"I don't care for that; if he'll
just drop those row-dies and come back,I'll hold my tongue and not preach. I wonder if he owes those fellowsmoney, and so doesn't like to break off till he can pay it. I hope not,but don't dare to ask; though, perhaps, Steve knows, he's always afterPrince, more's the pity," and Archie looked anxious.
"I think Steve does know, for he talked about debts of honour the day Igave him--" There Rose stopped short and turned scarlet.
But Archie ordered her to "fess," and had the whole story in fiveminutes, for none dared disobey the Chief. He completed her afflictionby putting a five-dollar bill into her pocket by main force, lookingboth indignant and resolute as he said,
"Never do so again; but send Steve to me, if he is afraid to go to hisfather. Charlie had nothing to do with that; he wouldn't borrow a pennyof a girl, don't think it. But that's the harm he does Steve, who adoreshim, and tries to be like him in all things. Don't say a word; I'll makeit all right, and no one shall blame you."
"Oh me! I always make trouble by trying to help, and then letting outthe wrong thing," sighed Rose, much depressed by her slip of the tongue.
Archie comforted her with the novel remark that it was always best totell the truth, and made her quite cheerful by promising to heal thebreach with Charlie as soon as possible.
He kept his word so well that the very next afternoon, as Rose lookedout of the window, she beheld the joyful spectacle of Archie and Princecoming up the avenue, arm-in-arm, as of old, talking away as if to makeup for the unhappy silence of the past weeks.
Rose dropped her work, hurried to the door, and, opening it wide, stoodthere smiling down upon them so happily, that the faces of the ladsbrightened as they ran up the steps eager to show that all was well withthem.
"Here's our little peace-maker!" said Archie, shaking hands with vigour.
But Charlie added, with a look that made Rose very proud and happy, "Andmy little sister."
Chapter 24--Which?
"Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, the dayafter the reconciliation of Archie and the Prince.
"Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec, who was "planking thedeck," as he called his daily promenade up and down the hall.
"To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming with satisfactionas she spoke. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girlshad better learn to take care of themselves first. But that's becauseshe hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have."
"She is right, nevertheless, Rosy, and so are you, for the two things gotogether, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doing muchto improve one lass," said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod and smile at thebright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair, after a livelygame of battledore and shuttlecock, in place of a run which a stormprevented.
"Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must takecare of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, and askadvice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what to do,and I'm going to consult you privately and then surprise them with mywisdom."
"All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you have something onyour little mind, so come and tell uncle."
Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all aboutCharlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be a realsister to him.
"Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara a month?"asked the Doctor, when she ended.
"Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?"
"The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Rose andwater, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?" laughedDr. Alec.
"You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stay athome and keep out of mischief?"
"Exactly."
"But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys."
"No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm after you like beesafter their queen. Haven't you found that out?"
"Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so much before Icame, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemed so natural tohave them round."
"Little modesty doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she will find itout some day," and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek that had grownrosy with pleasure at the thought of being so much loved. "Now, you see,if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara's, the lads will go there as sure asiron to steel, and Charlie will be so happy at home he won't care forthese mischievous mates of his I hope," added the Doctor, well knowinghow hard it was to wean a seventeen-year-old boy from his first taste ofwhat is called "seeing life," which, alas! often ends in seeing death.
"I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, and willbe glad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and see lots ofcompany, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let it hurt me;and if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you,"answered Rose, good-will conquering timidity.
So it was decided, and without saying much about the real reason forthis visit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling that she hada work to do, and very eager to do it well.
Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow their queen,and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity in making calls,dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics. Charlie was adevoted host, and tried to show his gratitude by being very kind to his"little sister," for he guessed why she came, and his heart was touchedby her artless endeavours to "help him be good."
Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simpler pleasuresand more useful duties of the life there; but, having made up her mind,in spite of Phebe, that "girls were made to take care of boys," heremotherly little soul found much to enjoy in the new task she hadundertaken.
It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl among theflock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please them witha patient affection that worked many a small miracle unperceived. Slang,rough manners, and careless habits were banished or bettered by thepresence of a little gentlewoman; and all the manly virtues cropping upwere encouraged by the hearty admiration bestowed upon them by one whosegood opinion all valued more than they confessed; while Rose tried toimitate the good qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlishvanities and fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as wellas modest, kind, and beautiful.
