong and good
+enough to suit me. My heroes are old-fashioned, you know."
+
+"Prigs, like Guy Carleton, Count Altenberg, and John Halifax I know the
+pattern you goody girls like," sneered Charlie, who preferred the Guy
+Livingston, Beauclerc, and Rochester style.
+
+"Then I'm not a 'goody girl,' for I don't like prigs. I want a gentleman
+in the best sense of the word, and I can wait, for I've seen one, and
+know there are more in the world."
+
+"The deuce you have! Do I know him?" asked Charlie, much alarmed.
+
+"You think you do," answered Rose with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.
+
+"If it isn't Pem, I give it up. He's the best-bred fellow I know."
+
+"Oh, dear, no! Far superior to Mr. Pemberton and many years older,"
+said Rose, with so much respect that Charlie looked perplexed as well as
+anxious.
+
+"Some apostolic minister, I fancy. You pious creatures always like to
+adore a parson. But all we know are married."
+
+"He isn't."
+
+"Give a name, for pity's sake I'm suffering tortures of suspense,"
+begged Charlie.
+
+"Alexander Campbell."
+
+"Uncle? Well, upon my word, that's a relief, but mighty absurd all the
+same. So, when you find a young saint of that sort, you intend to marry
+him, do you?" demanded Charlie much amused and rather disappointed.
+
+"When I find any man half as honest, good, and noble as Uncle, I shall
+be proud to marry him if he asks me," answered Rose decidedly.
+
+"What odd tastes women have!" And Charlie leaned his chin on his hand
+to muse pensively for a moment over the blindness of one woman who could
+admire an excellent old uncle more than a dashing young cousin.
+
+Rose, meanwhile, tied up her parcels industriously, hoping she had not
+been too severe, for it was very hard to lecture Charlie, though he
+seemed to like it sometimes and came to confession voluntarily, knowing
+that women love to forgive when the sinners are of his sort.
+
+"It will be mail time before you are done," she said presently, for
+silence was less pleasant than his rattle.
+
+Charlie took the hint and dashed off several notes in his best manner.
+Coming to the business letter, he glanced at it and asked, with a
+puzzled expression: "What is all this? Cost of repairs, etc., from a man
+named Buffum?"
+
+"Never mind that I'll see to it by and by."
+
+"But I do mind, for I'm interested in all your affairs, and though you
+think I've no head for business, you'll find I have if you'll try me."
+
+"This is only about my two old houses in the city, which are being
+repaired and altered so that the rooms can be let singly."
+
+"Going to make tenement houses of them? Well, that's not a bad idea such
+places pay well, I've heard."
+
+"That is just what I'm not going to do. I wouldn't have a tenement house
+on my conscience for a million dollars not as they are now," said Rose
+decidedly.
+
+"Why, what do you know about it, except that people live in them and the
+owners turn a pretty penny on the rents?"
+
+"I know a good deal about them, for I've seen many such, both here
+and abroad. It was not all pleasure with us, I assure you. Uncle was
+interested in hospitals and prisons, and I sometimes went with him, but
+they made me sad so he suggested other charities that I could be of
+help about when we came home. I visited infant schools, working women's
+homes, orphan asylums, and places of that sort. You don't know how much
+good it did me and how glad I am that I have the means of lightening a
+little some of the misery in the world."
+
+"But, my dear girl, you needn't make ducks and drakes of your fortune
+trying to feed and cure and clothe all the poor wretches you see. Give,
+of course everyone should do something in that line and no one likes it
+better than I. But don't, for mercy's sake, go at it as some women do
+and get so desperately earnest, practical, and charity-mad that there is
+no living in peace with you," protested Charlie, looking alarmed at the
+prospect.
+
+"You can do as you please. I intend to do all the good I can by asking
+the advice and following the example of the most 'earnest,' 'practical,'
+and 'charitable' people I know so, if you don't approve, you can drop
+my acquaintance," answered Rose, emphasizing the obnoxious words and
+assuming the resolute air she always wore when defending her hobbies.
+
+"You'll be laughed at."
+
+"I'm used to that."
+
+"And criticized and shunned."
+
+"Not by people whose opinion I value."
+
+"Women shouldn't go poking into such places."
+
+"I've been taught that they should."
+
+"Well, you'll get some dreadful disease and lose your beauty, and then
+where are you?" added Charlie, thinking that might daunt the young
+philanthropist.
+
+But it did not, for Rose answered, with a sudden kindling of the eyes as
+she remembered her talk with Uncle Alec: "I shouldn't like it. But there
+would be one satisfaction in it, for when I'd lost my beauty and given
+away my money, I should know who really cared for me."
+
+Charlie nibbled his pen in silence for a moment, then asked, meekly,
+"Could I respectfully inquire what great reform is to be carried on in
+the old houses which their amiable owner is repairing?"
+
+"I am merely going to make them comfortable homes for poor but
+respectable women to live in. There is a class who cannot afford to
+pay much, yet suffer a great deal from being obliged to stay in noisy,
+dirty, crowded places like tenement houses and cheap lodgings. I can
+help a few of them and I'm going to try."
+
+"May I humbly ask if these decayed gentlewomen are to inhabit their
+palatial retreat rent-free?"
+
+"That was my first plan, but Uncle showed me that it was wiser not
+make genteel paupers of them, but let them pay a small rent and feel
+independent. I don't want the money, of course, and shall use it in
+keeping the houses tidy or helping other women in like case," said Rose,
+entirely ignoring her cousin's covert ridicule.
+
+"Don't expect any gratitude, for you won't get it; nor much comfort with
+a lot of forlornities on your hands, and be sure that when it is too
+late you will tire of it all and wish you had done as other people do."
+
+"Thanks for your cheerful prophecies, but I think I'll venture."
+
+She looked so undaunted that Charlie was a little nettled and fired his
+last shot rather recklessly: "Well, one thing I do know you'll never get
+a husband if you go on in this absurd way, and by Jove! you need one to
+take care of you and keep the property together!"
+
+Rose had a temper, but seldom let it get the better of her; now,
+however, it flashed up for a moment. Those last words were peculiarly
+unfortunate, because Aunt Clara had used them more than once when
+warning her against impecunious suitors and generous projects. She was
+disappointed in her cousin, annoyed at having her little plans laughed
+at, and indignant with him for his final suggestion.
+
+"I'll never have one, if I must give up the liberty of doing what I know
+is right, and I'd rather go into the poorhouse tomorrow than 'keep the
+property together' in the selfish way you mean!"
+
+That was all but Charlie saw that he had gone too far and hastened to
+make his peace with the skill of a lover, for, turning to the little
+cabinet piano behind him, he sang in his best style the sweet old song:
+
+    "Oh were thou in the cauld blast,"
+
+dwelling with great effect, not only upon the tender assurance that "My
+plaid should shelter thee,"
+
+but also that, even if a king,
+
+    "The brightest jewel in my crown
+    Wad be my queen, wad be my queen."
+
+It was very evident that Prince Charming had not gone troubadouring
+in vain, for Orpheus himself could not have restored harmony more
+successfully. The tuneful apology was accepted with a forgiving smile
+and a frank "I'm sorry I was cross, but you haven't forgotten how to
+tease, and I'm rather out of sorts today. Late hours don't agree with
+me."
+
+"Then you won't feel like going to Mrs. Hope's tomorrow, I'm afraid,"
+and Charlie took up the last note with an expression of regret which was
+very flattering.
+
+"I must go, because it is made for me, but I can come away early and
+make up lost sleep. I do hate to be so fractious," and Rose rubbed the
+forehead that ached with too much racketing.
+
+"But the German does not begin till late I'm to lead and depend upon
+you. Just stay this once to oblige me," pleaded Charlie, for he had set
+his heart on distinguishing himself.
+
+"No I promised Uncle to be temperate in my pleasures and I must keep my
+word. I'm so well now, it would be very foolish to get ill and make him
+anxious not to mention losing my beauty, as you are good enough to call
+it, for that depends on health, you know."
+
+"But the fun doesn't begin till after supper. Everything will be
+delightful, I assure you, and we'll have a gay old time as we did last
+week at Emma's."
+
+"Then I certainly will not, for I'm ashamed of myself when I remember
+what a romp that was and how sober Uncle looked as he let me in at three
+in the morning, all fagged out my dress in rags, my head aching, my feet
+so tired that I could hardly stand, and nothing to show for five
+hours' hard work but a pocketful of bonbons, artificial flowers, and
+tissue-paper fool's caps. Uncle said I'd better put one on and go to
+bed, for I looked as though I'd been to a French bal masque. I never
+want to hear him say so again, and I'll never let dawn catch me out in
+such a plight anymore."
+
+"You were all right enough, for mother didn't object and I got you
+both home before daylight. Uncle is notional about such things, so I
+shouldn't mind, for we had a jolly time and we were none the worse for
+it."
+
+"Indeed we were, every one of us! Aunt Clara hasn't gotten over her cold
+yet. I slept all the next day, and you looked like a ghost, for you'd
+been out every night for weeks, I think."
+
+"Oh, nonsense! Everyone does it during the season, and you'll get used
+to the pace very soon," began Charlie, bent on making her go, for he
+was in his element in a ballroom and never happier than when he had his
+pretty cousin on his arm.
+
+"Ah! But I don't want to get used to it, for it costs too much in the
+end. I don't wish to get used to being whisked about a hot room by men
+who have taken too much wine, to turn day into night, wasting time that
+might be better spent, and grow into a fashionable fast girl who can't
+get along without excitement. I don't deny that much of it is pleasant,
+but don't try to make me too fond of gaiety. Help me to resist what I
+know is hurtful, and please don't laugh me out of the good habits Uncle
+has tried so hard to give me."
+
+Rose was quite sincere in her appeal, and Charlie knew she was right,
+but he always found it hard to give up anything he had set his heart on,
+no matter how trivial, for the maternal indulgence which had harmed the
+boy had fostered the habit of self-indulgence, which was ruining the
+man. So when Rose looked up at him, with a very honest desire to save
+him as well as herself from being swept into the giddy vortex which
+keeps so many young people revolving aimlessly, till they go down or
+are cast upon the shore, wrecks of what they might have been, he gave a
+shrug and answered briefly: "As you please. I'll bring you home as early
+as you like, and Effie Waring shall take your place in the German. What
+flowers shall I send you?"
+
+Now, that was an artful speech of Charlie's, for Miss Waring was a fast
+and fashionable damsel who openly admired Prince Charming and had given
+him the name. Rose disliked her and was sure her influence was bad, for
+youth made frivolity forgivable, wit hid want of refinement, and beauty
+always covers a multitude of sins in a man's eyes. At the sound of
+Effie's name, Rose wavered, and would have yielded but for the memory
+of the "first mate's" last words. She did desire to "keep a straight
+course"; so, though the current of impulse set strongly in a southerly
+direction, principle, the only compass worth having, pointed due north,
+and she tried to obey it like a wise young navigator, saying steadily,
+while she directed to Annabel the parcel containing a capacious pair of
+slippers intended for Uncle Mac: "Don't trouble yourself about me. I can
+go with Uncle and slip away without disturbing anybody."
+
+"I don't believe you'll have the heart to do it," said Charlie
+incredulously as he sealed the last note.
+
+"Wait and see."
+
+"I will, but I shall hope to the last." And kissing his hand to her, he
+departed to post her letters, quite sure that Miss Waring would not lead
+the German.
+
+It certainly looked for a moment as if Miss Campbell would, because she
+ran to the door with the words "I'll go" upon her lips. But she did not
+open it till she had stood a minute staring hard at the old glove on
+Psyche's head; then like one who had suddenly gotten a bright idea, she
+gave a decided nod and walked slowly out of the room.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 6 POLISHING MAC
+
+"Please could I say one word?" was the question three times repeated
+before a rough head bobbed out from the grotto of books in which Mac
+usually sat when he studied.
+
+"Did anyone speak?" he asked, blinking in the flood of sunshine that
+entered with Rose.
+
+"Only three times, thank you. Don't disturb yourself, I beg, for I
+merely want to say a word," answered Rose as she prevented him from
+offering the easy chair in which he sat.
+
+"I was rather deep in a compound fracture and didn't hear. What can I do
+for you, Cousin?" And Mac shoved a stack of pamphlets off the chair near
+him with a hospitable wave of the hand that sent his papers flying in
+all directions.
+
+Rose sat down, but did not seem to find her "word" an easy one to
+utter, for she twisted her handkerchief about her fingers in embarrassed
+silence till Mac put on his glasses and, after a keen look, asked
+soberly: "Is it a splinter, a cut, or a whitlow, ma'am?"
+
+"It is neither. Do forget your tiresome surgery for a minute and be the
+kindest cousin that ever was," answered Rose, beginning rather sharply
+and ending with her most engaging smile.
+
+"Can't promise in the dark," said the wary youth.
+
+"It is a favor, a great favor, and one I don't choose to ask any of the
+other boys," answered the artful damsel.
+
+Mac looked pleased and leaned forward, saying more affably, "Name it,
+and be sure I'll grant it if I can."
+
+"Go with me to Mrs. Hope's party tomorrow night."
+
+"What!" And Mac recoiled as if she had put a pistol to his head.
+
+"I've left you in peace a long time, but it is your turn now, so do your
+duty like a man and a cousin."
+
+"But I never go to parties!" cried the unhappy victim in great dismay.
+
+"High time you began, sir."
+
+"But I don't dance fit to be seen."
+
+"I'll teach you."
+
+"My dress coat isn't decent, I know."
+
+"Archie will lend you one he isn't going."
+
+"I'm afraid there's a lecture that I ought not to cut."
+
+"No, there isn't I asked Uncle."
+
+"I'm always so tired and dull in the evening."
+
+"This sort of thing is just what you want to rest and freshen up your
+spirits."
+
+Mac gave a groan and fell back vanquished, for it was evident that
+escape was impossible.
+
+"What put such a perfectly wild idea into your head?" he demanded,
+rather roughly, for hitherto he had been left in peace and this sudden
+attack decidedly amazed him.
+
+"Sheer necessity, but don't do it if it is so very dreadful to you. I
+must go to several more parties, because they are made for me, but after
+that I'll refuse, and then no one need be troubled with me."
+
+Something in Rose's voice made Mac answer penitently, even while he knit
+his brows in perplexity. "I don't mean to be rude, and of course I'll go
+anywhere if I'm really needed. But I don't understand where the sudden
+necessity is, with three other fellows at command, all better dancers
+and beaus than I am."
+
+"I don't want them, and I do want you, for I haven't the heart to drag
+Uncle out anymore, and you know I never go with any gentleman but those
+of my own family."
+
+"Now look here, Rose if Steve has been doing anything to tease you,
+just mention it and I'll attend to him," cried Mac, plainly seeing that
+something was amiss and fancying that Dandy was at the bottom of it, as
+he had done escort duty several times lately.
+
+"No, Steve has been very good, but I know he had rather be with Kitty
+Van, so of course I feel like a marplot, though he is too polite to hint
+it."
+
+"What a noodle that boy is! But there's Archie he's steady as a church
+and has no sweetheart to interfere," continued Mac, bound to get at the
+truth and half suspecting what it was.
+
+"He is on his feet all day, and Aunt Jessie wants him in the evening.
+He does not care for dancing as he used, and I suppose he really does
+prefer to rest and read." Rose might have added, "And hear Phebe sing,"
+for Phebe did not go out as much as Rose did, and Aunt Jessie often came
+to sit with the old lady when the young folks were away and, of course,
+dutiful Archie came with her, so willingly of late!
+
+"What's amiss with Charlie? I thought he was the prince of cavaliers.
+Annabel says he dances 'like an angel,' and I know a dozen mothers
+couldn't keep him at home of an evening. Have you had a tiff with Adonis
+and so fall back on poor me?" asked Mac, coming last to the person of
+whom he thought first but did not mention, feeling shy about alluding to
+a subject often discussed behind her back.
+
+"Yes, I have, and I don't intend to go with him any more for some time.
+His ways do not suit me, and mine do not suit him, so I want to be
+quite independent, and you can help me if you will," said Rose, rather
+nervously spinning the big globe close by.
+
+Mac gave a low whistle, looking wide awake all in a minute as he said
+with a gesture, as if he brushed a cobweb off his face: "Now, see here,
+Cousin, I'm not good at mysteries and shall only blunder if you put me
+blindfold into any nice maneuver. Just tell me straight out what you
+want and I'll do it if I can. Play I'm Uncle and free your mind come
+now."
+
+He spoke so kindly, and the honest eyes were so full of merry goodwill,
+that Rose thought she might confide in him and answered as frankly as
+he could desire: "You are right, Mac, and I don't mind talking to you
+almost as freely as to Uncle, because you are such a reliable fellow
+and won't think me silly for trying to do what I believe to be right.
+Charlie does, and so makes it hard for me to hold to my resolutions. I
+want to keep early hours, dress simply, and behave properly no matter
+what fashionable people do. You will agree to that, I'm sure, and stand
+by me through thick and thin for principle's sake."
+
+"I will, and begin by showing you that I understand the case. I don't
+wonder you are not pleased, for Charlie is too presuming, and you do
+need someone to help you head him off a bit. Hey, Cousin?"
+
+"What a way to put it!" And Rose laughed in spite of herself, adding
+with an air of relief, "That is it, and I do want someone to help me
+make him understand that I don't choose to be taken possession of in
+that lordly way, as if I belonged to him more than to the rest of the
+family. I don't like it, for people begin to talk, and Charlie won't see
+how disagreeable it is to me."
+
+"Tell him so," was Mac's blunt advice.
+
+"I have, but he only laughs and promises to behave, and then he does
+it again when I am so placed that I can't say anything. You will never
+understand, and I cannot explain, for it is only a look, or a word, or
+some little thing but I won't have it, and the best way to cure him is
+to put it out of his power to annoy me so."
+
+"He is a great flirt and wants to teach you how, I suppose. I'll speak
+to him if you like and tell him you don't want to learn. Shall I?" asked
+Mac, finding the case rather an interesting one.
+
+"No, thank you that would only make trouble. If you will kindly play
+escort a few times, it will show Charlie that I am in earnest without
+more words and put a stop to the gossip," said Rose, coloring like a
+poppy at the recollection of what she heard one young man whisper to
+another as Charlie led her through a crowded supper room with his most
+devoted air, "Lucky dog! He is sure to get the heiress, and we are
+nowhere."
+
+"There's no danger of people gossiping about us, is there?" And Mac
+looked up with the oddest of all his odd expressions.
+
+"Of course not you're only a boy."
+
+"I'm twenty-one, thank you, and Prince is but a couple of years older,"
+said Mac, promptly resenting the slight put upon his manhood.
+
+"Yes, but he is like other young men, while you are a dear old bookworm.
+No one would ever mind what you did, so you may go to parties with me
+every night and not a word would be said or, if there was, I shouldn't
+mind since it is 'only Mac,'" answered Rose, smiling as she quoted a
+household phrase often used to excuse his vagaries.
+
+"Then I am nobody?" he said, lifting his brows as if the discovery
+surprised and rather nettled him.
+
+"Nobody in society as yet, but my very best cousin in private, and I've
+just proved my regard by making you my confidant and choosing you for my
+knight," said Rose, hastening to soothe the feelings her careless words
+seemed to have ruffled slightly.
+
+"Much good that is likely to do me," grumbled Mac.
+
+"You ungrateful boy, not to appreciate the honor I've conferred upon
+you! I know a dozen who would be proud of the place, but you only care
+for compound fractures, so I won't detain you any longer, except to ask
+if I may consider myself provided with an escort for tomorrow night?"
+said Rose, a trifle hurt at his indifference, for she was not used to
+refusals.
+
+"If I may hope for the honor." And, rising, he made her a bow which was
+such a capital imitation of Charlie's grand manner that she forgave him
+at once, exclaiming with amused surprise: "Why, Mac! I didn't know you
+could be so elegant!"
+
+"A fellow can be almost anything he likes if he tries hard enough," he
+answered, standing very straight and looking so tall and dignified
+that Rose was quite impressed, and with a stately courtesy she retired,
+saying graciously: "I accept with thanks. Good morning, Dr. Alexander
+Mackenzie Campbell."
+
+When Friday evening came and word was sent up that her escort had
+arrived, Rose ran down, devoutly hoping that he had not come in a
+velveteen jacket, top-boots, black gloves, or made any trifling mistake
+of that sort. A young gentleman was standing before the long mirror,
+apparently intent upon the arrangement of his hair, and Rose paused
+suddenly as her eye went from the glossy broadcloth to the white-gloved
+hands, busy with an unruly lock that would not stay in place.
+
+"Why, Charlie, I thought--" she began with an accent of surprise in her
+voice, but got no further, for the gentleman turned and she beheld Mac
+in immaculate evening costume, with his hair parted sweetly on his brow,
+a superior posy at his buttonhole, and the expression of a martyr on his
+face.
+
+"Ah, don't you wish it was? No one but yourself to thank that it isn't
+he. Am I right? Dandy got me up, and he ought to know what is what,"
+demanded Mac, folding his hands and standing as stiff as a ramrod.
+
+"You are so regularly splendid that I don't know you."
+
+"Neither do I."
+
+"I really had no idea you could look so like a gentleman," added Rose,
+surveying him with great approval.
+
+"Nor that I could feel so like a fool."
+
+"Poor boy! He does look rather miserable. What can I do to cheer him up
+in return for the sacrifice he is making?"
+
+"Stop calling me a boy. It will soothe my agony immensely and give me
+courage to appear in a low-necked coat and curl on my forehead, for I'm
+not used to such elegancies and I find them no end of a trial."
+
+Mac spoke in such a pathetic tone, and gave such a gloomy glare at the
+aforesaid curl, that Rose laughed in his face and added to his woe
+by handing him her cloak. He surveyed it gravely for a minute, then
+carefully put it on wrong side out and gave the swan's-down hood a good
+pull over the head, to the utter destruction of all smoothness to the
+curls inside.
+
+Rose uttered a cry and cast off the cloak, bidding him learn to do it
+properly, which he meekly did and then led her down the hall without
+walking on her skirts more than three times on the way. But at the door
+she discovered that she had forgotten her furred overshoes and bade Mac
+get them.
+
+"Never mind it's not wet," he said, pulling his cap over his eyes and
+plunging into his coat, regardless of the "elegancies" that afflicted
+him.
+
+"But I can't walk on cold stones with thin slippers, can I?" began Rose,
+showing him a little white foot.
+
+"You needn't, for there you are, my lady." And, unceremoniously picking
+her up, Mac landed her in the carriage before she could say a word.
+
+"What an escort!" she exclaimed in comic dismay, as she rescued her
+delicate dress from a rug in which he was about to tuck her up like a
+mummy.
+
+"It's 'only Mac,' so don't mind," and he cast himself into an
+opposite corner with the air of a man who had nerved himself to the
+accomplishment of many painful duties and was bound to do them or die.
+
+"But gentlemen don't catch up ladies like bags of meal and poke them
+into carriages in this way. It is evident that you need looking after,
+and it is high time I undertook your society manners. Now, do mind what
+you are about and don't get yourself or me into a scrape if you can help
+it," besought Rose, feeling that on many accounts she had gone further
+and fared worse.
+
+"I'll behave like a Turveydrop see if I don't."
+
+Mac's idea of the immortal Turveydrop's behavior seemed to be a peculiar
+one; for, after dancing once with his cousin, he left her to her own
+devices and soon forgot all about her in a long conversation with
+Professor Stumph, the learned geologist. Rose did not care, for one
+dance proved to her that that branch of Mac's education had been sadly
+neglected, and she was glad to glide smoothly about with Steve, though
+he was only an inch or two taller than herself. She had plenty of
+partners, however, and plenty of chaperons, for all the young men were
+her most devoted, and all the matrons beamed upon her with maternal
+benignity.
+
+Charlie was not there, for when he found that Rose stood firm, and had
+moreover engaged Mac as a permanency, he would not go at all and retired
+in high dudgeon to console himself with more dangerous pastimes. Rose
+feared it would be so, and even in the midst of the gaiety about her an
+anxious mood came over her now and then and made her thoughtful for a
+moment. She felt her power and wanted to use it wisely, but did not know
+how to be kind to Charlie without being untrue to herself and giving him
+false hopes.
+
+"I wish we were all children again, with no hearts to perplex us and no
+great temptations to try us," she said to herself as she rested a minute
+in a quiet nook while her partner went to get a glass of water. Right
+in the midst of this half-sad, half-sentimental reverie, she heard
+a familiar voice behind her say earnestly: "And allophite is the new
+hydrous silicate of alumina and magnesia, much resembling pseudophite,
+which Websky found in Silesia."
+
+"What is Mac talking about!" she thought, and, peeping behind a great
+azalea in full bloom, she saw her cousin in deep conversation with the
+professor, evidently having a capital time, for his face had lost its
+melancholy expression and was all alive with interest, while the elder
+man was listening as if his remarks were both intelligent and agreeable.
+
+"What is it?" asked Steve, coming up with the water and seeing a smile
+on Rose's face.
+
+She pointed out the scientific tete-a-tete going on behind the azalea,
+and Steve grinned as he peeped, then grew sober and said in a tone
+of despair: "If you had seen the pains I took with that fellow, the
+patience with which I brushed his wig, the time I spent trying to
+convince him that he must wear thin boots, and the fight I had to get
+him into that coat, you'd understand my feelings when I see him now."
+
+"Why, what's the matter with him?" asked Rose.
+
+"Will you take a look and see what a spectacle he has made of himself.
+He'd better be sent home at once or he will disgrace the family by
+looking as if he'd been in a row."
+
+Steve spoke in such a tragic tone that Rose took another peep and did
+sympathize with Dandy, for Mac's elegance was quite gone. His tie was
+under one ear, his posy hung upside down, his gloves were rolled into a
+ball, which he absently squeezed and pounded as he talked, and his hair
+looked as if a whirlwind had passed over it, for his ten fingers set
+it on end now and then, as they had a habit of doing when he studied or
+talked earnestly. But he looked so happy and wide awake, in spite of his
+dishevelment, that Rose gave an approving nod and said behind her fan:
+"It is a trying spectacle, Steve yet, on the whole, I think his own odd
+ways suit him best and I fancy we shall be proud of him, for he knows
+more than all the rest of us put together. Hear that now." And Rose
+paused that they might listen to the following burst of eloquence from
+Mac's lips: "You know Frenzal has shown that the globular forms of
+silicate of bismuth at Schneeburg and Johanngeorgenstadt are not
+isometric, but monoclinic in crystalline form, and consequently he
+separates them from the old eulytite and gives them the new name
+Agricolite."
+
+"Isn't it awful? Let us get out of this before there's another avalanche
+or we shall be globular silicates and isometric crystals in spite of
+ourselves," whispered Steve with a panic-stricken air, and they fled
+from the hailstorm of hard words that rattled about their ears, leaving
+Mac to enjoy himself in his own way.
+
+But when Rose was ready to go home and looked about for her escort, he
+was nowhere to be seen, for the professor had departed, and Mac with
+him, so absorbed in some new topic that he entirely forgot his cousin
+and went placidly home, still pondering on the charms of geology. When
+this pleasing fact dawned upon Rose her feelings may be imagined. She
+was both angry and amused it was so like Mac to go mooning off and leave
+her to her fate. Not a hard one, however; for, though Steve was gone
+with Kitty before her plight was discovered, Mrs. Bliss was only too
+glad to take the deserted damsel under her wing and bear her safely
+home.
+
+Rose was warming her feet and sipping the chocolate which Phebe always
+had ready for her, as she never ate supper, when a hurried tap came
+at the long window whence the light streamed and Mac's voice was heard
+softly asking to be let in "just for one minute."
+
+Curious to know what had befallen him, Rose bade Phebe obey his call
+and the delinquent cavalier appeared, breathless, anxious, and more
+dilapidated than ever, for he had forgotten his overcoat; his tie was at
+the back of his neck now; and his hair as rampantly erect as if all the
+winds of heaven had been blowing freely through it, as they had, for
+he had been tearing to and fro the last half hour, trying to undo the
+dreadful deed he had so innocently committed.
+
+"Don't take any notice of me, for I don't deserve it. I only came to see
+that you were safe, Cousin, and then go hang myself, as Steve advised,"
+he began in a remorseful tone that would have been very effective if
+he had not been obliged to catch his breath with a comical gasp now and
+then.
+
+"I never thought you would be the one to desert me," said Rose with a
+reproachful look, thinking it best not to relent too soon, though she
+was quite ready to do it when she saw how sincerely distressed he was.
+
+"It was that confounded man! He was a regular walking encyclopedia,
+and, finding I could get a good deal out of him, I went in for general
+information, as the time was short. You know I always forget everything
+else when I get hold of such a fellow."
+
+"That is evident. I wonder how you came to remember me at all," answered
+Rose, on the brink of a laugh it was so absurd.
+
+"I didn't till Steve said something that reminded me then it burst upon
+me, in one awful shock, that I'd gone and left you, and you might have
+knocked me down with a feather," said honest Mac, hiding none of his
+iniquity.
+
+"What did you do then?"
+
+"Do! I went off like a shot and never stopped till I reached the Hopes'"
+
+"You didn't walk all the way?" cried Rose.
+
+"Bless you, no I ran. But you were gone with Mrs. Bliss, so I pelted
+back again to see with my own eyes that you were safe at home," answered
+Mac with a sigh of relief, wiping his hot forehead.
+
+"But it is three miles at least each way, and twelve o'clock, and dark
+and cold. Oh, Mac! How could you!" exclaimed Rose, suddenly realizing
+what he had done as she heard his labored breathing, saw the state of
+the thin boots, and detected the absence of an overcoat.
+
+"Couldn't do less, could I?" asked Mac, leaning up against the door and
+trying not to pant.
+
+"There was no need of half killing yourself for such a trifle. You might
+have known I could take care of myself for once, at least, with so many
+friends about. Sit down this minute. Bring another cup, please, Phebe
+this boy isn't going home till he is rested and refreshed after such a
+run as that," commanded Rose.
+
+"Don't be good to me I'd rather take a scolding than a chair, and drink
+hemlock instead of chocolate if you happen to have any ready," answered
+Mac with a pathetic puff as he subsided onto the sofa and meekly took
+the draft Phebe brought him.
+
+"If you had anything the matter with your heart, sir, a race of this
+sort might be the death of you so never do it again," said Rose,
+offering her fan to cool his heated countenance.
+
+"Haven't got any heart."
+
+"Yes, you have, for I hear it beating like a trip-hammer, and it is
+my fault I ought to have stopped as we went by and told you I was all
+right."
+
+"It's the mortification, not the miles, that upsets me. I often take
+that run for exercise and think nothing of it but tonight I was so mad
+I made extra-good time, I fancy. Now don't you worry, but compose
+your mind and 'sip your dish of tea,' as Evelina says," answered Mac,
+artfully turning the conversation from himself.
+
+"What do you know about Evelina?" asked Rose in great surprise.
+
+"All about her. Do you suppose I never read a novel?"
+
+"I thought you read nothing but Greek and Latin, with an
+occasional glance at Websky's pseudophites and the monoclinics of
+Johanngeorgenstadt."
+
+Mac opened his eyes wide at this reply, then seemed to see the joke and
+joined in the laugh with such heartiness that Aunt Plenty's voice was
+heard demanding from above with sleepy anxiety: "Is the house afire?"
+
+"No, ma'am, everything is safe, and I'm only saying good night,"
+answered Mac, diving for his cap.
+
+"Then go at once and let that child have her sleep," added the old lady,
+retiring to her bed.
+
+Rose ran into the hall, and catching up her uncle's fur coat, met Mac as
+he came out of the study, absently looking about for his own.
+
+"You haven't any, you benighted boy! So take this, and have your wits
+about you next time or I won't let you off so easily," she said, holding
+up the heavy garment and peeping over it, with no sign of displeasure in
+her laughing eyes.
+
+"Next time! Then you do forgive me? You will try me again, and give me a
+chance to prove that I'm not a fool?" cried Mac, embracing the big coat
+with emotion.
+
+"Of course I will, and, so far from thinking you a fool, I was much
+impressed with your learning tonight and told Steve that we ought to be
+proud of our philosopher."
+
+"Learning be hanged! I'll show you that I'm not a bookworm but as much
+a man as any of them, and then you may be proud or not, as you like!"
+cried Mac with a defiant nod that caused the glasses to leap wildly off
+his nose as he caught up his hat and departed as he came.
+
+A day or two later Rose went to call upon Aunt Jane, as she dutifully
+did once or twice a week. On her way upstairs she heard a singular sound
+in the drawing room and involuntarily stopped to listen.
+
+"One, two, three, slide! One, two, three, turn! Now, then, come on!"
+said one voice impatiently.
+
+"It's very easy to say 'come on,' but what the dickens do I do with my
+left leg while I'm turning and sliding with my right?" demanded another
+voice in a breathless and mournful tone.
+
+Then the whistling and thumping went on more vigorously than before,
+and Rose, recognizing the voices, peeped through the half-open door to
+behold a sight which made her shake with suppressed laughter. Steve,
+with a red tablecloth tied around his waist, languished upon Mac's
+shoulder, dancing in perfect time to the air he whistled, for Dandy was
+proficient in the graceful art and plumed himself upon his skill. Mac,
+with a flushed face and dizzy eye, clutched his brother by the small
+of his back, vainly endeavoring to steer him down the long room without
+entangling his own legs in the tablecloth, treading on his partner's
+toes, or colliding with the furniture. It was very droll, and Rose
+enjoyed the spectacle till Mac, in a frantic attempt to swing around,
+dashed himself against the wall and landed Steve upon the floor. Then
+it was impossible to restrain her laughter any longer and she walked in
+upon them, saying merrily: "It was splendid! Do it again, and I'll play
+for you."
+
+Steve sprang up and tore off the tablecloth in great confusion, while
+Mac, still rubbing his head, dropped into a chair, trying to look quite
+calm and cheerful as he gasped out: "How are you, Cousin? When did you
+come? John should have told us."
+
+"I'm glad he didn't, for then I should have missed this touching tableau
+of cousinly devotion and brotherly love. Getting ready for our next
+party, I see."
+
+"Trying to, but there are so many things to remember all at once keep
+time, steer straight, dodge the petticoats, and manage my confounded
+legs that it isn't easy to get on at first," answered Mac with a sigh of
+exhaustion, wiping his hot forehead.
+
+"Hardest job I ever undertook and, as I'm not a battering ram, I decline
+to be knocked round any longer," growled Steve, dusting his knees and
+ruefully surveying the feet that had been trampled on till they tingled,
+for his boots and broadcloth were dear to the heart of the dapper youth.
+
+"Very good of you, and I'm much obliged. I've got the pace, I think,
+and can practice with a chair to keep my hand in," said Mac with such a
+comic mixture of gratitude and resignation that Rose went off again so
+irresistibly that her cousins joined her with a hearty roar.
+
+"As you are making a martyr of yourself in my service, the least I
+can do is lend a hand. Play for us, Steve, and I'll give Mac a lesson,
+unless he prefers the chair." And, throwing off her hat and cloak, Rose
+beckoned so invitingly that the gravest philosopher would have yielded.
+
+"A thousand thanks, but I'm afraid I shall hurt you," began Mac, much
+gratified, but mindful of past mishaps.
+
+"I'm not. Steve didn't manage his train well, for good dancers always
+loop theirs up. I have none at all, so that trouble is gone and the
+music will make it much easier to keep step. Just do as I tell you, and
+you'll go beautifully after a few turns."
+
+"I will, I will! Pipe up, Steve! Now, Rose!" And, brushing his hair out
+of his eyes with an air of stern determination, Mac grasped Rose and
+returned to the charge bent on distinguishing himself if he died in the
+attempt.
+
+The second lesson prospered, for Steve marked the time by a series of
+emphatic bangs; Mac obeyed orders as promptly as if his life depended on
+it; and, after several narrow escapes at exciting moments, Rose had the
+satisfaction of being steered safely down the room and landed with a
+grand pirouette at the bottom. Steve applauded, and Mac, much elated,
+exclaimed with artless candor: "There really is a sort of inspiration
+about you, Rose. I always detested dancing before, but now, do you know,
+I rather like it."
+
+"I knew you would, only you mustn't stand with your arm round your
+partner in this way when you are done. You must seat and fan her, if
+she likes it," said Rose, anxious to perfect a pupil who seemed so
+lamentably in need of a teacher.
+
+"Yes, of course, I know how they do it." And, releasing his cousin, Mac
+raised a small whirlwind around her with a folded newspaper, so full of
+zeal that she had not the heart to chide him again.
+
+"Well done, old fellow. I begin to have hopes of you and will order
+you a new dress coat at once, since you are really going in for
+the proprieties of life," said Steve from the music stool, with the
+approving nod of one who was a judge of said proprieties. "Now, Rose,
+if you will just coach him a little in his small talk, he won't make
+a laughingstock of himself as he did the other night," added Steve. "I
+don't mean his geological gabble that was bad enough, but his chat with
+Emma Curtis was much worse. Tell her, Mac, and see if she doesn't think
+poor Emma had a right to think you a first-class bore."
+
+"I don't see why, when I merely tried to have a little sensible
+conversation," began Mac with reluctance, for he had been unmercifully
+chaffed by his cousins, to whom his brother had betrayed him.
+
+"What did you say? I won't laugh if I can help it," said Rose, curious
+to hear, for Steve's eyes were twinkling with fun.
+
+"Well, I knew she was fond of theaters, so I tried that first and got
+on pretty well till I began to tell her how they managed those things in
+Greece. Most interesting subject, you know?"
+
+"Very. Did you give her one of the choruses or a bit of Agamemnon, as
+you did when you described it to me?" asked Rose, keeping sober with
+difficulty as she recalled that serio-comic scene.
+
+"Of course not, but I was advising her to read Prometheus when she gaped
+behind her fan and began to talk about Phebe. What a 'nice creature' she
+was, 'kept her place,' dressed according to her station, and that sort
+of twaddle. I suppose it was rather rude, but being pulled up so short
+confused me a bit, and I said the first thing that came into my head,
+which was that I thought Phebe the best-dressed woman in the room
+because she wasn't all fuss and feathers like most of the girls."
+
+"Oh, Mac! That to Emma, who makes it the labor of her life to be always
+in the height of fashion and was particularly splendid that night. What
+did she say?" cried Rose, full of sympathy for both parties.
+
+"She bridled and looked daggers at me."
+
+"And what did you do?"
+
+"I bit my tongue and tumbled out of one scrape into another. Following
+her example, I changed the subject by talking about the charity concert
+for the orphans, and when she gushed about the 'little darlings,' I
+advised her to adopt one and wondered why young ladies didn't do that
+sort of thing, instead of cuddling cats and lapdogs."
+
+"Unhappy boy! Her pug is the idol of her life, and she hates babies,"
+said Rose.
+
+"More fool she! Well, she got my opinion on the subject, anyway, and
+she's very welcome, for I went on to say that I thought it would not
+only be a lovely charity, but excellent training for the time when they
+had little darlings of their own. No end of poor things die through the
+ignorance of mothers, you know," added Mac, so seriously that Rose dared
+not smile at what went before.
+
+"Imagine Emma trotting round with a pauper baby under her arm instead of
+her cherished Toto," said Steve with an ecstatic twirl on the stool.
+
+"Did she seem to like your advice, Monsieur Malapropos?" asked Rose,
+wishing she had been there.
+
+"No, she gave a little shriek and said, 'Good gracious, Mr. Campbell,
+how droll you are! Take me to Mama, please,' which I did with a thankful
+heart. Catch me setting her pug's leg again," ended Mac with a grim
+shake of the head.
+
+"Never mind. You were unfortunate in your listener that time. Don't
+think all girls are so foolish. I can show you a dozen sensible ones who
+would discuss dress reform and charity with you and enjoy Greek
+tragedy if you did the chorus for them as you did for me," said Rose
+consolingly, for Steve would only jeer.
+
+"Give me a list of them, please, and I'll cultivate their acquaintance.
+A fellow must have some reward for making a teetotum of himself."
+
+"I will with pleasure; and if you dance well they will make it very
+pleasant for you, and you'll enjoy parties in spite of yourself."
+
+"I cannot be a 'glass of fashion and a mold of form' like Dandy here,
+but I'll do my best: only, if I had my choice, I'd much rather go round
+the streets with an organ and a monkey," answered Mac despondently.
+
+"Thank you kindly for the compliment," and Rose made him a low courtesy,
+while Steve cried, "Now you have done it!" in a tone of reproach which
+reminded the culprit, all too late, that he was Rose's chosen escort.
+
+"By the gods, so I have!" And casting away the newspaper with a gesture
+of comic despair, Mac strode from the room, chanting tragically the
+words of Cassandra, "'Woe! woe! O Earth! O Apollo! I will dare to die; I
+will accost the gates of Hades, and make my prayer that I may receive a
+mortal blow!'"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 7 PHEBE
+
+While Rose was making discoveries and having experiences, Phebe was
+doing the same in a quieter way, but though they usually compared notes
+during the bedtime tete-a-tete which always ended their day, certain
+topics were never mentioned, so each had a little world of her own into
+which even the eye of friendship did not peep.
+
+Rose's life just now was the gaiest but Phebe's the happiest. Both went
+out a good deal, for the beautiful voice was welcomed everywhere, and
+many were ready to patronize the singer who would have been slow to
+recognize the woman. Phebe knew this and made no attempt to assert
+herself, content to know that those whose regard she valued felt her
+worth and hopeful of a time when she could gracefully take the place she
+was meant to fill.
+
+Proud as a princess was Phebe about some things, though in most as
+humble as a child; therefore, when each year lessened the service she
+loved to give and increased the obligations she would have refused from
+any other source, dependence became a burden which even the most fervent
+gratitude could not lighten. Hitherto the children had gone on together,
+finding no obstacles to their companionship in the secluded world
+in which they lived. Now that they were women their paths inevitably
+diverged, and both reluctantly felt that they must part before long.
+
+It had been settled, when they were abroad, that on their return Phebe
+should take her one gift in her hand and try her fortunes. On no
+other terms would she accept the teaching which was to fit her for the
+independence she desired. Faithfully had she used the facilities so
+generously afforded both at home and abroad and now was ready to prove
+that they had not been in vain. Much encouraged by the small successes
+she won in drawing rooms, and the praise bestowed by interested friends,
+she began to feel that she might venture on a larger field and begin her
+career as a concert singer, for she aimed no higher.
+
+Just at this time much interest was felt in a new asylum for orphan
+girls, which could not be completed for want of funds. The Campbells
+well had borne their part and still labored to accomplish the
+much-needed charity. Several fairs had been given for this purpose,
+followed by a series of concerts. Rose had thrown herself into the work
+with all her heart and now proposed that Phebe should make her debut at
+the last concert, which was to be a peculiarly interesting one, as all
+the orphans were to be present and were expected to plead their own
+cause by the sight of their innocent helplessness as well as touch
+hearts by the simple airs they were to sing.
