As she blushed and stammered over these words, Dr. Alec turned his eyes away to the distant sea, and said so seriously, so tenderly, that she felt every word and long remembered them,. It is my fault that I am a stranger to you, when I want to be your best friend. That is one of my mistakes, and I never repented it more deeply than I do now.
Your father and I had a trouble once, and I thought I could never forgive him; so I kept away for years. Thank God, we made it all up the last time I saw him, and he told me then, that if he was forced to leave her he should bequeath his little girl to me as a token of his love. I can't fill his place, but I shall try to be a father to her; and if she learns to love me half as well as she did the good one she has lost, I shall be a proud and happy man. Will she believe this and try?
Something in Uncle Alec's face touched Rose to the heart, and when he held out his hand with that anxious troubled look in his eyes, she was moved to put up her innocent lips and seal the contract with a confiding kiss.
The strong arm held her close a minute, and she felt the broad chest heave once as if with a great sigh of relief; but not a word was spoken till a tap at the door made both start. Alec hastily rubbed the sleeve of his jacket across his eyes and began to whistle again. But she did not get it, for a brown hand took possession of it as her uncle said quickly,. Do you drink all this strong coffee every morning, Rose?
Auntie says it 'tones' me up, and I always feel better after it. No more coffee for you, my dear, and by and by you'll see that I am right. Any new milk downstairs, Phebe? Go bring me a pitcherful, and another cup; I want a draught myself. This won't hurt the honeysuckles, for they have no nerves to speak of. Alec saw the injured look she put on, but took no notice, and presently banished it by saying pleasantly,. That reminds me; one of the boxes Phebe wanted to lug upstairs last night is for you.
Knowing that I was coming home to find a ready-made daughter, I picked up all sorts of odd and pretty trifles along the way, hoping she would be able to find something she liked among them all. Early to-morrow we'll have a grand rummage. Here's our milk! I propose the health of Miss Rose Campbell and drink it with all my heart. It was impossible for Rose to pout with the prospect of a delightful boxful of gifts dancing before her eyes; so, in spite of herself, she smiled as she drank her own health, and found that fresh milk was not a hard dose to take.
Alec, preparing to descend the way he came. Good-bye till breakfast. When her uncle appeared at sound of the bell, he found her surveying with an anxious face a new dish that smoked upon the table. Well, never mind. No hot bread and fried stuff for them, and they are the biggest and bonniest lads of the lot. Bless you, auntie, and good morning! Alec turned to greet the old lady, and, with a firm resolve to eat or die in the attempt, Rose sat down.
In five minutes she forgot what she was eating, so interested was she in the chat that went on. Only I must send the sisters word of my arrival, for they don't expect me till to-morrow, you know, and there will be a row in church if those boys see me without warning. Alec was off at once, and they saw no more of him till the old barouche was at the door, and Aunt Plenty just rustling downstairs in her Sunday best, with Rose like a little black shadow behind her.
Away they drove in state, and all the way Uncle Alec's hat was more off his head than on, for everyone they met smiled and bowed, and gave him as blithe a greeting as the day permitted.
It was evident that the warning had been a wise one, for, in spite of time and place, the lads were in such a ferment that their elders sat in momentary dread of an unseemly outbreak somewhere. It was simply impossible to keep those fourteen eyes off Uncle Alec, and the dreadful things that were done during sermon-time will hardly be believed. Rose dared not look up after a while, for these bad boys vented their emotions upon her till she was ready to laugh and cry with mingled amusement and vexation.
Her only salvation was trying to fix her attention upon Uncle Mac a portly, placid gentleman, who seemed entirely unconscious of the iniquities of the Clan, and dozed peacefully in his pew corner. Uncle Mac was a merchant, very rich and busy, and as quiet as a mouse at home, for he was in such a minority among the women folk he dared not open his lips, and let his wife rule undisturbed.
Rose liked the big, kindly, silent man who came to her when papa died, was always sending her splendid boxes of goodies at school, and often invited her into his great warehouse, full of teas and spices, wines and all sorts of foreign fruits, there to eat and carry away whatever she liked. She had secretly regretted that he was not to be her guardian; but since she had seen Uncle Alec she felt better about it, for she did not particularly admire Aunt Jane.
When church was over, Dr. Alec got into the porch as quickly as possible, and there the young bears had a hug all round, while the sisters shook hands and welcomed him with bright faces and glad hearts. Rose was nearly crushed flat behind a door in that dangerous passage from pew to porch; but Uncle Mac rescued her, and put her into the carriage for safe keeping.