This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac and Stevedemanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling that she wouldlike to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did at parting, "I wish Icould keep you all my life, dear."
After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company bore her awayfor some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she felt as if she wouldlike to stay for ever, if she could have Uncle Alec also.
Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secret despair,Rose went to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called her gloomy abode.Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alec dropped in so oftenthat her visit was far less dismal than she expected. Between them, theyactually made Aunt Myra laugh heartily more than once; and Rose did herso much good by letting in the sunshine, singing about the silent house,cooking wholesome messes, and amusing the old lady with funny littlelectures on physiology, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up"Mum's Elixir," because she slept so well, after the long walks anddrives she was beguiled into taking, that she needed no narcotic.
So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose was fairlysettled again at home. They called her the "Monthly Rose," becauseshe had spent a month with each of the aunts, and left such pleasantmemories of bloom and fragrance behind her, that all wanted the familyflower back again.
Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as the timedrew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many a secret fearthat Rose might like to make her home for the next twelve month withAunt Jessie, or even Aunt Clara, for Charlie's sake. He said nothing,but waited with much anxiety
for the day when the matter should bedecided; and while he waited he did his best to finish as far aspossible the task he had begun so well.
Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying the beautifulawakening of the world, for spring came bright and early, as if anxiousto do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded round her windows, greenthings sprung up like magic in the garden under her hands, hardy flowersbloomed as fast as they could, the birds sang blithely overhead, andevery day a chorus of pleasant voices cried, "Good morning, cousin,isn't it jolly weather?"
No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which resultedin the Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least); so when theaunts were invited to tea one Saturday they came quite unsuspiciously,and were all sitting together having a social chat, when Brother Alecentered with two photographs in his hand.
"Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, who happenedto be nearest.
"Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad,unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."
The picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very likeRose a year ago." This point being settled, the Doctor showed the secondpicture, which was received with great approbation, and pronounced a"charming likeness."
It certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was ablooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with no signof melancholy, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and the lines aboutthe lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, falling backa step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for severalminutes, then wheeled round, saying briefly, as he pointed to the twofaces,
"Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded, ladies?"
"Bless me, so it is!" cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in hersurprise.
"Beautifully, dear," answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval.
"She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and she hadno constitution to build upon," croaked Aunt Myra.
"I am willing to allow that, as far as mere health goes, the experimentis a success," graciously observed Aunt Jane, unable to forget Rose'skindness to her Mac.
"So am I; and I'll go farther, for I really do believe Alec has donewonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years,"added Aunt Clara, feeling that she could say nothing better than that.
"I always knew he would succeed, and I'm so glad you all allow it, forhe deserves more credit than you know, and more praise than he willever get," cried Aunt Jessie, clapping her hands with an enthusiasm thatcaused Jamie's little red stocking to wave like a triumphal banner inthe air.
Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and then saidsoberly,
"Thank you; now the question is, shall I go on? for this is only thebeginning. None of you know the hindrances I've had, the mistakes I'vemade, the study I've given the case, and the anxiety I've often felt.Sister Myra is right is one thing Rose is a delicate creature, quick toflourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop without it. She has nospecial weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitive nature, and needsthe wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardent little soul fromwearing out a finely organised little body. I think I have found theright treatment, and; with you to help me, I believe we may build up alovely and a noble woman, who will be a pride and comfort to us all."
There Dr. Alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken veryearnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words. Agentle murmur from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and he went onwith an engaging smile, for the good man was slyly trying to win all theladies to vote for him when the time came.
"Now, I don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because I am herguardian, and I shall leave Rose free to choose for herself. We all wanther, and if she likes to make her home with any of you rather than withme, she shall do so. In fact, I encouraged her visits last winter, thatshe might see what we can all offer her, and judge where she will behappiest. Is not that the fairest way? Will you agree to abide by herchoice, as I do?"
"Yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement atthe prospect of having Rose for a whole year.
"Good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle the questionfor another year. A most important year, mind you, for she has got agood start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goes well with her. SoI beg of you don't undo my work, but deal very wisely and gently withmy little girl, for if any harm come to her, I think it would break myheart."