+
+Some of the family thought Phebe would object to so humble a beginning,
+but Rose knew her better and was not disappointed, for when she made her
+proposal Phebe answered readily: "Where could I find a fitter time and
+place to come before the public than here among my little sisters in
+misfortune? I'll sing for them with all my heart only I must be one of
+them and have no flourish made about me."
+
+"You shall arrange it as you like, and as there is to be little vocal
+music but yours and the children's, I'll see that you have everything as
+you please," promised Rose.
+
+It was well she did, for the family got much excited over the prospect
+of "our Phebe's debut" and would have made a flourish if the girls had
+not resisted. Aunt Clara was in despair about the dress because Phebe
+decided to wear a plain claret- merino with frills at neck and
+wrists so that she might look, as much as possible, like the other
+orphans in their stuff gowns and white aprons. Aunt Plenty wanted to
+have a little supper afterward in honor of the occasion, but Phebe
+begged her to change it to a Christmas dinner for the poor children. The
+boys planned to throw bushels of flowers, and Charlie claimed the honor
+of leading the singer in. But Phebe, with tears in her eyes, declined
+their kindly offers, saying earnestly: "I had better begin as I am to go
+on and depend upon myself entirely. Indeed, Mr. Charlie, I'd rather
+walk in alone, for you'd be out of place among us and spoil the pathetic
+effect we wish to produce." And a smile sparkled through the tears as
+Phebe looked at the piece of elegance before her and thought of the
+brown gowns and pinafores.
+
+So, after much discussion, it was decided that she should have her way
+in all things and the family content themselves with applauding from the
+front.
+
+"We'll blister our hands every man of us, and carry you home in a
+chariot and four see if we don't, you perverse prima donna!" threatened
+Steve, not at all satisfied with the simplicity of the affair.
+
+"A chariot and two will be very acceptable as soon as I'm done. I shall
+be quite steady till my part is all over, and then I may feel a little
+upset, so I'd like to get away before the confusion begins. Indeed, I
+don't mean to be perverse, but you are all so kind to me, my heart is
+full whenever I think of it, and that wouldn't do if I'm to sing," said
+Phebe, dropping one of the tears on the little frill she was making.
+
+"No diamond could have adorned it better," Archie thought as he watched
+it shine there for a moment, and felt like shaking Steve for daring to
+pat the dark head with an encouraging "All right. I'll be on hand and
+whisk you away while the rest are splitting their gloves. No fear of
+your breaking down. If you feel the least bit like it, though, just look
+at me and I'll glare at you and shake my fist, since kindness upsets
+you."
+
+"I wish you would, because one of my ballads is rather touching and I
+always want to cry when I sing it. The sight of you trying to glare will
+make me want to laugh and that will steady me nicely, so sit in front,
+please, ready to slip out when I come off the last time."
+
+"Depend upon me!" And the little man departed, taking great credit to
+himself for his influence over tall, handsome Phebe.
+
+If he had known what was going on in the mind of the silent young
+gentleman behind the newspaper, Steve would have been much astonished,
+for Archie, though apparently engrossed by business, was fathoms deep in
+love by this time. No one suspected this but Rose, for he did his wooing
+with his eyes, and only Phebe knew how eloquent they could be. He had
+discovered what the matter was long ago had made many attempts to reason
+himself out of it, but, finding it a hopeless task, had given up trying
+and let himself drift deliciously. The knowledge that the family would
+not approve only seemed to add ardor to his love and strength to
+his purpose, for the same energy and persistence which he brought to
+business went into everything he did, and having once made up his mind
+to marry Phebe, nothing could change this plan except a word from her.
+
+He watched and waited for three months, so that he might not be accused
+of precipitation, though it did not take him one to decide that this was
+the woman to make him happy. Her steadfast nature, quiet, busy ways,
+and the reserved power and passion betrayed sometimes by a flash of the
+black eyes, a quiver of the firm lips, suited Archie, who possessed many
+of the same attributes himself. The obscurity of her birth and isolation
+of her lot, which would have deterred some lovers, not only appealed to
+his kindly heart, but touched the hidden romance which ran like a vein
+of gold through his strong common sense and made practical, steady-going
+Archie a poet when he fell in love. If Uncle Mac had guessed what dreams
+and fancies went on in the head bent over his ledgers, and what emotions
+were fermenting in the bosom of his staid "right-hand man," he would
+have tapped his forehead and suggested a lunatic asylum. The boys
+thought Archie had sobered down too soon. His mother began to fear that
+the air of the counting room did not suit him, and Dr. Alec was deluded
+into the belief that the fellow really began to "think of Rose," he
+came so often in the evening, seeming quite content to sit beside her
+worktable and snip tape or draw patterns while they chatted.
+
+No one observed that, though he talked to Rose on these occasions, he
+looked at Phebe, in her low chair close by, busy but silent, for she
+always tried to efface herself when Rose was near and often mourned that
+she was too big to keep out of sight. No matter what he talked about,
+Archie always saw the glossy black braids on the other side of the
+table, the damask cheek curving down into the firm white throat, and the
+dark lashes, lifted now and then, showing eyes so deep and soft he dared
+not look into them long. Even the swift needle charmed him, the little
+brooch which rose and fell with her quiet breath, the plain work she
+did, and the tidy way she gathered her bits of thread into a tiny bag.
+He seldom spoke to her; never touched her basket, though he ravaged
+Rose's if he wanted string or scissors; very rarely ventured to bring
+her some curious or pretty thing when ships came in from China only
+sat and thought of her, imagined that this was his parlor, this her
+worktable, and they two sitting there alone a happy man and wife.
+
+At this stage of the little evening drama he would be conscious of such
+a strong desire to do something rash that he took refuge in a new form
+of intoxication and proposed music, sometimes so abruptly that Rose
+would pause in the middle of a sentence and look at him, surprised to
+meet a curiously excited look in the usually cool gray eyes.
+
+Then Phebe, folding up her work, would go to the piano, as if glad to
+find a vent for the inner life which she seemed to have no power of
+expressing except in song. Rose would follow to accompany her, and
+Archie, moving to a certain shady corner whence he could see Phebe's
+face as she sang, would give himself up to unmitigated rapture for
+half an hour. Phebe never sang so well as at such times, for the kindly
+atmosphere was like sunshine to a bird, criticisms were few and gentle,
+praises hearty and abundant, and she poured out her soul as freely as a
+spring gushes up when its hidden source is full.
+
+In moments such as these Phebe was beautiful with the beauty that makes
+a man's eye brighten with honest admiration and fills his heart with a
+sense of womanly nobility and sweetness. Little wonder, then, that the
+chief spectator of this agreeable tableau grew nightly more enamored,
+and while the elders were deep in whist, the young people were playing
+that still more absorbing game in which hearts are always trumps.
+
+Rose, having Dummy for a partner, soon discovered the fact and lately
+had begun to feel as she fancied Wall must have done when Pyramus wooed
+Thisbe through its chinks. She was a little startled at first, then
+amused, then anxious, then heartily interested, as every woman is in
+such affairs, and willingly continued to be a medium, though sometimes
+she quite tingled with the electricity which seemed to pervade the air.
+She said nothing, waiting for Phebe to speak, but Phebe was silent,
+seeming to doubt the truth till doubt became impossible, then to shrink
+as if suddenly conscious of wrongdoing and seize every possible pretext
+for absenting herself from the "girls' corner," as the pretty recess was
+called.
+
+The concert plan afforded excellent opportunities for doing this, and
+evening after evening she slipped away to practice her songs upstairs
+while Archie sat staring disconsolately at the neglected work basket
+and mute piano. Rose pitied him and longed to say a word of comfort, but
+felt shy he was such a reserved fellow so left him to conduct his quiet
+wooing in his own way, feeling that the crisis would soon arrive.
+
+She was sure of this as she sat beside him on the evening of the
+concert, for while the rest of the family nodded and smiled, chatted and
+laughed in great spirits, Archie was as mute as a fish and sat with his
+arms tightly folded, as if to keep in any unruly emotions which might
+attempt to escape. He never looked at the program, but Rose knew when
+Phebe's turn came by the quick breath he drew and the intent look, so
+absent before, that came into his eyes.
+
+But her own excitement prevented much notice of his, for Rose was in
+a flutter of hope and fear, sympathy and delight, about Phebe and her
+success. The house was crowded; the audience sufficiently mixed to make
+the general opinion impartial; and the stage full of little orphans with
+shining faces, a most effective reminder of the object in view.
+
+"Little dears, how nice they look!" "Poor things, so young to be
+fatherless and motherless." "It will be a disgrace to the city if those
+girls are not taken proper care of." "Subscriptions are always in order,
+you know, and pretty Miss Campbell will give you her sweetest smile if
+you hand her a handsome check." "I've heard this Phebe Moore, and she
+really has a delicious voice such a pity she won't fit herself for
+opera!" "Only sings three times tonight; that's modest, I'm sure, when
+she's the chief attraction, so we must give her an encore after the
+Italian piece." "The orphans lead off, I see. Stop your ears if you
+like, but don't fail to applaud or the ladies will never forgive you."
+
+Chat of this sort went on briskly while fans waved, programs rustled,
+and ushers flew about distractedly, till an important gentleman
+appeared, made his bow, skipped upon the leader's stand, and with a wave
+of his baton caused a general uprising of white pinafores as the orphans
+led off with that much-enduring melody "America" in shrill small voices,
+but with creditable attention to time and tune. Pity and patriotism
+produced a generous round of applause, and the little girls sat down,
+beaming with innocent satisfaction.
+
+An instrumental piece followed, and then a youthful gentleman, with his
+hair in picturesque confusion, and what his friends called a "musical
+brow," bounded up the steps and, clutching a roll of music with a pair
+of tightly gloved hands, proceed to inform the audience, in a husky
+tenor voice, that "It was a lovely violet."
+
+What else the song contained in the way of sense or sentiment it was
+impossible to discover as the three pages of music appeared to consist
+of variations upon that one line, ending with a prolonged quaver which
+flushed the musical brow and left the youth quite breathless when he
+made his bow.
+
+"Now she's coming! Oh, Uncle, my heart beats as if it were myself!"
+whispered Rose, clutching Dr. Alec's arm with a little gasp as the piano
+was rolled forward, the leader's stand pushed back, and all eyes turned
+toward the anteroom door.
+
+She forgot to glance at Archie, and it was as well perhaps, for his
+heart was thumping almost audibly as he waited for his Phebe. Not from
+the anteroom, but out among the children, where she had sat unseen in
+the shadow of the organ, came stately Phebe in her wine- dress,
+with no ornament but her fine hair and a white flower at her throat.
+Very pale, but quite composed, apparently, for she stepped slowly
+through the narrow lane of upturned faces, holding back her skirts lest
+they should rudely brush against some little head. Straight to the front
+she went, bowed hastily, and, with a gesture to the accompanist, stood
+waiting to begin, her eyes fixed on the great gilt clock at the opposite
+end of the hall.
+
+They never wandered from that point while she sang, but as she ended
+they dropped for an instant on an eager, girlish countenance bending
+from a front seat; then, with her hasty little bow, she went quickly
+back among the children, who clapped and nodded as she passed, well
+pleased with the ballad she had sung.
+
+Everyone courteously followed their example, but there was no
+enthusiasm, and it was evident that Phebe had not produced a
+particularly favorable impression.
+
+"Never sang so badly in her life," muttered Charlie irefully.
+
+"She was frightened, poor thing. Give her time, give her time," said
+Uncle Mac kindly.
+
+"I know she was, and I glared like a gorgon, but she never looked at
+me," added Steve, smoothing his gloves and his brows at the same time.
+
+"That first song was the hardest, and she got through much better than
+I expected," put in Dr. Alec, bound not to show the disappointment he
+felt.
+
+"Don't be troubled. Phebe has courage enough for anything, and she'll
+astonish you before the evening's over," prophesied Mac with unabated
+confidence, for he knew something the rest did not.
+
+Rose said nothing, but under cover of her burnous gave Archie's hand a
+sympathetic squeeze, for his arms were unfolded now, as if the strain
+was over, and one lay on his knee while with the other he wiped his hot
+forehead with an air of relief.
+
+Friends about them murmured complimentary fibs and affected great
+delight and surprise at Miss Moore's "charming style," "exquisite
+simplicity," and "undoubted talent." But strangers freely criticized,
+and Rose was so indignant at some of their remarks, she could not listen
+to anything on the stage, though a fine overture was played, a man with
+a remarkable bass voice growled and roared melodiously, and the orphans
+sang a lively air with a chorus of "Tra, la, la," which was a great
+relief to little tongues unused to long silence.
+
+"I've often heard that women's tongues were hung in the middle and went
+at both ends now I'm sure of it," whispered Charlie, trying to cheer her
+up by pointing out the comical effect of some seventy-five open mouths
+in each of which the unruly member was wagging briskly.
+
+Rose laughed and let him fan her, leaning from his seat behind with the
+devoted air he always assumed in public, but her wounded feelings were
+not soothed and she continued to frown at the stout man on the left who
+had dared to say with a shrug and a glance at Phebe's next piece, "That
+young woman can no more sing this Italian thing than she can fly, and
+they ought not to let her attempt it."
+
+Phebe did, however, and suddenly changed the stout man's opinion by
+singing it grandly, for the consciousness of her first failure
+pricked her pride and spurred her to do her best with the calm sort of
+determination which conquers fear, fires ambition, and changes defeat
+to success. She looked steadily at Rose now, or the flushed, intent face
+beside her, and throwing all her soul into the task, let her voice
+ring out like a silver clarion, filling the great hall and setting the
+hearers' blood a-tingle with the exulting strain.
+
+That settled Phebe's fate as a cantatrice. The applause was genuine and
+spontaneous this time and broke out again and again with the generous
+desire to atone for former coldness. But she would not return, and the
+shadow of the great organ seemed to have swallowed her up, for no eye
+could find her, no pleasant clamor win her back.
+
+"Now I can die content," said Rose, beaming with heartfelt satisfaction
+while Archie looked steadfastly at his program, trying to keep his face
+in order, and the rest of the family assumed a triumphant air, as if
+they had never doubted from the first.
+
+"Very well, indeed," said the stout man with an approving nod. "Quite
+promising for a beginner. Shouldn't wonder if in time they made a second
+Cary or Kellogg of her."
+
+"Now you'll forgive him, won't you?" murmured Charlie in his cousin's
+ear.
+
+"Yes, and I'd like to pat him on the head. But take warning and never
+judge by first appearances again," whispered Rose, at peace now with all
+mankind.
+
+Phebe's last song was another ballad; she meant to devote her talent to
+that much neglected but always attractive branch of her art. It was
+a great surprise, therefore, to all but one person in the hall when,
+instead of singing "Auld Robin Grey," she placed herself at the piano,
+and, with a smiling glance over her shoulder at the children, broke out
+in the old bird song which first won Rose. But the chirping, twittering,
+and cooing were now the burden to three verses of a charming little
+song, full of springtime and the awakening life that makes it lovely. A
+rippling accompaniment flowed through it all, and a burst of delighted
+laughter from the children filled up the first pause with a fitting
+answer to the voices that seemed calling to them from the vernal woods.
+
+It was very beautiful, and novelty lent its charm to the surprise, for
+art and nature worked a pretty miracle and the clever imitation, first
+heard from a kitchen hearth, now became the favorite in a crowded
+concert room. Phebe was quite herself again; color in the cheeks now;
+eyes that wandered smiling to and fro; and lips that sang as gaily and
+far more sweetly than when she kept time to her blithe music with a
+scrubbing brush.
+
+This song was evidently intended for the children, and they appreciated
+the kindly thought, for as Phebe went back among them, they clapped
+ecstatically, flapped their pinafores, and some caught her by the skirts
+with audible requests to "Do it again, please; do it again."
+
+But Phebe shook her head and vanished, for it was getting late for such
+small people, several of whom "lay sweetly slumbering there" till roused
+by the clamor round them. The elders, however, were not to be denied and
+applauded persistently, especially Aunt Plenty, who seized Uncle Mac's
+cane and pounded with it as vigorously as "Mrs. Nubbles" at the play.
+
+"Never mind your gloves, Steve; keep it up till she comes," cried
+Charlie, enjoying the fun like a boy while Jamie lost his head with
+excitement and, standing up, called "Phebe! Phebe!" in spite of his
+mother's attempts to silence him.
+
+Even the stout man clapped, and Rose could only laugh delightedly as she
+turned to look at Archie, who seemed to have let himself loose at last
+and was stamping with a dogged energy funny to see.
+
+So Phebe had to come, and stood there meekly bowing, with a moved look
+on her face that showed how glad and grateful she was, till a sudden
+hush came; then, as if inspired by the memory of the cause that brought
+her there, she looked down into the sea of friendly faces before her,
+with no trace of fear in her own, and sang the song that never will grow
+old.
+
+That went straight to the hearts of those who heard her, for there was
+something inexpressibly touching in the sight of this sweet-voiced woman
+singing of home for the little creatures who were homeless, and Phebe
+made her tuneful plea irresistible by an almost involuntary gesture of
+the hands which had hung loosely clasped before her till, with the last
+echo of the beloved word, they fell apart and were half outstretched, as
+if pleading to be filled.
+
+It was the touch of nature that works wonders, for it made full purses
+suddenly weigh heavily in pockets slow to open, brought tears to eyes
+unused to weep, and caused that group of red-gowned girls to grow
+very pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers who had left little
+daughters safe asleep at home. This was evident from the stillness that
+remained unbroken for an instant after Phebe ended; and before people
+could get rid of their handkerchiefs she would have been gone if the
+sudden appearance of a mite in a pinafore, climbing up the stairs
+from the anteroom with a great bouquet grasped in both hands, had not
+arrested her.
+
+Up came the little creature, intent on performing the mission for which
+rich bribes of sugarplums had been promised, and trotting bravely across
+the stage, she held up the lovely nosegay, saying in her baby voice,
+"Dis for you, ma'am." Then, startled by the sudden outburst of applause,
+she hid her face in Phebe's gown and began to sob with fright.
+
+An awkward minute for poor Phebe, but she showed unexpected presence
+of mind and left behind her a pretty picture of the oldest and youngest
+orphan as she went quickly down the step, smiling over the great bouquet
+with the baby on her arm.
+
+Nobody minded the closing piece, for people began to go, sleepy children
+to be carried off, and whispers grew into a buzz of conversation. In the
+general confusion Rose looked to see if Steve had remembered his promise
+to help Phebe slip away before the rush began. No, there he was putting
+on Kitty's cloak, quite oblivious to any other duty. Turning to ask
+Archie to hurry out, Rose found that he had already vanished, leaving
+his gloves behind him.
+
+"Have you lost anything?" asked Dr. Alec, catching a glimpse of her
+face.
+
+"No, sir, I've found something," she whispered back, giving him the
+gloves to pocket along with her fan and glass, adding hastily as the
+concert ended, "Please, Uncle, tell them all not to come with us. Phebe
+has had enough excitement and ought to rest."
+
+Rose's word was law to the family in all things concerning Phebe. So
+word was passed that there were to be no congratulations until tomorrow,
+and Dr. Alec got his party off as soon as possible. But all the way
+home, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying a brilliant future for
+the singer, Rose sat rejoicing over the happy present of the woman.
+She was sure that Archie had spoken and imagined the whole scene with
+feminine delight how tenderly he had asked the momentous question, how
+gratefully Phebe had given the desired reply, and now how both were
+enjoying that delicious hour which Rose had been given to understand
+never came but once. Such a pity to shorten it, she thought, and
+begged her uncle to go home the longest way the night was so mild,
+the moonlight so clear, and herself so in need of fresh air after the
+excitement of the evening.
+
+"I thought you would want to rush into Phebe's arms the instant she got
+done," said Aunt Plenty, innocently wondering at the whims girls took
+into their heads.
+
+"So I should if I consulted my own wishes, but as Phebe asked to be let
+alone I want to gratify her," answered Rose, making the best excuse she
+could.
+
+"A little piqued," thought the doctor, fancying he understood the case.
+
+As the old lady's rheumatism forbade their driving about till midnight,
+home was reached much too soon, Rose thought, and tripped away to warn
+the lovers the instant she entered the house. But study, parlor, and
+boudoir were empty; and, when Jane appeared with cake and wine, she
+reported that "Miss Phebe went right upstairs and wished to be excused,
+please, being very tired."
+
+"That isn't at all like Phebe I hope she isn't ill," began Aunt Plenty,
+sitting down to toast her feet.
+
+"She may be a little hysterical, for she is a proud thing and represses
+her emotions as long as she can. I'll step up and see if she doesn't
+need a soothing draft of some sort." And Dr. Alec threw off his coat as
+he spoke.
+
+"No, no, she's only tired. I'll run up to her she won't mind me and I'll
+report if anything is amiss."
+
+Away went Rose, quite trembling with suspense, but Phebe's door was
+shut, no light shone underneath, and no sound came from the room within.
+She tapped and receiving no answer, went on to her own chamber, thinking
+to herself: "Love always makes people queer, I've heard, so I suppose
+they settled it all in the carriage and the dear thing ran away to think
+about her happiness alone. I'll not disturb her. Why, Phebe!" said Rose,
+surprised, for, entering her room, there was the cantatrice, busy about
+the nightly services she always rendered her little mistress.
+
+"I'm waiting for you, dear. Where have you been so long?" asked Phebe,
+poking the fire as if anxious to get some color into cheeks that were
+unnaturally pale.
+
+The instant she spoke Rose knew that something was wrong, and a glance
+at her face confirmed the fear. It was like a dash of cold water and
+quenched her happy fancies in a moment; but being a delicate-minded
+girl, she respected Phebe's mood and asked no questions, made no
+comments, and left her friend to speak or be silent as she chose.
+
+"I was so excited I would take a turn in the moonlight to calm my
+nerves. Oh, dearest Phebe, I am so glad, so proud, so full of wonder at
+your courage and skill and sweet ways altogether that I cannot half tell
+you how I love and honor you!" she cried, kissing the white cheeks with
+such tender warmth they could not help glowing faintly as Phebe held
+her little mistress close, sure that nothing could disturb this innocent
+affection.
+
+"It is all your work, dear, because but for you I might still be
+scrubbing floors and hardly dare to dream of anything like this," she
+said in her old grateful way, but in her voice there was a thrill of
+something deeper than gratitude, and at the last two words her head went
+up with a gesture of soft pride as if it had been newly crowned.
+
+Rose heard and saw and guessed at the meaning of both tone and gesture,
+feeling that her Phebe deserved both the singer's laurel and the bride's
+myrtle wreath. But she only looked up, saying very wistfully: "Then it
+has been a happy night for you as well as for us."
+
+"The happiest of my life, and the hardest," answered Phebe briefly as
+she looked away from the questioning eyes.
+
+"You should have let us come nearer and help you through. I'm afraid you
+are very proud, my Jenny Lind."
+
+"I have to be, for sometimes I feel as if I had nothing else to keep
+me up." She stopped short there, fearing that her voice would prove
+traitorous if she went on. In a moment she asked in a tone that was
+almost hard: "You think I did well tonight?"
+
+"They all think so, and were so delighted they wanted to come in a body
+and tell you so, but I sent them home because I knew you'd be tired out.
+Perhaps I ought not to have done it and you'd rather have had a crowd
+about you than just me?"
+
+"It was the kindest thing you ever did, and what could I like better
+than 'just you,' my darling?"
+
+Phebe seldom called her that, and when she did her heart was in the
+little word, making it so tender that Rose thought it the sweetest in
+the world, next to Uncle Alec's "my little girl." Now it was almost
+passionate, and Phebe's face grew rather tragical as she looked down at
+Rose. It was impossible to seem unconscious any longer, and Rose said,
+caressing Phebe's cheek, which burned with a feverish color now: "Then
+don't shut me out if you have a trouble, but let me share it as I let
+you share all mine."
+
+"I will! Little mistress, I've got to go away, sooner even than we
+planned."
+
+"Why, Phebe?"
+
+"Because Archie loves me."
+
+"That's the very reason you should stay and make him happy."
+
+"Not if it caused dissension in the family, and you know it would."
+
+Rose opened her lips to deny this impetuously, but checked herself and
+answered honestly: "Uncle and I would be heartily glad, and I'm sure
+Aunt Jessie never could object if you loved Archie as he does you."
+
+"She has other hopes, I think, and kind as she is, it would be a
+disappointment if he brought me home. She is right, they all are, and I
+alone am to blame. I should have gone long ago I knew I should, but it
+was so pleasant, I couldn't bear to go away alone."
+
+"I kept you, and I am to blame if anyone, but indeed, dear Phebe, I
+cannot see why you should care even if Aunt Myra croaks and Aunt Clara
+exclaims or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks. Be happy, and never
+mind them," cried Rose, so much excited by all this that she felt the
+spirit of revolt rise up within her and was ready to defy even that
+awe-inspiring institution "the family" for her friend's sake.
+
+But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile and answered, still with the
+hard tone in her voice as if forcing back all emotion that she might see
+her duty clearly: "You could do that, but I never can. Answer me this,
+Rose, and answer truly as you love me. If you had been taken into a
+house, a friendless, penniless, forlorn girl, and for years been heaped
+with benefits, trusted, taught, loved, and made, oh, so happy! could
+you think it right to steal away something that these good people valued
+very much? To have them feel that you had been ungrateful, had deceived
+them, and meant to thrust yourself into a high place not fit for you
+when they had been generously helping you in other ways, far more than
+you deserved. Could you then say as you do now, 'Be happy, and never
+mind them'?"
+
+Phebe held Rose by the shoulders now and searched her face so keenly
+that the other shrank a little, for the black eyes were full of fire and
+there was something almost grand about this girl who seemed suddenly to
+have become a woman. There was no need for words to answer the question
+so swiftly asked, for Rose put herself in Phebe's place in the drawing
+of a breath, and her own pride made her truthfully reply: "No I could
+not!"
+
+"I knew you'd say that, and help me do my duty." And all the coldness
+melted out of Phebe's manner as she hugged her little mistress close,
+feeling the comfort of sympathy even through the blunt sincerity of
+Rose's words.
+
+"I will if I know how. Now, come and tell me all about it." And,
+seating herself in the great chair which had often held them both, Rose
+stretched out her hands as if glad and ready to give help of any sort.
+
+But Phebe would not take her accustomed place, for, as if coming to
+confession, she knelt down upon the rug and, leaning on the arm of the
+chair, told her love story in the simplest words.
+
+"I never thought he cared for me until a little while ago. I fancied it
+was you, and even when I knew he liked to hear me sing I supposed it was
+because you helped, and so I did my best and was glad you were to be
+a happy girl. But his eyes told the truth. Then I saw what I had been
+doing and was frightened. He did not speak, so I believed, what is quite
+true, that he felt I was not a fit wife for him and would never ask me.
+It was right I was glad of it, yet I was proud and, though I did not
+ask or hope for anything, I did want him to see that I respected myself,
+remembered my duty, and could do right as well as he. I kept away. I
+planned to go as soon as possible and resolved that at this concert I
+would do so well, he should not be ashamed of poor Phebe and her one
+gift."
+
+"It was this that made you so strange, then, preferring to go alone and
+refusing every little favor at our hands?" asked Rose, feeling very sure
+now about the state of Phebe's heart.
+
+"Yes, I wanted to do everything myself and not owe one jot of my
+success, if I had any, to even the dearest friend I've got. It was bad
+and foolish of me, and I was punished by the first dreadful failure.
+I was so frightened, Rose! My breath was all gone, my eyes so dizzy I
+could hardly see, and that great crowd of faces seemed so near, I dared
+not look. If it had not been for the clock I never should have gotten
+through, and when I did, not knowing in the least how I'd sung, one look
+at your distressed face told me I'd failed."
+
+"But I smiled, Phebe indeed I did as sweetly as I could, for I was sure
+it was only fright," protested Rose eagerly.
+
+"So you did, but the smile was full of pity, not of pride, as I wanted
+it to be, and I rushed into a dark place behind the organ, feeling ready
+to kill myself. How angry and miserable I was! I set my teeth, clenched
+my hands, and vowed that I would do well next time or never sing another
+note. I was quite desperate when my turn came, and felt as if I could do
+almost anything, for I remembered that he was there. I'm not sure how it
+was, but it seemed as if I was all voice, for I let myself go, trying
+to forget everything except that two people must not be disappointed,
+though I died when the song was done."
+
+"Oh, Phebe, it was splendid! I nearly cried, I was so proud and glad to
+see you do yourself justice at last."
+
+"And he?" whispered Phebe, with her face half hidden on the arm of the
+chair.
+
+"Said not a word, but I saw his lips tremble and his eyes shine and I
+knew he was the happiest creature there, because I was sure he did think
+you fit to be his wife and did mean to speak very soon."
+
+Phebe made no answer for a moment, seeming to forget the small success
+in the greater one which followed and to comfort her sore heart with the
+knowledge that Rose was right.
+
+"He sent the flowers, he came for me, and, on the way home, showed me
+how wrong I had been to doubt him for an hour. Don't ask me to tell that
+part, but be sure I was the happiest creature in the world then."
+
+And Phebe hid her face again, all wet with tender tears that fell soft
+and sudden as a summer shower.
+
+Rose let them flow undisturbed while she silently caressed the bent
+head, wondering, with a wistful look in her own wet eyes, what this
+mysterious passion was which could so move, ennoble, and beautify the
+beings whom it blessed.
+
+An impertinent little clock upon the chimneypiece striking eleven broke
+the silence and reminded Phebe that she could not indulge in love dreams
+there. She started up, brushed off her tears, and said resolutely: "That
+is enough for tonight. Go happily to bed, and leave the troubles for
+tomorrow."
+
+"But, Phebe, I must know what you said," cried Rose, like a child
+defrauded of half its bedtime story.
+
+"I said, 'No.'"
+
+"Ah! But it will change to 'yes' by and by, I'm sure of that so I'll
+let you go to dream of him. The Campbells are rather proud of being
+descendants of Robert the Bruce, but they have common sense and love you
+dearly, as you'll see tomorrow."
+
+"Perhaps." And with a good night kiss, poor Phebe went away, to lie
+awake till dawn.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 8 BREAKERS AHEAD
+
+Anxious to smooth the way for Phebe, Rose was up betimes and slipped
+into Aunt Plenty's room before the old lady had gotten her cap on.
+
+"Aunty, I've something pleasant to tell you, and while you listen, I'll
+brush your hair, as you like to have me," she began, well aware that the
+proposed process was a very soothing one.
+
+"Yes, dear only don't be too particular, because I'm late and must hurry
+down or Jane won't get things straight, and it does fidget me to have
+the saltcellars uneven, the tea strainer forgotten, and your uncle's
+paper not aired," returned Miss Plenty, briskly unrolling the two gray
+curls she wore at her temples.
+
+Then Rose, brushing away at the scanty back hair, led skillfully up to
+the crisis of her tale by describing Phebe's panic and brave efforts to
+conquer it; all about the flowers Archie sent her; and how Steve forgot,
+and dear, thoughtful Archie took his place. So far it went well and Aunt
+Plenty was full of interest, sympathy, and approbation, but when Rose
+added, as if it was quite a matter of course, "So, on the way home, he
+told her he loved her," a great start twitched the gray locks out of
+her hands as the old lady turned around, with the little curls standing
+erect, exclaiming, in undisguised dismay: "Not seriously, Rose?"
+
+"Yes, Aunty, very seriously. He never jokes about such things."
+
+"Mercy on us! What shall we do about it?"
+
+"Nothing, ma'am, but be as glad as we ought and congratulate him as soon
+as she says 'yes.'?
+
+"Do you mean to say she didn't accept at once?"
+
+"She never will if we don't welcome her as kindly as if she belonged to
+one of our best families, and I don't blame her."
+
+"I'm glad the girl has so much sense. Of course we can't do anything of
+the sort, and I'm surprised at Archie's forgetting what he owes to the
+family in this rash manner. Give me my cap, child I must speak to Alec
+at once." And Aunt Plenty twisted her hair into a button at the back of
+her head with one energetic twirl.
+
+"Do speak kindly, Aunty, and remember that it was not Phebe's fault. She
+never thought of this till very lately and began at once to prepare for
+going away," said Rose pleadingly.
+
+"She ought to have gone long ago. I told Myra we should have trouble
+somewhere as soon as I saw what a good-looking creature she was, and
+here it is as bad as can be. Dear, dear! Why can't young people have a
+little prudence?"
+
+"I don't see that anyone need object if Uncle Jem and Aunt Jessie
+approve, and I do think it will be very, very unkind to scold poor Phebe
+for being well-bred, pretty, and good, after doing all we could to make
+her so."
+
+"Child, you don't understand these things yet, but you ought to feel
+your duty toward your family and do all you can to keep the name
+as honorable as it always has been. What do you suppose our blessed
+ancestress Lady Marget would say to our oldest boy taking a wife from
+the poorhouse?"
+
+As she spoke, Miss Plenty looked up, almost apprehensively, at one
+of the wooden-faced old portraits with which her room was hung, as if
+asking pardon of the severe-nosed matron who stared back at her from
+under the sort of blue dish cover which formed her headgear.
+
+"As Lady Marget died about two hundred years ago, I don't care a pin
+what she would say, especially as she looks like a very narrow-minded,
+haughty woman. But I do care very much what Miss Plenty Campbell says,
+for she is a very sensible, generous, discreet, and dear old lady who
+wouldn't hurt a fly, much less a good and faithful girl who has been a
+sister to me. Would she?" entreated Rose, knowing well that the elder
+aunt led all the rest more or less.
+
+But Miss Plenty had her cap on now and consequently felt herself
+twice the woman she was without it, so she not only gave it a somewhat
+belligerent air by setting it well up, but she shook her head decidedly,
+smoothed down her stiff white apron, and stood up as if ready for
+battle.
+
+"I shall do my duty, Rose, and expect the same of others. Don't say any
+more now I must turn the matter over in my mind, for it has come upon me
+suddenly and needs serious consideration."
+
+With which unusually solemn address she took up her keys and trotted
+away, leaving her niece to follow with an anxious countenance, uncertain
+whether her championship had done good or ill to the cause she had at
+heart.
+
+She was much cheered by the sound of Phebe's voice in the study, for
+Rose was sure that if Uncle Alec was on their side all would be well.
+But the clouds lowered again when they came in to breakfast, for Phebe's
+heavy eyes and pale cheeks did not look encouraging, while Dr. Alec was
+as sober as a judge and sent an inquiring glance toward Rose now and
+then as if curious to discover how she bore the news.
+
+An uncomfortable meal, though all tried to seem as usual and talked over
+last night's events with all the interest they could. But the old peace
+was disturbed by a word, as a pebble thrown into a quiet pool sends
+telltale circles rippling its surface far and wide. Aunt Plenty, while
+"turning the subject over in her mind," also seemed intent on upsetting
+everything she touched and made sad havoc in her tea tray; Dr. Alec
+unsociably read his paper; Rose, having salted instead of sugared her
+oatmeal, absently ate it, feeling that the sweetness had gone out of
+everything; and Phebe, after choking down a cup of tea and crumbling a
+roll, excused herself and went away, sternly resolving not to be a bone
+of contention to this beloved family.
+
+As soon as the door was shut Rose pushed away her plate and, going to
+Dr. Alec, she peeped over the paper with such an anxious face that he
+put it down at once.
+
+"Uncle, this is a serious matter, and we must take our stand at once,
+for you are Phebe's guardian and I am her sister," began Rose with
+pretty solemnity. "You have often been disappointed in me," she
+continued, "but I know I never shall be in you because you are too wise
+and good to let any worldly pride or prudence spoil your sympathy with
+Archie and our Phebe. You won't desert them, will you?"
+
+"Never!" answered Dr. Alec with gratifying energy.
+
+"Thank you! Thank you!" cried Rose. "Now, if I have you and Aunty on my
+side, I'm not afraid of anybody."
+
+"Gently, gently, child. I don't intend to desert the lovers, but I
+certainly shall advise them to consider well what they are about. I'll
+own I am rather disappointed, because Archie is young to decide his life
+in this way and Phebe's career seemed settled in another fashion. Old
+people don't like to have their plans upset, you know," he added more
+lightly, for Rose's face fell as he went on.
+
+"Old people shouldn't plan too much for the young ones, then. We are
+very grateful, I'm sure, but we cannot always be disposed of in the
+most prudent and sensible way, so don't set your hearts on little
+arrangements of that sort, I beg," And Rose looked wondrous wise, for
+she could not help suspecting even her best uncle of "plans" in her
+behalf.
+
+"You are quite right-we shouldn't, yet it is very hard to help it,"
+confessed Dr. Alec with a conscious air, and, returning hastily to the
+lovers, he added kindly: "I was much pleased with the straightforward
+way in which Phebe came to me this morning and told me all about it, as
+if I really was her guardian. She did not own it in words, but it was
+perfectly evident that she loves Archie with all her heart, yet, knowing
+the objections which will be made, very sensibly and bravely proposes
+to go away at once and end the matter as if that were possible, poor
+child." And the tenderhearted man gave a sigh of sympathy that did Rose
+good to hear and mollified her rising indignation at the bare idea of
+ending Phebe's love affairs in such a summary way.
+
+"You don't think she ought to go, I hope?"
+
+"I think she will go."
+
+"We must not let her."
+
+"We have no right to keep her."
+
+"Oh, Uncle, surely we have! Our Phebe, whom we all love so much."
+
+"You forget that she is a woman now, and we have no claim on her.
+Because we've befriended her for years is the very reason we should not
+make our benefits a burden, but leave her free, and if she chooses to do
+this in spite of Archie, we must let her with a Godspeed."
+
+Before Rose could answer, Aunt Plenty spoke out like one having
+authority, for old-fashioned ways were dear to her soul and she thought
+even love affairs should be conducted with a proper regard to the powers
+that be.
+
+"The family must talk the matter over and decide what is best for
+the children, who of course will listen to reason and do nothing ill
+advised. For my part, I am quite upset by the news, but shall not commit
+myself till I've seen Jessie and the boy. Jane, clear away, and bring me
+the hot water."
+
+That ended the morning conference. And, leaving the old lady to soothe
+her mind by polishing spoons and washing cups, Rose went away to find
+Phebe while the doctor retired to laugh over the downfall of brother
+Mac's matchmaking schemes.
+
+The Campbells did not gossip about their concerns in public, but being
+a very united family, it had long been the custom to "talk over" any
+interesting event which occurred to any member thereof, and everyone
+gave his or her opinion, advice, or censure with the utmost candor.
+Therefore the first engagement, if such it could be called, created a
+great sensation, among the aunts especially, and they were in as much of
+a flutter as a flock of maternal birds when their young begin to hop out
+of the nest. So at all hours the excellent ladies were seen excitedly
+nodding their caps together as they discussed the affair in all its
+bearings, without ever arriving at any unanimous decision.
+
+The boys took it much more calmly. Mac was the only one who came out
+strongly in Archie's favor. Charlie thought the Chief ought to do better
+and called Phebe "a siren who had bewitched the sage youth." Steve was
+scandalized and delivered long orations upon one's duty to society,
+keeping the old name up, and the danger of mesalliances, while all the
+time he secretly sympathized with Archie, being much smitten with Kitty
+Van himself. Will and Geordie, unfortunately home for the holidays,
+considered it "a jolly lark," and little Jamie nearly drove his elder
+brother distracted by curious inquiries as to "how folks felt when they
+were in love."
+
+Uncle Mac's dismay was so comical that it kept Dr. Alec in good spirits,
+for he alone knew how deep was the deluded man's chagrin at the failure
+of the little plot which he fancied was prospering finely.
+
+"I'll never set my heart on anything of the sort again, and the young
+rascals may marry whom they like. I'm prepared for anything now--so if
+Steve brings home the washerwoman's daughter, and Mac runs away with our
+pretty chambermaid, I shall say, 'Bless you my children,' with mournful
+resignation, for, upon my soul, that is all that's left for a modern
+parent to do."
+
+With which tragic burst, poor Uncle Mac washed his hands of the whole
+affair and buried himself in the countinghouse while the storm raged.
+
+About this time Archie might have echoed Rose's childish wish, that
+she had not quite so many aunts, for the tongues of those interested
+relatives made sad havoc with his little romance and caused him to long
+fervently for a desert island where he could woo and win his love in
+delicious peace. That nothing of the sort was possible soon became
+evident, since every word uttered only confirmed Phebe's resolution to
+go away and proved to Rose how mistaken she had been in believing that
+she could bring everyone to her way of thinking.
+
+Prejudices are unmanageable things, and the good aunts, like most women,
+possessed a plentiful supply, so Rose found it like beating her head
+against a wall to try and convince them that Archie was wise in loving
+poor Phebe. His mother, who had hoped to have Rose for her daughter not
+because of her fortune, but the tender affection she felt for her put
+away her disappointment without a word and welcomed Phebe as kindly
+as she could for her boy's sake. But the girl felt the truth with the
+quickness of a nature made sensitive by love and clung to her resolve
+all the more tenaciously, though grateful for the motherly words that
+would have been so sweet if genuine happiness had prompted them.
+
+Aunt Jane called it romantic nonsense and advised strong measures "kind,
+but firm, Jessie." Aunt Clara was sadly distressed about "what people
+would say" if one of "our boys" married a nobody's daughter. And Aunt
+Myra not only seconded her views by painting portraits of Phebe's
+unknown relations in the darkest colors but uttered direful prophecies
+regarding the disreputable beings who would start up in swarms the
+moment the girl made a good match.
+
+These suggestions so wrought upon Aunt Plenty that she turned a deaf
+ear to the benevolent emotions native to her breast and, taking refuge
+behind "our blessed ancestress, Lady Marget," refused to sanction any
+engagement which could bring discredit upon the stainless name which was
+her pride.
+
+So it all ended where it began, for Archie steadily refused to listen
+to anyone but Phebe, and she as steadily reiterated her bitter "No!"
+fortifying herself half unconsciously with the hope that, by and by,
+when she had won a name, fate might be kinder.
+
+While the rest talked, she had been working, for every hour showed her
+that her instinct had been a true one and pride would not let her stay,
+though love pleaded eloquently. So, after a Christmas anything but
+merry, Phebe packed her trunks, rich in gifts from those who generously
+gave her all but the one thing she desired, and, with a pocketful of
+letters to people who could further her plans, she went away to seek her
+fortune, with a brave face and a very heavy heart.
+
+"Write often, and let me know all you do, my Phebe, and remember I shall
+never be contented till you come back again," whispered Rose, clinging
+to her till the last.
+
+"She will come back, for in a year I'm going to bring her home, please
+God," said Archie, pale with the pain of parting but as resolute as she.
+
+"I'll earn my welcome then perhaps it will be easier for them to give
+and me to receive it," answered Phebe, with a backward glance at the
+group of caps in the hall as she went down the steps on Dr. Alec's arm.