But I cannot ask the boys, for we did not expect this dear fellow till tomorrow, you know, so I made no preparations. In any other place the defrauded boys would have set up a howl; as it was, they growled and protested till Dr. Alec settled the matter by saying,. All dinner-time Rose felt that she was going to be talked about, and afterward she was sure of it, for Aunt Plenty whispered to her as they went into the parlour,.
She likes to have you read while she rests, and we are going to be busy. Rose obeyed, and the quiet rooms above were so like a church that she soon composed her ruffled feelings, and was unconsciously a little minister of happiness to the sweet old lady, who for years had sat there patiently waiting to be set free from pain. Rose knew the sad romance of her life, and it gave a certain tender charm to this great-aunt of hers, whom she already loved.
When Peace was twenty, she was about to be married; all was done, the wedding dress lay ready, the flowers were waiting to be put on, the happy hour at hand, when word came that the lover was dead. They thought that gentle Peace would die, too; but she bore it bravely, put away her bridal gear, took up her life afresh, and lived on a beautiful, meek woman, with hair as white as snow and cheeks that never bloomed again.
She wore no black, but soft, pale colours, as if always ready for the marriage that had never come. For thirty years she had lived on, fading slowly, but cheerful, busy, and full of interest in all that went on in the family; especially the joys and sorrows of the young girls growing up about her, and to them she was adviser, confidante, and friend in all their tender trials and delights. A truly beautiful old maiden, with her silvery hair, tranquil face, and an atmosphere of repose about her that soothed whoever came to her!
Aunt Plenty was utterly dissimilar, being a stout, brisk old lady, with a sharp eye, a lively tongue, and a face like a winter-apple.
Always trotting, chatting, and bustling, she was a regular Martha, cumbered with the cares of this world and quite happy in them. Rose was right; and while she softly read psalms to Aunt Peace, the other ladies were talking about her little self in the frankest manner. Poor George led such a solitary life that the child has suffered in many ways, and since he died she has been going on worse than ever, judging from the state I find her in.
I always told George he was wrong to bring her up as he did; but he never took my advice, and now here we are with this poor dear child upon our hands.
I, for one, freely confess that I don't know what to do with her any more than if she was one of those strange, outlandish birds you used to bring home from foreign parts.
But our aunt thought best to remove her because she complained, and she has been dawdling about ever since she came. Jane, severely. She had never forgiven the old ladies for yielding to Rose's pathetic petition that she might wait her guardian's arrival before beginning another term at the school, which was a regular Blimber hot-bed, and turned out many a feminine Toots. Uncle Alec, who had listened silently as each spoke, turned quickly towards the last sister, and said, with a decided nod of approval,.
Jessie, smiling back at him with a heart full of motherly goodwill. Jane, in her hard voice. Alec detained her, feeling that he must define his position at once, and maintain it manfully if he hoped to have any success in his new undertaking. You have had her among you for a year, and done what you liked. I cannot say that your success is great, but that is owing to too many fingers in the pie. Now, I intend to try my way for a year, and if at the end of it she is not in better trim than now, I'll give up the case, and hand her over to someone else.
That's fair, I think. Myra, you are enough to damp the ardour of a saint! Alec, with a sudden spark in his eyes. You have put it into her head that she has no constitution, and she rather likes the idea. If she had not had a pretty good one, she would have been 'marked for the tomb' by this time, at the rate you have been going on with her.
I will not have any interference please understand that; so just wash your hands of her, and let me manage till I want help, then I'll ask for it. Jane, grimly. Alec, with a humorous look that tickled the others immensely, for it was a well-known fact in the family that Jane's boys were more indulged than all the other lads put together.
Jane, much nettled at her brother's last hit. Aunt Jessie said not a word, but kissed her little niece, with a look of tender sympathy that made Rose cling to her a minute, and follow her with grateful eyes as the door closed behind her. After everybody had gone home, Dr. Alec paced up and down the lower hall in the twilight for an hour, thinking so intently that sometimes he frowned, sometimes he smiled, and more than once he stood still in a brown study. All of a sudden he said, half aloud, as if he had made up his mind,.
Diving into one of the trunks that stood in a corner, he brought up, after a brisk rummage, a silken cushion, prettily embroidered, and a quaint cup of dark carved wood. I must beguile her gently and pleasantly along till I've won her confidence, and then she will be ready for anything. Just then Phebe came out of the dining-room with a plate of brown bread, for Rose had been allowed no hot biscuit for tea.