As he spoke, Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly and affected to beexamining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dear thechild was to the solitary man who had loved her mother years ago, andwho now found his happiness in cherishing the little Rose who was solike her. The good ladies nodded and sighed, and telegraphed to oneanother that none of them would complain if not chosen, or ever try torob Brother Alec of his "Heart's Delight," as the boys called Rose.
Just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the garden, andsmiles broke out on all serious faces. Dr. Alec turned at once, saying,as he threw back his head, "There she is; now for it!"
The cousins had been a-Maying, and soon came flocking in laden with thespoils.
"Here is our bonny Scotch rose with all her thorns about her," said Dr.Alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as she went toshow Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, fresh leaves, andcurious lichens.
"Leave your clutter in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if youchoose to stop here, for we are busy," said Aunt Plenty, shaking herfinger at the turbulent Clan, who were bubbling over with the jollityborn of spring sunshine and healthy exercise.
"Of course, we choose to stay! Wouldn't miss our Saturday high tea foranything," said the Chief, as he restored order among his men with anod, a word, and an occasional shake.
"What is up? a court-martial?" asked Charlie, looking at the assembledladies with affected awe and real curiosity, for these faces betrayedthat some interesting business was afloat.
Dr. Alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief and calm as hecould; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, for each of the ladsbegan at once to bribe, entice, and wheedle "our cousin" to choose hishome.
"You really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish, youknow, for she must be perfectly satiated with boys," began Archie, usingthe strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
"Oh, do! we'll never slam, or bounce at you or call you 'fraid cat,' if youonly will," besought Geordie and Will, distorting their countenances in theattempt to smile with overpowering sweetness.
"And I'll always wash my hands 'fore I touch you, and you shall be my dolly,'cause Pokey's gone away, and I'll love you _hard_," cried Jamie, clingingto her with his chubby face full of affection.
"Brothers and sister ought to live together; especially when the brotherneeds some one to make home pleasant for him," added Charlie, with thewheedlesome tone and look that Rose always found so difficult to resist.
"You had her longest, and it's our turn now; Mac needs her more than you do,Prince, for she's 'the light of his eyes,' he says. Come, Rose, choose us,and I'll never use the musky pomade you hate again as long as I live," saidSteve, with his most killing air, as he offered this noble sacrifice.
Mac peered wistfully over his goggles, saying in an unusually wide-awake andearnest way, --
"Do, cousin, then we can study chemistry together. My experiments don't blowup very often now, and the gases aren't at all bad when you get used tothem."
Rose meantime had stood quite still, with the flowers dropping from herhands as her eyes went from one eager face to another, while smiles rippledover her own at the various enticements offered her. During the laugh thatfollowed Mac's handsome proposition, she looked at her uncle, whose eyeswere fixed on her with an expression of love and longing that went to herheart.
"Ah! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! I've often longed to give himsomething that he wished for very much, and now I can."
So, when, at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace, silence fell, Rose saidslowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseeching look aboutthe room, as if asking pardon of the boys,
"It's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me; therefore Ithink I'd better go to the one who seems to need me most."
"No, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with," saidDr. Alec quickly, as a doleful sniff from Aunt Myra, and a murmur of "Mysainted Caroline," made Rose pause and look that way.
"Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, andremember, 'Codlin's your friend,'" added Charlie, hopeful still.
"I don't want any time! I know who I love best, who I'm happiestwith, and I choose uncle. Will he have me?" cried Rose, in a tone thatproduced a sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so full oftender confidence and love.
If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished itwithout a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them,feeling that home was there.
No one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion among theaunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before the water-worksbegan to play. So they took hands and began to prance about uncle andniece, singing, with sudden inspiration, the nursery rhyme,
"Ring around a Rosy!"
Of course that put an end to all sentiment, and Rose emerged laughingfrom Dr. Alec's bosom, with the mark of a waistcoat button nicelyimprinted on her left cheek. He saw it, and said with a merry kiss thathalf effaced it, "This is my ewe lamb, and I have set my mark on her, sono one can steal her away."
That tickled the boys, and they set up a shout of,
"Uncle had a little lamb!"
But Rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and making themdance prettily like lads and lasses round a May-pole; while Phebe,coming in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter, chirp, andcoo, as if all the birds of the air had come to join in the spring revelof the eight cousins.