+
+"You earned it long ago, and it is always waiting for you while I am
+here. Remember that, and God bless you, my good girl," he said, with a
+paternal kiss that warmed her heart.
+
+"I never shall forget it!" And Phebe never did.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 9 NEW YEAR'S CALLS
+
+"Now I'm going to turn over a new leaf, as I promised. I wonder what
+I shall find on the next page?" said Rose, coming down on New Year's
+morning with a serious face and a thick letter in her hand.
+
+"Tired of frivolity, my dear?" asked her uncle, pausing in his walk up
+and down the hall to glance at her with a quick, bright look she liked
+to bring into his eyes.
+
+"No, sir, and that's the sad part of it, but I've made up my mind to
+stop while I can because I'm sure it is not good for me. I've had some
+very sober thoughts lately, for since my Phebe went away I've had no
+heart for gaiety, so it is a good place to stop and make a fresh start,"
+answered Rose, taking his arm and walking on with him.
+
+"An excellent time! Now, how are you going to fill the aching void?" he
+asked, well pleased.
+
+"By trying to be as unselfish, brave, and good as she is." And Rose held
+the letter against her bosom with a tender touch, for Phebe's strength
+had inspired her with a desire to be as self-reliant. "I'm going to set
+about living in earnest, as she has; though I think it will be harder
+for me than for her, because she stands alone and has a career marked
+out for her. I'm nothing but a commonplace sort of girl, with no end
+of relations to be consulted every time I wink and a dreadful fortune
+hanging like a millstone round my neck to weigh me down if I try to fly.
+It is a hard case, Uncle, and I get low in my mind when I think about
+it," sighed Rose, oppressed with her blessings.
+
+"Afflicted child! How can I relieve you?" And there was amusement as
+well as sympathy in Dr. Alec's face as he patted the hand upon his arm.
+
+"Please don't laugh, for I really am trying to be good. In the first
+place, help me to wean myself from foolish pleasures and show me how
+to occupy my thoughts and time so that I may not idle about and dream
+instead of doing great things."
+
+"Good! We'll begin at once. Come to town with me this morning and see
+your houses. They are all ready, and Mrs. Gardner has half a dozen
+poor souls waiting to go in as soon as you give the word," answered the
+doctor promptly, glad to get his girl back again, though not surprised
+that she still looked with regretful eyes at the Vanity Fair, always so
+enticing when we are young.
+
+"I'll give it today, and make the new year a happy one to those poor
+souls at least. I'm so sorry that it's impossible for me to go with you,
+but you know I must help Aunty Plen receive. We haven't been here for
+so long that she had set her heart on having a grand time today, and I
+particularly want to please her because I have not been as amiable as I
+ought lately. I really couldn't forgive her for siding against Phebe."
+
+"She did what she thought was right, so we must not blame her. I am
+going to make my New Year's calls today and, as my friends live down
+that way, I'll get the list of names from Mrs. G. and tell the poor
+ladies, with Miss Campbell's compliments, that their new home is ready.
+Shall I?"
+
+"Yes, Uncle, but take all the credit to yourself, for I never should
+have thought of it if you had not proposed the plan."
+
+"Bless your heart! I'm only your agent, and suggest now and then. I've
+nothing to offer but advice, so I lavish that on all occasions."
+
+"You have nothing because you've given your substance all away as
+generously as you do your advice. Never mind you shall never come to
+want while I live. I'll save enough for us two, though I do make 'ducks
+and drakes of my fortune.'"
+
+Dr. Alec laughed at the toss of the head with which she quoted Charlie's
+offensive words, then offered to take the letter, saying, as he looked
+at his watch: "I'll post that for you in time for the early mail. I like
+a run before breakfast."
+
+But Rose held her letter fast, dimpling with sudden smiles, half merry
+and half shy.
+
+"No thank you, sir. Archie likes to do that, and never fails to call for
+all I write. He gets a peep at Phebe's in return and I cheer him up
+a bit, for, though he says nothing, he has a hard time of it, poor
+fellow."
+
+"How many letters in five days?"
+
+"Four, sir, to me. She doesn't write to him, Uncle."
+
+"As yet. Well, you show hers, so it's all right and you are a set of
+sentimental youngsters." And the doctor walked away, looking as if he
+enjoyed the sentiment as much as any of them.
+
+Old Miss Campbell was nearly as great a favorite as young Miss Campbell,
+so a succession of black coats and white gloves flowed in and out of the
+hospitable mansion pretty steadily all day. The clan was out in great
+force, and came by in installments to pay their duty to Aunt Plenty
+and wish the compliments of the season to "our cousin." Archie appeared
+first, looking sad but steadfast, and went away with Phebe's letter in
+his left breast pocket feeling that life was still endurable, though his
+love was torn from him, for Rose had many comfortable things to say and
+read him delicious bits from the voluminous correspondence lately begun.
+
+Hardly was he gone when Will and Geordie came marching in, looking
+as fine as gray uniforms with much scarlet piping could make them and
+feeling peculiarly important, as this was their first essay in New
+Year's call-making. Brief was their stay, for they planned to visit
+every friend they had, and Rose could not help laughing at the droll
+mixture of manly dignity and boyish delight with which they drove off
+in their own carriage, both as erect as ramrods, arms folded, and caps
+stuck at exactly the same angle on each blond head.
+
+"Here comes the other couple Steve, in full feather, with a big bouquet
+for Kitty, and poor Mac, looking like a gentleman and feeling like a
+martyr, I'm sure," said Rose, watching one carriage turn in as the
+other turned out of the great gate, with its arch of holly, ivy, and
+evergreen.
+
+"Here he is. I've got him in tow for the day and want you to cheer him
+up with a word of praise, for he came without a struggle though planning
+to bolt somewhere with Uncle," cried Steve, falling back to display his
+brother, who came in looking remarkably well in his state and festival
+array, for polishing had begun to tell.
+
+"A happy New Year, Aunty, same to you, Cousin, and best wishes for as
+many more as you deserve," said Mac, heeding Steve no more than if he
+had been a fly as he gave the old lady a hearty kiss and offered Rose a
+quaint little nosegay of <DW29>s.
+
+"Heart's-ease do you think I need it?" she asked, looking up with sudden
+sobriety.
+
+"We all do. Could I give you anything better on a day like this?"
+
+"No thank you very much." And a sudden dew came to Rose's eyes, for,
+though often blunt in speech, when Mac did do a tender thing, it always
+touched her because he seemed to understand her moods so well.
+
+"Has Archie been here? He said he shouldn't go anywhere else, but I hope
+you talked that nonsense out of his head," said Steve, settling his tie
+before the mirror.
+
+"Yes, dear, he came but looked so out of spirits I really felt
+reproached. Rose cheered him up a little, but I don't believe he will
+feel equal to making calls and I hope he won't, for his face tells the
+whole story much too plainly," answered Aunty Plenty, rustling about her
+bountiful table in her richest black silk with all her old lace on.
+
+"Oh, he'll get over it in a month or two, and Phebe will soon find
+another lover, so don't be worried about him, Aunty," said Steve, with
+the air of a man who knew all about that sort of thing.
+
+"If Archie does forget, I shall despise him, and I know Phebe won't try
+to find another lover, though she'll probably have them she is so sweet
+and good!" cried Rose indignantly, for, having taken the pair under her
+protection, she defended them valiantly.
+
+"Then you'd have Arch hope against hope and never give up, would you?"
+asked Mac, putting on his glasses to survey the thin boots which were
+his especial abomination.
+
+"Yes, I would, for a lover is not worth having if he's not in earnest!"
+
+"Exactly. So you'd like them to wait and work and keep on loving till
+they made you relent or plainly proved that it was no use."
+
+"If they were good as well as constant, I think I should relent in
+time."
+
+"I'll mention that to Pemberton, for he seemed to be hit the hardest,
+and a ray of hope will do him good, whether he is equal to the ten
+years' wait or not," put in Steve, who liked to rally Rose about her
+lovers.
+
+"I'll never forgive you if you say a word to anyone. It is only Mac's
+odd way of asking questions, and I ought not to answer them. You will
+talk about such things and I can't stop you, but I don't like it," said
+Rose, much annoyed.
+
+"Poor little Penelope! She shall not be teased about her suitors but
+left in peace till her Ulysses comes home," said Mac, sitting down to
+read the mottoes sticking out of certain fanciful bonbons on the table.
+
+"It is this fuss about Archie which has demoralized us all. Even the owl
+waked up and hasn't got over the excitement yet, you see. He's had no
+experience, poor fellow, so he doesn't know how to behave," observed
+Steve, regarding his bouquet with tender interest.
+
+"That's true, and I asked for information because I may be in love
+myself someday and all this will be useful, don't you see?"
+
+"You in love!" And Steve could not restrain a laugh at the idea of the
+bookworm a slave to the tender passion.
+
+Quite unruffled, Mac leaned his chin in both hands, regarding them with
+a meditative eye as he answered in his whimsical way: "Why not? I intend
+to study love as well as medicine, for it is one of the most mysterious
+and remarkable diseases that afflict mankind, and the best way to
+understand it is to have it. I may catch it someday, and then I should
+like to know how to treat and cure it."
+
+"If you take it as badly as you did measles and whooping cough, it will
+go hard with you, old fellow," said Steve, much amused with the fancy.
+
+"I want it to. No great experience comes or goes easily, and this is the
+greatest we can know, I believe, except death."
+
+Something in Mac's quiet tone and thoughtful eyes made Rose look at him
+in surprise, for she had never heard him speak in that way before. Steve
+also stared for an instant, equally amazed, then said below his breath,
+with an air of mock anxiety: "He's been catching something at the
+hospital, typhoid probably, and is beginning to wander. I'll take him
+quietly away before he gets any wilder. Come, old lunatic, we must be
+off."
+
+"Don't be alarmed. I'm all right and much obliged for your advice, for I
+fancy I shall be a desperate lover when my time comes, if it ever does.
+You don't think it impossible, do you?" And Mac put the question so
+soberly that there was a general smile.
+
+"Certainly not you'll be a regular Douglas, tender and true," answered
+Rose, wondering what queer question would come next.
+
+"Thank you. The fact is, I've been with Archie so much in his trouble
+lately that I've gotten interested in this matter and very naturally
+want to investigate the subject as every rational man must, sooner or
+later, that's all. Now, Steve, I'm ready." And Mac got up as if the
+lesson was over.
+
+"My dear, that boy is either a fool or a genius, and I'm sure I should
+be glad to know which," said Aunt Plenty, putting her bonbons to rights
+with a puzzled shake of her best cap.
+
+"Time will show, but I incline to think that he is not a fool by any
+means," answered the girl, pulling a cluster of white roses out of her
+bosom to make room for the <DW29>s, though they did not suit the blue
+gown half so well.
+
+Just then Aunt Jessie came in to help them receive, with Jamie to make
+himself generally useful, which he proceeded to do by hovering around
+the table like a fly about a honey pot when not flattening his nose
+against the windowpanes to announce excitedly, "Here's another man
+coming up the drive!"
+
+Charlie arrived next in his most sunshiny humor, for anything social
+and festive was his delight, and when in this mood the Prince was quite
+irresistible. He brought a pretty bracelet for Rose and was graciously
+allowed to put it on while she chid him gently for his extravagance.
+
+"I am only following your example, for you know 'nothing is too good
+for those we love, and giving away is the best thing one can do,'" he
+retorted, quoting words of her own.
+
+"I wish you would follow my example in some other things as well as you
+do in this," said Rose soberly as Aunt Plenty called him to come and see
+if the punch was right.
+
+"Must conform to the customs of society. Aunty's heart would be broken
+if we did not drink her health in the good old fashion. But don't be
+alarmed I've a strong head of my own, and that's lucky, for I shall need
+it before I get through," laughed Charlie, showing a long list as
+he turned away to gratify the old lady with all sorts of merry and
+affectionate compliments as the glasses touched.
+
+Rose did feel rather alarmed, for if he drank the health of all the
+owners of those names, she felt sure that Charlie would need a very
+strong head indeed. It was hard to say anything then and there without
+seeming disrespect to Aunt Plenty, yet she longed to remind her cousin
+of the example she tried to set him in this respect, for Rose never
+touched wine, and the boys knew it. She was thoughtfully turning the
+bracelet, with its pretty device of turquoise forget-me-nots, when the
+giver came back to her, still bubbling over with good spirits.
+
+"Dear little saint, you look as if you'd like to smash all the punch
+bowls in the city, and save us jolly young fellows from tomorrow's
+headache."
+
+"I should, for such headaches sometimes end in heartaches, I'm afraid.
+Dear Charlie, don't be angry, but you know better than I that this is a
+dangerous day for such as you so do be careful for my sake," she added,
+with an unwonted touch of tenderness in her voice, for, looking at the
+gallant figure before her, it was impossible to repress the womanly
+longing to keep it always as brave and blithe as now.
+
+Charlie saw that new softness in the eyes that never looked unkindly on
+him, fancied that it meant more than it did, and, with a sudden fervor
+in his own voice, answered quickly: "My darling, I will!"
+
+The glow which had risen to his face was reflected in hers, for at that
+moment it seemed as if it would be possible to love this cousin who was
+so willing to be led by her and so much needed some helpful influence
+to make a noble man of him. The thought came and went like a flash, but
+gave her a quick heartthrob, as if the old affection was trembling
+on the verge of some warmer sentiment, and left her with a sense of
+responsibility never felt before. Obeying the impulse, she said, with a
+pretty blending of earnestness and playfulness, "If I wear the bracelet
+to remember you by, you must wear this to remind you of your promise."
+
+"And you," whispered Charlie, bending his head to kiss the hands that
+put a little white rose in his buttonhole.
+
+Just at that most interesting moment they became aware of an arrival in
+the front drawing room, whither Aunt Plenty had discreetly retired. Rose
+felt grateful for the interruption, because, not being at all sure
+of the state of her heart as yet, she was afraid of letting a sudden
+impulse lead her too far. But Charlie, conscious that a very propitious
+instant had been spoiled, regarded the newcomer with anything but a
+benignant expression of countenance and, whispering, "Good-bye, my Rose,
+I shall look in this evening to see how you are after the fatigues of
+the day," he went away, with such a cool nod to poor Fun See that the
+amiable Asiatic thought he must have mortally offended him.
+
+Rose had little leisure to analyze the new emotions of which she was
+conscious, for Mr. Tokio came up at once to make his compliments with
+a comical mingling of Chinese courtesy and American awkwardness, and
+before he had got his hat on Jamie shouted with admiring energy: "Here's
+another! Oh, such a swell!"
+
+They now came thick and fast for many hours, and the ladies stood
+bravely at their posts till late into the evening. Then Aunt Jessie went
+home, escorted by a very sleepy little son, and Aunt Plenty retired to
+bed, used up. Dr. Alec had returned in good season, for his friends were
+not fashionable ones, but Aunt Myra had sent up for him in hot haste and
+he had good-naturedly obeyed the summons. In fact, he was quite used to
+them now, for Mrs. Myra, having tried a variety of dangerous diseases,
+had finally decided upon heart complaint as the one most likely to keep
+her friends in a chronic state of anxiety and was continually sending
+word that she was dying. One gets used to palpitations as well as
+everything else, so the doctor felt no alarm but always went and
+prescribed some harmless remedy with the most amiable sobriety and
+patience.
+
+Rose was tired but not sleepy and wanted to think over several things,
+so instead of going to bed she sat down before the open fire in the
+study to wait for her uncle and perhaps Charlie, though she did not
+expect him so late.
+
+Aunt Myra's palpitations must have been unusually severe, for the clock
+struck twelve before Dr. Alec came, and Rose was preparing to end her
+reverie when the sound of someone fumbling at the hall door made her
+jump up, saying to herself: "Poor man! His hands are so cold he can't
+get his latchkey in. Is that you, Uncle?" she added, running to admit
+him, for Jane was slow and the night as bitter as it was brilliant.
+
+A voice answered, "Yes." And as the door swung open, in walked, not Dr.
+Alec, but Charlie, who immediately took one of the hall chairs and sat
+there with his hat on, rubbing his gloveless hands and blinking as if
+the light dazzled him, as he said in a rapid, abrupt sort of tone, "I
+told you I'd come left the fellows keeping it up gloriously going to see
+the old year out, you know. But I promised never break my word and here
+I am. Angel in blue, did you slay your thousands?"
+
+"Hush! The waiters are still about. Come to the study fire and warm
+yourself, you must be frozen," said Rose, going before to roll up the
+easy chair.
+
+"Not at all never warmer looks very comfortable, though. Where's
+Uncle?" asked Charlie, following with his hat still on, his hands in his
+pockets, and his eye fixed steadily on the bright head in front of him.
+
+"Aunt Myra sent for him, and I was waiting up to see how she was,"
+answered Rose, busily mending the fire.
+
+Charlie laughed and sat down upon a corner of the library table. "Poor
+old soul! What a pity she doesn't die before he is quite worn out.
+A little too much ether some of these times would send her off quite
+comfortably, you know."
+
+"Don't speak in that way. Uncle says imaginary troubles are often as
+hard to bear as real ones," said Rose, turning around displeased.
+
+Till now she had not fairly looked at him, for recollections of the
+morning made her a little shy. His attitude and appearance surprised her
+as much as his words, and the quick change in her face seemed to remind
+him of his manners. Getting up, he hastily took off his hat and stood
+looking at her with a curiously fixed yet absent look as he said in the
+same rapid, abrupt way, as if, when once started, he found it hard to
+stop, "I beg pardon only joking very bad taste I know, and won't do it
+again. The heat of the room makes me a little dizzy, and I think I got a
+chill coming out. It is cold I am frozen, I daresay though I drove like
+the devil."
+
+"Not that bad horse of yours, I hope? I know it is dangerous, so
+late and alone," said Rose, shrinking behind the big chair as Charlie
+approached the fire, carefully avoiding a footstool in his way.
+
+"Danger is exciting that's why I like it. No man ever called me a coward
+let him try it once. I never give in and that horse shall not conquer
+me. I'll break his neck, if he breaks my spirit doing it. No I don't
+mean that never mind it's all right," and Charlie laughed in a way that
+troubled her, because there was no mirth in it.
+
+"Have you had a pleasant day?" asked Rose, looking at him intently as he
+stood pondering over the cigar and match which he held, as if doubtful
+which to strike and which to smoke.
+
+"Day? Oh, yes, capital. About two thousand calls, and a nice little
+supper at the Club. Randal can't sing any more than a crow, but I left
+him with a glass of champagne upside down, trying to give them my old
+favorite:
+
+"'Tis better to laugh than be sighing,"
+
+and Charlie burst forth in that bacchanalian melody at the top of his
+voice, waving an allumette holder over his head to represent Randal's
+inverted wineglass.
+
+"Hush! You'll wake Aunty," cried Rose in a tone so commanding that he
+broke off in the middle of a roulade to stare at her with a blank look
+as he said apologetically, "I was merely showing how it should be done.
+Don't be angry, dearest look at me as you did this morning, and I'll
+swear never to sing another note if you say so. I'm only a little gay we
+drank your health handsomely, and they all congratulated me. Told 'em
+it wasn't out yet. Stop, though I didn't mean to mention that. No matter
+I'm always in a scrape, but you always forgive me in the sweetest way.
+Do it now, and don't be angry, little darling." And, dropping the vase,
+he went toward her with a sudden excitement that made her shrink behind
+the chair.
+
+She was not angry, but shocked and frightened, for she knew now what the
+matter was and grew so pale, he saw it and asked pardon before she could
+utter a rebuke.
+
+"We'll talk of that tomorrow. It is very late. Go home now, please,
+before Uncle comes," she said, trying to speak naturally yet betraying
+her distress by the tremor of her voice and the sad anxiety in her eyes.
+
+"Yes, yes, I will go you are tired I'll make it all right tomorrow." And
+as if the sound of his uncle's name steadied him for an instant, Charlie
+made for the door with an unevenness of gait which would have told the
+shameful truth if his words had not already done so. Before he reached
+it, however, the sound of wheels arrested him and, leaning against the
+wall, he listened with a look of dismay mingled with amusement creeping
+over his face. "Brutus has bolted now I am in a fix. Can't walk home
+with this horrid dizziness in my head. It's the cold, Rose, nothing
+else, I do assure you, and a chill yes, a chill. See here! Let one of
+those fellows there lend me an arm no use to go after that brute. Won't
+Mother be frightened though when he gets home?" And with that empty
+laugh again, he fumbled for the door handle.
+
+"No, no don't let them see you! Don't let anyone know! Stay here till
+Uncle comes, and he'll take care of you. Oh, Charlie! How could you do
+it! How could you when you promised?" And, forgetting fear in the sudden
+sense of shame and anguish that came over her, Rose ran to him, caught
+his hand from the lock, and turned the key; then, as if she could not
+bear to see him standing there with that vacant smile on his lips, she
+dropped into a chair and covered up her face.
+
+The cry, the act, and, more than all, the sight of the bowed head would
+have sobered poor Charlie if it had not been too late. He looked about
+the room with a vague, despairing look, as if to find reason fast
+slipping from his control, but heat and cold, excitement and reckless
+pledging of many healths had done their work too well to make instant
+sobriety possible, and owning his defeat with a groan, he turned away
+and threw himself face-downward on the sofa, one of the saddest sights
+the new year looked upon as it came in.
+
+As she sat there with hidden eyes, Rose felt that something dear to her
+was dead forever. The ideal, which all women cherish, look for, and too
+often think they have found when love glorifies a mortal man, is hard to
+give up, especially when it comes in the likeness of the first lover who
+touches a young girl's heart. Rose had just begun to feel that perhaps
+this cousin, despite his faults, might yet become the hero that he
+sometimes looked, and the thought that she might be his inspiration was
+growing sweet to her, although she had not entertained it until
+very lately. Alas, how short the tender dream had been, how rude the
+awakening! How impossible it would be ever again to surround that fallen
+figure with all the romance of an innocent fancy or gift it with the
+high attributes beloved by a noble nature!
+
+Breathing heavily in the sudden sleep that kindly brought a brief
+oblivion of himself, he lay with flushed cheeks, disordered hair, and
+at his feet the little rose that never would be fresh and fair again a
+pitiful contrast now to the brave, blithe young man who went so gaily
+out that morning to be so ignominiously overthrown at night.
+
+Many girls would have made light of a trespass so readily forgiven by
+the world, but Rose had not yet learned to offer temptation with a smile
+and shut her eyes to the weakness that makes a man a brute. It always
+grieved or disgusted her to see it in others, and now it was very
+terrible to have it brought so near not in its worst form, by any means,
+but bad enough to wring her heart with shame and sorrow and fill
+her mind with dark forebodings for the future. So she could only sit
+mourning for the Charlie that might have been while watching the Charlie
+that was with an ache in her heart which found no relief till, putting
+her hands there as if to ease the pain, they touched the <DW29>s, faded
+but still showing gold among the somber purple, and then two great tears
+dropped on them as she sighed: "Ah, me! I do need heart's-ease sooner
+than I thought!"
+
+Her uncle's step made her spring up and unlock the door, showing him
+such an altered face that he stopped short, ejaculating in dismay, "Good
+heavens, child! What's the matter?" adding, as she pointed to the sofa
+in pathetic silence, "Is he hurt? ill? dead?"
+
+"No, Uncle, he is--" She could not utter the ugly word but whispered
+with a sob in her throat, "Be kind to him," and fled away to her own
+room, feeling as if a great disgrace had fallen on the house.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 10 THE SAD AND SOBER PART
+
+"How will he look? What will he say? Can anything make us forget and be
+happy again?" were the first questions Rose asked herself as soon as she
+woke from the brief sleep which followed a long, sad vigil. It seemed
+as if the whole world must be changed because a trouble darkened it for
+her. She was too young yet to know how possible it is to forgive much
+greater sins than this, forget far heavier disappointments, outlive
+higher hopes, and bury loves compared to which hers was but a girlish
+fancy. She wished it had not been so bright a day, wondered how her
+birds could sing with such shrill gaiety, put no ribbon in her hair,
+and said, as she looked at the reflection of her own tired face in
+the glass, "Poor thing! You thought the new leaf would have something
+pleasant on it. The story has been very sweet and easy to read so far,
+but the sad and sober part is coming now."
+
+A tap at the door reminded her that, in spite of her afflictions,
+breakfast must be eaten, and the sudden thought that Charlie might still
+be in the house made her hurry to the door, to find Dr. Alec waiting for
+her with his morning smile. She drew him in and whispered anxiously, as
+if someone lay dangerously ill nearby, "Is he better, Uncle? Tell me all
+about it I can bear it now."
+
+Some men would have smiled at her innocent distress and told her this
+was only what was to be expected and endured, but Dr. Alec believed in
+the pure instincts that make youth beautiful, desired to keep them true,
+and hoped his girl would never learn to look unmoved by pain and pity
+upon any human being vanquished by a vice, no matter how trivial it
+seemed, how venial it was held. So his face grew grave, though his voice
+was cheerful as he answered: "All right, I daresay, by this time, for
+sleep is the best medicine in such cases. I took him home last night,
+and no one knows he came but you and I."
+
+"No one ever shall. How did you do it, Uncle?"
+
+"Just slipped out of the long study window and got him cannily off, for
+the air and motion, after a dash of cold water, brought him around, and
+he was glad to be safely landed at home. His rooms are below, you know,
+so no one was disturbed, and I left him sleeping nicely."
+
+"Thank you so much," sighed Rose. "And Brutus? Weren't they frightened
+when he got back alone?"
+
+"Not at all. The sagacious beast went quietly to the stable, and the
+sleepy groom asked no questions, for Charlie often sends the horse round
+by himself when it is late or stormy. Rest easy, dear no eye but ours
+saw the poor lad come and go, and we'll forgive it for love's sake."
+
+"Yes, but not forget it. I never can, and he will never be again to me
+the Charlie I've been so proud and fond of all these years. Oh, Uncle,
+such a pity! Such a pity!"
+
+"Don't break your tender heart about it, child, for it is not incurable,
+thank God! I don't make light of it, but I am sure that under better
+influences Charlie will redeem himself because his impulses are good and
+this his only vice. I can hardly blame him for what he is, because his
+mother did the harm. I declare to you, Rose, I sometimes feel as if I
+must break out against that woman and thunder in her ears that she is
+ruining the immortal soul for which she is responsible to heaven!"
+
+Dr. Alec seldom spoke in this way, and when he did it was rather awful,
+for his indignation was of the righteous sort and such thunder often
+rouses up a drowsy soul when sunshine has no effect. Rose liked it, and
+sincerely wished Aunt Clara had been there to get the benefit of the
+outbreak, for she needed just such an awakening from the self-indulgent
+dream in which she lived.
+
+"Do it, and save Charlie before it is too late!" she cried, kindling
+herself as she watched him, for he looked like a roused lion as he
+walked about the room with his hand clenched and a spark in his eye,
+evidently in desperate earnest and ready to do almost anything.
+
+"Will you help?" he asked, stopping suddenly with a look that made her
+stand up straight and strong as she answered with an eager voice: "I
+will."
+
+"Then don't love him yet."
+
+That startled her, but she asked steadily, though her heart began to
+beat and her color to come: "Why not?"
+
+"Firstly, because no woman should give her happiness into the keeping
+of a man without fixed principles; secondly, because the hope of being
+worthy of you will help him more than any prayers or preaching of mine.
+Thirdly, because it will need all our wit and patience to undo the work
+of nearly four and twenty years. You understand what I mean?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Can you say 'no' when he asks you to say 'yes' and wait a little for
+your happiness?"
+
+"I can."
+
+"And will you?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Then I'm satisfied, and a great weight taken off my heart. I can't help
+seeing what goes on, or trembling when I think of you setting sail with
+no better pilot than poor Charlie. Now you answer as I hoped you would,
+and I am proud of my girl!"
+
+They had been standing with the width of the room between them, Dr.
+Alec looking very much like a commander issuing orders, Rose like a
+well-drilled private obediently receiving them, and both wore the air
+of soldiers getting ready for a battle, with the bracing of nerves and
+quickening of the blood brave souls feel as they put on their armor. At
+the last words he went to her, brushed back the hair, and kissed her on
+the forehead with a tender sort of gravity and a look that made her
+feel as if he had endowed her with the Victoria Cross for courage on the
+field.
+
+No more was said then, for Aunt Plenty called them down and the day's
+duties began. But that brief talk showed Rose what to do and fitted her
+to do it, for it set her to thinking of the duty one owes one's self in
+loving as in all the other great passions or experiences which make or
+mar a life.
+
+She had plenty of time for quiet meditation that day because everyone
+was resting after yesterday's festivity, and she sat in her little room
+planning out a new year so full of good works, grand successes, and
+beautiful romances that if it could have been realized, the Millennium
+would have begun. It was a great comfort to her, however, and lightened
+the long hours haunted by a secret desire to know when Charlie would
+come and a secret fear of the first meeting. She was sure he would be
+bowed down with humiliation and repentance, and a struggle took place
+in her mind between the pity she could not help feeling and the
+disapprobation she ought to show. She decided to be gentle, but very
+frank; to reprove, but also to console; and to try to improve the
+softened moment by inspiring the culprit with a wish for all the virtues
+which make a perfect man.
+
+The fond delusion grew quite absorbing, and her mind was full of it as
+she sat watching the sun set from her western window and admiring with
+dreamy eyes the fine effect of the distant hills clear and dark against
+a daffodil sky when the bang of a door made her sit suddenly erect in
+her low chair and say with a catch in her breath: "He's coming! I must
+remember what I promised Uncle and be very firm."
+
+Usually Charlie announced his approach with music of some sort. Now he
+neither whistled, hummed, nor sang, but came so quietly Rose was sure
+that he dreaded this meeting as much as she did and, compassionating
+his natural confusion, did not look around as the steps drew near. She
+thought perhaps he would go down upon his knees, as he used to after a
+boyish offense, but hoped not, for too much humility distressed her, so
+she waited for the first demonstration anxiously.
+
+It was rather a shock when it came, however, for a great nosegay dropped
+into her lap and a voice, bold and gay as usual, said lightly: "Here she
+is, as pretty and pensive as you please. Is the world hollow, our
+doll stuffed with sawdust, and do we want to go into a nunnery today,
+Cousin?"
+
+Rose was so taken aback by this unexpected coolness that the flowers lay
+unnoticed as she looked up with a face so full of surprise, reproach,
+and something like shame that it was impossible to mistake its meaning.
+Charlie did not, and had the grace to redden deeply, and his eyes fell
+as he said quickly, though in the same light tone: "I humbly apologize
+for coming so late last night. Don't be hard upon me, Cousin. You know
+America expects every man to do his duty on New Year's Day."
+
+"I am tired of forgiving! You make and break promises as easily as you
+did years ago, and I shall never ask you for another," answered Rose,
+putting the bouquet away, for the apology did not satisfy her and she
+would not be bribed to silence.
+
+"But, my dear girl, you are so very exacting, so peculiar in your
+notions, and so angry about trifles that a poor fellow can't please you,
+try as he will," began Charlie, ill at ease, but too proud to show half
+the penitence he felt, not so much for the fault as for her discovery of
+it.
+
+"I am not angry I am grieved and disappointed, for I expect every man to
+do his duty in another way and keep his word to the uttermost, as I try
+to do. If that is exacting, I'm sorry, and won't trouble you with my
+old-fashioned notions anymore."
+
+"Bless my soul! What a rout about nothing! I own that I forgot I know I
+acted like a fool and I beg pardon. What more can I do?"
+
+"Act like a man, and never let me be so terribly ashamed of you again as
+I was last night." And Rose gave a little shiver as she thought of it.
+
+That involuntary act hurt Charlie more than her words, and it was his
+turn now to feel "terribly ashamed," for the events of the previous
+evening were very hazy in his mind and fear magnified them greatly.
+Turning sharply away, he went and stood by the fire, quite at a loss how
+to make his peace this time, because Rose was so unlike herself. Usually
+a word of excuse sufficed, and she seemed glad to pardon and forget;
+now, though very quiet, there was something almost stern about her that
+surprised and daunted him, for how could he know that all the while her
+pitiful heart was pleading for him and the very effort to control it
+made her a little hard and cold?
+
+As he stood there, restlessly fingering the ornaments upon the
+chimneypiece, his eye brightened suddenly and, taking up the pretty
+bracelet lying there, he went slowly back to her, saying in a tone that
+was humble and serious enough now: "I will act like a man, and you shall
+never be ashamed again. Only be kind to me. Let me put this on, and
+promise afresh this time I swear I'll keep it. Won't you trust me,
+Rose?"
+
+It was very hard to resist the pleading voice and eyes, for this
+humility was dangerous; and, but for Uncle Alec, Rose would have
+answered "yes." The blue forget-me-nots reminded her of her own promise,
+and she kept it with difficulty now, to be glad always afterward.
+Putting back the offered trinket with a gentle touch, she said firmly,
+though she dared not look up into the anxious face bending toward her:
+"No, Charlie I can't wear it. My hands must be free if I'm to help you
+as I ought. I will be kind, I will trust you, but don't swear anything,
+only try to resist temptation, and we'll all stand by you."
+
+Charlie did not like that and lost the ground he had gained by saying
+impetuously: "I don't want anyone but you to stand by me, and I must be
+sure you won't desert me, else, while I'm mortifying soul and body to
+please you, some stranger will come and steal your heart away from me.
+I couldn't bear that, so I give you fair warning, in such a case I'll
+break the bargain, and go straight to the devil."
+
+The last sentence spoiled it all, for it was both masterful and defiant.
+Rose had the Campbell spirit in her, though it seldom showed; as yet she
+valued her liberty more than any love offered her, and she resented the
+authority he assumed too soon resented it all the more warmly because
+of the effort she was making to reinstate her hero, who would insist
+on being a very faulty and ungrateful man. She rose straight out of her
+chair, saying with a look and tone which rather startled her hearer and
+convinced him that she was no longer a tenderhearted child but a woman
+with a will of her own and a spirit as proud and fiery as any of
+her race: "My heart is my own, to dispose of as I please. Don't shut
+yourself out of it by presuming too much, for you have no claim on me
+but that of cousinship, and you never will have unless you earn it.
+Remember that, and neither threaten nor defy me anymore."
+
+For a minute it was doubtful whether Charlie would answer this flash
+with another, and a general explosion ensue, or wisely quench the flame
+with the mild answer which turneth away wrath. He chose the latter
+course and made it very effective by throwing himself down before his
+offended goddess, as he had often done in jest. This time it was not
+acting, but serious, earnest, and there was real passion in his voice
+as he caught Rose's dress in both hands, saying eagerly: "No, no! Don't
+shut your heart against me or I shall turn desperate. I'm not half good
+enough for such a saint as you, but you can do what you will with me. I
+only need a motive to make a man of me, and where can I find a stronger
+one than in trying to keep your love?"
+
+"It is not yours yet," began Rose, much moved, though all the while she
+felt as if she were on a stage and had a part to play, for Charlie
+had made life so like a melodrama that it was hard for him to be quite
+simple even when most sincere.
+
+"Let me earn it, then. Show me how, and I'll do anything, for you are my
+good angel, Rose, and if you cast me off, I feel as if I shouldn't care
+how soon there was an end of me," cried Charlie, getting tragic in his
+earnestness and putting both arms around her, as if his only safety lay
+in clinging to this beloved fellow creature.
+
+Behind footlights it would have been irresistible, but somehow it did
+not touch the one spectator, though she had neither time nor skill to
+discover why. For all their ardor the words did not ring quite true.
+Despite the grace of the attitude, she would have liked him better
+manfully erect upon his feet, and though the gesture was full of
+tenderness, a subtle instinct made her shrink away as she said with
+a composure that surprised herself even more than it did him: "Please
+don't. No, I will promise nothing yet, for I must respect the man I
+love."
+
+That brought Charlie to his feet, pale with something deeper than anger,
+for the recoil told him more plainly than the words how much he had
+fallen in her regard since yesterday. The memory of the happy moment
+when she gave the rose with that new softness in her eyes, the shy
+color, the sweet "for my sake" came back with sudden vividness,
+contrasting sharply with the now averted face, the hand outstretched to
+put him back, the shrinking figure, and in that instant's silence, poor
+Charlie realized what he had lost, for a girl's first thought of love is
+as delicate a thing as the rosy morning glory, which a breath of air
+can shatter. Only a hint of evil, only an hour's debasement for him,
+a moment's glimpse for her of the coarser pleasures men know, and the
+innocent heart, just opening to bless and to be blessed, closed again
+like a sensitive plant and shut him out perhaps forever.
+
+The consciousness of this turned him pale with fear, for his love was
+deeper than she knew, and he proved this when he said in a tone so full
+of mingled pain and patience that it touched her to the heart: "You
+shall respect me if I can make you, and when I've earned it, may I hope
+for something more?"
+
+She looked up then, saw in his face the noble shame, the humble sort
+of courage that shows repentance to be genuine and gives promise of
+success, and, with a hopeful smile that was a cordial to him, answered
+heartily: "You may."
+
+"Bless you for that! I'll make no promises, I'll ask for none only trust
+me, Rose, and while you treat me like a cousin, remember that no matter
+how many lovers you may have you'll never be to any of them as dear as
+you are to me."
+
+A traitorous break in his voice warned Charlie to stop there, and with
+no other good-bye, he very wisely went away, leaving Rose to put the
+neglected flowers into water with remorseful care and lay away the
+bracelet, saying to herself: "I'll never wear it till I feel as I did
+before. Then he shall put it on and I'll say 'yes.'"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 11 SMALL TEMPTATIONS
+
+"Oh, Rose, I've got something so exciting to tell you!" cried Kitty Van
+Tassel, skipping into the carriage next morning when her friend called
+for her to go shopping.
+
+Kitty always did have some "perfectly thrilling" communication to make
+and Rose had learned to take them quietly, but the next demonstration
+was a new one, for, regardless alike of curious observers outside and
+disordered hats within, Kitty caught Rose around the neck, exclaiming in
+a rapturous whisper: "My dearest creature, I'm engaged!"
+
+"I'm so glad! Of course it is Steve?"
+
+"Dear fellow, he did it last night in the nicest way, and Mama is so
+delighted. Now what shall I be married in?" And Kitty composed herself
+with a face full of the deepest anxiety.
+
+"How can you talk of that so soon? Why, Kit, you unromantic girl, you
+ought to be thinking of your lover and not your clothes," said Rose,
+amused yet rather scandalized at such want of sentiment.
+
+"I am thinking of my lover, for he says he will not have a long
+engagement, so I must begin to think about the most important things at
+once, mustn't I?"
+
+"Ah, he wants to be sure of you, for you are such a slippery creature
+he is afraid you'll treat him as you did poor Jackson and the rest,"
+interrupted Rose, shaking her finger at her prospective cousin, who had
+tried this pastime twice before and was rather proud than otherwise of
+her brief engagements.
+
+"You needn't scold, for I know I'm right, and when you've been in
+society as long as I have you'll find that the only way to really know a
+man is to be engaged to him. While they want you they are all devotion,
+but when they think they've got you, then you find out what wretches
+they are," answered Kitty with an air of worldly wisdom which contrasted
+oddly with her youthful face and giddy manners.
+
+"A sad prospect for poor Steve, unless I give him a hint to look well to
+his ways."
+
+"Oh, my dear child, I'm sure of him, for my experience has made me very
+sharp and I'm convinced I can manage him without a bit of trouble. We've
+known each other for ages" Steve was twenty and Kitty eighteen "and
+always been the best of friends. Besides, he is quite my ideal man. I
+never could bear big hands and feet, and his are simply adorable. Then
+he's the best dancer I know and dresses in perfect taste. I really do
+believe I fell in love with his pocket handkerchiefs first, they were so
+enchanting I couldn't resist," laughed Kitty, pulling a large one out
+of her pocket and burying her little nose in the folds, which shed a
+delicious fragrance upon the air.
+
+"Now, that looks promising, and I begin to think you have got a little
+sentiment after all," said Rose, well pleased, for the merry brown eyes
+had softened suddenly and a quick color came up in Kitty's cheek as she
+answered, still half hiding her face in the beloved handkerchief: "Of
+course I have, lots of it, only I'm ashamed to show it to most people,
+because it's the style to take everything in the most nonchalant way. My
+gracious, Rose, you'd have thought me a romantic goose last night while
+Steve proposed in the back parlor, for I actually cried, he was so
+dreadfully in earnest when I pretended that I didn't care for him, and
+so very dear and nice when I told the truth. I didn't know he had it in
+him, but he came out delightfully and never cared a particle, though I
+dropped tears all over his lovely shirtfront. Wasn't that good of him?
+For you know he hates his things to be mussed."
+
+"He's a true Campbell, and has got a good warm heart of his own under
+those fine fronts of his. Aunt Jane doesn't believe in sentiment, so
+he has been trained never to show any, but it is there, and you must
+encourage him to let it out, not foolishly, but in a way to make him
+more manly and serious."
+
+"I will if I can, for though I wouldn't own this to everybody, I like it
+in him very much and feel as if Steve and I should get on beautifully.
+Here we are now, be sure not to breathe a word if we meet anyone. I want
+it to be a profound secret for a week at least," added Kitty, whisking
+her handkerchief out of sight as the carriage stopped before the
+fashionable store they were about to visit.
+
+Rose promised with a smile, for Kitty's face betrayed her without
+words, so full was it of the happiness which few eyes fail to understand
+whenever they see it.
+
+"Just a glance at the silks. You ask my opinion about white ones, and
+I'll look at the colors. Mama says satin, but that is out now, and I've
+set my heart on the heaviest corded thing I can find," whispered Kitty
+as they went rustling by the long counters strewn with all that could
+delight the feminine eye and tempt the feminine pocket.
+
+"Isn't that opal the loveliest thing you ever saw? I'm afraid I'm too
+dark to wear it, but it would just suit you. You'll need a variety, you
+know," added Kitty in a significant aside as Rose stood among the white
+silks while her companion affected great interest in the delicate hues
+laid before her.
+
+"But I have a variety now, and don't need a new dress of any sort."
+
+"No matter, get it, else it will be gone. You've worn all yours several
+times already and must have a new one whether you need it or not. Dear
+me! If I had as much pocket money as you have, I'd come out in a fresh
+toilet at every party I went to," answered Kitty, casting an envious eye
+upon the rainbow piles before her.
+
+The quick-witted shopman saw that a wedding was afoot, for when two
+pretty girls whisper, smile, and blush over their shopping, clerks
+scent bridal finery and a transient gleam of interest brightens their
+imperturbable countenances and lends a brief energy to languid voices
+weary with crying, "Cash!" Gathering both silks with a practiced turn
+of the hand, he held them up for inspection, detecting at a glance which
+was the bride-elect and which the friend, for Kitty fell back to study
+the effect of silvery white folds with an absorbing interest impossible
+to mistake while Rose sat looking at the opal as if she scarcely heard a
+bland voice saying, with the rustle of silk so dear to girlish ears:
+"A superb thing, just opened; all the rage in Paris; very rare shade;
+trying to most, as the lady says, but quite perfect for a blonde."