Alec, and, helping himself to a generous slice, he retired to the study, leaving Phebe to wonder at his appetite. She would have wondered still more if she had seen him making that brown bread into neat little pills, which he packed into an attractive ivory box, out of which he emptied his own bits of lovage.
Rose was playing softly on the small organ that stood in the upper hall, so that Aunt Peace could enjoy it; and all the while he talked with the old ladies, Uncle Alec was listening to the fitful music of the child, and thinking of another Rose who used to play for him.
Come and see what I've found for you to begin upon. Rose ran in and listened with bright attentive face, while Dr. Alec said impressively,. This is a herb-pillow, given to me by a wise old woman when I was ill in India.
It is filled with saffron, poppies, and other soothing plants; so lay your little head on it to-night, sleep sweetly without a dream, and wake to-morrow without a pain. How nice it smells. Its virtue depends, they say, on the drinker filling it himself; so you must learn to milk.
I'll teach you. It is a very simple one, and very large quantities may be taken without harm. You know hasheesh is the extract of hemp? Well, this is a preparation of corn and rye, much used in old times, and I hope it will be again. Alec's gravity. Then, as she vanished, he put both hands into his hair, exclaiming, with a comical mixture of anxiety and amusement,.
When Rose came out of her chamber, cup in hand, next morning, the first person she saw was Uncle Alec standing on the threshold of the room opposite, which he appeared to be examining with care. When he heard her step, he turned about and began to sing,.
Before either spoke, a head, in a nightcap so large and beruffled that it looked like a cabbage, popped out of a room farther down the hall, and an astonished voice exclaimed,. Look here, auntie, can I have this room?
Alec, making her a sailor's bow. And may I go rummaging round in the garrets and glory-holes to furnish it as I like? I'll stay, ma'am; here's my little anchor, so you will get more than you want of me this time. Put on your jacket, Rose. Don't tire her out with antics, Alec. Yes, sister, I'm coming!
The first milking lesson was a droll one; but after several scares and many vain attempts, Rose at last managed to fill her cup, while Ben held Clover's tail so that it could not flap, and Dr. Alec kept her from turning to stare at the new milkmaid, who objected to both these proceedings very much.
Off with you! Anxious to please him, she raced round the beds till she came back to the porch where he stood, and, dropping down upon the steps, she sat panting, with cheeks as rosy as the rigolette on her shoulders. That belt is too tight; unfasten it, then you can take a long breath without panting so. Her uncle's only answer was to lift her up and unhook the new belt of which she was so proud.
The moment the clasp was open the belt flew apart several inches, for it was impossible to restrain the involuntary sigh of relief that flatly contradicted her words. Alec, surveying the belt with great disfavour as he put the clasp forward several holes, to Rose's secret dismay, for she was proud of her slender figure, and daily rejoiced that she wasn't as stout as Luly Miller, a former schoolmate, who vainly tried to repress her plumpness.
That is what I want you to do, and when you have filled this out we will go on enlarging it till your waist is more like that of Hebe, goddess of health, and less like that of a fashion-plate the ugliest thing imaginable.
Just smell how nice. A soft silken sash is much fitter for a pretty child like you than a plated harness like this; and I've got no end of Italian scarfs and Turkish sashes among my traps. The last word and the funny tone in which it was uttered were too much for Dr. Alec, and he laughed in spite of himself, to Rose's great relief. If you dear little girls would only learn what real beauty is, and not pinch and starve and bleach yourselves out so, you'd save an immense deal of time and money and pain.
A happy soul in a healthy body makes the best sort of beauty for man or woman. Do you understand that, my dear? It nettled her sadly, and she showed that it did by saying quickly,. I haven't seen a prettier picture for some time than she made of herself this morning, up to the elbows in suds, singing like a blackbird whilst she scrubbed on the back stoop. Alec, as they rose from breakfast.
Every little girl can easily imagine what an extra good time she had diving into a sea of treasures and fishing up one pretty thing after another, till the air was full of the mingled odours of musk and sandalwood, the room gay with bright colours, and Rose in a rapture of delight.
She began to forgive Dr. Alec for the oatmeal diet when she saw a lovely ivory workbox; became resigned to the state of her belt when she found a pile of rainbow-coloured sashes; and when she came to some distractingly pretty bottles of attar of rose, she felt that they almost atoned for the great sin of thinking Phebe the finer girl of the two.
Alec meanwhile had apparently taken Aunt Plenty at her word, and was turning the house upside down. A general revolution was evidently going on in the green-room, for the dark damask curtains were seen bundling away in Phebe's arms; the air-tight stove retiring to the cellar on Ben's shoulder; and the great bedstead going up garret in a fragmentary state, escorted by three bearers.
Aunt Plenty was constantly on the trot among her store-rooms, camphor-chests, and linen-closets, looking as if the new order of things both amazed and amused her. Half the peculiar performances of Dr. Alec cannot be revealed; but as Rose glanced up from her box now and then she caught glimpses of him striding by, bearing a bamboo chair, a pair of ancient andirons, a queer Japanese screen, a rug or two, and finally a large bathing-pan upon his head.
Rose did not see the smile, for just at that moment her uncle paused at the door, and she sprang up to dance before him, saying, with a face full of childish happiness,. I'm splendid I don't know myself. I haven't put these things on right, I dare say, but I do like them so much! He did not say it, but he thought she made a much prettier picture than Phebe at the wash-tub, for she had stuck a purple fez on her blonde head, tied several brilliant scarfs about her waist, and put on a truly gorgeous scarlet jacket with a golden sun embroidered on the back, a silver moon on the front, and stars of all sizes on the sleeves.
A pair of Turkish slippers adorned her feet, and necklaces of amber, coral, and filigree hung about her neck, while one hand held a smelling-bottle, and the other the spicy box of oriental sweetmeats. It will do your spirits good, and cheer up this sober old house.
Won't it, auntie? Alec, patting a pile of muslin, cloth and silk with a knowing air. Aunt Peace and Rose laughed so that he could not display his knowledge any farther, till they stopped, when he said good-naturedly,. I suppose it wouldn't do to give Phebe some of them? Uncle might not like it. If she was my sister it would do, because sisters don't mind, but she isn't, and that makes it bad, you see.
I know how I can manage beautifully; I'll adopt her! The sweet old face looked at her so kindly that Rose was fired with a desire to settle the matter at once, and rushed away to the kitchen, just as she was. Won't that be nice? No wonder Phebe asked, for Rose talked very fast, and looked so odd in her new costume, and was so eager she could not stop to explain.
Seeing Phebe's bewilderment, she quieted down and said, with a pretty air of earnestness,. I thought if I adopted you as much as I can now, it would be nicer. Will you let me, please? To Rose's great surprise, Phebe sat down on the floor and hid her face in her apron for a minute without answering a word.
But Phebe gave her another surprise, by dropping the apron and showing a face all smiles, in spite of tears in the eyes, as she put both arms round Rose and said, with a laugh and sob,. You didn't cry because I seemed to be kind of patronising? Phebe understood that, for she had a good deal of natural refinement, though she did come from the poor-house.
Here, have some more, and eat 'em while you work, and think what I can do. I must go and clear up, so good-bye, and don't forget I've adopted you. Soon after dinner, and before she had got acquainted with half her new possessions, Dr. Alec proposed a drive, to carry round the first instalment of gifts to the aunts and cousins. Rose was quite ready to go, being anxious to try a certain soft burnous from the box, which not only possessed a most engaging little hood, but had funny tassels bobbing in all directions.
The big carriage was full of parcels, and even Ben's seat was loaded with Indian war clubs, a Chinese kite of immense size, and a pair of polished ox-horns from Africa. Uncle Alec, very blue as to his clothes, and very brown as to his face, sat bolt upright, surveying well known places with interest, while Rose, feeling unusually elegant and comfortable, leaned back folded in her soft mantle, and played she was an Eastern princess making a royal progress among her subjects.
At three of the places their calls were brief, for Aunt Myra's catarrh was unusually bad; Aunt Clara had a room full of company; and Aunt Jane showed such a tendency to discuss the population, productions, and politics of Europe, Asia and Africa, that even Dr. Alec was dismayed, and got away as soon as possible. Yes, there is Jamie on the gate watching for us; now you'll see the Clan gather; they are always swarming about together.
Come down and see the fun right away! Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on, but such a beaming face below it that one rather thought the fly-away head-gear an improvement than otherwise. The great horns skirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling; the war clubs hurtled over her head as if to annihilate her; an amazing medley from the four quarters of the globe filled her lap, and seven excited boys all talked to her at once.