+
+Rose was not listening to those words but to others which Aunt Clara had
+lately uttered, laughed at then, but thought over more than once since.
+
+"I'm tired of hearing people wonder why Miss Campbell does not dress
+more. Simplicity is all very well for schoolgirls and women who can't
+afford anything better, but you can, and you really ought. Your things
+are pretty enough in their way, and I rather like you to have a style
+of your own, but it looks odd and people will think you are mean if
+you don't make more show. Besides, you don't do justice to your beauty,
+which would be both peculiar and striking if you'd devote your mind to
+getting up ravishing costumes."
+
+Much more to the same effect did her aunt say, discussing the subject
+quite artistically and unconsciously appealing to several of Rose's
+ruling passions. One was a love for the delicate fabrics, colors, and
+ornaments which refined tastes enjoy and whose costliness keeps them
+from ever growing common; another, her strong desire to please the eyes
+of those she cared for and gratify their wishes in the smallest matter
+if she could. And last, but not least, the natural desire of a young and
+pretty woman to enhance the beauty which she so soon discovers to be her
+most potent charm for the other sex, her passport to a high place among
+her maiden peers.
+
+She had thought seriously of surprising and delighting everyone by
+appearing in a costume which should do justice to the loveliness which
+was so modest that it was apt to forget itself in admiring others what
+girls call a "ravishing" dress, such as she could imagine and easily
+procure by the magic of the Fortunatus' purse in her pocket. She
+had planned it all, the shimmer of pale silk through lace like woven
+frostwork, ornaments of some classic pattern, and all the dainty
+accessories as perfect as time, taste, and money could make them.
+
+She knew that Uncle Alec's healthful training had given her a figure
+that could venture on any fashion and Nature blessed her with a
+complexion that defied all hues. So it was little wonder that she felt
+a strong desire to use these gifts, not for the pleasure of display, but
+to seem fair in the eyes that seldom looked at her without a tender sort
+of admiration, all the more winning when no words marred the involuntary
+homage women love.
+
+These thoughts were busy in Rose's mind as she sat looking at the lovely
+silk and wondering what Charlie would say if she should some night burst
+upon him in a pale rosy cloud, like the Aurora to whom he often likened
+her. She knew it would please him very much and she longed to do all she
+honestly could to gratify the poor fellow, for her tender heart already
+felt some remorseful pangs, remembering how severe she had been the
+night before. She could not revoke her words, because she meant them
+every one, but she might be kind and show that she did not wholly shut
+him out from her regard by asking him to go with her to Kitty's ball
+and gratify his artistic taste by a lovely costume. A very girlish but
+kindly plan, for that ball was to be the last of her frivolities, so
+she wanted it to be a pleasant one and felt that "being friends" with
+Charlie would add much to her enjoyment.
+
+This idea made her fingers tighten on the gleaming fabric so temptingly
+upheld, and she was about to take it when, "If ye please, sir, would
+ye kindly tell me where I'd be finding the flannel place?" said a voice
+behind her, and, glancing up, she saw a meek little Irishwoman looking
+quite lost and out of place among the luxuries around her.
+
+"Downstairs, turn to the left," was the clerk's hasty reply, with a
+vague wave of the hand which left the inquirer more in the dark than
+ever.
+
+Rose saw the woman's perplexity and said kindly, "I'll show you this
+way."
+
+"I'm ashamed to be throublin' ye, miss, but it's strange I am in it, and
+wouldn't be comin' here at all, at all, barrin' they tould me I'd get
+the bit I'm wantin' chaper in this big shop than the little ones more
+becomin' the like o' me," explained the little woman humbly.
+
+Rose looked again as she led the way through a well-dressed crowd of
+busy shoppers, and something in the anxious, tired face under the old
+woolen hood the bare, purple hands holding fast a meager wallet and a
+faded scrap of the dotted flannel little children's frocks are so often
+made of touched the generous heart that never could see want without
+an impulse to relieve it. She had meant only to point the way, but,
+following a new impulse, she went on, listening to the poor soul's
+motherly prattle about "me baby" and the "throuble" it was to "find
+clothes for the growin' childer when me man is out av work and the
+bit and sup inconvaynient these hard times" as they descended to that
+darksome lower world where necessities take refuge when luxuries crowd
+them out from the gayer place above.
+
+The presence of a lady made Mrs. Sullivan's shopping very easy now, and
+her one poor "bit" of flannel grew miraculously into yards of several
+colors, since the shabby purse was no lighter when she went away, wiping
+her eyes on the corner of a big, brown bundle. A very little thing, and
+no one saw it but a wooden-faced clerk, who never told, yet it did Rose
+good and sent her up into the light again with a sober face, thinking
+self-reproachfully, "What right have I to more gay gowns when some poor
+babies have none, or to spend time making myself fine while there is so
+much bitter want in the world?"
+
+Nevertheless the pretty things were just as tempting as ever, and she
+yearned for the opal silk with a renewed yearning when she got back. It
+is not certain that it would not have been bought in spite of her better
+self if a good angel in the likeness of a stout lady with silvery curls
+about the benevolent face, enshrined in a plain bonnet, had not accosted
+her as she joined Kitty, still brooding over the wedding gowns.
+
+"I waited a moment for you, my dear, because I'm in haste, and very glad
+to save myself a journey or a note," began the newcomer in a low tone as
+Rose shook hands with the most affectionate respect. "You know the great
+box factory was burned a day or two ago and over a hundred girls thrown
+out of work. Some were hurt and are in the hospital, many have no homes
+to go to, and nearly all need temporary help of some sort. We've had
+so many calls this winter I hardly know which way to turn, for want is
+pressing, and I've had my finger in so many purses I'm almost ashamed
+to ask again. Any little contribution ah, thank you, I was sure you
+wouldn't fail me, my good child," and Mrs. Gardener warmly pressed the
+hand that went so quickly into the little porte-monnaie and came out so
+generously filled.
+
+"Let me know how else I can help, and thank you very much for allowing
+me to have a share in your good works," said Rose, forgetting all
+about gay gowns as she watched the black bonnet go briskly away with an
+approving smile on the fine old face inside it.
+
+"You extravagant thing! How could you give so much?" whispered Kitty,
+whose curious eye had seen three figures on the single bill which had so
+rapidly changed hands.
+
+"I believe if Mrs. Gardener asked me for my head I should give it to
+her," answered Rose lightly, then, turning to the silks, she asked,
+"Which have you decided upon, the yellow white or the blue, the corded
+or the striped?"
+
+"I've decided nothing; except that you are to have the pink and wear it
+at my ahem! ball," said Kitty, who had made up her mind, but could not
+give her orders till Mama had been consulted.
+
+"No, I can't afford it just yet. I never overstep my allowance, and I
+shall have to if I get any more finery. Come, we ought not to waste time
+here if you have all the patterns you want." And Rose walked quickly
+away, glad that it was out of her power to break through two resolutions
+which hitherto had been faithfully kept one to dress simply for
+example's sake, the other not to be extravagant for charity's sake.
+
+As Rosamond had her day of misfortunes, so this seemed to be one of
+small temptations to Rose. After she had set Kitty down at home and been
+to see her new houses, she drove about doing various errands for the
+aunts and, while waiting in the carriage for the execution of an order,
+young Pemberton came by.
+
+As Steve said, this gentleman had been "hard hit" and still hovered
+mothlike about the forbidden light. Being the most eligible parti of the
+season, his regard was considered a distinction to be proud of, and Rose
+had been well scolded by Aunt Clara for refusing so honorable a mate.
+The girl liked him, and he was the suitor of whom she had spoken so
+respectfully to Dr. Alec because he had no need of the heiress and had
+sincerely loved Rose. He had been away, and she hoped had gotten over
+his disappointment as happily as the rest, but now when he saw her,
+and came hurrying up so hungry for a word, she felt that he had not
+forgotten and was too kind to chill him with the bow which plainly says
+"Don't stop."
+
+A personable youth was Pemberton, and had brought with him from the
+wilds of Canada a sable-lined overcoat which was the envy of every
+masculine and the admiration of every feminine friend he had, and as he
+stood at her carriage window Rose knew that this luxurious garment
+and its stalwart wearer were objects of interest to the passersby. It
+chanced that the tide of shoppers flowed in that direction and, as she
+chatted, familiar faces often passed with glances, smiles, and nods of
+varying curiosity, significance, and wonder.
+
+She could not help feeling a certain satisfaction in giving him a
+moment's pleasure, since she could do no more, but it was not that
+amiable desire alone which made her ignore the neat white parcels which
+the druggist's boy deposited on the front seat and kept her lingering a
+little longer to enjoy one of the small triumphs which girls often risk
+more than a cold in the head to display. The sight of several snowflakes
+on the broad shoulders which partially obstructed her view, as well as
+the rapidly increasing animation of Pemberton's chat, reminded her that
+it was high time to go.
+
+"I mustn't keep you it is beginning to storm," she said, taking up her
+muff, much to old Jacob's satisfaction, for small talk is not exciting
+to a hungry man whose nose feels like an icicle.
+
+"Is it? I thought the sun was shining." And the absorbed gentleman
+turned to the outer world with visible reluctance, for it looked very
+warm and cozy in the red-lined carriage.
+
+"Wise people say we must carry our sunshine with us," answered Rose,
+taking refuge in commonplaces, for the face at the window grew pensive
+suddenly as he answered, with a longing look, "I wish I could." Then,
+smiling gratefully, he added, "Thank you for giving me a little of
+yours."
+
+"You are very welcome." And Rose offered him her hand while her eyes
+mutely asked pardon for withholding her leave to keep it.
+
+He pressed it silently and, shouldering the umbrella which he forgot to
+open, turned away with an "up again and take another" expression, which
+caused the soft eyes to follow him admiringly.
+
+"I ought not to have kept him a minute longer than I could help, for it
+wasn't all pity; it was my foolish wish to show off and do as I liked
+for a minute, to pay for being good about the gown. Oh, me! How weak
+and silly I am in spite of all my trying!" And Miss Campbell fell into a
+remorseful reverie, which lasted till she got home.
+
+"Now, young man, what brought you out in this driving storm?" asked Rose
+as Jamie came stamping in that same afternoon.
+
+"Mama sent you a new book thought you'd like it. I don't mind your
+old storms!" replied the boy, wrestling his way out of his coat and
+presenting a face as round and red and shiny as a well-polished Baldwin
+apple.
+
+"Much obliged it is just the day to enjoy it and I was longing for
+something nice to read," said Rose as Jamie sat down upon the lower
+stair for a protracted struggle with his rubber boots.
+
+"Here you are, then no yes I do believe I've forgotten it, after all!"
+cried Jamie, slapping his pockets one after the other with a dismayed
+expression of countenance.
+
+"Never mind, I'll hunt up something else. Let me help you with those
+your hands are so cold." And Rose good-naturedly gave a tug at the boots
+while Jamie clutched the banisters, murmuring somewhat incoherently
+as his legs flew up and down: "I'll go back if you want me to. I'm so
+sorry! It's very good of you, I'm sure. Getting these horrid things on
+made me forget. Mother would make me wear 'em, though I told her they'd
+stick like like gumdrops," he added, inspired by recollections of
+certain dire disappointments when the above-mentioned sweetmeat melted
+in his pockets and refused to come out.
+
+"Now what shall we do?" asked Rose when he was finally extricated.
+"Since I've nothing to read, I may as well play."
+
+"I'll teach you to pitch and toss. You catch very well for a girl, but
+you can't throw worth a cent," replied Jamie, gamboling down the hall
+in his slippers and producing a ball from some of the mysterious
+receptacles in which boys have the art of storing rubbish enough to fill
+a peck measure.
+
+Of course Rose agreed and cheerfully risked getting her eyes blackened
+and her fingers bruised till her young receptor gratefully observed that
+"it was no fun playing where you had to look out for windows and jars
+and things, so I'd like that jolly book about Captain Nemo and the
+Nautilus, please."
+
+Being gratified, he spread himself upon the couch, crossed his legs in
+the air, and without another word dived Twenty Thousand Leagues
+Under the Sea, where he remained for two mortal hours, to the general
+satisfaction of his relatives.
+
+Bereft both of her unexpected playfellow and the much desired book, Rose
+went into the parlor, there to discover a French novel which Kitty
+had taken from a library and left in the carriage among the bundles.
+Settling herself in her favorite lounging chair, she read as diligently
+as Jamie while the wind howled and snow fell fast without.
+
+For an hour nothing disturbed the cozy quiet of the house for Aunt
+Plenty was napping upstairs and Dr. Alec writing in his own sanctum; at
+least Rose thought so, till his step made her hastily drop the book and
+look up with very much the expression she used to wear when caught in
+mischief years ago.
+
+"Did I startle you? Have a screen you are burning your face before this
+hot fire." And Dr. Alec pulled one forward.
+
+"Thank you, Uncle. I didn't feel it." And the color seemed to deepen in
+spite of the screen while the uneasy eyes fell upon the book in her lap.
+
+"Have you got the Quarterly there? I want to glance at an article in it
+if you can spare it for a moment," he said, leaning toward her with an
+inquiring glance.
+
+"No, sir, I am reading." And, without mentioning the name, Rose put the
+book into his hand.
+
+The instant his eye fell on the title he understood the look she wore
+and knew what "mischief" she had been in. He knit his brows,
+then smiled, because it was impossible to help it Rose looked so
+conscience-stricken in spite of her twenty years.
+
+"How do you find it? Interesting?"
+
+"Oh, very! I felt as if I was in another world and forgot all about
+this."
+
+"Not a very good world, I fancy, if you were afraid or ashamed to be
+found in it. Where did this come from?" asked Dr. Alec, surveying
+the book with great disfavor. Rose told him, and added slowly, "I
+particularly wanted to read it, and fancied I might, because you did
+when it was so much talked about the winter we were in Rome."
+
+"I did read it to see if it was fit for you."
+
+"And decided that it was not, I suppose, since you never gave it to me!"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I won't finish it. But, Uncle, I don't see why I should not,"
+added Rose wistfully, for she had reached the heart of the romance and
+found it wonderfully fascinating.
+
+"You may not see, but don't you feel why not?" asked Dr. Alec gravely.
+
+Rose leaned her flushed cheek on her hand and thought a minute, then
+looked up and answered honestly, "Yes, I do, but can't explain it,
+except that I know something must be wrong, because I blushed and
+started when you came in."
+
+"Exactly." And the doctor gave an emphatic nod, as if the symptoms
+pleased him.
+
+"But I really don't see any harm in the book so far. It is by a famous
+author, wonderfully well written, as you know, and the characters so
+lifelike that I feel as if I should really meet them somewhere."
+
+"I hope not!" ejaculated the doctor, shutting the book quickly, as if to
+keep the objectionable beings from escaping.
+
+Rose laughed, but persisted in her defense, for she did want to finish
+the absorbing story, yet would not without leave.
+
+"I have read French novels before, and you gave them to me. Not many, to
+be sure, but the best, so I think I know what is good and shouldn't like
+this if it was harmful."
+
+Her uncle's answer was to reopen the volume and turn the leaves an
+instant as if to find a particular place. Then he put it into her hand,
+saying quietly: "Read a page or two aloud, translating as you go. You
+used to like that try it again."
+
+Rose obeyed and went glibly down a page, doing her best to give the
+sense in her purest English. Presently she went more slowly, then
+skipped a sentence here and there, and finally stopped short, looking as
+if she needed a screen again.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked her uncle, who had been watching her with a
+serious eye.
+
+"Some phrases are untranslatable, and it only spoils them to try. They
+are not amiss in French, but sound coarse and bad in our blunt English,"
+she said a little pettishly, for she felt annoyed by her failure to
+prove the contested point.
+
+"Ah, my dear, if the fine phrases won't bear putting into honest
+English, the thoughts they express won't bear putting into your innocent
+mind! That chapter is the key to the whole book, and if you had been led
+up, or rather down, to it artfully and artistically, you might have
+read it to yourself without seeing how bad it is. All the worse for the
+undeniable talent which hides the evil so subtly and makes the danger so
+delightful."
+
+He paused a moment, then added with an anxious glance at the book, over
+which she was still bending, "Finish it if you choose only remember, my
+girl, that one may read at forty what is unsafe at twenty, and that we
+never can be too careful what food we give that precious yet perilous
+thing called imagination."
+
+And taking his Review, he went away to look over a learned article which
+interested him much less than the workings of a young mind nearby.
+
+Another long silence, broken only by an occasional excited bounce from
+Jamie when the sociable cuttlefish looked in at the windows or the
+Nautilus scuttled a ship or two in its terrific course. A bell rang, and
+the doctor popped his head out to see if he was wanted. It was only a
+message for Aunt Plenty, and he was about to pop in again when his eye
+was caught by a square parcel on the slab.
+
+"What's this?" he asked, taking it up.
+
+"Rose wants me to leave it at Kitty Van's when I go. I forgot to bring
+her book from Mama, so I shall go and get it as soon as ever I've done
+this," replied Jamie from his nest.
+
+As the volume in his hands was a corpulent one, and Jamie only a third
+of the way through, Dr. Alec thought Rose's prospect rather doubtful
+and, slipping the parcel into his pocket, he walked away, saying with a
+satisfied air: "Virtue doesn't always get rewarded, but it shall be this
+time if I can do it."
+
+More than half an hour afterward, Rose woke from a little nap and found
+the various old favorites with which she had tried to solace herself
+replaced by the simple, wholesome story promised by Aunt Jessie.
+
+"Good boy! I'll go and thank him," she said half aloud, jumping up, wide
+awake and much pleased.
+
+But she did not go, for just then she spied her uncle standing on the
+rug warming his hands with a generally fresh and breezy look about him
+which suggested a recent struggle with the elements.
+
+"How did this come?" she asked suspiciously.
+
+"A man brought it."
+
+"This man? Oh, Uncle! Why did you take so much trouble just to gratify
+a wish of mine?" she cried, taking both the cold hands in hers with a
+tenderly reproachful glance from the storm without to the ruddy face
+above her.
+
+"Because, having taken away your French bonbons with the poisonous color
+on them, I wanted to get you something better. Here it is, all pure
+sugar, the sort that sweetens the heart as well as the tongue and leaves
+no bad taste behind."
+
+"How good you are to me! I don't deserve it, for I didn't resist
+temptation, though I tried. Uncle, after I'd put the book away, I
+thought I must just see how it ended, and I'm afraid I should have read
+it all if it had not been gone," said Rose, laying her face down on the
+hands she held as humbly as a repentant child.
+
+But Uncle Alec lifted up the bent head and, looking into the eyes that
+met his frankly, though either held a tear, he said, with the energy
+that always made his words remembered: "My little girl, I would face a
+dozen storms far worse than this to keep your soul as stainless as snow,
+for it is the small temptations which undermine integrity unless we
+watch and pray and never think them too trivial to be resisted."
+
+Some people would consider Dr. Alec an overcareful man, but Rose felt
+that he was right, and when she said her prayers that night, added a
+meek petition to be kept from yielding to three of the small temptations
+which beset a rich, pretty, and romantic girl extravagance, coquetry,
+and novel reading.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 12 AT KITTY'S BALL
+
+Rose had no new gown to wear on this festive occasion, and gave one
+little sigh of regret as she put on the pale blue silk refreshed with
+clouds of gaze de Chambery. But a smile followed, very bright and sweet,
+as she added the clusters of forget-me-not which Charlie had conjured
+up through the agency of an old German florist, for one part of her plan
+had been carried out, and Prince was invited to be her escort, much
+to his delight, though he wisely made no protestations of any sort and
+showed his gratitude by being a model gentleman. This pleased Rose, for
+the late humiliation and a very sincere desire to atone for it gave him
+an air of pensive dignity which was very effective.
+
+Aunt Clara could not go, for a certain new cosmetic, privately used to
+improve the once fine complexion, which had been her pride till late
+hours impaired it, had brought out an unsightly eruption, reducing her
+to the depths of woe and leaving her no solace for her disappointment
+but the sight of the elegant velvet dress spread forth upon her bed in
+melancholy state.
+
+So Aunt Jessie was chaperon, to Rose's great satisfaction, and looked as
+"pretty as a pink," Archie thought, in her matronly pearl- gown
+with a dainty trifle of rich lace on her still abundant hair. He was
+very proud of his little mama, and as devoted as a lover, "to keep his
+hand in against Phebe's return," she said laughingly when he brought her
+a nosegay of blush roses to light up her quiet costume.
+
+A happier mother did not live than Mrs. Jessie as she sat contentedly
+beside Sister Jane (who graced the frivolous scene in a serious black
+gown with a diadem of purple asters nodding above her severe brow), both
+watching their boys with the maternal conviction that no other parent
+could show such remarkable specimens as these. Each had done her best
+according to her light, and years of faithful care were now beginning to
+bear fruit in the promise of goodly men, so dear to the hearts of true
+mothers.
+
+Mrs. Jessie watched her three tall sons with something like wonder,
+for Archie was a fine fellow, grave and rather stately, but full of the
+cordial courtesy and respect we see so little of nowadays and which is
+the sure sign of good home training. "The cadets," as Will and Geordie
+called themselves, were there as gorgeous as you please, and the agonies
+they suffered that night with tight boots and stiff collars no pen can
+fitly tell. But only to one another did they confide these sufferings
+and the rare moments of repose when they could stand on one aching foot
+with heads comfortably sunken inside the excruciating collars, which
+rasped their ears and made the lobes thereof a pleasing scarlet. Brief
+were these moments, however, and the Spartan boys danced on with smiling
+faces, undaunted by the hidden anguish which preyed upon them "fore and
+aft," as Will expressed it.
+
+Mrs. Jane's pair were an odd contrast, and even the stern disciplinarian
+herself could not help smiling as she watched them. Steve was
+superb, and might have been married on the spot, so superfine was his
+broad-cloth, glossy his linen, and perfect the fit of his gloves. While
+pride and happiness so fermented in his youthful bosom, there would have
+been danger of spontaneous combustion if dancing had not proved a safety
+valve, for his strong sense of the proprieties would not permit him to
+vent his emotions in any other way.
+
+Kitty felt no such restraint, and looked like a blissful little gypsy,
+with her brunet prettiness set off by a dashing costume of cardinal and
+cream color and every hair on her head curled in a Merry Pecksniffian
+crop, for youth was her strong point, and she much enjoyed the fact that
+she had been engaged three times before she was nineteen.
+
+To see her and Steve spin around the room was a sight to bring a smile
+to the lips of the crustiest bachelor or saddest spinster, for happy
+lovers are always a pleasing spectacle, and two such merry little grigs
+as these are seldom seen.
+
+Mac, meantime, with glasses astride his nose, surveyed his brother's
+performances "on the light fantastic" very much as a benevolent
+Newfoundland would the gambols of a toy terrier, receiving with thanks
+the hasty hints for his guidance which Steve breathed into his ear as
+he passed and forgetting all about them the next minute. When not thus
+engaged Mac stood about with his thumbs in his vest pockets, regarding
+the lively crowd like a meditative philosopher of a cheerful aspect,
+often smiling to himself at some whimsical fancy of his own, knitting
+his brows as some bit of ill-natured gossip met his ear, or staring with
+undisguised admiration as a beautiful face or figure caught his eye.
+
+"I hope that girl knows what a treasure she has got. But I doubt if she
+ever fully appreciates it," said Mrs. Jane, bringing her spectacles to
+bear upon Kitty as she whisked by, causing quite a gale with her flying
+skirts.
+
+"I think she will, for Steve has been so well brought up, she cannot but
+see and feel the worth of what she has never had, and being so young she
+will profit by it," answered Mrs. Jessie softly, thinking of the days
+when she and her Jem danced together, just betrothed.
+
+"I've done my duty by both the boys, and done it thoroughly, or their
+father would have spoilt them, for he's no more idea of discipline than
+a child." And Aunt Jane gave her own palm a smart rap with her closed
+fan, emphasizing the word "thoroughly" in a most suggestive manner.
+
+"I've often wished I had your firmness, Jane but after all, I'm not sure
+that I don't like my own way best, at least with my boys, for plenty of
+love, and plenty of patience, seem to have succeeded pretty well."
+And Aunt Jessie lifted the nosegay from her lap, feeling as if that
+unfailing love and patience were already blooming into her life as
+beautifully as the sweet-breathed roses given by her boy refreshed and
+brightened these long hours of patient waiting in a corner.
+
+"I don't deny that you've done well, Jessie, but you've been let alone
+and had no one to hold your hand or interfere. If my Mac had gone to sea
+as your Jem did, I never should have been as severe as I am. Men are so
+perverse and shortsighted, they don't trouble about the future as long
+as things are quiet and comfortable in the present," continued Mrs.
+Jane, quite forgetting that the shortsighted partner of the firm,
+physically speaking at least, was herself.
+
+"Ah, yes! We mothers love to foresee and foretell our children's lives
+even before they are born, and are very apt to be disappointed if they
+do not turn out as we planned. I know I am yet I really have no cause to
+complain and am learning to see that all we can do is to give the dear
+boys good principles and the best training we may, then leave them
+to finish what we have begun." And Mrs. Jessie's eye wandered away to
+Archie, dancing with Rose, quite unconscious what a pretty little castle
+in the air tumbled down when he fell in love with Phebe.
+
+"Right, quite right on that point we agree exactly. I have spared
+nothing to give my boys good principles and good habits, and I am
+willing to trust them anywhere. Nine times did I whip my Steve to cure
+him of fibbing, and over and over again did Mac go without his dinner
+rather than wash his hands. But I whipped and starved them both into
+obedience, and now I have my reward," concluded the "stern parent" with
+a proud wave of the fan, which looked very like a ferule, being as big,
+hard, and uncompromising as such an article could be.
+
+Mrs. Jessie gave a mild murmur of assent, but could not help thinking,
+with a smile, that in spite of their early tribulations the sins for
+which the boys suffered had gotten a little mixed in their result, for
+fibbing Steve was now the tidy one, and careless Mac the truth teller.
+But such small contradictions will happen in the best-regulated
+families, and all perplexed parents can do is to keep up a steadfast
+preaching and practicing in the hope that it will bear fruit sometime,
+for according to an old proverb, Children pick up words as pigeons
+pease, To utter them again as God shall please.
+
+"I hope they won't dance the child to death among them, for each one
+seems bound to have his turn, even your sober Mac," said Mrs. Jessie a
+few minutes later as she saw Archie hand Rose over to his cousin, who
+carried her off with an air of triumph from several other claimants.
+
+"She's very good to him, and her influence is excellent, for he is of an
+age now when a young woman's opinion has more weight than an old one's.
+Though he is always good to his mother, and I feel as if I should take
+great comfort in him. He's one of the sort who will not marry till late,
+if ever, being fond of books and a quiet life," responded Mrs. Jane,
+remembering how often her son had expressed his belief that philosophers
+should not marry and brought up Plato as an example of the serene
+wisdom to be attained only by a single man while her husband sided with
+Socrates, for whom he felt a profound sympathy, though he didn't dare to
+own it.
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. Since my Archie surprised me by losing
+his heart as he did, I'm prepared for anything, and advise you to do
+likewise. I really shouldn't wonder if Mac did something remarkable in
+that line, though he shows no sign of it yet, I confess," answered Mrs.
+Jessie, laughing.
+
+"It won't be in that direction, you may be sure, for her fate is sealed.
+Dear me, how sad it is to see a superior girl like that about to throw
+herself away on a handsome scapegrace. I won't mention names, but you
+understand me." And Mrs. Jane shook her head, as if she could mention
+the name of one superior girl who had thrown herself away and now saw
+the folly of it.
+
+"I'm very anxious, of course, and so is Alec, but it may be the saving
+of one party and the happiness of the other, for some women love to give
+more than they receive," said Mrs. Jessie, privately wondering, for
+the thousandth time, why brother Mac ever married the learned Miss
+Humphries.
+
+"You'll see that it won't prosper, and I shall always maintain that a
+wife cannot entirely undo a mother's work. Rose will have her hands
+full if she tries to set all Clara's mistakes right," answered Aunt Jane
+grimly, then began to fan violently as their hostess approached to have
+a dish of chat about "our dear young people."
+
+Rose was in a merry mood that night, and found Mac quite ready for fun,
+which was fortunate, since her first remark set them off on a droll
+subject.
+
+"Oh, Mac! Annabel has just confided to me that she is engaged to Fun
+See! Think of her going to housekeeping in Canton someday and having to
+order rats, puppies, and bird's-nest soup for dinner," whispered Rose,
+too much amused to keep the news to herself.
+
+"By Confucius! Isn't that a sweet prospect?" And Mac burst out laughing,
+to the great surprise of his neighbors, who wondered what there was
+amusing about the Chinese sage. "It is rather alarming, though, to have
+these infants going on at this rate. Seems to be catching, a new sort of
+scarlet fever, to judge by Annabel's cheeks and Kitty's gown," he added,
+regarding the aforesaid ladies with eyes still twinkling with merriment.
+
+"Don't be ungallant, but go and do likewise, for it is all the fashion.
+I heard Mrs. Van tell old Mrs. Joy that it was going to be a marrying
+year, so you'll be sure to catch it," answered Rose, reefing her skirts,
+for, with all his training, Mac still found it difficult to keep his
+long legs out of the man-traps.
+
+"It doesn't look like a painful disease, but I must be careful, for
+I've no time to be ill now. What are the symptoms?" asked Mac, trying
+to combine business with pleasure and improve his mind while doing his
+duty.
+
+"If you ever come back I'll tell you," laughed Rose as he danced away
+into the wrong corner, bumped smartly against another gentleman, and
+returned as soberly as if that was the proper figure.
+
+"Well, tell me 'how not to do it,'" he said, subsiding for a moment's
+talk when Rose had floated to and fro in her turn.
+
+"Oh! You see some young girl who strikes you as particularly charming
+whether she really is or not doesn't matter a bit and you begin to
+think about her a great deal, to want to see her, and to get generally
+sentimental and absurd," began Rose, finding it difficult to give a
+diagnosis of the most mysterious disease under the sun.
+
+"Don't think it sounds enticing. Can't I find an antidote somewhere, for
+if it is in the air this year I'm sure to get it, and it may be fatal,"
+said Mac, who felt pretty lively and liked to make Rose merry, for he
+suspected that she had a little trouble from a hint Dr. Alec had given
+him.
+
+"I hope you will catch it, because you'll be so funny."
+
+"Will you take care of me as you did before, or have you got your hands
+full?"
+
+"I'll help, but really with Archie and Steve and Charlie, I shall have
+enough to do. You'd better take it lightly the first time, and so won't
+need much care."
+
+"Very well, how shall I begin? Enlighten my ignorance and start me
+right, I beg."
+
+"Go about and see people, make yourself agreeable, and not sit in
+corners observing other people as if they were puppets dancing for your
+amusement. I heard Mrs. Van once say that propinquity works wonders, and
+she ought to know, having married off two daughters, and just engaged a
+third to 'a most charming young man.'?
+
+"Good lack! The cure sounds worse than the disease. Propinquity, hey?
+Why, I may be in danger this identical moment and can't flee for my
+life," said Mac, gently catching her round the waist for a general
+waltz.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, but mind your steps, for Charlie is looking at us,
+and I want you to do your best. That's perfect take me quite round, for
+I love to waltz and seldom get a good turn except with you boys," said
+Rose, smiling up at him approvingly as his strong arm guided her among
+the revolving couples and his feet kept time without a fault.
+
+"This certainly is a great improvement on the chair business, to which
+I have devoted myself with such energy that I've broken the backs of two
+partners and dislocated the arm of the old rocker. I took an occasional
+turn with that heavy party, thinking it good practice in case I ever
+happen to dance with stout ladies." And Mac nodded toward Annabel,
+pounding gaily with Mr. Tokio, whose yellow countenance beamed as his
+beady eyes rested on his plump fiancee.
+
+Pausing in the midst of her merriment at the image of Mac and the old
+rocking chair, Rose said reprovingly, "Though a heathen Chinee, Fun puts
+you to shame, for he did not ask foolish questions but went a-wooing
+like a sensible little man, and I've no doubt Annabel will be very
+happy."
+
+"Choose me a suitable divinity and I will try to adore. Can I do more
+than that to retrieve my character?" answered Mac, safely landing his
+partner and plying the fan according to instructions.
+
+"How would Emma do?" inquired Rose, whose sense of the ludicrous was
+strong and who could not resist the temptation of horrifying Mac by the
+suggestion.
+
+"Never! It sets my teeth on edge to look at her tonight. I suppose that
+dress is 'a sweet thing just out,' but upon my word she reminds me of
+nothing but a Harlequin ice," and Mac turned his back on her with a
+shudder, for he was sensitive to discords of all kinds.
+
+"She certainly does, and that mixture of chocolate, pea green, and pink
+is simply detestable, though many people would consider it decidedly
+'chic,' to use her favorite word. I suppose you will dress your wife
+like a Spartan matron of the time of Lycurgus," added Rose, much tickled
+by his new conceit.
+
+"I'll wait till I get her before I decide. But one thing I'm sure of she
+shall not dress like a Greek dancer of the time of Pericles," answered
+Mac, regarding with great disfavor a young lady who, having a statuesque
+figure, affected drapery of the scanty and clinging description.
+
+"Then it is of no use to suggest that classic creature, so as you reject
+my first attempts, I won't go on but look about me quietly, and you had
+better do the same. Seriously, Mac, more gaiety and less study would do
+you good, for you will grow old before your time if you shut yourself up
+and pore over books so much."
+
+"I don't believe there is a younger or a jollier-feeling fellow in the
+room than I am, though I may not conduct myself like a dancing dervish.
+But I own you may be right about the books, for there are many sorts of
+intemperance, and a library is as irresistible to me as a barroom to a
+toper. I shall have to sign a pledge and cork up the only bottle that
+tempts me my ink-stand."
+
+"I'll tell you how to make it easier to abstain. Stop studying and write
+a novel into which you can put all your wise things, and so clear your
+brains for a new start by and by. Do I should so like to read it," cried
+Rose, delighted with the project, for she was sure Mac could do anything
+he liked in that line.
+
+"First live, then write. How can I go to romancing till I know what
+romance means?" he asked soberly, feeling that so far he had had very
+little in his life.
+
+"Then you must find out, and nothing will help you more than to love
+someone very much. Do as I've advised and be a modern Diogenes going
+about with spectacles instead of a lantern in search, not of an honest
+man, but a perfect woman. I do hope you will be successful." And Rose
+made her curtsey as the dance ended.
+
+"I don't expect perfection, but I should like one as good as they ever
+make them nowadays. If you are looking for the honest man, I wish you
+success in return," said Mac, relinquishing her fan with a glance of
+such sympathetic significance that a quick flush of feeling rose to the
+girl's face as she answered very low, "If honesty was all I wanted, I
+certainly have found it in you."
+
+Then she went away with Charlie, who was waiting for his turn, and Mac
+roamed about, wondering if anywhere in all that crowd his future wife
+was hidden, saying to himself, as he glanced from face to face, quite
+unresponsive to the various allurements displayed,
+
+    "What care I how fair she be,
+    If she be not fair for me?"
+
+Just before supper several young ladies met in the dressing room to
+repair damages and, being friends, they fell into discourse as they
+smoothed their locks and had their tattered furbelows sewed or pinned up
+by the neat-handed Phillis-in-waiting.
+
+When each had asked the other, "How do I look tonight, dear?" and been
+answered with reciprocal enthusiasm, "Perfectly lovely, darling!" Kitty
+said to Rose, who was helping her to restore order out of the chaos to
+which much exercise had reduced her curls: "By the way, young Randal is
+dying to be presented to you. May I after supper?"
+
+"No, thank you," answered Rose very decidedly.
+
+"Well, I'm sure I don't see why not," began Kitty, looking displeased
+but not surprised.
+
+"I think you do, else why didn't you present him when he asked? You
+seldom stop to think of etiquette why did you now?"
+
+"I didn't like to do it till I had you are so particular I thought you'd
+say 'no,' but I couldn't tell him so," stammered Kitty, feeling that she
+had better have settled the matter herself, for Rose was very particular
+and had especial reason to dislike this person because he was not only a
+dissipated young reprobate himself but seemed possessed of Satan to lead
+others astray likewise.
+
+"I don't wish to be rude, dear, but I really must decline, for I cannot
+know such people, even though I meet them here," said Rose, remembering
+Charlie's revelations on New Year's night and hardening her heart
+against the man who had been his undoing on that as well as on other
+occasions, she had reason to believe.
+
+"I couldn't help it! Old Mr. Randal and Papa are friends, and though I
+spoke of it, brother Alf wouldn't hear of passing that bad boy over,"
+explained Kitty eagerly.
+
+"Yet Alf forbade you driving or skating with him, for he knows better
+than we how unfit he is to come among us."
+
+"I'd drop him tomorrow if I could, but I must be civil in my own house.
+His mother brought him, and he won't dare to behave here as he does at
+their bachelor parties."
+
+"She ought not to have brought him till he had shown some desire to
+mend his ways. It is none of my business, I know, but I do wish people
+wouldn't be so inconsistent, letting boys go to destruction and then
+expecting us girls to receive them like decent people." Rose spoke in
+an energetic whisper, but Annabel heard her and exclaimed, as she turned
+round with a powder puff in her hand: "My goodness, Rose! What is all
+that about going to destruction?"
+
+"She is being strong-minded, and I don't very much blame her in this
+case. But it leaves me in a dreadful scrape," said Kitty, supporting her
+spirits with a sniff of aromatic vinegar.
+
+"I appeal to you, since you heard me, and there's no one here but
+ourselves do you consider young Randal a nice person to know?" And Rose
+turned to Annabel and Emma with an anxious eye, for she did not find it
+easy to abide by her principles when so doing annoyed friends.
+
+"No, indeed, he's perfectly horrid! Papa says he and Gorham are the
+wildest young men he knows, and enough to spoil the whole set. I'm so
+glad I've got no brothers," responded Annabel, placidly powdering her
+pink arms, quite undeterred by the memory of sundry white streaks left
+on sundry coat sleeves.
+
+"I think that sort of scrupulousness is very ill-bred, if you'll excuse
+my saying so, Rose. We are not supposed to know anything about fastness,
+and wildness, and so on, but to treat every man alike and not be fussy
+and prudish," said Emma, settling her many- streamers with the
+superior air of a woman of the world, aged twenty.
+
+"Ah! But we do know, and if our silence and civility have no effect, we
+ought to try something else and not encourage wickedness of any kind. We
+needn't scold and preach, but we can refuse to know such people and that
+will do some good, for they don't like to be shunned and shut out from
+respectable society. Uncle Alec told me not to know that man, and I
+won't." Rose spoke with unusual warmth, forgetting that she could not
+tell the real reason for her strong prejudice against "that man."
+
+"Well, I know him. I think him very jolly, and I'm engaged to dance
+the German with him after supper. He leads quite as well as your cousin
+Charlie and is quite as fascinating, some people think," returned Emma,
+tossing her head disdainfully, for Prince Charming did not worship at
+her shrine and it piqued her vanity.
+
+In spite of her quandary, Rose could not help smiling as she recalled
+Mac's comparison, for Emma turned so red with spiteful chagrin, she
+seemed to have added strawberry ice to the other varieties composing the
+Harlequin.
+
+"Each must judge for herself. I shall follow Aunt Jessie's advice and
+try to keep my atmosphere as pure as I can, for she says every woman has
+her own little circle and in it can use her influence for good, if she
+will. I do will heartily, and I'll prove that I'm neither proud nor
+fussy by receiving, here or at home, any respectable man you like to
+present to me, no matter how poor or plain or insignificant he may be."
+
+With which declaration Rose ended her protest, and the four damsels
+streamed downstairs together like a wandering rainbow. But Kitty laid
+to heart what she had said; Annabel took credit herself for siding with
+her; and Emma owned that she was not trying to keep her atmosphere pure
+when she came to dance with the objectionable Randal. So Rose's "little
+circle" was the better for the influence she tried to exert, although
+she never knew it.
+
+At suppertime Charlie kept near her, and she was quite content with him,
+for he drank only coffee, and she saw him shake his head with a frown
+when young Van beckoned him toward an anteroom, from whence the sound of
+popping corks had issued with increasing frequency as the evening wore
+on.
+
+"Dear fellow, he does try," thought Rose, longing to show how she
+admired his self-denial, but she could only say, as they left the supper
+room with the aunts, who were going early: "If I had not promised Uncle
+to get home as soon after midnight as possible, I'd stay and dance the
+German with you, for you deserve a reward tonight."
+
+"A thousand thanks, but I am going when you do," answered Charlie,
+understanding both her look and words and very grateful for them.
+
+"Really?" cried Rose, delighted.
+
+"Really. I'll be in the hall when you come down." And Charlie thought
+the Fra Angelico angel was not half so bright and beautiful as the one
+who looked back at him out of a pale blue cloud as Rose went upstairs as
+if on wings.
+
+When she came down again Charlie was not in the hall, however, and,
+after waiting a few minutes, Mac offered to go and find him, for Aunt
+Jane was still hunting a lost rubber above.
+
+"Please say I'm ready, but he needn't come if he doesn't want to," said
+Rose, not wishing to demand too much of her promising penitent.
+
+"If he has gone into that barroom, I'll have him out, no matter who is
+there!" growled Mac to himself as he made his way to the small apartment
+whither the gentlemen retired for a little private refreshment when the
+spirit moved, as it often did.
+
+The door was ajar, and Charlie seemed to have just entered, for Mac
+heard a familiar voice call out in a jovial tone: "Come, Prince! You're
+just in time to help us drink Steve's health with all the honors."
+
+"Can't stop, only ran in to say good night, Van. Had a capital time, but
+I'm on duty and must go."
+
+"That's a new dodge. Take a stirrup cup anyway, and come back in time
+for a merry-go-rounder when you've disposed of the ladies," answered the
+young host, diving into the wine cooler for another bottle.
+
+"Charlie's going in for sanctity, and it doesn't seem to agree with
+him," laughed one of the two other young men who occupied several chairs
+apiece, resting their soles in every sense of the word.
+
+"Apron strings are coming into fashion the bluer the better hey,
+Prince?" added the other, trying to be witty, with the usual success.
+
+"You'd better go home early yourself, Barrow, or that tongue of yours
+will get you into trouble," retorted Charlie, conscious that he ought
+to take his own advice, yet lingering, nervously putting on his gloves
+while the glasses were being filled.
+
+"Now, brother-in-law, fire away! Here you are, Prince." And Steve handed
+a glass across the table to his cousin, feeling too much elated with
+various pleasurable emotions to think what he was doing, for the boys
+all knew Charlie's weakness and usually tried to defend him from it.
+
+Before the glass could be taken, however, Mac entered in a great hurry,
+delivering his message in an abbreviated and rather peremptory form:
+"Rose is waiting for you. Hurry up!"
+
+"All right. Good night, old fellows!" And Charlie was off, as if the
+name had power to stop him in the very act of breaking the promise made
+to himself.
+
+"Come, Solon, take a social drop, and give us an epithalamium in your
+best Greek. Here's to you!" And Steve was lifting the wine to his own
+lips when Mac knocked the glass out of his hand with a flash of the
+eye that caused his brother to stare at him with his mouth open in
+an imbecile sort of way, which seemed to excite Mac still more, for,
+turning to his young host, he said, in a low voice, and with a look that
+made the gentlemen on the chairs sit up suddenly: "I beg pardon, Van,
+for making a mess, but I can't stand by and see my own brother tempt
+another man beyond his strength or make a brute of himself. That's plain
+English, but I can't help speaking out, for I know not one of you would
+willingly hurt Charlie, and you will if you don't let him alone."
+
+"What do you pitch into me for? I've done nothing. A fellow must be
+civil in his own house, mustn't he?" asked Van good-humoredly as he
+faced about, corkscrew in hand.
+
+"Yes, but it is not civil to urge or joke a guest into doing what you
+know and he knows is bad for him. That's only a glass of wine to you,
+but it is perdition to Charlie, and if Steve knew what he was about,
+he'd cut his right hand off before he'd offer it."
+
+"Do you mean to say I'm tipsy?" demanded Steve, ruffling up like a
+little gamecock, for though he saw now what he had done and was ashamed
+of it, he hated to have Mac air his peculiar notions before other
+people.
+
+"With excitement, not champagne, I hope, for I wouldn't own you if you
+were," answered Mac, in whom indignation was effervescing like the wine
+in the forgotten bottle, for the men were all young, friends of Steve's
+and admirers of Charlie's. "Look here, boys," he went on more quietly,
+"I know I ought not to explode in this violent sort of way, but upon my
+life I couldn't help it when I heard what you were saying and saw what
+Steve was doing. Since I have begun, I may as well finish and tell you
+straight out that Prince can't stand this sort of thing. He is trying
+to flee temptation, and whoever leads him into it does a cowardly
+and sinful act, for the loss of one's own self-respect is bad enough,
+without losing the more precious things that make life worth having.
+Don't tell him I've said this, but lend a hand if you can, and never
+have to reproach yourselves with the knowledge that you helped to ruin a
+fellow creature, soul and body."
+
+It was well for the success of Mac's first crusade that his hearers
+were gentlemen and sober, so his outburst was not received with jeers or
+laughter but listened to in silence, while the expression of the faces
+changed from one of surprise to regret and respect, for earnestness is
+always effective and championship of this sort seldom fails to touch
+hearts as yet unspoiled. As he paused with an eloquent little quiver
+in his eager voice, Van corked the bottle at a blow, threw down the
+corkscrew, and offered Mac his hand, saying heartily, in spite of his
+slang: "You are a first-class old brick! I'll lend a hand for one, and
+do my best to back up Charlie, for he's the finest fellow I know, and
+shan't go to the devil like poor Randal if I can help it."
+
+Murmurs of applause from the others seemed to express a general assent
+to this vigorous statement, and, giving the hand a grateful shake, Mac
+retreated to the door, anxious to be off now that he had freed his mind
+with such unusual impetuosity.
+
+"Count on me for anything I can do in return for this, Van. I'm sorry
+to be such a marplot, but you can take it out in quizzing me after I'm
+gone. I'm fair game, and Steve can set you going."
+
+With that, Mac departed as abruptly as he had come, feeling that he
+had "made a mess" of it, but comforting himself with the thought that
+perhaps he had secured help for Charlie at his own expense and thinking
+with a droll smile as he went back to his mother: "My romance begins by
+looking after other girls' lovers instead of finding a sweetheart for
+myself, but I can't tell Rose, so she won't laugh at me."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 13 BOTH SIDES
+
+Steve's engagement made a great stir in the family a pleasant one this
+time, for nobody objected, everything seemed felicitous, and the course
+of true love ran very smoothly for the young couple, who promised to
+remove the only obstacle to their union by growing old and wise as soon
+as possible. If he had not been so genuinely happy, the little lover's
+airs would have been unbearable, for he patronized all mankind in
+general, his brother and elder cousins in particular.
+
+"Now, that is the way to manage matters," he declared, standing before
+the fire in Aunt Clara's billiard room a day or two after the ball, with
+his hands behind his back. "No nonsense, no delay, no domestic rows or
+tragic separations. Just choose with taste and judgment, make yourself
+agreeable through thick and thin, and when it is perfectly evident that
+the dear creature adores the ground you walk on, say the word like a
+man, and there you are."
+
+"All very easy to do that with a girl like Kitty, who has no confounded
+notions to spoil her and trip you up every time you don't exactly toe
+the mark," muttered Charlie, knocking the balls about as if it were
+a relief to hit something, for he was in a gloriously bad humor that
+evening, because time hung heavy on his hands since he had forsworn the
+company he could not keep without danger to himself.
+
+"You should humor those little notions, for all women have them, and it
+needs tact to steer clear of them. Kitty's got dozens, but I treat them
+with respect, have my own way when I can, give in without growling when
+I can't, and we get on like a couple of--"
+
+"Spoons," put in Charlie, who felt that he had not steered clear and so
+suffered shipwreck in sight of land.
+
+Steve meant to have said "doves," but his cousin's levity caused him to
+add with calm dignity, "reasonable beings," and then revenged himself by
+making a good shot which won him the game.
+
+"You always were a lucky little dog, Steve. I don't begrudge you a
+particle of your happiness, but it does seem as if things weren't quite
+fair sometimes," said Archie, suppressing an envious sigh, for, though
+he seldom complained, it was impossible to contrast his own and his
+cousin's prospects with perfect equanimity.
+
+    "His worth shines forth the brightest who in hope
+     Always confides: the Abject soul despairs,"
+
+observed Mac, quoting Euripides in a conversational tone as he lay upon
+a divan reposing after a hard day's work.
+
+"Thank you," said Archie, brightening a little, for a hopeful word from
+any source was very comfortable.
+
+"That's your favorite Rip, isn't it? He was a wise old boy, but you
+could find advice as good as that nearer home," put in Steve, who just
+then felt equal to slapping Plato on the shoulder, so elated was he at
+being engaged "first of all the lot," as he gracefully expressed it.
+
+"Don't halloo till you are out of the wood, Dandy Mrs. Kit has jilted
+two men, and may a third, so you'd better not brag of your wisdom too
+soon, for she may make a fool of you yet," said Charlie, cynically, his
+views of life being very gloomy about this time.
+
+"No, she won't, Steve, if you do your part honestly. There's the making
+of a good little woman in Kitty, and she has proved it by taking you
+instead of those other fellows. You are not a Solomon, but you're not
+spoilt yet, and she had the sense to see it," said Mac encouragingly
+from his corner, for he and his brother were better friends than even
+since the little scene at the Van Tassels'.
+
+"Hear! Hear!" cried Steve, looking more than ever like a cheerful young
+cockerel trying to crow as he stood upon the hearth rug with his hands
+under his coat tails, rising and falling alternately upon the toes and
+heels of his neat little boots.
+
+"Come, you've given them each a pat on the head haven't you got one for
+me? I need it enough, for if ever there was a poor devil born under an
+evil star, it is C. C. Campbell," exclaimed Charlie, leaning his chin on
+his cue with a discontented expression of countenance, for trying to be
+good is often very hard work till one gets used to it.
+
+"Oh, yes! I can accommodate you." And, as if his words suggested the
+selection, Mac, still lying flat upon his back, repeated one of his
+favorite bits from Beaumont and Fletcher, for he had a wonderful memory
+and could reel off poetry by the hour together.
+
+    "Man is his own star; and the soul that can
+    Render an honest and a perfect man
+    Commands all light, all influence, all fate.
+    Nothing to him falls early or too late.
+
+    Our acts our angels are; or good or ill,
+    Our fatal shadows that walk by us still."
+
+"Confoundedly bad angels they are too," muttered Charlie ruefully,
+remembering the one that undid him.
+
+His cousins never knew exactly what occurred on New Year's night, but
+suspected that something was amiss, for Charlie had the blues, and Rose,
+though as kind as ever, expressed no surprise at his long absences. They
+had all observed and wondered at this state of things, yet discreetly
+made no remark till Steve, who was as inquisitive as a magpie, seized
+this opportunity to say in a friendly tone, which showed that he bore no
+malice for the dark prophecy regarding his Kitty's faithfulness: "What's
+the trouble, Prince? You are so seldom in a bad humor that we don't know
+what to make of it and all feel out of spirits when you have the blues.
+Had a tiff with Rose?"
+
+"Never you mind, little boy, but this I will say the better women are,
+the more unreasonable they are. They don't require us to be saints like
+themselves, which is lucky, but they do expect us to render an 'honest
+and a perfect man' sometimes, and that is asking rather too much in a
+fallen world like this," said Charlie, glad to get a little sympathy,
+though he had no intention of confessing his transgressions.
+
+"No, it isn't," said Mac, decidedly.
+
+"Much you know about it," began Charlie, ill pleased to be so flatly
+contradicted.
+
+"Well, I know this much," added Mac, suddenly sitting up with his hair
+in a highly disheveled condition. "It is very unreasonable in us to ask
+women to be saints and then expect them to feel honored when we offer
+them our damaged hearts or, at best, one not half as good as theirs. If
+they weren't blinded by love, they'd see what a mean advantage we take
+of them and not make such bad bargains."
+
+"Upon my word, the philosopher is coming out strong upon the subject!
+We shall have him preaching 'Women's Rights' directly," said Steve, much
+amazed at this outburst.
+
+"I've begun, you see, and much good may it do you," answered Mac, laying
+himself placidly down again.
+
+"Well, but look here, man you are arguing on the wrong side," put in
+Archie, quite agreeing with him, but feeling that he must stand by his
+order at all costs.
+
+"Never mind sides, uphold the right wherever you find it. You needn't
+stare, Steve I told you I was going to look into this matter, and I am.
+You think I'm wrapped up in books, but I see a great deal more of what
+is going on around me than you imagine, and I'm getting on in this new
+branch, let me tell you, quite as fast as is good for me, I daresay."
+
+"Going in for perfection, are you?" asked Charlie, both amused and
+interested, for he respected Mac more than he owned even to himself, and
+though he had never alluded to the timely warning, neither forgot.
+
+"Yes, I think of it."
+
+"How will you begin?"
+
+"Do my best all-round keep good company, read good books, love good
+things, and cultivate soul and body as faithfully and wisely as I can."
+
+"And you expect to succeed, do you?"
+
+"Please God, I will."
+
+The quiet energy of Mac's last words produced a momentary silence.
+Charlie thoughtfully studied the carpet; Archie, who had been absently
+poking the fire, looked over at Mac as if he thanked him again, and
+Steve, forgetting his self-conceit, began to wonder if it was not
+possible to improve himself a little for Kitty's sake. Only a minute,
+for young men do not give much time to thoughts of this kind, even when
+love stirs up the noblest impulses within them. To act rather than to
+talk is more natural to most of them, as Charlie's next question showed,
+for, having the matter much at heart, he ventured to ask in an offhand
+way as he laughed and twirled his cue: "Do you intend to reach the
+highest point of perfection before you address one of the fair saints,
+or shall you ask her to lend a hand somewhere short of that?"
+
+"As it takes a long lifetime to do what I plan, I think I shall ask some
+good woman 'to lend a hand' when I've got anything worth offering her.
+Not a saint, for I never shall be one myself, but a gentle creature who
+will help me, as I shall try to help her, so that we can go on together
+and finish our work hereafter, if we haven't time to do it here."
+
+If Mac had been a lover, he would not have discussed the subject in
+this simple and sincere fashion, though he might have felt it far more
+deeply, but being quite heart-free, he frankly showed his interest and,
+curiously enough, out of his wise young head unconsciously gave the
+three lovers before him counsel which they valued, because he practiced
+what he preached.
+
+"Well, I hope you'll find her!" said Charlie heartily as he went back to
+his game.
+
+"I think I shall." And while the others played, Mac lay staring at the
+window curtain as contentedly as if, through it, he beheld "a dream of
+fair women" from which to choose his future mate.
+
+A few days after this talk in the billiard room, Kitty went to call upon
+Rose, for as she was about to enter the family she felt it her duty
+to become acquainted with all its branches. This branch, however, she
+cultivated more assiduously than any other and was continually running
+in to confer with "Cousin Rose," whom she considered the wisest,
+dearest, kindest girl ever created. And Rose, finding that, in spite
+of her flighty head, Kitty had a good heart of her own, did her best to
+encourage all the new hopes and aspirations springing up in it under the
+warmth of the first genuine affection she had ever known.
+
+"My dear, I want to have some serious conversation with you upon a
+subject in which I take an interest for the first time in my life,"
+began Miss Kitty, seating herself and pulling off her gloves as if the
+subject was one which needed a firm grasp.
+
+"Tell away, and don't mind if I go on working, as I want to finish this
+job today," answered Rose, with a long-handled paintbrush in her hand
+and a great pair of shears at her side.
+
+"You are always so busy! What is it now? Let me help I can talk faster
+when I'm doing something," which seemed hardly possible, for Kitty's
+tongue went like a mill clapper at all hours.
+
+"Making picture books for my sick babies at the hospital. Pretty work,
+isn't it? You cut out, and I'll paste them on these squares of gay
+cambric then we just tie up a few pages with a ribbon and there is a
+nice, light, durable book for the poor dears to look at as they lie in
+their little beds."
+
+"A capital idea. Do you go there often? How ever do you find the time
+for such things?" asked Kitty, busily cutting from a big sheet the
+touching picture of a parent bird with a red head and a blue tail
+offering what looked like a small boa constrictor to one of its
+nestlings, a fat young squab with a green head, yellow body, and no tail
+at all.
+
+"I have plenty of time now I don't go out so much, for a party uses up
+two days generally one to prepare for it and one to get over it, you
+know."
+
+"People think it is so odd of you to give up society all of a sudden.
+They say you have 'turned pious' and it is owing to your peculiar
+bringing-up. I always take your part and say it is a pity other girls
+haven't as sensible an education, for I don't know one who is as
+satisfactory on the whole as you are."
+
+"Much obliged. You may also tell people I gave up gaiety because I value
+health more. But I haven't forsworn everything of the kind, Kit. I go
+to concerts and lectures, and all sorts of early things, and have nice
+times at home, as you know. I like fun as well as ever, but I'm getting
+on, you see, and must be preparing a little for the serious part of
+life. One never knows when it may come," said Rose, thoughtfully as she
+pasted a squirrel upside down on the pink cotton page before her.
+
+"That reminds me of what I wanted to say. If you'll believe me, my
+dear, Steve has got that very idea into his head! Did you or Mac put it
+there?" asked Kitty, industriously clashing her shears.
+
+"No, I've given up lecturing the boys lately they are so big now they
+don't like it, and I fancy I'd got into a way that was rather tiresome."
+
+"Well, then, he is 'turning pious' too. And what is very singular, I
+like it. Now don't smile I really do and I want to be getting ready
+for the 'serious part of life,' as you call it. That is, I want to grow
+better as fast as I can, for Steve says he isn't half good enough for
+me. Just think of that!"
+
+Kitty looked so surprised and pleased and proud that Rose felt no
+desire to laugh at her sudden fancy for sobriety but said in her most
+sympathetic tone: "I'm very glad to hear it, for it shows that he loves
+you in the right way."
+
+"Is there more than one way?"
+
+"Yes, I fancy so, because some people improve so much after they fall in
+love, and others do not at all. Have you never observed that?"
+
+"I never learned how to observe. Of course I know that some matches turn
+out well and some don't, but I never thought much about it."
+
+"Well, I have, for I was rather interested in the subject lately and had
+a talk with Aunt Jessie and Uncle about it."
+
+"Gracious! You don't talk to them about such things, do you?"
+
+"Yes, indeed. I ask any questions I like, and always get a good answer.
+It is such a nice way to learn, Kitty, for you don't have to pore over
+books, but as things come along you talk about them and remember, and
+when they are spoken of afterward you understand and are interested,
+though you don't say a word," explained Rose.
+
+"It must be nice, but I haven't anyone to do so for me. Papa is too
+busy, and Mama always says when I ask question, 'Don't trouble your head
+with such things, child,' so I don't. What did you learn about matches
+turning out well? I'm interested in that, because I want mine to be
+quite perfect in all respects."
+
+"After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that Uncle was right,
+and it is not always safe to marry a person just because you love him,"
+began Rose, trying to enlighten Kitty without betraying herself.
+
+"Of course not if they haven't money or are bad. But otherwise I don't
+see what more is needed," said Kitty wonderingly.
+
+"One should stop and see if it is a wise love, likely to help both
+parties and wear well, for you know it ought to last all one's lifetime,
+and it is very sad if it doesn't."
+
+"I declare it quite scares me to think of it, for I don't usually go
+beyond my wedding day in making plans. I remember, though, that when I
+was engaged the first time you don't know the man; it was just after
+you went away, and I was only sixteen someone very ill-naturedly said I
+should 'marry in haste and repent at leisure,' and that made me try to
+imagine how it would seem to go on year after year with Gustavus who had
+a dreadful temper, by the way and it worried me so to think of it that I
+broke the engagement, and was so glad ever afterward."
+
+"You were a wise girl and I hope you'll do it again if you find, after a
+time, that you and Steve do not truly trust and respect as well as love
+one another. If you don't, you'll be miserable when it is too late, as
+so many people are who do marry in haste and have a lifetime to repent
+it. Aunt Jessie says so, and she knows."
+
+"Don't be solemn, Rose. It fidgets me to think about life-times, and
+respecting, and all those responsible things. I'm not used to it, and I
+don't know how to do it."
+
+"But you must think, and you must learn how before you take the
+responsibility upon yourself. That is what your life is for, and you
+mustn't spoil it by doing a very solemn thing without seeing if you are
+ready for it."
+
+"Do you think about all this?" asked Kitty, shrugging up her shoulders
+as if responsibility of any sort did not sit comfortably on them.
+
+"One has to sometimes, you know. But is that all you wanted to tell me?"
+added Rose, anxious to turn the conversation from herself.
+
+"Oh, dear, no! The most serious thing of all is this. Steve is putting
+himself in order generally, and so I want to do my part, and I must
+begin right away before my thoughts get distracted with clothes and all
+sorts of dear, delightful, frivolous things that I can't help liking.
+Now I wish you'd tell me where to begin. Shouldn't I improve my mind
+by reading something solid?" And Kitty looked over at the well-filled
+bookcase as if to see if it contained anything large and dry enough to
+be considered "solid."
+
+"It would be an excellent plan, and we'll look up something. What do you
+feel as if you needed most?"
+
+"A little of everything I should say, for when I look into my mind there
+really doesn't seem to be much there but odds and ends, and yet I'm sure
+I've read a great deal more than some girls do. I suppose novels don't
+count, though, and are of no use, for, goodness knows, the people and
+things they describe aren't a bit like the real ones."
+
+"Some novels are very useful and do as much good as sermons, I've heard
+Uncle say, because they not only describe truly, but teach so pleasantly
+that people like to learn in that way," said Rose, who knew the sort of
+books Kitty had read and did not wonder that she felt rather astray when
+she tried to guide herself by their teaching.
+
+"You pick me out some of the right kind, and I'll apply my mind to
+them. Then I ought to have some 'serious views' and 'methods' and
+'principles.' Steve said 'principles,' good firm ones, you know."
+And Kitty gave a little pull at the bit of cambric she was cutting as
+housewives pull cotton or calico when they want "a good firm article."
+
+Rose could not help laughing now, though much pleased, for Kitty was so
+prettily in earnest, and yet so perfectly ignorant how to begin on the
+self-improvement she very much needed, that it was pathetic as well as
+comical to see and hear her.
+
+"You certainly want some of those, and must begin at once to get them,
+but Aunt Jessie can help you there better than I can, or Aunt Jane, for
+she has very 'firm' ones, I assure you," said Rose, sobering down as
+quickly as possible.
+
+"Mercy on us! I should never dare to say a word about it to Mrs. Mac,
+for I'm dreadfully afraid of her, she is so stern, and how I'm ever to
+get on when she is my mother-in-law I don't know!" cried Kitty, clasping
+her hands in dismay at the idea.
+
+"She isn't half as stern as she looks, and if you go to her without
+fear, you've no idea how sensible and helpful she is. I used to be
+frightened out of my wits with her, but now I'm not a bit, and we get on
+nicely. Indeed, I'm fond of her, she is so reliable and upright in all
+things."
+
+"She certainly is the straightest woman I ever saw, and the most
+precise. I never shall forget how scared I was when Steve took me up to
+see her that first time. I put on all my plainest things, did my hair
+in a meek knob, and tried to act like a sober, sedate young woman. Steve
+would laugh at me and say I looked like a pretty nun, so I couldn't be
+as proper as I wished. Mrs. Mac was very kind, of course, but her eye
+was so sharp I felt as if she saw right through me, and knew that I'd
+pinned on my bonnet strings, lost a button off my boot, and didn't brush
+my hair for ten minutes every night," said Kitty in an awe-stricken
+tone.
+
+"She likes you, though, and so does Uncle, and he's set his heart on
+having you live with them by and by, so don't mind her eyes but look
+straight up at her, and you'll see how kind they can grow."
+
+"Mac likes me, too, and that did please me, for he doesn't like girls
+generally. Steve told me he said I had the 'making of a capital little
+woman in me.' Wasn't it nice of him? Steve was so proud, though he does
+laugh at Mac sometimes."
+
+"Don't disappoint them, dear. Encourage Steve in all the good things he
+likes or wants, make friends with Mac, love Aunt Jane, and be a daughter
+to Uncle, and you'll find yourself a very happy girl."
+
+"I truly will, and thank you very much for not making fun of me. I know
+I'm a little goose, but lately I've felt as if I might come to something
+if I had the right sort of help. I'll go up and see Aunt Jessie
+tomorrow. I'm not a bit afraid of her, and then if you'll just quietly
+find out from Uncle Doctor what I must read, I'll work as hard as I
+can. Don't tell anyone, please, they'll think it odd and affected, and I
+can't bear to be laughed at, though I daresay it is good discipline."
+
+Rose promised, and both worked in silence for a moment, then Kitty asked
+rather timidly: "Are you and Charlie trying this plan too? Since you've
+left off going out so much, he keeps away also, and we don't know what
+to make of it."
+
+"He has had what he calls an 'artistic fit' lately, set up a studio, and
+is doing some crayon sketches of us all. If he'd only finish his things,
+they would be excellent, but he likes to try a great variety at once.
+I'll take you in sometime, and perhaps he will do a portrait of you for
+Steve. He likes girls' faces and gets the likenesses wonderfully well."
+
+"People say you are engaged but I contradict it, because, of course, I
+should know if you were."
+
+"We are not."
+
+"I'm glad of it, for really, Rose, I'm afraid Charlie hasn't got 'firm
+principles,' though he is a fascinating fellow and one can't scold him.
+You don't mind my saying so, do you, dear?" added Kitty, for Rose did
+not answer at once.
+
+"Not in the least, for you are one of us now, and I can speak frankly
+and I will, for I think in one way you can help Steve very much. You
+are right about Charlie, both as to the principles and the fascination.
+Steve admires him exceedingly, and always from a boy liked to imitate
+his pleasant ways. Some of them are very harmless and do Steve good, but
+some are not. I needn't talk about it, only you must show your boy that
+you depend on him to keep out of harm and help him do it."
+
+"I will, I will! And then perhaps, when he is a perfect model, Charlie
+will imitate him. I really begin to feel as if I had a great deal to
+do." And Kitty looked as if she was beginning to like it also.
+
+"We all have and the sooner we go to work the better for us and those we
+love. You wouldn't think now that Phebe was doing anything for
+Archie, but she is, and writes such splendid letters, they stir him up
+wonderfully and make us all love and admire her more than ever."
+
+"How is she getting on?" asked Kitty, who, though she called herself a
+"little goose," had tact enough to see that Rose did not care to talk
+about Charlie.
+
+"Nicely, for you know she used to sing in our choir, so that was a good
+recommendation for another. She got a fine place in the new church at
+L----, and that gives her a comfortable salary, though she has something
+put away. She was always a saving creature and kept her wages carefully.
+Uncle invested them, and she begins to feel quite independent already.
+No fear but my Phebe will get on she has such energy and manages so
+well. I sometimes wish I could run away and work with her."
+
+"Ah, my dear! We rich girls have our trials as well as poor ones, though
+we don't get as much pity as they do," sighed Kitty. "Nobody knows what
+I suffer sometimes from worries that I can't talk about, and I shouldn't
+get much sympathy if I did, just because I live in a big house, wear
+good gowns, and have lots of lovers. Annabel used to say she envied me
+above all created beings, but she doesn't now, and is perfectly absorbed
+in her dear little Chinaman. Do you see how she ever could like him?"
+
+So they began to gossip, and the sober talk was over for that time, but
+when Kitty departed, after criticizing all her dear friends and their
+respective sweethearts, she had a helpful little book in her muff, a
+resolute expression on her bright face, and so many excellent plans for
+self-improvement in her busy brain that she and Steve bid fair to turn
+out the model couple of the century.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 14 AUNT CLARA'S PLAN
+
+Being seriously alarmed by the fear of losing the desire of his heart,
+Charlie had gone resolutely to work and, like many another young
+reformer, he rather overdid the matter, for in trying to keep out of
+the way of temptation, he denied himself much innocent enjoyment. The
+"artistic fit" was a good excuse for the seclusion which he fancied
+would be a proper penance, and he sat listlessly plying crayon or
+paintbrush, with daily wild rides on black Brutus, which seemed to do
+him good, for danger of that sort was his delight.
+
+People were used to his whims and made light of what they considered a
+new one, but when it lasted week after week and all attempts to draw him
+out were vain, his jolly comrades gave him up and the family began
+to say approvingly, "Now he really is going to settle down and do
+something." Fortunately, his mother let him alone, for though Dr. Alec
+had not "thundered in her ear" as he threatened, he had talked with her
+in a way which first made her very angry, then anxious, and, lastly,
+quite submissive, for her heart was set on the boy's winning Rose and
+she would have had him put on sackcloth and ashes if that would have
+secured the prize. She made light of the cause of Rose's displeasure,
+considering her extremely foolish and straitlaced, "for all young men
+of any spirit had their little vices, and came out well enough when the
+wild oats were sowed." So she indulged Charlie in his new vagary, as she
+had in all his others, and treated him like an ill-used being, which was
+neither an inspiring nor helpful course on her part. Poor soul! She saw
+her mistake by and by, and when too late repented of it bitterly.
+
+Rose wanted to be kind, and tried in various ways to help her cousin,
+feeling very sure she should succeed as many another hopeful woman has
+done, quite unconscious how much stronger an undisciplined will is than
+the truest love, and what a difficult task the wisest find it to undo
+the mistakes of a bad education. But it was a hard thing to do, for at
+the least hint of commendation or encouragement, he looked so hopeful
+that she was afraid of seeming to promise too much, and, of all things,
+she desired to escape the accusation of having trifled with him.
+
+So life was not very comfortable to either just then; and while Charlie
+was "mortifying soul and body" to please her, she was studying how to
+serve him best. Aunt Jessie helped her very much, and no one guessed,
+when they saw pretty Miss Campbell going up and down the hill with such
+a serious face, that she was intent upon anything except taking, with
+praiseworthy regularity, the constitutionals which gave her such a
+charming color.
+
+Matters were in this state when one day a note came to Rose from Mrs.
+Clara.
+
+MY SWEET CHILD, Do take pity on my poor boy and cheer him up with a
+sight of you, for he is so triste it breaks my heart to see him. He has
+a new plan in his head, which strikes me as an excellent one, if you
+will only favor it. Let him come and take you for a drive this fine
+afternoon and talk things over. It will do him a world of good and
+deeply oblige
+
+Your ever loving
+
+AUNT CLARA.
+
+Rose read the note twice and stood a moment pondering, with her eyes
+absently fixed on the little bay before her window. The sight of several
+black figures moving briskly to and fro across its frozen surface seemed
+to suggest a mode of escape from the drive she dreaded in more ways than
+one. "That will be safer and pleasanter," she said, and going to her
+desk wrote her answer.
+
+DEAR AUNTY, I'm afraid of Brutus, but if Charlie will go skating with
+me, I should enjoy it very much and it would do us both good. I can
+listen to the new plan with an undivided mind there, so give him my
+love, please, and say I shall expect him at three.
+
+Affectionately, ROSE.
+
+Punctually at three Charlie appeared with his skates over his arm and
+with a very contented face, which brightened wonderfully as Rose came
+downstairs in a sealskin suit and scarlet skirt, so like the one she
+wore years ago that he involuntarily exclaimed as he took her skates:
+"You look so like little Rose I hardly know you, and it seems so like
+old times I feel sixteen again."
+
+"That is just the way one ought to feel on such a day as this. Now let
+us be off and have a good spin before anyone comes. There are only a few
+children there now, but it is Saturday, you know, and everybody will be
+out before long," answered Rose, carefully putting on her mittens as she
+talked, for her heart was not as light as the one little Rose carried
+under the brown jacket, and the boy of sixteen never looked at her with
+the love and longing she read in the eyes of the young man before her.
+
+Away they went, and were soon almost as merry and warm as the children
+around them, for the ice was in good condition, the February sunshine
+brilliant, and the keen wind set their blood a-tingle with a healthful
+glow.
+
+"Now tell me the plan your mother spoke of," began Rose as they went
+gliding across the wide expanse before them, for Charlie seemed to have
+forgotten everything but the bliss of having her all to himself for a
+little while.
+
+"Plan? Oh, yes! It is simply this. I'm going out to Father next month."
+
+"Really?" and Rose looked both surprised and incredulous, for this plan
+was not a new one.
+
+"Really. You don't believe it, but I am, and mother means to go with
+me. We've had another letter from the governor, and he says if she can't
+part from her big baby to come along too, and all be happy together.
+What do you think of that?" he asked, eyeing her intently, for they were
+face to face as she went backward and he held both of her hands to steer
+and steady her.
+
+"I like it immensely, and do believe it now only it rather takes my
+breath away to think of Aunty's going, when she never would hear of it
+before."
+
+"She doesn't like the plan very well now and consents to go only on one
+condition."
+
+"What is that?" asked Rose, trying to free her hands, for a look at
+Charlie made her suspect what was coming.
+
+"That you go with us." And, holding the hands fast, he added rapidly,
+"Let me finish before you speak. I don't mean that anything is to be
+changed till you are ready, but if you go, I am willing to give up
+everything else and live anywhere as long as you like. Why shouldn't you
+come to us for a year or two? We've never had our share. Father would be
+delighted, mother contented, and I the happiest man alive."
+
+"Who made this plan?" asked Rose as soon as she got the breath which
+certainly had been rather taken away by this entirely new and by no
+means agreeable scheme.
+
+"Mother suggested it I shouldn't have dared even to dream of such
+richness. I'd made up my mind to go alone, and when I told her, she
+was in despair till this superb idea came into her head. After that, of
+course, it was easy enough for me to stick to the resolution I'd made."
+
+"Why did you decide to go, Charlie?" And Rose looked up into the eyes
+that were fixed beseechingly on hers.
+
+They wavered and glanced aside, then met hers honestly yet full of
+humility, which made her own fall as he answered very low: "Because I
+don't dare to stay."
+
+"Is it so hard?" she said pitifully.
+
+"Very hard. I haven't the moral courage to own up and face ridicule, and
+it seems so mean to hide for fear of breaking my word. I will keep it
+this time, Rose, if I go to the ends of the earth to do it."
+
+"It is not cowardly to flee temptation, and nobody whose opinion is
+worth having will ridicule any brave attempt to conquer one's self.
+Don't mind it, Charlie, but stand fast, and I am sure you will succeed."
+
+"You don't know what it is, and I can't tell you, for till I tried to
+give it up I never guessed what a grip it had on me. I thought it was
+only a habit, easy to drop when I liked, but it is stronger than I, and
+sometimes I feel as if possessed of a devil that will get the better of
+me, try as I may."
+
+He dropped her hands abruptly as he said that, with the energy of
+despair; and, as if afraid of saying too much, he left her for a minute,
+striking away at full speed, as if in truth he would "go to the ends of
+the earth" to escape the enemy within himself.
+
+Rose stood still, appalled by this sudden knowledge of how much greater
+the evil was than she had dreamed. What ought she to do? Go with her
+cousin, and by so doing tacitly pledge herself as his companion on that
+longer journey for which he was as yet so poorly equipped? Both heart
+and conscience protested against this so strongly that she put the
+thought away. But compassion pleaded for him tenderly, and the spirit of
+self-sacrifice, which makes women love to give more than they receive,
+caused her to feel as if in a measure this man's fate lay in her hands,
+to be decided for good or ill through her. How should she be true both
+to him and to herself?
+
+Before this question could be answered, he was back again, looking as if
+he had left his care behind him, for his moods varied like the wind. Her
+attitude, as she stood motionless and alone with downcast face, was so
+unlike the cheerful creature who came to meet him an hour ago, it filled
+him with self-reproach, and, coming up, he drew one hand through his
+arm, saying, as she involuntarily followed him, "You must not stand
+still. Forget my heroics and answer my question. Will you go with us,
+Rose?"
+
+"Not now that is asking too much, Charlie, and I will promise nothing,
+because I cannot do it honestly," she answered, so firmly that he knew
+appeal was useless.
+
+"Am I to go alone, then, leaving all I care for behind me?"
+
+"No, take your mother with you, and do your best to reunite your
+parents. You could not give yourself to a better task."
+
+"She won't go without you."
+
+"I think she will if you hold fast to your resolution. You won't give
+that up, I hope?"
+
+"No I must go somewhere, for I can't stay here, and it may as well be
+India, since that pleases Father," answered Charlie doggedly.
+
+"It will more than you can imagine. Tell him all the truth, and see how
+glad he will be to help you, and how sincerely he will respect you for
+what you've done."
+
+"If you respect me, I don't care much about the opinion of anyone else,"
+answered Charlie, clinging with a lover's pertinacity to the hope that
+was dearest.
+
+"I shall, if you go manfully away and do the duty you owe your father
+and yourself."
+
+"And when I've done it, may I come back to be rewarded, Rose?" he asked,
+taking possession of the hand on his arm as if it was already his.
+
+"I wish I could say what you want me to. But how can I promise when I am
+not sure of anything? I don't love you as I ought, and perhaps I never
+shall so why persist in making me bind myself in this way? Be generous,
+Charlie, and don't ask it," implored Rose, much afflicted by his
+persistence.
+
+"I thought you did love me it looked very like it a month ago, unless
+you have turned coquette, and I can't quite believe that," he answered
+bitterly.
+
+"I was beginning to love you, but you made me afraid to go on," murmured
+Rose, trying to tell the truth kindly.
+
+"That cursed custom! What can a man do when his hostess asks him to
+drink wine with her?" And Charlie looked as if he could have cursed
+himself even more heartily.
+
+"He can say 'no.'"
+
+"I can't."
+
+"Ah, that's the trouble! You never learned to say it even to yourself,
+and now it is so hard, you want me to help you."
+
+"And you won't."
+
+"Yes, I will, by showing you that I can say it to myself, for your
+sake." And Rose looked up with a face so full of tender sorrow he could
+not doubt the words which both reproached and comforted him.
+
+"My little saint! I don't deserve one half your goodness to me, but I
+will, and go away without one complaint to do my best, for your sake,"
+he cried, touched by her grief and stirred to emulation by the example
+of courage and integrity she tried to set him.
+
+Here Kitty and Steve bore down upon them; and, obeying the impulse to
+put care behind them, which makes it possible for young hearts to ache
+one minute and dance the next, Rose and Charlie banished their troubles,
+joined in the sport that soon turned the lonely little bay into a
+ballroom, and enjoyed the splendors of a winter sunset forgetful of
+separation and Calcutta.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 15 ALAS FOR CHARLIE!
+
+In spite of much internal rebellion, Charlie held fast to his
+resolution, and Aunt Clara, finding all persuasions vain, gave in and in
+a state of chronic indignation against the world in general and Rose in
+particular, prepared to accompany him. The poor girl had a hard time of
+it and, but for her uncle, would have fared still worse. He was a sort
+of shield upon which Mrs. Clara's lamentations, reproaches, and irate
+glances fell unavailingly instead of wounding the heart against which
+they were aimed.
+
+The days passed very quickly now, for everyone seemed anxious to have
+the parting over and preparations went on rapidly. The big house was
+made ready to shut up for a year at least, comforts for the long voyage
+laid in, and farewell visits paid. The general activity and excitement
+rendered it impossible for Charlie to lead the life of an artistic
+hermit any longer and he fell into a restless condition which caused
+Rose to long for the departure of the Rajah when she felt that he would
+be safe, for these farewell festivities were dangerous to one who was
+just learning to say "no."
+
+"Half the month safely gone. If we can only get well over these last
+weeks, a great weight will be off my mind," thought Rose as she went
+down one wild, wet morning toward the end of February.
+
+Opening the study door to greet her uncle, she exclaimed, "Why, Archie!"
+then paused upon the threshold, transfixed by fear, for in her cousin's
+white face she read the tidings of some great affliction.
+
+"Hush! Don't be frightened. Come in and I'll tell you," he whispered,
+putting down the bottle he had just taken from the doctor's medicine
+closet.
+
+Rose understood and obeyed, for Aunt Plenty was poorly with her
+rheumatism and depended on her morning doze.
+
+"What is it?" she said, looking about the room with a shiver, as if
+expecting to see again what she saw there New Year's night. Archie was
+alone, however, and, drawing her toward the closet, answered with an
+evident effort to be quite calm and steady "Charlie is hurt! Uncle wants
+more ether and the wide bandages in some drawer or other. He told me,
+but I forget. You keep this place in order find them for me. Quick!"
+
+Before he had done, Rose was at the drawer, turning over the bandages
+with hands that trembled as they searched.
+
+"All narrow! I must make some. Can you wait?" And, catching up a piece
+of old linen, she tore it into wide strips, adding, in the same quick
+tone, as she began to roll them, "Now, tell me."
+
+"I can wait those are not needed just yet. I didn't mean anyone should
+know, you least of all," began Archie, smoothing out the strips as they
+lay across the table and evidently surprised at the girl's nerve and
+skill.
+
+"I can bear it make haste! Is he much hurt?"
+
+"I'm afraid he is. Uncle looks sober, and the poor boy suffers so, I
+couldn't stay," answered Archie, turning still whiter about the lips
+that never had so hard a tale to tell before.
+
+"You see, he went to town last evening to meet the man who is going to
+buy Brutus."
+
+"And Brutus did it? I knew he would!" cried Rose, dropping her work to
+wring her hands, as if she guessed the ending of the story now.
+
+"Yes, and if he wasn't shot already I'd do it myself with pleasure, for
+he's done his best to kill Charlie," muttered Charlie's mate with a grim
+look, then gave a great sigh and added with averted face, "I shouldn't
+blame the brute, it wasn't his fault. He needed a firm hand and--" He
+stopped there, but Rose said quickly: "Go on. I must know."
+
+"Charlie met some of his old cronies, quite by accident; there was a
+dinner party, and they made him go, just for a good-bye, they said. He
+couldn't refuse, and it was too much for him. He would come home alone
+in the storm, though they tried to keep him, as he wasn't fit. Down
+by the new bridge that high embankment, you know the wind had put the
+lantern out he forgot or something scared Brutus, and all went down
+together."
+
+Archie had spoken fast and brokenly but Rose understood and at the last
+word hid her face with a little moan, as if she saw it all.
+
+"Drink this and never mind the rest," he said, dashing into the next
+room and coming back with a glass of water, longing to be done and away,
+for this sort of pain seemed almost as bad as that he had left.
+
+Rose drank, but held his arm tightly, as he would have turned away,
+saying in a tone of command he could not disobey: "Don't keep anything
+back tell me the worst at once."
+
+"We knew nothing of it," he went on obediently. "Aunt Clara thought he
+was with me, and no one found him till early this morning. A workman
+recognized him and he was brought home, dead they thought. I came for
+Uncle an hour ago. Charlie is conscious now, but awfully hurt, and I'm
+afraid from the way Mac and Uncle looked at one another that Oh! Think
+of it, Rose! Crushed and helpless, alone in the rain all night, and I
+never knew, I never knew!"
+
+With that, poor Archie broke down entirely and, flinging himself into a
+chair, laid his face on the table, sobbing like a girl. Rose had never
+seen a man cry before, and it was so unlike a woman's gentler grief that
+it moved her very much. Putting by her own anguish, she tried to comfort
+his and, going to him, lifted up his head and made him lean on her, for
+in such hours as this women are the stronger. It was a very little to
+do, but it did comfort Archie, for the poor fellow felt as if fate was
+very hard upon him just then, and in this faithful bosom he could pour
+his brief but pathetic plaint.
+
+"Phebe's gone, and now if Charlie's taken, I don't see how I can bear
+it!"
+
+"Phebe will come back, dear, and let us hope poor Charlie isn't going to
+be taken yet. Such things always seem worst at first, I've heard people
+say, so cheer up and hope for the best," answered Rose, seeking for some
+comfortable words to say and finding very few.
+
+They took effect, however, for Archie did cheer up like a man. Wiping
+away the tears which he so seldom shed that they did not know where to
+go, he got up, gave himself a little shake, and said with a long breath,
+as if he had been underwater: "Now I'm all right, thank you. I couldn't
+help it the shock of being waked suddenly to find the dear old fellow in
+such a pitiful state upset me. I ought to go are these ready?"
+
+"In a minute. Tell Uncle to send for me if I can be of any use. Oh, poor
+Aunt Clara! How does she bear it?"
+
+"Almost distracted. I took Mother to her, and she will do all that
+anybody can. Heaven only knows what Aunt will do if--"
+
+"And only heaven can help her," added Rose as Archie stopped at the
+words he could not utter. "Now take them, and let me know often."
+
+"You brave little soul, I will." And Archie went away through the
+rain with his sad burden, wondering how Rose could be so calm when the
+beloved Prince might be dying.
+
+A long dark day followed, with nothing to break its melancholy monotony
+except the bulletins that came from hour to hour reporting little change
+either for better or for worse. Rose broke the news gently to Aunt
+Plenty and set herself to the task of keeping up the old lady's spirits,
+for, being helpless, the good soul felt as if everything would go wrong
+without her. At dusk she fell asleep, and Rose went down to order lights
+and fire in the parlor, with tea ready to serve at any moment, for she
+felt sure some of the men would come and that a cheerful greeting and
+creature comforts would suit them better than tears, darkness, and
+desolation.
+
+Presently Mac arrived, saying the instant he entered the room: "More
+comfortable, Cousin."