But she liked it; oh dear, yes! Alec threaten instant flight if the riot was not quelled. That threat produced a lull, and while the uncle received thanks in one corner, the aunt had some little confidences made to her in the other. Better, I hope, than they were a week ago. But, Rose, I must warn you of one thing; don't let uncle spoil you. That would be a pity, wouldn't it? But how can I help it?
Uncle told me to, and I feel as if I shouldn't be afraid. It was so sweet and comfortable that Rose sat still enjoying it till a little voice said,. Rose gave Phebe some of her nice things, and it was very good of her.
Can I? Just then Jamie came back, and Rose understood the smile, for his dolly proved to be a pretty four-year-old little girl, who trotted in as fast as her fat legs would carry her, and making straight for the shells, scrambled up an armful, saying, with a laugh that showed her little white teeth,. But why call her Pokey? Not a pretty name, but very expressive.
It certainly was, for, having examined the shells, the busy tot laid hold of everything she could find, and continued her researches till Archie caught her sucking his carved ivory chessmen to see if they were not barley sugar. Rice paper pictures were also discovered crumpled up in her tiny pocket, and she nearly smashed Will's ostrich egg by trying to sit upon it.
After which superb display she retired, escorted by Jamie, both making a fearful din blowing on conch shells. Will you come for a drive, Jessie?
Alec, as the music died away in the distance. That is only allowed on holidays. The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie's mouth when Archie said, in a tone of command,. The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose cling to her uncle's arm, for the fat old horses got excited by the antics of the ponies careering all about them, and went as fast as they could pelt, with the gay dog-cart rattling in front, for Archie and Charlie scorned shelties since this magnificent equipage had been set up.
When they reached the house they dismounted, and stood, three on each side the steps, in martial attitudes, while her ladyship was handed out with great elegance by Uncle Alec. Then the Clan saluted, mounted at word of command, and with a wild whoop tore down the avenue in what they considered the true Arab style. Alec, watching her with a smile. As Rose followed she remembered her promise to Aunt Jessie, and was sorry she had objected so decidedly.
She was a great deal more sorry five minutes later, and well she might be. Rose, a shy orphaned girl, must choose which branch of the family she will settle with permanantly. By the author of 'Little Women'. Published by P. First Edition: First Printing. KB Boards are Dark Red with Black Border and writing, and illustration of children and a tree on front board, in color.
Beautiful color illustrations throughout book. Boards and pages are clean, unmarked, bright, tightly bound and sharp cornered. Scarce, Out Of Print, Book. Suddenly, she is surrounded by male admirers, all expecting her to marry them. But before she marries anyone, Rose is determined to establish herself as an independent young woman. Besides, she suspects that some of her friends like her more for her money than for herself. This six volume set is in Fine condition and is fairly clean and bright.
There is some rubbing or tiny nicks to the top and bottom of the spines. A very nice, collectible set of books. Used - Hardcover Condition: Fair. Condition: Fair. Blue cloth, gold spine decor, grey endpapers with brown florals. Vignette title-page inserted.
Moderate general wear. No foxing. Previous owner gift notation. Spine slanted. Signatures group of sheets, folded in the middle loosely held in. Hinges good. BAL's second printing, with title-page in state 3, identified by 'With Illustration. According to BAL, in state 3 the final 's' in 'Illustrations' was not erased from the title page as in state 2, but instead was routed from the title page's printing plate; a fragment remaining giving the appearance of a slovenly printed period.
BAL Published by John C. Winston, Philadelphia, Used - Hardcover. First Edition; First Printing. All 4 flap corners clipped. Rubbing along panel edges. All domestic orders shipped protected in a Box. No Ads. Used - Hardcover Condition: Poor. Condition: Poor.
No Jacket. Binding is pgs. Small edge Stains back cover edges. NOT Illustrated. NO ADS. Dark Brown Endpapers rub wear Pencilling. Short Preface by Alcott Dated September,, The " frontis" is actually an etching of a woman's head on the title page before the actual title page.
Published by Roberts Brothers, Boston, Used - Hardcover Condition: Good. Condition: Good. The First Christmas.
Murder Most Unladylike. Pride and Prejudice. Kensy and Max 8: High Voltage. The Great Dream Robbery. Greg James and Chris Smith. Beasts of Prey. The Outsiders. Friday Barnes 1: Girl Detective. Product Details. Resources and Downloads. Get a FREE ebook by joining our mailing list today!
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