+
+"Thank heaven!" cried Rose, unclasping her hands. Then seeing how worn
+out, wet, and weary Mac looked as he came into the light, she added in
+a tone that was a cordial in itself, "Poor boy, how tired you are! Come
+here, and let me make you comfortable."
+
+"I was going home to freshen up a bit, for I must be back in an hour.
+Mother took my place, so I could be spared, and came off, as Uncle
+refused to stir."
+
+"Don't go home, for if Aunty isn't there it will be very dismal. Step
+into Uncle's room and refresh, then come back and I'll give you your
+tea. Let me, let me! I can't help in any other way, and I must do
+something, this waiting is so dreadful."
+
+Her last words betrayed how much suspense was trying her, and Mac
+yielded at once, glad to comfort and be comforted. When he came back,
+looking much revived, a tempting little tea table stood before the fire
+and Rose went to meet him, saying with a faint smile, as she liberally
+bedewed him with the contents of a cologne flask: "I can't bear the
+smell of ether it suggests such dreadful things."
+
+"What curious creatures women are! Archie told us you bore the news like
+a hero, and now you turn pale at a whiff of bad air. I can't explain
+it," mused Mac as he meekly endured the fragrant shower bath.
+
+"Neither can I, but I've been imagining horrors all day and made myself
+nervous. Don't let us talk about it, but come and have some tea."
+
+"That's another queer thing. Tea is your panacea for all human ills
+yet there isn't any nourishment in it. I'd rather have a glass of milk,
+thank you," said Mac, taking an easy chair and stretching his feet to
+the fire.
+
+She brought it to him and made him eat something; then, as he shut his
+eyes wearily, she went away to the piano and, having no heart to sing,
+played softly till he seemed asleep. But at the stroke of six he was up
+and ready to be off again.
+
+"He gave me that. Take it with you and put some on his hair. He likes
+it, and I do so want to help a little," she said, slipping the pretty
+flagon into his pocket with such a wistful look Mac never thought of
+smiling at this very feminine request.
+
+"I'll tell him. Is there anything else I can do for you, Cousin?" he
+asked, holding the cold hand that had been serving him so helpfully.
+
+"Only this if there is any sudden change, promise to send for me, no
+matter at what hour it is. I must say 'good-bye'".
+
+"I will come for you. But, Rose, I am sure you may sleep in peace
+tonight, and I hope to have good news for you in the morning."
+
+"Bless you for that! Come early, and let me see him soon. I will be very
+good, and I know it will not do him any harm."
+
+"No fear of that. The first thing he said when he could speak was 'Tell
+Rose carefully,' and as I came away he guessed where I was going and
+tried to kiss his hand in the old way, you know."
+
+Mac thought it would cheer her to hear that Charlie remembered her, but
+the sudden thought that she might never see the familiar little gesture
+anymore was the last drop that made her full heart overflow, and Mac saw
+the "hero" of the morning sink down at his feet in a passion of tears
+that frightened him. He took her to the sofa and tried to comfort her,
+but as soon as the bitter sobbing quieted she looked up and said quite
+steadily, great drops rolling down her cheeks the while: "Let me cry it
+is what I need, and I shall be all the better for it by and by. Go to
+Charlie now and tell him I said with all my heart, 'Good night!'?
+
+"I will!" And Mac trudged away, marveling in his turn at the curiously
+blended strength and weakness of womankind.
+
+That was the longest night Rose ever spent, but joy came in the morning
+with the early message: "He is better. You are to come by and by." Then
+Aunt Plenty forgot her lumbago and arose; Aunt Myra, who had come to
+have a social croak, took off her black bonnet as if it would not be
+needed at present, and the girl made ready to go and say "Welcome back,"
+not the hard "Good-bye."
+
+It seemed very long to wait, for no summons came till afternoon, then
+her uncle arrived, and at the first sight of his face Rose began to
+tremble.
+
+"I came for my little girl myself, because we must go back at once," he
+said as she hurried toward him hat in hand.
+
+"I'm ready, sir." But her hands shook as she tried to tie the ribbons,
+and her eyes never left the face that was full of tender pity for her.
+
+He took her quickly into the carriage and, as they rolled away, said
+with the quiet directness which soothes such agitation better than any
+sympathetic demonstration: "Charlie is worse. I feared it when the pain
+went so suddenly this morning, but the chief injuries are internal and
+one can never tell what the chances are. He insists that he is better,
+but he will soon begin to fail, I fear, become unconscious, and slip
+away without more suffering. This is the time for you to see him, for he
+has set his heart on it, and nothing can hurt him now. My child, it is
+very hard, but we must help each other bear it."
+
+Rose tried to say, "Yes, Uncle" bravely, but the words would not
+come, and she could only slip her hand into his with a look of mute
+submission. He laid her head on his shoulder and went on talking so
+quietly that anyone who did not see how worn and haggard his face had
+grown with two days and a night of sharp anxiety might have thought him
+cold.
+
+"Jessie has gone home to rest, and Jane is with poor Clara, who has
+dropped asleep at last. I've sent for Steve and the other boys. There
+will be time for them later, but he so begged to see you now, I thought
+it best to come while this temporary strength keeps him up. I have
+told him how it is, but he will not believe me. If he asks you, answer
+honestly and try to fit him a little for this sudden ending of so many
+hopes."
+
+"How soon, Uncle?"
+
+"A few hours, probably. This tranquil moment is yours make the most of
+it and, when we can do no more for him, we'll comfort one another."
+
+Mac met them in the hall, but Rose hardly saw him. She was conscious
+only of the task before her and, when her uncle led her to the door, she
+said quietly, "Let me go in alone, please."
+
+Archie, who had been hanging over the bed, slipped away into the inner
+room as she appeared, and Rose found Charlie waiting for her with such
+a happy face, she could not believe what she had heard and found it easy
+to say almost cheerfully as she took his eager hand in both of hers:
+"Dear Charlie, I'm so glad you sent for me. I longed to come, but waited
+till you were better. You surely are?" she added, as a second glance
+showed to her the indescribable change which had come upon the face
+which at first seemed to have both light and color in it.
+
+"Uncle says not, but I think he is mistaken, because the agony is all
+gone, and except for this odd sinking now and then, I don't feel so much
+amiss," he answered feebly but with something of the old lightness in
+his voice.
+
+"You will hardly be able to sail in the Rajah, I fear, but you won't
+mind waiting a little while we nurse you," said poor Rose, trying to
+talk on quietly, with her heart growing heavier every minute.
+
+"I shall go if I'm carried! I'll keep that promise, though it costs
+me my life. Oh, Rose! You know? They've told you?" And, with a sudden
+memory of what brought him there, he hid his face in the pillow.
+
+"You broke no promise, for I would not let you make one, you remember.
+Forget all that, and let us talk about the better time that may be
+coming for you."
+
+"Always so generous, so kind!" he murmured, with her hand against
+his feverish cheek; then, looking up, he went on in a tone so humbly
+contrite it made her eyes fill with slow, hot tears.
+
+"I tried to flee temptation I tried to say 'no,' but I am so pitiably
+weak, I couldn't. You must despise me. But don't give me up entirely,
+for if I live, I'll do better. I'll go away to Father and begin again."
+
+Rose tried to keep back the bitter drops, but they would fall, to hear
+him still speak hopefully when there was no hope. Something in the mute
+anguish of her face seemed to tell him what she could not speak, and a
+quick change came over him as he grasped her hand tighter, saying in a
+sharp whisper: "Have I really got to die, Rose?"
+
+Her only answer was to kneel down and put her arms about him, as if she
+tried to keep death away a little longer. He believed it then, and lay
+so still, she looked up in a moment, fearing she knew not what.
+
+But Charlie bore it manfully, for he had the courage which can face a
+great danger bravely, though not the strength to fight a bosom sin and
+conquer it. His eyes were fixed, as if trying to look into the unseen
+world whither he was going, and his lips firmly set that no word of
+complaint should spoil the proof he meant to give that, though he had
+not known how to live, he did know how to die. It seemed to Rose as
+if for one brief instant she saw the man that might have been if early
+training had taught him how to rule himself; and the first words he
+uttered with a long sigh, as his eye came back to her, showed that he
+felt the failure and owned it with pathetic candor.
+
+"Better so, perhaps; better go before I bring any more sorrow to you and
+shame to myself. I'd like to stay a little longer and try to redeem the
+past; it seems so wasted now, but if I can't, don't grieve, Rose. I'm no
+loss to anyone, and perhaps it is too late to mend."
+
+"Oh, don't say that! No one will find your place among us we never can
+forget how much we loved you, and you must believe how freely we forgive
+as we would be forgiven," cried Rose, steadied by the pale despair that
+had fallen on Charlie's face with those bitter words.
+
+"'Forgive us our trespasses!' Yes, I should say that. Rose, I'm not
+ready, it is so sudden. What can I do?" he whispered, clinging to her as
+if he had no anchor except the creature whom he loved so much.
+
+"Uncle will tell you I am not good enough I can only pray for you." And
+she moved as if to call in the help so sorely needed.
+
+"No, no, not yet! Stay by me, darling read something there, in
+Grandfather's old book, some prayer for such as I. It will do me more
+good from you than any minister alive."
+
+She got the venerable book given to Charlie because he bore the good
+man's name and, turning to the "Prayer for the Dying," read it brokenly
+while the voice beside her echoed now and then some word that reproved
+or comforted.
+
+"The testimony of a good conscience." "By the sadness of his countenance
+may his heart be made better." "Christian patience and fortitude."
+"Leave the world in peace." "Amen."
+
+There was silence for a little; then Rose, seeing how wan he looked,
+said softly, "Shall I call Uncle now?"
+
+"If you will. But first don't smile at my foolishness, dear I want my
+little heart. They took it off please give it back and let me keep it
+always," he answered with the old fondness strong as ever, even when he
+could show it only by holding fast the childish trinket which she found
+and had given him the old agate heart with the faded ribbon. "Put it on,
+and never let them take it off," he said, and when she asked if there
+was anything else she could do for him, he tried to stretch out his arms
+to her with a look which asked for more.
+
+She kissed him very tenderly on lips and forehead, tried to say
+"good-bye," but could not speak, and groped her way to the door. Turning
+for a last look, Charlie's hopeful spirit rose for a moment, as if
+anxious to send her away more cheerful, and he said with a shadow of
+the old blithe smile, a feeble attempt at the familiar farewell gesture:
+"Till tomorrow, Rose."
+
+Alas for Charlie! His tomorrow never came, and when she saw him next, he
+lay there looking so serene and noble, it seemed as if it must be well
+with him, for all the pain was past; temptation ended; doubt and fear,
+hope and love, could no more stir his quiet heart, and in solemn truth
+he had gone to meet his Father, and begin again.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 16 GOOD WORKS
+
+The Rajah was delayed awhile, and when it sailed poor Mrs. Clara was
+on board, for everything was ready. All thought she had better go to
+comfort her husband, and since her boy died she seemed to care very
+little what became of her. So, with friends to cheer the long voyage,
+she sailed away, a heavyhearted woman, yet not quite disconsolate,
+for she knew her mourning was excessively becoming and felt sure that
+Stephen would not find her altered by her trials as much as might have
+been expected.
+
+
+Then nothing was left of that gay household but the empty rooms, silence
+never broken by a blithe voice anymore, and pictures full of promise,
+but all unfinished, like poor Charlie's life.
+
+There was much mourning for the bonny Prince, but no need to tell of it
+except as it affected Rose, for it is with her we have most to do, the
+other characters being of secondary importance.
+
+When time had soothed the first shock of sudden loss, she was surprised
+to find the memory of his faults and failings, short life and piteous
+death, grew dim, as if a kindly hand had wiped out the record and given
+him back to her in the likeness of the brave, bright boy she had loved,
+not as the wayward, passionate young man who had loved her.
+
+This comforted her very much, and folding down the last blotted leaf
+where his name was written, she gladly turned back to reopen and reread
+the happier chapters which painted the youthful knight before he went
+out to fall in his first battle. None of the bitterness of love
+bereaved marred this memory for Rose, because she found that the warmer
+sentiment, just budding in her heart, had died with Charlie and lay cold
+and quiet in his grave. She wondered, yet was glad, though sometimes a
+remorseful pang smote her when she discovered how possible it was to go
+on without him, feeling almost as if a burden had been lifted off, since
+his happiness was taken out of her hands. The time had not yet come when
+the knowledge that a man's heart was in her keeping would make the pride
+and joy of her life, and while she waited for that moment she enjoyed
+the liberty she seemed to have recovered.
+
+Such being her inward state, it much annoyed her to be regarded as a
+brokenhearted girl and pitied for the loss of her young lover. She could
+not explain to all the world, so let it pass, and occupied her mind with
+the good works which always lie ready to be taken up and carried on.
+Having chosen philanthropy as her profession, she felt that it was high
+time to begin the task too long neglected.
+
+Her projects were excellent, but did not prosper as rapidly as she
+hoped, for, having to deal with people, not things, unexpected obstacles
+were constantly arising. The "Home for Decayed Gentlewomen," as the boys
+insisted on calling her two newly repaired houses, started finely and
+it was a pleasant sight to see the comfortable rooms filled with
+respectable women busy at their various tasks, surrounded by the
+decencies and many of the comforts which make life endurable. But,
+presently, Rose was disturbed to find that the good people expected her
+to take care of them in a way she had not bargained for. Buffum, her
+agent, was constantly reporting complaints, new wants, and general
+discontent if they were not attended to. Things were very neglected,
+water pipes froze and burst, drains got out of order, yards were in
+a mess, and rents behind-hand. Worst of all, outsiders, instead of
+sympathizing, only laughed and said, "We told you so," which is a most
+discouraging remark to older and wiser workers than Rose.
+
+Uncle Alec, however, stood by her staunchly and helped her out of many
+of her woes by good advice and an occasional visit of inspection, which
+did much to impress upon the dwellers there the fact that, if they did
+not do their part, their leases would be short ones.
+
+"I didn't expect to make anything out of it, but I did think they would
+be grateful," said Rose on one occasion when several complaints had come
+in at once and Buffum had reported great difficulty in collecting the
+low rents.
+
+"If you do this thing for the sake of the gratitude, then it is a
+failure but if it is done for the love of helping those who need help,
+it is a success, for in spite of their worry every one of these women
+feel what privileges they enjoy and value them highly," said Dr. Alec as
+they went home after one of these unsatisfactory calls.
+
+"Then the least they can do is to say 'thank you.' I'm afraid I have
+thought more of the gratitude than the work, but if there isn't any, I
+must make up my mind to go without," answered Rose, feeling defrauded of
+her due.
+
+"Favors often separate instead of attracting people nearer to one
+another, and I've seen many a friendship spoilt by the obligation being
+all on one side. Can't explain it, but it is so, and I've come to the
+conclusion that it is as hard to give in the right spirit as it is to
+receive. Puzzle it out, my dear, while you are learning to do good for
+its own sake."
+
+"I know one sort of people who are grateful and I'm going to devote
+my mind to them. They thank me in many ways, and helping them is all
+pleasure and no worry. Come into the hospital and see the dear babies,
+or the Asylum, and carry oranges to Phebe's orphans they don't complain
+and fidget one's life out, bless their hearts!" cried Rose, cheering up
+suddenly.
+
+After that she left Buffum to manage the "Retreat," and devoted her
+energies to the little folks, always so ready to receive the smallest
+gift and repay the giver with their artless thanks. Here she found
+plenty to do, and did it with such sweet goodwill that she won her way
+like sunshine, making many a little heart dance over splendid dolls, gay
+picture books, and pots of flowers, as well as food, fire, and clothes
+for the small bodies pinched with want and pain.
+
+As spring came new plans sprang up as naturally as dandelions. The poor
+children longed for the country; and, as the green fields could not come
+to them, Rose carried them to the green fields. Down on the Point stood
+an old farmhouse, often used by the Campbell tribe for summer holidays.
+That spring it was set to rights unusually early, several women
+installed as housekeeper, cook, and nurses, and when the May days grew
+bright and warm, squads of pale children came to toddle in the grass,
+run over the rocks, and play upon the smooth sands of the beach. A
+pretty sight, and one that well repaid those who brought it to pass.
+
+Everyone took an interest in the "Rose Garden," as Mac named it, and the
+womenfolk were continually driving over to the Point for something for
+the "poor dears." Aunt Plenty sowed gingerbread broadcast; Aunt Jessie
+made pinafores by the dozen while Aunt Jane "kept her eye" on the
+nurses, and Aunt Myra supplied medicines so liberally that the mortality
+would have been awful if Dr. Alec had not taken them in charge. To him
+this was the most delightful spot in the world and well it might be, for
+he suggested the idea and gave Rose all the credit of it. He was often
+there, and his appearance was always greeted with shrieks of rapture,
+as the children gathered from all quarters creeping, running, hopping
+on crutches, or carried in arms which they gladly left to sit on "Uncle
+Doctor's" knee, for that was the title by which he went among them.
+
+He seemed as young as any of his comrades, though the curly head was
+getting gray, and the frolics that went on when he arrived were better
+than any medicine to children who had never learned to play. It was
+a standing joke among the friends that the bachelor brother had the
+largest family and was the most domestic man of the remaining four,
+though Uncle Mac did his part manfully and kept Aunt Jane in a constant
+fidget by his rash propositions to adopt the heartiest boys and
+prettiest girls to amuse him and employ her.
+
+On one occasion Aunt Jane had a very narrow escape, and the culprit
+being her son, not her husband, she felt free to repay herself for many
+scares of this sort by a good scolding, which, unlike many, produced
+excellent results.
+
+One bright June day, as Rose came cantering home from the Point on her
+pretty bay pony, she saw a man sitting on a fallen tree beside the road
+and something in his despondent attitude arrested her attention. As she
+drew nearer he turned his head, and she stopped short, exclaiming in
+great surprise: "Why, Mac! What are you doing here?"
+
+"Trying to solve a problem," he answered, looking up with a whimsical
+expression of perplexity and amusement in his face which made Rose smile
+till his next words turned her sober in a twinkling: "I've eloped with
+a young lady, and don't know what to do with her. I took her home, of
+course, but mother turned her out of the house, and I'm in a quandary."
+
+"Is that her baggage?" asked Rose, pointing with her whip to the large
+bundle which he held while the wild idea flashed through her head that
+perhaps he really had done some rash deed of this sort.
+
+"No, this is the young lady herself." And, opening a corner of the brown
+shawl, he displayed a child of three so pale, so thin and tiny that she
+looked like a small scared bird just fallen from the nest as she shrank
+away from the light with great frightened eyes and a hand like a little
+claw tightly clutched a button of Mac's coat.
+
+"Poor baby! Where did it come from?" cried Rose, leaning down to look.
+
+"I'll tell you the story, and then you shall advise me what to do. At
+our hospital we've had a poor woman who got hurt and died two days
+ago. I had nothing to do with her, only took her a bit of fruit once or
+twice, for she had big, wistful sort of eyes that haunted me. The day
+she died I stopped a minute, and the nurse said she'd been wanting to
+speak to me but didn't dare. So I asked if I could do anything for her
+and, though she could hardly breathe for pain being almost gone she
+implored me to take care of baby. I found out where the child was, and
+promised I'd see after her for the poor soul couldn't seem to die till
+I'd given her that comfort. I never can forget the look in her eyes as
+I held her hand and said, 'Baby shall be taken care of.' She tried to
+thank me, and died soon after quite peacefully. Well, I went today and
+hunted up the poor little wretch. Found her in a miserable place, left
+in the care of an old hag who had shut her up alone to keep her out of
+the way, and there this mite was, huddled in a corner, crying 'Marmar,
+marmar!' fit to touch a heart of stone. I blew up at the woman and took
+the baby straightaway, for she had been abused. It was high time. Look
+there, will you?"
+
+Mac turned the little skinny arm and showed a blue mark which made Rose
+drop her reins and stretch out both hands, crying with a tender sort
+of indignation: "How dared they do it? Give her to me, poor little
+motherless thing!"
+
+Mac laid the bundle in her arms, and Rose began to cuddle it in the
+fond, foolish way women have a most comfortable and effective way,
+nevertheless and baby evidently felt that things were changing for
+the better when warm lips touched her cheeks, a soft hand smoothed her
+tumbled hair, and a womanly face bent over her with the inarticulate
+cooings and purrings mothers make. The frightened eyes went up to this
+gentle countenance and rested there as if reassured; the little claw
+crept to the girl's neck, and poor baby nestled to her with a long sigh
+and a plaintive murmur of "Marmar, marmar" that certainly would have
+touched a stony heart.
+
+"Now, go on. No, Rosa, not you," said the new nurse as the intelligent
+animal looked around to see if things were all right before she
+proceeded.
+
+"I took the child home to mother, not knowing what else to do, but
+she wouldn't have it at any price, even for a night. She doesn't like
+children, you know, and Father has joked so much about 'the Pointers'
+that she is quite rampant at the mere idea of a child in the house. She
+told me to take it to the Rose Garden. I said it was running over now,
+and no room even for a mite like this. 'Go to the Hospital,' says she.
+'Baby isn't ill, ma'am,' says I. 'Orphan Asylum,' says she. 'Not an
+orphan got a father who can't take care of her,' says I. 'Take her to
+the Foundling place, or Mrs. Gardener, or someone whose business it is.
+I will not have the creature here, sick and dirty and noisy. Carry it
+back, and ask Rose to tell you what to do with it.' So my cruel parent
+cast me forth but relented as I shouldered baby, gave me a shawl to put
+her in, a jumble to feed her with, and money to pay her board in some
+good place. Mother's bark is always worse than her bite, you know."
+
+"And you were trying to think of the 'good place' as you sat here?"
+asked Rose, looking down at him with great approval as he stood patting
+Rosa's glossy neck.
+
+"Exactly. I didn't want to trouble you, for you have your house full
+already, and I really couldn't lay my hand on any good soul who would be
+bothered with this little forlornity. She has nothing to recommend her,
+you see not pretty; feeble; shy as a mouse; no end of care, I daresay
+yet she needs every bit she can get to keep soul and body together, if
+I'm any judge."
+
+Rose opened her lips impulsively, but closed them without speaking and
+sat a minute looking straight between Rosa's ears, as if forcing herself
+to think twice before she spoke. Mac watched her out of the corner of
+his eyes as he said, in a musing tone, tucking the shawl around a pair
+of shabby little feet the while, "This seems to be one of the charities
+that no one wants to undertake, yet I can't help feeling that my promise
+to the mother binds me to something more than merely handing baby
+over to some busy matron or careless nurse in any of our overcrowded
+institutions. She is such a frail creature she won't trouble anyone
+long, perhaps, and I should like to give her just a taste of comfort, if
+not love, before she finds her 'Marmar' again."
+
+"Lead Rosa I'm going to take this child home, and if Uncle is willing,
+I'll adopt her, and she shall be happy!" cried Rose, with the sudden
+glow of feeling that always made her lovely. And gathering poor baby
+close, she went on her way like a modern Britomart, ready to redress the
+wrongs of any who had need of her.
+
+As he led the slowly stepping horse along the quiet road, Mac could not
+help thinking that they looked a little like the Flight into Egypt, but
+he did not say so, being a reverent youth only glanced back now and
+then at the figure above him, for Rose had taken off her hat to keep the
+light from baby's eyes and sat with the sunshine turning her uncovered
+hair to gold as she looked down at the little creature resting on the
+saddle before her with the sweet thoughtfulness one sees in some of
+Correggio's young Madonnas.
+
+No one else saw the picture, but Mac long remembered it, and ever after
+there was a touch of reverence added to the warm affection he had always
+borne his cousin Rose.
+
+"What is the child's name?" was the sudden question which disturbed a
+brief silence, broken only by the sound of pacing hoofs, the rustle of
+green boughs overhead, and the blithe caroling of birds.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," answered Mac, suddenly aware that he had fallen
+out of one quandary into another.
+
+"Didn't you ask?"
+
+"No, the mother called her 'Baby,' and the old woman, 'Brat.' And that
+is all I know of the first name the last is Kennedy. You may christen
+her what you like."
+
+"Then I shall name her Dulcinea, as you are her knight, and call her
+Dulce for short. That is a sweet diminutive, I'm sure," laughed Rose,
+much amused at the idea.
+
+Don Quixote looked pleased and vowed to defend his little lady stoutly,
+beginning his services on the spot by filling the small hands with
+buttercups, thereby winning for himself the first smile baby's face had
+known for weeks.
+
+When they got home Aunt Plenty received her new guest with her
+accustomed hospitality and, on learning the story, was as warmly
+interested as even enthusiastic Rose could desire, bustling about to
+make the child comfortable with an energy pleasant to see, for the
+grandmotherly instincts were strong in the old lady and of late had been
+beautifully developed.
+
+In less than half an hour from the time baby went upstairs, she came
+down again on Rose's arm, freshly washed and brushed, in a pink gown
+much too large and a white apron decidedly too small; an immaculate pair
+of socks, but no shoes; a neat bandage on the bruised arm, and a string
+of spools for a plaything hanging on the other. A resigned expression
+sat upon her little face, but the frightened eyes were only shy now, and
+the forlorn heart evidently much comforted.
+
+"There! How do you like your Dulce now?" said Rose, proudly displaying
+the work of her hands as she came in with her habit pinned up and
+carrying a silver porringer of bread and milk.
+
+Mac knelt down, took the small, reluctant hand, and kissed it as
+devoutly as ever good Alonzo Quixada did that of the Duchess while he
+said, merrily quoting from the immortal story: "'High and Sovereign
+Lady, thine till death, the Knight of the Rueful Countenance.'"
+
+But baby had no heart for play and, withdrawing her hand, pointed to the
+porringer with the suggestive remark: "Din-din, now."
+
+So Rose sat down and fed the Duchess while the Don stood by and watched
+the feast with much satisfaction.
+
+"How nice she looks! Do you consider shoes unhealthy?" he asked,
+surveying the socks with respectful interest.
+
+"No, her shoes are drying. You must have let her go in the mud."
+
+"I only put her down for a minute when she howled, and she made for a
+puddle, like a duck. I'll buy her some new ones clothes too. Where do I
+go, what do I ask for, and how much do I get?" he said, diving for his
+pocketbook, amiably anxious but pitiably ignorant.
+
+"I'll see to that. We always have things on hand for the Pointers as
+they come along and can soon fit Dulce out. You may make some inquiries
+about the father if you will, for I don't want to have her taken away
+just as I get fond of her. Do you know anything about him?"
+
+"Only that he is in State Prison for twenty-one years, and not likely to
+trouble you."
+
+"How dreadful! I really think Phebe was better off to have none at all.
+I'll go to work at once, then, and try to bring up the convict's little
+daughter to be a good woman so that she will have an honest name of her
+own, since he has nothing but disgrace to give her."
+
+"Uncle can show you how to do that if you need any help. He has been so
+successful in his first attempt, I fancy you won't require much," said
+Mac, picking up the spools for the sixth time.
+
+"Yes, I shall, for it is a great responsibility, and I do not undertake
+it lightly," answered Rose soberly, though the double-barreled
+compliment pleased her very much.
+
+"I'm sure Phebe has turned out splendidly, and you began very early with
+her."
+
+"So I did! That's encouraging. Dear thing, how bewildered she looked
+when I proposed adopting her. I remember all about it, for Uncle had
+just come and I was quite crazy over a box of presents and rushed at
+Phebe as she was cleaning brasses. How little I thought my childish
+offer would end so well!" And Rose fell a-musing with a happy smile on
+her face while baby picked the last morsels out of the porringer with
+her own busy fingers.
+
+It certainly had ended well, for Phebe at the end of six months not only
+had a good place as choir singer but several young pupils and excellent
+prospects for the next winter.
+
+"Accept the blessing of a poor young man, Whose lucky steps have led him
+to your door, and let me help as much as I can. Good-bye, my Dulcinea."
+
+And, with a farewell stroke of the smooth head, Mac went away to report
+his success to his mother, who, in spite of her seeming harshness, was
+already planning how she could best befriend this inconvenient baby.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 17 AMONG THE HAYCOCKS
+
+Uncle Alec did not object and, finding that no one had any claim upon
+the child, permitted Rose to keep it for a time at least. So little
+Dulce, newly equipped even to a name, took her place among them and
+slowly began to thrive. But she did not grow pretty and never was a gay,
+attractive child, for she seemed to have been born in sorrow and brought
+up in misery. A pale, pensive little creature, always creeping into
+corners and looking timidly out, as if asking leave to live, and, when
+offered playthings, taking them with a meek surprise that was very
+touching.
+
+Rose soon won her heart, and then almost wished she had not, for baby
+clung to her with inconvenient fondness, changing her former wail of
+"Marmar" into a lament for "Aunty Wose" if separated long. Nevertheless,
+there was great satisfaction in cherishing the little waif, for she
+learned more than she could teach and felt a sense of responsibility
+which was excellent ballast for her enthusiastic nature.
+
+Kitty Van, who made Rose her model in all things, was immediately
+inspired to go and do likewise, to the great amusement as well as
+annoyance of her family. Selecting the prettiest, liveliest child in
+the Asylum, she took it home on trial for a week. "A perfect cherub" she
+pronounced it the first day, but an "enfant terrible" before the week
+was over, for the young hero rioted by day, howled by night, ravaged the
+house from top to bottom, and kept his guardians in a series of panics
+by his hairbreadth escapes. So early on Saturday, poor exhausted Kitty
+restored the "cherub" with many thanks, and decided to wait until her
+views of education were rather more advanced.
+
+As the warm weather came on, Rose announced that Dulce needed mountain
+air, for she dutifully repeated as many of Dr. Alec's prescriptions as
+possible and, remembering how much good Cozy Corner did her long ago,
+resolved to try it on her baby. Aunt Jessie and Jamie went with her, and
+Mother Atkinson received them as cordially as ever. The pretty daughters
+were all married and gone, but a stout damsel took their place, and
+nothing seemed changed except that the old heads were grayer and the
+young ones a good deal taller than six years ago.
+
+Jamie immediately fraternized with neighboring boys and devoted himself
+to fishing with an ardor which deserved greater success. Aunt Jessie
+reveled in reading, for which she had no time at home, and lay in
+her hammock a happy woman, with no socks to darn, buttons to sew, or
+housekeeping cares to vex her soul. Rose went about with Dulce like a
+very devoted hen with one rather feeble chicken, for she was anxious to
+have this treatment work well and tended her little patient with
+daily increasing satisfaction. Dr. Alec came up to pass a few days and
+pronounced the child in a most promising condition. But the grand event
+of the season was the unexpected arrival of Phebe.
+
+Two of her pupils had invited her to join them in a trip to the
+mountains, and she ran away from the great hotel to surprise her little
+mistress with a sight of her, so well and happy that Rose had no anxiety
+left on her account.
+
+Three delightful days they spent, roaming about together, talking as
+only girls can talk after a long separation, and enjoying one another
+like a pair of lovers. As if to make it quite perfect, by one of those
+remarkable coincidences which sometimes occur, Archie happened to run
+up for the Sunday, so Phebe had her surprise, and Aunt Jessie and the
+telegraph kept their secret so well, no one ever knew what maternal
+machinations brought the happy accident to pass.
+
+Then Rose saw a very pretty, pastoral bit of lovemaking, and long after
+it was over, and Phebe gone one way, Archie another, the echo of sweet
+words seemed to linger in the air, tender ghosts to haunt the pine
+grove, and even the big coffeepot had a halo of romance about it, for
+its burnished sides reflected the soft glances the lovers interchanged
+as one filled the other's cup at that last breakfast.
+
+Rose found these reminiscences more interesting than any novel she had
+read, and often beguiled her long leisure by planning a splendid future
+for her Phebe as she trotted about after her baby in the lovely July
+weather.
+
+On one of the most perfect days she sat under an old apple tree on the
+<DW72> behind the house where they used to play. Before her opened the
+wide intervale, dotted with haymakers at their picturesque work. On the
+left flowed the swift river fringed with graceful elms in their bravest
+greenery; on the right rose the purple hills serene and grand; and
+overhead glowed the midsummer sky, which glorified it all.
+
+Little Dulce, tired of play, lay fast asleep in the nest she had made
+in one of the haycocks close by, and Rose leaned against the gnarled old
+tree, dreaming daydreams with her work at her feet. Happy and absorbing
+fancies they seemed to be, for her face was beautifully tranquil, and
+she took no heed of the train which suddenly went speeding down the
+valley, leaving a white cloud behind. Its rumble concealed the sound of
+approaching steps, and her eyes never turned from the distant hills till
+the abrupt appearance of a very sunburned but smiling young man made her
+jump up, exclaiming joyfully: "Why, Mac! Where did you drop from?"
+
+"The top of Mount Washington. How do you do?"
+
+"Never better. Won't you go in? You must be tired after such a fall."
+
+"No, thank you. I've seen the old lady. She told me Aunt Jessie and the
+boy had gone to town and that you were 'settin' round' in the old
+place. I came on at once and will take a lounge here if you don't mind,"
+answered Mac, unstrapping his knapsack and taking a haycock as if it
+were a chair.
+
+Rose subsided into her former seat, surveying her cousin with much
+satisfaction as she said: "This is the third surprise I've had since I
+came. Uncle popped in upon us first, then Phebe, and now you. Have you
+had a pleasant tramp? Uncle said you were off."
+
+"Delightful! I feel as if I'd been in heaven, or near it, for about
+three weeks, and thought I'd break the shock of coming down to the earth
+by calling here on my way home."
+
+"You look as if heaven suited you. Brown as a berry, but so fresh and
+happy I should never guess you had been scrambling down a mountain,"
+said Rose, trying to discover why he looked so well in spite of the blue
+flannel suit and dusty shoes, for there was a certain sylvan freshness
+about him as he sat there full of reposeful strength the hills seemed to
+have given, the wholesome cheerful days of air and sunshine put into a
+man, and the clear, bright look of one who had caught glimpses of a new
+world from the mountaintop.
+
+"Tramping agrees with me. I took a dip in the river as I came along and
+made my toilet in a place where Milton's Sabrina might have lived,"
+he said, shaking back his damp hair and settling the knot of scarlet
+bunchberries stuck in his buttonhole.
+
+"You look as if you found the nymph at home," said Rose, knowing how
+much he liked the "Comus."
+
+"I found her here," and he made a little bow.
+
+"That's very pretty, and I'll give you one in return. You grow more like
+Uncle Alec every day, and I think I'll call you Alec, Jr."
+
+"Alexander the Great wouldn't thank you for that," and Mac did not look
+as grateful as she had expected.
+
+"Very like, indeed, except the forehead. His is broad and benevolent,
+yours high and arched. Do you know if you had no beard, and wore your
+hair long, I really think you'd look like Milton," added Rose, sure that
+would please him.
+
+It certainly did amuse him, for he lay back on the hay and laughed so
+heartily that his merriment scared the squirrel on the wall and woke
+Dulce.
+
+"You ungrateful boy! Will nothing suit you? When I say you look like the
+best man I know, you gave a shrug, and when I liken you to a great poet,
+you shout. I'm afraid you are very conceited, Mac." And Rose laughed,
+too, glad to see him so gay.
+
+"If I am, it is your fault. Nothing I can do will ever make a Milton of
+me, unless I go blind someday," he said, sobering at the thought.
+
+"You once said a man could be what he liked if he tried hard enough, so
+why shouldn't you be a poet?" asked Rose, liking to trip him up with his
+own words, as he often did her.
+
+"I thought I was to be an M.D."
+
+"You might be both. There have been poetical doctors, you know."
+
+"Would you like me to be such a one?" asked Mac, looking at her as
+seriously as if he really thought of trying it.
+
+"No. I'd rather have you one or the other. I don't care which, only
+you must be famous in either you choose. I'm very ambitious for you,
+because, I insist upon it, you are a genius of some sort. I think it is
+beginning to simmer already, and I've got a great curiosity to know what
+it will turn out to be."
+
+Mac's eyes shone as she said that, but before he could speak a little
+voice said, "Aunty Wose!" and he turned to find Dulce sitting up in her
+nest staring at the broad blue back before her with round eyes.
+
+"Do you know your Don?" he asked, offering his hand with respectful
+gentleness, for she seemed a little doubtful whether he was a friend or
+stranger.
+
+"It is 'Mat,'" said Rose, and that familiar word seemed to reassure the
+child at once, for, leaning forward, she kissed him as if quite used to
+doing it.
+
+"I picked up some toys for her, by the way, and she shall have them at
+once to pay for that. I didn't expect to be so graciously received by
+this shy mouse," said Mac, much gratified, for Dulce was very chary of
+her favors.
+
+"She knew you, for I always carry my home album with me, and when she
+comes to your picture she always kisses it, because I never want her to
+forget her first friend," explained Rose, pleased with her pupil.
+
+"First, but not best," answered Mac, rummaging in his knapsack for the
+promised toys, which he set forth upon the hay before delighted Dulce.
+
+Neither picture books nor sweeties, but berries strung on long stems of
+grass, acorns, and pretty cones, bits of rock shining with mica, several
+bluebirds' feathers, and a nest of moss with white pebbles for eggs.
+
+"Dearest Nature, strong and kind" knows what children love, and has
+plenty of such playthings ready for them all, if one only knows how
+to find them. These were received with rapture. And leaving the little
+creature to enjoy them in her own quiet way, Mac began to tumble the
+things back into his knapsack again. Two or three books lay near Rose,
+and she took up one which opened at a place marked by a scribbled paper.
+
+"Keats? I didn't know you condescended to read anything so modern," she
+said, moving the paper to see the page beneath.
+
+Mac looked up, snatched the book out of her hand, and shook down several
+more scraps, then returned it with a curiously shamefaced expression,
+saying, as he crammed the papers into his pocket, "I beg pardon, but it
+was full of rubbish. Oh, yes! I'm fond of Keats. Don't you know him?"
+
+"I used to read him a good deal, but Uncle found me crying over the 'Pot
+of Basil' and advised me to read less poetry for a while or I should get
+too sentimental," answered Rose, turning the pages without seeing them,
+for a new idea had just popped into her head.
+
+"'The Eve of St. Agnes' is the most perfect love story in the world, I
+think," said Mac, enthusiastically.
+
+"Read it to me. I feel just like hearing poetry, and you will do it
+justice if you are fond of it," said Rose, handing him the book with an
+innocent air.
+
+"Nothing I'd like better, but it is rather long."
+
+"I'll tell you to stop if I get tired. Baby won't interrupt; she will be
+contented for an hour with those pretty things."
+
+As if well pleased with his task, Mac laid himself comfortably on the
+grass and, leaning his head on his hand, read the lovely story as only
+one could who entered fully into the spirit of it. Rose watched him
+closely and saw how his face brightened over some quaint fancy, delicate
+description, or delicious word; heard how smoothly the melodious
+measures fell from his lips, and read something more than admiration in
+his eyes as he looked up now and then to mark if she enjoyed it as much
+as he.
+
+She could not help enjoying it, for the poet's pen painted as well as
+wrote, and the little romance lived before her, but she was not thinking
+of John Keats as she listened; she was wondering if this cousin was
+a kindred spirit, born to make such music and leave as sweet an echo
+behind him. It seemed as if it might be; and, after going through the
+rough caterpillar and the pent-up chrysalis changes, the beautiful
+butterfly would appear to astonish and delight them all. So full of
+this fancy was she that she never thanked him when the story ended but,
+leaning forward, asked in a tone that made him start and look as if he
+had fallen from the clouds: "Mac, do you ever write poetry?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"What do you call the song Phebe sang with her bird chorus?"
+
+"That was nothing till she put the music to it. But she promised not to
+tell."
+
+"She didn't. I suspected, and now I know," laughed Rose, delighted to
+have caught him.
+
+Much discomfited, Mac gave poor Keats a fling and, leaning on both
+elbows, tried to hide his face for it had reddened like that of a modest
+girl when teased about her lover.
+
+"You needn't look so guilty; it is no sin to write poetry," said Rose,
+amused at his confession.
+
+"It's a sin to call that rubbish poetry," muttered Mac with great scorn.
+
+"It is a greater sin to tell a fib and say you never write it."
+
+"Reading so much sets one thinking about such things, and every fellow
+scribbles a little jingle when he is lazy or in love, you know,"
+explained Mac, looking very guilty.
+
+Rose could not quite understand the change she saw in him till his last
+words suggested a cause which she knew by experience was apt to inspire
+young men. Leaning forward again, she asked solemnly, though her eyes
+danced with fun, "Mac, are you in love?"
+
+"Do I look like it?" And he sat up with such an injured and indignant
+face that she apologized at once, for he certainly did not look
+loverlike with hayseed in his hair, several lively crickets playing
+leapfrog over his back, and a pair of long legs stretching from tree to
+haycock.
+
+"No, you don't, and I humbly beg your pardon for making such an
+unwarrantable insinuation. It merely occurred to me that the general
+upliftedness I observe in you might be owing to that, since it wasn't
+poetry."
+
+"It is the good company I've been keeping, if anything. A fellow can't
+spend 'A Week' with Thoreau and not be the better for it. I'm glad I
+show it, because in the scramble life is to most of us, even an hour
+with such a sane, simple, and sagacious soul as his must help one,"
+said Mac, taking a much worn book out of his pocket with the air of
+introducing a dear and honored friend.
+
+"I've read bits, and like them they are so original and fresh and
+sometimes droll," said Rose, smiling to see what natural and appropriate
+marks of approbation the elements seemed to set upon the pages Mac was
+turning eagerly, for one had evidently been rained on, a crushed berry
+stained another, some appreciative field-mouse or squirrel had nibbled
+one corner, and the cover was faded with the sunshine, which seemed to
+have filtered through to the thoughts within.
+
+"Here's a characteristic bit for you: 'I would rather sit on a pumpkin,
+and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. I would
+rather ride on earth in an oxcart, with free circulation, than go to
+heaven in the fancy car of an excursion train, and breathe malaria all
+the way.'
+
+"I've tried both and quite agree with him," laughed Mac, and skimming
+down another page, gave her a paragraph here and there.
+
+"'Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them
+at all.'
+
+"'We do not learn much from learned books, but from sincere human books:
+frank, honest biographies.'
+
+"'At least let us have healthy books. Let the poet be as vigorous as the
+sugar maple, with sap enough to maintain his own verdure, besides
+what runs into the trough; and not like a vine which, being cut in the
+spring, bears no fruit, but bleeds to death in the endeavor to heal its
+wounds.'"
+
+"That will do for you," said Rose, still thinking of the new suspicion
+which pleased her by its very improbability.
+
+Mac flashed a quick look at her and shut the book, saying quietly,
+although his eyes shone, and a conscious smile lurked about his mouth:
+"We shall see, and no one need meddle, for, as my Thoreau says,
+
+    "Whate'er we leave to God, God does
+    And blesses us: The work we choose should be our own
+    God lets alone."
+
+Rose sat silent, as if conscious that she deserved his poetical reproof.
+
+"Come, you have catechized me pretty well; now I'll take my turn and ask
+you why you look 'uplifted,' as you call it. What have you been doing
+to make yourself more like your namesake than ever?" asked Mac, carrying
+war into the enemy's camp with the sudden question.
+
+"Nothing but live, and enjoy doing it. I actually sit here, day after
+day, as happy and contented with little things as Dulce is and feel as
+if I wasn't much older than she," answered the girl, feeling as if
+some change was going on in that pleasant sort of pause but unable to
+describe it.
+
+"As if a rose should shut and be a bud again," murmured Mac, borrowing
+from his beloved Keats.
+
+"Ah, but I can't do that! I must go on blooming whether I like it or
+not, and the only trouble I have is to know what leaf I ought to unfold
+next," said Rose, playfully smoothing out the white gown, in which she
+looked very like a daisy among the green.
+
+"How far have you got?" asked Mac, continuing his catechism as if the
+fancy suited him.
+
+"Let me see. Since I came home last year, I've been gay, then sad,
+then busy, and now I am simply happy. I don't know why, but seem to
+be waiting for what is to come next and getting ready for it, perhaps
+unconsciously," she said, looking dreamily away to the hills again, is
+if the new experience was coming to her from afar.
+
+Mac watched her thoughtfully for a minute, wondering how many more
+leaves must unfold before the golden heart of this human flower would
+lie open to the sun. He felt a curious desire to help in some way, and
+could think of none better than to offer her what he had found most
+helpful to himself. Picking up another book, he opened it at a place
+where an oak leaf lay and, handing it to her, said, as if presenting
+something very excellent and precious: "If you want to be ready to take
+whatever comes in a brave and noble way, read that, and the one where
+the page is turned down."
+
+Rose took it, saw the words "Self-Reliance," and turning the leaves,
+read here and there a passage which was marked: "'My life is for itself,
+and not for a spectacle.'
+
+"'Insist on yourself: never imitate. That which each can do best, none
+but his Maker can teach him.'
+
+"'Do that which is assigned to you, and you cannot hope or dare too
+much.'"
+
+Then, coming to the folded page, whose title was "Heroism," she read,
+and brightened as she read:
+
+"'Let the maiden, with erect soul, walk serenely on her way; accept the
+hint of each new experience; search in turn all the objects that solicit
+her eye, that she may learn the power and the charm of her newborn
+being.'
+
+"'The fair girl who repels interference by a decided and proud choice of
+influences inspires every beholder with something of her own nobleness;
+and the silent heart encourages her. O friend, never strike sail to a
+fear! Come into port greatly, or sail with God the seas.'"
+
+"You understand that, don't you?" asked Mac as she glanced up with the
+look of one who had found something suited to her taste and need.
+
+"Yes, but I never dared to read these Essays, because I thought they
+were too wise for me."
+
+"The wisest things are sometimes the simplest, I think. Everyone
+welcomes light and air, and cannot do without them, yet very few could
+explain them truly. I don't ask you to read or understand all of that
+don't myself but I do recommend the two essays I've marked, as well as
+'Love' and 'Friendship.' Try them, and let me know how they suit. I'll
+leave you the book."
+
+"Thanks. I wanted something fine to read up here and, judging by what I
+see, I fancy this will suit. Only Aunt Jessie may think I'm putting on
+airs if I try Emerson."
+
+"Why should she? He has done more to set young men and women thinking
+than any man in this century at least. Don't you be afraid if it is what
+you want, take it, and go ahead as he tells you
+
+    "Without halting, without rest,
+    Lifting Better up to Best."
+
+"I'll try," said Rose meekly, feeling that Mac had been going ahead
+himself much faster than she had any suspicion.
+
+Here a voice exclaimed "Hallo!" and, looking around, Jamie was
+discovered surveying them critically as he stood in an independent
+attitude, like a small Colossus of Rhodes in brown linen, with a bundle
+of molasses candy in one hand, several new fishhooks cherished carefully
+in the other, and his hat well on the back of his head, displaying as
+many freckles as one somewhat limited nose could reasonably accommodate.
+
+"How are you, young one?" said Mac, nodding.
+
+"Tip-top. Glad it's you. Thought Archie might have turned up again, and
+he's no fun. Where did you come from? What did you come for? How long
+are you going to stay? Want a bit? It's jolly good."
+
+With which varied remarks Jamie approached, shook hands in a manly way,
+and, sitting down beside his long cousin, hospitably offered sticks of
+candy all around.
+
+"Did you get any letters?" asked Rose, declining the sticky treat.
+
+"Lots, but Mama forgot to give 'em to me, and I was rather in a hurry,
+for Mrs. Atkinson said somebody had come and I couldn't wait," explained
+Jamie, reposing luxuriously with his head on Mac's legs and his mouth
+full.
+
+"I'll step and get them. Aunty must be tired, and we should enjoy
+reading the news together."
+
+"She is the most convenient girl that ever was," observed Jamie as Rose
+departed, thinking Mac might like some more substantial refreshment than
+sweetmeats.
+
+"I should think so, if you let her run your errands, you lazy little
+scamp," answered Mac, looking after her as she went up the green <DW72>,
+for there was something very attractive to him about the slender figure
+in a plain white gown with a black sash about the waist and all the wavy
+hair gathered to the top of the head with a little black bow.
+
+"Sort of pre-Raphaelite, and quite refreshing after the furbelowed
+creatures at the hotels," he said to himself as she vanished under the
+arch of scarlet runners over the garden gate.
+
+"Oh, well! She likes it. Rose is fond of me, and I'm very good to her
+when I have time," continued Jamie, calmly explaining. "I let her cut
+out a fishhook, when it caught in my leg, with a sharp penknife, and
+you'd better believe it hurt, but I never squirmed a bit, and she said I
+was a brave boy. And then, one day I got left on my desert island out in
+the pond, you know the boat floated off, and there I was for as much
+as an hour before I could make anyone hear. But Rose thought I might be
+there, and down she came, and told me to swim ashore. It wasn't far, but
+the water was horrid cold, and I didn't like it. I started though, just
+as she said, and got on all right, till about halfway, then cramp or
+something made me shut up and howl, and she came after me slapdash, and
+pulled me ashore. Yes, sir, as wet as a turtle, and looked so funny, I
+laughed, and that cured the cramp. Wasn't I good to mind when she said,
+'Come on'?"
+
+"She was, to dive after such a scapegrace. I guess you lead her a life
+of it, and I'd better take you home with me in the morning," suggested
+Mac, rolling the boy over and giving him a good-natured pummeling on the
+haycock while Dulce applauded from her nest.
+
+When Rose returned with ice-cold milk, gingerbread, and letters, she
+found the reader of Emerson up in the tree, pelting and being pelted
+with green apples as Jamie vainly endeavored to get at him. The siege
+ended when Aunt Jessie appeared, and the rest of the afternoon was spent
+in chat about home affairs.
+
+Early the next morning Mac was off, and Rose went as far as the old
+church with him.
+
+"Shall you walk all the way?" she asked as he strode along beside her in
+the dewy freshness of the young day.
+
+"Only about twenty miles, then take car and whisk back to my work," he
+answered, breaking a delicate fern for her.
+
+"Are you never lonely?"
+
+"Never. I take my best friends along, you know," and he gave a slap to
+the pocket from which peeped the volume of Thoreau.
+
+"I'm afraid you leave your very best behind you," said Rose, alluding to
+the book he had lent her yesterday.
+
+"I'm glad to share it with you. I have much of it here, and a little
+goes a great way, as you will soon discover," he answered, tapping his
+head.
+
+"I hope the reading will do as much for me as it seems to have done for
+you. I'm happy, but you are wise and good I want to be also."
+
+"Read away, and digest it well, then write and tell me what you think of
+it. Will you?" he asked as they paused where the four roads met.
+
+"If you will answer. Shall you have time with all your other work?
+Poetry I beg pardon medicine is very absorbing, you know," answered Rose
+mischievously, for just then, as he stood bareheaded in the shadows of
+the leaves playing over his fine forehead, she remembered the chat among
+the haycocks, and he did not look at all like an M.D.
+
+"I'll make time."
+
+"Good-bye, Milton."
+
+"Good-bye, Sabrina."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 18 WHICH WAS IT?
+
+Rose did read and digest, and found her days much richer for the
+good company she kept, for an introduction to so much that was wise,
+beautiful, and true could not but make that month a memorable one. It
+is not strange that while the young man most admired "Heroism" and
+"Self-Reliance," the girl preferred "Love" and "Friendship," reading
+them over and over like prose poems, as they are, to the fitting
+accompaniment of sunshine, solitude, and sympathy, for letters went to
+and fro with praiseworthy regularity.
+
+Rose much enjoyed this correspondence, and found herself regretting that
+it was at an end when she went home in September, for Mac wrote better
+than he talked, though he could do that remarkably well when he chose.
+But she had no chance to express either pleasure or regret, for
+the first time she saw him after her return the great change in his
+appearance made her forget everything else. Some whim had seized him to
+be shaven and shorn, and when he presented himself to welcome Rose, she
+hardly knew him. The shaggy hair was nicely trimmed and brushed, the
+cherished brown beard entirely gone, showing a well-cut mouth and
+handsome chin and giving a new expression to the whole face.
+
+"Are you trying to look like Keats?" she asked, after a critical glance,
+which left her undecided whether the change was an improvement or not.
+
+"I am trying not to look like Uncle," answered Mac coolly.
+
+"And why, if you please?" demanded Rose in great surprise.
+
+"Because I prefer to look like myself, and not resemble any other man,
+no matter how good or great he may be."
+
+"You haven't succeeded then, for you look now very much like the young
+Augustus," returned Rose, rather pleased on the whole to see what a
+finely shaped head appeared after the rough thatch was off.
+
+"Trust a woman to find a comparison for everything under the sun!"
+laughed Mac, not at all flattered by the one just made. "What do you
+think of me, on the whole?" he asked a minute later, as he found Rose
+still scrutinizing him with a meditative air.
+
+"Haven't made up my mind. It is such an entire change, I don't know you,
+and feel as if I ought to be introduced. You certainly look much more
+tidy, and I fancy I shall like it when I'm used to seeing a somewhat
+distinguished-looking man about the house instead of my old friend
+Orson," answered Rose, with her head on one side to get a profile view.
+
+"Don't tell Uncle why I did it, please he thinks it was for the sake of
+coolness and likes it, so take no notice. They are all used to me now,
+and don't mind," said Mac, roving about the room as if rather ashamed of
+his whim after all.
+
+"No, I won't, but you mustn't mind if I'm not as sociable as usual for
+a while. I never can be with strangers, and you really do seem like
+one. That will be a punishment for your want of taste and love of
+originality," returned Rose, resolved to punish him for the slight put
+upon her beloved uncle.
+
+"As you like. I won't trouble you much anyway, for I'm going to be
+very busy. May go to L this winter, if Uncle thinks best, and then my
+'originality' can't annoy you."
+
+"I hope you won't go. Why, Mac, I'm just getting to know and enjoy
+you, and thought we'd have a nice time this winter reading something
+together. Must you go?" And Rose seemed to forget his strangeness, as
+she held him still by one button while she talked.
+
+"That would be nice. But I feel as if I must go my plans are all made,
+and I've set my heart on it," answered Mac, looking so eager that Rose
+released him, saying sadly: "I suppose it is natural for you all to get
+restless and push off, but it is hard for me to let you go one after the
+other and stay here alone. Charlie is gone, Archie and Steve are wrapped
+up in their sweethearts, the boys away, and only Jamie left to 'play
+with Rose.'?
+
+"But I'll come back, and you'll be glad I went if I bring you my--"
+began Mac with sudden animation, then stopped abruptly to bite his lips,
+as if he had nearly said too much.
+
+"Your what?" asked Rose curiously, for he neither looked nor acted like
+himself.
+
+"I forgot how long it takes to get a diploma," he said, walking away
+again.
+
+"There will be one comfort if you go you'll see Phebe and can tell me
+all about her, for she is so modest, she doesn't half do it. I shall
+want to know how she gets on, if she is engaged to sing ballads in the
+concerts they talk of for next winter. You will write, won't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes! No doubt of that," and Mac laughed low to himself as he
+stooped to look at the little Psyche on the mantelpiece. "What a pretty
+thing it is!" he added soberly as he took it up.
+
+"Be careful. Uncle gave it to me last New Year, and I'm very fond of it.
+She is just lifting her lamp to see what Cupid is like, for she hasn't
+seen him yet," said Rose, busy putting her worktable in order.
+
+"You ought to have a Cupid for her to look at. She has been waiting
+patiently a whole year, with nothing but a bronze lizard in sight," said
+Mac with the half-shy, half-daring look which was so new and puzzling.
+
+"Cupid fled away as soon as she woke him, you know, and she had a bad
+time of it. She must wait longer till she can find and keep him."
+
+"Do you know she looks like you? Hair tied up in a knot, and a spiritual
+sort of face. Don't you see it?" asked Mac, turning the graceful little
+figure toward her.
+
+"Not a bit of it. I wonder whom I shall resemble next! I've been
+compared to a Fra Angelico angel, Saint Agnes, and now 'Syke,' as
+Annabel once called her."
+
+"You'd see what I mean, if you'd ever watched your own face when you
+were listening to music, talking earnestly, or much moved, then your
+soul gets into your eyes and you are like Psyche."
+
+"Tell me the next time you see me in a 'soulful' state, and I'll look in
+the glass, for I'd like to see if it is becoming," said Rose merrily as
+she sorted her gay worsteds.
+
+    "Your feet in the full-grown grasses,
+    Moved soft as a soft wind blows;
+    You passed me as April passes,
+    With a face made out of a rose,"
+
+murmured Mac under his breath, thinking of the white figure going up
+a green <DW72> one summer day; then, as if chiding himself for
+sentimentality, he set Psyche down with great care and began to talk
+about a course of solid reading for the winter.
+
+After that, Rose saw very little of him for several weeks, as he seemed
+to be making up for lost time and was more odd and absent than ever when
+he did appear.
+
+As she became accustomed to the change in his external appearance,
+she discovered that he was altering fast in other ways and watched the
+"distinguished-looking gentleman" with much interest, saying to herself,
+when she saw a new sort of dignity about him alternating with an unusual
+restlessness of manner, and now and then a touch of sentiment, "Genius
+is simmering, just as I predicted."
+
+As the family were in mourning, there were no festivities on Rose's
+twenty-first birthday, though the boys had planned all sorts of
+rejoicings. Everyone felt particularly tender toward their girl on that
+day, remembering how "poor Charlie" had loved her, and they tried
+to show it in the gifts and good wishes they sent her. She found her
+sanctum all aglow with autumn leaves, and on her table so many rare and
+pretty things, she quite forgot she was an heiress and only felt how
+rich she was in loving friends.
+
+One gift greatly pleased her, though she could not help smiling at the
+source from whence it came, for Mac sent her a Cupid not the chubby
+child with a face of naughty merriment, but a slender, winged youth
+leaning on his unstrung bow, with a broken arrow at his feet. A poem,
+"To Psyche," came with it, and Rose was much surprised at the beauty of
+the lines, for, instead of being witty, complimentary, or gay, there was
+something nobler than mere sentiment in them, and the sweet old fable
+lived again in language which fitly painted the maiden Soul looking for
+a Love worthy to possess it.
+
+Rose read them over and over as she sat among the gold and scarlet
+leaves which glorified her little room, and each time found new depth
+and beauty in them, looking from the words that made music in her ear to
+the lovely shapes that spoke with their mute grace to her eye. The whole
+thing suited her exactly, it was so delicate and perfect in its way,
+for she was tired of costly gifts and valued very much this proof of
+her cousin's taste and talent, seeing nothing in it but an affectionate
+desire to please her.
+
+All the rest dropped in at intervals through the day to say a loving
+word, and last of all came Mac. Rose happened to be alone with Dulce,
+enjoying a splendid sunset from her western window, for October gave her
+child a beautiful good night.
+
+Rose turned around as he entered and, putting down the little girl,
+went to him with the evening red shining on her happy face as she said
+gratefully: "Dear Mac, it was so lovely! I don't know how to thank you
+for it in any way but this." And, drawing down his tall head, she gave
+him the birthday kiss she had given all the others.
+
+But this time it produced a singular effect, for Mac turned scarlet,
+then grew pale, and when Rose added playfully, thinking to relieve the
+shyness of so young a poet, "Never again say you don't write poetry, or
+call your verses rubbish I knew you were a genius, and now I'm sure of
+it," he broke out, as if against his will: "No. It isn't genius, it is
+love!" Then, as she shrank a little, startled at his energy, he added,
+with an effort at self-control which made his voice sound strange: "I
+didn't mean to speak, but I can't suffer you to deceive yourself so. I
+must tell the truth, and not let you kiss me like a cousin when I love
+you with all my heart and soul!"
+
+"Oh, Mac, don't joke!" cried Rose, bewildered by this sudden glimpse
+into a heart she thought she knew so well.
+
+"I'm in solemn earnest," he answered steadily, in such a quiet tone
+that, but for the pale excitement of his face, she might have doubted
+his words. "Be angry, if you will. I expect it, for I know it is too
+soon to speak. I ought to wait for years, perhaps, but you seemed so
+happy I dared to hope you had forgotten."
+
+"Forgotten what?" asked Rose sharply.
+
+"Charlie."
+
+"Ah! You all will insist on believing that I loved him better than I
+did!" she cried, with both pain and impatience in her voice, for the
+family delusion tried her very much at times.
+
+"How could we help it, when he was everything women most admire?" said
+Mac, not bitterly, but as if he sometimes wondered at their want of
+insight.
+
+"I do not admire weakness of any sort I could never love without either
+confidence or respect. Do me the justice to believe that, for I'm tired
+of being pitied."
+
+She spoke almost passionately, being more excited by Mac's repressed
+emotion than she had ever been by Charlie's most touching demonstration,
+though she did not know why.
+
+"But he loved you so!" began Mac, feeling as if a barrier had suddenly
+gone down but not daring to venture in as yet.
+
+"That was the hard part of it! That was why I tried to love him, why
+I hoped he would stand fast for my sake, if not for his own, and why I
+found it so sad sometimes not to be able to help despising him for his
+want of courage. I don't know how others feel, but, to me, love isn't
+all. I must look up, not down, trust and honor with my whole heart, and
+find strength and integrity to lean on. I have had it so far, and I know
+I could not live without it."
+
+"Your ideal is a high one. Do you hope to find it, Rose?" Mac asked,
+feeling, with the humility of a genuine love, that he could not give her
+all she desired.
+
+"Yes," she answered, with a face full of the beautiful confidence in
+virtue, the instinctive desire for the best which so many of us lose too
+soon, to find again after life's great lessons are well learned. "I
+do hope to find it, because I try not to be unreasonable and expect
+perfection. Smile if you will, but I won't give up my hero yet," and she
+tried to speak lightly, hoping to lead him away from a more dangerous
+topic.
+
+"You'll have to look a long while, I'm afraid," and all the glow was
+gone out of Mac's face, for he understood her wish and knew his answer
+had been given.
+
+"I have Uncle to help me, and I think my ideal grew out of my knowledge
+of him. How can I fail to believe in goodness, when he shows me what it
+can be and do?"
+
+"It's no use for me to say any more, for I have very little to offer. I
+did not mean to say a word till I earned a right to hope for something
+in return. I cannot take it back, but I can wish you success, and I do,
+because you deserve the very best." And Mac moved as if he was going
+away without more words, accepting the inevitable as manfully as he
+could.
+
+"Thank you that makes me feel very ungrateful and unkind. I wish I could
+answer you as you want me to for, indeed, dear Mac, I'm very fond of
+you in my own way," and Rose looked up with such tender pity and frank
+affection in her face, it was no wonder the poor fellow caught at a ray
+of hope and, brightening suddenly, said in his own odd way: "Couldn't
+you take me on trial while you are waiting for a true hero? It may be
+years before you find him; meantime, you could be practicing on me in
+ways that would be useful when you get him."
+
+"Oh, Mac! What shall I do with you?" exclaimed Rose, so curiously
+affected by this very characteristic wooing that she did not know
+whether to laugh or cry, for he was looking at her with his heart in his
+eyes, though his proposition was the queerest ever made at such a time.
+
+"Just go on being fond of me in your own way, and let me love you as
+much as I like in mine. I'll try to be satisfied with that." And he took
+both her hands so beseechingly that she felt more ungrateful than ever.
+
+"No, it would not be fair, for you would love the most and, if the hero
+did appear, what would become of you?"
+
+"I should resemble Uncle Alec in one thing at least fidelity, for my
+first love would be my last."
+
+That went straight to Rose's heart, and for a minute she stood silent,
+looking down at the two strong hands that held hers so firmly yet
+so gently, and the thought went through her mind, "Must he, too, be
+solitary all his life? I have no dear lover as my mother had, why cannot
+I make him happy and forget myself?"
+
+It did not seem very hard, and she owned that, even while she told
+herself that compassion was no equivalent for love. She wanted to give
+all she could, and keep as much of Mac's affection as she honestly
+might, because it seemed to grow more sweet and precious when she
+thought of putting it away.
+
+"You will be like Uncle in happier ways than that, I hope, for you, too,
+must have a high ideal and find her and be happy," she said, resolving
+to be true to the voice of conscience, not be swayed by the impulse of
+the moment.
+
+"I have found her, but I don't see any prospect of happiness, do you?"
+he asked wistfully.
+
+"Dear Mac, I cannot give you the love you want, but I do trust and
+respect you from the bottom of my heart, if that is any comfort," began
+Rose, looking up with eyes full of contrition for the pain her reply
+must give.
+
+She got no further, however, for those last words wrought a marvelous
+change in Mac. Dropping her hands, he stood erect, as if inspired with
+sudden energy and hope, while over his face there came a brave, bright
+look, which for the moment made him a nobler and comelier man than
+ever handsome Prince had been. "It is a comfort!" he said, in a tone
+of gratitude that touched her very much. "You said your love must be
+founded on respect, and that you have given me why can I not earn the
+rest? I'm nothing now, but everything is possible when one loves with
+all his heart and soul and strength. Rose, I will be your hero if a
+mortal man can, even though I have to work and wait for years. I'll make
+you love me, and be glad to do it. Don't be frightened. I've not lost my
+wits I've just found them. I don't ask anything I'll never speak of my
+hope, but it is no use to stop me. I must try it, and I will succeed!"
+
+With the last words, uttered in a ringing voice while his face glowed,
+his eyes shone, and he looked as if carried out of himself by the
+passion that possessed him, Mac abruptly left the room, like one eager
+to change words to deeds and begin his task at once.
+
+Rose was so amazed by all this that she sat down trembling a little, not
+with fear or anger, but a feeling half pleasure, half pain, and a sense
+of some new power subtle, strong, and sweet that had come into her life.
+It seemed as if another Mac had taken the place of the one she had
+known so long an ardent, ambitious man, ready for any work now that the
+magical moment had come when everything seems possible to love. If hope
+could work such a marvelous change for a moment, could not happiness
+do it for a lifetime? It would be an exciting experiment to try, she
+thought, remembering the sudden illumination which made that familiar
+face both beautiful and strange.
+
+She could not help wondering how long this unsuspected sentiment
+had been growing in his heart and felt perplexed by its peculiar
+demonstration, for she had never had a lover like this before. It
+touched and flattered her, nevertheless and she could not but feel
+honored by a love so genuine and generous, for it seemed to make a
+man of Mac all at once, and a manly man, too, who was not daunted by
+disappointment but could "hope against hope" and resolve to make her
+love him if it took years to do it.
+
+There was the charm of novelty about this sort of wooing, and she tried
+to guess how he would set about it, felt curious to see how he would
+behave when next they met, and was half angry with herself for not being
+able to decide how she ought to act. The more she thought, the more
+bewildered she grew, for having made up her mind that Mac was a genius,
+it disturbed all her plans to find him a lover, and such an ardent one.
+As it was impossible to predict what would come next, she gave up trying
+to prepare for it and, tired with vain speculations, carried Dulce off
+to bed, wishing she could tuck away her love troubles as quietly and
+comfortably as she did her sleepy little charge.
+
+Simple and sincere in all things, Mac gave Rose a new surprise by
+keeping his promise to the letter asked nothing of her, said nothing
+of his hope, and went on as if nothing had happened, quite in the old
+friendly way. No, not quite, for now and then, when she least expected
+it, she saw again the indescribable expression on his face, a look
+that seemed to shed a sudden sunshine over her, making her eyes fall
+involuntarily, her color rise, and her heart beat quicker for a moment.
+Not a word did he say, but she felt that a new atmosphere surrounded
+her when he was by, and although he used none of the little devices most
+lovers employ to keep the flame alight, it was impossible to forget that
+underneath his quietude there was a hidden world of fire and force ready
+to appear at a touch, a word from her.
+
+This was rather dangerous knowledge for Rose, and she soon began to feel
+that there were more subtle temptations than she had expected, for it
+was impossible to be unconscious of her power, or always to resist the
+trials of it which daily came unsought. She had never felt this desire
+before, for Charlie was the only one who had touched her heart, and he
+was constantly asking as well as giving, and wearied her by demanding
+too much or oppressed her by offering more than she could accept.
+
+Mac did neither; he only loved her, silently, patiently, hopefully, and
+this generous sort of fidelity was very eloquent to a nature like hers.
+She could not refuse or chide, since nothing was asked or urged; there
+was no need of coldness, for he never presumed; no call for pity, since
+he never complained. All that could be done was to try and be as just
+and true as he was, and to wait as trustfully for the end, whatever it
+was to be.
+
+For a time she liked the new interest it put into her life, yet did
+nothing to encourage it and thought that if she gave this love no food
+it would soon starve to death. But it seemed to thrive on air, and
+presently she began to feel as if a very strong will was slowly but
+steadily influencing her in many ways. If Mac had never told her that he
+meant to "make her love him," she might have yielded unconsciously, but
+now she mistook the impulse to obey this undercurrent for compassion and
+resisted stoutly, not comprehending yet the reason for the unrest which
+took possession of her about this time.
+
+She had as many moods as an April day, and would have much surprised Dr.
+Alec by her vagaries had he known them all. He saw enough, however, to
+guess what was the matter, but took no notice, for he knew this fever
+must run its course, and much medicine only does harm. The others were
+busy about their own affairs, and Aunt Plenty was too much absorbed in
+her rheumatism to think of love, for the cold weather set in early, and
+the poor lady kept her room for days at a time with Rose as nurse.
+
+Mac had spoken of going away in November, and Rose began to hope he
+would, for she decided that this silent sort of adoration was bad for
+her, as it prevented her from steadily pursuing the employments she
+had marked out for that year. What was the use of trying to read useful
+books when her thoughts continually wandered to those charming essays on
+"Love" and "Friendship"? To copy antique casts, when all the masculine
+heads looked like Cupid and the feminine ones like the Psyche on her
+mantelpiece? To practice the best music if it ended in singing over and
+over the pretty spring song without Phebe's bird chorus? Dulce's company
+was pleasantest now, for Dulce seldom talked, so much meditation was
+possible. Even Aunt Plenty's red flannel, camphor, and Pond's Extract
+were preferable to general society, and long solitary rides on Rosa
+seemed the only thing to put her in tune after one of her attempts to
+find out what she ought to do or leave undone.
+
+She made up her mind at last, and arming herself with an unmade pen,
+like Fanny Squeers, she boldly went into the study to confer with Dr.
+Alec at an hour when Mac was usually absent. "I want a pen for marking
+can you make me one, Uncle?" she asked, popping her head in to be sure
+he was alone.
+
+"Yes, my dear," answered a voice so like the doctor's that she entered
+without delay.
+
+But before she had taken three steps she stopped, looking rather
+annoyed, for the head that rose from behind the tall desk was not rough
+and gray, but brown and smooth, and Mac, not Uncle Alec, sat there
+writing. Late experience had taught her that she had nothing to fear
+from a tete-a-tete and, having with difficulty taken a resolution, she
+did not like to fail of carrying it out.
+
+"Don't get up, I won't trouble you if you are busy, there is no hurry,"
+she said, not quite sure whether it were wiser to stay or run away.
+
+Mac settled the point by taking the pen out of her hand and beginning to
+cut it, as quietly as Nicholas did on that "thrilling" occasion. Perhaps
+he was thinking of that, for he smiled as he asked, "Hard or soft?"
+
+Rose evidently had forgotten that the family of Squeers ever existed,
+for she answered: "Hard, please," in a voice to match. "I'm glad to see
+you doing that," she added, taking courage from his composure and going
+as straight to her point as could be expected of a woman.
+
+"And I am very glad to do it."
+
+"I don't mean making pens, but the romance I advised," and she touched
+the closely written page before him, looking as if she would like to
+read it.
+
+"That is my abstract on a lecture on the circulation of the blood,"
+he answered, kindly turning it so that she could see. "I don't write
+romances I'm living one," and he glanced up with the happy, hopeful
+expression which always made her feel as if he was heaping coals of fire
+on her head.
+
+"I wish you wouldn't look at me in that way it fidgets me," she said a
+little petulantly, for she had been out riding, and knew that she did
+not present a "spiritual" appearance after the frosty air had reddened
+nose as well as cheeks.
+
+"I'll try to remember. It does itself before I know it. Perhaps this may
+mend matters." And, taking out the blue glasses he sometimes wore in the
+wind, he gravely put them on.
+
+Rose could not help laughing, but his obedience only aggravated her, for
+she knew he could observe her all the better behind his ugly screen.
+
+"No, it won't they are not becoming, and I don't want to look blue when
+I do not feel so," she said, finding it impossible to guess what he
+would do next or to help enjoying his peculiarities.
+
+"But you don't to me, for in spite of the goggles everything is
+rose- now." And he pocketed the glasses without a murmur at the
+charming inconsistency of his idol.
+
+"Really, Mac, I'm tired of this nonsense, it worries me and wastes your
+time."
+
+"Never worked harder. But does it really trouble you to know I love
+you?" he asked anxiously.
+
+"Don't you see how cross it makes me?" And she walked away, feeling that
+things were not going as she intended to have them at all.
+
+"I don't mind the thorns if I get the rose at last, and I still hope I
+may, some ten years hence," said this persistent suitor, quite undaunted
+by the prospect of a "long wait."
+
+"I think it is rather hard to be loved whether I like it or not,"
+objected Rose, at a loss how to make any headway against such
+indomitable hopefulness.
+
+"But you can't help it, nor can I so I must go on doing it with all my
+heart till you marry, and then well, then I'm afraid I may hate somebody
+instead," and Mac spoilt the pen by an involuntary slash of his knife.
+
+"Please don't, Mac!"
+
+"Do which, love or hate?"
+
+"Don't do either go and care for someone else; there are plenty of nice
+girls who will be glad to make you happy," said Rose, intent upon ending
+her disquiet in some way.
+
+"That is too easy. I enjoy working for my blessings, and the harder I
+have to work, the more I value them when they come."
+
+"Then if I suddenly grew very kind, would you stop caring about me?"
+asked Rose, wondering if that treatment would free her from a passion
+which both touched and tormented her.
+
+"Try and see." But there was a traitorous glimmer in Mac's eyes which
+plainly showed what a failure it would be.
+
+"No, I'll get something to do, so absorbing I shall forget all about
+you."
+
+"Don't think about me if it troubles you," he said tenderly.
+
+"I can't help it." Rose tried to catch back the words, but it was too
+late, and she added hastily, "That is, I cannot help wishing you would
+forget me. It is a great disappointment to find I was mistaken when I
+hoped such fine things of you."
+
+"Yes, you were very sure that it was love when it was poetry, and now
+you want poetry when I've nothing on hand but love. Will both together
+please you?"
+
+"Try and see."
+
+"I'll do my best. Anything else?" he asked, forgetting the small task
+she had given him in his eagerness to attempt the greater.
+
+"Tell me one thing. I've often wanted to know, and now you speak of it
+I'll venture to ask. Did you care about me when you read Keats to me
+last summer?"
+
+"No."
+
+"When did you begin?" asked Rose, smiling in spite of herself at his
+unflattering honesty.
+
+"How can I tell? Perhaps it did begin up there, though, for that talk
+set us writing, and the letters showed me what a beautiful soul you had.
+I loved that first it was so quick to recognize good things, to use them
+when they came, and give them out again as unconsciously as a flower
+does its breath. I longed for you to come home, and wanted you to find
+me altered for the better in some way as I had found you. And when you
+came it was very easy to see why I needed you to love you entirely, and
+to tell you so. That's all, Rose."
+
+A short story, but it was enough the voice that told it with such simple
+truth made the few words so eloquent, Rose felt strongly tempted to add
+the sequel Mac desired. But her eyes had fallen as he spoke, for she
+knew his were fixed upon her, dark and dilated, with the same repressed
+emotion that put such fervor into his quiet tones, and just as she was
+about to look up, they fell on a shabby little footstool. Trifles affect
+women curiously, and often most irresistibly when some agitation sways
+them. The sight of the old hassock vividly recalled Charlie, for he
+had kicked it on the night she never liked to remember. Like a spark it
+fired a long train of recollections, and the thought went through her
+mind: "I fancied I loved him, and let him see it, but I deceived myself,
+and he reproached me for a single look that said too much. This feeling
+is very different, but too new and sudden to be trusted. I'll neither
+look nor speak till I am quite sure, for Mac's love is far deeper than
+poor Charlie's, and I must be very true."
+
+Not in words did the resolve shape itself, but in a quick impulse, which
+she obeyed certain that it was right, since it was hard to yield to it.
+Only an instant's silence followed Mac's answer as she stood looking
+down with fingers intertwined and color varying in her cheeks. A foolish
+attitude, but Mac thought it a sweet picture of maiden hesitation and
+began to hope that a month's wooing was about to end in winning for a
+lifetime. He deceived himself, however, and cold water fell upon his
+flame, subduing but by no means quenching it, when Rose looked up with
+an air of determination which could not escape eyes that were growing
+wonderfully farsighted lately.
+
+"I came in here to beg Uncle to advise you to go away soon. You are very
+patient and forbearing, and I feel it more than I can tell. But it
+is not good for you to depend on anyone so much for your happiness, I
+think, and I know it is bad for me to feel that I have so much power
+over a fellow creature. Go away, Mac, and see if this isn't all a
+mistake. Don't let a fancy for me change or delay your work, because
+it may end as suddenly as it began, and then we should both reproach
+ourselves and each other. Please do! I respect and care for you so much,
+I can't be happy to take all and give nothing. I try to, but I'm not
+sure I want to think it is too soon to know yet."
+
+Rose began bravely, but ended in a fluttered sort of way as she moved
+toward the door, for Mac's face though it fell at first, brightened
+as she went on, and at the last word, uttered almost involuntarily, he
+actually laughed low to himself, as if this order into exile pleased him
+much.
+
+"Don't say that you give nothing, when you've just shown me that I'm
+getting on. I'll go; I'll go at once, and see if absence won't help
+you 'to think, to know, and to be sure' as it did me. I wish I could do
+something more for you. As I can't, good-bye."
+
+"Are you going now?" And Rose paused in her retreat to look back with a
+startled face as he offered her a badly made pen and opened the door
+for her just as Dr. Alec always did; for, in spite of himself, Mac did
+resemble the best of uncles.
+
+"Not yet, but you seem to be."
+
+Rose turned as red as a poppy, snatched the pen, and flew upstairs, to
+call herself hard names as she industriously spoiled all Aunt Plenty's
+new pocket handkerchiefs by marking them "A.M.C."
+
+Three days later Mac said "good-bye" in earnest, and no one was
+surprised that he left somewhat abruptly, such being his way, and a
+course of lectures by a famous physician the ostensible reason for a
+trip to L----. Uncle Alec deserted most shamefully at the last moment
+by sending word that he would be at the station to see the traveler
+off, Aunt Plenty was still in her room, so when Mac came down from his
+farewell to her, Rose met him in the hall, as if anxious not to delay
+him. She was a little afraid of another tete-a-tete, as she fared so
+badly at the last, and had assumed a calm and cousinly air which she
+flattered herself would plainly show on what terms she wished to part.
+
+Mac apparently understood, and not only took the hint, but surpassed her
+in cheerful composure, for, merely saying "Good-bye, Cousin; write
+when you feel like it," he shook hands and walked out of the house as
+tranquilly as if only a day instead of three months were to pass before
+they met again. Rose felt as if a sudden shower bath had chilled her
+and was about to retire, saying to herself with disdainful decision:
+"There's no love about it after all, only one of the eccentricities of
+genius," when a rush of cold air made her turn to find herself in what
+appeared to be the embrace of an impetuous overcoat, which wrapped her
+close for an instant, then vanished as suddenly as it had come, leaving
+her to hide in the sanctum and confide to Psyche with a tender sort of
+triumph in her breathless voice: "No, no, it isn't genius that must be
+love!"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 19 BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN
+
+Two days after Christmas a young man of serious aspect might have been
+seen entering one of the large churches at L----. Being shown to a seat,
+he joined in the services with praiseworthy devotion, especially the
+music, to which he listened with such evident pleasure that a gentleman
+who sat nearby felt moved to address this appreciative stranger after
+church.
+
+"Fine sermon today. Ever heard our minister before, sir?" he began, as
+they went down the aisle together among the last, for the young man had
+lingered as if admiring the ancient building.
+
+"Very fine. No, sir, I have never had that pleasure. I've often wished
+to see this old place, and am not at all disappointed. Your choir,
+too, is unusually good," answered the stranger, glancing up at several
+bonnets bobbing about behind the half-drawn curtains above.
+
+"Finest in the city, sir. We pride ourselves on our music, and always
+have the best. People often come for that alone." And the old gentleman
+looked as satisfied as if a choir of cherubim and seraphim "continually
+did cry" in his organ loft.
+
+"Who is the contralto? That solo was beautifully sung," observed the
+younger man, pausing to read a tablet on the wall.
+
+"That is Miss Moore. Been here about a year, and is universally
+admired. Excellent young lady couldn't do without her. Sings superbly in
+oratorios. Ever heard her?"
+
+"Never. She came from X, I believe?
+
+"Yes, highly recommended. She was brought up by one of the first
+families there. Campbell is the name. If you come from X, you doubtless
+know them."
+
+"I have met them. Good morning." And with bows the gentlemen parted, for
+at that instant the young man caught sight of a tall lady going down the
+church steps with a devout expression in her fine eyes and a prayer-book
+in her hand.
+
+Hastening after her, the serious-minded young man accosted her just as
+she turned into a quiet street.
+
+"Phebe!"
+
+Only a word, but it wrought a marvelous change, for the devout
+expression vanished in the drawing of a breath, and the quiet face
+blossomed suddenly with color, warmth, and "the light that never was on
+sea or land" as she turned to meet her lover with an answering word as
+eloquent as his.
+
+"Archie!"
+
+"The year is out today. I told you I should come. Have you forgotten?"
+
+"No I knew you'd come."
+
+"And are you glad?"
+
+"How can I help it?"
+
+"You can't don't try. Come into this little park and let us talk." And
+drawing her hand through his arm, Archie led her into what to other
+eyes was a very dismal square, with a boarded-up fountain in the middle,
+sodden grass plots, and dead leaves dancing in the wintry wind.
+
+But to them it was a summery Paradise, and they walked to and fro in the
+pale sunshine, quite unconscious that they were objects of interest
+to several ladies and gentlemen waiting anxiously for their dinner or
+yawning over the dull books kept for Sunday reading. "Are you ready
+to come home now, Phebe?" asked Archie tenderly as he looked at the
+downcast face beside him and wondered why all women did not wear
+delightful little black velvet bonnets with one deep red flower against
+their hair.
+
+"Not yet. I haven't done enough," began Phebe, finding it very hard to
+keep the resolution made a year ago.
+
+"You have proved that you can support yourself, make friends, and earn a
+name, if you choose. No one can deny that, and we are all getting proud
+of you. What more can you ask, my dearest?"
+
+"I don't quite know, but I am very ambitious. I want to be famous, to do
+something for you all, to make some sacrifice for Rose, and, if I can,
+to have something to give up for your sake. Let me wait and work longer
+I know I haven't earned my welcome yet," pleaded Phebe so earnestly
+that her lover knew it would be in vain to try and turn her, so wisely
+contented himself with half, since he could not have the whole.
+
+"Such a proud woman! Yet I love you all the better for it, and
+understand your feeling. Rose made me see how it seems to you, and I
+don't wonder that you cannot forget the unkind things that were looked,
+if not said, by some of my amiable aunts. I'll try to be patient on one
+condition, Phebe."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"You are to let me come sometimes while I wait, and wear this lest you
+should forget me," he said, pulling a ring from his pocket and gently
+drawing a warm, bare hand out of the muff where it lay hidden.
+
+"Yes, Archie, but not here not now!" cried Phebe, glancing about her as
+if suddenly aware that they were not alone.
+
+"No one can see us here I thought of that. Give me one happy minute,
+after this long, long year of waiting," answered Archie, pausing just
+where the fountain hid them from all eyes, for there were houses only on
+one side.
+
+Phebe submitted and never did a plain gold ring slip more easily to its
+place than the one he put on in such a hurry that cold December day.
+Then one hand went back into the muff red with the grasp he gave it, and
+the other to its old place on his arm with a confiding gesture, as if it
+had a right there.
+
+"Now I feel sure of you," said Archie as they went on again, and no one
+the wiser for that tender transaction behind the ugly pyramid of boards.
+"Mac wrote me that you were much admired by your church people, and that
+certain wealthy bachelors evidently had designs on the retiring Miss
+Moore. I was horribly jealous, but now I defy every man of them."
+
+Phebe smiled with the air of proud humility that was so becoming and
+answered briefly: "There was no danger kings could not change me,
+whether you ever came or not. But Mac should not have told you."
+
+"You shall be revenged on him, then, for, as he told secrets about you,
+I'll tell you one about him. Phebe, he loves Rose!" And Archie looked as
+if he expected to make a great sensation with his news.
+
+"I know it." And Phebe laughed at his sudden change of countenance as he
+added inquiringly, "She told you, then?"
+
+"Not a word. I guessed it from her letters, for lately she says nothing
+about Mac, and before there was a good deal, so I suspected what the
+silence meant and asked no questions."
+
+"Wise girl! Then you think she does care for the dear old fellow?"
+
+"Of course she does. Didn't he tell you so?"
+
+"No, he only said when he went away, 'Take care of my Rose, and I'll
+take care of your Phebe,' and not another thing could I get out of him,
+for I did ask questions. He stood by me like a hero, and kept Aunt Jane
+from driving me stark mad with her 'advice.' I don't forget that, and
+burned to lend him a hand somewhere, but he begged me to let him manage
+his wooing in his own way. And from what I see, I should say he knew how
+to do it," added Archie, finding it very delightful to gossip about love
+affairs with his sweetheart.
+
+"Dear little mistress! How does she behave?" asked Phebe, longing
+for news, but too grateful to ask at headquarters, remembering how
+generously Rose had tried to help her, even by silence, the greatest
+sacrifice a woman can make at such interesting periods.
+
+"Very sweet and shy and charming. I try not to watch but upon my word I
+cannot help it sometimes, she is so 'cunning,' as you girls say. When I
+carry her a letter from Mac she tries so hard not to show how glad she
+is that I want to laugh and tell her I know all about it. But I look as
+sober as a judge and as stupid as an owl by daylight, and she enjoys her
+letters in peace and thinks I'm so absorbed in my own passion that I'm
+blind to hers."
+
+"But why did Mac come away? He says lectures brought him, and he goes,
+but I am sure something else is in his mind, he looks so happy at times.
+I don't see him very often, but when I do I'm conscious that he isn't
+the Mac I left a year ago," said Phebe, leading Archie away, for
+inexorable propriety forbade a longer stay, even if prudence and duty
+had not given her a reminding nudge, as it was very cold, and afternoon
+church came in an hour.
+
+"Well, you see Mac was always peculiar, and he cannot even grow up like
+other fellows. I don't understand him yet, and am sure he's got some
+plan in his head that no one suspects, unless it is Uncle Alec. Love
+makes us all cut queer capers, and I've an idea that the Don will
+distinguish himself in some uncommon way. So be prepared to applaud
+whatever it is. We owe him that, you know."
+
+"Indeed we do! If Rose ever speaks of him to you, tell her I shall see
+that he comes to no harm, and she must do the same for my Archie."
+
+That unusual demonstration of tenderness from reserved Phebe very
+naturally turned the conversation into a more personal channel, and
+Archie devoted himself to building castles in the air so successfully
+that they passed the material mansion without either being aware of it.
+
+"Will you come in?" asked Phebe when the mistake was rectified and she
+stood on her own steps looking down at her escort, who had discreetly
+released her before a pull at the bell caused five heads to pop up at
+five different windows.
+
+"No, thanks. I shall be at church this afternoon, and the oratorio this
+evening. I must be off early in the morning, so let me make the most of
+precious time and come home with you tonight as I did before," answered
+Archie, making his best bow, and quite sure of consent.
+
+"You may." And Phebe vanished, closing the door softly, as if she found
+it hard to shut out so much love and happiness as that in the heart of
+the sedate young gentleman who went briskly down the street humming a
+verse of old "Clyde" like a tuneful bass viol:
+
+    "Oh, let our mingling voices rise
+    In grateful rapture to the skies,
+    Where love has had its birth.
+
+    Let songs of joy this day declare
+    That spirits come their bliss to share
+    With all the sons of earth."
+
+That afternoon Miss Moore sang remarkably well, and that evening quite
+electrified even her best friends by the skill and power with which she
+rendered "Inflammatus" in the oratorio.
+
+"If that is not genius, I should like to know what it is?" said one
+young man to another as they went out just before the general crush at
+the end.
+
+"Some genius and a great deal of love. They are a grand team, and,
+when well driven, astonish the world by the time they make in the great
+race," answered the second young man with the look of one inclined to
+try his hand at driving that immortal span.
+
+"Daresay you are right. Can't stop now she's waiting for me. Don't sit
+up, Mac."
+
+"The gods go with you, Archie."
+
+And the cousins separated one to write till midnight, the other to bid
+his Phebe good-bye, little dreaming how unexpectedly and successfully
+she was to earn her welcome home.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 20 WHAT MAC DID
+
+Rose, meantime, was trying to find out what the sentiment was with
+which she regarded her cousin Mac. She could not seem to reconcile the
+character she had known so long with the new one lately shown her, and
+the idea of loving the droll, bookish, absentminded Mac of former times
+appeared quite impossible and absurd, but the new Mac, wide awake, full
+of talent, ardent and high-handed, was such a surprise to her, she felt
+as if her heart was being won by a stranger, and it became her to study
+him well before yielding to a charm which she could not deny.
+
+Affection came naturally, and had always been strong for the boy; regard
+for the studious youth easily deepened to respect for the integrity of
+the young man, and now something warmer was growing up within her; but
+at first she could not decide whether it was admiration for the rapid
+unfolding of talent of some sort or love answering to love.
+
+As if to settle that point, Mac sent her on New Year's Day a little book
+plainly bound and modestly entitled Songs and Sonnets. After reading
+this with ever-growing surprise and delight, Rose never had another
+doubt about the writer's being a poet, for though she was no critic, she
+had read the best authors and knew what was good. Unpretentious as it
+was, this had the true ring, and its very simplicity showed conscious
+power for, unlike so many first attempts, the book was not full of "My
+Lady," neither did it indulge in Swinburnian convulsions about
+
+    "The lilies and languors of peace,
+    The roses and raptures of love.";
+
+or contain any of the highly  medieval word pictures so much
+in vogue. "My book should smell of pines, and resound with the hum of
+insects," might have been its motto, so sweet and wholesome was it with
+a springlike sort of freshness which plainly betrayed that the author
+had learned some of Nature's deepest secrets and possessed the skill to
+tell them in tuneful words. The songs went ringing through one's memory
+long after they were read, and the sonnets were full of the subtle
+beauty, insight, and half-unconscious wisdom, which seem to prove that
+"genius is divine when young."
+
+Many faults it had, but was so full of promise that it was evident Mac
+had not "kept good company, read good books, loved good things, and
+cultivated soul and body as faithfully as he could" in vain. It all
+told now, for truth and virtue had blossomed into character and had a
+language of their own more eloquent than the poetry to which they were
+what the fragrance is to the flower. Wiser critics than Rose felt and
+admired this; less partial ones could not deny their praise to a first
+effort, which seemed as spontaneous and aspiring as a lark's song; and,
+when one or two of these Jupiters had given a nod of approval, Mac found
+himself, not exactly famous, but much talked about. One set abused, the
+other set praised, and the little book was sadly mauled among them, for
+it was too original to be ignored, and too robust to be killed by hard
+usage, so it came out of the fray none the worse but rather brighter, if
+anything, for the friction which proved the gold genuine.
+
+This took time, however, and Rose could only sit at home reading all the
+notices she could get, as well as the literary gossip Phebe sent
+her, for Mac seldom wrote, and never a word about himself, so Phebe
+skillfully extracted from him in their occasional meetings all the
+personal news her feminine wit could collect and faithfully reported it.
+
+It was a little singular that without a word of inquiry on either side,
+the letters of the girls were principally filled with tidings of their
+respective lovers. Phebe wrote about Mac; Rose answered with minute
+particulars about Archie; and both added hasty items concerning their
+own affairs, as if these were of little consequence.
+
+Phebe got the most satisfaction out of the correspondence, for soon
+after the book appeared Rose began to want Mac home again and to be
+rather jealous of the new duties and delights that kept him. She was
+immensely proud of her poet, and had little jubilees over the beautiful
+fulfillment of her prophecies, for even Aunt Plenty owned now with
+contrition that "the boy was not a fool." Every word of praise was
+read aloud on the housetops, so to speak, by happy Rose; every adverse
+criticism was hotly disputed; and the whole family was in a great state
+of pleasant excitement over this unexpectedly successful first flight of
+the Ugly Duckling, now generally considered by his relatives as the most
+promising young swan of the flock.
+
+Aunt Jane was particularly funny in her new position of mother to a
+callow poet and conducted herself like a proud but bewildered hen when
+one of her brood takes to the water. She pored over the poems, trying
+to appreciate them but quite failing to do so, for life was all prose to
+her, and she vainly tried to discover where Mac got his talent from. It
+was pretty to see the new respect with which she treated his possessions
+now; the old books were dusted with a sort of reverence; scraps of paper
+were laid carefully by lest some immortal verse be lost; and a certain
+shabby velvet jacket fondly smoothed when no one was by to smile at
+the maternal pride with filled her heart and caused her once severe
+countenance to shine with unwonted benignity.
+
+Uncle Mac talked about "my son" with ill-concealed satisfaction, and
+evidently began to feel as if his boy was going to confer distinction
+upon the whole race of Campbell, which had already possessed one poet.
+Steve exulted with irrepressible delight and went about quoting Songs
+and Sonnets till he bored his friends dreadfully by his fraternal
+raptures.
+
+Archie took it more quietly, and even suggested that it was too soon to
+crow yet, for the dear old fellow's first burst might be his last, since
+it was impossible to predict what he would do next. Having proved that
+he could write poetry, he might drop it for some new world to conquer,
+quoting his favorite Thoreau, who, having made a perfect pencil, gave
+up the business and took to writing books with the sort of indelible ink
+which grows clearer with time.
+
+The aunts of course had their "views," and enjoyed much prophetic gossip
+as they wagged their caps over many social cups of tea. The younger boys
+thought it "very jolly," and hoped the Don would "go ahead and come
+to glory as soon as possible," which was all that could by expected of
+"Young America," with whom poetry is not usually a passion.
+
+But Dr. Alec was a sight for "sair een," so full of concentrated
+contentment was he. No one but Rose, perhaps, knew how proud and pleased
+the good man felt at this first small success of his godson, for he had
+always had high hopes of the boy, because in spite of his oddities he
+had such an upright nature, and promising little, did much, with the
+quiet persistence which foretells a manly character. All the romance
+of the doctor's heart was stirred by this poetic bud of promise and
+the love that made it bloom so early, for Mac had confided his hopes to
+Uncle, finding great consolation and support in his sympathy and advice.
+Like a wise man, Dr. Alec left the young people to learn the great
+lesson in their own way, counseling Mac to work and Rose to wait till
+both were quite certain that their love was built on a surer foundation
+than admiration or youthful romance.
+
+Meantime he went about with a well-worn little book in his pocket,
+humming bits from a new set of songs and repeating with great fervor
+certain sonnets which seemed to him quite equal, if not superior, to
+any that Shakespeare ever wrote. As Rose was doing the same thing, they
+often met for a private "read and warble," as they called it, and while
+discussing the safe subject of Mac's poetry, both arrived at a pretty
+clear idea of what Mac's reward was to be when he came home.
+
+He seemed in no hurry to do this, however, and continued to astonish his
+family by going into society and coming out brilliantly in that line.
+It takes very little to make a lion, as everyone knows who has seen what
+poor specimens are patted and petted every year, in spite of their bad
+manners, foolish vagaries, and very feeble roaring. Mac did not want to
+be lionized and took it rather scornfully, which only added to the charm
+that people suddenly discovered about the nineteenth cousin of Thomas
+Campbell, the poet. He desired to be distinguished in the best sense
+of the word, as well as to look so, and thought a little of the polish
+society gives would not be amiss, remembering Rose's efforts in that
+line. For her sake he came out of his shell and went about seeing and
+testing all sorts of people with those observing eyes of his, which saw
+so much in spite of their nearsightedness. What use he meant to make of
+these new experiences no one knew, for he wrote short letters and,
+when questioned, answered with imperturbable patience: "Wait till I get
+through; then I'll come home and talk about it."
+
+So everyone waited for the poet, till something happened which
+produced a greater sensation in the family than if all the boys had
+simultaneously taken to rhyming.
+
+Dr. Alec got very impatient and suddenly announced that he was going to
+L to see after those young people, for Phebe was rapidly singing herself
+into public favor with the sweet old ballads which she rendered so
+beautifully that hearers were touched as well as ears delighted, and her
+prospects brightened every month.
+
+"Will you come with me, Rose, and surprise this ambitious pair who are
+getting famous so fast they'll forget their homekeeping friends if we
+don't remind them of us now and then?" he said when he proposed the trip
+one wild March morning.
+
+"No, thank you, sir I'll stay with Aunty; that is all I'm fit for and
+I should only be in the way among those fine people," answered Rose,
+snipping away at the plants blooming in the study window.
+
+There was a slight bitterness in her voice and a cloud on her face,
+which her uncle heard and saw at once, half guessed the meaning of, and
+could not rest till he had found out.
+
+"Do you think Phebe and Mac would not care to see you?" he asked,
+putting down a letter in which Mac gave a glowing account of a concert
+at which Phebe surpassed herself.
+
+"No, but they must be very busy," began Rose, wishing she had held her
+tongue.
+
+"Then what is the matter?" persisted Dr. Alec.
+
+Rose did not speak for a moment, and decapitated two fine geraniums with
+a reckless slash of her scissors, as if pent-up vexation of some kind
+must find a vent. It did in words also, for, as if quite against her
+will, she exclaimed impetuously: "The truth is, I'm jealous of them
+both!"
+
+"Bless my soul! What now?" ejaculated the doctor in great surprise.
+
+Rose put down her water pot and shears, came and stood before him with
+her hands nervously twisted together, and said, just as she used to do
+when she was a little girl confessing some misdeed: "Uncle, I must tell
+you, for I've been getting very envious, discontented, and bad lately.
+No, don't be good to me yet, for you don't know how little I deserve it.
+Scold me well, and make me see how wicked I am."
+
+"I will as soon as I know what I am to scold about. Unburden yourself,
+child, and let me see all your iniquity, for if you begin by being
+jealous of Mac and Phebe, I'm prepared for anything," said Dr. Alec,
+leaning back as if nothing could surprise him now.
+
+"But I am not jealous in that way, sir. I mean I want to be or do
+something splendid as well as they. I can't write poetry or sing like a
+bird, but I should think I might have my share of glory in some way. I
+thought perhaps I could paint, and I've tried, but I can only copy I've
+no power to invent lovely things, and I'm so discouraged, for that is
+my one accomplishment. Do you think I have any gift that could be
+cultivated and do me credit like theirs?" she asked so wistfully that
+her uncle felt for a moment as if he never could forgive the fairies who
+endow babies in their cradles for being so niggardly to his girl. But
+one look into the sweet, open face before him reminded him that the good
+elves had been very generous and he answered cheerfully: "Yes, I do, for
+you have one of the best and noblest gifts a woman can possess. Music
+and poetry are fine things, and I don't wonder you want them, or that
+you envy the pleasant fame they bring. I've felt just so, and been ready
+to ask why it didn't please heaven to be more generous to some people,
+so you needn't be ashamed to tell me all about it."
+
+"I know I ought to be contented, but I'm not. My life is very
+comfortable, but so quiet and uneventful, I get tired of it and want to
+launch out as the others have, and do something, or at least try. I'm
+glad you think it isn't very bad of me, and I'd like to know what my
+gift is," said Rose, looking less despondent already.
+
+"The art of living for others so patiently and sweetly that we enjoy it
+as we do the sunshine, and are not half grateful enough for the great
+blessing."
+
+"It is very kind of you to say so, but I think I'd like a little fun and
+fame nevertheless." And Rose did not look as thankful as she ought.
+
+"Very natural, dear, but the fun and the fame do not last, while the
+memory of a real helper is kept green long after poetry is forgotten and
+music silent. Can't you believe that, and be happy?"
+
+"But I do so little, nobody sees or cares, and I don't feel as if I was
+really of any use," sighed Rose, thinking of the long, dull winter, full
+of efforts that seemed fruitless.
+
+"Sit here, and let us see if you really do very little and if no one
+cares." And, drawing her to his knee, Dr. Alec went on, telling off each
+item on one of the fingers of the soft hand he held.
+
+"First, an infirm old aunt is kept very happy by the patient, cheerful
+care of this good-for-nothing niece. Secondly, a crotchety uncle, for
+whom she reads, runs, writes, and sews so willingly that he cannot get
+on without her. Thirdly, various relations who are helped in various
+ways. Fourthly, one dear friend never forgotten, and a certain cousin
+cheered by praise which is more to him than the loudest blast Fame could
+blow. Fifthly, several young girls find her an example of many good
+works and ways. Sixthly, a motherless baby is cared for as tenderly as
+if she were a little sister. Seventhly, half a dozen poor ladies made
+comfortable; and, lastly, some struggling boys and girls with artistic
+longings are put into a pleasant room furnished with casts, studies,
+easels, and all manner of helpful things, not to mention free lessons
+given by this same idle girl, who now sits upon my knee owning to
+herself that her gift is worth having after all."
+
+"Indeed, I am! Uncle, I'd no idea I had done so many things to please
+you, or that anyone guessed how hard I try to fill my place usefully.
+I've learned to do without gratitude now I'll learn not to care for
+praise, but to be contented to do my best, and have only God know."
+
+"He knows, and He rewards in His own good time. I think a quiet life
+like this often makes itself felt in better ways than one that the world
+sees and applauds, and some of the noblest are never known till they
+end, leaving a void in many hearts. Yours may be one of these if you
+choose to make it so, and no one will be prouder of this success than I,
+unless it be Mac."
+
+The clouds were quite gone now, and Rose was looking straight into her
+uncle's face with a much happier expression when that last word made
+it color brightly and the eyes glance away for a second. Then they came
+back full of a tender sort of resolution as she said: "That will be
+the reward I work for," and rose, as if ready to be up and doing with
+renewed courage.
+
+But her uncle held her long enough to ask quite soberly, though his eyes
+laughed: "Shall I tell him that?"
+
+"No, sir, please don't! When he is tired of other people's praise, he
+will come home, and then I'll see what I can do for him," answered Rose,
+slipping away to her work with the shy, happy look that sometimes came
+to give to her face the charm it needed.
+
+"He is such a thorough fellow, he never is in a hurry to go from one
+thing to another. An excellent habit, but a trifle trying to impatient
+people like me," said the doctor and, picking up Dulce, who sat upon
+the rug with her dolly, he composed his feelings by tossing her till she
+crowed with delight.
+
+Rose heartily echoed that last remark, but said nothing aloud, only
+helped her uncle off with dutiful alacrity and, when he was gone, began
+to count the days till his return, wishing she had decided to go too.
+
+He wrote often, giving excellent accounts of the "great creatures," as
+Steve called Phebe and Mac, and seemed to find so much to do in various
+ways that the second week of absence was nearly over before he set a
+day for his return, promising to astonish them with the account of his
+adventures.
+
+Rose felt as if something splendid was going to happen and set her
+affairs in order so that the approaching crisis might find her fully
+prepared. She had "found out" now, was quite sure, and put away all
+doubts and fears to be ready to welcome home the cousin whom she was
+sure Uncle would bring as her reward. She was thinking of this one day
+as she got out her paper to write a long letter to poor Aunt Clara, who
+pined for news far away there in Calcutta.
+
+Something in the task reminded her of that other lover whose wooing
+ended so tragically, and opening a little drawer of keepsakes, she took
+out the blue bracelet, feeling that she owed Charlie a tender thought in
+the midst of her new happiness, for of late she had forgotten him.
+
+She had worn the trinket hidden under her black sleeve for a long time
+after his death, with the regretful constancy one sometimes shows in
+doing some little kindness all too late. But her arm had grown too round
+to hide the ornament, the forget-me-nots had fallen one by one,
+the clasp had broken, and that autumn she laid the bracelet away,
+acknowledging that she had outgrown the souvenir as well as the
+sentiment that gave it.
+
+She looked at it in silence for a moment, then put it softly back and,
+shutting the drawer, took up the little gray book which was her pride,
+thinking as she contrasted the two men and their influence on her life
+the one sad and disturbing, the other sweet and inspiring "Charlie's was
+passion Mac's is love."
+
+"Rose! Rose!" called a shrill voice, rudely breaking the pensive
+reverie, and with a start, she shut the desk, exclaiming as she ran to
+the door: "They have come! They have come!"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 21 HOW PHEBE EARNED HER WELCOME
+
+Dr. Alec had not arrived, but bad tidings had, as Rose guessed the
+instant her eyes fell upon Aunt Plenty, hobbling downstairs with her
+cap awry, her face pale, and a letter flapping wildly in her hand as she
+cried distractedly: "Oh, my boy! My boy! Sick, and I not there to nurse
+him! Malignant fever, so far away. What can those children do? Why did I
+let Alec go?"
+
+Rose got her into the parlor, and while the poor old lady lamented, she
+read the letter which Phebe had sent to her that she might "break the
+news carefully to Rose."
+
+DEAR MISS PLENTY, Please read this to yourself first, and tell my little
+mistress as you think best. The dear doctor is very ill, but I am with
+him, and shall not leave him day or night till he is safe. So trust me,
+and do not be anxious, for everything shall be done that care and skill
+and entire devotion can do. He would not let us tell you before, fearing
+you would try to come at the risk of your health. Indeed it would be
+useless, for only one nurse is needed, and I came first, so do not let
+Rose or anybody else rob me of my right to the danger and the duty. Mac
+has written to his father, for Dr. Alec is now too ill to know what we
+do, and we both felt that you ought to be told without further delay. He
+has a bad malignant fever, caught no one can tell how, unless among some
+poor emigrants whom he met wandering about quite forlorn in a strange
+city. He understood Portuguese and sent them to a proper place when they
+had told their story. But I fear he has suffered for his kindness, for
+this fever came on rapidly, and before he knew what it was I was there,
+and it was too late to send me away.
+
+Now I can show you how grateful I am, and if need be give my life so
+gladly for this friend who has been a father to me. Tell Rose his last
+conscious word and thought were for her. "Don't let her come; keep my
+darling safe." Oh, do obey him! Stay safely at home and, God helping me,
+I'll bring Uncle Alec back in time. Mac does all I will let him. We have
+the best physicians, and everything is going as well as can be hoped
+till the fever turns.
+
+Dear Miss Plenty, pray for him and for me, that I may do this one happy
+thing for those who have done so much for Your ever dutiful and loving
+
+PHEBE
+
+As Rose looked up from the letter, half stunned by the sudden news
+and the great danger, she found that the old lady had already stopped
+useless bewailing and was praying heartily, like one who knew well where
+help was to be found. Rose went and knelt down at her knee, laying her
+face on the clasped hands in her lap, and for a few minutes neither
+wept nor spoke. Then a stifled sob broke from the girl, and Aunt Plenty
+gathered the young head in her arms, saying, with the slow tears of age
+trickling down her own withered cheeks: "Bear up, my lamb, bear up. The
+good Lord won't take him from us I am sure and that brave child will be
+allowed to pay her debt to him. I feel she will."
+
+"But I want to help. I must go, Aunty, I must no matter what the danger
+is," cried Rose, full of a tender jealousy of Phebe for being first to
+brave peril for the sake of him who had been a father to them both.
+
+"You can't go, dear, it's no use now, and she is right to say, 'Keep
+away.' I know those fevers, and the ones who nurse often take it, and
+fare worse for the strain they've been through. Good girl to stand by so
+bravely, to be so sensible, and not let Mac go too near! She's a grand
+nurse Alec couldn't have a better, and she'll never leave him till he's
+safe," said Miss Plenty excitedly.
+
+"Ah, you begin to know her now, and value her as you ought. I think few
+would have done as she has, and if she does get ill and die, it will be
+our fault partly, because she'd go through fire and water to make us
+do her justice and receive her as we ought," cried Rose, proud of an
+example which she longed to follow.
+
+"If she brings my boy home, I'll never say another word. She may marry
+every nephew I've got, if she likes, and I'll give her my blessing,"
+exclaimed Aunt Plenty, feeling that no price would be too much to pay
+for such a deed.
+
+Rose was going to clap her hands, but wrung them instead, remembering
+with a sudden pang that the battle was not over yet, and it was much too
+soon to award the honors.
+
+Before she could speak Uncle Mac and Aunt Jane hurried in, for Mac's
+letter had come with the other, and dismay fell upon the family at the
+thought of danger to the well-beloved Uncle Alec. His brother decided
+to go at once, and Aunt Jane insisted on accompanying him, though all
+agreed that nothing could be done but wait, and leave Phebe at her post
+as long as she held out, since it was too late to save her from danger
+now and Mac reported her quite equal to the task.
+
+Great was the hurry and confusion till the relief party was off. Aunt
+Plenty was heartbroken that she could not go with them, but felt that
+she was too infirm to be useful and, like a sensible old soul, tried to
+content herself with preparing all sorts of comforts for the invalid.
+Rose was less patient, and at first had wild ideas of setting off alone
+and forcing her way to the spot where all her thoughts now centered. But
+before she could carry out any rash project, Aunt Myra's palpitations
+set in so alarmingly that they did good service for once and kept Rose
+busy taking her last directions and trying to soothe her dying bed, for
+each attack was declared fatal till the patient demanded toast and tea,
+when hope was again allowable and the rally began.
+
+The news flew fast, as such tidings always do, and Aunt Plenty was
+constantly employed in answering inquiries, for her knocker kept up a
+steady tattoo for several days. All sorts of people came: gentlefolk
+and paupers, children with anxious little faces, old people full of
+sympathy, pretty girls sobbing as they went away, and young men who
+relieved their feelings by swearing at all emigrants in general and
+Portuguese in particular. It was touching and comforting to see how many
+loved the good man who was known only by his benefactions and now lay
+suffering far away, quite unconscious how many unsuspected charities
+were brought to light by this grateful solicitude as hidden flowers
+spring up when warm rains fall.
+
+If Rose had ever felt that the gift of living for others was a poor one,
+she saw now how beautiful and blessed it was how rich the returns, how
+wide the influence, how much more precious the tender tie which knit so
+many hearts together than any breath of fame or brilliant talent that
+dazzled but did not win and warm. In after years she found how true her
+uncle's words had been and, listening to eulogies of great men, felt
+less moved and inspired by praises of their splendid gifts than by the
+sight of some good man's patient labor for the poorest of his kind. Her
+heroes ceased to be the world's favorites and became such as Garrison
+fighting for his chosen people; Howe restoring lost senses to the deaf,
+the dumb, and blind; Sumner unbribable, when other men were bought and
+sold and many a large-hearted woman working as quietly as Abby Gibbons,
+who for thirty years had made Christmas merry for two hundred little
+paupers in a city almshouse, besides saving Magdalens and teaching
+convicts.
+
+The lesson came to Rose when she was ready for it, and showed her what
+a noble profession philanthropy is, made her glad of her choice, and
+helped fit her for a long life full of the loving labor and sweet
+satisfaction unostentatious charity brings to those who ask no reward
+and are content if "only God knows."
+
+Several anxious weeks went by with wearing fluctuations of hope and
+fear, for Life and Death fought over the prize each wanted, and more
+than once Death seemed to have won. But Phebe stood at her post, defying
+both danger and Death with the courage and devotion women often show.
+All her soul and strength were in her work, and when it seemed most
+hopeless, she cried out with the passionate energy which seems to send
+such appeals straight up to heaven: "Grant me this one boon, dear Lord,
+and I will never ask another for myself!"
+
+Such prayers avail much, and such entire devotion often seems to work
+miracles when other aids are in vain. Phebe's cry was answered, her
+self-forgetful task accomplished, and her long vigil rewarded with a
+happy dawn. Dr. Alec always said that she kept him alive by the force of
+her will, and that, during the hours when he seemed to lie unconscious,
+he felt a strong, warm hand holding his, as if keeping him away from
+the swift current trying to sweep him away. The happiest hour of all her
+life was that in which he knew her, looked up with the shadow of a smile
+in his hollow eyes, and tried to say in his old cheery way: "Tell Rose
+I've turned the corner, thanks to you, my child."
+
+She answered very quietly, smoothed the pillow, and saw him drop asleep
+again before she stole away into the other room, meaning to write the
+good news, but could only throw herself down and find relief for a full
+heart in the first tears she had shed for weeks. Mac found her there,
+and took such care of her that she was ready to go back to her place now
+indeed a post of honor while he ran off to send home a telegram which
+made many hearts sing for joy and caused Jamie, in his first burst of
+delight, to propose to ring all the city bells and order out the cannon:
+"Saved thanks to God and Phebe."
+
+That was all, but everyone was satisfied, and everyone fell a-crying,
+as if hope needed much salty water to strengthen it. That was soon over,
+however, and then people went about smiling and saying to one another,
+with handshakes or embraces, "He is better no doubt of it now!" A
+general desire to rush away and assure themselves of the truth pervaded
+the family for some days, and nothing but awful threats from Mac, stern
+mandates from the doctor, and entreaties from Phebe not to undo her work
+kept Miss Plenty, Rose, and Aunt Jessie at home.
+
+As the only way in which they could ease their minds and bear the delay,
+they set about spring cleaning with an energy which scared the spiders
+and drove charwomen distracted. If the old house had been infected with
+smallpox, it could not have been more vigorously scrubbed, aired, and
+refreshed. Early as it was, every carpet was routed up, curtains pulled
+down, cushions banged, and glory holes turned out till not a speck of
+dust, a last year's fly, or stray straw could be found. Then they all
+sat down and rested in such an immaculate mansion that one hardly dared
+to move for fear of destroying the shining order everywhere visible.
+
+It was late in April before this was accomplished, and the necessary
+quarantine of the absentees well over. The first mild days seemed to
+come early, so that Dr. Alec might return with safety from the journey
+which had so nearly been his last. It was perfectly impossible to keep
+any member of the family away on that great occasion. They came from all
+quarters in spite of express directions to the contrary, for the invalid
+was still very feeble and no excitement must be allowed. As if the wind
+carried the glad news, Uncle Jem came into port the night before; Will
+and Geordie got a leave on their own responsibility; Steve would have
+defied the entire faculty, had it been necessary; and Uncle Mac and
+Archie said simultaneously, "Business be hanged today."
+
+Of course the aunts arrived in all their best, all cautioning everybody
+else to keep quiet and all gabbling excitedly at the least provocation.
+Jamie suffered the most during that day, so divided was he between the
+desire to behave well and the frantic impulse to shout at the top of his
+voice, turn somersaults, and race all over the house. Occasional bolts
+into the barn, where he let off steam by roaring and dancing jigs, to
+the great dismay of the fat old horses and two sedate cows, helped him
+to get through that trying period.
+
+But the heart that was fullest beat and fluttered in Rose's bosom as
+she went about putting spring flowers everywhere; very silent, but so
+radiant with happiness that the aunts watched her, saying softly to one
+another, "Could an angel look sweeter?"
+
+If angels ever wore pale green gowns and snowdrops in their hair, had
+countenances full of serenest joy, and large eyes shining with an inward
+light that made them very lovely, then Rose did look like one. But she
+felt like a woman and well she might, for was not life very rich that
+day, when Uncle, friend, and lover were coming back to her together?
+Could she ask anything more, except the power to be to all of them the
+creature they believed her, and to return the love they gave her with
+one as faithful, pure, and deep? Among the portraits in the hall hung
+one of Dr. Alec, done soon after his return by Charlie in one of his
+brief fits of inspiration. Only a crayon, but wonderfully lifelike and
+carefully finished, as few of the others were. This had been handsomely
+framed and now held the place of honor, garlanded with green wreaths,
+while the great Indian jar below blazed with a pyramid of hothouse
+flowers sent by Kitty. Rose was giving these a last touch, with Dulce
+close by, cooing over a handful of sweet "daffydowndillies," when the
+sound of wheels sent her flying to the door. She meant to have spoken
+the first welcome and had the first embrace, but when she saw the
+altered face in the carriage, the feeble figure being borne up the steps
+by all the boys, she stood motionless till Phebe caught her in her arms,
+whispering with a laugh and a cry struggling in her voice: "I did it for
+you, my darling, all for you!"
+
+"Oh, Phebe, never say again you owe me anything! I never can repay you
+for this," was all Rose had time to answer as they stood one instant
+cheek to cheek, heart to heart, both too full of happiness for many
+words.
+
+Aunt Plenty had heard the wheels also and, as everybody rose en masse,
+had said as impressively as extreme agitation would allow, while she
+put her glasses on upside down and seized a lace tidy instead of her
+handkerchief: "Stop! All stay here, and let me receive Alec. Remember
+his weak state, and be calm, quite calm, as I am.'
+
+"Yes, Aunt, certainly," was the general murmur of assent, but it was
+as impossible to obey as it would have been to keep feathers still in
+a gale, and one irresistible impulse carried the whole roomful into the
+hall to behold Aunt Plenty beautifully illustrating her own theory of
+composure by waving the tidy wildly, rushing into Dr. Alec's arms, and
+laughing and crying with a hysterical abandonment which even Aunt Myra
+could not have surpassed.
+
+The tearful jubilee was soon over, however, and no one seemed the
+worse for it, for the instant his arms were at liberty, Dr. Alec forgot
+himself and began to make other people happy by saying seriously, though
+his thin face beamed paternally, as he drew Phebe forward: "Aunt Plenty,
+but for this good daughter I never should have come back to be so
+welcomed. Love her for my sake."
+
+Then the old lady came out splendidly and showed her mettle, for,
+turning to Phebe, she bowed her gray head as if saluting an equal and,
+offering her hand, answered with repentance, admiration, and tenderness
+trembling in her voice: "I'm proud to do it for her own sake. I ask
+pardon for my silly prejudices, and I'll prove that I'm sincere by
+where's that boy?"
+
+There were six boys present, but the right one was in exactly the right
+place at the right moment, and, seizing Archie's hand, Aunt Plenty put
+Phebe's into it, trying to say something appropriately solemn, but could
+not, so hugged them both and sobbed out: "If I had a dozen nephews, I'd
+give them all to you, my dear, and dance at the wedding, though I had
+rheumatism in every limb."
+
+That was better than any oration, for it set them all to laughing, and
+Dr. Alec was floated to the sofa on a gentle wave of merriment. Once
+there, everyone but Rose and Aunt Plenty was ordered off by Mac, who was
+in command now and seemed to have sunk the poet in the physician.
+
+"The house must be perfectly quiet, and he must go to sleep as soon as
+possible after the journey, so all say 'good-bye' now and call again
+tomorrow," he said, watching his uncle anxiously as he leaned in the
+sofa corner, with four women taking off his wraps, three boys contending
+for his overshoes, two brothers shaking hands at short intervals, and
+Aunt Myra holding a bottle of strong salts under his devoted nose every
+time there was an opening anywhere.
+
+With difficulty the house was partially cleared, and then, while Aunt
+Plenty mounted guard over her boy, Rose stole away to see if Mac had
+gone with the rest, for as yet they had hardly spoken in the joyful
+flurry, though eyes and hands had met.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 22 SHORT AND SWEET
+
+In the hall she found Steve and Kitty, for he had hidden his little
+sweetheart behind the big couch, feeling that she had a right there,
+having supported his spirits during the late anxiety with great
+constancy and courage. They seemed so cozy, billing and cooing in the
+shadow of the gay vase, that Rose would have slipped silently away if
+they had not seen and called to her. "He's not gone I guess you'll find
+him in the parlor," said Steve, divining with a lover's instinct the
+meaning of the quick look she had cast at the hat rack as she shut the
+study door behind her.
+
+"Mercy, no! Archie and Phebe are there, so he'd have the sense to pop
+into the sanctum and wait, unless you'd like me to go and bring him
+out?" added Kitty, smoothing Rose's ruffled hair and settling the
+flowers on the bosom where Uncle Alec's head had lain until he fell
+asleep.
+
+"No, thank you, I'll go to him when I've seen my Phebe. She won't mind
+me," answered Rose, moving on to the parlor.
+
+"Look here," called Steve, "do advise them to hurry up and all be
+married at once. We were just ready when Uncle fell ill, and now we
+cannot wait a day later than the first of May."
+
+"Rather short notice," laughed Rose, looking back with the doorknob in
+her hand.
+
+"We'll give up all our splendor, and do it as simply as you like, if
+you will only come too. Think how lovely! Three weddings at once! Do
+fly round and settle things there's a dear," implored Kitty, whose
+imagination was fired with this romantic idea.
+
+"How can I, when I have no bridegroom yet?" began Rose, with conscious
+color in her telltale face.
+
+"Sly creature! You know you've only got to say a word and have a famous
+one. Una and her lion will be nothing to it," cried Steve, bent on
+hastening his brother's affair, which was much too dilatory and peculiar
+for his taste.
+
+"He has been in no haste to come home, and I am in no haste to leave it.
+Don't wait for me, 'Mr. and Mrs. Harry Walmers, Jr.,' I shall be a year
+at least making up my mind, so you may lead off as splendidly as you
+like and I'll profit by your experience." And Rose vanished into the
+parlor, leaving Steve to groan over the perversity of superior women and
+Kitty to comfort him by promising to marry him on May Day "all alone."
+
+A very different couple occupied the drawing room, but a happier one,
+for they had known the pain of separation and were now enjoying the
+bliss of a reunion which was to last unbroken for their lives. Phebe sat
+in an easy chair, resting from her labors, pale and thin and worn, but
+lovelier in Archie's eyes than ever before. It was very evident that he
+was adoring his divinity, for, after placing a footstool at her feet, he
+had forgotten to get up and knelt there with his elbow on the arm of
+her chair, looking like a thirsty man drinking long drafts of the purest
+water.
+
+"Shall I disturb you if I pass through?" asked Rose, loath to spoil the
+pretty tableau.
+
+"Not if you stop a minute on the way and congratulate me, Cousin, for
+she says 'yes' at last!" cried Archie, springing up to go and bring her
+to the arms Phebe opened as she appeared.
+
+"I knew she would reward your patience and put away her pride when both
+had been duly tried," said Rose, laying the tired head on her bosom with
+such tender admiration in her eyes that Phebe had to shake some bright
+drops from her own before she could reply in a tone of grateful humility
+that showed how much her heart was touched: "How can I help it, when
+they are all so kind to me? Any pride would melt away under such praise
+and thanks and loving wishes as I've had today, for every member of the
+family has taken pains to welcome me, to express far too much gratitude,
+and to beg me to be one of you. I needed very little urging, but when
+Archie's father and mother came and called me 'daughter,' I would have
+promised anything to show my love for them."
+
+"And him," added Rose, but Archie seemed quite satisfied and kissed the
+hand he held as if it had been that of a beloved princess while he said
+with all the pride Phebe seemed to have lost: "Think what she gives up
+for me fame and fortune and the admiration of many a better man. You
+don't know what a splendid prospect she has of becoming one of the sweet
+singers who are loved and honored everywhere, and all this she puts away
+for my sake, content to sing for me alone, with no reward but love."
+
+"I am so glad to make a little sacrifice for a great happiness I never
+shall regret it or think my music lost if it makes home cheerful for my
+mate. Birds sing sweetest in their own nests, you know." And Phebe bent
+toward him with a look and gesture which plainly showed how willingly
+she offered up all ambitious hopes upon the altar of a woman's happy
+love.
+
+Both seemed to forget that they were not alone, and in a moment they
+were, for a sudden impulse carried Rose to the door of her sanctum, as
+if the south wind which seemed to have set in was wafting this little
+ship also toward the Islands of the Blessed, where the others were
+safely anchored now.
+
+The room was a blaze of sunshine and a bower of spring freshness and
+fragrance, for here Rose had let her fancy have free play, and each
+garland, fern, and flower had its meaning. Mac seemed to have been
+reading this sweet language of symbols, to have guessed why Charlie's
+little picture was framed in white roses, why <DW29>s hung about his
+own, why Psyche was half hidden among feathery sprays of maidenhair, and
+a purple passion flower lay at Cupid's feet. The last fancy evidently
+pleased him, for he was smiling over it, and humming to himself as if
+to beguile his patient waiting, the burden of the air Rose had so often
+sung to him:
+
+"Bonny lassie, will ye gang, will ye gang To the birks of Aberfeldie?"
+
+"Yes, Mac, anywhere!"
+
+He had not heard her enter, and wheeling around, looked at her with a
+radiant face as he said, drawing a long breath, "At last! You were so
+busy over the dear man, I got no word. But I can wait I'm used to it."
+
+Rose stood quite still, surveying him with a new sort of reverence in
+her eyes, as she answered with a sweet solemnity that made him laugh and
+redden with the sensitive joy of one to whom praise from her lips was
+very precious: "You forget that you are not the Mac who went away. I
+should have run to meet my cousin, but I did not dare to be familiar
+with the poet whom all begin to honor."
+
+"You like the mixture, then? You know I said I'd try to give you love
+and poetry together."
+
+"Like it! I'm so glad, so proud, I haven't any words strong and
+beautiful enough to half express my wonder and my admiration. How could
+you do it, Mac?" And a whole face full of smiles broke loose as Rose
+clapped her hands, looking as if she could dance with sheer delight.
+
+"It did itself, up there among the hills, and here with you, or out
+alone upon the sea. I could write a heavenly poem this very minute, and
+put you in as Spring you look like her in that green gown with snowdrops
+in your bonny hair. Rose, am I getting on a little? Does a hint of fame
+help me nearer to the prize I'm working for? Is your heart more willing
+to be won?"
+
+He did not stir a step, but looked at her with such intense longing that
+his glance seemed to draw her nearer like an irresistible appeal, for
+she went and stood before him, holding out both hands, as if she offered
+all her little store, as she said with simplest sincerity: "It is not
+worth so much beautiful endeavor, but if you still want so poor a thing,
+it is yours."
+
+He caught her hands in his and seemed about to take the rest of her, but
+hesitated for an instant, unable to believe that so much happiness was
+true.
+
+"Are you sure, Rose very sure? Don't let a momentary admiration blind
+you I'm not a poet yet, and the best are but mortal men, you know."
+
+"It is not admiration, Mac."
+
+"Nor gratitude for the small share I've taken in saving Uncle? I had my
+debt to pay, as well as Phebe, and was as glad to risk my life."
+
+"No it is not gratitude."
+
+"Nor pity for my patience? I've only done a little yet, and I am as far
+as ever from being like your hero. I can work and wait still longer if
+you are not sure, for I must have all or nothing."
+
+"Oh, Mac! Why will you be so doubtful? You said you'd make me love
+you, and you've done it. Will you believe me now?" And, with a sort of
+desperation, she threw herself into his arms, clinging there in eloquent
+silence while he held her close; feeling, with a thrill of tender
+triumph, that this was no longer little Rose, but a loving woman, ready
+to live and die for him.
+
+"Now I'm satisfied!" he said presently, when she lifted up her face,
+full of maidenly shame at the sudden passion which had carried her out
+of herself for a moment. "No don't slip away so soon. Let me keep you
+for one blessed minute and feel that I have really found my Psyche."
+
+"And I my Cupid," answered Rose, laughing, in spite of her emotion, at
+the idea of Mac in that sentimental character.
+
+He laughed, too, as only a happy lover could, then said, with sudden
+seriousness: "Sweet soul! Lift up your lamp and look well before it is
+too late, for I'm no god, only a very faulty man."
+
+"Dear love! I will. But I have no fear, except that you will fly too
+high for me to follow, because I have no wings."
+
+"You shall live the poetry, and I will write it, so my little gift will
+celebrate your greater one."
+
+"No you shall have all the fame, and I'll be content to be known only as
+the poet's wife."
+
+"And I'll be proud to own that my best inspiration comes from the
+beneficent life of a sweet and noble woman."
+
+"Oh, Mac! We'll work together and try to make the world better by the
+music and the love we leave behind us when we go."
+
+"Please God, we will!" he answered fervently and, looking at her as she
+stood there in the spring sunshine, glowing with the tender happiness,
+high hopes, and earnest purposes that make life beautiful and sacred, he
+felt that now the last leaf had folded back, the golden heart lay open
+to the light, and his Rose had bloomed.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rose in Bloom, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+*** 
\ No newline at end of file